Information and Communication Technology

2.1.17 Optical Character Reader (OCR)

Optical character readers are input devices that are used to read any printed text. They can interpret handmade marks, handwritten characters, machine printed characters and special symbols and codes. Optical Character Readers scan the text optically, character by character, convert them into machine readable codes and store the text in the system's storage medium. They can read at a rate of up to 2,400 characters per second. This makes it possible for organisations to reduce the input keying bottlenecks. OCR devices are expensive and are used only when there are large quantities of documents to be keyed in. Other advantages of using OCR are:

• It can be used to reformat printed or typed documents by inputting through the reader and outputting on the systems printer.
• It can be used to consolidate texts from various documents into one document
• It can serve as a link between the word processing system and the conventional typewriter.

Since OCR eliminates the human element in data entry, it improves data accuracy and timeliness of output. However, if the document is poorly prepared, it may create some difficulties.