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Scanners |
In computer science, a scanner is a device that is used to capture images and texts from photographs, magazines or posters and convert them into digital images. It is even capable of capturing images of 3D objects (3D scanners). This digitally captured information is stored in computers as files, which can later be used for graphical processing, editing and display. Most of the scanners, like the ones you see in an office, are basically variations of the desktop scanner, also known as the flatbed scanner. Different types of scanners are available, such as feed-in, hand-held, flatbed etc.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)
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When you scan a text document, it turns into a bitmap image of the text. OCR is the software that analyzes the bitmap areas which are light or dark. Thus it identifies a numeric or alphabetical character and converts it into ASCII text. Digital scanners are usually attached to your PC with a Small Computer System Interface (SCSI).
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What to Look for in a Scanner?
Sometimes, the following features make all the difference between a good scanner and a great scanner:
· Number of passes -
The term `pass' is the number of times the scanner head sweeps across the material to be scanned. While single-pass scanners scan images/objects in one go, triple-pass scanners would complete the same in three sweeps. The latter take more time and the extra sweeps may distort the image.
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· One-button scanning -
In most cases, the scanner is controlled from the computer. You need to run the preloaded capture software before you do anything. With one-button scanners, all you need to do is press the button everything starts automatically. It's easy and time-saving.
· Transparency scanning -
These are specially designed for transparent material like slides and negatives.
· Document Feeder -
If your office requires loads of scanning, and you are not willing to take the pain of sitting beside the scanner and feeding the papers manually, then document feeder is the thing to go for.
· Warranty -
Scanners usually come with one-year warranty, but do make it a point to check whether the manufacturer provides free technical support
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Major Manufacturers of Scanners
Some major scanner manufacturers are:
· Epson
· Microtek
· Hewlett-Packard
· Relisys
· Canon
· HP
· UMax
· Minolta
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Allwonderscomputers provides everything you wanted to know about Scanners.
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