Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check processing system to detect a double feed condition of carrier envelopes. An example method includes attempting to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from a first predefined area of an image of a document item, determining if the document item is a carrier envelope, concluding that the document item is not a double-fed item when a determination is made that the document item is a carrier envelope, and concluding that the document item is potentially a double-fed item when a determination is made that the document item is not a carrier envelope.

Abstract: Systems for processing digital check image files include an image classification module programmed to review a plurality of attributes associated with a digital check image file including at least one check image, and to categorize the digital check image file into at least one category of a plurality of categories, and a decision module programmed to decide how to process the digital check image file based on the category.

Abstract: A system for determining a plurality of PCS values for a document image representing a document having at least one area of interest on a surface of the physical item for containing critical data and a background image positioned on the surface, the document suitable for positioning in a digital image recorder, the system determines from the memory a plurality of PCS threshold values having specified surface locations matching the assigned locations of the calculated PCS values and compares the PCS threshold values with the calculated PCS values to determine whether the target portions satisfy their respective PCS threshold values; wherein the degree of target portions that satisfy their PCS threshold value is indicative of the acceptability of the design of the background image when processed by the digital image recorder.

Abstract: The recognition rate is improved and recognition errors are suppressed when recognizing magnetic ink characters. A character recognition unit 80 calculates the difference between the reference waveform data of each character in a character set and the character waveform data of a read magnetic ink character 101, and defines the characters with the smallest differences to the read character as first and second candidate characters. If scaling the reference waveforms of the first and second candidate characters creates waveforms that are similar with a smaller difference therebetween than before scaling, and the ratio between the difference B between the waveform of the second candidate and the read character, and the difference A between the waveform of the first candidate and the read character, is greater than or equal to a specific value, the character recognition unit scales and adjusts the reference waveforms to recognize the magnetic ink character 101.

Abstract: The recognition rate is improved when recognizing magnetic ink characters. The character recognition unit of a check reader scales and adjusts the waveform of the reference waveform data for each magnetic ink character referenced to a scaling point set in each character, recognizes the read magnetic ink character based on the difference between the reference waveform data after adjustment and the character waveform data, and when there are three peaks exceeding a specific level in the reference waveform data, sets two scaling points F1, F2 in the waveform of the reference waveform data and scales the waveform of the reference waveform data referenced to the two scaling points F1, F2.

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: The character recognition unit 80 detects a first peak P1 in acquired signal waveform data, extracts character waveform data in the area of one magnetic ink character 101 in a MICR line 100 based on the position of the first peak P1, and acquires a recognition string by applying a magnetic recognition process to the character waveform data and recognizing the magnetic ink characters 101. When the first peak P1 in the character waveform data of a target character located at an end of the recognition string is within a specific range from an end of the character waveform data and a space is beside the target character, and when a space is on both sides of the target character in the recognition string, the character recognition unit 80 determines if the target character is noise.

Abstract: The recognition rate is improved and recognition errors are suppressed when recognizing magnetic ink characters. A character recognition unit calculates a total difference by calculating the total of the differences between the character waveform data and the reference waveform data for each magnetic ink character within the area of one character; calculates a partial difference by summing the differences between character waveform data and reference waveform data in a target area, which is the area corresponding to a stroke that is 2 mesh or more wide in the area of one character; executing a correction process that reduces the value of the partial difference; and recognizing the candidate character as the magnetic ink character that was read when the total difference after the correction process is less than or equal to a threshold value.

Abstract: A self-service check cashing system and method which performs preliminary tests on a check to reduce queue length at attendant check cashing stations. An example method includes obtaining an amount of a check from a customer by the self-service terminal, obtaining information from an image of a check by the self-service terminal, performing a plurality of tests by the self-service terminal, including tests using the information from the image to determine whether the check was properly completed; and displaying instructions to the customer by the self-service terminal to go to an attendant terminal to complete a second phase of the check cashing transaction when the self-service terminal determines that the test results were positive.

