Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus are disclosed for Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (‘MICR’) signal generation for a MICR character configured on a medium that include: exposing, by an emitter, an electromagnetic signal to the MICR character, the MICR character absorbing a portion of the electromagnetic signal; detecting, by a receiver, a remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal, the remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal representing the character density for the MICR character; generating a character density signal, the character density signal being dependent upon the detected remaining portion of the electromagnetic signal; and determining a MICR signal for the MICR character, the MICR signal being dependent upon the character density signal.

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: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A paper-sheet processing apparatus including a reading unit, a risk-level determining unit, and a check processing unit is provided. The reading unit reads, from a check, check information containing drawer information for identifying a drawer of the check. The risk-level determining unit acquires a transaction history associated with a check in the name of the drawer based on the drawer information read by the reading unit, and determines a risk level of the check based on a comparison result between the acquired transaction history and the check information read by the reading unit. The check processing unit processes the check based on a processing content corresponding to the risk level determined by the risk-level determining unit.

Abstract: A hand-operated document processor has a base for receiving a document containing magnetic ink character data to be read and recognized. A manually operated moving magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) subsystem includes a MICR read head and is attached to the base. Movement of the subsystem causes the MICR read head to pass over the magnetic ink character data on the document. MICR reading and recognition logic receives the signal from the MICR read head. A spring/cylinder mechanism includes a spring providing the force necessary to drive the moving MICR subsystem, and includes a dashpot composed of a piston and cylinder arranged such that the spring moves the MICR subsystem across the document being processed and drives the piston in the cylinder, thereby damping the motion of the MICR subsystem.

Abstract: In connection with the digitization of documents, a process and system wherein an automated quality control function operates to automatically determine the quality of an image according to predetermined characteristics and their associated values. According to this novel system and process, if an image fails to meet specified quality criteria it may be marked as such and that information as well as other information concerning the image will be made available during archival and thereafter including during a retrieval operation.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing phase angle based magnetic ink character recognition (MICR). A system is provided that includes: a segmentation system for segmenting inputted MICR data into sets of temporal data for inputted characters; a Fourier system for generating a set of phase angle components from temporal data for each inputted character; and a matching system for comparing the normalized set of phase angle components with each of a set of reference waveforms to determine an identity of the inputted character.

Abstract: A method for processing backwards documents in a document processing system involves a reverse recognition algorithm. The document processing system includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader. A waveform is determined for a magnetic ink character string on a document. A forward recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to a set of known character profiles. In a case where the magnetic ink character string remains unrecognized after application of the forward recognition algorithm, a reverse recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to the set of known character profiles. The reverse recognition algorithm considers the determined waveform as resulting from the document being oriented backwards when passing though the magnetic ink character recognition reader when comparing the waveform to the set of known character profiles.

Abstract: A method for linking front and rear images in a document processing system involves linking the front and rear images by a magnetic ink character code line. The document processing system includes an imaging device and a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader. The method comprises capturing a first image and first MICR waveform for the front side of the document, and capturing a second image and second MICR waveform for the rear side of the document. A forward recognition algorithm is applied to the first waveform to produce a first code line. A reverse recognition algorithm is applied to the second waveform to produce a second code line. The reverse recognition algorithm considers the second waveform as resulting from the document being read from the rear side of the document when processing the second waveform.

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: 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 comprising: an input module configured for obtaining a plurality of reflectance values distributed across the surface of the document; a memory configured for storing a plurality of PCS threshold values assigned to a corresponding plurality of locations on the surface; a calculation module configured for determining respective PCS values of a plurality of target portions of the surface, each of the respective PCS values based on a target reflectance value of the corresponding target portion and a region reflectance value of a corresponding defined region located adjacent to the target portion on the surface, each of the defined regions being different for each of the target portions, each of

Abstract: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: When the deposit of a negotiable instrument, such as a check, is done electronically by using a digital image of the negotiable instrument rather than the negotiable instrument itself, during the process, at least two negotiable instruments may exist: the physical negotiable instrument and the digital image of the negotiable instrument. To change the physical negotiable instrument to a non-negotiable instrument, a bank or other financial institution may send a transmission to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument, thus effectively “voiding” the physical negotiable instrument. The negotiable instrument may have various inks or mechanisms that facilitate the modification of the appearance through the application of a stimulus, such as heat or light. The financial institution may cause the application of the stimulus to modify the appearance of the negotiable instrument.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for cleaning a black white image. A system is disclosed that includes a filtering system that applies a filter to the black white image, wherein the filter examines a set of neighboring pixels of each black pixel and determines if a black pixel being examined should be converted to a white pixel; and a recursive application system that causes the filtering system to repeatedly re-filter the black white image until a determination is made that the black white image is sufficiently cleaned.

