Access IS Newsletter Spring 2009
World’s smallest OCR module

Access IS Newsletter As focus on security intensifies around the world, Access has designed the OCR310, the world’s smallest optical character recognition module for OEM integration into ultra-mobile PCs and portable hand-held devices. The OCR310 draws only 120mA from a 3VDC supply and has an in-built sleep mode, which reduces power consumption to a minimum, substantially extending the battery life of portable equipment.

At launch, its target applications included security checks at airport boarding gates, accelerating airport check-in and reading ID cards for use by police officers and other bodies who have an interest in verifying an individual’s identity.

In each application, the module captures code lines from machine-readable documents including passports, visas and travel cards conforming to ICAO Document 9303. In addition, APACS debit and credit documents can be read together with E13B OCRB and mixed E13B and OCRB fonts. Access’ proven OCR decoder technology ensures fast and accurate document reading.

The OCR310 connects to the portable device electronics via a 12-way, 0.5mm-pitch, flat flexible ribbon cable (FFC). Mating cables and connectors are also available from Access. Communication with external systems is via RS232 or USB interfaces.

Developers' Kit

The OCR310 is the world’s smallest OCR reader (see front page story). Intended for integration into OEM equipment such as PDAs and ultra-mobile PCs, the OCR module is designed to be versatile and offers a wide range of configuration settings.

To assist the integration into equipment, Access has made available a developers’ kit. Each kit comprises one OCR310 device, two interface boards (one USB and one RS-232) together with all the cables, utilities and documentation necessary to get the unit up and running quickly and easily.

Web Links

OCR310 OCR Reader Module

For integration by equipment manufacturers, an ultra compact module for mobile devices including those for checking identity (ID) cards, passports and US Resident Alien Cards.