Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) is an advanced OCR technology that takes traditional data extraction to the next level by enabling machines to recognize and process handwritten text.
In this article, we’ll explore ICR, how it works, the benefits it offers, and its key use cases.
What is Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR)?
Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) is a step beyond traditional OCR. ICR is designed. ICR uses advanced machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms to to identify and interpret handwritten text
ICR can recognize different writing styles, fonts and sizes.
It’s widely used in industries where handwritten information, such as forms, checks, surveys, or any document involving freeform text, needs to be digitized.
Examples of ICR
- Healthcare: A hospital uses ICR to digitize handwritten patient intake forms, automatically extracting information like name, address, medical history, and insurance details.
- Banking: A bank employs ICR to process handwritten checks. The system accurately reads the check amount, account number, and signature, enabling faster check clearing and fraud detection.
How does ICR work?
ICR uses the following technologies to detect even cursive handwriting:
- Machine learning (ML)
- Artificial intelligence (AI)
- Robotic process automation (RPA)
- Computer vision
- Pattern and speech recognition
The process involves the following steps:
- Pre-processing: The document is first scanned to improve clarity, adjust brightness, and remove any noise or irrelevant marks.
- AI data extraction: ICR software converts unstructured data into structured data.
- Post-processing: After recognizing the characters, the system applies language rules to correct mistakes and improve accuracy.
Benefits of ICR
Organizations can simplify their data management processes by adopting ICR and improving decision making. Here are some key benefits of ICR:
Enhanced data accuracy
ICR significantly reduces errors compared to manual data entry. The use of machine learning means that accuracy improves with every document processed.
Time-saving
Automating the extraction of handwritten information from documents saves considerable time, especially when dealing with large volumes of paperwork.
Cost efficiency
Businesses save costs on labor, allowing their teams to focus on higher-value tasks, thus increasing productivity.
Scalability
ICR technology can process thousands of documents daily, making it highly scalable for businesses of all sizes.
Difference between ICR and OCR
While ICR is a subset of OCR, key differences exist between the two data extraction technologies.
OCR has been introduced for decades and uses pattern recognition and rule-based algorithms to match printed text to pre-defined characters.
However, it struggles with handwritten text and complex fonts, as it relies on pre-defined character sets.
ICR is a more advanced form of character recognition. It is specifically designed to handle handwritten text and less structured data. ICR "learns" from each document it processes, adapting to various handwriting styles, including cursive and block lettering.
| Feature | Optical Character Recognition (OCR) | Intelligent Character Recognition (ICR) |
|---|---|---|
| Type of Text | Recognizes printed and typed text | Recognizes handwritten text |
| Accuracy | High accuracy | Learning-based; accuracy improves over time |
| Use Cases | Digitizing printed invoices, receipts, contracts | Recognizing handwritten forms, signatures, checks |
| Technology | Uses traditional algorithms to detect printed characters | Uses ML and AI algorithms to interpret handwriting |
| Learning Capability | Static, no learning from previous scans | Dynamic improves recognition with more data |
Use Cases of ICR
ICR technology has diverse applications across multiple industries. We’ve highlighted the top ICR applications below.
Banking and financial services
ICR can scan and extract data from:
- Handwritten checks
- Loan applications
- Customer signatures
Healthcare
It automates data extraction from:
- Patient forms
- Prescriptions
- Medical records
- Medical claims processing
Education
It extracts data from:
- Examination papers
- Essays
- Student forms
- Student applications
- Transcripts
Legal
It automates contract management from:
- Signatures
- Form entries
- Contracts
Government
It digitizes paper-based forms, including:
- Census forms
- Surveys
- Tax submissions
Parseur and ICR
As an advanced AI parsing solution, Parseur leverages ICR to extract handwritten text from emails, PDFs and scanned documents. By combining ICR with ML and AI, Parseur can accurately capture handwritten text from various documents, providing businesses with a reliable and scalable data automation tool.
Parseur integrates seamlessly into your workflow, ensuring that data is automatically processed and exported to your applications via Zapier, Make and Power Automate.
With ICR technology in Parseur, you can automate data entry tasks, reducing manual labor and improving overall efficiency.
FAQ
What is the difference between ICR and HWR?
ICR focuses on the handwritten text, while HWR (Handwritten recognition) also known as Handwritten Text Recognition (HTR), is a type of ICR focused on recognizing entire handwritten sentences and paragraphs. It is particularly useful for recognizing freeform handwriting.
Is ICR better than OCR?
ICR is more advanced than OCR when it comes to recognizing handwritten text. However, if you're only dealing with printed or typed text, OCR is often the better option as it provides higher accuracy for printed characters.
Can ICR recognize cursive handwriting?
Yes, ICR can recognize cursive handwriting. ICR uses machine learning and neural networks to recognize characters, even in cursive or distorted handwritten text.
Does Parseur have both ICR and OCR capabilities?
Yes, Parseur is an advanced document processing tool with integrated OCR-ICR capabilities.
Can I try ICR on Parseur’s free plan?
Yes, all our features are available on the free plan.
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