Abstract: Systems and methods for processing checks using 2D barcodes are provided. A user submits a digital image of a check that includes a 2D barcode. The 2D barcode has embedded positional information of one or more check features which can be decoded and compared to the check features optically identified on the digital image of the check. From this, a set of rotational and scaling adjustments can be computed by comparing estimated positional information with the positional information of the one or more check features retrieved from the barcode. A more accurate representation of the check is then produced by applying the set of rotational and scaling adjustments to the digital image of the check. Once a more accurate representation of the check has been produced, the check can be electronically processed using a routing transit number found on the check.

Abstract: The disclosed embodiments relate to a computer system that facilitates identifying additional tax information. During operation, the computer system receives tax information. Next, the computer system determines relevance of the additional tax information to the tax information using a metric indicative of a statistical relationship between the tax information and the additional tax information in a tax-information data structure. This metric is based on co-existence of the tax information and the additional tax information at different hierarchical levels in income-tax documents. Moreover, the tax-information data structure includes tax information and associated context information from income-tax documents. Next, the computer system identifies the additional tax information based on the relevance and a threshold, and the computer system provides the additional tax information.

Abstract: Techniques for assuring the quality of mobile document image captured using a mobile device are provided. These techniques include performing one or more tests to assess the quality of images of documents captured using the mobile device. The tests can be selected based on the type of document that was imaged, the type of mobile application for which the image quality of the mobile image is being assessed, and/or other parameters such as the type of mobile device and/or the characteristics of the camera of the mobile device that was used to capture the image. The image quality assurance techniques can also be implemented on can be implemented on a mobile device and/or on a remote server where the mobile device routes the mobile image to the remote server processing and the test results are be passed from the remote server to the mobile device.

Abstract: An optical reader is provided. A transport section is capable of transporting a medium which is a reading target in forward and backward directions along a transport path. An optical reading section is installed in the transporting path. The optical reading section optically reads the medium which is transported by the transport section. A control section sets a transport direction of the medium at the time of reading of the medium on the basis of a position of the medium before or when the reading of the medium is started and a reading position of the optical reading section such that a transport distance of the medium until the reading of the medium is completed is shortened, and controls the transport section and the optical reading section.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated document processing and more particularly, to methods and systems for document image capture and processing using mobile devices. In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems for document image capture on a mobile communication device are provided such that the image is optimized and enhanced for data extraction from the document as depicted. These methods and systems may comprise capturing an image of a document using a mobile communication device; transmitting the image to a server; and processing the image to create a bi-tonal image of the document for data extraction. Additionally, these methods and systems may comprise capturing a first image of a document using the mobile communication device; automatically detecting the document within the image; geometrically correcting the image; binarizing the image; correcting the orientation of the image; correcting the size of the image; and outputting the resulting image of the document.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for processing an image of a financial payment document captured using a mobile device and classifying the type of payment document in order to extract the content therein. These methods may be implemented on a mobile device or a central server, and can be used to identify content on the payment document and determine whether the payment document is ready to be processed by a business or financial institution. The system can identify the type of payment document by identifying features on the payment document and performing a series of steps to determine probabilities that the payment document belongs to a specific document type. The identification steps are arranged starting with the fastest step in order to attempt to quickly determine the payment document type without requiring lengthy, extensive analysis.

Abstract: When optically scanning a medium, scanning can proceed immediately even if the size of the medium is unknown. Before or when an optical reading device starts scanning to read all of a recording medium, the CPU 40 sets a scan block of a size that can always be scanned based on the output of media edge sensors 47 and the distance from the scanning position of the optical reading device to the detection position of the media edge sensors 47, and then scans the set scan block.

