PaperStream Capture Pro for fi and SP Series of Business-Use Image Scanners Now Supports AI-OCR for Handwriting

- Transform your paper and digital contents into actionable data with the ideal solution for your capture workflow.

Under the direction of President and Representative Director Seiji Murakami, PFU Limited (hereinafter "PFU") is renewing the capture software PaperStream Capture Pro for RICOH fi and SP Series of business-use image scanners, which hold the No.1 global market share(1), and will launch it along with PaperStream Capture Pro Premium.

PaperStream Capture Pro is a paid optional software product that offers more advanced features in addition to the standard bundled software PaperStream Capture, which allows scanning, image editing, and automatic file sorting. With this renewal, the sales model will be switched to an annual license model. The low initial installation cost makes the products easy to implement for customers who want to use them for specific business purposes or for a limited period of time, as well as for small and medium-sized companies that need to achieve excellent results with a small number of employees.

PaperStream Capture Pro supports data extraction for various character types, including handwritten block letters in six languages(2), printed characters, check boxes, and barcodes, and can extract up to 100 items(3) per document. It streamlines the data entry process for standardized forms such as applications and surveys, which can be time-consuming.

The built-in specific form separation technology allows data extraction according to the layout of each form even when different types of documents are scanned together. Image data can be sorted and saved according to the type of form. The newly provided Redaction function(4) allows part of the information, for example confidential information such as personal information, to be hidden during document digitization, reducing the risk of information leakage and enhancing security.

Moreover, to improve accessibility, it supports voice reading software, allowing information from each control to be read aloud, thereby making it possible for anyone to use the software. The enhanced PaperStream series, with its new features and strengthened functions, further supports improved business efficiency.

With the enhancement of PaperStream Capture Pro, the lineup of PaperStream series software that can be used with the fi Series has been further enhanced. Customers can choose the optimal software according to their purposes and uses, from PaperStream ClickScan for simple image archiving, to PaperStream Capture Pro Premium for data extraction and form separator in one integrated process.



Background

In recent years, as digital transformation accelerates in society, adapting to new ways of working has become essential, and digitizing documents has become the foundation for business environment development. Digitization enables the digitalization of data and the automation of business processes, leading to improved productivity and cost reductions. Notably, OCR technology, which enables automatic extraction of text information from digitized data, is essential for making effective use of data. PFU strongly supports the improvement of business efficiency for our customers with the high-quality, high-performance business image scanner fi Series, which can quickly digitize all types of documents, and the capture software PaperStream Capture Pro, which enables efficient data extraction.

Features

1. Smarter data extraction with AI-OCR

Supports recognition of handwritten block letters, check boxes, printed characters, and barcodes

PaperStream Capture Pro supports data extraction of various kinds, including handwritten block letters in six languages(2), printed characters, check boxes, and more, and allows for the specification of up to 100 items(3) per document. It can automatically digitize text information contained in documents such as application forms, and by linking the extracted data to subsequent systems, it can improve the efficiency of labor-intensive data entry tasks.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]


Batch sets OCR fields with just a scan

In PaperStream Capture Pro, when scanning both blank and filled-out forms, the software automatically detects OCR fields based on the entered characters, lines, and underlines. Furthermore, it automatically assigns attributes such as character type and language to each field. This eliminates the need for manually setting each field one by one, allowing OCR to be quickly applied even when new form layouts are introduced.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]


Supports image data recognition and conversion with the File Import function

PaperStream Capture Pro Premium has a new function provisionally called File Import that allows you to import image data generated by other systems or scanners. Even when the original paper document is not available and only image files are received, this function allows for data extraction via AI-OCR and advanced image processing with PaperStream IP (TWAIN), which is the scanner driver dedicated to the fi Series.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]


2. Efficient form archiving for secure data management

Specific form separation function that supports batch scanning of various forms

Through the use of specific form separation technology, high-precision sorting is achieved. Even when documents with different layouts are scanned together, the corresponding form type is identified from a registered form list based on paper sizes and line patterns. This enables data extraction and sorting of image data for saving according to the form type.
For example, even if invoices with different layouts are received from multiple business partners, simply scan them together and the invoice numbers written on each invoice will be added to the file names. Consequently, the files will automatically be sorted into folders for each business partner. There is no need to scan the forms separately.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture/PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]


Secure image data storage of personal information with Redaction function

PaperStream Capture Pro now features a newly added Redaction function that can hide parts of scanned images upon output. If you want to hide confidential information such as personal information in documents such as application forms or surveys, you can set the target areas in advance, allowing the information to be digitized in a hidden state. This reduces the risk of information leakage, enhances security, and reduces the effort previously required to cover confidential parts with sticky notes before scanning.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]


