Hand-held scanner

What is a hand-held scanner?

A hand-held scanner is used to optically scan a printed document and convert it into digital information. This scanner is a handy device that is slid over the printed original by hand. The templates must be approx. 20 cm wide. Larger originals are digitized by scanning them several times. A steady hand and a steady speed are required for the user to achieve usable results.

Hand-held scanners are now rarely used for documents and photos. They are often used for non-graphic applications, e.g. as barcode scanners and are used at picking stations and in checkout areas. Nowadays, hand-held scanners offer their users increased convenience and, thanks to the integration of processors, have block keyboards and mini displays as well as the option of pre-processing the data.