Abstract: A card extracting device for use with a plurality of cards may include a card storage, a gate through which the cards pass toward an outside of the card storage, an extracting tab to engage with and extract one of the cards, a tab-moving mechanism to move the extracting tab, an extracting roller outside the card storage to further forward the extracted card, a motor to drive the tab-moving mechanism and the extracting roller, a card-extraction detecting section to detect that card extraction is completed, and a control section to control the motor. An engaging section may be formed in the extracting tab to abut a rear end portion of the card and extract the card. The control section may drive the motor forward to extract the card or drive the motor in reverse based on a detection result from the card extraction detecting section.

Abstract: An automated checkout system and method including a conveyor system that automatically transports objects along an item path through a read zone of a data reader (such as a portal data reader, tunnel scanner or other type of automated reader) and to an exit zone, an indicator system disposed in or along the exit zone that provides indication as to whether an item has been identified by the portal data reader. In one example, the indicator system includes lights at an indicator location that are selectively alighted a given color for the duration of the item passing the indicator location depending upon whether the reader successfully read the item (e.g., color green) or unsuccessfully read the item (e.g., color red).

Abstract: An anti-skimming assembly for a card reader device includes, for example, a displacement bar mountable on a front plate of a card reader device proximate a card entry opening formed in the front plate, which displacement bar has first and second legs. The displacement bar is mountable on the front plate with the first leg aligned with an internal read head inside the card entry opening of the card reader device. An infrangible fastener is connectible to the first leg through a first fastener opening formed in the front plate, and a non-conductive frangible or breakable fastener is connectible to the second leg through a second fastener opening formed in the front plate. In addition, first and second electrically conductive leads are carried by the non-conductive frangible fastener electrically connected to one another via an electrically conductive spring and connectible to an alarm circuit.

Abstract: A magnetic stripe card reader assembly and method includes a panel having portions defining a card entry opening of a card entry path provided for receiving a magnetic stripe card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card entry path. A card swipe path in communication with the card entry path is provided for swiping the card with the magnetic stripe disposed parallel to the card swipe path, and a magnetic stripe read head is disposed proximate the card swipe path for reading only a pre-determined segment of the magnetic stripe. The panel is also provided with portions defining a card withdrawal opening of a card withdrawal path in communication with the card swipe path and partly overlapping the card entry opening for withdrawal of the card with the magnetic stripe disposed perpendicular to the card withdrawal path.

Abstract: A card reader may include a reader-side non-contact communication antenna, a transfer path through which a card is transferred, a transfer mechanism to transfer the card, a controller to control the transfer mechanism, and a regulator to regulate transfer of the card. The reader-side antenna may be provided proximate to the transfer path. The regulator may be positioned such that the reader-side antenna can communicate with a card-side antenna on the card. The controller may control the transfer mechanism to move the card closer to the regulator or away from the regulator after the card has stopped once, so as to enable communication between the reader-side antenna and the card-side antenna.

Abstract: A method of receiving and paying out bills including the steps of providing a bill passage in about the central portion of an elongate casing that extends along one side of a bill receiving chamber having a bill payback: outlet; providing a bill conveying apparatus for conveying a bill delivered to said bill passage to a predetermined position for receiving it; utilizing a bill pushing member being capable of moving in a reciprocating motion across said passage to bill receiving chamber when the bill located at said predetermined position in said passage to be received, effects receiving of the bill by pushing it with a surface of said bill pushing member across from said passage; disengaging the rearmost bill from said bill receiving chamber by operating bill extracting apparatus in the reverse direction by a predetermined amount while said bill pushing member is activated causing it to extract away and pull out from a rearmost bill leading edge retainer which holds the remaining bills in position; and, oper

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: There is provided an image forming device that includes a conveyor section, an image forming section, an accessing section and a control unit. The conveyor section conveys recording media in a conveying path, the recording media including a recording medium having a data storage unit attached thereto and a recording medium with no data storage unit attached thereto, the data storage unit storing data or being capable of storing data. The image forming section forms an image on the recording medium. The accessing section is disposed at an access position along the conveying path and accesses the data storage unit to execute an access operation to write data into or read data from the data storage unit.

