ICR (Intelligent Character Recognition)

Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) is a form of software for converting characters represented in graphic bitmapped files into ASCII or other electronic text code. Intelligent character recognition is employed with fax files and the output of optical scanners.

URLs:

Index of Character Recognition Resources

A good starting point on Optical Character Recognition.

DIMUND--Document Image Understanding Information Server

The server maintains research announcements, bibliographies, mailing lists, source code, technical reports, database information, and Internet resources.

W3E References:

Optical Character Recognition

Optical character recognition (OCR) is a form of intelligent character recognition used in scanner software to convert graphic documents into editable electronic text.

Detail:

The accuracy of character recognition depends in large part on the print quality and complexity (mix of typefaces, lines, and graphics) of the original document. Some typefaces and formats are not readily recognized, although software can "learn" to read different character sets through user-defined tables. ICR programs include dictionaries that help the programs recognize characters. New technologies are continually being introduced to compensate for poor or degraded originals.