Abstract: Presented is a light detection device including a first detecting portion detecting fluorescence from a first detection position on a conveyor path, a second detecting portion detecting afterglow from a second detection position on the conveyor path, a lighting portion applying excitation light over a range including the first detection position but not the second detection position, a first reference member including fluorescent material emitting fluorescence and emitting reference light toward the first detecting portion, a second reference member emitting reference light toward the second detecting portion, the reference light not influencing a result of detection by the second detecting portion, and a correction controller correcting a detection result by the first detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the first detecting portion and correcting a detection result by the second detecting portion based on the reference light detected by the second detecting portion.

Abstract: A remote deposit capture system is provided that includes the means for human evaluation of financial transactions, and well as the application of rules based methodologies.

Abstract: Disclosed is a medium recognition apparatus for determining the type of a medium by using color information obtained by scanning the inserted medium, as well as a method for determining the type of a medium by using the apparatus. Color information and size information obtained by scanning only a partial region of a medium image, the hue of the medium image scanned by the image sensor, or RGB channel color information scanned by the color sensor is compared with pre-stored reference information to determine the type of the medium. This guarantees that the type of the medium is determined quickly and accurately based on simple comparing results.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for validation of images and their associated Tag Image File Format (TIFF) tags in an image cash letter. One or more image cash letters (ICLs) are received. Each image cash letter is validated that it satisfies defined image and TIFF validation rules. Image cash letters are identified that have non-conforming images that do not pass the image and TIFF validation rules. Errors associated with the non-conforming images are automatically sent to an originator of the identified image cash letter that has the non-conforming images. Various reports may be generated identifying errors in the non-conforming images and associated originators of the errors.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time validation of check image quality and readability of MICR line data are provided. A check image received by a financial institution can be assessed during a customer on-line session, so that the customer is informed in real-time whether the image is acceptable. Received check images are used to produce images in another format, which are then analyzed for specified requirements.

Abstract: A method of automatically capturing images with precision uses an intelligent mobile device having a camera loaded with an appropriate image capture application. When a user initializes the application, the camera starts taking images of the object. Each image is qualified to determine whether it is in focus and entirely within the field of view of the camera. Two or more qualified images are captured and stored for subsequent processing. The qualified images are aligned with each other by an appropriate perspective transformation so they each fill a common frame. Averaging of the aligned images reduces noise and a sharpening filter enhances edges, which produces a sharper image. The processed image is then converted into a two-level, black and white image which may be presented to the user for approval prior to submission via wireless or WiFi to a remote location.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring through completion the automated processes performed by a bank in validating Image Cash Letters for purposes of check clearing under the provisions of the Check21 Act.

Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for assessing whether mobile deposit processing engines meet specified standards for mobile deposit of financial documents. A mobile deposit processing engine (MDE) is evaluated to determine if it can perform technical capabilities for improving the quality of and extracting content from an image of a financial document. A verification process then begins, where the MDE performs the image quality enhancements and text extraction steps on sets of images from a test deck. The results of the processing of the test deck are then evaluated by comparing confidence levels with thresholds to determine if each set of images should be accepted or rejected. Further analysis determines whether any of the sets of images were falsely accepted or rejected in error. An overall error rate is then compared with minimum accuracy criteria, and if the criteria are met, the MDE meets the standard for mobile deposit.

Abstract: A document processing system includes an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past an 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 image scanner operates to obtain images of the documents and further operates to obtain images of selected portions of the documents, and further can obtain information contained in the selected portions. The discrimination unit operates to determine document authenticity. A system controller directs the flow of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: A method for collecting and transmitting information desired for a commercial transaction from a debit or credit card uses a processor configured with optical character recognition (OCR) capability. At least one optical image of the debit or credit card is collected by the processor. The edges of the card are algorithmically defined from the collected image. Predefined offsets are applied to the algorithmically defined edges of the debit or credit card to algorithmically locate an area in the collected image having the desired transactional data. The transactional data within the located area is encoded and transmitted for further processing of the commercial transaction.

