Optical character recognition is a technology that analyzes the document text and turns letters into codes to process further information. Smart OCR compromises hardware and software systems that convert physical documents into machine-readable texts.
This digital version is highly beneficial for young adults and children who have difficulty reading. OCR technology upgraded with advanced software, however, helps with readability. With advanced OCR scanning solutions, the text is read, copied, and processed for further analysis.
Historical Overview of Optical Character Recognition
Ray Kurzweil initiated Kurzweil Computer Products, Inc., in 1974. It introduced an omni-font Optical Character Recognition product that could recognize printed text in virtual fonts. For him, the best application of this device was its utilization in machine learning algorithms to create a text to speech outputs to help blind individuals.
The OCR technology gained actual popularity in the 1990s. Technology has experienced several improvements since then. In addition, the present age’s real time OCR possesses the capability to ensure accuracy. Employing advanced machine learning solutions helps the technology to save time and ensure smart and secure accuracy.
Optical Character Recognition – How Does It Work?
OCR technology comprises both hardware and software tools. The goal of technology is to conduct a complete physical analysis of documents and convert those into elements for further processing and OCR data extraction. For instance, postal and mail services employ OCR solutions to quickly process addresses to ensure efficient sorting of correspondence. Following are the three core steps of how Optical Character Recognition technology works:
- Pre-Processing of Image
In the first step, the OCR technology captures the document and converts it from a physical form into an image version. In this phase, the machine removes undesired aberrations from the documents to make them more precise and accurate. The documents are majorly converted into a black and white rendition, and the document’s bright and dark regions are further analyzed. The technology then segments the image into multiple pieces, including infographics, texts, or spreadsheets, with the help of an OCR scanning system.
Character Recognition Using AI
Optical Character Recognition further employs artificial intelligence tools to analyze the darker portions of images to identify numerics and characters. Artificial intelligence algorithms utilize the following approaches to analyze letters, phrases, or paragraphs:
- Feature Recognition
This AI feature employs special rules to recognize new characters. For instance, the curve, angle, or crossing in a character or letter.
- Pattern Recognition
Optical Character Recognition technology employs various text formats, language models, and handwriting patterns to train artificial intelligence algorithms.
Post-Processing of Image
To enhance the accuracy of document image processing, machine learning algorithms can be utilized to correct any errors. One effective method is to instruct the AI with a list of relevant vocabulary that will be present in the document. This way, the AI’s output is restricted to only those words and formats, ensuring that no interpretations go beyond the predetermined vocabulary.
Types of Optical Character Recognition Technology
Data Scientists have classified the OCR technology into the following categories based on its applications and uses. The major types are as follows:
Simple OCR Solutions
Simple OCR technology works by storing and processing image documents via certain AI algorithms in the internal database. If the system identifies the text character in word order, also known as optical word recognition. However, the technology has certain limitations, as the system and database can’t recognize all handwriting patterns.
ICR Software Solutions
ICR software is a modern optical character recognition tool that reads text with human patterns. Utilizing advanced methodologies to train machines, machines are taught to read like humans. The algorithms recognize texts at various levels, process the image from multiple angles, and deliver the final result within seconds.
Intelligent Word Recognition
IWR solution works on similar principles of ICR technology. However, it doesn’t preprocess the image and instead utilizes the whole imaging process.
The Final Verdict
Making its way into the global technology era, Optical Character Recognition technology is vastly utilized in the business and organizational sectors. With the advancement in the world of Artificial Intelligence, OCR technology keeps on improving. Using a combination of AI and OCR for data capture has been successful, as recognition software can gather and understand content while AI tools independently check for errors and extract data. This results in efficient fault management and time-saving benefits without relying solely on human users to help businesses and the financial sector optimize their performance.