There are several types of document-scanning equipment. Flatbed scanners, specialized scanners, desktop document scanners, and handheld scanners are just a few options to choose from. Each type has its benefits and disadvantages, and the right choice will depend on your needs.
Flatbed scanners
Flatbed scanners are the most popular scanners in use today. They are inexpensive, easy to operate and have various uses. These devices work by optically scanning printed text, photos, or objects.
In addition to optical scanning, these devices offer OCR technology, which creates searchable and editable files. Many of these machines also have automatic feeds. This feature allows them to automatically re-feed the paper.
A flatbed scanner can be used to capture images of almost any object. However, they may not be appropriate for certain speciality scanning operations. For example, they may not be able to capture images of translucent or transparent materials.
Flatbed scanners have a large desktop footprint. These devices can accommodate both standard and legal-sized documents.
A few models are specialized for scanning books. These scanners have optics to detect the page and a light source mounted on the arm. The light is then moved overhead to a sensor array.
Several flatbed scanners can handle reflective artwork. Some have a wet-mount film to mask dust and enhance sharpness.
There are also portable flatbed scanners. These scanners can be connected to a computer via a direct connection. Most of these have internal memory for storing scanned images.
The speed of these scanners depends on the document type and quality settings. They can scan several pages at a time.
One of the best features of flatbed scanners is their ability to capture 3-D objects. This makes them ideal for converting old photographs. Another advantage is that they can capture objects with textured surfaces.
Other features include automatic re-feeds, the capacity to handle 4" x 6" images, and digitising a single sheet at a time.
Handheld scanners
Document scanners are handy tools for capturing the contents of a printed document. They can be used for various tasks, from scanning bills to saving a family photo. A portable scanner is ideal for travelling because it's small enough to fit in your pocket. Unlike traditional devices, these portable models can handle a wider range of file types.
There are a lot of different kinds of scanners available. Some of them are all-in-one, which combines scanning, printing and other functions in one compact unit. However, there may be better choices for some.
Most of these devices come with software that includes a scan utility and optical character recognition (OCR) technology. The OCR software converts graphical images into text, which can be searched and edited.
Other options include mobile scanning apps. These allow you to upload scans directly from your phone, eliminating the need to upload them to a computer. You can also store scanned files on your phone, which you can transfer later.
Scanners are typically powered by batteries. Portable models can be plugged in via a direct connection. Alternatively, you can connect your device via WiFi.
Traditionally, scanners can only handle PNG and JPEG file types. Now, they can process other file formats, like PDFs. This is especially useful if you are scanning documents different from standard sizes.
For example, the Epson Perfection V550 can scan a letter-sized document in black and white at a speed of 140 ipm. It also offers a speedy 70 ppm for colour documents.
A more advanced device, the Epson V600, can scan up to 4,000 sheets of paper per day. While the device is more challenging to use than a wireless printer, it does offer some nice image enhancement capabilities.
Drum scanners
Drum scanners are used to capture highly detailed images. They are also ideal for scanning reflective artwork. Often, these scanners include adapters for scanning slides and film.
When compared to flatbed scanners, drum scanners have more sophisticated features. For example, they can aggressively resolve grain detail on slide film. This allows for more detail in dark shadow areas. It also increases overall image tonality.
Drum scanners can generate incredibly detailed images with colour gradation. This is due to photomultiplier tubes (PMTs) and precision optics. These technologies are not available on flatbed scanners, which are a little cheaper.
A drum scanner also has a very high optical resolution. Typically, it can produce images up to 3,000 to 24,000 pixels per inch. Some models can capture images as sharp as A4 paper.
However, a drum scan doesn't offer the increased dynamic range that a film scanner does. This is because CCD sensors can lose detail when scanning dense transparency film.
Even if a drum scan isn't available, a good-quality flatbed scanner can still produce a good scan of reflective artwork. In fact, some all-in-one printer scanners can go as high as 1200 dpi.
One of the most important functions of a scanner is the ability to edit images. Many manufacturers will bundle software with their scanners. The most common applications will include OCR technology, which converts text from graphical images into editable files. Also, many all-in-one printer scanners will come with software that will sharpen and increase details.
Most modern scanners use contact image sensors. They usually connect to a computer through a wireless connection. They are also capable of producing large amounts of data quickly.
Desktop document scanners
Whether you need to scan receipts, invoices, or family photos, a desktop document scanner is the right solution. A desktop model is larger than a portable scanner, so it's best suited for use in an office. They also typically include an auto-feed system and other features to help you get the most out of your documents.
The Kodak i2900 Scanner is a rotary A4 desktop scanner that's made to handle even the toughest scanning jobs. It comes equipped with Smart Touch technology and Perfect Page. Besides its sturdy design, the scanner features a 250-sheet feeder, intelligent document protection, and a stow-or-go design.
Another popular choice is the Epson Perfection V600. This device can scan up to 4,000 sheets of paper per day. It's easy to use and can easily be connected to your computer with a USB cord. You can scan your scanned documents to your PC or cloud storage services.
A desktop scanner can be a great tool for any business that generates a lot of paperwork. However, not all scanners are created equally. Some offer better image quality and faster speeds than others. For example, the Hitachi DR-9080C has a throughput of 90 pages per minute in black and white.
Invest in a desktop scanner if your business produces thousands of pages of paper every year. Depending on your budget and needs, you can find models that can do anything from 15 pages to 100.
The Canon DCS-900 scanner is compatible with both Mac and Windows. It's powered by a micro-USB 3.0 cable and can scan to both your computer and your mobile device.
Some scanner apps are free and available on the Google Play Store or Apple App Store. While they're less powerful than desktop scanners, they're good for quick, small-scale scanning. Generally, the colour and editing capabilities are limited, and the volume output is low.
Specialized scanners
Scanners are devices that capture images from a variety of sources. They usually attach to a computer system and convert paper into digital files. These files contain text.
Scanners come in various forms, including flatbed, sheetfed, handheld, and drum scanners. Flatbeds are popular because they can scan a wide range of sizes. Sheetfed scanners are designed for high-volume business environments.
The flatbed is the most common type of scanner. This type of device is easy to use and offers low-cost entry. However, it was once more popular.
Sheetfed scanners are best suited for scanning documents that can be separated into individual pages. Some scanners can also create digital archives of many individual documents.
Drum scanners are a higher quality option but slow and expensive. In addition, they need to be better suited for scanning brittle documents.
Handheld scanners are smaller than flatbeds and can be carried around with ease. Newer models have vacuum transport and robotic mechanisms to automate scanning.
Scanners can be used for both black-and-white and colour imaging. Colour scanners have a wider range of options. Many will offer 42-bit colour, often called "colour resolution."
Scanners can also be used to turn printed material into digital files. While they are generally intended for work in professional settings, they can be used at home for archiving family photos. For example, they can scan receipts and business cards.
A specialized form of document scanning is book scanning. Book scanning is often difficult because of the technical challenges involved. Most book scanners have optics and a sensor array.
