DE3114669A1 - DEVICE AND METHOD FOR PERSONALIZING CHECKS - Google Patents

Description

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The invention relates to a device and a method for creating personalized travelers checks. In particular, the device and the method are used according to the present invention for the creation of travelers checks that are pre-signed with a digitized reproduction of the signature of a customer. When using the device and method according to the invention, it is no longer necessary that the customer is present in person to commission the travelers checks nor does the customer have to personally sign each traveler's check.

At present, travelers' checks are usually often paid by a customer who himself goes to a point of sale wherever Travelers checks are sold; he buys the travelers checks over the counter. For example, travelers checks can be bought from a bank, a savings bank, a loan office or other sales agencies, but with the Purchase of travelers checks requires the presence of the customer. This is because the customer uses every traveler's check Must sign when purchasing the checks. At the time of purchase of the travelers checks, the serial numbers of the certain checks purchased by the customer are recorded, so that they are identifiable with a particular purchase of the customer's travelers checks. Unfortunately, a significant one goes by Time until these serial numbers are in the accounting of a central office which makes refunding or replacing lost checks complicated.

The well-known process of buying and issuing travelers checks is time-consuming and laborious for both the customer and the sales agent, such as the bank, savings bank, Loan office or the like that sells the travelers checks. The known system is time consuming because the personal Appearance of the customer is required and there everyone

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Buying travelers checks by the customer is a separate process that is carried out on a case-by-case basis between the customer and a customer Person of the agency selling the travelers checks must be processed. Since the known method is time-consuming and is troublesome, travelers checks have not generally replaced money.

The known method of buying travelers checks cannot take the form of a bulk transaction from a central office Because the most essential consideration when purchasing the travelers checks is the signature of each and every one of them Checks by the customer is. The present invention provides an apparatus and a method in which the purchase of Travelers checks can be carried out from a central office, the present invention the need removes the need for the customer to be personally present to sign each traveller's check. In the In addition, the present invention does not require the customer to appear in person to purchase traveler's checks. rather, they can be purchased by phone or by mail. Also the handover is done in the same way the checks are made to the customer via the post office or another delivery system, which in turn benefits the customer Eliminates the need for a personal appearance.

The present invention provides an apparatus and a method for the handling and distribution of travelers' checks, wherein the Checks are at least pre-signed with a digitized reproduction of the customer signature and thus personalized. "Personalized" is understood to mean that the Checks are marked in such a way that they are only assigned to the specific customer. The personalization takes place in the central office from which the checks are distributed to the customer. The personalization of the checks Don't just sign each before distributing

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Checks by the customer are unnecessary, but is also a safety factor. The present invention also allows for much greater flexibility in the output of Travelers checks to customers for a specific account. For example, a specific traveler's check order can be linked to a first signature, e.g. with that of the husband, as well as with a second signature, e.g. with the the wife. A customer account with a number of authorized signatures can also be used. Even Travelers checks may be periodically dispensed from the account to automatically replenish the supply of travelers checks.

In a special embodiment, the customer can register by filling out an application form, whereby this application form has an area for at least one signature owns. Preferably, however, the form has areas for more than one signature, which provides flexibility of the present invention is increased as explained above. Once the customer is enrolled he can order travelers checks either by telephone or mail. Of course, the first enrollment and the first job is done at the same time. Once the customer is enrolled and an account is opened, customer data is then used permanently stored so that future jobs can easily be carried out. Even if a customer is in person appears, it is not necessary for him according to the embodiment of the invention for the personalization of the Travelers checks to sign every single check, as the invention at least allows for a personalization of the travelers checks with a digital rendering of the customer's signature.

As soon as an order to issue travelers checks has been received, these can be processed at a central point

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the processing is carried out with automatic equipment. In particular, blank forms for travelers' checks can be used can be used, whereby they are provided with certain monetary values according to the respective orders * The blank forms for the travelers checks may or may not have preprinted serial numbers; you can also use preprinted codes carry, for example to identify the monetary value of the blank travel check forms.

The customer signature is digitized by scanning the signature areas on the application forms saved. Typically, a sales order includes a requirement for certain monetary values of travelers checks and the empty travelers checks are sent to a personalization zone. Every empty traveler's check will then at least be personalized by adding the digitized reproduction of the customer's signature. As previously stated, the The serial number of every blank travelers check must be preprinted and read and stored with the customer order, so that a complete order record is made. Are If the serial numbers are not preprinted, the serial numbers can then be used together with the digitized reproduction of the Customer signature are printed, with the serial numbers of the travelers checks, which form the order of the customer, be saved for a job record. The monetary value codes the individual travelers checks can be read before personalization, thus reducing the monetary value

the travelers checks verified to fulfill the order will.

The payment of individual customer orders can be made by debiting of the customer account, for example, via a bank card or a current or savings account. The system offers a complete audit chain and a complete order record so that if the

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Travelers checks these records provide a timely refund make it easier for the customer. Also prevents the fact that the complete information in the central office are stored before the checks go out to the customer, various ways of improper Cashing of checks.

As soon as a certain order for travelers checks in the central office has been processed, this order can be sent to the customer via the post office or another delivery system be delivered. Since the checks are preprinted with at least a reproduction of the customer's signature, increases This increases the safety factor if the checks were stolen during delivery. Also enables the present invention that additional identification features be preprinted on the individual travelers checks, so that an unauthorized redemption of travelers checks prevented by anyone other than the customer. For example, the number of the driver's license or the passport number of the Customers v / earth printed on every travelers check, with this additional number as further identification used to cash the check.

