Scanners work by shining light onto the item being scanned and recording the reflected light using a sensor. This captured data is then converted into a digital image using an analog-to-digital scanner converter (ADC), which processes the information into pixels. The resulting file can then be saved in various formats, such as JPEG, PNG, TIFF, or PDF.
Types of Scanners
There are several types of scanners, each designed for specific tasks. The main categories of scanners include:
Flatbed Scanners Flatbed scanners are the most commonly used type in homes and offices. They consist of a flat glass surface where the document or image is placed. The scanner uses a moving optical sensor and light to capture the document in high resolution. Flatbed scanners are ideal for scanning photographs, artwork, and multi-page documents.
Sheet-fed Scanners Unlike flatbed scanners, sheet-fed scanners feed documents through a roller system, scanning them as they pass through the machine. These scanners are faster and more efficient for bulk scanning, particularly when dealing with multiple-page documents. They are commonly used in businesses and offices with high-volume scanning needs.
Handheld Scanners Handheld scanners are portable devices that can be manually moved across a document or image to scan it. They are useful for quickly scanning small sections of documents or images, but their image quality may not be as high as that of flatbed scanners. These scanners are often used in situations where mobility and convenience are essential.