Reading Micr Data Patents (Class 382/139)
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Publication number: 20070172109Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Arvind Agrawal, Dave Cornwell, Val Popescu
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Publication number: 20070172108Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 20, 2006Publication date: July 26, 2007Inventors: Larry Adelberg, Bradley Singletary
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Patent number: 7204416Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for scanning of information, such as characters or symbols, without requiring a controlled scan velocity. Preferred embodiments utilize an optical sensor in detecting attributes of information scanned and implement compensation techniques to remediate the effects of distortion and present information which may be identified to a high level of confidence. A known topology may be relied upon to present known markers in the scanned information, such as known blank or filled regions, patterns, or other observable traits and utilized with respect to a distorted scanned image to compensate for the effects of the distortion. Additionally or alternatively, vector based pattern recognition may be utilized in remediating distortion of a scanned image.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: April 17, 2007Assignee: Commerciant, LPInventors: Manish J. Desai, Mohammad Husain, Jonathan E. Andersson
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Patent number: 7197174Abstract: In one embodiment, an information signal is stored in magnetic ink. In another embodiment, a magnetic ink encoding stylus includes a magnetic ink write head. In a further embodiment, a computer system includes a magnetic ink encoding stylus coupled to a computer via an external bus.Type: GrantFiled: September 15, 1999Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Intel CorporationInventor: David H. Koizumi
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Patent number: 7178723Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: June 9, 2005Date of Patent: February 20, 2007Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 7177456Abstract: A method for communicating between a check processing system and a non-compatible check sorter is provided that includes accessing a MICR buffer for the check sorter. The MICR buffer comprises MICR data retrieved from a check. A process buffer is generated based on the MICR buffer. The process buffer is standardized for a plurality of disparate types of check sorters. A plurality of feature instructions are received for the check based on the process buffer. The feature instructions are communicated to the check sorter for processing of the check.Type: GrantFiled: December 7, 2005Date of Patent: February 13, 2007Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 7163347Abstract: A method of creating an image replacement document (IRD) for use in a check truncation environment comprises building a print file having a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) portion and a non-MICR portion based upon IRD data, printing with non-magnetic ink a front portion of the IRD based upon the non-MICR portion of the print file, printing with non-magnetic ink a machine-readable code onto at least one of the front and back portions of the IRD, reading the machine-readable code from the at least one of the front and back portions of the IRD, and printing with magnetic ink an encoded MICR codeline onto at least one of the front and back portions of the IRD based upon the machine-readable code.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2006Date of Patent: January 16, 2007Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: Richard P. Lugg
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Patent number: 7118042Abstract: Embodiments of a method, apparatus, and article of manufacture for rapidly capturing images in an automated identification system to effectively extend one dimension of a field of view of an image system are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, the image system captures and processes multiple images of at least a portion of a surface of a component in the automated identification system in response to a trigger signal communicated from a triggering device configured to sense a location of the component. Various embodiments of the invention include multiple sources for capturing images, and/or multiple user-specified schemes for effectively extending the field of view of the image system along the axis of component travel in the automated identification system.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2002Date of Patent: October 10, 2006Assignee: Microscan Systems IncorporatedInventors: James W. Moore, Danny S. Barnes, Matthew E. Allen
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Character recognition, including method and system for processing checks with invalidated MICR lines
Patent number: 7092561Abstract: An automated analysis method and tool for a digitally imaged financial item can digitally recognize a plurality of characters across an area of a digital image containing character indicia at predetermined positions in the area and also possibly containing non-character indicia in the area. This finds exemplification in an automated check processing method and check sorting system in which a check's MICR line that has been read and interpreted as invalid can be digitally analyzed, via a digital image of the check, to identify MICR characters that could not be validly read or interpreted by the conventional MICR processing equipment. This includes digitally applying character recognition processing to an invalidated MICR line in a digital image of the financial item (e.g., a check). Previously invalidated MICR line data can then be corrected.Type: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: August 15, 2006Assignee: Advanced Financial Solutions, Inc.Inventor: Charles H. Downs, Jr. -
