Bi-directional Dual-speed Document Processor for Check Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing check processing systems are costly due to the need for high-speed image scanners to operate concurrently with magnetic ink character readers, which increases the overall cost and is inefficient for low-volume check processing at businesses.
Innovation Solution
A bi-directional document processor that operates at different speeds to accommodate the capabilities of magnetic ink character readers and image scanners, allowing for efficient reading of routing information at higher speeds and image capture at lower speeds, reducing the need for expensive high-speed scanners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-speed image scanner is used to operate concurrently with a magnetic ink character reader, then the processing speed and reliability of routing information capture is improved, but the cost of the document processor increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The document processing is divided into two separate passes: a first pass at high speed for magnetic ink character reading, and a second pass at low speed for image scanning. This segmentation allows each operation to occur at its optimal speed independently, eliminating the need for an expensive high-speed image scanner while maintaining reliable data capture.
Solution Approach 2:
The document is processed periodically in two distinct phases: first moved through the processor at high speed for MICR reading, then returned and moved through again at low speed for scanning. This periodic action allows the system to achieve both high-speed data capture and low-cost scanning without requiring concurrent high-speed scanning capability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a low-cost, low-speed document processor is used for business check processing, then the cost is reduced, but the processing speed becomes insufficient for reliable magnetic ink character reading
Solution Approach 1:
The document processor dynamically adjusts its operating speed based on the processing task. During the first pass, it operates at high speed (5-10 inches per second or faster) for magnetic ink character reading. During the second pass, it operates at low speed for image scanning. This dynamic speed adjustment allows the use of lower-cost components while maintaining the speed requirements for reliable data capture.
3Productivity
If documents are processed at high speed through a stationary magnetic ink character reader and image scanner, then processing efficiency is improved, but the requirement for expensive high-speed image scanners increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processing workflow is segmented into two sequential passes rather than one concurrent pass. The first pass handles magnetic ink character reading at high speed, and the second pass handles image scanning at low speed. This segmentation decouples the speed requirements of the two operations, allowing the use of a low-cost image scanner while maintaining overall processing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of moving the document through both readers simultaneously at high speed, the system inverts the approach by making the document travel through the processor twice at different speeds. The document is first processed at high speed for data capture, then returned and processed at low speed for scanning, thereby eliminating the need for a high-speed scanner.
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
This approach reduces the cost of check processing systems by utilizing lower-cost image scanners and improving processing efficiency, enabling faster fund availability for businesses while maintaining reliable data capture.
Implementation Method 1
The magnetic ink character reader is positioned to read magnetic characters printed on a document
Implementation Method 2
The image scanner is oriented to capture an image of a surface of a document
Data Source
AI summary
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. The drive mechanism is configured to guide the document along the path of travel in the first direction at a first speed, and guide the document along the path of travel in a second direction at a second speed.