An optical scanner is a device that converts physical documents and images into digital format. It works by using light sensors to capture the details of the document, which are then processed and stored on a computer. This technology is commonly used in offices for digitizing paperwork, making it easier to store, share, and retrieve information. There are various types of optical scanners, including flatbed scanners, sheet-fed scanners, and handheld scanners. Each type serves different purposes, such as scanning books, documents, or images. Optical scanners are essential tools in fields like archiving, photography, and document management.