Abstract: A banking system operates responsive to data read from data bearing records. The system includes an automated banking machine comprising a card reader. The card reader includes a movable read head that can read card data along a magnetic stripe of a card that was inserted long-edge first. The card reader includes a card entry gate. The gate is opened for a card that is determined to be properly oriented for data reading. The card reader can encrypt card data, including account data. The machine also includes a PIN keypad. The card reader can send encrypted card data to the keypad. The keypad can decipher the encrypted card data. The keypad can encrypt both deciphered card data and a received user PIN. The card data and the PIN are usable by the machine to authorize a user to carry out a financial transfer involving the account.

Abstract: A card identifying apparatus according to one embodiment of the invention has a light-receiving portion that reads a card on a pixel basis of a predetermined area as a unit including color information having brightness, RAM that stores image data comprised of a plurality of pixels read by the light-receiving portion, an image data thinning processing section that makes the number of read pixels lower in another direction than in one direction to vary the number of pixels of the image data when the reading means reads the card, and an judgment processing section that identifies authentication of the card based on the image data varied by the image data thinning processing section.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script. The card reader comprises a molding housing therewithin a plurality of light sources, the molding being transparent to light from the light sources and shaped to focus the light on the removable card.

Abstract: An apparatus for accepting and/or dispensing payment and/or for processing value documents having a housing in which there is disposed a control device for controlling at least one part of the apparatus, the housing having a housing body with a housing opening, a housing element movable relative to the housing body, and a housing element holding device that holds the housing element movably on at least one part of the housing body, and a display device controlled by the control device for displaying operating and servicing information which is held on the housing element.

Abstract: A card reader may include a card insertion port, a card feeding passage along which a card is carried, a card surface abutting member such as a shutter member capable of abutting with a surface of the card, an abutting member sensor for detecting a position of the shutter member, a card insertion detection mechanism, and a control section for discriminating whether the card is a special shaped card or not on a basis of detection results of the abutting member sensor and the card insertion detection mechanism. A control method may include a shutter opening step, a feeding and stop step in which the card is carried by a first feeding distance in a taking-in direction and stopped, a shutter closing step in which the shutter member is moved in a direction for closing the card feeding passage, and a discrimination step in which the card is discriminated whether the card is a special shaped card or not on the basis of a detection result by the open-and-close sensor after the shutter closing step.

Abstract: An apparatus includes a document track, a processing device, and a selector gate after the processing device. The document track includes a second, return path extending from a location at the selector gate to a location before the processing device. A bi-directional drive mechanism receives the document as the document passes through the selector gate in the forward direction. A gate actuator selectively moves the selector gate. Upon the bi-directional drive mechanism reversing direction after receiving the document to drive the document in the reverse direction, when the selector gate is in the first position, the selector gate diverts the document into the return path and re-introduces the document to the processing device with the document now in a reverse orientation. When the selector gate is in the second position, the selector gate allows the document traveling in the reverse direction to be re-introduced, in reverse, to the processing device.

Abstract: A card apparatus for use with a card may include a front bezel, a cart inlet slot placed in the front bezel, a card path continuously extending from the card inlet slot, a shutter installed between the card inlet slot and the card path for opening and closing the card path, a case body closely contacting the front bezel and internally including the card path, a tilted part that is tilted so as to become further away gradually from the card path in a direction from an inner part of the case body toward the front bezel to guide a liquid infiltrated through the card inlet slot, and liquid drain holes positioned at the front side of the front bezel to go through continuously to a side of the case body for draining the liquid.

