IBM optical mark and character readers
| Industry | Technology, Data processing |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1960 |
| Defunct | 1984 |
| Headquarters | Endicott and Rochester, New York , United States |
| Products | Optical mark readers, optical character readers, scanners (IBM 1230 series, IBM 1282, IBM 1285, IBM 1287, IBM 2956) |
IBM developed, produced, and marketed optical mark and character readers between 1960 and 1984. The IBM 1287 was notable as the first scanner available commercially that could interpret handwritten digits.
Early Research and Development
Between 1950 and 1954, IBM's Poughkeepsie facility explored machine character recognition, creating a prototype device that employed a cathode-ray tube connected to an IBM 701 for analyzing characters. This system utilized a "lakes and bays" method to differentiate between dark and light regions. In 1954, the research shifted to IBM Endicott. During 1955–1956, the VIDOR (Visual Document Reader) project was underway but discontinued due to conflicting views on acceptable rejection rates—while engineers accepted an 80% recognition rate, marketing considered the resulting 20% error rate too high compared to punched card technology.
In 1956, the American Bankers Association selected Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) for processing checks, declining IBM’s optical character recognition alternative. Consequently, IBM developed a magnetic read head and launched the IBM 1210 MICR reader/sorter in 1959. This innovation propelled optical character recognition forward by enabling reading of one or two lines of printed text on documents larger than punched cards. The IBM 1418 was the first product introduced from this work.
The IBM 123x Series of Optical Mark Readers
The IBM 1230, 1231, and 1232 machines were designed to capture data from marked forms such as questionnaires, tests, surveys, and archival records. Primarily adopted by educational institutions for test evaluation, they replaced the electrical resistance detection used in the IBM 805 Test Scoring Machine with optical sensing technology. These devices were developed and manufactured at IBM Rochester and included features such as:
- A pneumatic input hopper capable of holding approximately 600 sheets
- Two output bins: a standard stacker with a capacity of 600 sheets and a select/reject bin for up to 50 sheets
- Removable SMS printed circuit boards
- Optical read heads equipped with photovoltaic cells and lamps to detect pencil markings
- The IBM 1230 contained 21 photovoltaic cells (20 data cells plus one timing cell)
- The IBM 1231 and 1232 models included 22 cells (20 data, one timing, and one master mark cell)
- Input forms measuring 8½ by 11 inches with up to 1,000 marked or printed positions per side
- Sonic delay lines used for temporary result storage
| Model | Sheets per Hour | Interface | Announcement Date | Discontinued Date | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Output per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1230 | 1200 | Offline; optional card punch attachment | November 2, 1962 | January 30, 1980 | 44 in (110 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 45 in (110 cm) | ||
| 1231-1 | 2000 | Compatible with IBM 1130, IBM 1401, IBM 1440, IBM 1460 systems | November 2, 1963 | January 30, 1980 | 44 in (110 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 45 in (110 cm) | 620 lb (280 kg) | 3,700 BTU (930 kcal) |
| 1231-N1 | 2000 | Designed for IBM System/360 | April 7, 1964 | January 30, 1980 | 44 in (110 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 45 in (110 cm) | 620 lb (280 kg) | 3,700 BTU (930 kcal) |
| 1232 | 2000 | Connected to IBM 534 Model 3 Card Punch | November 2, 1963 | January 30, 1980 | 44 in (110 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 45 in (110 cm) |
IBM Model 1230 Optical Mark Scoring Reader
The IBM Model 1230 operates as an offline optical mark reader capable of processing up to 1,200 test answer sheets each hour.
- During scoring operations, it employs a wire matrix printer to inscribe results along the right margin of each sheet.
- There is an option to output results directly to an IBM 534 Model 3 Card Punch; when punching all eighty columns, throughput is approximately 750 sheets per hour.
- Operators must input two master control sheets: one containing correct answers and another specifying run parameters.
IBM 1231 Optical Mark Page Reader
The IBM 1231 functions as an online optical mark reader capable of processing and scoring up to 2,000 test answer sheets per hour, contingent upon subsequent processing steps.
- Correct responses may be input via a master sheet or transmitted through the optional master-mark capability.
IBM 1232 Optical Mark Page Reader
The IBM 1232 operates as an offline optical mark reader with a throughput of up to 2,000 marked sheets per hour.
- The reading rate varies depending on the quantity of characters punched on each sheet.