Abstract: Systems and methods for applying for and creating balance transfers with a mobile device are provided. An image of a customer's financial statement can be taken using a mobile device, after which the image is analyzed to extract information relevant to creating a balance transfer. The extracted information is then communicated to a bank over a network connected with the mobile device, where the bank can process the information and create an offer to the customer for a balance transfer in real-time. An example financial statement is a credit card statement. These systems and methods may comprise capturing an image of a document using a mobile communication device; transmitting the image to a server; detecting relevant information within the image; transmitting the information to a bank; and transmitting a resulting balance transfer offer from the bank to the mobile device.

Abstract: A customer account number is received via an interface of a document processing device. A plurality of documents associated with the deposit transaction is received in an input receptacle of the document processing device. The plurality of documents is transported, one at a time, along a transport path from the input receptacle past an image scanner to one or more output receptacles. Each document is imaged with the image scanner to produce image data associated with the deposit transaction. The image data is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of each document. Deposit information is generated from the image data associated with the deposit transaction. The customer account number is associated with the generated deposit information. The deposit information is transmitted from the document processing device to a teller system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are disclosed for providing an image of a rectangular target object. The method includes the steps of determining only a first dimension of a rectangular target object in an initial image, subsequently determining only a second dimension of the target object and subsequently providing a cropped and de-skewed final image of the target object responsive to the determined first and second dimension.

Abstract: A system and method of processing paper checks that divides into two independent paths the processing of a data file representing a check and the digital image of the check. The data files and image files are separated both in time and in space. The digital image files are deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible through image exchange. WIC checks are handled through image exchange. Vendor identifiers required for WIC processing are added to the check after scanning. The system identifies the state of the check and the particular store accepting the check in order to determine where to place the overlay and which vendor identifier to use.

Abstract: After a charge has been made with a credit card, the charge may be analyzed to determine if it may be transferred to a line of credit. The credit card may be monitored for purchases that match rules or criteria set by a user and/or an institution system. If the transaction meets the rules and/or criteria, the charge on the credit card may be paid with funds from the line of credit. In an implementation, instead of the user waiting for the credit card bill and then paying the amount of the charge on the bill from the line of credit, the institution system automatically performs the transfer for the user (e.g., pays the charge on the credit card with funds from the line of credit).

Abstract: A self-service terminal for storing currency, includes a detection unit, an image capturing unit, a database, and a serial number reading unit. The detection unit detects the currency. The image capturing unit is connected to the detection unit, and captures an image of a side of the currency on which a string of serial numbers are printed. The database is connected to the image capturing unit. The database includes depositor's information stored therein. The database saves the image therein. The serial number reading unit is connected to the database. The serial number reading unit captures the string of serial numbers from image. The database saves the string of serial numbers therein, and associates the string of serial numbers with the information of the depositor.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods, devices, and computer program products for image noise reduction. In one example embodiment, a method for reducing noise in a digital image includes several acts. First, one or more objects are identified in an input image. Next, the input image or a portion thereof is processed to produce another image, which may be a blurred version of the input image. Finally, one or more objects in the processed image that correspond to the one or more objects identified in the input image are evaluated to determine whether to discard the one or more objects identified in the input image. For example, if an amount of energy preserved in an object after blurring is less than a threshold, the object may be discarded as noise.

Abstract: A check and U.S. bank note processing device configured to process both checks and U.S. bank notes and a method of using the same. The device comprises an input receptacle configured to receive checks and U.S. bank notes and an output receptacle. The device further comprises a transport mechanism configured to transport the checks and U.S. bank notes from the input receptacle past an image scanner. The image scanner is configured to obtain an image of each check and U.S. bank note transported past the image scanner. The device is configured to determine the denominations of U.S. bank notes transported by the transport mechanism. The device further comprises a memory configured to store the images of checks transported past the image scanner.

