Abstract: A system and method for imaging and capturing information from checks and documents contained in a lockbox remittance. A computer workstation is used to generate and print a header sheet that includes information identifying the check. The header sheet is appended to the front of the documents and the document are imaged using a scanner. Identifying information from each of the documents is used to create a data record for each document. In parallel to the scanning of the documents, the checks are scanned and images are created for each of the checks. Additionally, identifying information from each of the checks (e.g., the check number, the amount, etc.) is manually input into a database, thus creating a data record for each check.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing and assessing documents using a profile for documents, such as a payment instrument. In one embodiment, the profile may include variable machine-printed writing. In other embodiments, the profile may include pre-printed information. A method may include providing a document to a computer system. In one embodiment, profile representations may be determined for information fields of the document. The determination may use variable machine-printed writing and/or pre-printed information from at least one of the information fields of the documents. In one embodiment, the method may further include comparing machine-printed writing and/or pre-printed information in information fields of the document to at least profile representation from at least one information field of at least one other document. In some embodiments, the method may include assessing fraud in the document using at least one of the comparisons.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: A method for processing papers of value in which different groups of papers of value are processed one after the other, such that for each group of papers of value an accounting unit is opened, an identification is inputted or read for each accounting unit and the identification is associated with an accounting unit, for the purpose of opening the accounting unit, only when a prior accounting unit is closed, and a check is made of whether an input for the groups of papers of value is empty.

Abstract: Column misalignment between a character string recognized by a MICR and a character string recognized by optical character recognition is corrected to improve character recognition reliability. A magnetic data reading unit detects the magnetism of a character string printed in magnetic ink and outputs the detected magnetic data. An image reading unit optically reads the same character string printed in magnetic ink and outputs the image data. A magnetic data recognition unit applies a character recognition process to the magnetic data output by the magnetic data reading unit and outputs magnetic data recognition result. An image data recognition unit applies character recognition to the image data output by the image reading unit and outputs image data recognition result.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method for processing a document involving the automatic removal of text from a predetermined area of a document, the method comprising inputting a bitmap containing the predetermined area of the document from which the text will be removed wherein the predetermined area contains handwritten strokes, detecting the text, removing the text and any handwritten strokes that intersect with the text and outputting the bitmap with the text removed therefrom.

Abstract: Communicating and matching electronic files for a check adjustment case comprises communicating an electronic check adjustment message comprising key data relating to the case, communicating an electronic image of a document to follow (“DTF”) related to the case, associating the key data with the electronic DTF image, determining whether the electronic message's key data matches the key data associated with the electronic DTF image, and linking the electronic message to the electronic DTF image in response to a determination that the electronic message's key data matches the key data associated with the electronic DTF image. If the DTF image's key data does not match the message's key data, matching electronic files can comprise correcting errors in the key data associated with the electronic DTF image and performing a secondary match routine. An operator accesses the electronic message and the linked DTF image to resolve the check adjustment case.

Abstract: A method of operating a check processing system includes scanning a check on a first occasion to generate a first image of the check. The first image is transmitted to a financial institution. The check is scanned on a second occasion later than the first occasion to generate a second image of the check. The second image of the check is transmitted to the financial institution. The second image of the check is examined to determine whether the check was cancelled prior to the second occasion.

Abstract: A currency genuineness detection system using plurality of opto-electronic sensors with both transmission and reflective (including fluorescence) properties of security documents is developed. Both detection sensing strategies utilise integrated response of the wide optical band sensed under UV visible along with optional near infra red light illumination. A security document is examined under static condition. A window signal signature is thus possible from photodetectors responses for various kinds of documents of different denominations, kinds and country of origin. A programmable technique for checking the genuineness of a security document is possible by feeding a unique code of the currency under examination.

