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By the end of the Slideshow show you will have learnt about:

Barcode Reader

OMR

OCR

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What is it?

A barcode reader is an input device that is used to capture and read information encoded within a barcode and send the data to a computer software where the data is translated. Most commonly used in retail stores, they can be very efficient in monitoring inventory and products as wells as help save time, reduce cost, and minimize errors.

However they do have the possibility of misreads which can lead to data errors which means there must always be a clear line of sight between the light source and the barcode.

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How Does it work?

Barcode readers are typically made of three main parts:

the illumination system

The senor

and the decoder

A barcode is used to encode information in a visual pattern that is readable by a machine.

1. The barcode scanner "scans" the black and white elements of the barcode by illuminating it with a red light

2. The sensor then detects the reflected light and generates an analog signal that is sent to the decoder

3. The decoder then interprets the signal, validates using the check digit, then converts it into text.

4. This text is delivered to a computer system that holds the database of all the products where it is cross referenced to give information on the scanned item.

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OCR- Optical Character Recognition

Involves the use of technology to convert characters within physical documents such as handwritten, or typed papers into machine- readable text. Systems that carry out OCR are made from a combination of hardware which is used to copy or read text (such as an optical scanner or specialized circuit board) and software which carries out the processing.

The process of OCR is most commonly used to turn hard copy legal or historic documents into PDFs. Once placed in this soft copy, users can edit, format and search the document as if it was created with a word processor.

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How it works:

1. scanner processes the physical document

2. OCR software converts the document into a two- colour (black and white) version.

3. The bitmap is analyzed for light and dark areas

4. dark areas are identified as characters that need to be identified.

5. OCRs typically target on character or word at a time and try to identify the characters within it which they can do using one of these two algorithms:

1. Pattern recognition - The OCR programs are given examples of text in various different formats and differing fonts which it can then compare to the characters it is trying to identify in the scanned document.

2. Feature Detection - OCR programs are given the rules that each character would follow. These features are things like the number of angled line, crossed lines or curved lines in a character for comparison.

6. Once a character is identified, it is converted into ASCII and a document can be saved for future use.

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Increased efficiency, as it automates the process of data entry rather than someone having to do it by hand

Accurate

Cost-effective

Digitalization of data allows files to be accessed electronically

Improved searchability. It makes it possible to search for specific information within a document

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limited OCR software and not all software is able to recognize text in different languages or handwriting styles

Depends on the quality of the original product, if the paper document is old or the person has confusing handwriting, the software may not recognize the characters.

Depends on the format of the original document

High initial costs to buy the scanners and software

Limited to text recognition

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Technology that allows a machine to recognize marks (such as ticks or bubbles) made on a paper form. It is used for high volume data collection. e.g. used to scan vast quantities of multiple choice exams so a human examiner doesn't have to do it or to count votes in elections.

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The OMR uses a special scanner that focuses a beam of light on the affected area. Since black dots reflect less light than white areas, the scanner detects them.

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high accuracy, as it reduces human error and ensures consistent data capture

efficient

cost-effective

versatile, as it has a variety of applications

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limited data types- it can only capture specific marks and not other data types such as handwritten text

limited customization- the forms must be laid out a certain way in order for them to work

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watch this video and then you will be asked a set of questions

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1) What is the primary advantage of using a barcode reader?

2)Can barcode readers perform multiple tasks?

3)What is the main disadvantage of using a barcode reader?

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1)Answer: The primary advantage of using a barcode reader is the convenience and efficiency it provides by eliminating the need for manual entry and quickly processing large quantities of items.

2)Answers: No, barcode readers are specialized devices designed specifically for scanning and interpreting barcode information. They are not capable of multi-tasking like other electronic devices.

3)Answer: The main disadvantage of using a barcode reader is its limited functionality, as it can only perform the task of reading barcodes and cannot perform other tasks like a keyboard or multi-functional device.

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Activity. Quiz: Barcode Reader, OCR or OMR?

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Activity. Quiz: Barcode Reader, OCR or OMR?

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This Quiz are a series of statements relating to these devices, can you determine which device each statement belongs to- some statements may apply to more than one device. Try to answer them without reading back through the padlet to see what you can remember.

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Join an activity with your class and find or create your own quizzes and flashcards.