Computer Scanning and Scanners

Scanning sits at the intersection of computing, photography, and image-making. In Computer Scanning and Scanners, Sean White traces that territory from the mechanics of image capture to the creative possibilities of scanography, with a broad introduction to the devices and ideas behind digital images.

Organized into eight chapters, the book moves from computer fundamentals into scanners, barcode readers, digital-camera scanning, charge-coupled devices, and image concepts. It also looks at how scanning is used to digitize books—and how a scanner can become an artistic tool in its own right.

From the scanning bed to the digital image

The discussion of the scanner capture process introduces how scanners differ from digital cameras and what influences the resulting image. Resolution, capture quality, and image processing help frame the choices involved in turning a physical subject into digital information.

Devices, sensors, and everyday uses

Separate chapters consider barcode readers, desktop digital-camera scanners, and charge-coupled devices (CCDs). Together, these topics offer readers a tour of technologies used to capture and interpret images, from reading codes to recording visual detail.

Scanning beyond simple copies

White also explores scanography: creating artwork by placing objects on a scanner and working with the captured image. The book’s coverage of digital images and book scanning widens the picture further, connecting image capture with editing, text recognition, and digitization.

A broad introduction to computer scanning

With its mix of computer background, imaging technology, and creative examples, this book may suit readers looking for an accessible overview rather than a narrowly focused equipment manual. It offers a starting point for understanding how scanners work, what they can capture, and the varied purposes scanned images can serve.