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OMR and Image Scanners

Overview

DATA BLOCKS is a value-added reseller of OMR scanners from Sekonic. We also resell image scanners from Fujitsu, Brother International, Canon, Panasonic, and Ricoh.

OMR scanners (Optical Mark Readers)

A scanner classified as an optical mark reader (OMR) is able to detect the presence of marks that have been filled in using a technology that uses very specifically placed LED's to sense marks in certain columns once a timing track (those funny piano marks you see on these forms) is detected. This requires very tight registration in the design and printing of these forms. That means that the form may look just fine, but if the timing track and the bubbles on the form are not in the exact columns where the LED's in the read head can detect them, there is no way for the scanner to read the marks no matter how nice the form looks. This is referred to as skew and float.

	The raised black bar houses the read head.
	When the read head is opened, it is easy to see the LEDs that detect marks. A read head may have LEDs on both the top and bottom if it is a two-sided scanner.

Sekonic scanners are OMR scanners that can scan up to 8.5 x 14 inch forms at a speed of up to 3500 sheets per hour. Sekonic also provides an OMR card reader. Although a form designed for a Chatsworth OMR, for example, can be any size, the portion of the form that goes through the scanner is card size. Chatsworth Data optical mark readers deal with scanning cards used in the gaming industry, for ballots, and special transactions.

Image Scanners

A scanner classified as a image scanner, page scanner, flatbed scanner, document scanner or OCR is able to detect the presence of marks by using imaging technology. That means that internally, the scanner takes a picture of the sheet and is told through software where to look for data based on vertical and horizontal placement. This may sound similar to an OMR, but it is not. The printing of this type of scan form does not require tight registration. Skew and float are not as much an issue with this type of scanner. Copies instead of originals may be used with these scanners.

The Fujitsu scanners that we sell are image scanners (also known as document or page scanners) which will also scan OMR forms if the bubbles are configured to certain specifications.

If you plan to purchase a scanner for use with Remark Classic (Magenta Suite) or Remark Office (Concord) software, here are some pros and cons to consider.

Differences between scanning hardware

Confused about which type of scanning hardware to use for processing your forms? The following is a basic comparison of the packages:

The main difference between them is in the hardware with which they work. Remark Office OMR software (Concord) works with common PC image scanners. These are the type of scanners that can also be used for scanning pictures or pages of text and are readily available from your local computer dealer or via mail order companies. Some manufacturers of image scanners include Fujitsu, Brother International, Hewlett Packard, Microtek, UMAX, Canon and Panasonic. However, the typical image scanners that come with PCs such as the HP ScanJet are really not appropriate because the automatic data feed (ADF) mechanism does not handle this application very well and the TWAIN driver may not be compatible..

Remark Classic OMR (Magenta Suite) works with traditional optical mark readers. OMR readers are commonly associated with standardized testing, pre-printed forms and number two pencils. These machines are sold either from a reseller like DATA BLOCKS or directly to the end user by the manufacturer's sales representatives. Remark Classic OMR (Magenta Suite) works with OMR readers from Apperson Print Management, Chatsworth Data, Pearson NCS, Sekonic and Scantron.

For specifics, please see the Sekonic SR-1800, Sekonic SR-3500, Fujitsu, and Brother International overview pages.

For a list of specific OMR scanner models that work with Remark Classic OMR (Magenta Suite), see Remark Classic Technical specifications.

For a list of specific image scanner models that work with Remark Office (Concord Suite), see Remark Office Technical specifications.

<< contact DATA BLOCKS to find out how
to purchase an OMR or image scanner >>