Abstract: A loan opportunity system is configured to analyze loan data and/or population data in order to determine loan opportunities for a lender, such as a credit union. In one embodiment a lender is initially provided with one or more estimated loan opportunity indicators, such as indicators of quantities of loans in a specific geographic region for which the lender can likely offer lower rates. Subsequently, upon completion of a payment agreement with a loan opportunity provider, for example, and establishment of loan parameters associated with borrowers (and their existing loans) to which the lender would like to make firm offers of credit, the lender is provided with a loan opportunity list indicating details of borrowers and their respective loans for which the particular lender can likely offer lower rates.

Abstract: A gray scale image cleaning algorithm for improved check code line OCR. An image processing system for processing a gray scale image is provided that includes: a system for generating a first thresholded black white image from the gray scale image; a system for generating a second thresholded black white image from the gray scale image, wherein the second thresholded black white image is generated with a higher threshold value than the first thresholded black white image; and a system for logically combining the first and second thresholded black white images to generate a composite image.

Abstract: A manually operated document scanner and methods of operation and use are disclosed. The document scanner includes a document bed having a document positioning surface. The document scanner also includes a scanner module slidably attached to the document bed. The scanner module has a magnetic character reader, a first magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a first direction of travel of the scanner module, and a second magnet placed along a leading edge of the magnetic character reader in a second direction of travel of the scanner module opposite to the first direction of travel.

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

Abstract: The 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 currency processing system data storage arrangement is provided for a currency processing system, which includes a first controller, a communication interface, and a sensor or sensors arranged to output to the first controller raw data associated with a sensed characteristic of processed currency bills. A data storage medium defines a database for storing the raw data, and/or derivative data corresponding to statistical data associated with the raw data, received from the first controller through the communication interface. The data storage medium is accessible by the first controller and/or a second controller through the communication interface and/or another communication interface.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program for quality management of a plurality of documents associated with a data-processing operation of an organization is provided. The documents include several fields, the organization has employees, and the method comprises determination of error rates. Errors are reduced in the plurality of documents by focusing on critical fields. The occurrence of errors is predicted by determining a correlation between the errors and a set of attributes, which is updated. Reducing and predicting errors control the error rate. A method for measuring the quality of a plurality of documents is also provided. The measurement is based on the relative operational impact of the errors and the frequency of errors associated with each field.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods of automatically determining and recognizing a code included in image data, and, more particularly, to a method capable of determining not only a one-dimensional code and a two-dimensional code but also a steganographic code with certainty. A code image processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention includes: a block extracting step of extracting a rectangular block unit area from image data; a block feature value calculating step of calculating the feature value of a code included in the rectangular block unit area; a block determining step of determining the type of the code included in the rectangular block unit area on the basis of the feature value of the code; and a code processing selecting step of selecting processing to be performed on the basis of the determined code type.

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: A method of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal having an optical character recognition (OCR) reader comprises the steps of (a) receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, (b) illuminating the check with infrared radiation, (c) capturing a first image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation, (d) processing the first check image to provide an enhanced image of the check, and (e) applying OCR techniques to read a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline from the enhanced check image.

Abstract: Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to a method that includes receiving a plurality of paper financial items, scanning each of the paper financial items, and for each paper financial item, generating a plurality of data sets based on the scanning. For each data set, it may be determined whether the associated paper financial item is a bank of first deposit (BOFD) item or a non-BOFD item. Also, for each data set, the data set may be modified depending upon whether the associated paper financial item is determined to be a BOFD item or a non-BOFD item. Further aspects are directed to systems that perform the above method.

Abstract: In the magnetic ink character reading apparatus, a first determination section reads signal data sequentially from a signal data string corresponding to the output signals of a magnetic head and determines whether the signal data corresponds to a predetermined signal. A second determination section determines whether the determination results by the first determination section is obtained successively for at least a predetermined number of signal data. A determination counter section counts the number of times (count) the successive acquisition of the determination results each telling the disagreement of the signal data with the predetermined signal over at least the predetermined number of signal data has been confirmed by the second determination section. A character recognition processing execution limit section limits the execution of the character recognition processing according to the count result provided by the determination counter section.

