What Is a Flatbed Scanner?
A flatbed scanner is a versatile imaging device designed to digitize flat documents or photographs. Users place items directly on a glass surface, where a moving optical sensor captures the image. This process begins with illumination from a built-in light source. The light reflects off the document and is captured by the sensor. The device then converts this information into electrical signals, which are processed into digital image files.
Thanks to its simplicity and efficiency, flatbed scanners have become a staple in environments such as homes, offices, schools, libraries, and photo shops. They are composed of essential components like a light source for illumination, a lens to focus the reflected light, a light sensor to capture the image, and image processing circuitry to convert the scan into digital form. Interfaces for transferring data and a casing to enclose the hardware are also integral.
Flatbed Scanners are prized for their high-quality imaging capabilities, the ability to handle a variety of document types, straightforward usability, and adaptability to different tasks. They are available in several versions, from standard models suitable for general use to high-end and film scanning variants designed for specialized applications.