Apparatus and methods for positioning a document against a read head in a document processing system
Patent number: 7010156Abstract: Apparatus and methods are described for controlling the positioning of a document relative to a read head in a document processing system. A pressure applying element urges the document against the read head. A speed measuring element rotated by the pressure applying element transmits, to the processing system for use in processing the document, data describing document speed sensed by the pressure applying element at the read head. Distance is eliminated between the read head and speed sensing element, thus eliminating or reducing speed feedback data inaccuracies. Because pressure is applied to the document directly at the read head, read error rates are further reduced.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2001Date of Patent: March 7, 2006Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Michael J. Moore, Joe M. Gagnier -
Patent number: 6985608Abstract: The invention as described provides a method and system for tokenless authorization of commercial transactions between a buyer and a seller using a computer system. The method comprises the steps of registering a buyer, wherein the buyer registers with the computer system a PIN, at least one registration biometric sample, and at least one buyer financial account. The method also includes a seller registration step, wherein the seller registers with the computer system at least one seller financial account. In a proposal step, the seller offers a proposed commercial transaction to the buyer usually comprising price information. If the buyer accepts the seller's proposal, in an acceptance step, the buyer signals his/her acceptance by adding to the proposed commercial transaction the buyer's personal authentication information comprising a PIN and at least one bid biometric sample which is obtained from the buyer's person.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2003Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Indivos CorporationInventors: Ned Hoffman, David Ferrin Pare, Jr., Jonathan Alexander Lee
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Patent number: 6985617Abstract: A method for communicating between a check processing system and a non-compatible check sorter is provided that includes accessing a MICR buffer for the check sorter. The MICR buffer comprises MICR data retrieved from a check. A process buffer is generated based on the MICR buffer. The process buffer is standardized for a plurality of disparate types of check sorters. A plurality of feature instructions are received for the check based on the process buffer. The feature instructions are communicated to the check sorter for processing of the check.Type: GrantFiled: April 20, 2000Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 6965882Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed which relate to seeking auction bids via interface surfaces printed with information and coded data. The coded data, encoded visibly or invisibly, may be queried by an appropriate sensing device. The sensing device communicates with a computer system. Together, the interface surfaces, sensing device and computer system are capable of effecting auction listing transactions over a network.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2000Date of Patent: November 15, 2005Assignee: Silverbrook Research Pty LTDInventors: Paul Lapstun, Jacqueline Anne Lapstun, Kia Silverbrook
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Patent number: 6956962Abstract: A method of signal processing for use in reading data includes determining first and second waveforms, determining a cross-correlation of the first waveform with the second waveform, and determining a specific time delay corresponding to a maximum peak in the cross-correlation function. A filter is then applied based on the specific time value. The filter combines the first waveform and the second waveform so as to generate a filter output waveform including coherent information representing the data and including reduced incoherent noise.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: Thomas D. Hayosh
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Patent number: 6928183Abstract: Commercial establishments that add MICR indicia to commercial instruments usually do so via laser printers that produce a high gain signal. Moreover, commercially printed documents that include MICR indicia can also result in a high gain signal. MICR indicia generated by laser printers are difficult to decode, using conventional DC biasing methods, because the laser-generated MICR high gain signals become clipped. Therefore, in order to decode these distorted signals, the present system processes both low and high gain signals to decode the raw MICR data.Type: GrantFiled: September 10, 2001Date of Patent: August 9, 2005Assignee: Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.Inventors: John G. Mitchell, William M. Schmid, Terrence J. Campbell
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Patent number: 6924450Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: July 9, 2003Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: VECTORsgi, Inc.Inventor: Rian R. Maloney
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Patent number: 6925612Abstract: The present invention aims at easy and efficient selection of bands present on a lane. A region 502 is set on a display of a lane 503 having a plurality of bands 504 to 508, based on an input cursor 501 of a pointing unit. The bands 506 to 508 within the region 502 are displayed to be in a selection candidate state. The size of the region 502 may be altered by an input of a predetermined key of a keyboard. Along with the size alteration of the region 502, bands to be displayed in the selection candidate state also change. By selecting with the mouse button, a band of interest is accurately selected from the bands in the selection candidate state.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2001Date of Patent: August 2, 2005Assignee: Hitachi Software Engineering Co., LTDInventors: Noriyuki Yamamoto, Takuro Tamura, Toshimasa Watanabe
