In computing, a 'scanner' is a device that optically scans images, printed text, handwriting, or an object, and converts it to a digital image.

In 2007, the Archives optically scanned these papers and made them available to researchers as the Milton Avery Papers Online.

Several phonautograms recorded before 1861 were successfully played as sound in 2008 by optically scanning them and using a computer to process the scans into digital audio files.

Identix, based in Sunnyvale, Calif., was formed in 1982 to design, develop and market personal-identification systems that optically scan and analyze fingerprints.

Like our eyes, the instruments optically scan the wavy light/dark pattern.

It first optically scans the surface and measures the lightness variations.

Equipment for optically scanning this part of the passport is already widely used.

Mr. Steinberg reads voraciously and, as he says, "optically scans" journals like Science and Nature, clipping articles that fire his imagination.

A reader would optically scan for the password, which would be visible only when the passport was open, and then use it to obtain data from the chip.

The second approach to mass customization attempts to overcome some of these problems by optically scanning the customer with light beams in a private area of the store.