Abstract: A magnetic ink character reading apparatus includes a similarity acquisition unit, a character recognition unit and a character recognition limiting unit. The similarity acquisition unit acquires a similarity between one-character-corresponding data extracted from detection result data and reference data corresponding to each of the magnetic ink characters. The character recognition unit recognizes the magnetic ink character having the highest similarity as the magnetic ink character corresponding to the one-character-corresponding data. When the difference between the highest similarity and the second highest similarity among the similarities acquired is smaller than a predetermined reference difference, the character recognition limiting unit limits the determination that the magnetic ink character having the highest similarity is the magnetic ink character corresponding to the one-character.

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 card activated automated banking machine is operative to conduct transactions for authorized users based on data read from cards through operation of a card reader. The machine includes a deposit accepting device. The deposit accepting device is operative to receive a stack of sheets and to separate each sheet from the stack through operation of a picker. Each sheet is aligned with the sheet path and analyzed by analysis devices including at least one magnetic read head, an imager and/or a validation device. Sheets determined not to have at least one property of a genuine sheet are returned to a user of the machine. Sheets determined to have at least one property of genuine sheets are processed and stored in the machine.

Abstract: A system and method for implementing frequency domain based magnetic ink character recognition (MICR). A system is provided that includes: a segmentation system for segmenting inputted MICR data into sets of temporal data for inputted characters; a Fourier system for generating a set of Fourier components from temporal data for an inputted character; a normalization system for normalizing the set of Fourier components to generate a normalized set of Fourier components; and a matching system for comparing the normalized set of Fourier components with each of a set of reference waveforms to determine an identity of the inputted character.

Abstract: A real time financial instrument image exchange system and method deliver a digital image of a financial instrument (for example, a bank check) very quickly through an image exchange network to a payor institution by promptly forwarding the digital image when it is created at a depositing institution. This may expedite pay or return decisions to be made by payor institutions, which may enable banks to truncate checks, to reduce fraud and its costs, and to facilitate compliance with banking regulations. Such image capture, as well as related data capture, and real-time transfer enable emulation to an item processing system of the payor institution whereby the payor's item processing system processes the image and data as if it did the original capture actually performed at the depositing institution.

Abstract: A system and related methods of correcting errors during check or financial document processing by a bank of first deposit or other entity receiving a paper check or financial document, or by a second bank on whose accounts the checks were written. These corrections can be performed by the computer system of the bank of first deposit, the computer system of the second bank, or both. MICR data may be sent in electronic format from the bank of first deposit or other entity without qualification.

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

Abstract: In order to check the authenticity of a banknote or other such document it is printed with two patches of magnetisable ink, and each patch is magnetised to present a multipole sequence of alternating polarity. If the document is folded to bring the two patches together and then rubbed to and fro in the direction of the pole sequences, they will be subject to alternating forces of attraction and repulsion which can be sensed through the fingertips and gives the impression of a physically rippled texture notwithstanding that the patches actually have a smooth surface. The presence or absence of this effect can therefore be used to distinguish between a genuine document bearing such magnetised patches and a counterfeit which may be visually identical but lacks the correct magnetisation. In a variant only one of the patches is printed on the document itself and the other is on a separate “key” device which is rubbed over it to test for the presence of the correct magnetisation.

Abstract: The present invention comprises, in order to allow recognition of content of information indicated in a medium accurately, based on an image data obtained by reading a medium, an extraction unit for extracting each of plural information items from an image data obtained by reading a medium in which each of plural information items satisfying a predetermined relationship is indicated in plural areas, a recognition unit for recognizing content of each of plural information items, and a confirmation unit which evaluates whether or not content of plural information items recognized by the recognition unit is correct based on the predetermined relationship, and confirms content of plural information items as recognized by the recognition unit if correct, and executes correction of recognition content recognized by the recognition unit if incorrect, based on the predetermined relationship, to confirm content of plural information items.