Abstract: A check processing apparatus and method acquire and save data verifying the identity of a person using a check, and output this information in an effective manner to prevent improper use of the check. A check scanner 140 images all or part of the presented check C. A photo ID scanner 110 scans personal identification 71 presented as proof of identity by the person using the check, and a controller 160 converts the scanner output to generate personal identification image data. A merge file generating means 170 merges the image data from the check scanner with the personal identification image data to produce a merged file. The merged file is stored in merged file storage means 180 and output to a display 33.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for identifying a media item. The apparatus includes a module for receiving media items and capturing an image of a received media item. The method involves ascertaining external dimensions of the media item from the captured image; creating a monochromatic image based on high contrast boundaries within the captured image; matching the monochromatic image to one of a plurality of templates of media items of approximately the same external dimensions as the media item; and providing details of the matched template, including type and orientation of the media item corresponding to the matched template.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating a remote check image capture device. The method comprises capturing a color image of a check provided by a user at the remote check image capture device, storing the color image of the check, deriving from the color image a non-color image of the check, transmitting to an institution the non-color image of the check, and receiving from the institution a request to retrieve the color image of the check in response to the institution determining that the non-color image of the check is unusable.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: The invention relates to the field of document authentication and more specifically to an apparatus and method for validating an enhanced feature contained in a document under analysis. More specifically, a cross plane comparison is used within a document comparison system to validate the authenticity of a security document. Two images are extracted from two color-planes (e.g. visible light and infrared) of a specified page of a security document and the presence/absence of a pattern or text in each plane is determined. In operation, the security document is exposed to two light sources and grey scale images are extracted. Binary images are then obtained from the grey scale images by filtering each grey scale image and then thresholding each grey scale image. The difference between the two binary images is then calculated to determine if a pattern or text is present in both planes or only in one plane.

Abstract: An image verification apparatus includes a verification unit and a control unit. The verification unit verifies, using verification data included in an image file, whether a digital image included in the image file has been altered. The control unit (a) controls the image verification apparatus to display additional information of the digital image on a display unit, if the verification unit verifies that the digital image has not been altered, and (b) controls the image verification apparatus not to display the additional information except a thumbnail image of the digital image on the display unit and to display both the thumbnail image of the digital image and information indicating that the digital image has been altered on the display unit, if the verification unit verifies that the digital image has been altered. The additional information includes the thumbnail image of the digital image.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for identifying in real time duplicate financial documents processed by a financial institution or check clearinghouse. A collection of hash values representative of previously processed financial documents are maintained in a memory, such as a GPU memory. When a new financial document enters the financial institution or check clearinghouse for processing, one or more features of the financial document are captured. A hash value is generated from the one or more features of the financial document. A search is performed in the collection of hash values for a matching hash value. If a match is found, a potential fraudulent event or operational error may be indicated. If a match is not found, the hash value representative of the new financial document is added to the collection of hash values.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing documents of value (12), in particular bank notes, has a checking device (52) for checking documents of value (12) in regard of at least one property of a document of value (12) in accordance with at least one predetermined criterion, in particular an authenticity criterion, with a sensor device (50) arranged in a processing area (28) for detecting the property, a storage-area housing (56) comprising and securing against unauthorized access a storage area in which documents of value (12) recognized as authentic in accordance with the criterion are storable, and has a first opening (54; 88) through which the documents of value (12) can be transported from the processing area (28) to the storage area, a transport device (42) arranged in the processing area for the singled transport of documents of value (12) fed by the apparatus along a transport path (48) from an input device for the single input of documents of value or a singler to the checking device (52) and from there to the st

Abstract: A method for verifying the authenticity of a document utilizes artifacts of the printing process. The method includes optically capturing at a predetermined magnification a first image of an indicia printed on the authentic document. A corresponding indicia on a document to be authenticated is optically captured at a predetermined magnification. The captured images and the printing process artifacts depicted therein are characterized. Authenticity is verified where the characterization indicates the captured images are sufficiently identical. An indication is issued as to whether the document is authentic.

Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for filling forms, including using a graphical capture device, are described herein.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for analyzing and assessing documents using a writing profile for documents, such as a payment instrument. A method may include providing a document to a computer system. The document may include two or more information fields. In an embodiment, a method includes obtaining information on writing in an information field of the document, comparing the obtained written information in the information field and written information in at least one other information field to at least two writing profile representations from at least one other document. At least two of the writing profile representations may include written information from the information field and written information from at least one of the other information fields from at least one other document.

Abstract: The presently claimed invention relates generally to methods and apparatus associated with steganographic encoding (e.g., data hiding). One claim recites a method including: obtaining plural-bit auxiliary information; and during communication between a first computer and a second computer over a network, modulating timing or phase of a clock signal generated by the first computer so as to steganographically hide the plural-bit auxiliary information in a communications signal sent between the first computer and the second computer. Of course, other claims and combinations are provided as well.

Abstract: An image-based check processing system has a focus test pattern on a background surface which is disposed along one side of a document transport path. An imaging camera is disposed along an opposite side of the document transport path and faces the focus test pattern. The imaging camera captures an image of a financial document along the document transport path when the financial document is between the imaging camera and the focus test pattern, and captures an image of the focus test pattern when no financial document is between the imaging camera and the focus test pattern. An energizeable first light source of a first electromagnetic frequency is provided for, when energized, illuminating a financial document moving past the imaging camera to allow the imaging camera to capture an image of the illuminated financial document.

Abstract: A system for tracking currency bills comprises a currency scanning device. The scanning device includes a sensor that retrieves currency identification characteristic information of each bill processed. The currency identification characteristic information permits the unique identification of each bill processed. The system further comprises a customer identification means and means for associating each processed bill with the customer depositing the bill. Means for identifying the customer (or customer account) associated with a particular processed bill after the deposit transaction has been completed is also included in the system.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to electronic digital files with document security features to prevent duplication of documents. The method may include selecting a source image previously designed, where a specified tone is used to indicate a background area and another specified tone(s) is/are used to indicate at least one security feature(s) area. The method may also include selecting one or more corresponding tiles and/or one or more corresponding functions for (i) the background area and (ii) the at least one security feature(s) area, generating a converted electronic digital file from the source image with the desired security feature(s) and saving the converted electronic digital file in a format suited for use as a stand-alone graphic image or incorporated into other programs ready for output onto the output device.

Abstract: A magnetic detection system for authenticating a document includes a first magnetic scanhead adapted to create a first magnetic field for saturating the magnetization of an area on each of the bills. The magnetic detection system further includes a second magnetic scanhead with an electromagnet. The electromagnet is capable of creating a second magnetic field of adjustable intensity. The second magnetic field is the opposite polarity of the first magnetic field. The intensity of the second magnetic field is adjusted by changing the amount of current supplied to the electromagnet. The amount of current supplied to the electromagnet is based upon a characteristic of the document to be authenticated.

Abstract: A system and method of recognizing characters in a captured image, includes selecting a portion of the image encompassing a string of characters in the captured image to be recognized. The selected portion is examined to identify segments that potentially include the characters of the string. During the examining multiple tests on pixels in the selected portion are performed. The identified segments are then examined to recognize the string of characters.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and program for image processing are provided to perform operations of generating a verification document image and detecting tampering on the verification document image. The verification document image is generated by a document image generator, which adds a verification pattern to an original document image received from a document provider. A tampering detector determines whether the verification document image has been tampered based on the verification pattern. The output unit prints out, under control of a controller, the verification document image as well as information on whether tampering is detected. The above operations are performed on a network, such as the Internet.

Abstract: A system and method that allows a business or financial institution accepting negotiable documents such as checks as payments or receiving such documents in deposits to determine whether those documents are valid by comparing a set of document and maker characteristics extracted from an image of the document to the document and maker characteristics for valid documents stored in a profile. These characteristics are contained in a public document validation profile. The public document validation profile does not require the distribution of information subject to privacy laws and regulations and does not expose information of potential use to fraud perpetrators.

