Scanner
A scanner was a hand-held sensory device. The word "scanner" was a generic term for such technology. Scanners were common during the mid-22nd century and used by a variety of space-faring cultures and institutions such as Starfleet, the Earth Sciences Institute, Ferengi privateers, the , and the Vulcan High Command.

Starfleet

22nd century

Hand scanner 

Sometimes referred to as a hand scanner, the Starfleet scanner was common during the 2150s. Distinguished by a square-shaped body lined with black grips, this scanner featured a display and interface that could be closed, making the device more compact for storage. ()

Capable of performing general sensory functions such as generating floor plan views, and locating bio-signs, these scanners were also equipped with quantum dating technology, yielding at least generally accurate results. ()

Under certain circumstances, the scanner could be converted into a communications device, even transmitting through time, from the 31st to the 22nd century. ()

These devices were also capable of interfacing with and potentially overriding vastly different computer systems. Sent back to the 21st century, Starfleet Captain Jonathan Archer successfully tampered with a 2004 ATM and overrode the automatic locking mechanism of a Dodge Ram truck. ()

The hand scanner could also be used to deactivate explosive devices, though with varying results. ()

Despite its versatility, the hand scanner was, at times, somewhat inaccurate. It sometimes could not separate Human (or even humanoid) bio-signs from that of other species. It was also susceptible to certain forms of temporal interference. ()

When it did locate life signs, they were generally displayed as a blinking, red indicator. ()

The internal circuitry of the hand scanner could be accessed by removing both the back panel of the body, and by removing the interface viewer portion. ()

In 2153, Sim disassembled a hand scanner in the mess hall aboard . ()

{{bginfo|It is not entirely clear, in the final version of the episode, that this is what Sim is doing, though the final draft script of "Similitude" specified that it is.|A small control PADD seen throughout Enterprise in the hands of Lieutenant Reed seems to have been made – at least by the prop makers – from the lower portion of the hand scanner, with added blue LED "blinkies". It can be clearly seen in such episodes as  and , used to activate Reed's various explosives.|The hand scanner itself was among several all-new props made for the premiere of Enterprise, designed with a built-in pop-up function and blue LED "display". According to one Star Trek prop website, of four working scanners that were built for the series, only one survived until the end of season four. }}

 Medical scanner 

Also in stock aboard Starfleet vessels such as the  , a small medical scanner was available during the 2150s.

This palm-sized scanner was distinguished by a large, blue-glowing display screen and interface, with two rows of blue-glowing lights opposite. The medical scanner was able to perform simple diagnostic functions, such as reading vital signs and internal scans. It could also be used much like the Starfleet hand scanner, used to scan a specific area for general bio-signs.

The medical scanner's range was generally close, though it could get accurate scans from the distance of a few feet. ()

In 2151, Doctor Phlox used the medical scanner to identify the sickness of the Novan Nadet – lung cancer. He was also able to tell that Jamin was a relative of Nadet by using his scanner. ()

In 2152, Doctor Phlox used a medical scanner to confirm that the Takret anatomy was immune to radiolytic isotopes. ()

 Heavy scanner 

Larger in size than either the hand or medical scanners, a heavy-duty model was also available aboard Earth starships during the 2150s.

Characterized by a thick, rectangular body held horizontally, this scanner also featured a metallic handle to the left of a rectangular display screen and control buttons. It could be used to view graphic representations of the inside of devices such as a Romulan mine that struck the NX-01 in 2152. ()

 23rd century 
 Heavy scanner 

Another version of a heavy scanning device was a large hand-held device, used for quick scans, was trigger activated device had a defined white sensor cap, red barrel, and dark grey read with display and adjustment knobs.

Montgomery Scott kept such a device in the transporter room of the  during the 2260s. He used it on  to determine the properties of an unknown soft ores found on his uniform. With the device, he was able to determine that the ore had magnetic properties recommended that the uniform be decontaminated. () 

 Earth Sciences Institute 
 Scanner 

Available to members of the Earth Sciences Institute, including researchers of the A-6 excavation team during the 2150s, was a small, angular scanner. Dominated by a large, rectangular, green-glowing display screen, this scanner included a long, irregularly shaped input area with a number of button controls.