Since the present invention does not require the customer to sign each traveler's check is present in person, the previous process of acquiring travelers checks can even be improved. So can For example, the customer can place an order with his bank or the like by telephone or in person and pick up the travelers checks that have already been signed by the customer at a later point in time. Other Variations in commissioning travelers checks in accordance with the present invention include, for example, the simultaneous one Ordering of flight reservations together with travelers checks. When the customer picks up his tickets, he can

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at the same time take the travelers checks with you. The possibilities the ordering and delivery of travelers checks are varied, but there is the presence of the customer Any travelers check is not required for signature, resulting in an improvement in handling and processing the travelers checks, and the time consuming part of the process, is eliminated for both the customer and the sales agency.

It can be seen that the apparatus and method of the present Invention can also be built into existing Bar.kschalterautomat, which were then modified so that they have equipment for printing travelers' checks with representations of the customer's signature; on the automatic Bank counters would then issue traveller's checks bearing the customer's signature. The customer then only needs to go to the installation site of such a bank switch machine and would be able to go from there Order and receive the travelers checks directly.

The apparatus and method of the present invention can also take advantage of the numerous advantages of a centralized system exploit. For example, a customer account can allow travelers checks to be issued for more than one person with more than one signature preprinted on travelers checks. The customer file can also contain other personal data so that even if the customer forgets his account number, he is duly identified and commissioned travelers checks. The system can also use secret passwords or other means of identification use, so that a commissioning or cashing of travelers checks with unauthorized People is prevented.

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In the present invention, the customer signs an application form at a specific location on the form. The signature on the application form is optically scanned and a digitized representation of the customer signature is stored in a central data memory together with other customer data. The stored data are then used as input information for a printing system, e.g. for an inkjet printer, via which at least the digitized reproduction of the customer's signature printed in a specific place on travelers checks. The inkjet printing system can also print other data, for example the serial number of the individual travelers checks. The ink jet printing system can also be used for this be to print a cover sheet for a traveler's checkbook, this cover sheet at the same time a shipping sheet for Can make it easier to send travelers checks to customers.

This ensures that the inkjet system the has properly printed desired data, a verification is provided in the invention that the data duly printed on each travelers check. The present invention therefore ensures that all desired Information is properly printed on feather individual · 'travelers check and on the cover sheet are. This ensures that incomplete or incorrect travelers checks are not sent to the customer. Other Aspects of the present invention including the operation of a particular system for generating personalized travelers checks result from the following description based on the drawings. Show it:

1 shows a sample of a personalized travelers check including a preprinted, digitized one Reproduction of a customer signature;

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Fig. 2 is a sample of a blank traveler's check, this pre-printed with a bank identification and document serial number owns;

Fig. 3 is a sample blank travel check without preprinted bank identification and document serial numbers;

4 shows a first embodiment of a traveler's check with a first type of currency coding;

5 shows a second embodiment of a traveler's check with a second type of monetary value coding;

6 shows a cover sheet for a traveler's checkbook, the cover sheet bearing order information and as part of a Serves as a shipping sheet for the traveler's checkbook;

7 shows a verification pattern used for verifying the printing of the signature and other data can serve the travelers checks and the cover sheet;

8 shows a block diagram of the overall system according to the invention for creating personalized travelers checks;

Figure 9 is a block diagram of a system for capturing customer signature and other data in one Customer file;

10 shows a flow chart for the ordering of travelers' checks via phone;

11 shows the physical arrangement of the units of a production system for creating personalized ones Travelers checks;

Figures 12a and 12b show an ink jet printing system for Printing of certain data on the travelers checks including the digitized reproduction of the customer's signature;

Fig. 13 both an enlarged and a true to scale Example of a digitized reproduction of a customer signature;

Fig.i4 is a block diagram of the generation system according to Fig. 11; and

15 is a flow chart to illustrate the Operation of the production system according to FIG. 11.

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FIG. 1 illustrates a sample personalized travelers check 10 made in accordance with the apparatus and method of FIG present invention, in particular the travelers check 10 carries at least one digitized reproduction 12 of the customer's signature in the normal signature field. With the previous method, the customer would have each travelers check in this signature position when purchasing travelers checks sign in the presence of the sales agent. In the present invention, a digitized reproduction 12 of the customer signature by means of an automatic device generated from stored information, so that the presence of the customer to complete personalization of travelers checks is not required is.

The travelers checks 10 can also carry identification data such as a document serial number 14 and an encoded print line 1 6 wear with magnetic ink. Print line 16 typically includes the bank code followed by the document serial number, and may also include a monetary value coding as part of the serial number. The traveler's check 10 can also be provided with a separate monetary code 18, which eliminates errors when filling out of customer orders for travelers checks, especially where the coded print line 16 with magnetic Ink was not preprinted.

The personalized travelers check 10 of the present invention can be cashed in a conventional manner, with the Traveller's check is presented and countersigned in position 20 in the presence of the cashier. The digital rendering 12 and the countersignature in position 20 can then be compared to ensure that the correct one Person cashing the travelers check. The traveler's check 10 can also contain further identification features 22, for example

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assign the number of the customer's driver's license or passport number, which is used for further personal identification serves to cash the check.

It will be seen that although the invention is described with reference to personalized travelers checks, the word "travel" is for illustrative purposes only, and so do the personalized checks according to the invention Can be used for purposes other than travel. For example, many companies pay their employees in cash. This practice is very dangerous as there must be a large amount of cash on each payday. According to Checks personalized according to the invention can be used in lieu of cash payments. For example, every employee would receive his wages or salaries in the form of checks of various monetary values, the checks with digitized reproductions of the employee's signature are personalized. That way would the employee will receive a variety of personalized checks that can easily be used as payment, however are safer than using cash.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate patterns of blank travelers 'checks, i.e., unfilled travelers' checks identified as blank Forms are used prior to personalizing the checks with at least the reproduction of the customer's signature can. In FIG. 2, a blank traveler's check 30 is printed both with the document serial number 14 and with a coded line 16 as well as with the monetary value coding 18. Generated by means of the empty travelers' checks 30 of FIG the device according to the invention reproduces the customer's signature so that the travelers checks are personalized; further identification features, such as the number 22, are applied. The blank traveler's check 32 according to FIG. 3 is only encoded with the monetary value coding 18.

