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Beginnings
An image scanner is a device that converts a physical image to a digital one.
The first scanner (the pantelegraph) was invented and commercially circulated in the 1860's. It was the first practical image scanner, but it was also slightly taller than a human being, and better designs would not come out until the early 1900's.
Image: http://faxauthority.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/caselli-with-pantelegraph.jpg -
New Innovations: The Belino
The Belinograph, named after its inventor (Eduard Belino). Similar devices were called “Belinos”. The same basic design was used in scanners from the 20’s up until the mid-90’s, with numerous small innovations and the first "modern" image scanner coming out in the 50's.
Image: https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Belinograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg/100px-Belinograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg -
Today's Precursors
The first modern scanner is the flatbed scanner. It is also widely referred to as a Xerox machine. As computers became more important in industry during the 50's and 60's, there arose a need to convert pictures into a digital format. It was invented by Russel Kirsch and can be considereed the first digital scanner. Digital scanners are still widely used today, but are gradually being replaced as everything is moving to digital.
http://www.247itechsolutions.com/images/new/printer-scanner.jpg -
The Beginning of the End
The mid-90's can be seen as the beginning of the end for dedicated scanners. They're roughly the size of a modern desktop computer, and many can be compact enough to fit inside of printers to make a hybrid printer-scanner. They no longer use film, and they coincided with the popularization of the personal computer.
http://www.247itechsolutions.com/images/new/printer-scanner.jpg -
Today
Dedicated scanners are in decline. Since everything is moving to digital, the need for scanners is being eclipsed by the ability to download an app on a smartphone. There are still dedicated scanners, though.
https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/Belinograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg/100px-Belinograph_BEP-2V_-_MfK_Bern.jpg
