Introduction to Scanners

What is a scanner?
A scanner is an electronic device which can capture images from physical items and convert them
into digital formats, which in turn can be stored in a computer, and viewed or modified using software
applications.

Source: https://www.techopedia.com/definition/30441/scanner

History of Scanner

Beginnings: Jan 1, 1860

An image scanner is a device that converts a physical image to a digital
one.
The first scanner (the pantelegraph) was invented and commercially
circulated in the 1860's. It was the first practical image scanner, but it was
also slightly taller than a human being, and better designs would not come
out until the early 1900's.
Image: http://faxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/caselli-with-
pantelegraph.jpg

New Innovations: The Belino, Jan 1, 1913

The Belinograph, named after its inventor (Eduard Belino). Similar
devices were called “Belinos”. The same basic design was used in
scanners from the 20’s up until the mid-90’s, with numerous small
innovations and the first "modern" image scanner coming out in the 50's.
Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Bel
inograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg/100px-Belinograph_BEP-2V_-
_MfK_Bern.jpg

Today’s Precursors: Jan 1, 1957

The first modern scanner is the flatbed scanner. It is also widely
referred to as a Xerox machine. As computers became more important
in industry during the 50's and 60's, there arose a need to convert
pictures into a digital format. It was invented by Russel Kirsch and
can be considereed the first digital scanner. Digital scanners are still
widely used today, but are gradually being replaced as everything is
moving to digital.
Image: http://www.247itechsolutions.com/images/new/printer-
scanner.jpg

The Beginning of the End: April 2,1995

The mid-90's can be seen as the beginning of the end for dedicated
scanners. They're roughly the size of a modern desktop computer, and
many can be compact enough to fit inside of printers to make a hybrid
printer-scanner. They no longer use film, and they coincided with the
popularization of the personal computer.
Image: http://www.247itechsolutions.com/images/new/printer-
scanner.jpg

Today: June 29, 2007

Dedicated scanners are in decline. Since everything is moving to
digital, the need for scanners is being eclipsed by the ability to
download an app on a smartphone. There are still dedicated scanners,
though.
Image:https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/B
elinograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg/100px-Belinograph_BEP-2V_-
_MfK_Bern.jpg

Considerations for Scanner Selection

The primary criteria for scanner selection fall into the following categories in no particular order:

1. Centralized or De-Centralized Scanning

2. Document Type
3. Cost/Speed/Size
4. Imaging Quality
5. Software Compatibility
6. Service Cost/Ease of Service/Warranty

Source: https://documentmedia.com/article-411-Six-Considerations-in-Selecting-a-Scanner.html

Total Cost of My Scanner

If you are ready to purchase a scanner and are looking around at what various vendors
have to offer, don´t be fooled by what may seem to be a remarkably low price tag. Often
vendors quote you only the bottom line price of the scanner itself but leave out the additional
costs of hardware (PCs, floorstands, paper baskets), software and accessories which are
required to operate the scanner properly. Costs incurring later in the life of a scanner for
consumables and spare parts are almost never a part of the sales discussion . All of these costs
together make up the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) of a scanner and should be considered
before making a purchasing decision.

Scanner Interfaces

Scanners are commonly attached to one of the following interfaces:

- Parallel

- USB

- SCSI

One of the most important issues when choosing and installing a scanner is the interface it uses -
USB devices are the most popular currently.

The documentation supplied with the scanner should describe the steps to be carried out during
installation. It is important to read and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully. As an
example, when installing a USB scanner you usually connect the USB cable to the scanner and
computer and ensure that the scanner is switched on. You then switch on the PC. As Windows
starts it detects the presence of the scanner and will either load the drivers or ask for the driver
disk supplied with the scanner. If the device is not detected then check that the USB features are
enabled in the BIOS setup.

Scanner Maintenance Tips

Clean the glass daily
Dirty glass is the most common reason for poor scanner quality. Even small fingerprints or pieces
of dust can lead to unattractive spots and smudges on the scanned image. An alcohol-based glass
or lens cleaner works well for removing all spots without leaving behind any streaks. Apply the
cleaner to a lint-free cloth reserved specifically for this use, then wipe down the scanner glass
quickly before the cleaner evaporates from the cloth. Repeat until the glass is perfectly clean. This
should be done at the end of each business day, as well as throughout the day as needed.
Remove dust from inside the glass
Sometimes dust will build up on the inside of the glass due to the static inside the machine. This is
especially true if your scanner has an integrated printer or scan feeder, since paper dust can be an
issue. Open the scanner top as indicated for your model (usually the top will lift for access). Then,
use your glass cleaner to carefully wipe down the inside of the glass, taking care not to get alcohol
on any other parts inside the scanner. You can then wipe down the glass with an anti-static pad to
cut down on dust buildup. This task is required daily in heavily used scanners or as needed for
those that are only lightly utilized.
Check the feeder assembly
If your scanner feeds paper through for printing or scanning, then you need to make sure the
rollers are working properly. With the scanner open, check for any unnecessary paper dust or torn
pieces of paper in the rollers. Remove these by hand or blow them out carefully with canned air.
Wipe down the entire roller with a static-free cloth to remove any remaining paper residue. This
only needs done weekly or if the scanner begins to experience paper jamming.
If your scanner is experiencing other problems, contact a scanner and copier supplier for more
help in properly maintaining this necessary piece of office equipment.