What Is an OCR Scanning Service?
An OCR (Optical Character Recognition) Scanning Service is software that automatically recognizes text contained in images and converts it into a format that can be processed by a computer.
OCR Scanning Service engines play an important role in many areas, including information digitization, document management, automated processes, and search engine indexing.
They not only reduces the time and errors of manually entering text, but also improves productivity and accuracy. However, services are not perfect. Human correction is necessary, as handwriting, certain typefaces, and image quality can reduce recognition rates.
Uses of OCR Scanning Service
OCR Scanning Services are used in a variety of applications. Specific uses are as follows:
1. Digitizing Documents
OCR Scanning Services can be used to scan paper documents and convert them into digital files such as text files or PDF files. This facilitates document management and data processing, increasing productivity and efficiency.
2. Automated Processes
OCR Scanning Services allow you to automate your business processes. For example, invoices can be scanned and the data recognized by the service can be automatically processed, thereby reducing the time required to process invoices.
3. Search Engine Indexing
The OCR Scanning Service can be used to extract text contained in non-text files, such as images and PDFs, for indexing by search engines. This allows for more accurate and efficient searches.
4. Passport and License Reading
OCR Scanning Services can also be used to read official documents such as passports and driver’s licenses. This will automate processes such as identification verification and enable smooth business operations.
5. Text Mining
OCR Scanning Services can be used to extract specific keywords and phrases from large numbers of documents left on paper. This enables analysis that was previously impossible.
Principle of OCR Scanning Services
1. Preprocessing
The OCR Scanning Service preprocesses the input image. Specifically, it adjusts the skew of the image and removes noise. This prepares the environment for the service to accurately recognize characters.
2. Character Recognition
The OCR Scanning Service uses character recognition algorithms to recognize characters in images. The technologies required to recognize characters include template matching, pattern recognition, and neural networks.
OCR Scanning Services convert the recognized characters into Unicode, ASCII, or other character codes.
3. Correction
OCR Scanning Services use multiple methods to correct recognized characters. Specifically, they include language models, contextual information, and character error correction. This allows the service to produce more accurate text.
4. Output
The OCR Scanning Service converts the recognized text into a format that can be processed by a computer. Specifically, these formats are text files, PDF, HTML, etc.
The performance of an OCR Scanning Service depends on the technology used and the quality of the input images; OCR engines are used in a wide variety of applications and are constantly evolving.
Types of OCR Scanning Services
Different OCR Scanning Service engines use different algorithms depending on the target document or form. Typical types are as follows:
1. Standard Form Recognition
Recognizes text that exists in a predefined form area. The number of rows, columns, and positions in the layout must match. It is used to read invoices, delivery slips, etc.
2. Atypical Form Recognition
Recognizes text written on a variety of layouts. Text can be extracted even when invoices, receipts, and receipts are mixed together.
3. Handwriting Recognition
By utilizing AI technology, the system can recognize a highly flexible group of characters. letters, numbers, etc. It is used for automatic processing of various documents such as handwritten memos and document signatures.