State with examples the meaning of MICR and OMR scanners

25/12/2020

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State what is meant by each of the following and give an example of where each is used

Magnetic Ink character Recognition (MICR) (2 mks)
Optical Mark Read (OMR) (2mks)

Magnetic Ink character Recognition (MICR)

Scanner

Magnetic Ink character Recognition (MICR)

Definition

MICR is a magnetic character recognition technology used mainly by the banking industry to streamline the processing and clearance of cheques and other documents. MICR scanner is used to detect special marks on a piece of papers and interpret it using a special piece of software. MICR are mainly used in banks to eliminate fraud.

Technology

Each check is printed with a series of characters on the bottom of the document.
These characters are printed with a special type of ink that has additional magnetic resonance characteristics allowing it to absorb and emit a magnetic signal. As the check enters the scan path, the magnetic ink passes over a magnet in the scanner to “charge” the ink before it passes over the MICR read head.

The MICR read head is a device built into the scanner designed to read the magnetic signal emitted by the MICR ink characters on the check.

Each character produces a unique waveform which is read and translated by the MICR read head.

Challenges to accurately reading the MICR characters include the speed at which the characters pass by the MICR read head, the consistency of the ink on the document, the quality of the ink on the document, the MICR algorithm used to interpret the signals, and the quality of the MICR read head.

Uses

They are used in banks in processing and clearance of cheques and other documents such as invoices, rebate coupons, financial forms etc.

Optical Mark Read (OMR)

Scanner

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

Definition

Optical mark recognition (also called optical mark recognition/reading and OMR) is the process of capturing human-marked data from document forms such as surveys and tests. OMR process is powered by a device (shown above) with special software used to read markings on a piece of paper using reflection.

Technology

They capture inked marks on paper by passing light over them.

Uses

They are used to read questionnaires, multiple choice examination paper in the form of lines or shaded areas.