What is an Image Scanner?
The primary function of an image scanner is to convert text or images into an electronic (digitized) format which can be processed by a computer. What does Electronic Document Management (EDM) involve? EDM is a means of electronically managing information which has been distributed on paper. Other terms such as document image processing (DIP) and Electronic Filing Systems are also commonly used. There are normally 5 processes that make up EDM: Scanning, Indexing, Storing, Retrieval and Archiving Filing and Retrieval Replacing traditional document management methods (filing cabinets). Workflow applications Using document imaging, automatic routing and sequencing to perform multi-stage transaction type processing. Forms processing Processing information held on printed forms, including hand written information. Image conversion Converting the scanned image of the document into digital text and graphics that can be edited. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) eliminates the need to re-type
An image scanner is a device which scans pictures, text or objects and converts them to digital images. The basic types of image scanners are flatbed, hand, film and drum scanners. Flatbed scanners are what we call Xerox machines, in which an object or document is placed on a glass pane and an opaque cover is lowered over it. A sensor and light moves along the pane, reflecting off the image placed on the glass. The cover prevents other light from interfering and the image becomes visible to the detector. Once an image is scanned into an image scanner, the data must be processed and sent to a computer. Most scanners read red-green-blue color from the color array. The depth of color depends on the array characteristics, but is typically 24 bits at least. Higher quality models have a color depth of 48 bits or more. The pixels per inch measures the resolution of the image. There are three main types of image scanners. These are hand scanners, film scanners and drum scanners. A hand image s
To get the image into a computer you need software. The scanner usually comes with installation software which takes care of connecting the scanner to the computer. This involves installing the TWAIN drivers. To work on the image you can use almost any graphics or drawing package commercially available. Often one will be included with the scanner.
