CA1230423A - Method and apparatus for making checks - Google Patents
Method and apparatus for making checksInfo
- Publication number
- CA1230423A CA1230423A CA000440305A CA440305A CA1230423A CA 1230423 A CA1230423 A CA 1230423A CA 000440305 A CA000440305 A CA 000440305A CA 440305 A CA440305 A CA 440305A CA 1230423 A CA1230423 A CA 1230423A
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- check
- path
- printing
- travel
- along
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
Classifications
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/04—Payment circuits
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- G06Q20/00—Payment architectures, schemes or protocols
- G06Q20/04—Payment circuits
- G06Q20/042—Payment circuits characterized in that the payment protocol involves at least one cheque
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
- G07G—REGISTERING THE RECEIPT OF CASH, VALUABLES, OR TOKENS
- G07G1/00—Cash registers
Abstract
Abstract of the Disclosure Apparatus for printing checks has means for reading a check account number and receiving a personal identification number and for transmitting the number to an extrinsic verification center. The apparatus also has means for receiving a money sum and for transmitting the account number and money sum to an extrinsic banking facility and for receiving an acceptance acknowlegement therefrom. The apparatus further has means for printing a money sum on the check in response to the receipt of the bank acceptance acknowledgement.
Description
METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MA~ING CHECKS
Technical Field .
- This invention relates generally t~ methods and apparatuses for making negotiable instrum~nts such as checks in payment for merchandise purchased.
Background of the Invention Today, merchandise purchased at stores and other type business establishment~ is of~en paid for by making out and tendering a personal checkO The check orders a bank to withdraw a sum of money from the maker's account and pay it or credit i~ to the account of- the payee or store. Typically, this transaction occurs as follows. Firstly,- a cashier at a check-~ut counter will colleck the merchandise bein~ purchased and sum up the ~otal amoun~ of the i~ems purchased as with khe use of a cash register or calculatorO Once the sum total of the purchases is derived the customer is informed of the amount due and then pays the cashier that amount. Payment may be made with currency, with , 1 ~ ~$~
_ the use of a credit card, or by the making o1 a check.
The acceptance by the store of a check, howev~r, incurs certain risks. For example, the check ma~J bear an account number other than that of the purchaser, as in the case of a purchaser attempting to defraud the store. On the other hand the account number may be valid but the purchaser may have had a history of making out checks against the account when there are insufficient unds in the account available to cover the check. The check may be made out erroneously as by the use of an improper date or improper amount, either in written or numerica' form, or both. In some cases the ~ustomer will forget to sign the check, which omission may go undetected by the cashier.
As a result of these various risks and potentials for error, most stores have adopted safeguards for these transactions such as requiring check approval by store management, a check review by coworkers, check verification with a computerized veri~ication center, and the requirement of identification in addition to that printed oi~ the check such as the showing of a credit card and automobile driver's license. Although these procedures do provide safeguards they do so at a substantial cost in the time required in making payment at check-out counters.
Hereto~ore, machines have been devised for use with cash registers in printing cash receipts and itemizing purchased amounts such as are disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers 2,210,021~ 2,923,234 and 4,142,235.
Machines have also been developed for imprinting magnetic characters on checks as is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3r202~091~ and for printing money amounts on checks~ These machines, however, have possessed only limited capabilities that can be put to use in expediting the making of checks in payment for 31 ~V~
merchandise with safeguards of the t~pe previousl~ desc~i~ed.
The present invention thus provides a method and apparatus for making a check for payment of merchandise ~hich overcomes these limitations.
Summary of the Invention The invention in one aspect pertains to a method of making a check for payment of merchandise with a prlnter of the type having a housing formed with first and second sides that are respectively formed with first and second slots, and with character reading means located along a path of travel extending between the first and second slots for reading account number information appearing on a check. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by the character reading means and there are data process and system control means, and keyboard means for inputting data to the data process and system control means. Drive means are provided for driving a check along the path of travel with means for printing information on a check as it is driven along the path of travel. The method comprises the steps of inserting a check from ambience into the first slot and driving it with the drive means past the charac-ter reader means and entering a personal identification number via the keyboard into the data process and system control means, upon verification by the verification means holding the check in a position e~tending out of the second slot to provide visually observable verification, entering a money sum via the keyboard means into the data process and system con-trol means, and moving the check from the second slot to the first slot while printing a money sum with the printing means on the moving check.
The invention in another aspect comprehends apparatus for making checks comprising a housing having an opening through which a check may be inserted from ambience with data means for inpu-tting money sum information. Means drive a check inserted through -the opening along a path of travel within the housing ~3~
and character reading means is mounted within the housing along the path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along the path. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by the character reading means with numbers in a compilation of check account numbers, and means print a money sum on a check as it moves along the path of travel. Data process and control means are connected w1th the data input means and the character reading means for controlling the check driving means, the check -verifying means and the check printing means. Preferably, the printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along the path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon check lines offset from one another.
In another form of the invention apparatus for making checks comprises a housing having an opening through which a check may be inserted and means for driving a check inserted through the opening along a path of travel within the housing.
The apparatus has data process and control means -that include memory means for storing numerical data. Charac-ter reading means are mounted within the housing along the path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along -the path of travel and for entering the read account number into the memory means. Keyboard means are provided for entering a personal identification number and a money sum into the memory means. Verify modem means are provided for transmitting a read account number and an entered personal identification number to an extrinsic verification center and for receiving verification therefrom while bank modem means is also provided for trans-mitting a verified account number and an entered money sum to an extrinsic bank and for receiving a bank acceptance acknowledgement therefrom. The apparatus also has means for printing a money sum and a bank acceptance acknowledgement on a check as it is driven by said check driving means along said path of travel in response to the receipt of -the bank acceptance acknowledgement.
A still further embodiment of the invention comprehends a check printer having data input means for inputting money sum information, access means for receiving a check from ambience, means for driving a check along a path of travel, and character reading means located along the path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check being driven thereby. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing an account number read by the character reading means with numbers in a compilation of account numbers, and means print a money sum on a check as it moves along the path of travel. Data processing and system control means are connected with the check driving means, the character reading means, the check verifying means and the printing means for controlling the printing means responsive to check validation by the verifying means and the input there-into of money sum information. Preferably the printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along the path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon two check lines offset from one another in height.
