Is Optical Mark Reader Input or Output Device

OMR stands for Optical Mark Reader which is an input device of computer system primarily and extensively used for capturing data and information from outside the world into the system.

They are generally used in examinations where MCQ types of questions are asked. 

In this article, we are going to clear every query and doubt related to is optical mark reader input or output device.

What is Optical Mark Reader in Computer System

 The OMR (Optical Mark Reader) was invented by Michael Sokalski an American Engineer. 

The OMR is a special type of input device that is capable of scanning various types of signs, symbols, marks, and colors printed on paper or other materials.

The OMR sheets are primarily used in examinations.

What is Optical Mark Reader in Computer
What is an Optical Mark Reader in Computer

This OMR sheet allows students to select answers by filling the circle with black color.

The colored option identifies that the question is attempted.

The optical mark reader is designed and developed to scan these OMR sheets with a high-efficiency rate and with 100% accuracy with the help and assistance of laser light.

The black circle reflects more laser light than the circle which is of no color.

In this fashion, the machine and device can confirm which option is selected in the OMR sheet.

These OMR devices have the incredible speed that can check 500 to 700 answer sheets per minute.

Is Optical Mark Reader Input or Output Device?

The optical mark reader is an input device. 

There are two types of devices in computer systems that are mentioned below with descriptions.

  • Input Devices.
  • Output Devices.

Input Devices

The input devices of a computer system are capable of accepting raw data and information from outside the world and later presenting them to the processor for further processing and handling.

Some of the examples of input devices are
  • Keyboard
  • Mouse
  • Scanner
  • Trackball
  • Joystick
  • Light Pen
  • Touch Screens
  • Optical Card Reader (OCR)
  • Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR)
  • Optical Bar Code Reader (OBR)
  • Voice Recognition Devices
  • Optical Mark Reader (OMR)

Output Devices

The output devices of computer systems are responsible to present the output in human-readable form with the help of output devices such as.

  • Monitors
  • Touch Screens
  • LCD Monitors or LED Monitors
  • Printers
  • Speakers
  • Headphones
  • Sound Cards
  • Plotters
  • Projectors

Full Form of OMR

Full Form of OMR in Computer

Different Types of Optical Mark Reader Sheets

  • Single OMR Sheet.
  • 3-part OMR Sheet with Answer Booklet.
  • OMR Sheet with Variable Data Print.
  • OMR Sheet with both sides Printed.

Uses of OMR [Optical Mark Reader]

Some of the uses of OMR are as follows.
  • Offices
  • Academics
  • Research Departments
  • Government Offices

Advantages of Optical Mark Reader

  • They are very fast devices and can check up to 10,000 to 20,000 sheets per hour.
  • They are incredibly accurate.
  • They are capable of collecting data and information available on the OMR sheet.
  • The chances of error get minimum working with OMR.
  • OMR can read any signs and marks mentioned on the sheets i.e. (computer or handmade)
  • OMR is very easy to install, use and handle.
  • The data stored after evaluation can be transferred or copied from one location to another easily.

Disadvantages of Optical Mark Reader

  • While performing any actions on OMR sheets users must think twice as it cannot reverse the commands.
  • If an incorrect or wrong option is selected it cannot be undone.
  • The biggest disadvantages of OMR sheet are they can be only worked and used with multiple choice questions.
  • If the input given to the OMR sheet is incorrect or inaccurate the output will be incorrect or inaccurate.
  • In Multiple choice questions, you cannot choose multiple answers.
  • OMR is a bit slow compared to other scanning devices.
  • Slight damage makes them unreadable.
  • To obtain the result the input must be accurate.
  • They are comfortable working with signs and marks.

10 Applications of OMR [Optical Mark Reader]

There are different applications of OMR. Some of them are mentioned below.
#Applications
1Admission Forms
2Survey Forms
3Examinations
4Inquiry Form
5Loan Form
6Feedback forms
7Subscription Forms
8Terms and Conditions forms
9Product Evaluations
10Data Compilations

Is Optical Mark Reader Input or Output Device With Images

Optical Mark Reader is Input Device
Optical Mark Reader is Input Device

Famous Optical Mark Reader Manufacturing Companies

  • Canon
  • Epson
  • HP
  • Fujitsu
  • Kodak
  • Umax
Related Articles

When & Who Invented Optical Mark Reader

An American Engineer named Michael Sokalski invented OMR in 1972.

The Optical Mark Reader is Input Device

Yes, an optical mark reader is input device as it accepts data and information from other sources and presents them to a computer system for further operations and processing.

The devices which have such capabilities are called “Input Devices”.

Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs]

Q.1] OCR Stands For

Ans: Optical Card Reader

Q.2] MICR Stands For

Ans: Magnetic Ink Character Recognition

Q.3] Which is better OMR or OCR?

Ans: OMR is far more accurate than OCR, therefore OMR is used extensively.

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