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see. In the case of the empty traveler's check 32 in FIG. 3, the device according to the invention prints all identification numbers in addition, the customer's signature is repeated.

In the current method of printing blank traveler's checks the identification numbers 14 and 16 are printed as the last step in the entire printing process, as long as the checks are still in sheet form. The sheets run over a number press, with the printed number sequences run down through a stack of sheets so that when the stack of sheets is cut the sequence of numbers is in series. This printing technique requires that all checks be fully printed with that printed using magnetic ink Coding line so that all checks are machine readable at a later point in time. Current practice persists in checking each check individually, which is obvious is a very costly procedure. Also require dia known method that an improperly printed Check is replaced so that the complete serial number sequence is retained ».

When using the empty travelers checks 32 of FIG. 3, the invention provides that the serial number 14 and the magnetic Ink printed, coded line 16 can be printed. This eliminates the known process step of individual verification since the present invention verifies printing as part of the production process will. Also, when using the empty travelers check according to FIG. 2 or FIG. 3, the serial number sequence is simultaneously with the completion of the customer order, so that a direct connection between the customer order and Serial number sequence of travelers checks. This results in a complete record that satisfies the

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all claims regarding lost or stolen items Travel checks made much easier.

A further control in the device and method according to the invention consists in that the empty travelers checks 30 or 32 may have the money word coding 18. Fig. 4 illustrates a first embodiment of the arrangement the monetary value coding 18, which can consist of a number of bars, the specific number of bars represents the monetary value of travelers checks. For example, a single line means $ 10, two lines $ 20, three lines of $ 50, four lines of $ 100, and five lines of $ 500. It is understandable that the Monetary value coding can also take any other forms, for example binary coding or can also be applied to other places on the travelers checks.

As an example, FIG. 5 shows a second embodiment of the monetary value coding with combinations of bars 33 »die represent the monetary value in a binary code, and with a second redundant group of bars 34 that are the same Reflect monetary value so that further control is offered. In the embodiment of FIG. 5 is the Monetary value coding on a margin portion of the travelers check applied and represents the monetary value of 20 dollars. The dotted parts can also contain lines, where combinations of bars represent a binary coding of the monetary value. The use of a monetary value coding ensures that the correct monetary value is used for the blank travelers checks when they are put into the machine arrive for additional personalization of travelers checks.

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6 illustrates an additional personalization feature of the present invention, in which a cover sheet for a traveler's checkbook is provided which comprises various staff! contains information. In particular, the cover sheet 40 has the digital representation 12 of the signature of the customer. In addition, a part 42 of the cover sheet 40 reproduces the essential characteristics of the customer order and is printed with special information that enables the customer to check the order and the identification data readily available. A base address part 44 of the cover sheet 40 is used to print the name and address of the customer so that the cover sheet in Combination with a window envelope for mailing a check book to the customer can be used. A surface 45 of the cover sheet 40 gives the customer the number of the books needed to complete the job .

Bar verification patterns 48 and 50 may be printed during personalization of the travelers checks and cover sheet to verify that the printing system working properly. Fig. 5 shows the bar verification patterns printed on the travelers checks during the individual travelers checks can be personalized. Figure 6 illustrates the same stroke verification patterns 48 and 48 50 on the cover sheet 40.

In a particular embodiment of the invention, printing is achieved using an ink jet system and line verification patterns 48 and 50 are generated by the inkjet system to verify that every ink nozzle works. The line verification patterns are printed after all other information printed in a position that follows the other printed information. The line verification

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decorative patterns are then scanned after the cover sheet 40 and the travelers checks have been personalized; if the line verification pattern is correctly printed, then it is assumed that any previously printed information has also been properly printed.

. 7 specifically shows an enlarged view of the stroke verification pattern 48, where the pattern 50 would be the same. The travelers checks would be for printing in the in Pig. 7 direction indicated. The bar verification pattern 48 has four bar columns 52 to 58ι each column compared to the other by one Line is offset. Each column has fifteen pairs of lines. The line verification pattern also has a part ÖO, which includes a single point column. The line verification pattern is specifically used by part of the inkjet system printed, which comprises a total of sixty dots, which are arranged in a range (distance) of about 12.5 mm from each other are. This results in a resolution of one hundred and twenty points per 25 mm in the vertical direction, and the system has the same resolution in the horizontal directions. As evidenced by Pig. 7 makes that possible Bar verification pattern 48 closely examines the printing of data as the pattern indicates proper actuation of all inkjet nozzles in the specific areas.

Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of a device and a method for generating the personalized travelers checks according to the invention. According to Fig. 8, the customer would first fill out an application form 80, the corresponding one, may contain special identification material. Also, the application form 80 would at least have the customer's signature 82 at a specific point on the application form. Additional signatures 83, e.g. from the wife, children, employees, etc. of the customer can also

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if included on the SO form, where in a box 101 is checked whether more than one signature c. appears on the form 80. Other information, such as the private and business address, the method of payment, personal identifiers, such as the maiden name of the Mother and the first school attended can be entered. A password can also be selected by the customer and inserted into Form 80. The form 80 can also contain a preprinted number 103, as a control only during the initial work process serves.

Each application form 80 can then be processed to determine whether an account is to be opened; if so then will the application form 80 including the signatures 82 and 83 sent by the signature capture scanner 34, to generate digitized information representing the signatures. The preprinted number serves as the tax number during the initial stages of the process. Other information and the credit information can also be used as shown in block 86, with all of the information in a customer file store 88 get saved. Each customer account can have an account number and the customer receives this number for the future use.

