A Scanner is an electrical device that captures images from physical items and convert them into digital formats. This creates an electronic version of the document that can be viewed and edited on a computer. Scanners come in hand-held, feed-in, and flatbed types and for scanning black and white only, or color. The scanned document can be viewed, shared, edited, and also take printouts on the computer. The functioning of the scanner is very simple and works on the principle of reflection and transmission. Many computer software programs work in combination with the scanner to import the data directly from the scanner.
TYPES OF SCANNER :-
There are various types of scanners that are used with a computer for different functions such are as follows..
1. DRUM SCANNER ;-
Drum scanner is a celebrated scanner that uses a photo multiplier tube (PMT). Drum scanners are used by the publishing industry to capture incredibly detailed images. A scanner that uses a photo multiplier tube to capture the highest resolution from an image is known as photo multiplier tube scanner. They are considered to first use scanners. They use PMT for better performance . They are renowned for the good quality scanning of documents and images. They are widely used in publications and the printing press.
2. FLAT BED SCANNER :-
The most popular type of optical scanner is a Flatbed scanner, which scans documents on a flat surface. These scanners do not require the document to be moved and are capable of capturing all of the document’s elements. It is placed on a flat desk surface and has a lid that can be flipped open to view the glass that scans the document. Some models of flat bed scanners come with built-in all-in-one devices that function as printers, scanners, copy machines, and fax machines.
3. IMAGE SCANNER :-
The Image scanner is a digital device also an input device of the computer that is used to scan images, pictures, printed text, documents and objects and later convert it into a digital image. A type of optical scanner that is mainly used to scan photographs. Photo scanners provide high resolution and color depth. They are smaller as compared to general purpose scanners. Some scanners come with their image editing software that offers the highest resolution and clearing the old photographs but this scanner is a bit expensive than the other scanners.
4. SHEETFED SCANNER :-
Sheet fed scanners are similar to flat bed scanners except the document is moved and the scan head is immobile. A sheet fed scanner looks a lot like a small printer. These scanners are used especially for scanning multiple documents in large sizes. Some of the sheet fed scanners have advanced features to make the scanning process more efficient and fast. These scanners are a little smaller than regular flat bed scanners, and they feature a lesser image resolution. They are great for scanning enormous amounts of paper. They are commonly used by businesses to scan office papers, but they are less commonly used by archives and libraries to scan books.
5. HANDHELD SCANNER :-
The handheld scanners or hand scanners are small and compact in size devices; they are one of the popular input devices of the computer systems. This type of scanner typically does not provide good image quality. It scans physical documents into their digital forms, which makes it capable of storing, modifying, forward and emailing digitally. They are also considered as small manual scanning devices that is generally used with hands for manual scanning. They are primarily used in malls and libraries. The handheld or hand scanners are similar to flatbed scanners.
6. FILM SCANNER :-
A film scanner is a devices that scans photographic film and transfers it to a computer. It scans without the need of any print making intermediates. As compared to a flatbed scanner, it offers different benefits to scan in a print of any size; the photographer directly can perform certain aspects like a ratio of the original image on film, cropping, adjusting, unmolested image on film, and more. Film scanners can remove film grain and scratches and improve color reproduction from film through special software or hardware.
7. PORTABLE SCANNER :-
Portable scanners are designed in a way that can be easily carried around as they are small in size. They are effective for text document scanning. They have limitations in terms of resolution. They are also available with a wireless facility. They are not capable of scanning photographs as well as applications that need high resolution scanning.
ADVANTAGES OF SCANNER :-
There are many advantages of using a scanner. Today’s multifunction printers are designed in a way that includes capable scanners allow you to scan documents. They also do not take more space.
RELIABILITY:- Unlike some models of data transmission, scanning simply involves the conversion of physical images to digital ones. They can also assist in the transmission or storage of crucial information because they are not reliant on two way communication.
QUALITY:- Scanners are capable of reproducing images with high resolution and accuracy. Scanners are also more useful in the photography and engineering fields.
EFFICIENCY:- Modern scanners comes with ease of use as well as convenience. And, they are designed to offer better speed and efficiency.
COST-SAVING:- The conversion of physical files into digital forms is one of the biggest advantages of scanning, using a scanner offers environmental benefits as well, since it helps to conserve physical space that would otherwise be utilized for storage.
EASE OF USE:- Scanners are electric devices that are very easy to use. In modern times, the scanners that are built into multifunction printers can be used freely without instruction or worry.