3. Offering a flexible work environment for more efficient work

Supports voice reading software for better accessibility

Voice reading software is supported, allowing information from each control to be read aloud. Additionally, accessibility has been improved with larger font sizes and different colors to improve visibility, making the content on the screen easy to view for everyone. The software has evolved to be user-friendly for everyone.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture/PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]

Multi-Station function allowing workload distribution among team members

The Multi-Station function allows you to share workflows related to a single scanning process, such as scanning and image check, and assign tasks to different team members(5). By distributing the workload within the team, the burden on each operator can be reduced. Additionally, you can continue to use advanced features from previous versions, such as the After Scan Correction (ASC) function, which allows for image correction without the need for rescan if any unclear image data is detected.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]

Compatible with non-fi Series scanners and multifunction devices

PaperStream Capture Pro is now compatible with scanners from other manufacturers that support TWAIN drivers(6). This allows customers using multifunction devices or scanners from other manufacturers to utilize convenient features such as advanced form separation and data extraction(7), supporting business improvement for a greater number of customers.

[Applies to: PaperStream Capture Pro/PaperStream Capture Pro Premium]

Details of Software

Product Name Supported Scanners Rollout Date
PaperStream Capture 5.0.0 All fi and SP Series models January 23rd, 2025
PaperStream Capture Pro 5.0.0 fi and SP Series: fi-7480 / fi-7460 / fi-8290 / fi-8270 / fi-8250 / fi-8190 / fi-8170 / fi-8150 / fi-8040 / fi-800R / fi-7300NX / fi-70F / SP-1425 / SP-1130N / SP-1125N / SP-1120N
Others: Scanners/multifunction devices compatible with TWAIN drivers that can scan A4/letter size or smaller documents
PaperStream Capture Pro Premium 5.0.0 fi and SP Series: In addition to the above models, fi-8950 / fi-8930 / fi-8820 / fi-7900 / fi-7800 / fi-7700 / fi-7700S / fi-7600
Others: Scanners/multifunction devices that support TWAIN drivers
  1. Customers who already have PaperStream Capture Pro can access the new features by purchasing the new PaperStream Capture Pro 5.0.0 or PaperStream Capture Pro Premium 5.0.0.
  2. Customers using the standard bundled software PaperStream Capture can download the free update program from the fi Series Software Downloads page to use the new features.


List price and release date

List prices and release schedules vary by region.



About PFU

PFU Limited was established in 1960. Based on the skills acquired through computer development, we develop and supply image document-related products, such as image scanners and embedded computers for industrial and public infrastructure. We also provide support services for building and operating IT infrastructures that contribute to the safety and security of our customers.
PFU will further develop edge devices that are the gateway to digitalization, thereby supporting related work reforms and contributing to changing the way our customers work.
For more information, please visit https://www.pfu.ricoh.com/global/



About Ricoh

Ricoh is a leading provider of integrated digital services and print and imaging solutions designed to support digital transformation of workplaces, workspaces and optimize business performance.

Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh’s global operation reaches customers in approximately 200 countries and regions, supported by cultivated knowledge, technologies, and organizational capabilities nurtured over its 85-year history. In the financial year ended March 2024, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,348 billion yen (approx. 15.5 billion USD).

It is Ricoh’s mission and vision to empower individuals to find Fulfillment through Work by understanding and transforming how people work so we can unleash their potential and creativity to realize a sustainable future.

For further information, please visit http://www.ricoh.com/



###


Notes

  1. (1)The data is based on the market share of document scanners. The market share data for Japan and North America is based on the records of 2023 collected by KEYPOINT INTELLIGENCE (Info Trends) for 6 segments of document scanners excluding Mobile/Micro scanners. Collected records are mainly about document scanners with a speed of more than 8ppm. The market share data for Europe is based on the records of 2023 collected by infoSource in Western Europe (including Turkey and Greece).
  2. (2)The supported languages are Japanese, English, German, French, Italian, and Spanish.
  3. (3)The paid optional software PaperStream Capture Pro / Pro Premium allows for data extraction of up to 100 items, including printed characters, handwritten block letters, check boxes, and barcodes.
  4. (4)Images with masked area may be considered document tampering. Check in advance if it is safe to set masking.
  5. (5)For the PC performing scanning, a license purchase corresponding to the scanner model is required. For the PC performing image check (QC) and indexing, a license purchase for PaperStream Capture Pro is required regardless of the scanner model.
  6. (6)There is no guarantee that PaperStream Capture Pro or PaperStream Capture Pro Premium operates properly if TWAIN-compatible scanners from other companies are used. Please use the evaluation version in advance.
  7. (7)Support for the Zone OCR function and searchable PDF output with non-PFU products is planned from April 2025.


Trademarks

  1. ・PaperStream is a registered trademark or trademark of PFU Limited.
  2. ・Product names and company names are the registered trademarks or trademarks of the respective companies.


* The information contained in this press release is accurate as of the date of publishing. Please understand that this information is subject to change without notice.


Top of Page