Which computer application scans texts and converts into readable form in computer?

Question

Prepp Team · Accepted Answer

Understanding Text Scanning and Conversion

The question asks about a computer application that takes scanned texts and turns them into a format that a computer can read and work with, like editable text. This process involves analyzing an image of text and recognizing the characters within it.

What is Optical Character Recognition (OCR)?

The technology specifically designed for this task is called Optical Character Recognition (OCR). An OCR application works by:

Taking an image file (like a scan or a photograph) that contains text.
Analyzing the image to identify areas containing text.
Recognizing each character (letters, numbers, symbols) within those areas.
Converting the recognized characters into digital, editable text data that the computer understands.

This allows you to take a physical document, scan it, and then edit the text on your computer using a word processor, which is not possible with just a standard image file.

Analyzing the Options

Let's look at the given options:

Optical Scanner Reader: While a scanner is involved in the initial step of creating the image, "Optical Scanner Reader" is not the standard term for the software that performs the character recognition and conversion. A scanner is the hardware device.
Optical Character Recognition: This is the correct and widely recognized term for the technology and application that scans text and converts it into a readable format for the computer, i.e., editable text.
Optical Marker Recognition: This technology, often called OMR, is used to detect specific marks on a document, like filled-in circles on a multiple-choice answer sheet or survey form. It recognizes positions of marks, not individual text characters in a document or book.
Optical Character Evaluator: This is not a standard or recognized term for the application described in the question.

Based on the function described in the question – scanning text and converting it into a readable computer form (editable text) – Optical Character Recognition is the precise technology that performs this task.

Conclusion

The computer application that scans texts and converts them into a readable and editable form in a computer is known as Optical Character Recognition.

Revision Table: Related Concepts

Term	Function	Relation to Question
Scanner	Hardware device that captures an image of a document.	Provides the image input for OCR software.
Optical Character Recognition (OCR)	Software/Technology that converts scanned text images into editable text.	The core application described in the question.
Optical Marker Recognition (OMR)	Technology that detects marks or patterns on a document (e.g., bubbles on test sheets).	Different function; focuses on marks, not converting full text characters.

Additional Information on OCR Technology

OCR technology has evolved significantly over the years. Modern OCR software can handle various fonts, layouts, and even handwriting to some extent. It is used in many applications, including:

Converting scanned documents into editable word processing files.
Digitizing historical records or books.
Making scanned PDFs searchable.
Automating data entry from forms.
Assisting visually impaired individuals by converting scanned text into speech.

The accuracy of OCR can depend on the quality of the original scan, the complexity of the document layout, and the capabilities of the specific OCR software used.