Abstract: An image reading apparatus includes a carrying unit that carries an irradiated object having a reflecting portion and a transmitting portion in a carrying direction, a first light source arranged on one face side of the irradiated object that irradiates light to an irradiated portion in a path of carrying the irradiated object, a second light source arranged on other face side that irradiates light to the irradiated portion, a detecting unit arranged to be spaced apart from the irradiated portion by a predetermined distance that detects the transmitting portion, a lighting control unit that controls to put on the second light source during a time period of passing the transmitting portion through the irradiated portion, a lens array arranged on one face side of the irradiated object that converges reflecting light reflected by the reflecting portion and transmitting light, and a sensor that receives converged light.

Abstract: A method for identifying payment forms accurately identifies types of forms without adding special form identification data. A payment form discrimination method for discriminating payment forms which state a payee account number and a payment amount includes a step of acquiring an image of the form, a step of making a search for the payee account number in the image in accordance with an account number searching rule, and a step of discriminating the type of form based on the searched payee account number. Types of forms can be identified accurately and fast without adding special form identification data, because the form identification is performed using easily searchable account numbers.

Abstract: The present invention provides an information processing apparatus and control method thereof and a storage medium that stores its control program capable of generating a code image with the optimum device in accordance with the amount and/or contents of the information to be encoded, and/or considering the load of the equipment. The information processing apparatus is electrically connected to an image processing apparatus, and includes: a deciding section for deciding on whether to generate a code image by encoding information or to issue a command for causing to generate the code image by encoding the information; and a processing section for generating, when the deciding section decides to generate, the code image by encoding the information and transmitting it to the image processing apparatus, and for transmitting, when the deciding section decides to issue, the command to the image processing apparatus.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading MICR characters is disclosed, in which both magnetic and optical data may be read and stored. Each type of data is analyzed to identify possible character values. In one disclosed analysis method, the data is first evaluated in a coarse analysis then analyzed using a fine analysis which may lead to the identification of characters. The analysis of characters may involve generating frequency spectrum data from scanned data and assigning character values based on the frequency spectrum data.

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

Abstract: An optical reading apparatus and optical character recognition processing apparatus operating in conjunction with a magnetic ink character reading apparatus reduce the time in reading a string of characters formed in a line on a processed medium. This is done in the optical reading and recognition operations by selectively using a broad recognition area that allows for variation in character positions and a narrower recognition area where the probability of the desired character string being present is high depending on past results. An extracted image containing the character string is acquired from scanned image data and the recognition process is run. If recognition succeeds, the next matching area is set to a relatively narrow predicted range and the recognition process is applied to the predicted range. If character recognition succeeds within a specified distance, the next matching area is set to a relatively narrow predicted range.

Abstract: A document processor for capturing data and images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a document track and a plurality of processing devices located along the document track. The plurality of processing devices includes an ink jet rear endorser. A manual ink jet cleaning and capping station is built into the track wall directly in front of the ink jet rear endorser. The station includes a movable track wall portion that is movable between first and second positions and includes an opening and a cap. When the track wall portion is in the first position, the cap engages the endorser to prevent any liquid ink on the endorser from drying. When the track wall portion is in the second position, the opening aligns with the endorser to allow the endorser to print on passing documents.

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 method and apparatus for reading MICR characters is disclosed, in which both magnetic and optical data are read and stored. The magnetic and optical data are then normalized and combined to form a combined data set which is compared to templates representing combined magnetic imaging and optical imaging of the standard MICR characters. Character values are selected in response to the comparison of the combined data sets.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for reading MICR characters is disclosed, in which both magnetic and optical data are read and stored. Each type of data is analyzed to identify possible character values and a confidence level associated with each identified value. The result of the analysis for each type of read data are then analyzed together to finally identify characters.

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: An apparatus for capturing data and images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents includes a compact, desktop document processor base unit and a transport stage including a plurality of processing devices and a multipass document track. The transport stage conveys the documents through the multipass document track and past tile plurality of processing devices. The transport stage receives a document from the input slot on the base unit, routes the document multiple consecutive times through the multipass document track, and then directs the document to the output slot on the base unit. The introduction of the multiple pass process may provide sufficient apparent track length for all legally required features for Check 21 in a small footprint. For example, magnetic ink character reading, endorsing, and rear imaging may be performed on separate passes of the document through the document track.

Abstract: A check processing system comprises an image lift device which is provided for lifting an image of a check as the check is being transported along a check feed path. A MICR reader is provided for reading a MICR codeline from the check as the check is transported along the check feed path past the MICR reader. The image of the check is reoriented when the MICR reader is unable to read a MICR codeline from the image of the check due to misorientation of the check along the check feed path.