Access IS has unveiled the OCR312, a low-power optical character reader (OCR) for passports, identity cards and other OCR-B encoded cards.

The new device, which is being displayed at this week’s SDW show, connects via USB (with type A, mini and micro USB cable options) to most popular handheld portable tablets, data terminals and standard PCs. According to Access IS, the OCR312’s low power consumption and ability to revert to sleep mode enable it to operate efficiently with battery powered devices. Keyboard and virtual serial data formats are available via Android and Windows drivers.

It says: “Depending upon user preference and orientation, passports and cards can be swiped through the OCR312 in either direction, and an audible beep and a bi-colour LED visual indicator confirm a good read. Access’ high-integrity proprietary decoding software, ensures fast and accurate decoded data capture.”

The OCR312 reads all documents that comply with ICAO 9303 standards for two lines of characters from machine readable passports and visas and three lines of characters from machine readable ID cards. A variant, the OCR313, has the addition of a two- or three-track magnetic stripe reader (MSR) so the same device can also be used to read credit and loyalty cards.

According to the company, the OCR312 can be used in many applications where identity document capture is required, for instance at check-in queues, duty-free shops, car hire depots and hotel registration desks. It measures 110 x 46 x 52mm and weighs 100g, making it suitable for portable applications.

Access IS is unveiling the OCR312 at Security Document World 2012, QE II Conference Centre, London until 23rd May 2012.