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 and method is provided that simultaneously or consecutively collects DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures from the same subject during the same collection window that adds value to forensic data collection processes. The collection of the DNA samples and ridge and valley signatures occur during the same collection window to assured the DNA sample and ridge and valley signatures identify the same individual.

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: 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: Aspects of the present invention are related to systems and methods for determining the location of numerals in an electronic document image.

Abstract: An automated banking machine operates responsive to data read from user cards to accept checks and dispense cash to authorized machine users. The machine can compare image data and magnetic data obtained from a check to determine the genuineness of the check. The machine can also determine whether a machine user is authorized to exchange a check for cash. A cash dispenser can be operated to dispense cash to a machine user in exchange for a deposited check. The machine dispenses the cash responsive to communications with a transaction host.

Abstract: A method for digitally signing an electronic document is disclosed. The method includes generating an electronic document to be signed and notifying an authorized signer to sign the electronic document. The method includes validating if the user is the authorized signer for the electronic document by comparing the received identification and the password with a digital certificate of the authorized signer stored in a database. Additionally, the method includes obtaining an image including a digital signature of the authorized signer from a database and resizing the image and inserting the resized image into the signature area of the electronic document if the user is the authorized signer.

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

Abstract: 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: The class of a sheet is efficiently estimated and a pattern identification process which is robust to a variation in the medium can be performed by dividing an image pattern of the sheet into a plurality of areas (pixels or sets of pixels), weighting and selecting the areas, attaining the identification results for the respective areas and determining the identification result of the whole portion based on a logical combination of the identification results. Particularly, since the area weighting and selecting process is performed based on a difference between the classes and a variation in the class, the calculation amount can be reduced and the identification performance which is higher than that of a method which uniformly processes the whole portion of the pattern can be attained.

Abstract: Non-rigidly coupled, overlapping, non-feedback optical systems for spatial filtering of Fourier transform optical patterns and image shape characterization comprises a first optical subsystem that includes a lens for focusing a polarized, coherent beam to a focal point, an image input device that spatially modulates phase positioned between the lens and the focal point, and a spatial filter at the Fourier transform pattern, and a second optical subsystem overlapping the first optical subsystem includes a projection lens and a detector. The second optical subsystem is optically coupled to the first optical subsystem.

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: A system and method for performing Electronic Check Presentment (ECP) processing. The system and method employ digital imaging techniques to digitally image the physical checks as they arrive subsequent to posting of the ECP items. The images are electronically linked to the data records that represent the checks. During the proofing process, in which the data records for the ECP items are validated against the data records for the physical items, the records are updated such that the posting date and ISN number for the data records for the physical items reflect the posting date and ISN number of the ECP items. As the digital image of the check is electronically linked to the data records, the image is thus carries the posting date and ISN of the ECP item.

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: An automated banking machine operates to carry out financial transfers responsive to data read from 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 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: An embodiment relates generally to a method of testing a mixed signal device. The method includes monitoring multiple parameters of the mixed signal device and scanning the mixed signal device with an optical source. The method also includes forming multiple windows, where each window is assigned to a respective parameter. The method further includes comparing an image from a respective image to a reference image to determine an existence of an anomaly.

Abstract: The present invention involves a computationally efficient method of determining the locations of standard cells in an image of an IC layout. The initial step extracts and characterizes points of interest of the image. A coarse localization of possible standard cell locations is performed and is based on a comparison of the points of interest of an instance of an extracted standard cell and the remaining points of interest in the image. A more rigid comparison is made on the list of possible locations comprising a coarse match and a fine match. The coarse match results in a shortlist of possible locations. The fine match performs comparisons between the template and the shortlist. Further filtering is done to remove the effects of noise and texture variations and statistics on the results are generated to achieve the locations of the standard cells on the IC layout.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of identifying an optical character recognition (OCR) font to assist an operator in setting up a bank remittance coupon application. The computer-implemented method comprises electronically on a processor reading an OCR font in a zone of the bank remittance coupon, electronically on a processor comparing the read OCR font with an OCR font stored in a look-up table to determine if the read OCR font meets predetermined criteria, and storing the read OCR font into a configuration file to setup at least a portion of the bank remittance coupon application when the read OCR font meets the predetermined criteria.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and a method for comparing information contained on at least two documents belonging to an entity. The present invention includes at least one device configured to receive information from at least one first document and at least one second document; then, compare at least one first document information and at least one second document information; and determine whether at least one second document contains at least one first document information. The present invention then outputs a result of whether the at least one second document contains at least one first document information.

