hardware

Computer Architecture

Von Neumann Architecture 1

Von Neumann Architecture 2

System Busses

Fetch - Decode - Execute Cycle

Input Devices

2D - Flatbed Scanners 


Using a flatbed scanner, one may accurately digitize hard copy documents by turning them from paper to digital format. These are the most popular sort of 2D scanner; hand and drum scanners are also available, although they are much less prevalent. The following are flatbed scanners: Sizes range from A4 to A3. more accurate than a snapshot taken as there is no change in lighting or distortion Typically, documents are digitized into a JPG image or PDF file. Flatbed scanners employ Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to automatically identify text in an output PDF file and convert it to an editable format. Using a flatbed scanner, one may accurately digitize hard copy documents by turning them from paper to digital format. These are the most popular sort of 2D scanner; hand and drum scanners are also available, although they are much less prevalent. The following are flatbed scanners: Sizes range from A4 to A3. more accurate than a snapshot taken as there is no change in lighting or distortion Typically, documents are digitized into a JPG image or PDF file. Flatbed scanners employ Optical Character Recognition (OCR) software to automatically identify text in an output PDF file and convert it to an editable format.  

3D Scanners 

Scanners in three dimensions With the use of 3D scanners, real-world physical objects can be digitally copied for use with computer programs or to enable 3D printing of a physical copy of the original. There are several varieties of 3D scanners, and based on the kind of scanner they may be used with: observable light Laser illumination infrared illumination. When it comes to little things, they are turned on a turntable while being illuminated by a light source. Subsequently, as the image is rotated, the distance from the light source is computed for every segment, and this information is utilized to reconstruct the item in its digital representation.Scanners in three dimensions With the use of 3D scanners, real-world physical objects can be digitally copied for use with computer programs or to enable 3D printing of a physical copy of the original. There are several varieties of 3D scanners, and based on the kind of scanner they may be used with: observable light Laser illumination infrared illumination. When it comes to little things, they are turned on a turntable while being illuminated by a light source. Subsequently, as the image is rotated, the distance from the light source is computed for every segment, and this information is utilized to reconstruct the item in its digital representation.  


3D scanners are used to make a digital copy of real world physical objects, so that they can be either used with computer software, or so that a physical copy of the original object can be 3D printed. There are lots of different types of 3D scanners, and depending on the type of scanner they might work using: Visible light Laser light Infra red light. For small objects the object is placed on a turntable and rotated as a light is shone on the object. The distance from the light source is then calculated for each part of the image as it is rotated and this data is used to rebuild the object in it’s digital form.

Barcode Readers | Creation

QR Codes 


QR codes are black and white square codes that encode data in a 2 dimensional grid. They can be scanned by dedicated QR code scanners or by smartphone cameras. Why do we need them? 1 dimensional barcodes have a big problem – They can only encode a limited amount of data (usually 10 digits). This means that they: The amount of data encoded is limited to 10 to 20 digits Can only be used to encode numerical data. Only large manufactures can use them as the first 5 digits are for the manufacturer code. QR codes can around this problem by encoding the data in two dimensions and allowing the encoding of characters as well as numbers. This allows far more data to be stored in a single QR code, meaning that: Data other than product codes can be stored (such as URLs) Individual items can be tracked, rather than just product types. You don’t need to be a manufacturer, anyone can used them.

How QR Code Scanners Work?

 
1 – The Code is illuminated. The first step in the process is where the QR code is illuminated. On some devices this is done using an infrared light, however if you are scanning a QR code using your smartphone then it may use the in-built flash, or simply rely on ambient light. 

2 – The light hits the image and then bounces back The emitted light hits the image, with the darker parts of the image absorbing more light. The light the bounces back. 

3 – The returning light hits the lens in the scanner and is focused onto the surface of a Charge Coupled Device The returning light arrives at the scanner lens where the light is focused onto a CCD. The CCD is a 2 dimensional array of millions of photo sensitive cells. Each cell varies the electrical signals that it outputs depending on the amount of light that hits the cell. 

4 – The electrical signals are converted to digital by the ADC The electrical signals from the cells are passed onto an Analogue to Digital Convertor, which convert the signal into digital form. 

5 – The scanner combines the digital data into an image The digital signals are combined into a matrix of digital values, creating a digital version of the QR code.

6 – The image is processed by the scanner The scanner now processes the image, using image recognition and manipulation software. This is the stage where the position and alignment data is used. This includes: Rotating the QR code so that it is the correct way up Warping the image so that any distortion is removed Altering the contrast and exposure of the image so that it can be decoded.

7 – The data is read from the QR code Now the data can be read from the QR code, line by line in a zig-zag manner, until all the data is read. Once read the error detection and correction algorithms are applied. This stage is where the version, format and timing data are used. 

8 – The data is used by the device / software Finally software on the device processes the QR code data as required (such as opening up an URL in a web browsers if opening a QR code on your phone).

Sensors Part 1

Sensors Part 2

Output Devices

Output Devices

Data Storage

Data Storage Devices

Network Hardware

Network Hardware Part 1

Network Hardware Part 2