The customer file memory 88 serves as a basic information memory so that a batch processing of customer orders for travelers checks can be made. For example, requests for travelers checks can be made directly over the phone or Mail is received by the customer or sent indirectly via various agencies for the customer. These Requests for travelers checks then come to a central office, where they are processed by the control unit 90. If the traveler's check order is debited to an account, then

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the control unit an authorization for the debit of request from an existing loan approval agency.

If the identity of the customer is also to be verified, this can be done using the customer file memory 88. If the order is approved and the customer is properly identified, then the particular travelers check order is made stored on disk storage 92 for job file storage.

The order is also recorded on a tape 94, with each tape 94 storing for one Order batch is carried out. The one recorded on tape 94 Information may include the digitized information that represents the customer signature, however it would not be necessary to have this information on disk. The tape 94 can be removed and be replaced by a new tape after a complete specified number of jobs have been stored on the tape 94 is. The belt 94 is now ready for use as part of a production system including the travelers check generation control unit 96 are transmitted. The generation control unit 96 uses the information on the Volume 94 during processing of traveller's checks. During the processing of jobs, the production control unit 96 also creates a tape over the various completed operations 98 so that an operation log tape is formed. This tape can be used to to allow the full completion of customer files, so that a complete record of all customer orders is present.

In general, the production control unit 96 controls the Production unit, which has an output section 100 for Issuing different monetary values of travelers checks to

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grasps. These travelers checks are then passed through a personalization and printing section 102 is processed so that the checks are personalized with at least the customer's signature and possibly with the serial numbers and other identification information. Finally, the various orders are processed by a section 104 for packed for shipping. At this point the checks are ready to be sent to the customer.

9 illustrates an optical scanning system for use in capturing the customer's signature; which this is attached to the application form 80 according to FIG. 8 Has. As previously described, the application form 80 includes positions for multiple signatures, such as Signatures 82 and 83. In addition, a box 101 is attached to the application form, which is marked, if more than one signature is provided on the form i & t. The application form 80 also carries a preprinted one Number 103, which is used for control until the account has been cleared and a specific account number has been assigned.

The use of multiple signatures as part of a single account allows the system to use travelers checks to create different signatures, depending on the wishes of the customer. For example, this can be Application Form will allow 80 signatures from both husband and wife so that when an order is placed For travelers checks, the customer can specify that a certain group of travelers checks will be digitized Reproduction of the husband's signature and another that the wife bears. The account can be a corporate account be, with a number of signatures different Employee is stored so that travelers checks can be commissioned for specific employees.

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Different application forms are together in one single. Incoming feeder 105 stacked and each application form 80 goes one at a time from the input feeder to a sampling tower 106 funded. This scanning tower 106 may be any type of conventional scanning device, such as one Image splitting tube, so that a scan with high Resolution of the information in the specific positions of the application form results. For example, by means of the Scanning tower 106 preprinted numbers and the individual signatures, such as those in positions 82 and 83, scanned will. The scanning tower thus brings along a scan of the specific information on the application form high resolution.

After each application form 80 has been scanned, it is conveyed to an output collector 107. Controlling the Movement of the application forms through the scanning tower and the scanning of the information is done by the scanning control unit 108. The information scanned from each application form while in scan tower 106 is also passed to the scan control unit 108. Normally at this point the information would be an uncompromising * have mized form and consist of the signature data and the preprinted number data. The uncompressed one Information from the sampling tower is passed through a computer 110 where the data is compressed into a more compact form and then recorded on tape 112.

In order to ensure that the signatures are exactly digitized by the optical scanning by means of the scanning tower 106 the information is reproduced on the tape and verified in the verification part 114. In particular the data is scanned from the belt 112 and displayed on a terminal 116 which has a visual display, e.g., a cathode ray tube. One operating

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person 118 checks the representation of the signatures and the correctness of the preprinted ones by means of a visual inspection Numbers. If the signatures and numbers are properly recorded, another recording is made an additional band 120.

The application forms can also contain other identifying information, such as the home and business address of the Customers, the date of birth, the mother's maiden name, the name of the first school attended, credit information, etc., contain. The application forms are therefore taken from the outgoing collector 107 taken out and read by an operator. This would then pocket information, as indicated by reference numeral 122, and then verify it (see block 124); the additional information is recorded on tape 126.

Both band 120 and band 126 now contain information regarding a particular customer, this information being represented by a preprinted number 103 on the Application form 80 are linked. The information on tapes 120 and 126 is now stored in the Customer file storage 88 and used as part of the further production system of FIG. The preprinted Number can be used as an account number or a new account number is assigned to a specific customer Time of storage of the information in the customer file memory 88 allocated. In any case, the customer would Have their own account number that will be used as identification when executing orders for traveller's checks in the future are.

Fig. 10 illustrates a typical flow diagram for traveller's check receipts. As an example is the run of an order shown via telephone to a central office

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was given. Such an order can of course also be processed via a data terminal, as is currently the case are in use in banks. In any case, whether in direct telephone contact with an operator or via a data terminal, there is a two-way communication link between the customer and the central one Job. On the other hand, an order can also be received by post.

As shown in Fig. 10, a customer 150 represents a telephone network 152 establish a connection with the central office. in the in general, the customer will have previously opened an account and various will be in the customer file memory 88 of FIG Identification information must be stored »This ensures that the customer is properly identified when he makes a request for travelers checks over the phone gives. Specific examples of the use of certain identification information are provided in the flow chart shown in Fig. 10; however, it will be understood that other identification information may also be used can.

