49

EXHIBIT 23 -- CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the  incorporation  by  reference in the  Registration  Statements
(Form S-8 No. 33-37253,  Form S-8 No. 33-37829,  Form S-8 No. 33-16362. Form S-8
No. 2-93268 and Form S-8 No. 2-65503) of  Scan-Optics,  Inc. of our report dated
February 19, 2001,  with respect to the  consolidated  financial  statements and
schedule of  Scan-Optics,  Inc. and  subsidiaries  included in the Annual Report
(Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2000.



                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Hartford, Connecticut
March 26, 2001