MODULE 1: SOURCING IMAGE
What is a Scanner?
A scanner is a device that captures images, documents and objects and converts
them to digital format with a view to using them as digital resources. Photos,
original artwork, drawings and text can all be scanned.
Equipment used when sourcing image
Digital camera
Computer
Flatbed scanner
Drum scanner
Video camera
Tools/materials used when sourcing image
Flash discs
Compact discs
Floppy diskettes
Hard copy
Film
Digital video/versatile discs (DVD)
Scanning Formats
Depending on your scanning software, you may have different options of file
formats in which to save your scanned image or document.
Images may be saved as: jpg, bmp, tiff, png etc
Documents may be saved as pdf
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Graphic format used in scanning
1. Bitmap
Any graphic that is made up of pixel is called bitmap image. The standard
bit-mapped graphics format used in the Windows environment. It is used
to store digital images. If you use a digital camera or scan an image from
a magazine, you are creating a bitmap graphic.
2. Jpeg
File extension for JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group). A file stored in
JPEG format. JPEG, an ISO standard for storing images with high
compression capability, uses a discreet cosine transform that can achieve
compression rates of 100:1 (significant loss of data from original) and
20:1 (minimal loss). JPEG image can be used website
3. Tiff
Acronym for Tagged Image File Format, one of the most widely supported
file formats for storing bit-mapped images on personal computers (both
PCs and Macintosh computers). It is a clean file format which contain no
links or hidden data and can never have a virus embedded on it.
4. Gif
Pronounced jiff or giff (hard g) stands for graphics interchange format, a
bit-mapped graphics file format used by the World Wide Web. GIF
supports color and various resolutions. It also includes data compression,
but because it is limited to 256 colors, it is more effective for scanned
images such as illustrations rather than color photos. It allows animation
5. Portable Network Graphics (PNG)
It is the format that supports lossless data compression. It was created to
replace a non-patented GIF and is the most widely used lossless image
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compression format on the internet. It is also type of animation used in
sonny play stations.
6. Portable Document File
PDF (Portable Document Format) is a file format that has captured all the
elements of a printed document as an electronic image that you can view,
navigate, print, or forward to someone else. PDF files are created using
Adobe Acrobat, Acrobat Capture, or similar products.
Types of scanners used in printing
1. Flatbed scanner
2. Drum scanner
Flatbed Scanner
They are the most common type of desktop scanners. When a document or
object is to be scanned, it is placed face down on the glass surface of the
scanner. The scanning head and light source under the glass automatically
move down the document at a constant speed.
Advantages of flatbed Scanner
1. High quality
2. Easy to use
3. Scan up to 12 X 17 inches
4. Can scan objects
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5. Non-movement makes it durable
Disadvantages of flatbed Scanner
1. Its complicated when damaged or develop fault
2. Expensive
3. Moving it from one place to another can expose it to damage
Drum Scanner
Work differently from flatbed scanners in that the scanning components moves
along with the drum. In this instance, the page being scanned is moved past the
scanning head rather than the other way around. Feed-in or sheet-fed scanners
work very well in conjunction with document feeders and are suitable for
scanning multiple page documents automatically.
Advantages of drum Scanner
1. High resolution hence high quality output
2. Can scan a roll
Disadvantages of drum Scanner
1. Works very slowly
2. Produces noise when operating
3. Produce unnecessary heat
4. Expensive to buy and maintenance
5. Labor intensive
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Scanner Purchasing Considerations
Cost
Purpose
durability
Ability to service or buy spares whenever necessary
Scanner maintenance and care tips
Try to avoid moving your scanner
Do not touch the scanning surface or moving parts while operating
To clean your scanner once in a week
Replace scanner maintenance kit
Only skilled personnel should be allowed to operate
Always refer to manual book
CAMERA
Camera is optical instrument that is used for recording or capture image which
may be stored locally, transmitted to another location or both.
SOME BASIC PARTS OF CAMERA AND THEIR FUNCTIONS
PART FUNCTION
Micro SD card It stores all image and video information
Lens Capture the light from the subject and brings it to focus on
the sensor
Microphone To capture a video for movie clips
Aperture To control the amount of light reaching the image sensor
Power switch Turn camera on and off
Liquid Crystal Camera’s display
Display (LCD)
Control buttons For all settings of camera
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Advantages of digital camera
It eliminates film processing
Capable of previewing the image
Massive photo storage
Some cameras allow to edit and sharing of images
Allow video recording
Has user friendly features (can adjust according to weather)
Environmental friendly (no use of chemicals that are toxic to environment)
Disadvantages of digital camera
Easily attacked by virus
It is expensive
Needs technical knowhow
Battery consumption is high
Digital camera maintenance and care tips
Keep your camera clean at all times
Do not overcharge batteries or expose them to high temperature
Store your camera in a cool dry place
Turn off camera before removing or disconnecting from power source
Handle all moving parts with care.
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