OCR

OCR stands for Optical Character Recognition. It’s a technology that converts different types of documents, such as scanned paper documents, PDF files, or images captured by a digital camera, into editable and searchable data.

Here’s how OCR works:

  1. Image Scanning: The process begins with scanning a physical document or capturing an image of text using a digital camera. This creates a digital image file (usually in formats like JPEG or TIFF).
  2. Text Recognition: OCR software analyzes the shapes, patterns, and arrangements of characters within the digital image to identify individual letters, numbers, and symbols.
  3. Character Classification: The OCR software classifies each character it recognizes and determines the most likely corresponding character (A-Z, 0-9, punctuation, etc.).
  4. Document Formatting: In addition to recognizing individual characters, OCR software often tries to identify the layout and formatting of the document, including paragraphs, columns, and fonts.
  5. Output: The recognized characters and document formatting are then converted into machine-readable text. This can be output as plain text, a word processing document, a searchable PDF, or another editable format.

OCR technology is used in a wide range of applications, including:

  • Document DigitizationConverting physical documents and books into digital formats for archiving or distribution.
  • Text SearchEnabling keyword searching within scanned documents.
  • Data EntryAutomating data entry by extracting text from scanned forms and invoices.
  • AccessibilityMaking printed materials accessible to individuals with visual impairments by converting them into text-to-speech or Braille.
  • TranslationFacilitating the translation of printed materials into different languages.

OCR accuracy can vary depending on factors such as the quality of the source document, the clarity of the text, and the capabilities of the OCR software being used. Advances in OCR technology have significantly improved accuracy, making it a valuable tool for businesses, libraries, government agencies, and individuals who need to work with both printed and digital documents.

Key terms in plain language

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Broadband

A general term for always-on, high-speed Internet access. Broadband can be delivered over fiber, cable, DSL, fixed wireless, cellular, or satellite networks.

Cloud Computing

Computing resources—such as applications, servers, storage, or databases—delivered from remote infrastructure and scaled as requirements change.

Cybersecurity

The practices and controls used to protect identities, devices, networks, applications, and data from unauthorized access, disruption, or manipulation.

Identity and Access Management (IAM)

The systems and policies that determine who a user is, what resources they may access, and how that access is authenticated and reviewed.

API

An application programming interface is a defined way for software systems to exchange data or request functions from one another.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Software designed to perform tasks involving prediction, classification, generation, reasoning, or decision support. Business use still requires clear data, governance, security, and human accountability.