As a first step, the customer could provide identification by specifying his specific account number. this is indicated by block 154. Does the customer know this specific account number, then the process goes to the next step. The customer does not know his account number, then the operator asks him to identify himself by the name and the date of birth according to block 156. If the customer knows this information, then the process goes to the next step. If this is not the case, then will informed the customer that the order cannot be accepted. The operator picks up, of course the information in the customer file store 88 and

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determines whether the information is in the appropriate places receipt of the order is correct.

Assume that the customer has provided either his particular account number or his name and date of birth Has; then the operator checks to see if the customer is allowed to buy travelers checks at this point ► For example, a certain period of time must have passed after a customer previously submitted an application form, to make sure the loan is approved. The system can also be checked to determine if for the particular account is alarmed or blocked. These steps are indicated in blocks 157 and 158.

If the various preconditions are met, the customer will be asked for his secret password. This is done according to Block 160. If the password is not known, then can the customer can still verify his identification by providing additional information, such as his maiden name Mother and the name of the first school he attended. This verification step is denoted by block 162. If the customer has been verified by additional information, then the order is accepted, but the customer can not make any on-line data changes. For example, the customer can do not require that a different postal address be used.

On the other hand, if the customer knows his secret password, he can also, as block 164 shows, an alternative postal address indicate. In this case, however, the customer must identify himself further, for example by giving his maiden name his mother or the name of the school he attended first. This step is shown by block 166.

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If the customer does not know his password, but has correctly identified himself according to block 162, then the customer can also ask for his forgotten password at this point in time. This step is indicated by block 168. The password information is not communicated to the customer by telephone, but sent to his home address. If the customer also requests a change of the password according to block 170, then this request is forwarded to the customer's branch after the order has been accepted, with zn At this point special measures are taken for changing the password.

Once the identification of the customer has been correctly established, then the operator asks for the total amount of the traveler's checks order and how the payment should be carried out. This is indicated by block 172. The customer can also look for special monetary values travelers checks will be asked for in order to complete the order. The payment method can be by credit card as indicated by blocks 174 and 176 relating to the Master Charge and VISA credit cards. On the other hand, the payment can also be made in other ways, as indicated by block 178, such as by facility an account directly at the point of sale of the travelers checks.

It will be understood that the customer can also ask to split the order into a number of separate orders and to provide these orders with different payment methods. Separate traces can also be sent to different Addresses or different people. All of the above can be done in a simple manner be carried out from the central point.

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As an additional feature of the present invention can the operator will ask the customer for an additional redemption identification which is on all travelers checks can be printed. For example, the customer can have the number of his driver's license, the passport number, a Credit card number and the like as a further identification feature, specify that should be printed on travelers checks. When cashing travelers checks at a later date Time can be this additional identification feature serve for further identification.

8, various jobs are stored on tape 94 and also on disk storage 92. Is sufficient Number of orders stored on the belt 94, then this belt is transferred to the production system, where it is used for the production of travelers checks in block processing. 11 illustrates a perspective View of various portions of the production system indicated generally in FIG. In particular The production system includes a production control unit 96 in communication with the belts 94 and 98 is working. Travelers checks with different monetary values are located in an output section, which is through a Paper feed unit 100 is shown. The total personalization and printing occurs in section 102. Packaging and shipping occur in section 104. In addition to these generally indicated sections, various control units are provided that the various Control sections of the production system.

As indicated above, the overall system is controlled by the production control unit 96; in particular this control takes place in accordance with a block of jobs stored on the belt 94. While the various Orders through the specific sections of the production

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systems are processed, a log of the jobs carried out is stored on an additional tape 98. This tape 93 can be used to bring the customer files up to date so that a complete Recording of customer orders results.

As each job is carried out, blank travelers' checks of various denominations are drawn from the paper feed section 100 promoted. This paper conveying section 100 has a total of six output points for keeping ready and issuing travelers' checks of five different monetary denominations, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 5, as well for the cover sheet according to FIG. 6. As previously indicated, the various monetary values can be 10 dollars,? .O dollars, $ 50, $ 100, and $ 500. The individual travelers checks in the specific monetary values required for execution each job required are output from the paper conveyor section 100 and sent to the personalization and printing section 102 conveyed. The control unit 96 provides overall control, but it is its own Control unit 200 for its own control of the paper conveying section 100 and the printing and personalization section 102 provided. The individual blank items, namely travelers checks and cover sheets, are sent to the personalization and Conveyed along printing section 102, passing through a number of separate stations. Each station can with a specific function for personalizing and printing blank travelers' checks and the cover sheet be equipped.

In particular, the first station 202 can be used to scan the monetary value coding 18 that is on every travelers check may be appropriate. This monetary value coding was implemented in Connection with FIGS. 1 to 5 described. The Ab-

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Scanning the monetary value coding ensures that a travelers check with the correct monetary value is received from the paper conveyor section 100 is promoted. A station 204 is used to print the coded line 16 with magnetic ink, as shown in FIG. If this line is preprinted with magnetic ink, station 204 is not used. In any case, the station 206 serves to scan the coded line printed with magnetic ink. This ensures that the coded line was printed properly with magnetic ink, and also provides a correlation of the specific serial number of the travelers checks with the special customer order. The serial number for each travelers check is therefore complete for each individual customer order identified.

The next station 208 includes an ink jet printer for printing a digitized representation of the customer's signature. The inkjet printer is accommodated in a housing 210 and the inkjet is controlled by an inkjet control unit 212. In addition to printing a digitized reproduction of the customer's signature, the inkjet system can also print the serial number 14 with Gothic characters (see FIG. 1 ). Additional information, such as the name and address of the round and other information, can also be printed on the cover sheet 40 according to FIG. 6 via the inkjet system. Of course, the serial number 14 can also be preprinted on the travelers checks, as FIG. 3 shows.