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Patent number: 6864990Abstract: A method and machine for preparing and dispensing documents relating to financial transactions. The machine contains an ink jet printer for printing the documents and a bar code reader mounted for movement with the print head of the printer for reading bar codes on each document before or during printing. The machine includes a control unit having personal computer architecture including a CPU, memories and input/output devices. One of the devices is a modem allowing communication with a remote supervisory location. Operation of the machine is controlled from the remote supervisory location, which provides periodic authorization to continue to prepare and dispense documents in response to transaction reports transmitted from the machine to the remote supervisory location. A wide variety of documents can be prepared and dispensed under control of software in the control unit.Type: GrantFiled: September 22, 1999Date of Patent: March 8, 2005Assignee: Continental Express Money Order Company, Inc.Inventors: John M. Nickerson, Bradley W. Hauser, Michael E. Baldwin
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Patent number: 6851608Abstract: Disclosed are systems and methods which provide for scanning of information, such as characters or symbols, without requiring a controlled scan velocity. Preferred embodiments utilize an optical sensor in detecting attributes of information scanned and implement compensation techniques to remediate the effects of distortion and present information which may be identified to a high level of confidence. A known topology may be relied upon to present known markers in the scanned information, such as known blank or filled regions, patterns, or other observable traits and utilized with respect to a distorted scanned image to compensate for the effects of the distortion. Additionally or alternatively, vector based pattern recognition may be utilized in remediating distortion of a scanned image.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2002Date of Patent: February 8, 2005Assignee: Commerciant, L.P.Inventors: Manish J. Desai, Husain Mohammad, Jonathan E. Andersson
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Patent number: 6816608Abstract: A point of sale terminal includes an input device, for reading information to be stored as part of a financial transaction, and a storage device in which data derived from the information is stored, with the amount of data stored being determined by the financial value of the transaction. The terminal may include a document scanner providing an image of a check or of another form of identification associated with a check, and a digitizing tablet, which provides an indication of movement of a pen or stylus to form a signature. The terminal may also include optical character recognition, which is used to obtain a name and address from the check, which is also stored according to the value of the check.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2001Date of Patent: November 9, 2004Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Robert Thomas Cato
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Publication number: 20040190038Abstract: A system utilizing a Bluetooth enabled smart card to authenticate a user and provide the user with access to a service. The Bluetooth smart card system is comprised of a server and a client. The server is the component that resides on the device that provides the service to the user. The server initializes the system to receive service requests. Once there is a request, the server establishes a communication channel and reads the user identification from the client. The server determines if it matches user identification from a database. If so, the server then determines if the requested service is supported and then performs the services. The server then determines if there is a need to charge for the service. The server would then get billing information from the card and adds the charge to the credit card of the user.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 25, 2003Publication date: September 30, 2004Inventor: Amir Shahindoust
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Patent number: 6760470Abstract: A computer-implemented method is disclosed for extracting a user's bank account information from information entered by the user from the face of a check. The extracted information may be used to electronically transfer funds to or from the user's bank account. The method may be embodied within a web site system, a telephone-based voice prompting system, or another type of interactive computer system of a business entity, and provides an alternative to requiring the user to mail a voided check. The method involves receiving from the user a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) line, and identifying a contiguous string of characters within the MICR line that satisfies a checksum test. The resulting string is stored as the bank routing number for the user. A check number and an account number may also be received from the user, in which case a test is performed to verify that the check number, the account number, and the bank routing number all coexist within the MICR line.Type: GrantFiled: March 2, 2000Date of Patent: July 6, 2004Assignee: Amazon.Com, Inc.Inventors: Matthew T. Bogosian, Nicholas K. Peddy, FuMing Young
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Character recognition, including method and system for processing checks with invalidated MICR lines
