Magnetic Ink Character Reader Signal Inversion for Orientation Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic ink character readers require reading checks at least twice in different directions, which is often ineffective and slow due to the need for manual orientation and separate scanning processes.
Innovation Solution
A magnetic ink character reader that includes a transport unit, a reader with a forward reading direction, and a processor that inverts signal waveforms when the check is not aligned correctly, allowing for recognition in both forward and reverse directions, thereby eliminating the need for multiple scans.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the check is read in the forward direction only, then the reading process is simplified, but the system cannot handle checks inserted in reverse orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by detecting the transport direction of the check and inverting the signal waveform when the check is inserted in reverse orientation. This allows the single forward-direction reader to correctly process checks regardless of insertion orientation by mathematically inverting the signal rather than adding hardware for bidirectional reading.
2Measurement precision
If the check is read multiple times in different directions, then reading accuracy is improved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by detecting the transport direction before character recognition and pre-inverting the signal waveform if needed. This single-pass approach with preliminary direction detection eliminates the need for multiple reading passes, reducing processing time while maintaining accuracy through proactive signal correction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically repositioning or re-scanning the check multiple times with an electronic signal inversion method. Instead of mechanical re-reading in different directions, the system uses electronic processing to invert the signal waveform, achieving the same effect with faster processing.
3Productivity
If a single reader with fixed reading direction is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the system becomes ineffective when check orientation is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by detecting the actual transport direction of the check and using this information to determine whether signal inversion is needed. The direction detection feedback loop ensures that the single forward-reading reader maintains high reliability by automatically adapting its signal processing based on the detected orientation.
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 solution enables efficient and accurate recognition of magnetic ink characters by compensating for orientation errors, reducing processing time and improving reading efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a reader configured to magnetically read magnetic ink characters printed on the medium, while the medium is being moved along the transport path and to output a signal waveform corresponding to the magnetic ink characters
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5A~5B
AI summary
A magnetic ink character reader includes a transport unit configured to move a medium along a transport path, a reader configured to magnetically read magnetic ink characters printed on the medium, while the medium is moved along the transport path and to output a signal waveform corresponding to the magnetic ink characters, and a processor configured to compare a transportation direction of the medium through the reader to a forward reading direction of the reader, and to invert, in horizontal and vertical directions, the signal waveform output from the reader when the transportation direction is not the forward reading direction. The processor performs magnetic character recognition using the signal waveform from the reader when the transportation direction is the forward reading direction and the inverted signal waveform when the transportation direction is a reverse reading direction opposite the forward reading direction.