A still further aspect of the invention pertains to a check printer comprising a housing having first and second sides respectively formed wi-th first and second slots through which a check may pass to and from ambience, with a keyboard mounted to the housing and means for reciprocally driving a check along a path of travel extending between the first and second slots and for ternporarily holding the check in a position extending partially out of the second slot. Character reading means is located along the path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check driven thereby, and printing means is located along the path of travel. Data processing and system control means are provided for processing data received from the character reading means and the keyboard and for controlling the check driving means and the printing means.
4a In yet another form of the invention a check prinier has data process and control means that includes memory, means for reading and inputting into the memory an account number appearing on a check inserted into the printer, also keyboard means for entering a personal identification number and a money sum into the memory. Verify modem means are provided for transmitting an account number and a personal identification number to a verification center and for receiving verification data therefrom. Bank modem means are also provided for trans-mitting an account number and a money sum to a banking facilityand for receiving acceptance data therefor. The check printer also has means for printing the money sum entered into memory onto a check inserted into the printer in response to receipt by the data process and control means of the bank acceptance data through the bank modem.
Brief Description of the Drawing _ Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a check printer embodying principles of the present inventio~;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the checX printer illustrated in Fig. 1 shown with a portion of its housing cover removed to reveal internal components of the printer;
Fig. 3 is a front-elevational view taken in - cross-section along cut 3-3 in Fig. 2 with the housing cover in place;
10Fig. 4 is a block diagram of ~he da~a processing and control system of the check printer shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the check printer component of the block diagram shown in Fig~ 4;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram of systems as~ociated with the check printer illustrated in ~ig. 1, appearing with Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the verifier checX account block of the block diagram of Fig. 4;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a check printer shown in association with a personal computer;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a data process and control system of a check printer embodying principles of the invention in an alternate form which possesses funds transfer capabilities;
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a group of check printers of the invention in association with a group of cash registers and in communication with a verification center and a customer and host b~ k; and Fig. 11 is a plan view of a check printer having a fourth print head shown with a portic~ of its housing cover removed to reveal internal components of the printer.
De~aile.d Description _ Referring now in more detail to the drawing, there is shown in Figs. 1-3 apparatus 10 having a housing that includes a covPr 12 mounted atop a base 13 as by unshown screws threaded through the cover into four base flange tabs 14. A keyboard 15 is provided wi~h the top cover 12 that includes a button for each numeri~al digit 0-9, a button "E" for entry, a button "C" for clear, and a set of four informational buttons. A display panel 16 is mounted on the cov2r 12 lO which preferably is of the liquid crystal ty~e using nematic mesomorphic compounds, or a light~emitting diode (LED) typeO The right-hand side of the cover is also provided with a slot 18 through which a negotiable instrument such as a bank draft or check may be 15 inserted into the housing while the left-hand side is formed with an open receptacle 19 for pens and pencils.
With reference next particularly to Figs. 2 and 3 r the apparatus is seen to be provided with a 20 muffin fan 21 and also with an electrical stepper motor 20 which drives a shaft 50 by means of a belt 52 looped over the motor drive shaf~. When a magnetic clutch 57 is energized a vertical shaEt 51 is magnetically coupled with the shaft 50 and rotates.
25 Its rotation drives another, vertical shaft 53 by means of an endless belt 55. The two shafts 51 and 53 serve to drive a pair of endless belts 23 and 24 routed over pulleys secured thereto adjacent a guide 25. Another guide 59 is provided beside the left-hand er.~ portion 3~ of guide 25. The guides 25 and 59, belts 23 and 24, and a pair of idlers 22 define a linear path of travel for a check that has been introduced into the check printer housing through slot 18.
The motor 20 is mounted atop a bracket 31 while carbon ribbon spools 26 and 27 are rotatably ~3~
; 7 _ mounted atop two brackets 28 and 29 respectively, that extend upwardly from the bracket 31. A ribbon 30 is reeled upon and between the two spools so as to pass over ribbon guides 32 beside the path of checX travel.
The spool 26 is driven, in response to the actuation of a clutch 60, by a belt 61 that is coupled with the spool shaft and the shaft 51. The spool 27 is mounted for free wheeling. The apparatus is furthe~: provided with a first check edge detector located adjacent the slot 18 which includes a light emitting diode 36 mounted to a power board 40, and a photoce-ll 37 mounted to a bracXet 41. A second check edge detector comprises another LED 38 mounted to the power board and a photocell 39.
A character reader 65 such as an integrated optical character reader (OCR) read head module sold by Recoqnition Equipment Incorporated of Dallas, Texas, is mounted adjacent the path of check travel. Character printing means are provided having three dot-matrix print heads 42, 43 and 44 such as those made by Alps Electric, Inc. of Rockville Centerl New YorkO Each print head has a vertical array of needle-like fonts r~ciprocally housed within slotted pin caps 4~ located adjacent the path of check travel as schematically lllustrated at 46 in the center of the print heads. The three print-heads are mounted to a bracket 47 in a vertically-staggered ~ormation as shown in Fig. 3 so that th~y may form three lines of print that are vertically offset from one another compatib~ 2 with the current format of Ame~ican checks and drafts. Finally, the apparatus includes data processing and control means which are shown at the array of boards 497 With reference next to Fig. 4, the data processing and system control circui~ry generally 3S indicated at 43 in Fig~ ~ is seen to include an d ~ 3 _ Intel 8051 microcomputer 70 which, as is well known in the art, has a central processing unit (CP~) to which a time base oscillator is coupled to function as a clock, a read-only program memory, a random access data memory, and counters and timers. All of these subsystems are connected with the CPU by means of an internal data and instruction bus. The micl-ocomputer also includes a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), a programmable input and output, 10 and an expansion control for exterior in~erfacing purposes, again, all of which are coupled with the CPU
via the interhal data and instruction bus. An external control bus extends from the expansion control portion of the microcomputer to the chara~ter reader identified 15 at 65 in Fig. 2 and to an identification memory. This memory contains verification information in the form of a compilation of check account numbers which may be either valid or invalid account numbers, depending on the design of the verification system employed. The 20 external control bus is coupled with a verifier check account system which is shown as a single block in Fig. 4 but which is shown in more detail in Fig. 7.
The expansion control is also coupled with the check printer which includes the print heads 42, 43 and 44.
25 The system has an external bus for data and address which couples the microcomputer programmable input and output with the check printer, the verifier check account, the identification memory and the character reader. The programmable input and OUtpUI of the Intel 8051 is also coupled with the first and second check edge detectors that are provided by LE~ 36 and photodetector 37 and by LED 38 and photodetector 39, respectively~ The stepper motor 20 is connected with the microcomputer programmable input and output.
With reference next to Fig. 5, the printer *trade mark '?~3 _ function is seen to include check printer i;lterface circuitry of conventional design that rend-rs the control and data signals emitted by the Intel 8051 input and output compatible with the synchronization system and the individual slave print head control circuits for each of the print heads. The first slave print head controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 42 which prints date information on checks. The second slave print head control circuit controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 43 which prints the name of the payee or store and the dollar sum in numerical form on the check on a check line beneath the date line. Similarly, the third slave print head control circuit controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 44 which prints a dollar amount in written form for the whole dollars figure but in numeric, fractional form for cents on the dollar line beneath the payee and numerical dollar amount line which is printed by the print hea.c 43. A
fourth slave head print head control circ~it, print head drive circuit and print head is also shown in this figure, which, though not shown in FigsO 2 and 3, may be added as shown at 48 in Fig. 11 where the apparatus and method is expanded to include funds transfer capabilities~ ~he check print head shown in Fig. 5 is of conventional constuction and may be provided by Alps Elec~ric~ Inc.
Fig~ 6 illustrates basic functions of the apparatus wherein it is seen that a cash register may be connected with the apparatu~ 10 to input sum total figures to be printed upon checks. For example, a conventional cash register may be modified so that upon the totalizer key being struck, a sum total figure not only is displayed at the cash register and upon a printout slip but also is inputted into the check _ writer, as shown in Fig. 4, which then controls the printer in a manner so as to print the sum total on ~he check in both numerical and written form. Also as shown in Fig. 6, the apparatus is coupled with a check account verifier which is next described, in a manner such that the check will not be printed without verification having been made. The verifier itself is in communication via conventional MODEM
(modulator/demodulator) means with a remote l~ verification center.
With reference to Fig. 7 the verifier checX
account block shown in the block diagram of :?ig. 4 is seen to include conventional interface circuitry to which an external control bus and a data/address bus are coupled. The verifier includes a program memory, a customer memory, the keyboard 15, and a second Intel 8051 microcomputer which itself is coupled with the MODEM shown in Fig. 6. The verifier also includes the display l6 shown in Fig. 1. The customer memory contains the check verification information while the program memory contains instructions that control the functionality of the verification circuitry.
In operation, a personal check o~ standard American format is manually introduced into the apparatus throu~h slot 18 until it breaks the liyht beam passing between ~he LED 36 and the photodetector 37 of the first check edge detector.
When this occurs the stepper motor 20 causes the check drive belts 23 and 24 to revolve by actuation of the 3~ clutch 57. The two drive belts thus grip ~he check located between them and guidP 25 and pass i~ along a path of travel extending beside the guide 25~ whereupon the charac~er reader 65 reads the account number appearing on the check and inputs it into data memory.
Once both the first and second edgP detectors no longer :
_ detect the presence of the check, which now r~s pas~ed through a slot 71 partial3y out of the apparatus housing, check alignment is assured for printing. At this point the check drive belts are brought to a halt by deactivation~ of the stepper motor by the control circuitry.
Next, the account number read by the character reader is verified with the verifier check account system shown in Fig. 7~ The read number is ~ compared with a compila~ion o numbers appearing in customer memory. A personal identification number (PIN) is entered by the customer with the kayboard and compared with another compilation of PIN numbers. If verification is not achieved with both account and PIN
lS numbers, the drive belts are again activated so as to expel the check from the machine. On the other hand, if verifi~ation is achieved then the check remains at rest, observably protruding partially out of the left-hand side of the housing. A verifica~ion slgnal is also preferably displayed on display 16~ although this is not necessary since the acceptance of the check physically into the machinery is in itself an indication of verification. At this point the user, such as a cashier at a checkout counter, may now gather the goods being purchased and total their prices as with a cash register or a calculator. When this has been completed a total figure is derived on the cash register or on an auxiliary calculator. Where the cash register has been electrically coupled with apparatus 10, an activation of the totalizer on thP
cash register itself inputs a total sum into data memory. Otherwise, as where such cash register modification has not been made, the total figure is inputted by means of the keyboard 15 and the keyboard button E struck. With ~he verification having been .
_ achieved and a total fi~ure having been inputted into the control circuitry, the check printer illustrated in Fig. 5 is activated by the Intel 8051~ This causes the check drive belts again to be energized to drive the check from left to right direction past the three print heads 42, 43, 44 and the spools to be driven by actuation of clutch 60~ The total is then printed on the chec~ in both written ~nd numerical form as is the date of the transaction and the name of the pa~ee. The check is continued to be driven by the belts ~Intil the first check edge detector circuit is reestdblished.
With an edge of the check extending out from the slot 18 the system is reset for the next transaction.
The check is then manually obtained for signature.
Fig. 8 illustrates the apparatus 10 in a different operative environment. Here, it is coupled with a small modular computer having a keyboard 74 and a display screen 75. This mode of operation is suitable ~or making out a number of successive checks as in paying business or household statements. ThP
apparatus can also stand alone and also interface with a computer terminal which can be a source of data to be printed on a checX.
Fig. 9 illustrates data processing and system
Technical Field .
- This invention relates generally t~ methods and apparatuses for making negotiable instrum~nts such as checks in payment for merchandise purchased.
Background of the Invention Today, merchandise purchased at stores and other type business establishment~ is of~en paid for by making out and tendering a personal checkO The check orders a bank to withdraw a sum of money from the maker's account and pay it or credit i~ to the account of- the payee or store. Typically, this transaction occurs as follows. Firstly,- a cashier at a check-~ut counter will colleck the merchandise bein~ purchased and sum up the ~otal amoun~ of the i~ems purchased as with khe use of a cash register or calculatorO Once the sum total of the purchases is derived the customer is informed of the amount due and then pays the cashier that amount. Payment may be made with currency, with , 1 ~ ~$~
_ the use of a credit card, or by the making o1 a check.
The acceptance by the store of a check, howev~r, incurs certain risks. For example, the check ma~J bear an account number other than that of the purchaser, as in the case of a purchaser attempting to defraud the store. On the other hand the account number may be valid but the purchaser may have had a history of making out checks against the account when there are insufficient unds in the account available to cover the check. The check may be made out erroneously as by the use of an improper date or improper amount, either in written or numerica' form, or both. In some cases the ~ustomer will forget to sign the check, which omission may go undetected by the cashier.
As a result of these various risks and potentials for error, most stores have adopted safeguards for these transactions such as requiring check approval by store management, a check review by coworkers, check verification with a computerized veri~ication center, and the requirement of identification in addition to that printed oi~ the check such as the showing of a credit card and automobile driver's license. Although these procedures do provide safeguards they do so at a substantial cost in the time required in making payment at check-out counters.
Hereto~ore, machines have been devised for use with cash registers in printing cash receipts and itemizing purchased amounts such as are disclosed in U.S. Patent Numbers 2,210,021~ 2,923,234 and 4,142,235.
Machines have also been developed for imprinting magnetic characters on checks as is disclosed in U.S. Patent 3r202~091~ and for printing money amounts on checks~ These machines, however, have possessed only limited capabilities that can be put to use in expediting the making of checks in payment for 31 ~V~
merchandise with safeguards of the t~pe previousl~ desc~i~ed.
The present invention thus provides a method and apparatus for making a check for payment of merchandise ~hich overcomes these limitations.
Summary of the Invention The invention in one aspect pertains to a method of making a check for payment of merchandise with a prlnter of the type having a housing formed with first and second sides that are respectively formed with first and second slots, and with character reading means located along a path of travel extending between the first and second slots for reading account number information appearing on a check. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by the character reading means and there are data process and system control means, and keyboard means for inputting data to the data process and system control means. Drive means are provided for driving a check along the path of travel with means for printing information on a check as it is driven along the path of travel. The method comprises the steps of inserting a check from ambience into the first slot and driving it with the drive means past the charac-ter reader means and entering a personal identification number via the keyboard into the data process and system control means, upon verification by the verification means holding the check in a position e~tending out of the second slot to provide visually observable verification, entering a money sum via the keyboard means into the data process and system con-trol means, and moving the check from the second slot to the first slot while printing a money sum with the printing means on the moving check.
The invention in another aspect comprehends apparatus for making checks comprising a housing having an opening through which a check may be inserted from ambience with data means for inpu-tting money sum information. Means drive a check inserted through -the opening along a path of travel within the housing ~3~
and character reading means is mounted within the housing along the path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along the path. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by the character reading means with numbers in a compilation of check account numbers, and means print a money sum on a check as it moves along the path of travel. Data process and control means are connected w1th the data input means and the character reading means for controlling the check driving means, the check -verifying means and the check printing means. Preferably, the printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along the path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon check lines offset from one another.
In another form of the invention apparatus for making checks comprises a housing having an opening through which a check may be inserted and means for driving a check inserted through the opening along a path of travel within the housing.
The apparatus has data process and control means -that include memory means for storing numerical data. Charac-ter reading means are mounted within the housing along the path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along -the path of travel and for entering the read account number into the memory means. Keyboard means are provided for entering a personal identification number and a money sum into the memory means. Verify modem means are provided for transmitting a read account number and an entered personal identification number to an extrinsic verification center and for receiving verification therefrom while bank modem means is also provided for trans-mitting a verified account number and an entered money sum to an extrinsic bank and for receiving a bank acceptance acknowledgement therefrom. The apparatus also has means for printing a money sum and a bank acceptance acknowledgement on a check as it is driven by said check driving means along said path of travel in response to the receipt of -the bank acceptance acknowledgement.
A still further embodiment of the invention comprehends a check printer having data input means for inputting money sum information, access means for receiving a check from ambience, means for driving a check along a path of travel, and character reading means located along the path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check being driven thereby. Means are provided for verifying a check by comparing an account number read by the character reading means with numbers in a compilation of account numbers, and means print a money sum on a check as it moves along the path of travel. Data processing and system control means are connected with the check driving means, the character reading means, the check verifying means and the printing means for controlling the printing means responsive to check validation by the verifying means and the input there-into of money sum information. Preferably the printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along the path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon two check lines offset from one another in height.
A still further aspect of the invention pertains to a check printer comprising a housing having first and second sides respectively formed wi-th first and second slots through which a check may pass to and from ambience, with a keyboard mounted to the housing and means for reciprocally driving a check along a path of travel extending between the first and second slots and for ternporarily holding the check in a position extending partially out of the second slot. Character reading means is located along the path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check driven thereby, and printing means is located along the path of travel. Data processing and system control means are provided for processing data received from the character reading means and the keyboard and for controlling the check driving means and the printing means.
4a In yet another form of the invention a check prinier has data process and control means that includes memory, means for reading and inputting into the memory an account number appearing on a check inserted into the printer, also keyboard means for entering a personal identification number and a money sum into the memory. Verify modem means are provided for transmitting an account number and a personal identification number to a verification center and for receiving verification data therefrom. Bank modem means are also provided for trans-mitting an account number and a money sum to a banking facilityand for receiving acceptance data therefor. The check printer also has means for printing the money sum entered into memory onto a check inserted into the printer in response to receipt by the data process and control means of the bank acceptance data through the bank modem.
Brief Description of the Drawing _ Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a check printer embodying principles of the present inventio~;
Fig. 2 is a plan view of the checX printer illustrated in Fig. 1 shown with a portion of its housing cover removed to reveal internal components of the printer;
Fig. 3 is a front-elevational view taken in - cross-section along cut 3-3 in Fig. 2 with the housing cover in place;
10Fig. 4 is a block diagram of ~he da~a processing and control system of the check printer shown in Fig. 1;
Fig. 5 is a block diagram of the check printer component of the block diagram shown in Fig~ 4;
Fig. 6 is a block diagram of systems as~ociated with the check printer illustrated in ~ig. 1, appearing with Fig. l;
Fig. 7 is a block diagram of the verifier checX account block of the block diagram of Fig. 4;
Fig. 8 is a perspective view of a check printer shown in association with a personal computer;
Fig. 9 is a block diagram of a data process and control system of a check printer embodying principles of the invention in an alternate form which possesses funds transfer capabilities;
Fig. 10 is a block diagram showing a group of check printers of the invention in association with a group of cash registers and in communication with a verification center and a customer and host b~ k; and Fig. 11 is a plan view of a check printer having a fourth print head shown with a portic~ of its housing cover removed to reveal internal components of the printer.
De~aile.d Description _ Referring now in more detail to the drawing, there is shown in Figs. 1-3 apparatus 10 having a housing that includes a covPr 12 mounted atop a base 13 as by unshown screws threaded through the cover into four base flange tabs 14. A keyboard 15 is provided wi~h the top cover 12 that includes a button for each numeri~al digit 0-9, a button "E" for entry, a button "C" for clear, and a set of four informational buttons. A display panel 16 is mounted on the cov2r 12 lO which preferably is of the liquid crystal ty~e using nematic mesomorphic compounds, or a light~emitting diode (LED) typeO The right-hand side of the cover is also provided with a slot 18 through which a negotiable instrument such as a bank draft or check may be 15 inserted into the housing while the left-hand side is formed with an open receptacle 19 for pens and pencils.
With reference next particularly to Figs. 2 and 3 r the apparatus is seen to be provided with a 20 muffin fan 21 and also with an electrical stepper motor 20 which drives a shaft 50 by means of a belt 52 looped over the motor drive shaf~. When a magnetic clutch 57 is energized a vertical shaEt 51 is magnetically coupled with the shaft 50 and rotates.
25 Its rotation drives another, vertical shaft 53 by means of an endless belt 55. The two shafts 51 and 53 serve to drive a pair of endless belts 23 and 24 routed over pulleys secured thereto adjacent a guide 25. Another guide 59 is provided beside the left-hand er.~ portion 3~ of guide 25. The guides 25 and 59, belts 23 and 24, and a pair of idlers 22 define a linear path of travel for a check that has been introduced into the check printer housing through slot 18.
The motor 20 is mounted atop a bracket 31 while carbon ribbon spools 26 and 27 are rotatably ~3~
; 7 _ mounted atop two brackets 28 and 29 respectively, that extend upwardly from the bracket 31. A ribbon 30 is reeled upon and between the two spools so as to pass over ribbon guides 32 beside the path of checX travel.
The spool 26 is driven, in response to the actuation of a clutch 60, by a belt 61 that is coupled with the spool shaft and the shaft 51. The spool 27 is mounted for free wheeling. The apparatus is furthe~: provided with a first check edge detector located adjacent the slot 18 which includes a light emitting diode 36 mounted to a power board 40, and a photoce-ll 37 mounted to a bracXet 41. A second check edge detector comprises another LED 38 mounted to the power board and a photocell 39.
A character reader 65 such as an integrated optical character reader (OCR) read head module sold by Recoqnition Equipment Incorporated of Dallas, Texas, is mounted adjacent the path of check travel. Character printing means are provided having three dot-matrix print heads 42, 43 and 44 such as those made by Alps Electric, Inc. of Rockville Centerl New YorkO Each print head has a vertical array of needle-like fonts r~ciprocally housed within slotted pin caps 4~ located adjacent the path of check travel as schematically lllustrated at 46 in the center of the print heads. The three print-heads are mounted to a bracket 47 in a vertically-staggered ~ormation as shown in Fig. 3 so that th~y may form three lines of print that are vertically offset from one another compatib~ 2 with the current format of Ame~ican checks and drafts. Finally, the apparatus includes data processing and control means which are shown at the array of boards 497 With reference next to Fig. 4, the data processing and system control circui~ry generally 3S indicated at 43 in Fig~ ~ is seen to include an d ~ 3 _ Intel 8051 microcomputer 70 which, as is well known in the art, has a central processing unit (CP~) to which a time base oscillator is coupled to function as a clock, a read-only program memory, a random access data memory, and counters and timers. All of these subsystems are connected with the CPU by means of an internal data and instruction bus. The micl-ocomputer also includes a universal asynchronous receiver transmitter (UART), a programmable input and output, 10 and an expansion control for exterior in~erfacing purposes, again, all of which are coupled with the CPU
via the interhal data and instruction bus. An external control bus extends from the expansion control portion of the microcomputer to the chara~ter reader identified 15 at 65 in Fig. 2 and to an identification memory. This memory contains verification information in the form of a compilation of check account numbers which may be either valid or invalid account numbers, depending on the design of the verification system employed. The 20 external control bus is coupled with a verifier check account system which is shown as a single block in Fig. 4 but which is shown in more detail in Fig. 7.
The expansion control is also coupled with the check printer which includes the print heads 42, 43 and 44.
25 The system has an external bus for data and address which couples the microcomputer programmable input and output with the check printer, the verifier check account, the identification memory and the character reader. The programmable input and OUtpUI of the Intel 8051 is also coupled with the first and second check edge detectors that are provided by LE~ 36 and photodetector 37 and by LED 38 and photodetector 39, respectively~ The stepper motor 20 is connected with the microcomputer programmable input and output.
With reference next to Fig. 5, the printer *trade mark '?~3 _ function is seen to include check printer i;lterface circuitry of conventional design that rend-rs the control and data signals emitted by the Intel 8051 input and output compatible with the synchronization system and the individual slave print head control circuits for each of the print heads. The first slave print head controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 42 which prints date information on checks. The second slave print head control circuit controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 43 which prints the name of the payee or store and the dollar sum in numerical form on the check on a check line beneath the date line. Similarly, the third slave print head control circuit controls the print head drive circuit for the print head 44 which prints a dollar amount in written form for the whole dollars figure but in numeric, fractional form for cents on the dollar line beneath the payee and numerical dollar amount line which is printed by the print hea.c 43. A
fourth slave head print head control circ~it, print head drive circuit and print head is also shown in this figure, which, though not shown in FigsO 2 and 3, may be added as shown at 48 in Fig. 11 where the apparatus and method is expanded to include funds transfer capabilities~ ~he check print head shown in Fig. 5 is of conventional constuction and may be provided by Alps Elec~ric~ Inc.
