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