Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: In order to provide a procedure and a device that will enable the, at least partially, automated acceptance of bank notes that can be realized in an acceptable cost range and that will enable the highly automated, rapid acceptance of bank notes with a high level of certainty, a method, in which a test for the acceptability of bank notes is performed by automatic vending machines is proposed; by this method a bank note is fed via a transport unit to a digitalization station, where it is at least partially digitized; the data obtained in this manner are then compared with stored data by a computer unit, which makes a determination of value, and renders an automatic decision regarding acceptance. If the automatic decision regarding acceptance is negative, an image of the digitized data is generated in order to allow a service employee to perform a visual inspection of the note and render a final decision regarding acceptance.

Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the fill image scanner and the discrimination unit. The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document. The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting alteration of a document. The invention evaluates markings in half-tone fields by ascertaining a first dot count of dots isolated from the marking in the half-tone field of the document; forming an image of the marking; superimposing the image on a blank half-tone field having the same predetermined pattern as the half-tone field of the document; ascertaining a second dot count of dots isolated from the image superimposed on the blank half-tone field; and determining whether the marking has been altered by comparing the first dot count to the second dot count. An alteration is indicated where the first dot count and second clot count are different.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus comprises a scanner for scanning a bank check to obtain gray scale image data associated with the bank check. A processor is provided for (i) selecting one of a plurality of binarization programs based upon the gray scale image data, and (ii) applying the binarization program selected to at least a portion of the gray scale image data to provide a binary image of at least a portion of the bank check.

Abstract: A method of processing a check without human intervention to determine if the check has a stale date comprises the steps of (a) extracting date data from a date field of the check, and (b) validating the extracted date data to determine if the extracted date data is representative of a date which is prior to a predetermined date and thereby to determine if the date data in the date field of the check is representative of a date which is stale. Preferably, step (b) includes the step of (b-1) comparing the extracted date data with date data which is representative of the predetermined date. The method may be at a check processing transport, a bank teller station, or an automated teller machine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading and decoding documents transported through the system in a single, non-reversing pass. An optical sensor array derives a pair of separate and distinct video signals from a scanning sequence where select portions of the document are scanned solely with infrared, and adjacent portions are scanned with visible light. The two, resultant video signals are delivered to separate image processing modules which concurrently process data independently. One module decodes bit images of machine readable characters derived from the infrared scanning sequence, the other module derives an image. Noise is reduced as smudges or extraneous marks are ignored. The first P bits of an initial scan are spatially filtered to yield M intermediate numbers of N bits, where P=M×(N−x2). Each N-bit resultant number corresponding to a predetermined pattern. Combinations of patterns are analyzed to recognize OCR, MICR, and E13B characters.

Abstract: A currency identification system identifies currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems. The device includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the identity of a bill, the discriminating unit retrieving characteristic information from the bill. Furthermore, a memory stores master characteristic information associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying; the memory storing master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill from each of at least two currency systems. A signal processor compares the retrieved characteristic information with master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill. The signal processor generates an indication of the identity of said bill based on the comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.

Abstract: A financial document processing system has a transport path and an I/O device disposed along the transport path. The system comprises an input device for receiving a set of zone coordinates. An I/O device is disposed along the transport path. A memory is provided for storing a plurality of sets of rules. A processor is provided for (i) obtaining one set of the plurality of sets of rules based upon type of the I/O device, and (ii) applying the one set of rules against the set of zone coordinates to determine if the set of zone coordinates is acceptable. The processor then adjusts the set of zone coordinates based upon application of the set of rules against the set of zone coordinates.

Abstract: An automated transaction machine includes a scanner configured to receive a bill or coupon. The coupon is processed by application of connected component analysis, segmentation, coupon matching, and data extraction to determine an associated vendor and customer account information. This information is used to complete a payment transaction.

Abstract: Detection and deterrence of counterfeiting permits one to make legitimate color copies without introducing visual artifacts or experiencing substantial processing delays. An efficient counterfeit deterrence is enabled by the use of an hierarchic detection scheme, in which the majority of documents are classified as free of suspicion using a simple token detection algorithm that imposes a negligible computational burden. The remainder of documents, which are labeled as suspicious, receive analysis by one or more additional detection algorithms. If the suspicious document is identified as being a secure document, this will lead to printing with selectively deteriorated service or complete denial of service. For one embodiment, tokens having a characteristic color (or colors) and spacing, are incorporated into the design of frequently counterfeited documents. The scheme uses a color look-up table (LUT) to detect an initial token having the characteristic color.