Publication number: 20040076320Abstract: An automated analysis method and tool for a digitally imaged financial item can digitally recognize a plurality of characters across an area of a digital image containing character indicia at predetermined positions in the area and also possibly containing non-character indicia in the area. This finds exemplification in an automated check processing method and check sorting system in which a check's MICR line that has been read and interpreted as invalid can be digitally analyzed, via a digital image of the check, to identify MICR characters that could not be validly read or interpreted by the conventional MICR processing equipment. This includes digitally applying character recognition processing to an invalidated MICR line in a digital image of the financial item (e.g., a check). Previously invalidated MICR line data can then be corrected.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 31, 2003Publication date: April 22, 2004Inventor: Charles H. Downs -
Patent number: 6697512Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2001Date of Patent: February 24, 2004Inventor: Jerome Simonoff
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Character recognition, including method and system for processing checks with invalidated MICR lines
Patent number: 6654487Abstract: An automated analysis method and tool for a digitally imaged financial item can digitally recognize a plurality of characters across an area of a digital image containing character indicia at predetermined positions in the area and also possibly containing non-character indicia in the area. This finds exemplification in an automated check processing method and check sorting system in which a check's MICR line that has been read and interpreted as invalid can be digitally analyzed, via a digital image of the check, to identify MICR characters that could not be validly read or interpreted by the conventional MICR processing equipment. This includes digitally applying character recognition processing to an invalidated MICR line in a digital image of the financial item (e.g., a check). Previously invalidated MICR line data can then be corrected.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2000Date of Patent: November 25, 2003Inventor: Charles H. Downs, Jr. -
Publication number: 20030202690Abstract: An image processing network for processing image files and coupled to an outside data communication network comprising a plurality of remote image capture units, the units scanning documents and creating a plurality of image files of said documents; the image processing means is coupled to said plurality of remote image capture units for processing the image files; the accounting means is coupled to the image processing means for immediately updating accounts associated with said image processing means; and the plurality of remote capture units are coupled to the outside network, the outside data communication network is connected to outside financial institutions, the image processing means transmits said image files to the outside financial institutions via the data communication network and receives image files from the outside financial institutions over the network.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 20, 2003Publication date: October 30, 2003Applicant: Cummins-Allison Corp.Inventors: John E. Jones, Paul A. Jones, Ronald M. Gafron, William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie
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Patent number: 6621920Abstract: A print pattern recognition apparatus includes a storage unit which stores a plurality of signal waveform data, which is extracted according to a predetermined condition from standard read signal waveform data and which is associated with a plurality of corresponding standard MICR characters, a detector unit for reading the MICR characters printed on a recording medium to output read signal data, a comparator unit for comparing the read signal data output from the detector unit with the signal waveform data stored in the storage unit, and a recognition unit for recognizing the characters and symbols printed on the recording medium in accordance with a comparison result provided by the comparator unit.Type: GrantFiled: January 28, 2000Date of Patent: September 16, 2003Assignee: Seiko Epson CorporationInventor: Toshiaki Koike
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Publication number: 20030161523Abstract: A character recognition system and method. The system comprises an (OCR) optical character reader system for collecting character data by electro-optically scanning printed characters; a conversion system for converting the character data to a Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) format; and a recognition engine for interpreting the converted character data using a MICR algorithm.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2002Publication date: August 28, 2003Applicant: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Rodney G. Moon, Ravi Prakash
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Patent number: 6611623Abstract: Information processing apparatus and method in which an objective image is acquired, and indentification information corresponding to specific image pattern is recognized from the objective image. It is determined whether the identification information recognized in local identification information for starting processing previously registered for each terminal, or any one of a plurality of code representing global identification information for starting processing common to all terminals. If the identification information is determined to be local identification information, the processing previously registered for each terminal is locally executed. If the identification information represents the global identification information, a request is made to a global code server that searches an associated global database having a plurality of stored codes and corresponding information, to execute the global processing corresponding to the identification information.Type: GrantFiled: October 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 26, 2003Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toru Konishi, Junichi Rekimoto, Takahiko Sueyoshi, Keigo Ihara