Abstract: A system for making commercial transactions through a paper document includes: a device (3) for reading and scanning the paper document containing information useful for a commercial transaction, the reading and scanning device (3) having an IP address; a user device (5); an interface (7), in particular a connection, between the reading and scanning device (3) and the user device (5), wherein the reading and scanning device (3) includes a software interface adapted to exchange data and/or the information with the user device (5) through the interface (7) and via the HTTP protocol.

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: 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: 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: 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 method for enhancing the accuracy of Optical Character Recognition (OCR) algorithms by detection of differences between a digital image of a document and a text file corresponding to the digital image, created by the OCR algorithm. The method includes calculating the transformation between the first and second digital images such as geometrical distortion, local brightness and contrast differences and blurring due to the optical imaging process. The method estimates the parameters of these transformations so that the transformations can be applied to at least one of the images, rendering it as similar as possible to the other image. The method further compares the two images in order to find differences. The method further displays the differences on a display device and analyzes the differences. The analysis results are fed back to the OCR algorithm.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check processing system to detect a double feed condition of carrier envelopes. The method comprises attempting to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from a first predefined area of an image of a document item. Based upon the attempted read of a MICR codeline from the first predefined area of the item image, a determination is made if the document item is a carrier envelope. A conclusion is made that the document item is not a double-fed item when a determination is made that the document item is a carrier envelope. A conclusion is made that the document item is potentially a double-fed item when a determination is made that the document item is not a carrier envelope. The method may further comprise attempting to read a MICR codeline from a second predefined area which is different from the first predefined area of the item image.

Abstract: A method is provided of operating an image-based check processing system to detect a double feed condition of checks. The method comprises attempting to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from front of a check item. The method also comprises electronically by a rear imaging camera, capturing image data which is representative of a rear image of the check item as the check item is transported from an upstream end of the document feed path to a downstream end of the document feed path. The method further comprises alerting an operator when information from the attempted read of a MICR codeline from front of the check item and information from the rear image of the check item meet predetermined criteria which is indicative the check item comprising two overlapping checks.

Abstract: A method is provided for authenticating an image printed at a predefined print resolution or in accordance with a predetermined print grid. The method includes the steps of scanning the image to produce digital data and segmenting the data into first and second groups corresponding, respectively, to first and second predefined sections of the image. Next, a determination is made concerning the anticipated spatial position of select columns of digital data from each of the first and second groups of data. By examining the data, differences may be identified between the anticipated and actual spatial position of the columns, to determine the authenticity of the image. The identified differences which may include (i) a rotary/linear displacement in the actual spatial position of the select columns. (ii) a change in beat frequency between sections of the image, and/or (iii) a phase shift in a beat frequency.

Abstract: A recording device and a control method for a recording device improve the accuracy of reading MICR information while also shortening the time required for recording media processing. A dot impact printer 10 has a magnetic head 34 that magnetically reads MICR information recorded on a recording medium S, a recording head 18 that is mounted on a different carriage than the magnetic head 34 and records images on the recording medium S, and a back scanner 112 that optically reads MICR information recorded on the recording medium S, disposed sequentially to the transportation path P of the recording medium S. When reading the MICR information by means of the magnetic head 34 does not succeed, the recording medium S is conveyed to the back scanner 112, the MICR information is read by the back scanner 112, the reading results are compared, and the MICR information is identified.

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 system for determining a plurality of PCS values for a document image representing a document having at least one area of interest on a surface of the physical item for containing critical data and a background image positioned on the surface, the document suitable for positioning in a digital image recorder, the system determines from the memory a plurality of PCS threshold values having specified surface locations matching the assigned locations of the calculated PCS values and compares the PCS threshold values with the calculated PCS values to determine whether the target portions satisfy their respective PCS threshold values; wherein the degree of target portions that satisfy their PCS threshold value is indicative of the acceptability of the design of the background image when processed by the digital image recorder.