Abstract: A check and U.S. bank note processing device configured to process both checks and U.S. bank notes. According to one embodiment, the device comprises an input receptacle configured to receive checks and U.S. bank notes and an output receptacle. The device further comprises a transport mechanism configured to transport the checks and U.S. bank notes from the input receptacle past an image scanner. The image scanner is configured to obtain an image of each check and U.S. bank note transported past the image scanner. The device is configured to determine the denominations of transported U.S. bank notes. The device is configured to capture information from checks transported past the image scanner. The device further comprises a memory configured to store the information captured from checks transported past the image scanner.

Abstract: A stack of documents is received, transported, and imaged to produce image data. The image data associated with each document is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of a respective document. The document processing device determines whether each document satisfies one or more certain flag criteria. A document that satisfies one or more of the certain flag criteria is a flagged document. In response to one of the documents satisfying one of the certain flag criteria, the document processing device continues to transport subsequent documents in the stack of documents and displays on a display unit of the document processing device a visually readable image of at least a portion of the flagged document using the image data associated with the flagged document and a positional locator associated with the location of the flagged document in the output receptacle.

Abstract: A check and U.S. bank note processing device configured to process both checks and U.S. bank notes. The device comprises an input receptacle configured to receive checks and U.S. bank notes and an output receptacle. The device further comprises a transport mechanism configured to transport the checks and U.S. bank notes from the input receptacle past an image scanner. The image scanner is configured to obtain an image of each check and U.S. bank note transported past the image scanner. The device is configured to determine the serial numbers of U.S. bank notes transported past the image scanner. The device further comprises a memory configured to store the determined serial numbers of U.S. bank notes.

Abstract: The present invention relates to automated document processing and more particularly, to methods and systems for document image capture and processing using mobile devices. In accordance with various embodiments, methods and systems for document image capture on a mobile communication device are provided such that the image is optimized and enhanced for data extraction from the document as depicted. These methods and systems may comprise capturing an image of a document using a mobile communication device; transmitting the image to a server; and processing the image to create a bi-tonal image of the document for data extraction. Additionally, these methods and systems may comprise capturing a first image of a document using the mobile communication device; automatically detecting the document within the image; geometrically correcting the image; binarizing the image; correcting the orientation of the image; correcting the size of the image; and outputting the resulting image of the document.

Abstract: A user or a device may separate a check into two or more portions prior to generating a digital image of the check for remote deposit of the check. The user or a device may separate the check by cutting or tearing the check. After separating the check into the portions, the user may generate a digital image of the portions of the check using a scanner for example. The digital image may be transmitted to an institution for deposit of the check. The institution may retrieve the images of the portions of the check and generate an image of the check based on the portions, by combining the images of the portions for example. The image of the check that may be generated based on the images of the portions may be processed for deposit.

Abstract: An apparatus and method specify the presence/absence of an alteration and an alteration position of an image. A block-division unit divides image data into image data of a first unit including a predetermined number of pixels. A block calculation unit calculates an image data coefficient of the first unit. A cell-division unit divides one image data of the first unit into image data of a second unit. A cell calculation unit calculates an image data coefficient of the second unit. First verification data is generated by selecting two image data coefficients of the first unit and generating, for one pair, data representing the magnitude relation of the image data coefficients of the first unit. Second verification data is generated by selecting two image data coefficients of the second unit and generating, for one pair, data representing the magnitude relation of the image data coefficients of the second unit.

Abstract: An acceptor device for sheet objects such as banknotes, comprises a sensor to derive data corresponding to a spatial array of data samples from a face of a sheet object, said data being configured in a sampling frame that lies within a range of positional relationships to a reference frame. The acceptor device also comprises a processor operable to process the data to determine the relationship between the reference frame and the sampling frame for the sensed data, and being operable to transform pre-selected regions of the sensed data from the sampling frame so as to correspond to data in the reference frame, and to make a comparison of the transformed data with reference data corresponding to the pre-selected regions in the reference frame and to the sheet object depending on the outcome of the comparison.

