Abstract: An improved document or ID card scanner for imaging documents and decoding coded indicia such as bar codes and magnetic strips is disclosed. The scanner incorporates an internal motor and automatic multi-pass scanning function to quickly and accurately capture all data on a document. During these passes the document is imaged under a number of different lighting conditions and a magnetic strip is read multiple times. The document scanner can perform scans as the document moves in forward and reverse directions; and each scan occurs at a speed optimized to the particular scanning method and direction of the current pass. During the multiple passes, the document is scanned and or read at varying speeds for reliability and for different purposes as detailed herein.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: An information processing method includes the steps of analyzing moving-image content including image data and audio data, extracting scene metadata characterizing each scene for each scene constituting the moving-image content, deciding a reproduction mode of the moving-image content according to at least one of a reproduction environment of the moving-image content and setting information set by a user, generating loss recovery information for recovering loss information lost by changing the reproduction mode of the moving-image content using the scene metadata according to the decided reproduction mode, and outputting the generated loss recovery information in accordance with the moving-image content to be reproduced in the decided reproduction mode.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: A computer implemented method for processing data stored on a magnetic stripe of a user medium performed by a hand-held computer system includes displaying an alignment GUI on a display of the computer system, wherein the GUI includes a visual alignment mark on the display at a first offset relative to a MEMS magnetic field sensor in the computer system, wherein when a user aligns the user medium to the alignment mark GUI, a portion of a first track of the magnetic stripe is disposed above the MEMS magnetic field sensor, sensing, by the MEMS magnetic field sensor, magnetic data stored on the first track when the user aligns the user medium to the visual alignment mark, and moves the user medium along the visual alignment mark, and determining user data stored on the first track from the magnetic data stored on the first track.

Abstract: A method for magnetic character recognition may include preparing standard array data of peak intervals; generating a regeneration waveform out of a character string of magnetic characters printed on a surface of an information data recording medium; segmenting a character waveform of each magnetic character out of the regeneration waveform; generating array data of peak intervals out of an array pattern of a plurality of intervals between peaks that are included in the character waveform; and comparing the array data of peak intervals with the standard array data of peak intervals; wherein, based on a comparison result of comparing the array data of peak intervals with the standard array data of peak intervals, a read character is identified with a character corresponding to an array data of peak intervals that shows the highest coincidence.

Abstract: A system for moving robots in accordance with a predetermined algorithm. The system includes: a surface having a position-coding pattern which identifies the surface; mobile robots for moving across the surface, each robot being configured for sensing and decoding the position-coding pattern; and a computer system in communication with the mobile robots. The computer system is configured to send instructions for moving each mobile robot relative to the surface in response to position information corresponding to that mobile robot. Further, the computer system is configured to determine instructions for moving each mobile robot using a predetermined algorithm. The predetermined algorithm is selected on the basis of the identity of the surface.

Abstract: A document scanning device and method of use are disclosed. The document scanning device includes a document bed and one or more document retention devices positioned along the document bed to define a document positioning surface. The document scanning device also includes a scanning module slidably attached to the document bed to pass over the document positioning surface. The document retention device retains a document in place on the document positioning surface as the scanning module slides over the document.

Abstract: A document scanner, such as a check scanner, is disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface, the document positioning surface arranged to receive a document placed thereon. The document scanner further includes a scanning module slidably movable across the document positioning surface, the scanning module including one or more data capture devices arranged to contact a document during a scanning process. The document scanner also includes a motor operatively connected to the scanning module, the motor configured to move the scanning module across the document positioning surface during the scanning process.

Abstract: A method for processing backwards documents in a document processing system involves a reverse recognition algorithm. The document processing system includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader. A waveform is determined for a magnetic ink character string on a document. A forward recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to a set of known character profiles. In a case where the magnetic ink character string remains unrecognized after application of the forward recognition algorithm, a reverse recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to the set of known character profiles. The reverse recognition algorithm considers the determined waveform as resulting from the document being oriented backwards when passing though the magnetic ink character recognition reader when comparing the waveform to the set of known character profiles.