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: Disclosed are a magnetic ink character recognition method, apparatus and system. The method includes: reading a magnetic signal of a magnetic ink character on a medium to be recognized; acquiring the amplitude characteristic data of the magnetic ink character according to the magnetic signal thereof; and performing spectral angle cosine match processing on the amplitude characteristic data of the magnetic ink character to obtain the recognition result of the magnetic ink character. The present method can reduce the stability requirements on the magnetic signal and improve the recognition rate of the magnetic signal.

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: Hybrid image format techniques are described in which multiple resolution images are concatenated to a standard bitmap image to create a hybrid image file. The hybrid image file is created through combining a relatively low resolution image with the additional images in a multi-frame format having higher resolution. The hybrid image file may contain data detectable to signal that higher resolution images are available in the hybrid image file. A hybrid aware application may be configured to detect and output a higher resolution image from the hybrid image file based on detection of the data. A legacy application that is not configured to detect the data may be unaware of higher resolution images contained in the hybrid image file, and accordingly outputs the relatively low resolution image.

Abstract: A payment item having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR)-line on its front is handled by generating, using visible light, a front image of the front of the payment item, generating, using infrared light, an infrared image of the front of the payment item or of a portion of the front of the payment item containing its MICR-line, and performing optical character recognition on the infrared image to identify data encoded in the MICR-line.

Abstract: A 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, with the data files being used to promptly initiate the transfer of funds to and from appropriate accounts, while the paper checks, at a remote location and typically lagging in time, are scanned to create digital image files and deposited as an image or substitute check if deemed ACH ineligible. The process further provides for a trial period protocol for performing image matching on ACH-eligible items during a trial period before sending such transactions for settlement.

Abstract: A cheque recognition device includes a magnetic ink character recognition unit disposed on a cheque moving path along which an introduced cheque is transferred such that it can recognize a magnetic ink character printed on the cheque headed for one side of the cheque moving path; and a control unit for analyzing the magnetic ink character recognized in the magnetic ink character recognition unit to verify whether or not the cheque is normal.

Abstract: A document input module (2) for the input of documents (9, 91, 92, 93) having at least one MICR section (10), with a reading head (3) to read the at least one MICR section (10) relative to a system (8) of input documents (9, 91, 92, 93), characterized in that the document input module (2) has at least one further reading head (4, 5, 6) to read different formats and input positions of input documents (9, 91, 92, 93).

Abstract: A method for magnetic character recognition may include: a peak detection process for detecting peak positions in a regeneration waveform; a character pitch measuring process for calculating an average character width and an average character period of each character according to a detection result of the peak detection process; a character segmentation process for calculating a peak interval array for each character according to the average character period; a peak searching process for searching for peak positions by using searching conditions, which are different from what the character segmentation process applies, on each waveform part segmented through the character segmentation process; a peak count evaluation process for choosing either a result of the character segmentation process or a result of the peak searching process, depending on whether the number of peaks in the waveform part agrees with a prescribed number of peaks; and a character determining process for a matching operation on a peak inte

Abstract: A check processing system enables determining if tampering has occurred while sending check image information captured by a check processing device to a server. The digitally watermarked image information and the magnetic ink character data are then sent through a host computer to the server. If the image information is tampered with on the host computer, the server cannot extract the magnetic ink character data from the received image information, and even if the magnetic ink character data can be extracted, the extracted magnetic ink character data will be different from the magnetic ink character data received by the server.

Abstract: To deposit a negotiable instrument electronically, a digital image may be used. Systems and methods are described herein that facilitate the use of a digital camera to provide the digital image. A user may capture an image of a negotiable instrument to create a digital image. The digital image may be compressed and saved as a digital image file. The user may then transmit the digital image file to a financial institution, such as a bank, to deposit funds drawn from the account of the negotiable instrument into the user's account. A financial institution may receive digital image files created by a digital camera from account holders and process a deposit request using the digital image file.

