Reverse MICR Algorithm for Backwards Document Recognition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional document processing systems using magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) face inefficiencies when documents are inserted backwards, requiring manual processing and reducing throughput due to the need for precise document velocity control and complex velocity measurement schemes.
Innovation Solution
A 'reverse' MICR algorithm is introduced to automatically recognize and process documents by comparing the MICR signal with patterns expected when the document is backwards, accounting for reversed, inverted, and lower-quality waveforms, thereby reducing the need for manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional MICR reading methods are used with precise velocity control, then character recognition accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to complex velocity measurement and control schemes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the approach from controlling document velocity to controlling read head velocity relative to the document. By using a stationary read head and moving the document, or moving the read head at a controlled speed while the document moves at an unknown speed, the system eliminates the need for complex velocity measurement and control schemes while maintaining accurate character recognition
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical velocity control system with an electrical/electronic solution. Instead of using complex mechanical mechanisms to control and measure document velocity, the system uses electrical signals from the read head to detect and process MICR characters, substituting mechanical control with electronic detection and processing
2Measurement precision
If documents are processed manually when inserted backwards, then recognition accuracy is maintained, but productivity decreases due to manual processing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by considering that MICR characters read backwards still produce recognizable patterns. Instead of rejecting backwards documents, the system processes them by detecting the reversed character patterns and correcting them, allowing automatic processing of both forward and backward oriented documents without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables backwards documents to self-correct through the processing algorithm. The MICR reading system automatically detects and corrects reversed character patterns without requiring external manual intervention, allowing the system to service itself by handling orientation errors automatically
3Measurement precision
If document velocity is precisely controlled, then character read rate accuracy is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to speed control requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reading process into individual character detection events rather than requiring continuous velocity control. By detecting each MICR character as a discrete event with specific waveform patterns, the system determines character positions and velocities from the waveform data itself, eliminating the need for separate velocity control mechanisms
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 significantly reduces manual processing time and enhances overall throughput by automatically correcting and processing documents inserted in reverse orientation, improving the efficiency of document processing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a MICR magnetic read head is used to read the information printed on the document
Data Source
AI summary
A method for processing backwards documents in a document processing system involves a reverse recognition algorithm. The document processing system includes a magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) reader. A waveform is determined for a magnetic ink character string on a document. A forward recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to a set of known character profiles. In a case where the magnetic ink character string remains unrecognized after application of the forward recognition algorithm, a reverse recognition algorithm is applied to compare the determined waveform to the set of known character profiles. The reverse recognition algorithm considers the determined waveform as resulting from the document being oriented backwards when passing though the magnetic ink character recognition reader when comparing the waveform to the set of known character profiles.