What is a scanner? What is its use?
Introduction to Information Technology
Computer Science Engineering
614
Aarohi
A scanner is a device that captures images or documents and converts them into a digital format that can be stored, manipulated, and transmitted by computers. It essentially allows you to create digital copies of physical objects such as photographs, papers, or illustrations.
Scanners work by using a light source and sensors to capture the image or document.
The light source illuminates the object, and the sensors detect the reflected light to create a digital representation of the object. The resulting digital image can be saved in various file formats, such as JPEG or PDF.
A scanner is a device that is used to convert physical documents, images, or objects into digital format. It works by capturing the information from the source material and converting it into a digital image or text file that can be stored, edited, and manipulated on a computer.
The main purpose of a scanner is to digitize physical documents or images so that they can be easily stored, shared, and reproduced electronically. Scanners are commonly used in offices, businesses, libraries, and homes for various purposes, including:
Document Archiving:
Scanners are used to convert paper documents into digital files, allowing for easier storage, organization, and retrieval. This is particularly useful for maintaining a paperless office environment and reducing physical storage space.
Image and Photo Scanning:
Scanners are commonly used to scan photographs, artwork, and other images. The digital images can be edited, enhanced, and shared electronically.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR):
Scanners equipped with OCR technology can convert printed text into editable and searchable digital text. This is useful for converting printed documents into editable word processing files, extracting text for indexing or searching purposes, and enabling text-to-speech applications.
Data Entry and Forms Processing:
Scanners can automate data entry by capturing information from forms, invoices, or surveys. This reduces manual data entry and increases accuracy and efficiency.
Sharing and Collaboration:
Scanned documents can be easily shared via email, cloud storage, or other digital platforms, allowing multiple people to access and collaborate on the same document simultaneously.
Reproduction and Printing:
Scanned documents or images can be printed or reproduced in various formats, sizes, and resolutions, making it convenient for creating physical copies.
Overall, scanners play a crucial role in converting physical information into a digital format, enabling easier storage, editing, sharing, and manipulation of documents, images, and objects.
The primary use of scanners is to digitize physical documents or images for various purposes. Here are some common applications: