The digitization of paper documents has many advantages for both individuals and enterprises. It allows you to reduce the space allocated for paper cabinets. In addition, digital copies can be stored on different storage media.
To perform digitization, you will need to use OCR software tools (optical character recognition). Such software scans documents to make text readable by a computer. After that, you can convert them to formats supported by Microsoft Word or Google Docs.
Software for the optical recognition of characters and objects is becoming a necessity rather than a utility for entertainment. OCR creates searchable, editable text from printed documents, as well as from photographs or books, PDF files obtained by scanning.
Image recognition takes place in several stages. Depending on the object, they use different algorithms that allow you to identify data and search for similar digital copies from open sources or an integrated database.
Relevance OCR
OCR is used for two main tasks: archiving documents and editing them. To do this, paper (receipts, business cards, reports, internal decrees) is usually processed by the scanner, and OCR software creates PDF files with the ability to search for a piece of text.
Such applications usually convert a printed table into an Excel file or a paper document into an electronic one, which can be edited and used later on a PC. Powerful optical text recognition software can also convert printed text to HTML files. They can be immediately posted on the site for public access.
Program Features
When choosing an OCR application, you need to decide whether you want it to start automatically, interactively, or in combination with other software. When offline, the utility starts working immediately after scanning the document. Just a few seconds after processing the paper medium, the program gives the final result.
When the software is in manual mode, you can use tools to improve image quality or sharpen. In addition, the functions of blocking certain fragments of the page that are not needed during operation are included. There are programs that also have built-in editors.
In most applications, you can choose between automatic and manual mode. This allows you to select a list of necessary tools and utilities to make the text readable. When recognizing images, a wide range of settings is used, based on the type of objects located in the photo. The more complex the graphic, the more resources will be required to identify it.
How identification works
Image recognition is based on a system of complex algorithms. They are used to search for or version a specific object, including a person.
Biometrics is used to identify and authenticate a person using a set of recognizable and verified data that is unique and specific to a particular subject.
In the process of face biometry, a 2D or 3D sensor “captures” its contour. Then it converts the individual lines into digital data, using a special algorithm for this, before comparing the processed objects with those stored in the database. According to scientists, this is an exact copy of the process that occurs in the human brain when processing graphic information.
These automated systems can be used to identify or verify the identity of people in just a few seconds based on their facial features: the distance between the eyes, nose bridge, contour of the lips, ears, chin. Such image recognition can also be used in security systems.
Algorithms can even search in a large group of people and in unstable conditions, such as the influence of weather conditions and poor lighting. Proof of this can be the indicators achieved by the Gemalto Real-Time Face Identification System (LFIS), an advanced solution based on the many years of work of scientists in the field of biometrics.
IPhone X owners are already familiar with face recognition technology. However, Apple’s Face ID biometric solution was harshly criticized in China at the end of 2017 due to the inability to distinguish between some Chinese faces. The scanner program integrated into the operating system was later refined. At the moment, the problem is completely resolved.
Of course, there are other signatures that identify a person: fingerprints, scanning the iris, voice recognition, digitizing lines in the palm of your hand and studying behavior.
They are mainly used to secure online payments in an environment where cybercrime has become widespread in recent years. Next, an overview of the software that is popular and allows you to convert the image to the desired format will be presented.
1. Nuance OmniPage Ultimate
Pros:
- individual settings systems;
- high speed;
- recognition accuracy.
Minuses:
- high price;
- It is difficult to understand for beginners;
- paid updates.
If you're serious about scanning and optical text recognition, then look at the Nuance OmniPage Ultimate. The software contains many features that exceed your expectations, and although the price is relatively high, it is still in the affordable category for most small businesses that purchase such software under a commercial license.
Even if you scan cash, you can convert it to any kind of digital file that is needed to work. And all this works very fast.
The Nuance scanner software is known for accurate conversion. It is trusted by the world's largest companies, including Amazon, Ford and GE, and allows you to create custom workflows so that your documents are automatically delivered to the right place in a specific format depending on your needs.
If the Ultimate edition is too expensive for you (30 thousand rubles), try the cheaper version of OmniPage Standard at a price of about 10 thousand rubles. Although the standard package does not include so many input, output, and workflow parameters, it still offers a good feature set for most users who need a solution for optical text recognition.
2. Google Goggles
Pros:
- completely free;
- modern processing algorithms;
- high speed.
Minuses:
- facial recognition accuracy is low;
- ranking of results is in most cases erroneous;
- finds a lot of similar objects.
Internet service is popular all over the world. Google is known for creating the best search tools available. Each of the settings has a large number of points.
With their help, you can set the necessary parameters for processing the request. The tool searches Google Goggles for objects similar to the ones you have uploaded. Then with the help of filters you can choose the most suitable options among the results.
This free tool provides an excellent data processing system. It is easy to use, but has no real analytics. This makes it impossible to study the individual parameters and features of each object.
However, the service is constantly improving. Google Goggles is being actively updated by developers. Alas, the system still does not receive any improvements in the field of identification of specific physical parameters.
As for recognition, the search utility does an excellent job with inanimate objects and logos, as they have more similarities. Google Goggles for Android and PC comes completely free. It is possible to install the service on iOS.
3. Amazon Rekognition
Pros:
- convenient interface;
- quick processing;
- ability to compare characteristics.
Minuses:
- more focused on the processing of inanimate objects;
- no Russian interface;
- single objects are looking for her.
Rekognition is an image recognition service from Amazon. Using this software, you can detect objects and faces in pictures on the Web, as well as compare the results.
Amazon Rekognition is based on deep learning technology developed by computer vision scientists to analyze billions of images for Prime Photos every day. Face recognition in this program is still not working well.
The software uses neural network models to detect and mark thousands of objects and silhouettes in images. Nevertheless, it can analyze only those pictures that are published massively. This means that if you want to find your own, designed logo, you first need to add thousands of images related to this object to the network. The algorithm does not recognize single instances.
4. Clarifai
Pros:
- unique data processing system;
- high speed of work;
- so far free.
Minuses:
- the system is still being tested;
- image processing for specific servers;
- global search is missing.
Clarifai is one of the most accurate built-in image recognition APIs (editable open source packages). The utility can mark, organize and study images and videos using artificial intelligence and machine learning. Face recognition technology in the program works well.
Clarifai offers a free API that enables users to search for any data and images that they need in order to check how powerful this tool is.
5. Ditto
Pros:
- ideal tool for commercial companies;
- convenient search system;
- Search through social networks.
Minuses:
- search area is small;
- only works with well-detailed objects;
- many features are still under development.
Ditto is an image recognition tool optimized for social networks. Its feature is that it works only through public portals. They are becoming more and more popular, as 3.2 billion photos are published on social networks every day.
Ditto's image recognition program helps brands find and tag scenes and objects in photographs that people share on popular sites. This is a fantastic tool that is great for companies. However, the search coverage is very small. There is no geography binding. This does not allow us to determine where the images matching the query are most often found.
6. GumGum
Pros:
- search by brand;
- large coverage on request;
- There are no analogues in the market.
Minuses:
- works only in demo mode;
- Not all functions are working correctly yet.
GumGum is the first company to use banner advertising. She has developed a new image detection tool on the Internet. This technology itself can receive and analyze data from social networks, so there is no need to separately collect information from each source.
Despite the fact that the technology looks attractive, the tool is still quite new to the market and it has yet to be launched. Recognition of graphic images is fast enough. However, so far there are many erroneous results.
7. LogoGrab
Pros:
- A popular tool for companies
- powerful data processing system;
- a lot of settings.
Minuses:
- searches only logos;
- high price.
LogoGrab, created by former Google employees, realized that brands needed to get more information from the Web about their products. They created state-of-the-art image detection technology that allows companies to find photos with their own logo.
The technology is powerful enough to find even parts of a particular picture. The program for scanning and image recognition has many additional tools. They allow you to set more precise settings when working.
Brandwatch and LogoGrab recently partnered to develop a platform ideal for social networking. Their joint patented technologies are world leaders in image and video search.
8. VeriLook SDK
Pros:
- convenient development environment;
- frequent updates;
- best security system.
Minuses:
- for developers only;
- no basic interface.
The module is based on face recognition technology and is intended for developers and integrators of biometric systems. The utility is widespread. The work environment allows you to quickly develop applications using algorithms that provide fast and reliable facial identification.