Fig~ 6 illustrates basic functions of the apparatus wherein it is seen that a cash register may be connected with the apparatu~ 10 to input sum total figures to be printed upon checks. For example, a conventional cash register may be modified so that upon the totalizer key being struck, a sum total figure not only is displayed at the cash register and upon a printout slip but also is inputted into the check _ writer, as shown in Fig. 4, which then controls the printer in a manner so as to print the sum total on ~he check in both numerical and written form. Also as shown in Fig. 6, the apparatus is coupled with a check account verifier which is next described, in a manner such that the check will not be printed without verification having been made. The verifier itself is in communication via conventional MODEM
(modulator/demodulator) means with a remote l~ verification center.
With reference to Fig. 7 the verifier checX
account block shown in the block diagram of :?ig. 4 is seen to include conventional interface circuitry to which an external control bus and a data/address bus are coupled. The verifier includes a program memory, a customer memory, the keyboard 15, and a second Intel 8051 microcomputer which itself is coupled with the MODEM shown in Fig. 6. The verifier also includes the display l6 shown in Fig. 1. The customer memory contains the check verification information while the program memory contains instructions that control the functionality of the verification circuitry.
In operation, a personal check o~ standard American format is manually introduced into the apparatus throu~h slot 18 until it breaks the liyht beam passing between ~he LED 36 and the photodetector 37 of the first check edge detector.
When this occurs the stepper motor 20 causes the check drive belts 23 and 24 to revolve by actuation of the 3~ clutch 57. The two drive belts thus grip ~he check located between them and guidP 25 and pass i~ along a path of travel extending beside the guide 25~ whereupon the charac~er reader 65 reads the account number appearing on the check and inputs it into data memory.
Once both the first and second edgP detectors no longer :
_ detect the presence of the check, which now r~s pas~ed through a slot 71 partial3y out of the apparatus housing, check alignment is assured for printing. At this point the check drive belts are brought to a halt by deactivation~ of the stepper motor by the control circuitry.
Next, the account number read by the character reader is verified with the verifier check account system shown in Fig. 7~ The read number is ~ compared with a compila~ion o numbers appearing in customer memory. A personal identification number (PIN) is entered by the customer with the kayboard and compared with another compilation of PIN numbers. If verification is not achieved with both account and PIN
lS numbers, the drive belts are again activated so as to expel the check from the machine. On the other hand, if verifi~ation is achieved then the check remains at rest, observably protruding partially out of the left-hand side of the housing. A verifica~ion slgnal is also preferably displayed on display 16~ although this is not necessary since the acceptance of the check physically into the machinery is in itself an indication of verification. At this point the user, such as a cashier at a checkout counter, may now gather the goods being purchased and total their prices as with a cash register or a calculator. When this has been completed a total figure is derived on the cash register or on an auxiliary calculator. Where the cash register has been electrically coupled with apparatus 10, an activation of the totalizer on thP
cash register itself inputs a total sum into data memory. Otherwise, as where such cash register modification has not been made, the total figure is inputted by means of the keyboard 15 and the keyboard button E struck. With ~he verification having been .
_ achieved and a total fi~ure having been inputted into the control circuitry, the check printer illustrated in Fig. 5 is activated by the Intel 8051~ This causes the check drive belts again to be energized to drive the check from left to right direction past the three print heads 42, 43, 44 and the spools to be driven by actuation of clutch 60~ The total is then printed on the chec~ in both written ~nd numerical form as is the date of the transaction and the name of the pa~ee. The check is continued to be driven by the belts ~Intil the first check edge detector circuit is reestdblished.
With an edge of the check extending out from the slot 18 the system is reset for the next transaction.
The check is then manually obtained for signature.
Fig. 8 illustrates the apparatus 10 in a different operative environment. Here, it is coupled with a small modular computer having a keyboard 74 and a display screen 75. This mode of operation is suitable ~or making out a number of successive checks as in paying business or household statements. ThP
apparatus can also stand alone and also interface with a computer terminal which can be a source of data to be printed on a checX.
Fig. 9 illustrates data processing and system
2$ control circuitry o another configuration which may be employed in the check printer to provide electronic funds transfer capability. Here, an Intel 8086 microprocessor is employed to which an Intel ;~84A time base oscillator is coupled to provide clock, r:eady and reset capabili~ies. The microprocessor is c~upled by an address and data multiplexed bus with a bus controller and interface from which address and control lines extend through an address decoder to a dual channel universal asynchronous recelver/transmitter (USART)- A bank modem i5 connected to the USART
3~
.
_ through a RS232 interface. Multiple system expansion availability may also be provided through another RS232 interface.
The address and control lines al~o extend from the address decoder to a baud rate generator which is connected with each channel of the USART to which the verify modem is coupled, to the four printers, to the keyboard and an optional display unit, and al~o to another dual channel USART to which a veri~y modem is 1~ coupled through a RS232 interface. The character reader is connected to other channels of this USART
- through another RS232 interface as may be a security camera. A data bus extends ~rom the bus controller and interface to data memory and program memory, to the baud rate generator, to each of the two dual chann~l USARTs and to the printers, the keyboard and display.
Both the address line from the bus controller and interface and the data bus are connected with data memory and program memory. The data bus is also co~ected with operating systems firmwear (OSF3 while the address bus is connected through an ~ddress decoder to the firmwear. The firmwear itsel is connected to the INT terminal of the microprocessor. Both the address and data bus are also connected with an input/output port to which the stepper motor M is connected as are the light emitters and sensors. A
light emitter EMT and sensor SNR are coupled with the sensor/actuator to provide for first and second check edge detection. T~e mechanical operation of ~he apparatus is much the same as that previously described for the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-7 except that here the fourth print head and head drive circuit shown in Fig. 5 is utilized, which is identified as Printer 4 in Fig. 9, for printing a bank acceptance ~5 acknowledgement on the check.
'?i~;~
_ In operation a check is introduced into the apparatus and driven past the character reader 65 which reads and inputs the check account number into data memory. A personal identification number is also put into memory through the keyboard and the two numbers transmitted to an extrinsic verification center through the verify modem as shown in Fig. 10 which figure shows a group of check writers and cash registeri ganged together as in one business establfshment.
Alternatively, a series modem system could be employed to connect the host bank directly with the verification center. If verification is not made the check is expelled from the apparatus whereas if verification is achieved the check is held within its confines. Again, lS a verification signal may be dispayed on the display uni~. Next, qoods may be gathered and their prices totalized on a cash register coupled with the apparatus as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Actuation of a totalizer key on the cash register causes the data process and control circuit to communicate the account number and money sum data to a customer bank through the banX
modem. This is, however, conditioned on verification having been achiev d and the check thus remaining in the apparatus. At the customer bank the account is tagged i~ sufficient funds are available ~o cover the purchase. If suficient funds are available a bank identification code and tag time and date are transmitted back to ~che data process and control circuit whereas if insufficient funds are available the 30 ban~ identification and a reject signal is s~nt In ei~her case receipt of the data from the customer bank initiates the printing and check expulsion sequence, as previously described. Here, however, the fourth print head illustrated in Fig. 5, which is identified as 48 in ~ig. 11, is employed to print the bank _ identification code and tag time and date or chec~
rejection information on the checkO Where c~esired the bank account of the business establishment (host bank) may also be placed on line outside of the bank modem for full funds transfer capabilities in which case the host bank credit information may also be printed by the fourth print head on the check.
Xt should be understood that the just-described embodiments merely illustrate principles of the invention in preferred forms. Many modifications, additions and deletions may, or course, be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
.:
3~ .
.
_ through a RS232 interface. Multiple system expansion availability may also be provided through another RS232 interface.
The address and control lines al~o extend from the address decoder to a baud rate generator which is connected with each channel of the USART to which the verify modem is coupled, to the four printers, to the keyboard and an optional display unit, and al~o to another dual channel USART to which a veri~y modem is 1~ coupled through a RS232 interface. The character reader is connected to other channels of this USART
- through another RS232 interface as may be a security camera. A data bus extends ~rom the bus controller and interface to data memory and program memory, to the baud rate generator, to each of the two dual chann~l USARTs and to the printers, the keyboard and display.
Both the address line from the bus controller and interface and the data bus are connected with data memory and program memory. The data bus is also co~ected with operating systems firmwear (OSF3 while the address bus is connected through an ~ddress decoder to the firmwear. The firmwear itsel is connected to the INT terminal of the microprocessor. Both the address and data bus are also connected with an input/output port to which the stepper motor M is connected as are the light emitters and sensors. A
light emitter EMT and sensor SNR are coupled with the sensor/actuator to provide for first and second check edge detection. T~e mechanical operation of ~he apparatus is much the same as that previously described for the embodiment illustrated in Figs. 1-7 except that here the fourth print head and head drive circuit shown in Fig. 5 is utilized, which is identified as Printer 4 in Fig. 9, for printing a bank acceptance ~5 acknowledgement on the check.
'?i~;~
_ In operation a check is introduced into the apparatus and driven past the character reader 65 which reads and inputs the check account number into data memory. A personal identification number is also put into memory through the keyboard and the two numbers transmitted to an extrinsic verification center through the verify modem as shown in Fig. 10 which figure shows a group of check writers and cash registeri ganged together as in one business establfshment.
Alternatively, a series modem system could be employed to connect the host bank directly with the verification center. If verification is not made the check is expelled from the apparatus whereas if verification is achieved the check is held within its confines. Again, lS a verification signal may be dispayed on the display uni~. Next, qoods may be gathered and their prices totalized on a cash register coupled with the apparatus as shown in Figs. 9 and 10. Actuation of a totalizer key on the cash register causes the data process and control circuit to communicate the account number and money sum data to a customer bank through the banX
modem. This is, however, conditioned on verification having been achiev d and the check thus remaining in the apparatus. At the customer bank the account is tagged i~ sufficient funds are available ~o cover the purchase. If suficient funds are available a bank identification code and tag time and date are transmitted back to ~che data process and control circuit whereas if insufficient funds are available the 30 ban~ identification and a reject signal is s~nt In ei~her case receipt of the data from the customer bank initiates the printing and check expulsion sequence, as previously described. Here, however, the fourth print head illustrated in Fig. 5, which is identified as 48 in ~ig. 11, is employed to print the bank _ identification code and tag time and date or chec~
rejection information on the checkO Where c~esired the bank account of the business establishment (host bank) may also be placed on line outside of the bank modem for full funds transfer capabilities in which case the host bank credit information may also be printed by the fourth print head on the check.
Xt should be understood that the just-described embodiments merely illustrate principles of the invention in preferred forms. Many modifications, additions and deletions may, or course, be made thereto without departure from the spirit and scope of the invention set forth in the following claims.
.:
3~ .
Claims (11)
1. A method of making a check for payment of merchandise with a printer of the type having a housing formed with first and second sides that are respectively formed with first and second slots, character reading means located along a path of travel extending between the first and second slots for reading account number information appearing on a check, means for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by the character reading means, data process and system control means, keyboard means for inputting data to the data process and system control means, drive means for driving a check along the path of travel and means for printing information on a check as it is driven along the path of travel, and wherein the method comprises the steps of:
(a) inserting a check from ambience into the first slot and driving it with the drive means past the character reader means and entering a personal identification number via the keyboard into the data process and system control means;
(b) upon verification by the verification means holding the check in a position extending out of the second slot to provide visually observable verification;
(c) entering a money sum via the keyboard means into the data process and system control means; and (d) moving the check from the second slot to the first slot while printing a money sum with the printing means on the moving check.
(a) inserting a check from ambience into the first slot and driving it with the drive means past the character reader means and entering a personal identification number via the keyboard into the data process and system control means;
(b) upon verification by the verification means holding the check in a position extending out of the second slot to provide visually observable verification;
(c) entering a money sum via the keyboard means into the data process and system control means; and (d) moving the check from the second slot to the first slot while printing a money sum with the printing means on the moving check.
2. Apparatus for making checks comprises a housing having an opening through which a check may be inserted from ambience; data means for inputting money sum information;
means for driving a check inserted through said opening along a path of travel within said housing; character reading means mounted within said housing along said path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along said path; means for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by said character reading means with numbers in a compilation of check account numbers; means for printing a money sum on a check as it moves along said path of travel which includes a plurality of print heads located along said path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon check lines offset from one another; and data process and control means connected with said data input means and said character reading means for controlling said check driving means, said check verifying means and said check printing means.
means for driving a check inserted through said opening along a path of travel within said housing; character reading means mounted within said housing along said path of travel for reading a check account number printed on a check as it moves along said path; means for verifying a check by comparing a check account number read by said character reading means with numbers in a compilation of check account numbers; means for printing a money sum on a check as it moves along said path of travel which includes a plurality of print heads located along said path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon check lines offset from one another; and data process and control means connected with said data input means and said character reading means for controlling said check driving means, said check verifying means and said check printing means.