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Patent number: 6606396Abstract: A two-dimensional code and a predetermined figure pattern are printed on a medium. An error in the two-dimensional code is correctable during decoding of the two-dimensional code. A cell position corresponding to a position of the error is detectable. The predetermined figure pattern is made of special ink. The two-dimensional code and the predetermined figure pattern overlap each other at a specified place in the medium. The two-dimensional code is optically read from the medium. The two-dimensional code which has been optically read is decoded. In cases where error correction is executed during the decoding of the two-dimensional code, detection is given of an error correction position corresponding to a cell position having a related error. A determination is made as to whether or not the detected error correction position is in the specified place. Judging whether or not the medium is counterfeit is executed in response to a result of the determination.Type: GrantFiled: April 27, 2000Date of Patent: August 12, 2003Assignee: Denso CorporationInventors: Toshiharu Ishibashi, Hirotoshi Nakamura, Tadao Nojiri
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Publication number: 20030059099Abstract: To recognise characters in a character set developed for magnetic ink character recognition (MICR), the characters are optically imaged as a matrix of pixels. Pixel values in each of a plurality of adjacent parallel lines of pixels in the matrix are then summed to obtain a line total for each line. The lines of pixels may be chosen to parallel a height dimension of the characters in order to eliminate skew. Thus, in the absence of skew, the lines will simply be columns of the matrix of pixels. Line totals may be compared with line total templates. Each line total template is characteristic of a character in the character set.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 27, 2001Publication date: March 27, 2003Applicant: Longford Equipment International LimitedInventor: Naofumi Tateishi
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Patent number: 6539105Abstract: A method reduces stepper motor noise in a MICR document waveform resulting from CMC7 information. The method includes the steps of creating a motor noise profile from the document waveform, and creating a working sample waveform from the document waveform. The method further includes the step of applying the motor noise profile to the working sample waveform to reduce stepper motor noise. The method also periodically realigns the motor noise profile with the working sample waveform. Thus, the invention allows reduction of stepper motor noise without requiring relocation of the motor or additional shielding.Type: GrantFiled: September 24, 1999Date of Patent: March 25, 2003Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: William L. Kozlowski
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Patent number: 6504946Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 1998Date of Patent: January 7, 2003Assignee: NCR CorporationInventor: James M. Rossignoli
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Patent number: 6501854Abstract: Disclosed herein is an information processing apparatus comprising: an image acquiring means for acquiring an objective image; an identification information recognizing means for recognizing, of the objective image acquired by said image acquiring means, identification information corresponding to a specific image pattern; a decision means for deciding whether said identification information recognized by said identification information recognizing means is local identification information for starting processing previously registered for each terminal or global identification information for starting processing common to all terminals; a local executing means for executing, if said identification information is decided as the local identification information by said decision means, the processing previously registered for each terminal; a global processing requesting means for requesting, if said identification information is decided as the global identification information by said decision means, a specificType: GrantFiled: July 30, 1999Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Toru Konishi, Junichi Rekimoto, Takahiko Sueyoshi, Keigo Ihara
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Publication number: 20020136442Abstract: A document processing system comprises an input receptacle for receiving documents. A transport mechanism receives the documents from the input receptacle and transports the documents past a full image scanner and a discrimination unit. An output receptacle receives the documents from the transport mechanism after being transported past the full image scanner and the discrimination unit The full image scanner includes means for obtaining a full video image of said documents, means for obtaining a image of a selected area of said documents, and means for obtaining information contained in said selected area of said document The discrimination unit includes means for determining the authenticity of said document. A system controller directs the flows of documents over the transport mechanism.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 23, 2002Publication date: September 26, 2002Inventors: John E. Jones, Paul A. Jones, William J. Jones, Douglas U. Mennie