Abstract: A first in-feed roller (49) and a pressure roller (80) are disposed to the first check storage unit (11) of a check processing apparatus (1). A first pressure member (85) that is urged toward the first in-feed roller (49) is pivotably attached to the pressure roller (80). When a check (4) is conveyed and the check (4) moves completely passed the nipping position (49A) of the first in-feed roller (49), the trailing end (4d) part of the check (4) is pressed by the first pressure member (85) to the first in-feed roller (49). The check (4) is thus dependably fed into the check storage unit, the trailing end (4d) of the check is pushed sideways by the first pressure member (85), and the trailing end (4d) will not interfere with the next check (4).

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for filling a customer order with plurality of products each containing a pharmaceutical. The apparatus and method automatically verify a product barcode on each of the product, print a patient label with a patient barcode for each product, apply the patient labels to at least some of the products, and independently verify that the product barcode matches the proper patient barcode.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier with respect to a workstation can include a workpiece carrier movable relative to the workstation and having an encoder strip, at least one encoder reader located at the workstation for generating a signal in response to interaction with at least one encoder strip, and a drive engaging the workpiece carrier for moving the carrier relative to the workstation, the drive responsive to the signal from the encoder reader. A closed loop feedback control system can be provided for receiving the signal from the encoder reader, and for generating an output signal in response to the signal from the encoder reader in accordance with a program stored in memory.

Abstract: A magnetic head is held by a side wall through a head fixing fitting so as to freely advance into and retreat from a card sliding groove. First and second head urging levers are swingably supported through a pin. In a standby state, the magnetic head is away from the card travel groove, and card engaging sections of the first and second head urging levers are staying in the card travel groove. When a magnetic card slides in a card sliding direction, the magnetic card makes contact with a card contact section to push the card contact section away from the card travel groove. This causes the first head urging lever to push out the magnetic head into the card travel groove so that the magnetic head makes contact with the magnetic card.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a card feed unit for transferring a data carrier of card information of a multi-services cards, such as a bank card or credit card, to a reading head of a reading unit for at least reading out of card information, the card feed unit comprising: attachment means for attaching the card feed unit in an arrangement respective of the reading head that is suitable for transporting the data carrier of the card in the direction of the meeting head, a receipt position for receipt of the card, a transfer assembly for transferring the card by means of the transfer assembly in the direction of the reading head, in which: the card feed unit is suitable for, during insertion of the card in the receipt position, receiving the card in the receipt position by means of an insertion operation with a direction of movement that, at least as seen in one direction, is substantially perpendicular to the readout direction of the card for preventing that the card is readable during the insertion operat

Abstract: An apparatus for capturing images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a base unit including an input slot for receiving a document to be processed. A transport stage located within the base unit receives the document from the input slot. The transport stage includes a document track, a processing device located along the document track, and a one-way gate located along the document track after the processing device. The document track includes a second, return path extending from a location at the one-way gate to a location before the processing device. A bi-directional drive mechanism receives the document as the document passes through the one-way gate in the forward direction. The bi-directional drive mechanism then reverses direction to drive the document in the reverse direction.

Abstract: A method for producing a RFID label comprises conveying a first label base material which is transparent from a first holding portion holding the first label base material, forming an image on a surface of the first label base material, conveying a second label base material including at least one of a RFID antenna conductor and an IC chip from a second holding portion holding the second label base material and joining the second label base material and the first label base material on which an image has been formed together, wherein, when an image is formed on the first label base material, the image is formed on a surface of the first label base material, the surface being joined to the second label base material.

Abstract: An apparatus for positioning a workpiece carrier with respect to a workstation can include a workpiece carrier movable relative to the workstation and having an encoder strip, at least one encoder reader located at the workstation for generating a signal in response to interaction with at least one encoder strip, and a drive engaging the workpiece carrier for moving the carrier relative to the workstation, the drive responsive to the signal from the encoder reader. The encoder reader can be selected from a group consisting of an optical encoder reader, a magnetic encoder reader, and any other absolute positioning encoder reader. A closed loop feedback control system can be provided for receiving the signal from the encoder reader, and for generating an output signal in response to the signal from the encoder reader in accordance with a program stored in memory.