Abstract: A plurality of sets of a printed document for distribution to a plurality of destinations is generated. For each one of the plurality of destinations, whether to perform conceal processing to document data is determined, and destination-specific print data is generated by performing conceal processing to the document data when it is determined that conceal processing is to be performed and by adding each one of the destination identification information identifying each one of the plurality of destinations to the document data.

Abstract: A method of recording a transaction relating to a security document is disclosed. Coded data portions are provided on the security document, with each coded data portion encoding an identity of the security document and part of a signature. The signature is a digital signature of the identity. A sensing device senses at least one coded data portion. From the coded data portion sensed by the sensing device a determined identity and a determined signature part are determined. The security document is authenticated using the determined identity and the determined signature part. Transaction data associated with the security document, stored in a data store, is updated upon successful authentication.

Abstract: An image processing device includes an additional image formation unit configured to form an additional image having a first predetermined density. At least a part of the additional image is overlaid with a main image having a second predetermined density, the main image being formed on an image formation medium. A boundary image formation unit is configured to form a boundary image which is formed in an area defined in the vicinity of an overlaid area where the additional image is overlaid with the main image. A density of the boundary image is lower than both the first predetermined density and the second predetermined density. A synthesized image formation unit is configured to synthesize the main image, additional image and the boundary image to form a synthesized image.

Abstract: Simultaneous scanning of multiple checks. In one example embodiment, a method for simultaneous scanning of multiple checks with a flatbed scanner includes several acts. First, a front side of a transparent sleeve is scanned on a flatbed scanner in order to create a first image. The sleeve has multiple pockets with a check positioned in each pocket. The sleeve further has multiple alignment markings on the front side and on a back side of the sleeve. Next, the back side of the sleeve is scanned on the flatbed scanner in order to create a second image. Then, it is determined from the respective positions of the alignment markings on the first image and on the second image that the sleeve was rotated between scans. Finally, one of the first and second images is automatically rotated to match the other image in order to align each front/back check image pair.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, the present invention relates to a method and a system for transaction decision making. According to an exemplary embodiment, a method and system for processing payment items involve receiving a payment item at a sorter device; extracting electronic data from the payment item from an electronic readable line of the payment item; imaging the payment item to obtain image data of the payment item; comparing the electronic data and the image data to verify payment data associated with the payment item; and determining an optimal settlement path for the payment item, at the sorter device.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting duplicate checks during processing. The duplicate detection may be performed by a financial institution, such as a bank. The method may be implemented on a computer based system. The duplicate detection method may be automated. The method may be applied to incoming check files prior to processing of the check data to prevent processing of duplicate checks. The system and method may use a function, such as a hash function, to perform the duplicate detection. Other functions, such as a Bloom filter which may use multiple hash functions, may be used to perform the duplicate detection.

Abstract: The invention group relates to the banknote detecting means. The technical result is increase in the banknote identification accuracy. The method is based on a computational processing of the banknote scan formed in the device during scanning. The banknote digital image is separated into areas; for each area a function is calculated and a feature vector is composed with further calculation of the distance to the known classes represented by the parameters available beforehand. Moreover, the calculated function of the banknote digital image allows calculation of its signature in a form of binary number that is compared with the classes known beforehand.

Abstract: Check image data which is representative of an image of the check is captured. Endorsement data which is representative of an image of an endorsement is appended to the check image data to provide endorsed check image data which is representative of an image of the check and the endorsement. The endorsed check image data is stored in memory.

Abstract: Techniques for processing an image of a check captured using a mobile device are provided. The check image is processed to determine whether the check can be deposited at a bank via a mobile deposit process. The system can identify regions of the check—such as the endorsement area—to determine if the check has been properly endorsed. The system can be implemented on a mobile device and/or a server, where the mobile device routes the check image to the server for processing. If the check cannot be deposited, a rejection is forwarded in real time to the mobile device for possible correction.