The device could be used to identify technology buried beneath snow and could differentiate organic matter from inorganic matter. Researcher  successfully identified a warp coil buried in a debris field at the Arctic Circle with the scanner, though the object was actually a Borg transwarp coil. ()

 Medical scanner 

Also utilized by the ESI and A-6 excavation team was a large, oval-shaped device used for medical scans.

Distinguished by a small, circular readout and several circular buttons lining the periphery of the device, this scanner could detect, among other things, changes in bio-functions.

 Andorian 

The Andorian scanner was utilized by the Andorians in the 22nd century.

A table-top piece of equipment featured a large display and a small section of s. In June of 2151, an Andorian commando of the Andorian Imperial Guard, led by Commander Thy'lek Shran, used such a scanner to locate the secret listening post of the Vulcans at the monastery at P'Jem. Keval, who operated the scanner, informed Shran about three new Human life signs suddenly appearing near the atrium. ()

 Ferengi 

A small, brown, angular scanning device was utilized by citizens of the Ferengi Alliance or Ferengi privateers as early as 2151.

Characterized by a large, green, illuminated interface and display, this Ferengi scanner was capable of scanning through bulkheads and was key in the search for loot. ()

 Hirogen 

A small, metallic-orange device was used as a scanner by the Hirogen.

In 2374, the Alpha-Hirogen Idrin used this scanner on Seven of Nine to conclude about her verly long intestines. ()

 Malurian 

The Malurian scanner had a metallic ring surrounding an inner Malurian control surface, with green and yellow blinking lights on the outer ring. It could be used to scan DNA and to signal for a beam-up to a Malurian vessel. ()

 Osaarian 
The Osaarian scanner was a somewhat bulky device with a blue-colored screen on top. In 2153, Orgoth lifted one of these scanners onto a side station in Enterprises engineering and tried to use it in an attempt to download Enterprise''s database. ()

Suliban Cabal 

Also similar in design and shape to the Vulcan scanner, the hand-held sensing device utilized by members of the  featured a rounded interface area, with an extended handle. Mottled-brown in color, this scanner also featured a purple readout. 

Presumably along with a handful of other functions, the Suliban scanner was capable of locating an individual's distinct bio-signs and could detect temporal signatures. ()

Tellarites 
A mid-23rd century Tellarite bounty hunter called Tevrin Krit used a scanner in his work. )

Vulcan High Command

20th century 
Used by officers in service of the Vulcan High Command as early as 1957, the standard scanner used by Vulcans was a chrome-colored, dome-shaped device with a handle.

The device featured a purple-colored, lighted display screen and could be used to scan for life signs. ()

22nd century

Standard scanner 
Similar in shape and design as its 20th century counterpart, the scanner used by the Vulcans during the 2150s was also a dome-shaped sensor, with a triangular handle. This device, however, was distinguished by a silver-colored readout portion and a blue handle, with black grips. The viewer itself displayed readings in Vulcan script with a generally purple-color glow. The grip featured an array of  controls. ()

This scanner featured an imaging sensor. ()

The Vulcan scanner possessed a maximum scanning radius of three kilometers and performed the same general function as the Earth Starfleet hand scanner. Vulcan sensors, however, were commonly known to be superior during that time. ()

Medical scanner 
As early as 2153, Vulcans doctors in the service of the High Command were equipped with distinct medical scanners.

Featuring a similarly dome-shaped readout section, this scanner also featured a dome-shaped lower, control portion. It was also distinguished by yellow indicator lights on each side of the display screen.

It was used to scan for certain types of radiation and could, possibly, perform detailed brain scans. ()

Xindi 
A dark-colored type of Xindi scanner was used on a Xindi-Arboreal colony during the 22nd century.

In 2153, Xindi-Arboreal technician Gralik Durr used a Xindi scanner to determine that a particular fragment of metallic debris was from the Xindi probe. ()

Scanner on Rigel X 
One type of scanner was used by the leader of a gang of aliens on Rigel X, upon examining a fake Tenebian amethyst that Shran and T'Pol had brought him in an effort to convince the aliens it was a real Tenebian amethyst. This alien scanner was a relatively narrow device and had a green light at its scanning head. ()

See also 
 Bio-scanner
 Devore scanner
 Particle scanner
 Trident scanner
 Tricorder
Starfleet tricorder
 Sensor devices

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Tools
Sensor technology