††Other types of scanner can reproduce images by "taking a picture" of them and transferring these pictures to a computer screen. The quality of the new version depends on the number of 'DPI' (dots per inch) which are used by the computer to reconstruct the image. Some scanners can use 'OCR' (Optical Character Recognition) software. This means that they can scan in and recognise clearly typed words or even handwriting. The words are then shown as entries within the computer's word processor. This removes the need to type the words into the computer by hand, saving both time and money. A different type of scanner, used in department stores and supermarkets, can read bar codes. It registers not only the nature and costs of the items, but also the number remaining in stock.