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Publication number: 20020067846Abstract: A method for reading and sorting documents is provided which generally comprises staging each document for processing, capturing a digital image of the front side and the back side of each document, determining the physical orientation of each document using digital orientation recognition software and possibly hardware, reading the information from a digital image of each document, sorting the documents by orientation, and then communicating the information read from each document to a posting system. Additionally, the image of the document can be automatically oriented and then read. The documents, among other things, can include checks and coupons. When the document is a bank check, the method further comprises endorsing the check, printing an audit trail for the check, sorting the check by orientation, preparing a cash letter and sending the check to the bank.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 28, 2002Publication date: June 6, 2002Inventor: James E. Foley
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Patent number: 6389182Abstract: An image processing apparatus including: an image acquiring element for acquiring a target image; an identification information recognizing element for recognizing identification information corresponding to a specific image pattern from the target image acquired by the image acquiring element; and an activating element for activating selectively from among a plurality of previously stored processes a specific process corresponding to the identification information recognized by the identification information recognizing element so as to start execution of the specific process.Type: GrantFiled: June 28, 1999Date of Patent: May 14, 2002Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Keigo Ihara, Junichi Rekimoto, Takahiko Sueyoshi, Toru Konishi
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Patent number: 6384844Abstract: An entry system for use in entering financial data, such as magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) characters, to an electronic device. The entry system includes a data input device connected to the electronic device and operable to allow the user to input data to the electronic device. The system also includes a software program for use in connection with the electronic device and being operable to generate computer recognizable financial data characters in response to the input data from the user.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2000Date of Patent: May 7, 2002Assignee: eFunds CorporationInventors: Whitney Stewart, James R. Schmidt, Neil Clark Godfrey
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Patent number: 6351553Abstract: A method and apparatus are used to provide quality assurance for the electronic transfer of document image files, for example, between banks. The documents may be, in the case of a bank, negotiable instruments, checks, deposit slips or other transactional documents. The document image file contains an image tag file and associated image data file. An image tag file contains first quality assurance data. An image data file contains second quality assurance data. The quality assurance data may be a MICR line from the document. A first reader extracts the first quality assurance data from the image tag file. A second reader reads the second quality assurance data from the image data file. A comparator receives the first and second sets of quality assurance data from the first and second readers and compares the first and second sets of quality assurance data to find correspondence between the data.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 1999Date of Patent: February 26, 2002Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventor: Thomas David Hayosh
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Patent number: 6330073Abstract: A system and method for generating a plurality of customized documents having at least one portion of common information and at least one portion of variable information where the common information is generated using a first computing platform and the variable information is generated using a second computing platform include generating and storing data representing an electronic image of the common information, generating a mail merge file using the second computing platform to position variables representing the variable information within a page, electronically combining the image of the common information with the mail merge file generated using the second computing platform by overlaying the common information and variable information based on position of the variables within the page for each of the plurality of customized documents, and printing each of the customized documents.Type: GrantFiled: July 20, 1998Date of Patent: December 11, 2001Assignee: NW CoughlinInventor: Brian Sciatto
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Patent number: 6307958Abstract: A system and method is disclosed for retail store marketing. A memory stores a database of existing customers of the retail store. The database includes a unique customer identification code for each customer. A memory stores a list of unique identification codes for prospective customers of the store who reside in a predetermined geographical area relative to the store. Circuitry compares the unique identification codes in the stored database of existing customers with the stored list of unique identification codes of prospective customers. Circuitry eliminates data from the list of prospective customers relating to the store's existing customers, such that a non-customer database is produced for use in marketing.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 1997Date of Patent: October 23, 2001Assignee: Catalina Marketing International, Inc.Inventors: David W. Deaton, Rodney G. Gabriel
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Publication number: 20010022849Abstract: 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.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 26, 2001Publication date: September 20, 2001Inventor: Jerome Simonoff
