mark/character recognition devices

mark/character recognition devices

1. OMR (optical mark recognition)

   • is a system which can read marks written in pen or pencil (usually grey or black only), this is very usefull for reading forms
     • the position of the marks that need to be read need to be place on the computer first in order for the OMR to detect it
     • saves time so answers do not need to be read one by one
     • can have multiple problems if the form has not been filled in properly

2. OCR (optical character recognition)

   • it cna change a scanned text into an understandable fomat to a computer
     • this allows it to be read by other programs
       • time saving as not all information needs to be typed
       • it has difficulty reading hand writing
       • OCR devices are not alwasys as accurate
       • a seperate device needs to be bought, this can take up considerable amounts of space on a desk

3. MICR (magnetic ink character recognition

   • its reads a special ink of iron particles
     • iron particles are magnetic
     • only a specific font can be interpreted by the computer
     • this is a great way of security for banks as these prints cannot be altered
       • perfect use for bankcheques
       • even if the information is overwritten with ink it can still perfectly be read
     • only certain characters can be read
     • quit expensive as well