Are you an EPFL student looking for a semester project?
Work with us on data science and visualisation projects, and deploy your project as an app on top of GraphSearch.
Concept
Image scanner
Summary
An image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner—is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting or an object and converts it to a . Commonly used in offices are variations of the desktop flatbed scanner where the document is placed on a glass window for scanning. Hand-held scanners, where the device is moved by hand, have evolved from text scanning "wands" to 3D scanners used for industrial design, reverse engineering, test and measurement, orthotics, gaming and other applications. Mechanically driven scanners that move the document are typically used for large-format documents, where a flatbed design would be impractical.
Modern scanners typically use a charge-coupled device (CCD) or a (CIS) as the image sensor, whereas drum scanners, developed earlier and still used for the highest possible image quality, use a photomultiplier tube (PMT) as the image sensor. A rotary scanner, used for high-speed document scanning, is a type of drum scanner that uses a CCD array instead of a photomultiplier. Non-contact planetary scanners essentially photograph delicate books and documents. All these scanners produce two-dimensional images of subjects that are usually flat, but sometimes solid; 3D scanners produce information on the three-dimensional structure of solid objects.
Digital cameras can be used for the same purposes as dedicated scanners. When compared to a true scanner, a camera image is subject to a degree of distortion, reflections, shadows, low contrast, and blur due to camera shake (reduced in cameras with ). Resolution is sufficient for less demanding applications. Digital cameras offer advantages of speed, portability and non-contact digitizing of thick documents without damaging the book spine. In 2010 scanning technologies were combining 3D scanners with digital cameras to create full-color, photo-realistic 3D models of objects.
Scans are usually downloaded by a computer the unit is attached to. Some scanners are able to store scans on standalone flash media (e.g. memory cards and USB sticks).
Official source
About this result
This page is automatically generated and may contain information that is not correct, complete, up-to-date, or relevant to your search query. The same applies to every other page on this website. Please make sure to verify the information with EPFL's official sources.
Related publications (5)
3D geometry recovery from structured light system
3D scanning is a technique that permits to recover the pixel depth and thus, the three-dimensional shape of an object. This technique is well known since about 25 years ago, but we have seen it coming
2015Alternative Search Techniques for Face Detection Using Location Estimation and Binary Features
The sliding window approach is the most widely used technique to detect objects from an image. In the past few years, classifiers have been improved in many ways to increase the scanning speed. Apart
EPFL2012Alternative search techniques for face detection using location estimation and binary features
The sliding window approach is the most widely used technique to detect objects from an image. In the past few years, classifiers have been improved in many ways to increase the scanning speed. Apart
ECOLE POLYTECHNIQUE FEDERALE DE LAUSANNE2012Related people (6)
Related concepts (60)
Personal computer
A personal computer (PC) is a multi-purpose microcomputer whose size, capabilities, and price make it feasible for individual use. Personal computers are intended to be operated directly by an end user, rather than by a computer expert or technician. Unlike large, costly minicomputers and mainframes, time-sharing by many people at the same time is not used with personal computers. Primarily in the late 1970s and 1980s, the term home computer was also used.
Binary image
A binary image is one that consists of pixels that can have one of exactly two colors, usually black and white. Binary images are also called bi-level or two-level, Pixelart made of two colours is often referred to as 1-Bit or 1bit. This means that each pixel is stored as a single bit—i.e., a 0 or 1. The names black-and-white, B&W, monochrome or monochromatic are often used for this concept, but may also designate any images that have only one sample per pixel, such as grayscale images.
Image scanner
An image scanner—often abbreviated to just scanner—is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting or an object and converts it to a . Commonly used in offices are variations of the desktop flatbed scanner where the document is placed on a glass window for scanning. Hand-held scanners, where the device is moved by hand, have evolved from text scanning "wands" to 3D scanners used for industrial design, reverse engineering, test and measurement, orthotics, gaming and other applications.
Related courses (69)
CIVIL-510: Quantitative imaging for engineers
First 2 courses are Tuesday 16-19h!This course will arm students with knowledge of different imaging techniques for practical measurements in many different fields of civil engineering. Modalities wil
MATH-506: Topology IV.b - cohomology rings
Singular cohomology is defined by dualizing the singular chain complex for spaces. We will study its basic properties, see how it acquires a multiplicative structure and becomes a graded commutative a
MSE-352: Introduction to microscopy + Laboratory work
Ce cours d'introduction à la microscopie a pour but de donner un apperçu des différentes techniques d'analyse de la microstructure et de la composition des matériaux, en particulier celles liées aux m
Related lectures (362)
Dose Management in Electron Microscopy
Explores the challenges and solutions for managing electron dose in microscopy, emphasizing the importance of accurate dose tracking and analysis.
Image Processing: Practical
Covers practical image processing using Fiji software, emphasizing data quality importance.
Quantitative Imaging for Civil Engineers
Introduces quantitative imaging concepts for civil engineers, covering resolution, optics, image quality, and 3D measurements.