What Is a Scanner?
A scanner is a device that can convert an image into a format that can be edited by computer. Scanners are useful for making copies of documents and photographs, sending fax transmissions and changing written or typed text into a computer document file. Many scanners are very inexpensive, making them accessible for the average user.
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Types
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There are three common types of scanners; handheld, sheet-fed and flatbed scanners. Handheld scanners are typically used to scan bar codes. Sheet-fed scanners come in stand-alone versions or as part of an all-in-one printer, copier and fax machine. Flatbed scanners have a glass panel like a copier, but are smaller, lighter and have no apparatus for printing copies.
Function
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Many scanners convert text and images on physical media into image data. In most cases, you can select the file format in which the image file is saved. Image types include Windows bitmap, .jpeg, .gif, .tiff, .png and .pcx. For a scanner to convert printed text into a text file, optical character recognition (OCR) software must be installed on the computer.
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Features
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Scanners typically have a maximum resolution setting. In newer flatbed photo scanners, hardware resolution may be as high as 4800 by 9600 dots per inch (dpi). Some scanners also offer enhanced resolution. Flatbed scanners may also come with features for scanning slides and transparencies, a USB connector and software for scanning management. In all-in-one printers, the scanner can be used to send fax transmissions, make copies and save scans to the hard drive. Some handheld scanners come in the shape of a pen and come with a rechargeable battery, a USB connection and internal data storage.
Benefits
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A flatbed scanner is best for people who need to copy photographs in high resolution or convert documents into image files. They are useful for reproducing images. They can also save storage space, since the original document can sometimes be discarded after it's been scanned. Sheet-fed scanners can read multiple sheets very quickly and can be used to fax documents. All-in-one scanners are very convenient, since they combine multiple functions into a small device. They are best for home and small business users who need to scan, fax, copy or print just a few documents at a time. Handheld scanners such as bar code and pen scanners can quickly read data from products, invoices and packing slips.
Effects
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The highest resolution settings on most flatbed scanners are higher than most people will need for ordinary scanning. They also result in extremely large file sizes which can fill up a hard drive very quickly. To keep the file sizes small for every day scanning, reduce the dpi to 200. Sheet-fed and pen scanners are relatively expensive and are best for business applications. For home users, multifunction printers make a better investment.
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Resources
- Photo Credit http://www.sxc.hu sri_grafix