- It interprets marks and punches data onto cards using the IBM 534 Model 3 Card Punch, achieving a combined output of as many as 64,000 characters or 800 punched cards per hour.
Sample Clients
- Beginning in 1963, the California Test Bureau (CTB) started replacing IBM 805 units with IBM 1230 models and added two IBM 1232 units in 1964. Transitioning to full-size answer sheets instead of smaller mark sense cards eliminated the need for multiple cards per exam and enhanced marking efficiency.
- Credit Bureau Services based in Dallas utilized an IBM 1232 in 1966 to convert credit history information from optical scan sheets into punched cards for use with their IBM System/360 Model 30.
- In 1968, the Coastal Engineering Research Center of the US Army Corps of Engineers employed specialized logbooks processed by an IBM 1232 to transform coastal survey data into punched cards.
IBM 2956 Optical Mark/Hole Reader
The IBM 2956 Models 2 and 3 are specialized optical mark/hole readers designed for attachment to an IBM 2740 Communications Terminal.
- The IBM 2956-2 supports reading hand-marked, machine-marked, or punched cards. Cards can be manually fed or loaded from a hopper holding up to 400 cards, with output collected in a stacker capable of holding 400 cards. This model was available upon request for price quotation (RPQ) number 843086.
- The IBM 2956-3 reads hand-marked, machine-marked, or punched cards as well as marked sheets up to , limited to a band along one side. It does not include a hopper or stacker and requires manual feeding. Available by RPQ number 843106, it could also be connected to IBM 3276 or 3278 display terminals through RPQ UB9001.
A primary commercial use involved grading academic tests: students recorded answers to as many as 27 questions on optical scan cards, which were scanned and transmitted remotely in job entry mode to an IBM System/360 and printed via the IBM 2740. The reader also supported connection to an IBM 3735 for data transmission to an IBM System/370 and output printing on an IBM 3286 printer. Furthermore, it could interface with an IBM System/3.
| Model | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat output/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 | 26 in (66 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) | 39 in (99 cm) | 156 lb (71 kg) | 1,350 BTU (340 kcal) |
| 3 | 26 in (66 cm) | 15 in (38 cm) | 30 in (76 cm) | 150 lb (68 kg) | 1,350 BTU (340 kcal) |
Note: The IBM 2956 Model 5 (2956-5) served as a banking reader/sorter.
IBM 1282 Optical Reader Card Punch
The IBM 1282 is an offline optical reader engineered to interpret embossed credit card receipts, detect marked fields, or recognize machine-printed characters in three typefaces. It transfers this data onto punched cards. Developed and produced at IBM Endicott, it quickly gained traction with over one hundred units installed or ordered within two years following its introduction in 1963.
| Announced | Withdrawn | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat output/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| October 2, 1963 | January 30, 1980 |
Illustrative Client
- Between 1964 and 1968, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles utilized the IBM 1282 to process machine-printed license renewal forms returned by mail. This setup efficiently scanned the slips and handled punched card data until renewal forms began requiring handwritten Social Security Numbers, which led to adopting the IBM 1287 in 1968.
IBM 1285 Optical Reader
The IBM 1285, developed at IBM Endicott and produced at IBM Rochester, operates as an online optical reader. It processes printed paper tapes originating from cash registers or adding machines and interfaces with IBM systems such as the 1401, 1440, 1460, or System/360. Equipped with a compact display and keyboard for entering headers and correcting characters, it can scan up to 3,000 lines per minute on a tape approximately 200 feet long, completing the task in roughly three and a half minutes. The device flags any unreadable characters for subsequent manual re-entry. Its scanning mechanism employs System/360 SLT circuitry combined with a "flying spot" electronic beam.
| Announcement Date | Discontinued | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Output per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| April 21, 1964 | September 8, 1970 | 71+1⁄4 in (181 cm) | 35+3⁄4 in (91 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 1,600 lb (730 kg) | 5,000 BTU (1,300 kcal) |
IBM 1287 Optical Reader
The IBM 1287 is an online optical scanner engineered to read printed paper tapes and cut form documents, delivering input data to IBM System/360 or System/370 mainframes. It is capable of interpreting both machine-printed information and hand-printed numerals or optical marks, contingent on the model and its features. IBM marketed this device as the first commercial scanner able to recognize handwritten pencil digits. Designed and manufactured at IBM Rochester, its initial shipment occurred in January 1968.