Abstract: A method for linking front and rear images in a document processing system involves linking the front and rear images by a magnetic ink character code line. The document processing system includes an imaging device and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader. The method comprises capturing a first image and first MICR waveform for the front side of the document, and capturing a second image and second MICR waveform for the rear side of the document. A forward recognition algorithm is applied to the first waveform to produce a first code line. A reverse recognition algorithm is applied to the second waveform to produce a second code line. The reverse recognition algorithm considers the second waveform as resulting from the document being read from the rear side of the document when processing the second waveform.

Abstract: A manually operated document scanner and methods of operation and use are disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface. The document scanner also includes a scanner module slidably attached to the document bed. The scanner module has a magnetic character reader, a first magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a first direction of travel of the scanner module, and a second magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a second direction of travel of the scanner module opposite to the first direction of travel.

Abstract: According to some embodiments of the invention, a magnetic sensor having a track width of greater than about 50 millimeters is provided. The magnetic sensor is adapted to detect a magnetic feature and produce a linear, analog output in response to the magnetic feature. The analog output is along a single data channel.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of processing a substitute check which has been made from an original check. The computer-implemented method comprises (a) reading from the substitute check a printed magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline, (b) reading from the substitute check an imaged MICR codeline, and (c) comparing the printed MICR codeline of step (a) and the imaged MICR codeline of step (b) to determine if the printed MICR codeline and the imaged MICR codeline match.

Abstract: A reading apparatus reads image information and magnetic information displayed on the surface of a sheet-like recording medium. A scanner and MICR head are placed in a path for conveying a recording medium. The reading apparatus has a pressing roller, and a pressing pad. The pressing roller presses a recording medium to the scanner when reading the image information. The pressing pad presses a recording medium to the MICR head when reading the MICR information. The operations of pressing the pressing roller to the scanner and pressing the pressing pad to the MICR head are performed by one driving mechanism by cooperating the arm, rotation cam, roller lift member and link member.

Abstract: A slide track of a notched slider control can include a continuous path extending between two end points. A slider can be a graphical element able to move along the slide track. The end points can correspond to upper and lower extremes of a value range. Positions between the end points can represent values within the value range. The slide track can include at least one notch that is visually represented within the slide control as a deviation from a straight line segment having the two end points. The notch corresponds to a value within the value range. The notch can causes the slider to become fixed at a point along the slide track whenever a pointing device controlling the slider is moved in a direction of the deviation.

Abstract: A system for determining the image resolution of a check image using MICR characters. The disclosed system includes an extracting system for extracting a magnetic ink code recognition (MICR) code line from the document image, wherein the extracting system provides coordinate values for each of a plurality of MICR characters in the MICR code line; a calculating system for calculating a set of resolution values based on the coordinate values of the MICR characters; and a statistical analysis system that calculates a representative resolution value from the set of resolution values.

Abstract: A method and a device for detecting the occupancy state of a seat, e.g., in a vehicle, and for use in activating a restraint mechanism allocated to the seat, as a function of the occupancy state, are provided. With the aid of an image recording system, a 3D image of the seat is recorded and evaluated with respect to the occupancy state, and optionally also with respect to the type of the occupancy. For the evaluation, a 3D pattern is drawn upon, which is available externally or which is able to be generated internally in an initialization step. A hierarchically constructed evaluation also permits, after determination of an occupancy state, a classification with respect to the type of the respective occupancy.

Abstract: A display method for a magnetic field measuring apparatus which includes detecting a magnetic field generated from a biotest sample by a plurality of magnetic sensors and displaying measurement data obtained on the basis of the detected magnetic field in any display mode, which further comprises displaying an operating information display screen, the operating information display screen having a processing function display section selecting an operation menu including a biotest sample list, data measurement or data analysis; a biotest information display section; and a data display area.