The station 214 transmits to personalize the travelers checks by attaching ⁱ XNG a particular bank code for, so that many different banks or other institutions may be identified as issuer of the travelers checks. The serial number 14 is indicated by an optical

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Reader verified in station 216. This in turn ensures that the serial number is correct for the travelers checks was printed; This also creates a further connection to the special serial number of the customer order manufactured.

In addition to scanning the serial number in station 216 The reproduction of the customer's signature and address can be verified by an optical reader in station 218 will. This is a final check to ensure that the travelers check is complete and correct has been personalized with the customer's signature. The travelers checks are now stamped in station 220, see above that there is a check part and a coupon part for each check; then the checks are sent to packing and Transport section 104 promoted.

A group of travelers checks is combined into a single book or multiple books by means of the collator 222. If there are rejections, then the reject occurs at the exit of the collator 222 to a reject chamber 308. Every traveler's checkbook has a cover sheet according to Fig. 6. The individual books are stapled and bound by a staple / binding unit 224. After each stack has been stapled and bound, it is bound by means of a Inserter 226 inserted into a window envelope so that the name and address part of the cover sheet is visible is. The individual traveler's checkbook that represents the customer order is now used for dispatch or other delivery finished to the customer.

Fig. 14 shows a block diagram of the production system of Fig. 11 and in particular the relationships between the Control units and the other structural units of the system.

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The control unit 96 is for overall control of the system responsible. The control unit 200 exercises the special control of the paper .Cürderaivjchniti.ij 100 as well as the Transport and guidance of the papers, namely the travelers checks and the cover sheets, through the various stations the end. The inkjet controller 212 is located adjacent to the inkjet station and controls the inkjet printing of information on travelers checks and cover sheets.

Figures 12a and 12b illustrate the operation in detail of the inkjet printer in station 203 and in particular the inkjet printer for printing more specifically Information on the travelers check. The particular travelers check 10 is printed by the inkjet station 208 in FIG Direction of an arrow 230 required. The ink supply mg takes place via tube 232 to a gob donor; 3 ^. The drop generator creates individual drops of ink that along a line perpendicular to arrow 230. As can be seen from Fig. 7, one hundred and twenty individual Ink drops / 25 ram are dispensed. The ink drops can practically extend over the height of the travelers check, e.g. over a distance of about 63 mm for the A total of three hundred individual ink drops. According to Fig. 12a, a group of individual drops, about sixty Ink droplets, extending about 13 mm and to the Print along the signature portion of the travelers check, while a group of individual drops, about thirty Ink drops, about 6.5mm for printing along the identification number portion 22 of the travelers check can serve.

Fig. 12a shows that the individual drops on the Traveler's check 10 addressed to; by controlling the droplet trajectory to the paper, the droplets form the digitized one Reproduction 12 of the customer's signature. The drops

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can also form the document serial number 14, the identification number 22 and other information to be printed on the travelers check and cover sheets. The special one Control of the individual drops is applied to the inkjet printer via a bundle of control cables 236, wherein the actual control of the individual drops by the control unit 212 according to FIGS. 11 and 14 takes place. Fig.12b illustrates that the individual drops 240 each fall through their own charge tunnel 238. Every drop 2 <ok can either be charged or uncharged if he runs through the respective loading tunnel 238, depending on the control of each loading tunnel 238 the control unit 212 via one of the cables of the cable bundle 236.

The drops 240 also pass through a deflection tunnel 242 with a high negative reading plate 244 Potential on one side and with a gutter and ink return 246 on the other. Became a drop 240 is charged, then the charged drop of the baffle plate 244 and directed into the catchment chute and ink return 246. The loaded Drops fall into the collecting trough and into the ink return 246 and return to the ink reservoir. Intended to a single drop 240 reaches the paper, such as a traveler's check 10, then this drop 240 is not loaded, so that it is not influenced by the deflection plate 244 and flies uncharged through the deflection tunnel 242 and encounters traveler's check 10. Thus, the individual Ink drops 240 may be uncharged when it is desired to have them on the travelers check 10 or cover sheet arrive so that the proper printing of information on the travelers checks 10 or the cover sheet is achieved.

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From Fig. 12a it can be seen that a first specific group of ink droplets is intended to serve the printing of the digitized reproduction of the customer's signature 12 and the serial number 14, while a second specific Group of ink drops for printing the identification number 22 is used. Other groups of ink drops are provided and other information, such as the name and the address and other information to be written on the cover sheet as shown in FIG. It is to be understood that it would also be possible to all different Information on a traveller's check or the cover sheet with another printing system, such as an inkjet system with only a single nozzle and with a corresponding control of the nozzle to form the corresponding Pressure, to be printed on. Also, the printing system can use a single group of ink drops and the Traveler's check, etc. the cover sheet several times through the inkjet station be guided. A particular advantage of the inkjet system is that the ink into the Paper penetrates and that it is practically impossible to remove without it being detected. Through this it is not possible to change the signature if the check is lost or stolen.

Fig. 13 illustrates a particular example of a signature, which by means of an ink drop system according to the Figures 12a and 12b was printed and in particular the resolution the signature. In Fig. 13 the printed signature is shown in actual size as well as quadrupled Enlargement. The enlarged version of the signature shows that the signature is formed by a multitude of individual points created by the individual ink entropies were generated. The resolution of the signature is 120 points / approximately 25 mm both in the particular example in the horizontal as well as in the vertical direction. It is

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It is of course possible for the resolution to be either increased or decreased, depending on the desired Resolution, but the definite, illustrated resolution has been found to be useful for an acceptable reproduction of a customer's signature.