Abstract: A currency identification system identifies currency bills of different denominations of a plurality of currency systems. The device includes a discriminating unit for discriminating the identity of a bill, the discriminating unit retrieving characteristic information from the bill. Furthermore, a memory stores master characteristic information associated with each genuine bill which the system is capable of identifying; the memory storing master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill from each of at least two currency systems. A signal processor compares the retrieved characteristic information with master characteristic information associated with at least one genuine bill. The signal processor generates an indication of the identity of said bill based on the comparison when the bill is one that the system is capable of identifying.

Abstract: A system and method for generating a plurality of customized documents having at least one portion of common information and at least one portion of variable information where the common information is generated using a first computing platform and the variable information is generated using a second computing platform include generating and storing data representing an electronic image of the common information, generating a mail merge file using the second computing platform to position variables representing the variable information within a page, electronically combining the image of the common information with the mail merge file generated using the second computing platform by overlaying the common information and variable information based on position of the variables within the page for each of the plurality of customized documents, and printing each of the customized documents.

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 subsystem and method, employed within an electronic check presentment (“ECP”) system and executable on a computer system having volatile and nonvolatile memory and a processor coupled thereto. The subsystem and method establish and maintain a datastore for processing items within the ECP system.

Abstract: An image-based document processing system includes an imaging camera which is disposed along one side of a document transport path. The imaging camera has an acquisition rate associated therewith. A selective illumination array is disposed along the document transport path and generates selective illumination data which is synchronized to the acquisition rate of the imaging camera. A controller is provided for (i) controlling the imaging camera to capture an image of the document as the document is being transported past the imaging camera, and (ii) controlling the imaging camera to capture an image of selective illumination data. The imaging camera may include a charge-coupled device (CCD) having a linear array of sensors. The imaging camera may capture the image of selective illumination data either after the image of the document is captured or before the image of the document is captured.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for screening documents such as bank notes 1 for suitability for continued circulation, in which a damage index is computed for each document from a number of factors comprising a shape factor, an orientation factor, a size factor and a location factor developed for each defect in the document. Shape and rotation factors are obtained by applying Fourier and/or Wavelet transforms to sets of contour signals developed on scanning a document for defects using an optical scanner (6).

Abstract: An improved method for accurately and correctly encoding and printing complete checks on blank paper sheets from graphic check images. The method includes inputting into a computer a graphic image of a check. Scanning the graphic image, in computer memory, and identifying the MICR character codes with their locations. Printing said MICR codes with magnetic ink in MICR fonts in a designated “clear band”. Reformatting the scanned graphic image with the MICR images deleted and printing the reformatted graphic image above the “clear band” to provide a negotiable check instrument.

Abstract: The subject invention is a process for improving the process of authenticating a negotiable instrument such as checks, comprising the usage of a series of coded designated portions on the face of the check, which portions can be marked in part according to a predetermined code so as to supplement a signature on the instrument for authenticity. Other code means may be employed on the negotiable instrument to create a physical and related mean employed by the issuer of the check to differentially code the instrument when it is initially negotiated as an additional authentication means, with one general embodiment of the invention comprising a computerized apparatus that can detect the right coding when the instrument is presented for cashing or payment of an obligation, such invention comprising in part, in an alternative embodiment, computer programmatic algorithmic means to authenticate the process of making and uttering such negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving images of documents, e.g. checks.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and thus preventing check fraud utilizing a digital computer with image capture and interpretation systems. The system converts the payee information, issue date and the MICR line information (account number, check number and dollar amount) to a check digit which is then placed into the MICR line of a check, printed on its face or transmitted via the paid issuance file to the drawee bank. The drawee bank, upon presentment utilizes a transformation algorithm to convert the printed payee information and issue date on the check into a numerical value that is combined with MICR line information and a check digit is calculated based upon pre-agreed logic. This unique data processing system quickly confirms properly presented checks while effectively precludes payee and other alterations in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: A security document is provided comprising: a security image area on the face of the document and a printed security image within the security image area. At least a portion of the security image area is divided into a plurality of image element cells, such that the image element cells define an array of image element cells across the security image area. Each of the image element cells is divided into a plurality of pixels, such that each image element cell defines a cell pixel array. At least a portion of the security image area is divided into a plurality of complementary image element cells, such that the complementary image element cells define an array of complementary image element cells across the security image area. Each of the complementary image element cells is divided into a plurality of pixels, such that each complementary image element cell defines a cell pixel array. The printed security image comprises image elements and complementary image elements.