Abstract: Efficiently assessing the quality of an electronic check image by determining whether the check image is suitable for image quality analysis prior to performing the image quality analysis. A check processing module of a check processor can determine whether the check image is suitable for image quality analysis by validating certain tags in the image. For example, such validation can include determining whether the check image includes certain mandatory tags and whether any optional tags present in the image are valid. The check processing module can determine that the check image is not suitable for image quality analysis if it does not include the mandatory tags or if it includes any invalid optional tags. The check processing module can assign a failure value to any check image that is not suitable for image quality analysis. The failure value can indicate a reason for the unsuitability of the check image.

Abstract: In general, this disclosure describes techniques of efficiently generating digital versions of financial documents from physical versions of the financial documents. As described herein, one or more financial documents may be inserted into one or more pockets of an envelope. The envelope is sufficiently transparent to allow both sides the financial documents to be scanned with a digital image capture device. Furthermore, the envelope is sized in such that the envelope, with the financial documents, may be individually fed into the digital image capture device by an automatic document feeder that is capable of feeding individual pages having a standard paper size into the digital image capture device. After inserting the financial documents into the pockets of the envelope, digital images of the financial documents may be captured. The digital images of the financial documents may then be processed and transmitted to a financial institution.

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: 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; submitting 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: 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 configurable image quality analysis system for use at a point of presentment includes an input receptive of an item image of a physical item at least partially embodying a financial transaction. An image quality module is adapted to perform a plurality of image quality tests on the item image according to a plurality of configurable test parameters. An edit module is adapted to perform at least one edit on images of unacceptable quality as defined by the image quality module according to a plurality of configurable edit parameters. An output is adapted to report results of the tests of the image quality module and an edited image from the edit module.

Abstract: Systems and methods for real-time check authorization and clearing are provided. In one aspect, a method is provided for processing a payment transaction using a check and an input device at a point of sale (POS). The method includes electronically capturing at the input device information from the check used in the payment transaction. The method also includes converting the check transaction to a debit transaction, transmitting data associated with the debit transaction to a transaction processor, and processing the debit transaction data to generate one of an authorization for the debit transaction and a denial for the debit transaction.

Abstract: A system for handling checks is provided that includes a sorter operable to retrieve MICR data from a plurality of checks. An emulator is coupled to the sorter. The emulator is operable to access the MICR data, to generate a process buffer based on the MICR data, and to generate a plurality of feature instructions for each check based on the process buffer. A communication engine is coupled between the emulator and a check processing system. The communication engine is operable to communicate between the emulator and the check processing system in real-time. The check processing system is operable to receive the process buffer from the emulator through the communication engine. The emulator is further operable to communicate the feature instructions to the sorter. The sorter is further operable to process the checks based on the feature instructions.

Abstract: Ultraviolet light is used for checking the authenticity of sheet material, in particular bank notes, whereby the ultraviolet light transmitted, i.e., pervading the sheet material to be checked, is used for checking authenticity.

Abstract: An image capture system for retaining check processing data comprises a camera operable to generate an electronic check image of a physical check, with the electronic check image operable to generate an image replacement document. The system includes a scanner operable to process the check image to generate check processing data and one or more processors operable to embed at least a portion of the check processing data in the electronic check image. The embedded check processing data is typically operable to be subsequently identified.

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 an image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the image scanner and the discrimination unit. The image scanner obtains an image of the documents, obtains an image of a selected area of the documents, and obtains information contained in the selected area of the document. The discrimination unit determines the authenticity of the document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.

Abstract: An OCR percentage matching algorithm achieves a significant reduction in false mismatches accounting for combinations of unprocessed spaces, missing characters, extra characters and character substitution errors during the OCR scanning processing and allows for a specified percentage of the OCR character scan rather the entire OCR character scan to be the same as the expected character string to declare a match.