The software receives constant updates. VeriLook Standard SDK can be easily integrated into the client’s security system. The integrator fully controls the input and output of the SDK data.
Such software includes a device manager library that allows simultaneous capture from multiple cameras.
9. IBM Image Detection
Pros:
- has no analogues;
- used in many fields;
- learning algorithm.
Minuses:
- high price;
- for developers only.
Technology helps brands understand the content of images. For example, software can recognize food, find human faces, determine approximate age, gender, and detect similar images on the Internet.
Organizations can also “train” software by creating specific algorithms to find, for example, a specific type of dress in retail, identify spoiled fruits in stock, and much more.
Such an image recognition application is quite mobile. Depending on preferences, the working algorithm can be changed.
10. Abbyy FineReader 14
Pros:
- one of the most popular programs;
- convenient interface;
- Russian language support.
Minuses:
- expensive license;
- requires a powerful computer for fast processing.
The digital product has been helping companies manage documents for a long time, and this is evident from the latest version of AbbyyFineReader 14 software. This is a comprehensive solution for both small businesses and ordinary users. There are different types of licenses to choose from.
You get all the necessary tools for scanning paper documents and creating their full digital copy. In addition to recognizing text and converting it to PDF, formats supported by Microsoft Office, or others, the program can also compare results, add annotations, comments, and much more.
If you need to convert a large number of papers at once in batch mode, Abbyy FineReader 14 can do this. The software has a reputation as one of the best utilities for optical character recognition, and you can use the free trial to see how well it does its job.
11. Readiris
Pros:
- more convenient than many identical programs;
- has the largest number of tools;
- affordable price.
Minuses:
- requires a powerful computer;
- no demo mode.
Readiris has a user-friendly interface with many useful features and settings. If you run a small business or need a large number of digitized documents and are willing to pay for it, then this is the best program for your needs.
It seems that the developers of the utility have gathered all the well-known tools in one place. Watermarks, comments, and annotations are all supported by this software.
It is also one of the fastest and most convenient OCR programs for recognizing text in an image, which has bypassed the popularity of many well-known brands. Documents are quickly processed and saved.
Some options, such as support for 138 languages and password protection for PDF, require an enterprise-level package. The most budget option is the home version. It costs no more than 2 thousand rubles.
12. TopOCR
Pros:
- unique processing system;
- high speed of work;
- affordable price.
Minuses:
- can only align text;
- the program is demanding on computer resources.
Nowadays, almost any text recognition software can provide a high level of accuracy. Nevertheless, there are problems at work. For example, when scanned images have low definition or unevenness.
TopOCR was developed to solve these problems, and the utility copes with the task better than many competitors. The developers claim that the program uses at least three OCR mechanisms to smooth and remove unwanted elements in order to align letters and convert them with the highest level of accuracy.
The disadvantage is that this application focuses only on optical character recognition and does not provide other functions.
TopOCR offers a free 30-day trial on Windows. Another plus is that the full package has an affordable price, only 800 rubles. The program for recognizing text from an image also has a document translation function. .
13. "Google "
Pros:
Minuses:
, Google Drive , . .
Any PDF file or image that you upload to Google Drive is crawled for text. The utility is quite convenient to use. Image recognition from Google is fully online. However, the utility does not have additional filters and settings. You cannot disable the function either.
If you use the Google Drive app for Android, you can scan documents directly from the utility using the camera on your smartphone. There is also a normal mode of operation through a PC or laptop.
For individuals, Google Drive offers free storage of about 19 GB of files. There is the possibility of expanding to 100 GB (offered through the One package) for 100 rubles per month. If necessary, Google Goggles for PC can be connected. This allows you to activate the advanced search mode. Integration also occurs automatically with a single account.
Conclusion
The market is flooded with OCR programs that can extract text from images and save you a lot of the time you could spend retyping a document.
Applications of this type really optimize the work. However, good text recognition software should do more than extract text from printed documents. It should support layouts, text fonts for convenient data processing. Only thanks to this the work will be effective. However, this requires serious computing power.
In addition, more and more software has begun to appear that goes further and offers the identification of objects and the search for similar results in various sources. Many technologies are still far from perfect, however, with the creation of neural systems, it has been possible to many times improve work efficiency.