Abstract: A transaction processing apparatus includes a display unit, a base unit, and an attaching and detaching unit that connects circuits of the display unit and the base unit. The display unit includes an authentication-information acquiring unit that acquires, in a state in which the display unit is detached from the base unit, identity authentication information of a customer and an authentication-information storing unit that stores the acquired identity authentication information.

Abstract: A remote deposit capture system for distributed processing of check presentation can sense, or be instructed to differentiate, between deposit document types, including checks, cash withdrawals, and casino markets. Thereby, automated recognition and correction features can be selectively applied to an imaged deposit document. Thereby deposit documents that tend to use identical transaction codes, such as the same routing/transit numbers in magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) code line data, can be effectively processed without a high failure rate due to duplicate detection. Yet the advantages of duplicate detection are still leveraged against other deposit types. Alternatively or in addition, duplicate detection can be selected to not depend upon uniqueness of MICR code line data.

Abstract: A print defect management device that supports job-specific print defect management automatically assesses print job pages to determine the severity of image quality defects likely to occur on one or more selected printers. Views of identified troubled pages may be rendered to include approximations of color and image quality defects based on the original page image data, and each printer's color rendition data and defect data, thereby allowing troubled pages for one or more selected printers to be viewed prior to printing. Suggested changes may be automatically or manually applied. Once satisfied with the image quality of print job pages rendered for a specific printer, a user may submit the print job to the same printer, thereby assuring that the user's image quality expectations are met in the printed product. The device may support job-specific print defect management with both local and/or remote printers via LAN, WAN and/or Internet based connectivity.

Abstract: Stored documents can be recognized and identified by evaluation of their attributes from an image file to obtain a document specification that can be compared to stored data about the document. The image file is analyzed using a processor in order to discern image attributes. The image attributes form a specification for the document in the image. This specification can then be compared to the stored criteria using the processor, and the result of the comparison can be stored. An embodiment of the invention can be used in a check processing system for a financial institution. In such a case, the corresponding data comprises MICR data and the image attributes can, for example, indicate whether the document is a check in a carrier, as opposed a paper check by itself.

Abstract: A method for magnetic character recognition is disclosed. The method may include preparing a standard waveform that is used as a datum in an operation of reading magnetic ink characters, generating a regeneration waveform from a character string of the magnetic ink characters printed on a surface of an information recording medium, segmenting a character waveform of each of the magnetic ink characters from the regeneration waveform, comparing the character waveform segmented through the segmentation process with the standard waveform, and selecting a plurality of the standard waveforms of candidate characters in accordance with a comparison result of the comparison process. A read character may be identified with the candidate character that has the greatest value among all the coefficient values of coincidence.

Abstract: A magnetic character recognition (MICR) encoding device has a treatment station that applies a chemical treatment to the blank region as the sheets pass along the sheet path that compensates for a fuser release agent that a marking station uses. If blank region was not treated, the fuser release agent might detrimentally affect the printing of the additional magnetic ink markings. In order to properly align the blank region with the treatment station, the embodiments herein include at least one read head that is positioned before the treatment station along the sheet path. A controller analyzes the signals from the read head to determine whether the magnetic ink markings are aligned with the treatment station.

Abstract: A system for determining a plurality of PCS values for a document image representing a document having at least one area of interest on a surface of the physical item for containing critical data and a background image positioned on the surface, the document suitable for positioning in a digital image recorder, the system determines from the memory a plurality of PCS threshold values having specified surface locations matching the assigned locations of the calculated PCS values and compares the PCS threshold values with the calculated PCS values to determine whether the target portions satisfy their respective PCS threshold values; wherein the degree of target portions that satisfy their PCS threshold value is indicative of the acceptability of the design of the background image when processed by the digital image recorder.