Abstract: A security system and method by which customers may be readily identified prior to cashing of checks, other cash-out transactions, or other business transactions, wherein each customer is issued an individualized customer identification card having at least a personalized multidigit customer identification number encoded thereon and, optionally, also encoded with additional personal data identifying the customer. To cash a check or conduct another form of business transaction, whether at an attended customer service station or at an automated machine, the encoded data on the identification card is read and the customer is required to input the personalized identification number assigned to the card. The transaction is not approved unless the customer correctly inputs the assigned identification number. In contemplated embodiments, the encoded data along with data regarding the transaction requested by the customer, e.g.

Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, financial transaction processing systems and methods are provided. One preferred embodiment of a method according to one aspect of the present invention includes generating an optically scanned image of at least a portion of document containing visual data, in a particular format, representing information related to the financial transaction. Recognition characteristics are generated from the scanned image and are compared to respective sets of reference recognition characteristics generated from respective other transaction documents having different respective formats to determine therefrom whether the particular format of the visual data matches one of the respective formats of the other documents.

Abstract: A currency detection method that detects seals on currency in order to prevent printing and defeat counterfeiting. Seal patterns are detected. The detector has the ability to identify whether an image contains one or several pre-selected seal patterns. The detection is rotational and shift invariant--a suspect mark can be in any orientation and at any location within a tested image. With the method: a detector is trained off-line with distinctive marks resulting in templates which are generated and recorded for each of the distinctive; sample images bearing suspect marks are received by the detector and the location and orientation of the suspect marks are identified; the templates are rotated and shifted for alignment of the templates to the suspect marks; the templates and the suspects marks are compared to determine whether there is a match. A microprocessor is programmed to become familiarzed with a plurality of distinctive marks through training and to analyze and detect seals within tested documents.

Abstract: An automated self service method of and system for cashing checks, typically without human intervention. The system includes a check cashing database that contains customer records for registered customers. A plurality of administration modules are provided with which individuals may register themselves and their checks and communicate with customer service representatives. A check cashing server communicates with the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server receives check cashing requests from the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server processes check requests by comparing information in the request with criteria derived from the check cashing database. If the check request satisfies the criteria, the check cashing server, without human action or intervention, instructs the check cashing transaction module to dispense cash to the customer.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for processing documents which automatically identifies, separates and processes different document types from a single business entity or multiple business entities is disclosed.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: The invention accurately generates counterfeit probability data indicating that a non-reproducible document is being processed even when the pattern which identifies such documents has been defaced. One set of rules and membership functions is stored in each of three memory sets, for each of (1) an unaltered pattern identifying a non-reproducible document, (2) an altered version of that pattern, and (3) a pattern identifying an ordinary reproducible document. A fuzzy inference unit uses these rules and membership functions to generate data representing the probability that a counterfeiting attempt is occurring. These probability data are transmitted to the copy machine through a control CPU to prevent unlawful copying.

Abstract: Information in the form is analyzed based on adjacency relationships among cells in the forms. By using adjacency relationships, a format may be provided for forms which are divided into cells by separators such as lines, notwithstanding that the positions and sizes of the cells may change, as long as their order remains unchanged. In particular, cells are extracted from the image data of a form. Adjacency relationships among the extracted cells are determined. The determined adjacency relationships are compared with a set of adjacency relationships are compared with a set of adjacency relationships in order to identify the extracted cells. Information contained in the form is then recognized based upon the identified extracted cells. In particular, the information contained in the form is recognized, based upon the identified cell in which the information is contained.

Abstract: A method and device for securely duplicating sensitive documents. A marking element is entered on the original document to identify its confidential nature, as well as an encoded rules elements which defines duplication restrictions of the document. For each duplication request (101) for a sensitive document (102), the document is digitized (103) to determine the presence of a marking element (104) and to find the duplication restrictions, i.e., the encoded rules elements (106). Duplication may be performed (110) depending on the restrictions defined in the rules elements (106) and after an authorization check (108). A duplication may be obtained by requesting the computerized original of the document from the document issuer. In addition to the selective control of reproduction of documents the method and device is particularly suitable for preventing the duplication of documents for fraudulent purposes, multiple duplication of selected documents, and for copyright administration.

Abstract: A method of processing a matrix of gray scale picture elements derived from lifting an image of a document to extract strokes from the image of the document comprises the steps of (a) calculating a global average value of the gray scale picture elements, (b) placing a window over a portion of the matrix of gray scale picture elements, (c) calculating a local average value of the gray scale picture elements contained in the window of step (b), (d) comparing the global average value of step (a) with the local average value of step (c), (e) calculating a relative figure of importance (RFI) value for each gray scale picture element contained in the window of step (b) when the local average value calculated in step (c) is less than the global average value calculated in step (a), (f) increasing the size of the window of step (b) and replacing the window of step (b) with this increased sized window when the local average value calculated in step (c) is greater than the global average value calculated in step (a), a

Abstract: A knowledge-based document analysis system and method for identifying and decomposing constrained and unconstrained images of documents is disclosed. Low level features are extracted within bitonal and grayscale images. Low level features are passed to a document classification means which forms initial hypotheses about the document class. For constrained documents, the document analysis system sorts through various models to determine the exact type of document and then extracts the relevant fields for character recognition. For unconstrained documents, through the use of a blackboard architecture which includes a knowledge database and knowledge sources, the document analysis means creates information and hypotheses to identify and locate relevant fields within the document. These fields are then sent for optical character recognition.