Abstract: A method of enabling remote deposit of checks includes receiving at a second site a plurality of check images and a plurality of entered dollar amounts, wherein the check images were generated at the depositor site by scanning the checks and the entered dollar amounts were manually entered at the depositor site. Each of the entered dollar amounts correspond to a respective one of the check images. The check dollar amounts are read from the check images at the second site using character recognition, and certain of the entered dollar amounts are used as hints to improve the accuracy of the character recognition. The enhanced character recognition results are provided to the depository bank along with the check images to enable the checks to be deposited in the depositor's account.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system for obtaining ink annotations from paper comprises a comparator that compares an initial electronic version of a document with an electronic image of an annotated version of the document to identify a handwritten annotation. The system also includes an annotation lifter that extracts the handwritten annotation from the electronic image and converts the handwritten annotation into a computer-usable form. Methods for using the system are also provided.

Abstract: A system and method for detecting a streak in a JPEG image. A system is provided that includes an extraction system for extracting a DC value from each cell block in the compressed image; an identification system for identifying a peak DC value in each rank of cell blocks within the compressed image; and an analysis system for analyzing the peak DC values to determine if a streak exists in the compressed image.

Abstract: A method for processing document image data wherein the quality of the document image is determined by examination of a vital document area includes determining a confidence level for the document by calculating two or more confidence factors for each vital document area. These confidence levels include calculations based on number, mass, and quality of identified characters within the vital area, the distribution of pixels horizontally across the document, and empirically determined norms for image density and distribution. The confidence levels are combined to give a confidence level for the document image quality.

Abstract: A self-service terminal (10) comprises: a fascia (12) having a note entry/exit slot (56); and a note processing module (60) for processing notes deposited via the slot. The note processing module (60) includes a note transport mechanism (70, 70A) for transporting notes between the slot and a note imaging means (74) arranged to scan the notes at a first speed. The transport mechanism includes a loop (70A) arranged to transport notes through the imaging means (74) a second time at a second speed, the first speed being greater than said second speed.

Abstract: Image integrity in an archive can be verified using document characteristics. Embodiments of the invention provide a way to verify the integrity of a stored document image by determining document characteristics, which can also be embedded in the image file. Before allowing access to the image file by an application, the characteristics data from an image analysis can be compared to either or both of, characteristics information otherwise stored, or embedded characteristics data. The embedded data can optionally be encrypted. In example embodiments the data can include a result of an optical character recognition of contents of the document, a length of data describing the image, a percentage of a specified color of pixels in the image, or a checksum. Example embedding techniques can include those making use of a tagged image file format (TIFF) header, a steganographic watermark, or an image artifact.

Abstract: Techniques for use of wireless labels to provide information relating to documents in a document processing operation are described. A plurality of document processing trays each have affixed a label for receiving and displaying messages which are received wirelessly from a central communication interface The messages provide information relating to documents to be placed within or contained within the trays. When a group of documents undergoes initial processing, the group of documents is sorted into a plurality of sorting locations. Each of the sorting locations has an associated tray and label and the documents within the sorting location are placed within the tray. Messages relating to the documents within each tray are transmitted and displayed on the label affixed to the tray. The messages provide information such as the large group, such as an entry, and sorting location to which the documents belong and the endpoint of the documents.

Abstract: A system and method for imaging and capturing information from checks and documents contained in a lockbox remittance. A computer workstation is used to generate and print a header sheet that includes information identifying the check. The header sheet is appended to the front of the documents and the document are imaged using a scanner. Identifying information from each of the documents is used to create a data record for each document. In parallel to the scanning of the documents, the checks are scanned and images are created for each of the checks. Additionally, identifying information from each of the checks (e.g., the check number, the amount, etc.) is manually input into a database, thus creating a data record for each check.