Check Depository Layout for MICR Ink Ablation and Return
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Solution Overview
Problem
Intelligent media depositories face the challenge of preventing checks from being presented a second time after deposit, while also managing storage efficiently to avoid filling up quickly.
Innovation Solution
A media depository system with a media item validation module, diverter, escrow, and a printer located between the diverter and the escrow, which prints on media items before routing them to the escrow, using a laser or incoherent light source to ablate magnetic ink and prevent re-deposit, allowing checks to be returned to customers without reversing the transport direction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the printer is located between the escrow and the storage module to endorse checks, then the checks can be printed on while traveling towards storage, but the media item has to be transported in reverse direction after printing which is very slow
Solution Approach 1:
The printer is repositioned to print on media items before they reach the diverter and enter the escrow, rather than after they leave the escrow. This preliminary action eliminates the need for reverse transport, as items are printed on during their initial forward journey through the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The diverter acts as an intermediary component that directs media items to the printer located between the input and escrow. This allows items to be routed through the printer on their way to the escrow without requiring backward movement, using the diverter to mediate the flow path.
2Quantity of substance
If checks are returned to customers after deposit to prevent storage from filling up, then storage space is conserved, but there must be no possibility of these checks being presented a second time
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic ink containing the check's identifying information is selectively removed from the check substrate. This extraction of the magnetic ink layer destroys the check's ability to be read by MICR systems, preventing re-deposit while leaving the physical check intact for return to the customer.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic properties of the check are fundamentally altered by removing the magnetic ink layer. The check transitions from having detectable magnetic characteristics to having undetectable or negligible magnetic properties, thereby changing its identifiability parameter and preventing reuse.
3Reliability
If a laser is used to ablate magnetic ink from checks, then the magnetic ink is vaporized to prevent detection, but the laser power must be controlled to leave the check substrate substantially undamaged
Solution Approach 1:
The laser ablation process is applied locally and selectively only to the magnetic ink layer on the check, not the entire check substrate. This localized treatment removes the harmful magnetic ink while preserving the integrity of the underlying paper substrate through precise control of laser parameters and exposure.
Solution Approach 2:
The laser energy induces a phase transition in the magnetic ink material, vaporizing or sublimating it from the check surface. By controlling the laser parameters, the phase transition is confined to the ink layer without transferring sufficient energy to damage the check substrate, exploiting the different thermal properties of the ink versus the paper.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents checks from being re-deposited by rendering magnetic ink undetectable, thereby conserving storage space and ensuring checks are not reused, while maintaining the integrity of the check substrate.
Implementation Method 1
The printer may comprise a laser operable to ablate toner and/or magnetic ink from checks to prevent the checks being presented a second time. The laser power is selected to vaporize the magnetic ink, while leaving the check substrate (that this, the paper) substantially undamaged.
Implementation Method 2
Alternatively, the printer may comprise an incoherent light source operable to ablate toner and/or magnetic ink from checks to prevent any checks presented a second time from being cashed or deposited.
Implementation Method 3
The light source may be pulsed so that a higher intensity of light can be used without overheating the check substrate.
Data Source
AI summary
A media depository is described. The media depository comprises: a media item validation module; a diverter for routing a received media item via either a storage path or a return path; an escrow for temporarily holding received media items; and a printer located between the diverter and the escrow so that the printer can print on any media items transported via the return path.