Abstract: A system and method for determining the image resolution of a check image using MICR characters. The disclosed system includes an extracting system for extracting a magnetic ink code recognition (MICR) code line from the document image, wherein the extracting system provides coordinate values for each of a plurality of MICR characters in the MICR code line; a calculating system for calculating a set of resolution values based on the coordinate values of the MICR characters; and a statistical analysis system that calculates a representative resolution value from the set of resolution values.

Abstract: Magnetic scanning apparatus including means for generating an excitation magnetic field 1 in a region in which a specimen to be scanned may be placed, a detector 3 for detecting a magnetic field originating from or modified by a specimen being scanned and a sheet of magnetic material 2 to nullify the excitation field in the region of the detector 3. The means for generating the excitation field 1 may be an array of permanent magnets 6. The detector 3 may be an array of galvom devices such as Hall Effect devices. A display 5 may be included in the detector. The display may include a number of pixels, one for each of the galvomagnetic devices of the detector 3.

Abstract: In one embodiment, an information signal is stored in magnetic ink. In another embodiment, a magnetic ink encoding stylus includes a magnetic ink write head. In a further embodiment, a computer system includes a magnetic ink encoding stylus coupled to a computer via an external bus.

Abstract: A biomagnetic field map display apparatus for measuring a biomagnetic field generated by a biotest sample at positions arranged in rows and columns and displaying a magnetic field map obtained by processing the measured biomagnetic field. An analysis data display area waveform-displays the measured biomagnetic field at channels in a row or a column of channels which are arranged in rows and columns so as to respectively correspond to the positions. A particular channel is designated as a reference channel for an averaging process out of the plurality of channels or different channels therefrom at which different biosignals from those of the biomagnetic field are acquired from the biotest sample. Means for averaging-processing the measured biomagnetic field using the designated particular channel as the reference channel displays in the analysis data display area a map on the averaging-processed biomagnetic field.

Abstract: A method for processing biomagnetic fields generated by biocurrents resulting from activities of human brain or myocardia and its mapping apparatus are provided, which features biomagnetic measurement and its analysis, magnetic field mapping and its imaging and their waveform generation by a simple operation. Biomagnetic fields emitted from the patient are measured at a plurality of measurement positions, and a contour map of magnetic field obtained as a result of processing of these measured biomagnetic fields is imaged in the magnetic contour map display apparatus, which display apparatus comprises: the process function display area indicating process function items including measurement; and the analysis data display area which displays the waveform together with a designated measurement time, the waveform being generated during measurement at least based on the measured biomagnetic fields and during the designated measurement period of time.

Abstract: Commercial establishments that add MICR indicia to commercial instruments usually do so via laser printers that produce a high gain signal. Moreover, commercially printed documents that include MICR indicia can also result in a high gain signal. MICR indicia generated by laser printers are difficult to decode, using conventional DC biasing methods, because the laser-generated MICR high gain signals become clipped. Therefore, in order to decode these distorted signals, the present system processes both low and high gain signals to decode the raw MICR data.

Abstract: A biomagnetic field map display apparatus for measuring a biomagnetic field generated by a biotest sample at positions arranged in rows and columns and displaying a magnetic field map obtained by processing the measured biomagnetic field. An analysis data display area waveform-displays the measured biomagnetic field at channels in a row or a column of channels which are arranged in rows and columns so as to respectively correspond to the positions. A particular channel is designated as a reference channel for an averaging process out of the plurality of channels or different channels therefrom at which different biosignals from those of the biomagnetic field are acquired from the biotest sample. Means for averaging-processing the measured biomagnetic field using the designated particular channel as the reference channel displays in the analysis data display area a map on the averaging-processed biomagnetic field.

Abstract: A method for scanning the irregular object. The present invention allows the user to use charting tools such as a painting brush, a straight line, or a curve, etc., to directly frame the object (including the irregular object) required by themselves for the preview image to be scanned. Thus, when the framed object is the irregular object, the scanned irregular object can be directly used, but with the requirement of delivering the scanned irregular object to the image processing software to be processed. Also, the present invention allows the user to frame the object (including the irregular object) required by themselves in an intuitive manner, but framing the desired scanning object in the fixed rectangle.

