In computer graphics, a device that sequentially samples and records digitally the color and intensity of successive elements of an object or image (e. G. , a flat, paper object such as a photograph or drawing,) for digital storage, transmission, or processing. Note: The collected data are usually stored in one of several computer graphics formats. 2. In television technology, a device that (a) scans successive frames (images) on motion-picture film, and (b) transcodes the digital data so obtained into an electronic signal (e. G. , analog NTSC signal, or other signal, including a digital signal) that conforms to any standard or accepted video format. Note: Scanners may also scan video images in non-real-time transcoding. The scanner may provide input to a recorder, to a signal processor, to a transmission channel, or to any other desired peripheral system. 3. In computer (specifically, word-processing) technology, a device that examines text, e. G. , on a printed page, and applies certain character-recognition algorithms or principles to determine the text elements (letters, numerals, and other characters) in sequence and convert them into standard (e. G. , ASCII) digital code for storage or further processing. Note: This special application of character-recognition technology eliminates laborious manual transcription of text, by keyboard entry, into digital files. 4. A device that examines a spatial pattern, one part after another, and generates analog or digital signals corresponding to the pattern. Note: Scanners are often used in mark sensing, pattern recognition, and character recognition. 5. A radio receiver that is automatically and rapidly tuned (i.e., sweeps) across a predetermined range of frequencies (band,) locking onto any frequency at which a signal is detected. Note: A scanner provides a means of monitoring a range of frequencies, and any traffic that may be present, but will usually not permit the simultaneous monitoring of more than one frequency.