Abstract: An input receptacle receives currency bills and checks. A transport mechanism transports the bills and checks along a transport path to an output receptacle. An image scanner, adjacent the transport path, is configured to generate one or more electrical signals from which image data can be derived. The image data is reproducible as a visually readable image of at least a portion of each of the plurality of documents. A controller is configured to determine a denomination of each of the currency bills. In response to the controller not determining a denomination of one of the currency bills, the controller flags the currency bill as a no-call document by causing at least a portion of the image data to be displayed as a visually readable image of the flagged currency bill on the display.

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 method of locating a check image region within a document image comprising the steps of locating a MICR region of the check and calculating the top of the check relative to the MICR region.

Abstract: A method for enhancing a check code line image of a captured document such as a bank check. The method includes capturing an electronic image of a document; locating a code line region within the electronic image of the document; and performing a localized video gain on the code line region.

Abstract: A method and system for enhanced check image privacy are disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention provide a way to automatically link the results from quality assurance software to a check image archive to appropriately mark images as unretrievable by customers. Images are interrogated with a data matching algorithm to determine whether a confidence score expressing a likelihood that the image matches associated, stored magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) data is below a pre-set threshold. The image can be then automatically designated in the financial document archive. The image can be displayed to an operator for analysis when the confidence score is above the pre-set threshold and below a pre-set limit, or in cases where the confidence score cannot be determined by the data matching algorithm.

Abstract: A method for magnetic character recognition may include preparing standard array data of peak intervals; generating a regeneration waveform out of a character string of magnetic characters printed on a surface of an information data recording medium; segmenting a character waveform of each magnetic character out of the regeneration waveform; generating array data of peak intervals out of an array pattern of a plurality of intervals between peaks that are included in the character waveform; and comparing the array data of peak intervals with the standard array data of peak intervals; wherein, based on a comparison result of comparing the array data of peak intervals with the standard array data of peak intervals, a read character is identified with a character corresponding to an array data of peak intervals that shows the highest coincidence.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing data to generate documents for use in MICR line testing. The system comprises a MICR testing station for testing MICR processing. The MICR testing station comprises a MICR line testing module for generating at least one MICR testing document for use in testing MICR processing. The MICR line testing module further comprises: (1) an application determination module for determining an application based on a bank selection provided by a tester, (2) a routing/transit number determination module for determining a routing/transit number based on the bank and the application determined, and (3) a tran code determination module for determining a tran code based on the routing/transit number determined; and at least one client station connected to the MICR testing station via a communications network, the at least one client station being used by at least one tester to provide particulars about at least one MICR line.

Abstract: An automated document processing system is disclosed. The system includes a magnetic character reader located along a path of travel of a document. The system also includes a first image scanner located after the magnetic character reader along the path of travel, the first image scanner configured to capture an image of a first side of the document. The system further includes an endorser located after the magnetic character reader along the path of travel, where the endorser is configured to print an endorsement on at least one side of the document. The system also includes a second image scanner located after the endorser along the path of travel, the second image scanner configured to capture an image of the at least one side of the document endorsed by the endorser.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read form data bearing records. The machine includes a card reader that operates to read data from user cards. The card data corresponds to financial accounts. The automated banking machine further includes a cash dispenser and a receipt printer. The machine is operative to dispense cash to an authorized user based on identifying data including card data, and to cause a financial transfer from an account corresponding to card data through communication with at least one remote computer. The machine includes a check acceptor that operates to determine magnetic symbols included on checks. Cash may be dispensed in exchange for a check received through operation of the check acceptor of the machine.

Abstract: A system for determining a plurality of reflectance values for an item design representing a physical item having at least one area of interest on a surface of the physical item for containing critical data and a background feature positioned on the surface, the physical item suitable for positioning in a digital image recorder, the system comprising: an input module configured for receiving one or more material reflectance values of a substrate for providing said surface and design parameters for said background feature, the design parameters including a color and a color density of said background feature; a memory configured for storing a plurality of color reflectance values assigned to a corresponding plurality of selected combinations of specified design parameters; a look-up module configured for determining from the memory one or more color reflectance values having the specified design parameters matching the design parameters for said background feature; a combination module configured for combining