Eei the natural size of the signature according to Fig. 13 it can be seen that the digitization of the signature is very difficult to distinguish. A digitized reproduction the signature looks practically the same as an actual signature for a person accepting the check the end. What is more important is the signature exact reproduction of the actual signature, so that the person paying the travelers check can make a real comparison between the signature on the travelers check and the counter-signature that the customer makes in the presence of the person accepting the check.

Figure 15 illustrates a flow diagram of the operation of the production system, and in particular the production system 11 and 14. The flow chart consists of a sequence of blocks which represent the various operational steps represent. In the right corner of each block there is a sorrow indicating that particular part of the System according to Fig. 11 and Vi includes and the specific Operation step controls. For example, the majority includes of blocks have either the reference number 96 or 200, the the two main control units in the production system represent. In particular, the control unit 96 is used for Control of the overall system including information handling, of pressing and verifying while the Control unit 200 provides specific control of individual parts of the system, including the paper conveyor section 100 and the packing and shipping section 104.

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In general, the operation of the production system initiated by an operator as shown in the upper right corner of blocks 250, 252 and 254. The block 250 represents the step of the operator inserting the straps 94 and 98 into the control unit 96 The belt 94 stores information representing a block of customer orders, while the belt 98 stores the Execution of these orders is recorded by the particular system. The operator also starts the ink jet system (See block 252). Finally, the operator fills all the memory of the paper conveyor section 100 (cf. Block 254).

If the straps 94 and 98 are correctly inserted, the Control unit 96 ready to control the tape units to be carried out according to block 256. If the inkjet system is on, then the control unit 96 also sends in. Done signal to control unit 200, indicating that paper can be supplied (see. Block 253). The control unit 200 initially controls the paper in the various at the same time Save to the delivery point and show the control unit 96 indicates that the paper is ready to be fed and transported through the stations. This step will represented by block 260. At this point the system is now ready to process a block of travelers' check orders to process. The operator can now key in the initial serial number into the control unit 96, which is for to use the first order of travelers checks and press a start button. This step is through block 262 shown.

At this point in operation, the system is now ready to carry out customer orders. As shown by block 264, the first step is to read customer

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data from tape 94. This is done under control of the Control unit 96. After receiving a "paper ready" signal from control unit 200, control unit 96 sends to the control unit 200 the "makeup" of the travelers checkbook to be generated next, i.e. the corresponding information about scope and content. This step is indicated by block 266. If the control unit 200 indicates that the paper feed is not ready, then a "not ready" signal is returned to the control unit 96 (Block 268) and the system stops and informs the Operator. As can be seen from FIG. 11, the production system may have a console 270 and a display 272 include as a central station via which the operator can give controls to the system and via which the operator Information signals from the .; System can receive. For example, as shown in FIG As shown in step 268, the display 272 may be notified that the paper feed section 100 is not ready.

In the next process step according to block 274, the control unit speaks 200 to the "ready for conveyance" signal of the control unit 96. Steps 266 and 274 ensure that no paper can be fed to the printing and personalization section 102 of the system of FIG. 11, before both control unit 96 and control unit 200 are ready. Are both control units ready then in the next step (block 276) the control unit 200 controls the feeding of paper from the paper conveying section 100 for a book of travelers checks. Every paper is checked for its position in the conveyor lane, before exiting the paper feed section 100; if the paper is not in the correct position, the .Control unit 200 from a transport stop. This step is represented by block 278.

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If the conveyance of paper is stopped, then a "paper error" signal is sent to the control unit 96, which gives the operator the indication "paper error" on the display 272 (block 280), according to block 282, empties the operator tracks the lane and sets a manual rejection in the system for rejection of those travelers checks that were out of position on the trail. This manual rejection is controlled by the control unit 200 according to block 284. The actual Rejection of the book of travelers checks is represented by step 286; it will take place at a later date Part in the function of the system.

Are the papers including the travelers checks and the cover sheet correctly positioned on the conveyor lane, then the monetary value of each Roise's check is determined either on the basis of the monetary value coding according to FIGS. 4 and 5 or on the basis of of the coded line printed with magnetic ink. This monetary value checking step is through block 288 shown. If the monetary value of the travelers check is incorrect, then a "wrong throwing money" signal is sent to the control unit 200 is sent (see step 278) and the paper is rejected through steps 280, 282, 284 and 286.

Are the papers including the travelers checks and cover sheet properly positioned and have the travelers checks? the correct monetary value, then each sheet of paper goes through a series of stations 204, 208, 214, such as 11 and 14 show this. The control unit 96 controls the printing of various information on the paper at the different stations. Station 204 prints the encoded information with magnetic ink. The inkjet station 208 prints the digitized reproduction of the signature, the serial number in Gothic letters

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and the other information on cover sheet 40. Station 214 generates a routing code or personal ID for the particular organization issuing travelers checks.

The various printing steps are represented together by block 290. If an error occurs during printing in any of the printing stations, an "incorrect printing" signal is generated. As represented by the step according to block 292, the control ^{device 96 stops printing and sends a "printer error 11} signal to the control unit 200. When this signal is received by the control unit 200 (block 294), the control unit 200 initiates an automatic rejection of the printing routine and" Also, the control unit 200 arranges for the rejection of all travelers' checkbooks containing checks that have not been properly printed. This step is represented by block 286.

After the actual printing in stations 204, 208 and 214, the production system performs a print quality check by checking the customer data. This step is indicated generally at block 296. In particular, as indicated by blocks 298, 300 and 302, which provide inputs to block 296, printing to stations 206, 216 and 218 (see Figs. 11 and 14). At the Station 206 (block 298) reads the encoded information printed with magnetic ink. At station 216, according to Block 300 read the serial number optically. Finally, the verification takes place in the station 218 according to block 302 the signature by optical scanning. If any data was not printed properly, then according to Block 296 generates a "data error" signal and sends it to the control unit 96, which causes the traveler's checkbook to be rejected.