3. Apparatus for making checks in accordance with Claim 2 wherein said check driving means includes an endless belt coupled through a clutch with a motor.
4. Apparatus for making checks in accordance with Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein said printing means includes means for printing a money sum in both word and numerical form.
5. Apparatus for making checks in accordance with Claim 2 or Claim 3 wherein said printing means includes means for printing a date and the name of the payee on a check.
6. A check printer having data input means for inputting money sum information; access means for receiving a check from ambience; means for driving a check along a path of travel; character reading means located along said path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check being driven thereby; means for verifying a check by comparing an account number read by said character reading means with numbers in a compilation of account numbers; means for printing a money sum on a check as it moves along said path of travel including a plurality of print heads located along said path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon two check lines offset from one another in height; and data processing and system control means connected with said check driving means, said character reading means, said check verifying means and said printing means for controlling said printing means responsive to check validation by said verifying means and the input thereinto of money sum information.
7. A check printer in accordance with Claim 6 comprising first and second check presence detection means coupled with said computer means for detecting the presence of a check being moved along said path of travel, and with said first and second check presence means being located beside said path of travel at positions spaced apart a distance less than the length of a check whereby concurrent detection by the first and second check detecting means may provide said data processing and system control means with check location information.
8. A check printer in accordance with Claim 6 wherein said check driving means is electrically coupled with said data processing and system control means and includes an endless belt coupled through a clutch with a bidirectional stepper motor.
9, A check printer in accordance with Claim 6 wherein said printing means includes means for printing a money sum in both word and numerical form.
10. A check printer comprising a housing having first and second sides respectively formed with first and second slots through which a check may pass to and from ambience;
a keyboard mounted to said housing; means for reciprocally driving a check along a path of travel extending between said first and second slots and for temporarily holding the check in a position extending partially out of said second slot; character reading means located along said path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check driven thereby; printing means located along said path of travel; said printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along said path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon two check lines offset from one another in height; and data processing and system control means for processing data received from said character reading means and said keyboard and for controlling said check driving means and said printing means.
a keyboard mounted to said housing; means for reciprocally driving a check along a path of travel extending between said first and second slots and for temporarily holding the check in a position extending partially out of said second slot; character reading means located along said path of travel for reading an account number appearing on a check driven thereby; printing means located along said path of travel; said printing means includes a plurality of print heads located along said path of travel at staggered longitudinal and elevational positions for printing information upon two check lines offset from one another in height; and data processing and system control means for processing data received from said character reading means and said keyboard and for controlling said check driving means and said printing means.
11. The check printer of Claim 10 wherein said housing has a top formed with a third slot that extends between said first and second slots whereby a check may be observed extending partially out of said third slot at all check locations along said path of travel.
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| US44320382A | 1982-11-22 | 1982-11-22 | |
| US443,203 | 1982-11-22 | ||
| US47723783A | 1983-03-21 | 1983-03-21 | |
| US06/477,237 | 1983-03-21 |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1230423A true CA1230423A (en) | 1987-12-15 |
Family
ID=27033453
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000440305A Expired CA1230423A (en) | 1982-11-22 | 1983-11-02 | Method and apparatus for making checks |
Country Status (2)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA1230423A (en) |
| WO (1) | WO1984002212A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (10)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| JPS63236186A (en) * | 1987-03-24 | 1988-10-03 | Mitsubishi Electric Corp | Card issuing device |
| FR2634037A1 (en) * | 1988-07-06 | 1990-01-12 | Banque Automation Sa | Automatic device for remitting cheques |
| FR2650094B1 (en) * | 1989-07-19 | 1995-04-14 | Margot Denis | SECURING AND RATIONALIZING DEVICE FOR PAYMENTS BY CHECK AND BANK CARDS |
| DE69222028D1 (en) * | 1992-04-29 | 1997-10-09 | Krater Anstalt | Portable device for marking checks after the check and for checking the legality of the signer at the moment of signing |
| DE69533231D1 (en) * | 1995-10-06 | 2004-08-05 | William S Akel | DISTRIBUTED ONLINE TRANSACTION PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH CASH CARD |
| DE59700202D1 (en) * | 1996-01-18 | 1999-07-15 | Siemens Nixdorf Inf Syst | TERMINAL FOR THE SELF-SERVED PROCESSING OF UNPARABLE PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS |
| US6059185A (en) * | 1996-03-28 | 2000-05-09 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | Automated system and method for improved check processing |
| WO1997036267A1 (en) * | 1996-03-28 | 1997-10-02 | Electronic Data Systems Corporation | Automated system and method for positive check authorization |
| WO1998007119A2 (en) * | 1996-08-09 | 1998-02-19 | Unisys Corporation | Method and transaction machine for managing payments by means of financial documents |
| US7653600B2 (en) | 1997-05-30 | 2010-01-26 | Capital Security Systems, Inc. | Automated document cashing system |
Family Cites Families (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US3818187A (en) * | 1972-02-08 | 1974-06-18 | Amp Inc | Credit verification system and terminal therefor |
| US4053735A (en) * | 1975-08-07 | 1977-10-11 | Foudos James N | Assured-check computer-based bank credit disbursing system |
| US4109238A (en) * | 1975-10-06 | 1978-08-22 | 1St Natl. Bank Of Atlanta | Apparatus for verifying checks presented for acceptance |
| US4321672A (en) * | 1979-11-26 | 1982-03-23 | Braun Edward L | Financial data processing system |
| US4385285A (en) * | 1981-04-02 | 1983-05-24 | Ncr Corporation | Check dispensing terminal |
-
1983
- 1983-11-02 CA CA000440305A patent/CA1230423A/en not_active Expired
- 1983-11-22 WO PCT/US1983/001852 patent/WO1984002212A1/en unknown
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| WO1984002212A1 (en) | 1984-06-07 |
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