UNSD Census WorkshopDay 2 - Session 6

Data Capture: Optical Mark Recognition

Andy Tye – International Manager

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture

Optical Mark Recognition (OMR)

2 methods to automate Mark data capture

– OMR from image

– Dedicated OMR scanners

Forms design, Hardware, Software, Advantages, Disadvantages for each method are different

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

• OMR from image

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture

Image Storage

ScanDatabase

Processing

• Dedicated OMR Scanners

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Scan

Data Capture

Database

Data Capture - OMR

OMR from image

Forms Design

• Typical stock grade paper (90GSM)

• Corner Stones advised

• Dropout colour is recommended but not essential

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Forms Design

• CBS2 Standard Paper

• Layout of form designed using grid system

• Dropout colour is mandatory

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Forms Design

Whichever OMR method chosen make sure you:

• Design your form in collaboration with technology provider

• Finalise the form design in good time, well in advance of census

• Prove your forms design with a Pilot exercise

Census forms need to be designed precisely and with enumerator task in mind

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

OMR from image

Hardware

• Image Scanners– TWAIN or ISIS

• Database Server• Storage Server

• Network

• Administrator PC• CS-Pro PCs• Key correction PCs• Scanner PCs• Image interpretation PCs

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Hardware

• OMR Scanners

• Database Server

• Network

• Administrator PC• CS-Pro PCs

Data Capture - OMR

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Typical Workflow

OMR from image

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Typical Workflow

OMR from image

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Dedicated OMR Scanners

OMR from image

Software

• Software for Scanner PCs

• Software for Administrator PC• CS-Pro PCs• Software for Key correction PCs• Software for Direct Data Entry PCs• License per Image interpretation

PCs

• MS-SQL or other database• Data Storage, Archive and Retrieval

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Software

• Software for OMR Scanners

• Software for Administrator PC

• CS-Pro PCs

• MS -SQL or other database

Data Capture - OMR

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

OMR from image

Accuracy

• Typically tolerance level applied

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Accuracy

• Typically 16 levels of discrimination

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

OMR from image

Advantages

• No specialist hardware required

• An Image archive is automatically produced of every form

• Very high speed scanning can be achieved

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Advantages

• Very accurate time proven technology

• A guaranteed accuracy of data from properly shaded forms

• ‘Problem’ forms are identified at point of scanning and can be ‘out-sorted’

• Validated data is produced immediately as forms are accepted

• Overall a low cost option for paper based data capture

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

OMR from image

Disadvantages

• Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc.

• Need trained enumerators to complete the form.

• As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence

• Accuracy suffers from image technology

• Significant hardware/software and trained IT staff will be required

• Accuracy dependant on manual intervention

Dedicated OMR Scanners

Disadvantages

• Not all data can be collected using OMR. Such as name, occupation, etc.

• Need trained enumerators to complete the form.

• As OMR fields take up space, so forms can be more pages as a consequence

• Accurately printed forms are required.

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Cost Comparisons (A general guide)

  OMR from Image Dedicated OMR Scanner

Forms Design Same

Forms Production - Higher

Enumerator Training - Higher

Scanners - Higher

PC Higher -

PC Operators Higher -

Servers Higher -

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

Data Capture - OMR

Summary

For both methods

The single most important factor for timely and

accurate data capture is to make sure

‘the forms are filled in correctly and

are returned in good condition’

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk

UNSD Census WorkshopDay 2 - Session 6

Thank you for listening

Andy Tye – International Manager

DRS are Worldwide specialists in Census data capture www.drs.co.uk