MICR Stands for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition. MICR is used to fa
cilitate the processing of checks.MICR characters are printed onto paper using ink that contains magnetic iron oxide. The numbers and special characters have a universally accepted font known as Type 1 MICR E13-B. The reader then scans these characters magnetically using a magnetic head similar to those found in tape recorders.
Most banks use MICR for the printing of serial numbers in their checks. MICR is a magnetic printing method, and its font has been standardized into a precise set of numbers and special characters. When the reader passes through the paper which has MICR characters printed on it, the waveform generated always gives an exact value for the computer to process. Because of this, the accuracy in reading MICR numbers and characters are better than other computer-assisted reading technologies.
Its current use as a check identification system is enough. However, since reading the numbers involves touching it with a magnetic head, it may have many other uses. MICR can replace the embossed digit system currently used in credit cards. It can also be used by visually impaired people. Dials used in thermostats can have the value written in magnetic ink, so when the dial passes through the number, the temperature setting is announced. While electronic means of achieving the same thing are now available, these cannot match the simplicity, affordability and reliability of this technology.
Images by Eric Sandeen and Wikipedia Commons
References:
BarCodeResource.com. 2009. MICR. http://www.barcoderesource.com/micr.shtml
MICR Repository. 2009. MICR. http://www.asapchecks.com/micr/micr.htm
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