MICR
Short for magnetic ink character recognition, MICR is a font capable of recognition using magnetically charged ink. Computers equipped with the right hardware and software can print or read the character printed in such ink.
MICR font is commonly used to print checks, deposit slips, mortgage coupons, etc. There are several MICR fonts. The MICR E-13B font is used in Canada, Panama, Puerto Rico, UK, and the United States. The MICR CRC-7 font was created according to the ISO (International Organization for Standardization) standards and is a font used in France, Mexico, Spain, and most other Spanish-speaking countries.
MICR history
While working for General Electric on ERMA (Electronic Recording Machine, Accounting), Joseph Weizenbaum introduced a computer system that introduced magnetically-encoded fonts imprinted on the bottom border of checks. This invention allowed for automated check processing via MICR.