Abstract: An image processor includes unit pixel circuits, each circuit outputting a pixel value, according to incident light, to an output line; and read circuits in each row and each column, each of which can read out a pixel value of each unit pixel circuit and a result of computing for projection for each row and each column. The unit pixel circuits of each row and column and the corresponding read circuits are connected to each other by discrete output lines. The result of computing for projection readout by the compression processing is an average of pixel values in the unit pixel circuits of each row and of each column.

Abstract: A signal processing apparatus is provided which includes a signal processing circuit for processing a weak signal susceptible to noises, an electronic component which is selectively energized and de-energized, and a controller for controlling the operation of the electronic component. The controller first determines initiation and termination of the weak signal processing. Upon determination of the initiation of the weak signal processing, the controller causes the electronic component to be continuously energized. Upon determination of the termination of the weak signal processing, the controller causes the electronic component to be intermittently energized.

Abstract: A method and system for recognizing a time varying waveform signal subject to amplitude distortions such as experienced with optical or magnetic printed character reading systems for scanning documents such as bank checks and the like. The variable amplitude waveform is sampled at predetermined time intervals representing predetermined spacings across a dimension of the character being read and difference values related to the sample amplitude ratio values between adjacent samples are calculated to develop a difference waveform or signature. This difference waveform may then be compared to a set of templates representing characters expected to be recognized. The amplitude ratio value of each sample may also be compared to that of a previous sample to determine the direction of the slope of the waveform at selected points wherein rising, falling or no change slope direction identifiers may be compared to a set of templates of characters expected to be read.

Abstract: A document validator includes a document path along which a document is conveyed and an inductive sensor for sensing features of the document. The sensor has a first inductive element disposed on a first side of a plane of the document path and a second inductive element disposed on a second side of the plane of the document path. Circuitry coupled to an output of the inductive sensor processes signals relating to a determination of at least one of the presence, authenticity and denomination of the inserted document. The sensor need not physically contact a document, such as a banknote, as it is conveyed along the document path.

Abstract: This invention provides a system that utilizes the magnetic properties of specific materials to provide an authentication and/or authorization function. The system consists of two parts. The first is a marker that contains a magnetic material with spectral magnetic properties and is attached to the item that is to be authenticated or is to be part of a subsequent information transfer process requiring authorization. The second is a reader. The reader contains a transmitter that generates the electromagnetic search field and energizes the magnetic material and a receiver that analyzes the signal produced by the resulting interaction with the magnetic material and gives a go/no go decision based upon a match with stored information. The reader employs a feedback control system to stabilize the measurement environment, thereby producing accurate, high quality results.

Abstract: An integrated character recognition system for providing high-accuracy detection of a magnetic ink character string of a printed medium. The character recognition system includes a magnetic ink character recognition system for reading and decoding the magnetic ink character string. An optical character recognition system is also included performing the integrated character recognition system thereby overcoming many of the limitations presented by conventional technologies. A system and method for performing complete processing of a printed media having a magnetic ink character string utilizes both the optical and magnetic ink character recognition systems to perform virtually error-free character recognition of the magnetic ink character string.

Abstract: A point of sale (POS) receipt printer that includes a selective release mechanism that converts the printer into a check account verifying machine. The conversion mechanism magnetizes and selectively reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check presented face-up to the receipt printer. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize the characters and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing.

Abstract: A currency evaluating device for receiving a stack of currency bills, rapidly discriminating the bills in the stack and then re-stacking the bills which comprises an input receptacle, a transport mechanism for transporting in the direction of the narrow dimension of the bills from the input receptacle to one of a plurality of output receptacles, at a rate in excess of about 800 bills per minute, and a discriminating unit for determining the denomination of each bill. The device may also include an authenticating unit for determining the genuineness of the bills. The authenticating unit may detect by use of a plurality of magnetoresistive sensors or may detect by ultraviolet light.

