subject: USB 2.0 Optimizing OCR [print this page] Optical Character Recognition was created to be able to identify text in documents and produce not only a replica of the page but an intelligent understanding of the materials. Early devices where limited in their capabilities to the identification of matching text and key words. This was later developed and put to use processing payments, coupons, and product inspection. The innovation of the PC saw a dramatic rise in the application of OCR technology and the inception of smart cameras has meant that OCR has become cheaper, more accessible and put into wider use. Smart Cameras surpass PC cameras because they are convenient user friendly interface, requiring no formal training. Smart cameras possess built-in processors which yield high-quality images which are then analyzed within the camera. It can then produce immediate results without being connected to a larger operating system. Information from smart cameras can then be sent to a PC for either data storage or further analysis using USB2 technology. Recent technological advancements in smart camera USB2 technology have sped up data processing and transfer. The most promising is the use of embedded DSP (digital signal processor) with USB 2.0 cameras. This innovative combination will most likely lead to an expansion of OCR applications. Embedding a DSP makes it possible to combine all the benefits of PC into the camera itself. This allows for mobility of smart cameras which can be used in handheld devices. Today, OCR is generally used to convert information which is scanned into the computer and turned into accessible text including JPEG and PDF files. It has also become a standard application for barcodes and postal services. Due to the rapid expansion of smart camera capabilities, it is safe to assume that there will be many new applications for OCR in the near future including use in technology to prevent identity theft, verify credit card payments, surveillance, translations, prescriptions, identifying signatures, quality control, and credit card verification.