Abstract: An improved system and method is provided for automatically tracking check transactions and generating an expenditure statement thereof using printed bank checks having a plurality of graphic icons disposed thereon. The customer marks the icon which describes the particular expense for which the check payment is being made. The payor bank or a check processing center scans each check to determine which icon(s) have been marked for each particular check transaction. Recorded expenditures are then automatically recorded in a cumulative transaction record. Periodically, this information is organized into a detailed expenditure statement that can be provided to the bank customer.

Abstract: An automated document cashing system includes a reader for capturing an image of a negotiable instrument and recognizing the authorized signature as well as the amount written thereon. The system then can transfer monies in the amount of the instrument to a savings account, a checking account, a smart card, or the like. The system can cash money orders as well as write money orders. The system will also wire transfer money. The image capture apparatus also can capture an image of a utility bill or the like that is presented by a user. By supplying monies in the form of cash, credit card authorization, smart card balance, or the like, the user can pay bills such as a utility bill through the system or purchase items dispensed by the system.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and thus preventing check fraud utilizing a digital computer with image capture and interpretation systems. The system converts the payee information, issue date and the MICR line information (account number, check number and dollar amount) to a check digit which is then placed into the MICR line of a check, printed on its face or transmitted via the paid issuance file to the drawee bank. The drawee bank, upon presentment utilizes a transformation algorithm to convert the printed payee information and issue date on the check into a numerical value that is combined with MICR line information and a check digit is calculated based upon pre-agreed logic. This unique data processing system quickly confirms properly presented checks while effectively precludes payee and other alterations in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for the efficient processing of binary images represented as a run length encoded data stream. The system employs a CPU and cache or other memory for efficiently scaling or scaling and rotating parsed RLE date. Subsequently, the scaled RLE data can be decoded to produce a scaled image bitmap.

Abstract: A method of processing documents involving: transporting the documents at high speed unidirectionally and without pause along a prescribed transport path past at least one image-lift site; scanning the entirety of respective document faces at the sites with illumination from a light-source; providing a light-guide along a path between the light-source and the sites; providing an energy-shaping gate, disposed at each of the sites and acting to channel the imaging illumination energy there; and providing a heat-dissipation stage disposed operatively adjacent the light source and acting to extract infra-red energy therefrom and dissipate it so as to shield the sites; this heat-dissipation stage comprising an infra-red extraction unit arranged and adapted to remove a substantial part of the infra-red energy projected along a prescribed beam-path from a high-intensity spectral source; the extraction unit comprising: a selective reflector interrupting the beam path and adapted to divert infra-red energy as an infra

Abstract: An image processing device is disclosed which can reliably detect documents which may not be copied, which has a very small probability of false positives, and which can handle newly issued documents which may not be copied. In addition, an image processing scheme is disclosed which would accurately obtain the location of a pattern indicating a document to be detected; which would extract that pattern; which would determine correctly whether it is the right pattern; and which would make it difficult for anyone to tamper with the pattern. To achieve this, a specified pattern is imprinted before use on a document which may not be copied, and a previously specified number of positioning marks and dummy marks which identify the location of the pattern may also be imprinted. The device is able to detect a wide variety of documents and perform the required processing at high speed.

Abstract: A check permitting confirmation that a check was drawn by an authorized maker at the time of transaction is disclosed. Such check includes a picture of the authorized maker and an electronically-scannable means for informing the bank whether the check was transacted with the authorized maker present. The picture may include stenganographic identification coding which may be computationally-correlatable with an invisible, but photostatically-incompetent, bank mark. Confirmation of endorsement by the person or entity to whom the draft is drawn is effectuated by providing for a plurality of unique codes associated with the identity of an endorser. Such unique codes preferably include a "made payable to code" and an "endorsement code". Preferably the present invention provides for means for the drawee of the draft to confirm that sufficient funds are available in the account upon which the draft is drawn.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for providing access to computerized information services for users unequipped with computers, particularly information services related to commercial transactions. Facsimile images of hardcopy forms are used as means for conveying transactional information.Each facsimile image contains character and data fields with information for a particular trade transaction. The system captures the facsimile image in bitmap form and converts the character and data fields into computer readable form. The system enhances each image and performs several levels of feature extraction, including character recognition techniques. To efficiently and automatically convert great document volumes, the system optimizes database lookup and human operator manual keying to assist character recognition techniques in developing accurate coded text from the features of the facsimile image.