Abstract: An electronic device includes a chip card, a controlling unit, a transport mechanism, and a positioning module. The transport mechanism is electrically connected to the controlling unit and transports the chip card under the control of the controlling unit. The positioning module is electrically connected to the controlling unit and is for pushing the chip card to remove the chip card.

Abstract: A processing system for digitizing a freehand graphic created by an optically imaging pen. The processing system is configured for: receiving digital ink representing interaction of the pen with a surface having a position-coding pattern printed thereon, the digital ink identifying one or more positions detected by the pen; determining if the detected position is in a first area or a second area of the surface; if the detected position is in the first area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a point in a freehand graphic; and if the detected position is in the second area of the surface, then interpreting the position as a selection of a property for the freehand graphic.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: An anti-misinsertion mechanism for a card connector defining a correct card connector thickness, the mechanism including: a body; a first link generally extending along the body, the first link including an actuator for actuating the first link to be rotated from a normal position toward an operating position upon detecting existence of the correct thickness of a partially-inserted card; and a second link provided with a stopper for selectively preventing full insertion of the card, the second link being pivoted to the body and operatively connected to the first link, thereby being rotatable between a normal position and an operating position relative to the normal and operating positions of the first link.

Abstract: There is provided a mobile communication terminal in which at occurrence of instantaneous disconnection in the contact of a card, the disconnection is restored without displaying the alarm by use of a simple configuration and unpleasantness is not imposed to the user. The terminal includes an interruption detection module 110 to detect an inserted state of a card and an SIM communication controller 111 to determine presence or absence of removal or replacement of the card in response to detection by the interruption detection module 110; the controller 111 makes the terminal continue a normal operation if it is determined that neither the removal nor the replacement is present.

Abstract: An electronic device includes: a card reader into which a card is inserted and which reads out information carried on the card; a power supply unit which supplies power to the card reader; a detection unit which detects the insertion of a card into the card reader and the ejection of a card from the card reader; and a control unit which controls the power supply unit. When the detection unit detects the insertion of a card, the control unit causes the power supply unit to start the supply of power to the card reader, and when the detection unit detects the ejection of the inserted card, the control unit causes the power supply unit to shut off the supply of power to the card reader.

Abstract: Swinging open the upstream-side cover part (31) and downstream-side cover part (32) of the check scanning apparatus (1) on a common support pivot (33) opens a U-shaped check transportation path (5). The check transportation path (5) can be opened with a simple single-action operation to remove checks (4) jammed in the check transportation path (5) and for maintenance of the magnetic head (84) and contact image sensors (82 and 83). When the task is completed, the open check transportation path (5) can also be returned to the original closed position by a simple single-action operation. If only those parts that require maintenance are exposed when the check transportation path is open, tasks that require opening the transportation path can be done without damaging other parts and without soiling the operator's fingers.

Abstract: In a method of processing recording media on which magnetic ink characters are printed, the media is transported at a first speed in an upright position along a transportation path from a supply unit to a discharge unit. The magnetic characters are read and output signals representative of the reading generated. The output signals are analyzed, including comparing the output signals with previously stored signal patterns of magnetic ink characters to determine if the magnetic characters can be recognized or not. The transporting of the recording media is paused, or slowed to a second speed substantially lower than the first speed, for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. A processing apparatus includes components for carrying out the operations of such method.

Abstract: In a card processing apparatus a card tray and, a card-transporting device are provided. A device for sensing the position or detention of a card in the card tray and a holding device for a card that has stopped in an irregular manner in the card tray due to manipulation of the card-processing apparatus, are also included. The holding device is activated if a change in the position of the card is not detected even though a conveying signal has been issued to the card-conveying device.

Abstract: A printing apparatus has a casing, a card supply opening at one side of the casing, a printing unit that performs a predetermined recording to a card supplied from the card supply opening, nip rollers that nip the card when being recorded at the printing unit, a magnetic encoder unit disposed adjacent to the printing unit that performs a predetermined recording to the card nipped by the rollers, and a card discharge outlet that discharges the card recorded at the printing and/or magnetic encoder units. The card supply opening, the printing unit and the magnetic encoder unit are disposed sequentially and substantially horizontally along the card conveyance path, and the card discharge outlet is provided in a side of the casing so that the card supply opening and card discharge output are positioned substantially vertically.

