An optical scanner refers to an input device that utilizes light beams to scan and convert images, codes, text, or objects into digital two-dimensional (2D) files. These files are then transmitted to computers and fax machines. The most common type of optical scanner is the flatbed scanning device, widely used for various purposes such as reading customized response forms, creating automated data fields, and recording fingerprints.
The core technology behind an optical scanner is a charge-coupled device (CCD), which consists of light-sensitive receptors. CCD capacitors can capture up to 70 percent of incident light, significantly higher than photographic film, which typically captures only 2 percent.
One limitation of optical scanners is their inability to differentiate between text and graphics. As a result, all scanned content is converted into bitmap images, making scanned text non-editable. However, optical character recognition (OCR) systems are often integrated into optical scanners. OCR technology translates images of handwritten, typewritten, or printed text into American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) characters, allowing for editable text conversion. Many modern optical scanners come with standard OCR packages.
Optical scanners typically come with proprietary software for consistent imaging. They are connected to computing devices through various external input/output (I/O) channels such as universal serial bus (USB), small computer system interface (SCSI), FireWire, and wireless adapters, enabling seamless integration with different devices and systems.