Microscope OCR

Microscope OCR is a powerful tool designed to recognize and identify electronic components through a microscope feed, providing automatic detection and essential information retrieval. This OCR functionality can be seamlessly integrated with any microscope setup that provides a digital image feed, making it versatile for both electronics hobbyists and professionals.

Project Overview

This project focuses on OCR-based recognition of small electronic components under a microscope. Once detected, the tool provides useful information like datasheets, color codes, and component specifications. Current functionality includes identifying resistors (via color codes), integrated circuits (ICs), and other common electronic components.

Key Features

• Universal Compatibility: Works with any microscope setup that outputs a digital feed.
• Component Detection:
  • Resistor Color Codes: Identifies resistance values from color bands.
  • IC Recognition: Detects IC part numbers and searches for datasheets.
  • Other Components: Expanding detection capabilities for diodes, capacitors, and more.
• Automated Datasheet Lookup: Retrieves datasheets and specifications for recognized components.

Getting Started

Prerequisites

To run the Microscope OCR tool, ensure you have the following software and libraries installed:

• Software Requirements:

  • Python 3.7 or higher
  • Tesseract OCR (ensure it is properly installed and configured)

• Python Libraries: Install the required libraries using pip:

  pip install opencv-python numpy BeautifulSoup4 requests

Future Enhancements

• Expanded Component Recognition: Develop recognition capabilities for additional components like transistors, capacitors, and inductors.
• User Interface: Create a user-friendly GUI for easier interaction and functionality access.
• Improved OCR Accuracy: Implement additional preprocessing techniques to enhance OCR accuracy in various lighting conditions.

Contributing

Contributions are welcome! If you have suggestions for improvements or would like to add new features, please fork the repository and submit a pull request.

License

This project is licensed under the terms of the GNU General Public License v3.0. This means you can freely use, modify, and distribute the software, but you must keep the same license for any derivative works.

For a copy of the license, see the LICENSE file or visit GNU GPL v3.0.

Acknowledgments

• Tesseract OCR for the OCR engine.
• OpenCV for image processing capabilities.
• The open-source community for inspiration and collaboration.