Abstract: A card processing unit that enables increasing a degree of freedom of a location of a communication antenna between pad rollers and simplifying a structure of the card processing unit itself. Specifically, a card processing unit equipped with a communication antenna for communicating with a non-contact IC card. The processing unit includes: two transfer rollers for transferring the non-contact IC card through contacting a surface of the non-contact IC card; pad rollers so placed as to face and bias themselves to the transfer rollers; fixed shafts protruding at both sides of each of the pad rollers in the axial direction for supporting the pad roller so as to be rotatable; and coil springs for biasing the fixed shafts at both the sides of the pad roller 16 in the axial direction so as to press the pad roller toward a corresponding one of the transfer rollers.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a display for displaying an image to be captured; an image sensor for digitally capturing the displayed image; a card reader having a linear scanner for scanning a surface of a removable card to sense a plurality of dots printed on the surface of the removable card, the plurality of dots representing a bit pattern encoding a program script; a card interface for receiving a signal from the card reader indicative of the sensed plurality of dots printed on the surface of the card, and decoding the sensed plurality of dots into the program script; and a printer configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image distorted in accordance with the program script.

Abstract: By rotating an antenna movable screw, an antenna fixing plate is vertically moved through the screw action, whereby the position of the antenna is changed. With this mechanism, the distance between the antenna and a transported label sheet can be adjusted according to a type of a label sheet (RF tag), whereby information can correctly be written to a tag corresponding to the type of various label sheets (RF tags).

Abstract: A system and method for matching lids to cartons includes a carton feed conveyor having a plurality of cartons carried at individual flight positions defined along the conveyor, with each of the cartons having a mark applied thereto indicating a type of lid to be applied to the respective carton. A reader is operatively disposed relative to the carton feed conveyor to read the marks. A lid feed conveyor has a plurality of individual flight positions defined thereon, with each flight position on the carton feed conveyor having an assigned flight position on the lid feed conveyor. A lid placer station is supplied with different types of lids from respective separate lid magazines and is disposed along the lid feed conveyor.

Abstract: A server component includes a network interface and an analysis component. The server component is at least partially implemented by an operative set of processor executable instructions configured for execution by at least one processor. The network interface is in operative communication with a network and is configured to communicate with at least two nodes of different node types. The network interface is also in operative communication with a local RFID tag attached to a corresponding module. A node of the at least two nodes is a printer-based node associated with a printing machine. The analysis component is configured to utilize the network interface to communicate with the node associated with the printing machine such that the analysis component is in operative communication with the local RFID tag attached to the corresponding module.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus are disclosed for locating an area of interest within a digital image of a form captured by an imaging scanner. Specific examples include methods and apparatus for optical mark reading with a digital imaging scanner. In many of the methods, an image of a response form is captured by a scanner, and “target” areas for possible responses are located within the image based upon an expected location being adjusted as necessary for certain error-inducing defects in the forms or scanning process. Also disclosed are steps to normalize the darkness values of pixels captured from an optically scanned form.

Abstract: An apparatus (100) recognizes user identifying data, stored in a support, for joining the support to a document containing personal information. A plurality of reading devices (12) read and recognize the data stored in each support (11). A work unit (L) has a work surface (1) on which the reading devices (12) are placed, the work surface (13) rotated to convey angularly the reading devices (12), so that each of them is placed subsequently in a position corresponding to a first section (S1) and to a second section (S2) of the work unit (L). First conveying means (T1) convey the supports (11) to a respective reading device (12). Second conveying means (T2) then convey the supports (11) from the reading device (12) to a section (20) of a feeding line (A), so as to join the support (11) to corresponding documents (D), fed to the section (20).

