A digitizing device using light sensitivity to translate a picture or typed text into a pattern of dots which can be understood and stored by a computer. Scanners some in various types: drum scanners are the best quality, but are very expensive, usually requiring a skilled operator at a service bureau; film scanners (or slide scanners), used for scanning transparencies; and flatbed scanners, used to scan reflective material, such as printed photos. See Jeff Bone's Scanning FAQ.