OMRON is working on a compact, highly accurate Character Recognition and Mark Recognition system using a new type of pattern recognition technology that mimics the way people see.

The rapid spread of computers and telecommunications capabilities has led to enormous growth in the availability of information, as well as dynamically increased demand for access to information in electronic format. Yet the task of re-inputting information into electronic media still often must be done by hand, a process which is extremely tedious and time consuming. Optical Character Recognition (OCR), Online Character Recognition (OLCR), or Mark Recognition (ex.Barcode Reader), which enables computers to recognize and process written information at a glance much the way people do, aims to resolve this information input impasse.

OCR and other pattern recognition system were developed for central processing with large machines such as zip code readers. But what is needed today is a miniaturized version that can be incorporated into any kind of information tool so as to enable instant input.

OMRON is developing dramatically miniaturized OCR, OLCR, and mark recognition technology that captures letters and marks using a completely new concept of mimicking the way people see. With this technology, character or mark recognition functions can be loaded onto a single chip. This technology is already being used in Peeo - the world's smallest pen type OCR that reads Japanese - OmCR Japanese OCR software and many kinds of automated equipment. Moreover, work is underway to make it even smaller and more accurate, in an attempt to solve the input impasse of today's information-driven society.

OKAO Vision: Face sensing technology
Silhouette Vision: Stereo vision sensing technology
Pattern Vision: Character/symbol sensing technology