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Patent number: 6292579Abstract: A document validator includes a document path along which a document is conveyed and an inductive sensor for sensing features of the document. The sensor has a first inductive element disposed on a first side of a plane of the document path and a second inductive element disposed on a second side of the plane of the document path. Circuitry coupled to an output of the inductive sensor processes signals relating to a determination of at least one of the presence, authenticity and denomination of the inserted document. The sensor need not physically contact a document, such as a banknote, as it is conveyed along the document path.Type: GrantFiled: February 9, 1998Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Mars IncorporatedInventor: Derek Hutchinson
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Patent number: 6259808Abstract: A transaction printer includes the MICR encoding of indicia at a precise location called the amount field. In order to accomplish this, an optical sensor is provided in a transaction printer at a point-of-sale, to detect the edge of the check and stage it at a known location from the thermal, MICR print head. A clutch mechanism is used to engage the print head with a platen, and to engage two MICR read heads with the check, so that indicia can be sequentially imprinted and read within the transaction printer in a single, sequential operation.Type: GrantFiled: August 7, 1998Date of Patent: July 10, 2001Assignee: Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Phillip M. Martinez, Scott J. Longrod
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Patent number: 6195453Abstract: 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.Type: GrantFiled: January 17, 1995Date of Patent: February 27, 2001Inventor: Jerome Simonoff
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Patent number: 6155483Abstract: A point of sale (POS) receipt printer that includes a selective release mechanism that converts the printer into a check account verifying machine. The conversion mechanism magnetizes and selectively reads the account and bank information from existing magnetic characters on a check presented face-up to the receipt printer. The mechanism includes a magnet to magnetize the characters and a read head to read and analyze the signal waveform from each character. The check is pressed up against the read head and the magnetic characters are read only after the printing carriage of the receipt printer has moved to a dead zone within the printer housing.Type: GrantFiled: October 6, 1997Date of Patent: December 5, 2000Assignee: Axiohm Transaction Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Edward Chupka, Jeffrey Koeple, Alan H. Walker
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Patent number: 6125196Abstract: A method for detecting the most likely source of an error in a document image processing system which processes sets of related documents. A set of characteristics is selected as being indicative that the document image, or item, is the source of the error. Each of the characteristics is assigned a weight, wherein the weight is in proportion to the likelihood that an item exhibiting the characteristic is the source of error. The items are ranked according to the characteristics exhibited by each item.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 1994Date of Patent: September 26, 2000Assignee: Unisys CorporationInventors: Daryl James Carey, Lynn Leppek Ladouceur, Daniel W. Muszynski
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Patent number: 6097834Abstract: In accordance with the present invention, financial transaction processing systems and methods are provided. One preferred embodiment of a method according to one aspect of the present invention includes generating an optically scanned image of at least a portion of document containing visual data, in a particular format, representing information related to the financial transaction. Recognition characteristics are generated from the scanned image and are compared to respective sets of reference recognition characteristics generated from respective other transaction documents having different respective formats to determine therefrom whether the particular format of the visual data matches one of the respective formats of the other documents.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 1997Date of Patent: August 1, 2000Assignee: PayStation America Inc.Inventors: Louis J. Krouse, Eric F. Strovink
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Patent number: 6038553Abstract: An automated self service method of and system for cashing checks, typically without human intervention. The system includes a check cashing database that contains customer records for registered customers. A plurality of administration modules are provided with which individuals may register themselves and their checks and communicate with customer service representatives. A check cashing server communicates with the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server receives check cashing requests from the check cashing transaction modules. The check cashing server processes check requests by comparing information in the request with criteria derived from the check cashing database. If the check request satisfies the criteria, the check cashing server, without human action or intervention, instructs the check cashing transaction module to dispense cash to the customer.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 1997Date of Patent: March 14, 2000Assignee: Affiliated Computer Services, Inc.Inventor: Thomas A. Hyde, Jr.
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Patent number: 5963659Abstract: A method and apparatus for storing and retrieving images of documents, e.g. checks.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 1995Date of Patent: October 5, 1999Assignee: The Chase Manhattan Bank, N.A.Inventors: Thomas Cahill, Richard H. Sferra, Glenn Levine, Saul Goldfisher, Philip Wilson, Vladimir Koroteyev