An early prototype was displayed at the IBM Pavilion during the 1964–1965 New York World's Fair. Attendees wrote dates on cards that the machine scanned to retrieve and print matching The New York Times headlines from a database of nearly 40,000 entries. This demonstration also provided valuable handwriting samples for IBM.
Notable characteristics include:
- An input hopper accommodating a stack of documents.
- Three output stackers capable of holding separate stacks.
- Acceptable document sizes range from to .
- Processing speeds depend on document dimensions and complexity—ranging from approximately 665 documents per minute for smaller machine-printed forms down to below 100 per minute for larger sheets with extensive hand-printed fields.
- A CRT screen displays characters that remain unrecognized after multiple scans, enabling operators to correct them via keyboard input.
- Serial numbers from 00000 to 99999 can be printed on each document.
Recognition capabilities vary by model, with optional enhancements such as numeric handwriting recognition:
- Model 1: Reads numeric printed data from cut sheets or cards.
- Model 2: Includes Model 1 features plus support for continuous paper rolls (e.g., journal tape).
- Model 3: Similar to Model 1 but adds OCR A font reading capability.
- Model 4: Combines Model 2 features with OCR A font support.
- Model 5: Reads numeric handprinted digits alongside selected alphabetic characters; feature code 2987 enables a "Multifont Preprocessor."
| Model | Announcement Date | Discontinued | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Output per Hour |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1287-1 | October 4, 1966 | July 17, 1984 | 125+3⁄4 in (319 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) | 10,000 BTU (2,500 kcal) |
| 1287-2 | October 4, 1966 | November 22, 1978 | 125+3⁄4 in (319 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 2,900 lb (1,300 kg) | 10,000 BTU (2,500 kcal) |
| 1287-3 | July 15, 1968 | July 17, 1984 | 185+3⁄4 in (472 cm) | 36 in (91 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 3,900 lb (1,800 kg) | 13,000 BTU (3,300 kcal) |
|- |1287-4 | July 15, 1968 | November 22, 1978 | "Template:Cvt"185+3/4"" | "Template:Cvt"36"" | "Template:Cvt"60"" | "Template:Cvt"3900"" | "Template:Cvt"13000"" |} |- |1287-5 (50 Hz FC2987) | | July 17, 1984 | | | | | |} |- |1287-5 (60 Hz) | December 28, 1971 | July 17, 1984 | | | | | |}
Representative Clients
- In 1968, the New York Department of Motor Vehicles implemented an IBM 1287 to handle driver license renewals, including the processing of Social Security Numbers, achieving a scanning success rate of approximately 66%.
- The IBM 1288 was utilized by Baltimore city authorities to manage property tax invoices, water meter billing, income tax returns, and food stamp administration.
- Maryland State employed the IBM 1288 for scanning employer-submitted hand-marked income tax forms, reporting an acceptance ratio of 85%.
- For the 1970 census, the German government procured a total of eleven IBM 1288 units.
IBM 1288 Optical Page Reader
Developed by IBM Rochester and first delivered in July 1969, the IBM 1288 is an online optical scanner engineered to read full-size cut-sheet pages nearly double the size handled by the IBM 1287. It was designed to convert these pages into input data compatible with IBM System/360 or System/370 mainframes. The device supports reading OCR-A typeface, optionally hand-printed numerals, and optical marks.
Notable specifications include:
- An input hopper capable of holding a stack of documents up to 10 inches high.
- Two output stackers that can each accommodate either a 4.5-inch stack of short documents or a 3-inch stack of longer sheets; one stacker is designated for documents containing unreadable characters.
- Document dimensions supported range from 3 by 6.5 inches up to 9 by 14 inches.
- Automatic serial number printing on each page, ranging from 00000 to 99999.
- Processing speed varies based on document size and complexity of fields; no official maximum throughput has been declared.
| Introduction Date | Discontinuation Date | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Dissipation/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| July 15, 1968 | November 1, 1983 | 175½ in | 41½ in | 60 in | 3900 lb | 13,000 btu |
The system is composed of three main frames:
| Frame Number | Function | Length | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Stacker Unit | 55 in | 1160 lb |
| 2 | Feeding Module | 60 in | 1280 lb |
| 3 | Control Unit | 60½ in | 1460 lb |
IBM 14x8 Series Optical Readers
IBM's initial foray into optical reading began with the IBM 1418, which was capable of interpreting numbers and vertical bar codes using the same transport mechanism as the IBM 1419 check sorter. The IBM 1428 model expanded this capability to include both alphabetic characters and numerals.
