OPTICAL SCANNER Meaning and
Definition
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An optical scanner is a device used to convert physical images or text into digital information. It employs optical, electronic, and mechanical components to capture, analyze, and transform visual content into a digital format that can be processed by computers or other digital systems.
This technology is commonly used in various fields including document scanning, image processing, and data entry tasks. The scanner consists of a light source that illuminates the document or image, which is then reflected onto a photosensitive sensor, typically a charged coupled device (CCD).
As the lighting source moves across the document or image, the sensors detect the intensity and color of light, generating a series of electrical signals that represent the digital information. The signals are then converted into binary data, creating a high-resolution representation of the original content.
Optical scanners are capable of reproducing detailed and accurate digital copies of documents, photographs, and other visual materials. They can scan both black and white as well as colored images, and their resolution can range from low to extremely high, depending on the desired level of detail. Some advanced optical scanners even possess the ability to scan three-dimensional objects, allowing for precise duplication or further digital manipulation.
The digital output from optical scanners can be stored, edited, and transmitted electronically, enabling easy sharing and manipulation of visual content. Overall, optical scanners have revolutionized data capture and imaging processes, facilitating more efficient and versatile workflows in various industries.
Etymology of OPTICAL SCANNER
The word "optical" comes from the Latin term "opticus", which means "of sight or vision". It is derived from the Greek word "optikos", meaning "of or pertaining to sight". The term "scanner" originates from the late 15th century and comes from the Middle English word "scannen" or "scannien", which means "to examine closely". The combination of these two words, "optical scanner", refers to a device that uses light and optics to examine or analyze visual information.