Abstract: An image processing and retrieval system in which images are captured and stored at the remote site where the document processor is located which codelines from the documents are captured and transmitted to a central host computer site, whereby the accounting and financial records may be done at the host computer at the central site and image statements and other image processing activity to process the image may be done at remote sites.

Abstract: A method and device for counting and discriminating documents including currency documents comprising a discriminating unit wherein the failure of a bill to be identified by the discriminating unit to causing the operation of the device to be suspended after the unidentified bill has been transported to an examining location for convenient examination by an operator. The device is provided with document-type selection elements. When an unidentified bill is found to be acceptable, an appropriate document-type selection element is chosen. The selection of a document-type selection element causes appropriate counters to incremented and the device to resume operation. The device is also provided with a continuation selection element. Alternatively, when an unidentified bill is found not be acceptable, the document is removed from the output receptacle and the continuation selection element is chosen.

Abstract: A method of off-line digitizing item images for subsequent image processing. In a financial institution application of the present invention, all items to be processed are fed through a reader/sorter, which reads the MICR data on the item, stores this transaction data on an attached computer, endorses the item, microfilms the front and back of each item, and then sorts the items. In a first embodiment off-line operation, the microfilm is digitized and the digitized images are stored in a disk storage unit. In a second embodiment off-line operation, the sorted items are digitized directly (after being processed by the reader/sorter) and the digitized images are stored on a disk storage unit. Image enhancement algorithms may be employed due to the fact that the digitizing process is off-line and such enhancement algorithms will not slow the reading/sorting process. The microfilm is then retained as an archival copy.

Abstract: An electronic document-imaging arrangement wherein imaging means generates imaging-bits representing a given document and transfers these bits on a "per-document basis" to various successive electronic processing stages and, finally, to a data base storage unit (DBS); this arrangement also including a tag stage for creating tag bits unique for each such imaged document; these tag bits to be transferred with the imaging bits for each document to each such processing stage that handles the imaging bits, on a per document basis, and finally to DBS interface means for final matching and removal of the tag bits.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting and thus preventing check fraud utilizing a digital computer with image capture and interpretation systems. The system converts the payee information, issue date and the MICR line information (account number, check number and dollar amount) to a check digit which is then placed into the MICR line of a check, printed on its face or transmitted via the paid issuance file to the drawee bank. The drawee bank, upon presentment utilizes a transformation algorithm to convert the printed payee information and issue date on the check into a numerical value that is combined with MICR line information and a check digit is calculated based upon pre-agreed logic. This unique data processing system quickly confirms properly presented checks while effectively precludes payee and other alterations in a cost effective manner.

Abstract: Digital images of documents such as bank checks are analyzed to determine acceptable image quality by capturing an image at a first or normal sensitivity and at a second or greater sensitivity. Both sets of image signals are subjected to speckle filtering to remove extraneous image elements or noise. The greater sensitivity signals are grouped in discrete areas having a predetermined number of pixels and black pixels which are connected are identified as an object in each discrete area. Each object is analyzed by measuring height, width, area, perimeter, aspect ratio, density ratio and perimeter to area ratio. Predetermined limits for these characteristics are applied to each object to classify the object as stroke-like or of another shape. Stroke-like objects are then compared with the object at the same position in the normal image field and a so-called area ratio of the number of black pixels in the normal image to the number of black pixels in the more intense image is determined.

Abstract: An image based, dual path, document processing system including an imaging unit, a character recognition unit, a dual path module and an encoder. A document received by the system is sequentially processed through the imaging unit, the character recognition unit, the dual path module and the encoder. The imaging unit images the front face of the document and attempts to identify character data appearing on the face of said document, such as a hand-written courtesy amount appearing on a bank check, while the character recognition unit is utilized to reads machine-readable data, such as MICR data, printed on the face of the document.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method of and apparatus for optically scanning bank notes, the method including the steps of transmitting the bank notes along a transport path, illuminating each of the bank notes from one side of the transport path and forming a representation of the bank note utilizing a photo-electric means located on the opposite side of the transport path. The invention is characterized by determining the location of any defect in the bank note in relation to the boundaries of the bank note and determining whether or not the bank note is acceptable for use in an automated teller machine (ATM), dependent on the location of any detected defect.