Abstract: Images of a plurality of checks to be presented for payment may be captured through the use of a check sleeve. The check sleeve includes check-holding mechanism to hold one or more checks in place in the sleeve, and contains various types of markings or other features that allow an image of the sleeve to be oriented, and to allow the portion of the image that represents a check to be distinguished from portions of the image that do not represent a check. One or more algorithms may be used to distinguish check from non-check portions of the image, and to orient the image. The check sleeves may have one or more barcodes imprinted thereon, which may encode various types of information.

Abstract: A method and system for determining an optical waveform based on a plurality of print features of a selected marking of a document. The method and system comprise obtaining optical image data representing the print features of the selected marking. The optical image data is corrected for at least one of print contrast or reflectance of the print features in the optical image data using respective print contrast thresholds or reflectance thresholds to produce a converted pixel map of the selected marking, the pixel map containing an ordered sequence of values. Also included is a generation module to transform the print features represented in the converted pixel map to a plurality of corresponding waveform features to produce the optical waveform of the selected marking, the corresponding waveform features including a plurality of spaced apart peaks representing respective optical signal levels of the print features.

Abstract: A paper sheet recognition apparatus recognizes whether a paper sheet has a motion thread that is a thread part in which a pattern varies with a viewing angle. The paper sheet recognition apparatus includes multiple light sources that irradiate the paper sheet with lights from corresponding multiple directions, a line sensor that receives reflected light reflected from the paper sheet that is irradiated with the lights from the multiple directions by the light sources, an image processing unit that creates, based on an output signal that is outputted by the line sensor, multiple paper sheet images captured by using the light irradiated by the light source from each direction, and a recognition unit that judges whether the motion thread is present by comparing each image of the thread part included in each of the paper sheet images created by the image processing unit.

Abstract: Remote deposit of checks can be facilitated by a financial institution. A customer's general purpose computer and image capture device may be leveraged to capture an image of a check and deliver the image to financial institution electronics. Additional data for the transaction may be collected as necessary. The transaction can be automatically accomplished utilizing the images and data thus acquired.

Abstract: Images from checks may be compared with each other to detect a twice-deposited or represented check. An image of a check may be parsed into regions or tiles, for example. In an implementation, values for regions or tiles over a predetermined area (e.g., an area from a character in the magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line at the bottom of the check to the dollar sign symbol) may be compared. In an implementation, a virtual overlay of two check images may be performed and a correlation may be determined.

Abstract: There is described an image forming apparatus, which make it possible to appropriately print each of a valid print object and an invalid print object. The apparatus includes: a printing section to conduct a printing operation based on the print data, so as to create the print product; and a control section to determine whether the digital signature is valid or invalid so as to control the printing operation, based on the determined result. When the plurality of print objects includes both a valid print object for which the digital signature is determined as valid and an invalid print object for which the digital signature is determined as invalid, the control section controls the printing operation, so as to enable the valid print object to be printed, based on the print data, while disable the invalid print object to be printed, based on the print data.

Abstract: An apparatus, method, and system for processing character data is provided, which selects a format of the character data to be used for generating print data. When a user instruction for printing character data according to character command data specifying the output of the character data is received, the format of the character data is selected based on the character command data.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method for image processing are disclosed, each of which obtains a mark from image data, detects additional information in the mark, determines whether the mark is detected in the mark to generate a determination result, and controls processing performed by an image processing apparatus with respect to the image data based on the determination result.

Abstract: A method or corresponding apparatus for remote transmission of a negotiable instrument. In an example embodiment, the process provides a carrier that secures a negotiable instrument. Next, the process creates a unique identifier, associated with the carrier, and generates an electronic image of the negotiable instrument. After generating the electronic image, the process transmits the electronic image of the negotiable instrument and the unique identifier to a remote location. The negotiable instrument may be transmitted via a fax, a scanner, a device designed to transmit electronic data, other image device compatible with ITU-T recommendations T.30 or T.4, or combination thereof. The process may also verify the negotiable instrument has a valid endorsement, verify image quality of the electronic image to ensure compliance with financial industry standards, or validate any received security information.