IBM 1418 Optical Character Reader
The IBM 1418 reads numerical fonts standardized by the IBM 407 in two sizes and can detect vertical pencil marks. It was developed at IBM Endicott specifically for cash-accounting tasks involving small payment stubs.
Key attributes include:
- A "mechanical image dissector" that scans characters across several vertical bands to enhance reading accuracy.
- Connectivity via cable to IBM 1401 or IBM 1410 systems.
- Reading speeds reaching up to 480 characters per second, with throughput up to 400 documents per minute.
- Equipped with a CRT display mounted on top of the unit, which increases its overall height.
- The Model 3 version supports a wider variety of paper sizes.
| Model Type | Documents per Minute | Output Pockets | Release Date | Retirement Date | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Dissipation/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1418-1 | 400 | 3 | September 16, 1960 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in | 41¼ in | 60¼ in | 2650 lb | 8300 btu |
| 1418-2 | 400 | 13 | September 16, 1960 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in | 41¼ in | 60¼ in | 2700 lb | 8300 btu |
| 1418-3 | 400 | 3 | February 11, 1963 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in | 41¼ in | 60¼ in | 2650 lb | 8300 btu |
Illustrative Clients
- The Pennsylvania Power & Light Company is said to have been the first to deploy the commercially available IBM 1418, utilizing it to scan customer bill stubs that included power meter readings.
IBM 1428 Alphanumeric Scanner
The IBM 1428 is engineered to interpret alphanumeric characters from printed materials employing a unique font style. IBM promoted this device for applications such as scanning insurance premium notifications, charge sales invoices, route slips, payroll and dividend checks, as well as mail orders. Created and produced at IBM Endicott, it incorporates a "mechanical image dissector" technology that reads characters in vertical strips which are then combined and cross-checked. This unit connects through a cable to IBM 1401 or 1410 computer systems.
Its main specifications include a reading rate of 480 characters per second, capable of handling up to 400 documents each minute. The Model 3 version accommodates a wider variety of paper dimensions.
| Machine
Type Model |
Documents
per minute |
Pockets | Introduced | Discontinued | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat output/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1428-1 | 400 | 3 | April 26, 1962 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in (280 cm) | 41+1⁄4 in (105 cm) | 60+1⁄4 in (153 cm) | 2,750 lb (1,250 kg) | 10,500 BTU (2,600 kcal) |
| 1428-2 | 400 | 13 | April 26, 1962 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in (280 cm) | 41+1⁄4 in (105 cm) | 60+1⁄4 in (153 cm) | 2,800 lb (1,300 kg) | 10,500 BTU (2,600 kcal) |
| 1428-3 | 400 | 3 | February 11, 1963 | September 8, 1970 | 112 in (280 cm) | 41+1⁄4 in (105 cm) | 60+1⁄4 in (153 cm) | 2,750 lb (1,250 kg) | 10,500 BTU (2,600 kcal) |
IBM 1975 Optical Page Reader
To address the US Social Security Administration's (SSA) 1961 demand for OCR solutions aimed at minimizing manual data entry of approximately 57 million quarterly lines, IBM developed the IBM 1975 Optical Page Reader. This system utilized engineer Evon Greanias' curve-follower CRT flying-spot scanner technology, enabling it to interpret variable fonts and potentially handwritten text. By May 1963, enhancements incorporating advanced statistical decision-making techniques were made by IBM Research and Rochester teams. Delivered toward the end of 1965, the unique IBM 1975 was capable of reading SSA Form #941 with an average of 22 lines per page and achieved an acceptance rate between 52% and 55%. It remained operational until its retirement in 1977.
IBM 388x Optical Readers
Introduced in 1972 and discontinued in 1984, the IBM 3881 and IBM 3886 models represent the last generation of IBM's optical reader series.
IBM 3881 Optical Mark Reader
The IBM 3881 is an optical mark reader designed specifically to detect machine-printed or hand-marked inputs but does not process OCR fonts or handwritten numerals. Developed and produced at IBM Rochester, it was available in three distinct models.
Notable attributes include:
- Compatibility with document sizes ranging from up to .
- Processing speed varies depending on document length; for documents measuring , it can handle up to 4,000 sheets per hour.
- Equipped with an integrated vacuum cleaner for upkeep.
