Abstract: An apparatus for determining the location and content of data blocks on a mailpiece includes a computer connected to a structure for obtaining a digital bit map image of an outer surface of a mailpiece. The computer includes structure programmed for: finding each run of a plurality of black bits of each scan line of the bit map image and determining if any bit thereof neighbors at least one black bit of another scan line; combining the found run with each neighboring bit to form a piece; assigning a descriptive value to a block having at least one piece and comparing the descriptive value to a list of values to determine which type of data block the block having the descriptive value is.

Abstract: The processing of documents evidencing business transactions is enhanced by optically scanning and imaging only specific areas of interest, amount fields for example, and simultaneously storing the imaged amount fields in two separate files. Subsequently, only those images which correspond to a dollar amount which has not been successfully read will initially be displayed to an operator for key entry of the amount. A balancing procedure is performed and if a comparison of the total of the individual imaged amounts equals the total entered on a summary document further key entry of amounts will be unnecessary.