Abstract: A method of self calibrating a positioning system, by positioning a reference device provided with reference markings at different calibration locations, and sensing the positions of the reference markings at each calibration location, is provided. The calibration parameters are selected such that differences in relative positions of the sensed locations, expressed in actual coordinates for different calibration locations are reduced or preferably minimized.

Abstract: A document processor and method of use are disclosed. In one aspect, a document processor includes a path of travel of a document, a magnetic ink character reader, and an image scanner. The magnetic ink character reader is located along the path of travel and positioned to read magnetic characters printed on a document passing along the path of travel. The image scanner is located along the path of travel and oriented to capture an image of a surface of a document passing along the path of travel. The document processor also includes at least one drive mechanism located along the path of travel and configured to guide a document along the path of travel in a first direction during operation of the magnetic ink character reader, and further configured to guide the document along the path of travel in a second direction opposite the first direction during operation of the image scanner.

Abstract: A banknote recognition apparatus (220) for recognizing a type of a banknote includes: a detection unit configured to detect the banknote to be recognized; an evaluation-value calculation unit (30) configured to calculate each evaluation value of the banknote, by using one evaluation-value-calculation-formula set composed of a combination of a plurality of predetermined evaluation-value calculation formulae, based on a detection result obtained by the detection unit; and a recognition unit (32) for recognizing the type of the banknote, by using a plurality of predetermined threshold values respectively corresponding to each type of banknote, based on each evaluation value of the banknote calculated by the evaluation-value calculation unit (30).

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

Abstract: Method and device for inspecting a string of packs. Each of the packs contains drugs, and consumer data such as patient data are provided on the packs. Specific characteristics of the drugs to be scanned are fed into a central processing unit. These characteristics are compared with the drugs present in the actual pack. According to the invention, a graphic image of the pack, the drugs and the patient data is produced and stored. To optimize scanning of a group of drugs spreading is proposed by means of a resilient cam which rotates in a plane essentially parallel with the plane of the carrier. Such cam is mounted in a bush and can move resiliently in said bush at right angles to the plane of the carrier and said bush is caused to rotate. It is possible to provide a number of such constructions adjacent to one another.

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: 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: 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: Method, computer program product, and apparatus are provided for identifying a graphic symbol within an image obtained by optical scanning. An image intensity is measured for each of a plurality of columns of the image, wherein each column has a length that extends across the graphic symbol in a first direction, and wherein the plurality of columns collectively extend across the graphic symbol in a second direction. The graphic symbol is then identified by matching a profile of the image intensity to a predetermined image intensity profile associated with a given graphic symbol. Optionally, the image is a digital image and the image intensity for each column is the sum of the image intensity for each pixel in that individual column. An image intensity differential between adjacent columns may be calculated for matching with a predetermined differential profile or comparison with an electronic profile generated by a magnetic scan.

Abstract: A method of testing a document comprises deriving a plurality of measurements from the document at a resolution R and processing the measurements to derive values at a different resolution.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided of processing a substitute check which has been made from an original check. The computer-implemented method comprises (a) reading from the substitute check a printed magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) codeline, (b) reading from the substitute check an imaged MICR codeline, and (c) comparing the printed MICR codeline of step (a) and the imaged MICR codeline of step (b) to determine if the printed MICR codeline and the imaged MICR codeline match.

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: Column misalignment between a magnetically-recognized character string and an optically-recognized character string is corrected to improve character recognition reliability. A character string is read magnetically and the result outputted. The same character string is also read optically and the result outputted. A magnetic data reading unit detects the magnetism of a character string printed in magnetic ink and outputs the detected magnetic data. A recognition result comparing unit then applies a column offset detection process to detect misalignment between the character columns in the magnetic and optical results, then applies a column offset correction process to correct any column offset and align corresponding character columns. The comparing unit then compares corresponding character columns in the magnetic data recognition result and image data recognition result.

Abstract: A document processing system and method for using image quality to sort documents. The document processing system comprises: a document sorting system that designates a destination pocket for each document based on data gathered from each document; a document imaging system that captures an image of each document; and an image quality analysis system that analyzes each image and causes any document having an unacceptable image to be redirected to an unacceptable destination pocket.

