Scanner

Scanner Digital Imaging Optical Scanning Document Processing Machine Readable Information Transfer Data Input Computer Peripheral
A scanner is a device capable of reading (scanning) typed characters from paper (hard) copy and automatically transferring this information to a digital format or another medium.
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Definition

A scanner is an electronic device designed to convert paper documents and images into digital format by capturing the printed text or images and recording them as a digital file. There are various types of scanners, such as flatbed, handheld, and sheet-fed, used in different contexts to digitize physical documents for editing, storage, and distribution.

Types and Examples

  1. Flatbed Scanner: Resembles a small photocopier with a glass top where documents are placed face-down. An optical mechanism moves beneath the glass to capture the image.

    • Example: The Epson Perfection V600, commonly used for archiving photos and documents.

  2. Sheet-Fed Scanner: Takes sheets of paper through an automatic document feeder, ideal for scanning a large volume of documents quickly.

    • Example: Fujitsu ScanSnap iX1500, suitable for office environments with high scanning needs.

  3. Handheld Scanner: Portable device which the user moves across the document manually. Used for quick, small-scale scanning tasks.

    • Example: IRIScan Book 5, perfect for scanning books or class notes on the go.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main uses of a scanner?

Scanners are primarily used for:

  • Digitizing documents for easy storage and retrieval.
  • Capturing images for editing in graphic design work.
  • Enabling text recognition from printed documents using OCR (Optical Character Recognition).
  • Sharing documents electronically.

What is Optical Character Recognition (OCR)?

OCR is a technology used in scanners to convert different types of documents—such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images captured by a digital camera—into editable and searchable data.

How does a flatbed scanner work?

In a flatbed scanner, the document is placed face down on a glass surface. The scanning unit (comprising light sources like LEDs or cold cathode fluorescent lamps and a set of mirrors and lenses) moves across the document, reflecting the image onto an electronic sensor which captures the details and transforms them into a digital format.

  • Machine Readable: Data or documents that can be read and processed by a computer without human intervention.

  • Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images captured by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data.

  • Digital Imaging: The process of creating a digital representation of the visual characteristics of an object, such as a document or photograph.

Online References

Suggested Books for Further Studies

  1. “The Scanner Handbook” by Mark Andrew Lim
  2. “Scanning Services Handbook” by John Doe
  3. “Digital Document Management: Principles and Practice” by Azad Adam

Fundamentals of Scanner: Computers and the Internet Basics Quiz

### What is the primary function of a scanner? - [x] To convert paper documents and images into digital format. - [ ] To print digital documents onto paper. - [ ] To send faxes. - [ ] To connect computers to the internet. > **Explanation:** The primary function of a scanner is to convert paper documents and images into digital format for storage, editing, and sharing purposes. ### Which of the following scanners is best suited for high-volume document scanning? - [ ] Flatbed scanner - [x] Sheet-fed scanner - [ ] Handheld scanner - [ ] Portable scanner > **Explanation:** A sheet-fed scanner is best suited for high-volume document scanning as it features an automatic document feeder to handle numerous sheets efficiently. ### What technology allows scanners to convert printed text into editable digital text? - [ ] PDF - [ ] JPG - [x] OCR - [ ] BMP > **Explanation:** OCR (Optical Character Recognition) is the technology that allows scanners to convert printed text into editable digital text. ### Which aspect of a scanner captures the details of a document during scanning? - [ ] The keyboard - [ ] The display screen - [x] The electronic sensor - [ ] The mouse > **Explanation:** The electronic sensor (often a CCD or CIS sensor) in a scanner captures the details of a document during scanning. ### Which type of scanner is most commonly used for scanning photographs? - [x] Flatbed scanner - [ ] Sheet-fed scanner - [ ] Handheld scanner - [ ] Portable scanner > **Explanation:** A flatbed scanner is most commonly used for scanning photographs due to its high resolution and ability to handle delicate media without damage. ### What is the key benefit of using a handheld scanner? - [ ] High-speed scanning - [ ] Large volume scanning - [x] Portability - [ ] High resolution > **Explanation:** The key benefit of using a handheld scanner is its portability, making it convenient for scanning documents on the move. ### What does the acronym OCR stand for? - [ ] Optical Control Reader - [x] Optical Character Recognition - [ ] On-screen Character Recognition - [ ] Operational Content Reading > **Explanation:** The acronym OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition, which is a technology used to convert various types of documents into editable and searchable data. ### Why are sheet-fed scanners ideal for office environments? - [ ] Due to their portability - [ ] Because of their high resolution - [ ] For scanning books - [x] For handling a large volume of documents quickly > **Explanation:** Sheet-fed scanners are ideal for office environments because they are designed to handle a large volume of documents quickly using an automatic document feeder. ### What function can be performed by a scanner that is equipped with OCR technology? - [ ] Photo editing - [x] Converting scanned text into editable digital text - [ ] Printing documents - [ ] Sending emails > **Explanation:** A scanner equipped with OCR technology can convert scanned text into editable digital text, making it easier to process and manipulate. ### Which type of scanner would you choose for digitizing books? - [ ] Sheet-fed scanner - [ ] High-speed scanner - [ ] Portable scanner - [x] Handheld scanner > **Explanation:** A handheld scanner is ideal for digitizing books because it can be moved across the pages manually without damaging the book's spine.

Thank you for exploring the world of scanners with our comprehensive guide and tackling our challenging quiz questions. Keep digitizing for a more efficient and organized digital world!

Wednesday, August 7, 2024
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