Abstract: A ballot processing system for processing a plurality of ballots having one or more voting selections marked thereon. The system includes an input area configured to receive a stack of ballots to be processed, an output area configured to store the processed ballots, and a transport path operable to transport each of the ballots from the input area to the output area. In an exemplary embodiment, the transport path comprises a planar section positioned between a first curve section and a second curve section to form a generally S-shaped path. The length of the transport path allows each of the ballots to be processed prior to reaching the output area.

Abstract: An automated teller machine (ATM) includes a movable bulk sheet acceptor disposed outside a secure chest, a sheet storage container disposed within a secure chest, and a movable sheet transport to enable sheets to pass from the sheet acceptor to the sheet storage container through an opening in the secure chest. The sheet acceptor and the sheet storage container may be pre-positioned relative to the movable sheet transport in an undocked position, and thereafter moved into operative positions as the sheet transport is docked. A driving gear carried on the sheet acceptor is placed in operative engagement with a gear member located adjacent the sheet transport. Operation of the driving gear is operative to move the components into the operative positions.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for transaction processing. The apparatus may be a transaction terminal including a keypad, a circuit for interacting with the transaction customer and a link communicatively connecting the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. The cashier may interact with the keypad, while the customer (and not the cashier) may interact with the customer-interaction circuit. The link may communicate a dollar amount for the transaction between the keypad and the customer-interaction circuit. Accessories for the keypad may include a check reader, a display or a receipt printer. Accessories for the customer-interaction circuit may include a smart-card reader, a magnetic-strip reader and biometric readers. The customer-interaction circuit may include a port for connection to a remote service provider. That port may be the only remote-access port in the transaction terminal.

Abstract: A carrying roller for a card reader including: a rubber outer peripheral member, which is roughly cylindrical, and forms the outer peripheral side of the carrying roller; and a retention member, which has an outer peripheral surface that abuts the inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member and retains the outer peripheral member on the inner peripheral side of the outer peripheral member. The inner peripheral surface of the outer peripheral member has a plurality of protuberances that protrude inward in the radial direction. The outer peripheral surface of the retaining member has a plurality of grooves recessed in the radial direction and engaging with the projections. The height of the projections in the radial direction is no more than 1/3.5 of the radial thickness of the outer peripheral member in sections without projections.

Abstract: A module monitoring system and related method includes a plurality of nodes and a server component. Each node of the plurality of nodes is in operative communication with a network and with at least one RFID attached to a module. Each node of the plurality of nodes is a node type and at least two nodes of the plurality of nodes are different node types. A node of the at least two nodes is a printer-based node and is associated with a printing machine. The node associated with the printing machine is also in operative communication with a local RFID tag attached to a corresponding module. The server component includes a network interface and an analysis component. The network interface is in operative communication with the network and communicates with the at least two nodes utilizing the network.

Abstract: In a bill processing apparatus 1 according to an embodiment of the invention, a lock device 400 is mechanically operated in connection with the movement of a loading tray 60 that is moved by a movement device 70. Accordingly, it is possible to drive the lock device 400 as well as the movement device 70 using only a driving source of the movement device 70. Therefore, it is possible to drive the lock device 400 with low power consumption. In addition, since it is not necessary to provide a driving source for driving the lock device 400, the number of parts is decreased and the entire apparatus is thus made to be small.

Abstract: In a method of processing recording media containing magnetic ink characters, the media is transported at a first speed along a transportation path to which a magnetic head is disposed. Character recognition is performed by analyzing signals outputted from the magnetic head in comparison with stored signal patterns. Until it is decided whether the characters are correct or can be recognized, transportation of the media is stopped or temporarily slowed to a significantly lower second speed downstream of the magnetic head. A processing apparatus includes appropriate components and functionality for carrying out such a method. In some embodiments, the analysis and comparison includes determining whether the check is inverted or upside down.

Abstract: A camera unit includes a display configured to display an image to be captured. An image sensor is configured to digitally capture the displayed image. A card reader is configured to read a removable card carrying distortion information. A printer is configured to print a distorted image on print media, the distorted image being a version of the captured image which has been distorted in accordance with the distortion information.