Scanners are input devices that optically scan images, text, and objects and convert them into digital formats. There are several types of scanners including flatbed scanners, slide scanners, handheld scanners, and drum scanners. The first image ever scanned was a photograph of Russell Kirsch's son in 1957 using a drum scanner. Scanners work by turning on the device, placing the item to be scanned on or in the scanner, and using software to scan and save the resulting digital file.