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Character and mark recognition devices are scanners that are able to recognize special characters and marks. Essentially used for certain applications.

Types

MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition):

• Used by banks to read numbers written on cheque.
• Special purpose machine reads character made of ink containing magnetized particles.

OCR (Optical Character recognition):

• Special preprinted characters that can be read by light source and changed into machine readable form.
• Used in department stores to read retail price tags by reflecting light.

OMR (Optical Mark Recognition):

• An OMR device senses the presence or absence of a mark such as pencil mark.
• Used to calculate or store multiple choice tests.