OMR (optical mark reader) scanner is the scanner which is used for scanning OMR sheets / forms and save scanned images on computer which are then processed by OMR software.
History of OMR scanners dates back to 1970's when a heavy OMR scanner machine was invented to correct school grading forms which were in the form of OMR bubbles. OMR scanner machines used since then worldwide were heavy in weight and used to cost approx. between Rupees 3-4 lakh. Although invention of OMR technology had made exam grading easier compared to manual way of grading; still OMR technology was not affordable for masses and was bulky to handle due to its machinery architecture.
Softlogic's OMR Software removed dependency on these heavy OMR scanner machines by introducing artificial intelligence based OMR bubbles reading algorithm. This OMR software detects OMR bubbles on OMR sheet/form. Any normal document scanner available in market can be used to scan OMR sheets.
There are two types of Document scanners available in market
1. Flatbed Scanners
These scanners have flat reading surface on which single OMR sheet can be placed at-a-time for scanning. In any scenario, we need to scan multiple OMR sheets. Scanning OMR sheets one-by-one; takes much time to complete entire OMR scanning process. Also, there is scope for errors in scanning as user gets no idea whether OMR sheet is perfectly placed on OMR scanner header.
2. ADF (automatic document feeder) Scanners
ADF scanners have OMR sheets holding tray in which we can place multiple OMR sheets at a time for scanning. ADF OMR scanner takes OMR sheet from tray automatically and sends for scanning. Normal ADF scanner can read minimum 10 OMR sheets per minute. High speed ADF scanners are also available in market depending on number of OMR sheets user wants to scan at single time.
Scanning through ADF OMR scanners is error-free as there is no manual handling of OMR sheets. ADF scanners from below companies are available -
HP OMR Scanners, Kodak OMR Scanners, Fujitsu OMR Scanners, Canon OMR Scanners
Epson OMR Scanners