CIRCA:Scanning
From CIRCA
Scanning Technology This brief paper discusses the basics of scanning technology, its history and development, related technologies, significance, and its place in the future.
Introduction/Background The process of converting data into computer format is by digitizing them, and the way in which graphics are digitized is by scanning. According to Online Technology Learning Centre (2002), scanning “is the process of transforming a physical media into a digital file and then formatting that file so that it can be read by a computer application.” The physical media can be items such as a photograph, small objects, text, or even a document in the form of paper etc. It can therefore be deduced that scanning is also the process of converting files, images, and data into easily accessible, retrievable, and searchable electronic formats. WordNet defined scanning “the process of translating photographs into a digital form that can be recognized by a computer,” or “as the act of systematically moving a finely focused beam of light or electrons over a surface in order to produce an image of it for analysis or transmission.” As a means of converting data into a computer format, scanning of documents and images is usually carried out using a scanner. Scanner, often referred to as image scanner is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image, (Wikipedia).
Scanning modes and preferences Common scanning modes and preferences a user can employ or choose from when scanning documents and images are Line Art, Greyscale, and Colour scanning. However, the scanning preference to be used is largely dependent on the type of document or image a user wants to scan. Line Art - this preference is often used when the graphic is black and white, without an identifiable shade of gray. The line art is relevant for sketches, cartoons, blueprints, diagrams, black and white logos. When the image or file scanned is in black and white in line art, lots of space is saved. This is primarily because a pixel can only be black or white; as a result, the computer doesn't need to store lots of colour information. This means that the higher the colour, the more space consumed. Greyscale - when graphic has shades of grey as well as black and white, grey scale is usually the appropriate preference to be used in the scanning process. Greyscale scanning records up to 256 shades of grey, and so the transition from white to black is smooth. Because of these varying shades of grey in the greyscale preference, scanned images are much bigger than those of the line art. Colour - colour preference is normally used when scanning a colour graphic, photograph, image, and document. In scanning colour images, each pixel stores one of millions of different colours. As a result, coloured scans occupy most space in the storage device, (Virtual Training Help Centre, 2002).