- The model 3881-2 outputs scanned information directly to a connected IBM 3410-1 Magnetic Tape Drive (, ), which is not factored into the machine’s physical measurements.
| Model | Sheets/hr | Attachment | Announced | Withdrawn | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat output/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3881-1 | 4000 | IBM S/370 | April 24, 1972 | July 17, 1984 | 60 in (150 cm) | 24 in (61 cm) | 55 in (140 cm) | 875 lb (397 kg) | 3,500 BTU (880 kcal) |
|- 3881-2 4000 Offline April 24, 1972 July 17, 1984 60 in (150 cm) 24 in (61 cm) 55 in (140 cm) 875 lb (397 kg) 3,500 BTU (880 kcal) |- 3881-3 4000 IBM S/370 July 15, 1974 July 17, 1984 60 in (150 cm) 24 in (61 cm) 55 in (140 cm) 925 lb (420 kg) 3,800 BTU (960 kcal) |} The last IBM Rochester-produced unit of the IBM 3881 was delivered to a client located in Puerto Rico in January of 1980.
IBM 3886 Optical Character Reader
The IBM 3886 is an optical page reader engineered to interpret OCR fonts or hand-printed digits. Developed at IBM Rochester and produced both there and at IBM Greenock in Scotland, it was available in two distinct models.
Key specifications include:
- Capable of handling document dimensions ranging from to .
- Features an input hopper that holds a stack of .
- Default reading capability for OCR-A font; optional support for OCR-B and numeric hand-printed characters.
- The 3886-2 variant transmits scanned data to a connected IBM 3410-1 Magnetic Tape Drive (not included in the physical specifications).
- Launched the "Video collect" feature in 1974, allowing operators to view and manually correct unrecognized characters through an IBM 3277 console.
Processing rates depend on document size and content:
- Processes approximately 4.4 documents per minute for a sheet containing 29 lines with 78 characters each (totaling 2,260 characters).
- Can reach up to 94 documents per minute for a sheet with a single line of eight characters.
| Model | Connection | Release Date | Discontinued | Length | Width | Height | Weight | Heat Emission/hr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3886-1 | IBM S/370 | October 16, 1972 | July 17, 1984 | 70 in (180 cm) | 29+1⁄2 in (75 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 1,550 lb (700 kg) | 7,000 BTU (1,800 kcal) |
| 3886-2 | Offline | October 16, 1972 | July 17, 1984 | 70 in (180 cm) | 29+1⁄2 in (75 cm) | 60 in (150 cm) | 1,550 lb (700 kg) | 7,600 BTU (1,900 kcal) |
Notable users
- In 1974, the City and County of Honolulu utilized the IBM 3886 to process approximately 400,000 motor vehicle and bicycle registration renewals annually. Operating at speeds up to 5,000 forms per hour, data was captured on tape for subsequent mainframe processing, effectively eliminating manual data entry.
- Union Mutual employed the IBM 3886 in 1975 to scan Medicare claims and benefits paperwork, accommodating a transaction volume increase of 50% over two years. Documents were scanned onto tape and processed on System/370. The "video collect" functionality allowed daily handling by facilitating correction of about 20% of rejected claims without full manual re-entry.
- Milgrims Food Stores in Kansas City adopted the IBM 3886 in 1976 to scan delivery forms from stores, enhancing vendor delivery tracking.
Advanced Optical Character Reader Postal Service
On October 26, 1970, IBM received a US$6.7 million contract from the U.S. Postal Service to develop the Advanced Optical Character Reader Postal Service system. The project was carried out by IBM Rochester alongside the Federal Systems Division based in Gaithersburg. The goal was to sort one million letters within a single day.
By June 1972, the Postal Program team had delivered the Advanced Optical Character Reader (AOCR) to the New York City General Post Office. This system was capable of scanning and sorting machine-addressed envelopes at a rate of 24 per second.
IBM was among three suppliers providing equipment for this initiative. The overall program expenditure reached US$28.9 million; however, none of the machines met criteria for full-scale production. IBM’s contract incurred cost overruns exceeding US$6 million.
IBM OCR reader/sorters
IBM developed multiple OCR reader/sorter systems primarily aimed at the European financial market, as outlined in the IBM document processors article, including:
Furthermore, IBM introduced the IBM 3895, an inscriber designed to optically interpret handwritten amounts, thereby reducing check-proofing efforts.