Abstract: A currency authenticator having a plurality of sensitivity settings comprising a first characteristic detector. The first characteristic detector retrieves first characteristic information from a bill to be authenticated and generates an output signal. The currency authenticator further comprises a unit for selecting one of a plurality of sensitivity settings, a unit for storing reference information associated with each of the sensitivity settings, and a unit for comparing the output signal to the reference information associated with the one of the plurality of sensitivity settings selected by the unit for selecting. The unit for comparing indicates that the bill is counterfeit if the output signal does not satisfactorily compare with the reference information. The unit for storing reference information stores reference information for a plurality of denominations of bills.

Abstract: A method, apparatus and article of manufacture is disclosed for eliminating periodic noise detected by a magnetic read head. In particular a time varying signal electrical signal is provided by a magnetic read head. The signal is sampled and stored in memory. Samples known not to contain a desired signal are used to extract a waveform representative of a single period of periodic noise. The representative waveform is synchronized with samples containing the desired signal and used to compensate the samples containing the desired signal in order to minimize, reduce, cancel or remove the effects of the periodic noise on samples containing the periodic noise. The compensated samples are then processed to obtain information from the desired signals.

Abstract: A reader and pressure pad apparatus is disclosed for urging documents with various physical characteristics to conform to the shape of the reader, increasing the efficiency of the reader. The reader has a curved convex surface with a centrally located read head gap and the pressure pad, an oppositely curved concave surface, which is biased against the read head in order to improve the contact area between the document and the read area.

Abstract: The invention relates to optical character recognition and to apparatus for representing characters in a manner analogous to the field which one would expect to be induced on the retina of the eye by a particular character. A character to be recognized is compared with the same type of representation for prototypical characters and the determination made, using an elastic model, of the amount of deformation required to change the field of induction of the scanned character into the shape of that of the prototypical character. Character recognition is achieved by determining which prototypical character requires minimum energy to deform into that of the scan character or vice versa.

Abstract: The present invention features a check-reading and check-validation machine having a programmed microprocessor, a photo-sensor, a magnetizing unit, a magnetic head reader, feed rollers and a stepper motor drive for rotatively driving the feed rollers. The machine may be a sub-unit of a printer. A check is introduced to the nip of the feed rollers. The photo-sensor detects the presence of the check and activates the stepper motor drive. The stepper motor drive then causes the feed rollers to rotate, drawing the check into the reading and validating machine. The microprocessor instructs the stepper motor to feed and discharge the check into and out of the machine, according to a specialized program. The microprocessor program initially instructs the stepper motor to rotate the feed rollers for forward drive, utilizing half-step pulsing.

Abstract: An improved method of generating a master pattern corresponding to given denomination for use in a discrimination system capable of discriminating among currency bills of different denominations. The master pattern is stored in a memory for subsequent comparison to a pattern generated from a bill under test. The method comprises the steps of generating a plurality of component patterns for a given denomination by scanning a genuine bill of the given denomination and generating a master pattern for the given denomination. The master pattern is derived from an average of the component patterns. The component patterns represent and approximate analog amplitude variations in characteristic information detected from a genuine bill during scanning. Each of the component patterns comprises a plurality of sample values. Each sample value is proportional to the detected characteristic information.

Abstract: A method of detecting counterfeit bills includes the steps of determining the denomination of the bill being evaluated, generating data corresponding to the concentration of magnetic ink on the bill and comparing this data to the expected concentration of magnetic ink on a genuine bill of the same denomination. The bill is considered genuine if the data is within an acceptable range of the expected value. An apparatus for detecting counterfeit currency employs a microprocessor to control an optical scanning operation of the bill being evaluated and to generate image data that is compared to stored images corresponding to genuine denominations of currency. The denomination of the bill is determined by evaluating the correspondence between the image data and the stored images.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus incorporates a counterfeit detection system for identifying counterfeit suspect documents on the basis of the magnetic characteristics of the documents. Each document is transported within the vicinity of a magnetic read head, which produces an electronic signal in response thereto. The signal from the read head is conditioned by a conditioning circuit to be compatible with the analog-to-digital converter. The conditioning circuit includes one or more amplifiers, a filter, a rectifier, and an integrator. The conditioned signal from the integrator is provided to the analog-to-digital converter and is optionally limited to a compatible voltage level. As each document is detected a plurality of sample values are obtained by the analog-to-digital converter. The sample values are accumulated to produce one or more cumulative values representative of the document.

