optical character recognition

noun

, Computers.

1. the process or technology of reading data in printed form by a device optical character reader that scans and identifies characters. : OCR

optical character recognition

1. The electronic identification and digital encoding of printed or handwritten characters by means of an optical scanner and specialized software.

Word History and Origins

Origin of optical character recognition¹

First recorded in 1960–65

Example Sentences

With optical character recognition the plate number is compared to one or more law enforcement crime databases of vehicles of interests or “hot lists,” according to the International Assn. of Chiefs of Police.

From Los Angeles Times

But the repository stores firearms purchaser information and other data as image files without optical character recognition - meaning firearms purchaser information can’t be searched using text.

From Salon

LaHood said afterwards he was hopeful Raffensperger’s office might propose a new solution using optical character recognition software.

From Seattle Times

“Particularly, there's been a lot of advancements made in optical character recognition, which allows researchers to identify names and handwritten records,” Field says.

From National Geographic

The scanning technology, called “optical character recognition,” was one of the IRS’s most sought-after modernization projects.

From Washington Post