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 data reading apparatus includes: a medium-transporting unit configured to transport a medium on which magnetic ink characters are printed; a reading mechanism configured to read the magnetic ink characters printed on the medium in the form of a magnetic waveform; a correction-value storage unit configured to store a correction value inherent to the data reading apparatus, the correction value having been calculated from an error determined by comparing a reference magnetic waveform acquired by reading reference magnetic ink characters printed on a reference medium in a reference data reading apparatus, with the magnetic waveform actually acquired by reading the reading mechanism; a correction unit configured to correct, by using the correction value, the magnetic waveform acquired when the reading mechanism reads the magnetic ink characters printed on the medium; and a decryption unit configured to decrypt the magnetic ink characters printed on the medium, in accordance with the magnetic waveform corrected

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

Abstract: An apparatus classifies a material, which may include identifying the material, identifying the type of the material, or identifying the type of the material's surface. The apparatus includes a detector for capturing an image of a surface of the material, and a processor classifies the material by analyzing the image. When incorporated in a mechanism, this apparatus can classify the material on which the mechanism is operating, and, thus, the mechanism can tune some or all of its settings to the material without inconvenience to and with no susceptibility to error by a human operator. For example, when incorporated in a printer, this apparatus can identify the type of media being printed, and, thus, the printer can tune its print settings to the identified media type without relying on operator input.

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 system for determining the image resolution of a check image using MICR characters. The disclosed system includes an extracting system for extracting a magnetic ink code recognition (MICR) code line from the document image, wherein the extracting system provides coordinate values for each of a plurality of MICR characters in the MICR code line; a calculating system for calculating a set of resolution values based on the coordinate values of the MICR characters; and a statistical analysis system that calculates a representative resolution value from the set of resolution values.

Abstract: A hybrid processing device that continuously reads information from a plurality of process media can set the speed of the continuous reading process appropriately to the situation. The hybrid processing device 20 has a conveyance portion 2c, a reading control unit 28, and a discharge control unit 25 that runs a discharge process according to the result of the read process, and continuously reads a plurality of checks S according to instructions from a host computer 30. The reading control unit 28 runs a read process to read all read items when the reading accuracy priority mode is selected. When the reading speed priority mode is selected, the reading control unit 28 runs a read process to read only specific read items.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed for detecting fraud. A first optical character recognition module optically recognizes a character imprinted with a magnetic ink on a medium using a first optical character recognition algorithm. A second optical character recognition module also optically recognizes the character using a second optical character recognition algorithm. In addition, a magnetic ink character recognition module magnetically recognizes the character using a magnetic recognition algorithm. A voting module determines if the character is potentially fraudulent based on the recognition results of the first optical character recognition module, the second optical character recognition module, and the magnetic ink character recognition module. If the character is potentially fraudulent, a results module communicates a fraud indicator.

Abstract: An automated banking machine system and method includes ATMs which accept checks and dispense cash to users. The ATMs are operated to acquire image and magnetic data from deposited checks to determine the genuineness of checks and the authority of a user to receive cash for such checks. Cash may be dispensed to the user from the ATM in exchange for the deposited checks.

Abstract: An information processing methodology gives rise to an application program interface which includes an automated digitizing unit, such as a scanner, which inputs information from a diversity of hard copy documents and stores information from the hard copy documents into a memory as stored document information. Portions of the stored document information are selected in accordance with content instructions which designate portions of the stored document information required by a particular application program. The selected stored document information is then placed into the transmission format required by a particular application program in accordance with transmission format instructions. After the information has been transmission formatted, the information is transmitted to the application program. In one operational mode, the interface interactively prompts the user to identify, on a display, portions of the hard copy documents containing information used in application programs or for storage.

Abstract: An image detector for bank notes is provided which can be made at low cost and in small size. The image detector comprises a pair of detector units 13 includes a first image detection sensor 24 which detects an image of a first detection area mounted on one side of a detector unit 18, a first light emitting device 27 which irradiates light towards the first detection area, and a second light emitting device 31 which irradiates light towards a second detection area mounted on one side of the unit main body 18 but in a different location from the first detection area, a pair of detector units is disposed so as to oppose one another across a bank note transportation path 12, in a manner which enables the image detection sensor 24 of one of the detection units 13 to detect an image of the second detection area of the other of the detection units 13.