Abstract: A signal extraction and character recognition system is provided for an MICR system using E13B font characters and a magneto-resistive read head. Each character is treated as defining a block comprising a matrix of equal sized zones. Because adjacent characters are separated by space (e.g., non-residually magnetized regions), the read head output signal is used to first identify the start of each character. As the document bearing the characters moves relative to the head, the signal strength from each vertical zone is summed. The relative vertical column signal strength is then compared to the vertical column signal strength for the preceding column to form a ratio set. The ratios are then quantized into one of three levels, depending upon whether R>T.sub.1 (a first threshold, preferably 4/3), R<T.sub.2 (a second threshold, preferably 3/4), T.sub.2 .ltoreq.R.ltoreq.T.sub.1. The patterns of these three quantized levels uniquely identify the 14 characters in the E13B character set.

Abstract: An improved method of generating modified scanned or master patterns for use in a discrimination system capable of identifying one or more currency bills. Each of the scanned and master patterns comprises a sequence of data values representing analog variations of characteristic information along a segment of a bill and each pattern has a leading end and a trailing end. Each of the data values has an associated sequence position. The modified scanned or master patterns are generated by designating either the scanned pattern or the master pattern for modification and inserting a predetermined number, R, of data values at either the trailing end of the sequence of data values of the designated pattern when the modification is performed in the forward direction or the leading end of the sequence of data values of the designated pattern when the modification is performed in the backward direction. This modification effectively removes R data values from the leading or trailing end of the designated pattern.

Abstract: A magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) system includes power management features so as to permit the unit to be powered by the auxilliary power provided by a generic host (e.g., an electronic cash register). The system also includes motorized conveyance features in combination with a track facilitating manual conveyance.

Abstract: A write head magnetizes magnetic-ink characters for a MICR system. A magnetic assembly defines a first pole in a first location and an opposite pole in a second location. A first pole piece and a second pole piece, spaced by a gap therebetween, are provided, the first pole piece disposed adjacent the first location and adapted to conduct a magnetic field from the first pole to the gap. A selectably positionable member is disposed between the second location and the second pole piece, the positionable member being adapted to affect a magnetic field from the second location through the second pole piece to the gap, thereby facilitating selectable alteration of a magnetic field profile across the gap.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading a series of magnetic characters on a bank check is herein disclosed. The characters are preprinted in a certain way within a predetermined area of the check. Also, the characters within the series of characters may be any character from a predetermined group of characters. The apparatus includes a housing which defines a specific path through which the check, oriented in a predetermined way, is intended to pass. The housing supports a magnetic read head for sensing the magnetic characters on the check as it passes through the apparatus and for producing an electrical signal unique to each character. The housing also supports automatically moving the check through the path defined by the housing at a speed which is intended to be constant but which may vary randomly within a certain tolerance. This moving of the check through the apparatus produces the electrical signals as the characters move past the read head.

Abstract: An apparatus for reading information off a document such as a check is herein disclosed. The apparatus includes an apparatus housing defining a specific path through which the document is intended to pass during normal operation of the apparatus. The apparatus also includes an arrangement including a read head positioned at a fixed point on the path and cooperating circuitry for reading specific information off of the document as the document is caused to move through the path and across the read head. And, the apparatus includes an arrangement for moving the document through the path and across the read head along with causing the document to engage against the read head as the document moves across the read head. This document moving arrangement includes an arrangement supporting a freely rotating idler roller which is positioned to engage the document against the read head.

Abstract: A magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) system includes power management features so as to permit the unit to be powered by the auxilliary power provided by a generic host (e.g., an electronic cash register). The system also includes motorized conveyance features in combination with a track facilitating manual conveyance.