Scanner what is it, for what is it formed and how they are classified into computing?

What is a scanner and what is it for on a computer?

A scanner is a piece of hardware that is used as a computer peripheral to digitize documents or images by means of light . At present you can choose so that the result is in color or black and white.

Anyone can access the digitized files, since no special programs are needed for the computer to read this information. Its use is frequent when it is necessary to share paper documents with other users by means of a file in PDF format.

To install it, a CD or a link is required to download the software that executes the functions of the scanner. Then, you will need to plug it into the electrical current and connect it to the computer through a USB port .

What are all the types of scanners out there and how are they different?

Many people when they hear the word scanner immediately think of the one used in the office. It is true that this is one of the types that exist, but to delve into this peripheral we will show you the other models.

These are:

• By hand: they are characterized by having a small size that can be dragged by the image to be digitized. In this way, you will be able to scan documents or any other 3D object, you only need to press the start button, cover the entire surface and keep your hand as stable as possible so that the result is optimal.
• Flatbed scanner: this type of peripheral is the best known. It has a system in which the sheet or image must be deposited with the content facing down and then lower a lid to avoid visual discomfort due to strong light. Its size can include sheets, legal or letter.
• Rotary: this type of scanner is used for professional jobs that are aimed at graphic design. They are characterized by having a much larger size than the previous models and the graphic resolution of the digitized results is of high quality.

How do scanners work to digitize documents and images?

If you want to know how scanners work to digitize images or documents, read on. We show you below:

Image scanning

When an image is scanned, the peripheral sends an RGB image to the computer via a cable connection , which can be edited by other photo manipulation programs, such as Photoshop.

The scanner applies a certain algorithm and resolves the color depth through a scanned reader to provide an image larger to smaller than 24 bits. This will result in sorting into small or large images.

Then, it is sent to a predetermined file on the computer so that the user can work with the digitized image . The transfer rate can reach, in the most modern equipment, up to 60 megapixels per second, so the process of obtaining results is practically fast.

Document scanning

To digitize a document you can do it with any common scanner, since the resolution of the files is between 150 to 300 pixels per inch. They are generally done in black and white, but this does not imply that they cannot be done in color.

The average speed is up to 60 pages every 60 seconds, with the possibility of scanning each sheet on both sides. OCR technology is used so that they can be editable in TIFF format , but they can also be in JPEG, PDF and PNG format .

In this way, when light is reflected on the document, it transforms it into electrical signals so that the paper is registered in the file.

How does a scanner work? Main elements of the process

The main elements that you can find in a scanner are:

Computer connection

The connection with the computer is made by means of a cable, which is connected through a USB port. In this way, the digitized information travels through this cable and reaches transfer speeds of over 25 megapixels per second.

So when documents are scanned, up to 60 sheets can be scanned in one minute. Whereas, for the images it will depend on the quality of the scanner, but the time I work is short.

Collected data

A light source is emitted to capture the original image . This can be of the fluorescent or halogen type , but they can also be found in xenon. Through the mirrors, which are positioned at 45 degrees, it is transmitted through a crystal the information to be captured image in an element called Original opaque. In this way, RGB or CMAN filters are made to transform details that were not sharp enough.

According to the resolution of the device, which is measured by dots per inch, and the depth that it has, having the highest number of bits , that information is saved on the computer in a folder preset by the scanner program.

Scan quality

Scan quality is measured in pixels per inch, which determines the resolution of the scanner. This has a direct influence on the size of the document that will be saved in the folder on your computer. Within the standard peripherals you can find resolutions from 1800 dpi to 4800 dpi, but the more sophisticated scanners that number can reach up to 160 thousand dpi.

Another factor that influences the quality of the images is the bits. Which means the ability of the scanner to capture as many colors as possible.

List of the best scanner manufacturers on the market that you should know

We will present below the best hardware manufacturers to digitize images and documents:

Canyon

These scanners are characterized by having a high speed in digitization and also in the performance of the results of images and documents. In this way, the quality of the work generates a high level of acceptance and trust among users. They are compatible with digital cameras, both professional and domestic.

In addition, they have features that allow wireless connectivity, whether with portable, handheld or flatbed scanners. If you are looking for a robust peripheral, you can safely choose document scanners, as they are ideal for intensive use. In addition, if you want a professional use with a USB port , you can find a wide variety of models that meet these needs.

Fujitsu

This company makes the difference in devices to digitize documents and images. It has a long history around the world and the quality of the image results is actually very good. They are suitable for both domestic and professional work, as they have a wide variety of models.

You can find portable, flat bed and handheld scanners for 3D objects. Their prices are quite competitive, since you can have an excellent quality product at an affordable cost.

Among the most outstanding characteristics that this company has, is its line of ScanSnap models . Which combines different features with smartphones and a scanner, allowing you to have a very useful tool that can be carried everywhere.

Kodak

It is one of the market leaders, since its variety of models adapts to the different demands of users. You can find peripherals for home, office and professional use, where the quality of the colors stands out greatly.

If you need a scanner that can process more than 80 pages per minute, this provider’s line of models is ideal for you. In addition, if you need to recover documents, you will be able to count on different tools that will help you with this task quickly and easily.

It presents its Perfect Page function, with which you will be able to carry out an orientation of the sheet automatically, as well as improve the brightness and sharpness. In addition, you can smooth the edges to favor the background color, eliminating lines and cutting out all those imperfections that harm the final result.

If you have any questions, leave them in the comments, we will answer you as soon as possible, and it will surely be of great help to more members of the community. Thanks!