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If the data was printed correctly, your next step (block 304) from the control unit 96 the recorder of various Kuudonrtaten including the Serial number of travelers checks issued on the record - '. Band 93 according to FIG. 11 causes. The personalized travelers checks and the Dcck-Blatt then run to the collator according to; Block 306.

If a reject signal has been generated in the system, then the travelers check will be rejected at that point in the process. As can be seen particularly from FIG. 14, the reject chamber 308 is in one of the starting positions arranged by your! Collator 226. If there was no signal of rejection, then the travelers checkbooks are fed to the stapler and then to the inserter (block 310). to at this point in the process was done by the production system now generates a certain travel book that either represents a complete order or a partial order. The control unit 200 thus indicates that the book is complete (block 312).

Is the traveler's checkbook complete and there are no paper errors occurred, as illustrated by block 314, then the control unit 96 causes further customer data to be read according to step 264 and the process begins anew. Has there been a paper error or a printing error, what results from the input signals to block 316, then The system stops and the operator is informed so that they can correct the error before printing the next Can correct traveler's checkbook. It is understandable that in practice the system does not stop for every error must be determined, because some errors only require a single check or discard a single checkbook and create a replacement check or checkbook. The replacement checkbook

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may have serial numbers that replace those previously used so that there is continuity in the serial numbers preserved. The present invention has been described in the manner that it can be accessed by an operator was operated by hand. As already mentioned, however, it can also be carried out automatically, with only repetitive errors the system is switched off.

Thus, the present invention allows the personalization of a check with at least a digitized representation a customer signature. This check can be a traveller's check, which is used for payment as in a normal traveller's check submitted and accepted, is. The present invention, however, enables the customer not to be in person must appear to receive the checks as they will not be signed by the customer at the time of issuance have to. The checks can be ordered by phone or mail or they can be automatically refilled be delivered. Personalized checks according to the present invention can be used, for example, for The wage and salary payment can be used instead of a cash payment or a handover of a company check.

In the invention, a number / of signatures can be stored under a single account number, so that the S checks can be ordered with different signatures can. For example, both the husband and wife's signature can be in the file; if checks are ordered, a certain number of checks can be pre-signed with the digitized Reproduction of the husband's signature and a certain number of checks with the digitized reproduction personalized with the signature of the wife.

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Claims (47)

PAT EI N VA N </ VA LTH 31U669 A. GRÜNECKER im..ma H. KINKELDEY on Hsxi W. STOCKMAIR OK-INa 'A (E (CMJECH K. SCHUMANN DR RSl UT. · 0IPL-PHYS PH JAKOB CXPL ING G . BEZOLD DR PER NAT. · OPL-CHEM TRANSACTION TECHNOLOGY, INC. Ocean Park Boulevard, Santa Monica, California 90405 USA 8 MUNICH 22 MAXIMIUANSTRA8SE 43 04/07/81 P 16 066 -57 / W Device and method for personalizing checks Patent claims 6> 1.) Device for personalizing a blank check form with special customer information, whereby the personalization is used for identification when the personalized check is presented, marked by. (a) means (94) for storing information, that of a reproduction of the signature of a certain Customer match; (b) means (100) for storing a plurality of blank check forms which are intended to personalized with the signature of the specific customer to become; 130063/0758 TELEPHONE (089) 22 28 02 TELEX OB-20 38O TELEQF TAMME MONAPAT TELECOPY BR 31H669 (c) a printing station (102) for printing the blank check forms with information; (d) a device associated with the means (100) for storing the blank check forms and the printing station (102) is coupled and is used to transport individual, stored blank check forms to the printing station; and (e) a device (96) coupled to the printing station and accessing the stored information to control the printing of the reproduction of the signature of the specific customer on individual blank check forms responds in the printing station. 2. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that a device (218) for verifying the printing of the reproduction of the customer's signature and for triggering a rejection of the check is provided _y if it is not found that the check was properly printed with the reproduction of the customer's signature . 3. Apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by a device (210) with the blank check forms cooperates and a coded line of information with magnetic Color printed on the individual blank check forms. 4. Apparatus according to claim 3 »characterized in that means (218) for reading the encoded printed with magnetic ink on the blank check forms Information line and to trigger a rejection of the check if the coded information line is not correctly printed on it. 5. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by a device (214) which the individual 130063/0758 31U669 NEN blank check forms are provided with serial number information, as well as by a device for controlling the Depending on the serial number information for printing a serial number on the individual blank check forms . 6. Apparatus according to claim 5, characterized by a device (216) for reading the serial number information of each blank check form and triggering a rejection of the check if the check is not has been properly printed with the serial number information. 7. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a device for providing additional information for the imprint on the individual blank check forms and by a device (216) for controlling the pressure of the additional information for printing the same ε on the individual blank check forms. 8. Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized by a device (216) for reading the additional information of the individual blank check forms and for triggering a rejection of the check, if this has not been properly printed with the additional information. 9. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a device cooperating with the blank check forms (210) for printing information on the individual blank check forms in accordance with one of the personalized Check-issuing organization. 10. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that all blank check forms with a predetermined monetary value 130063/0758 - ■ - '"- ■ ^: ■ - ■ ^: 31U669 are preprinted for use as travelers checks, the blank check forms each having one place for countersignature when presenting the check after personalization. 11. Apparatus according to claim 10, characterized in that each blank check form has a preprinted monetary value coding which indicates the specific monetary value of the specific Blank check form represents, and that a device for reading the monetary value coding and for triggering Rejection of the check is provided for if an improper monetary value blank check form is used Personalization is promoted. 12. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized by a device for the delivery of information which a pressure verification pattern represent, and by a device for controlling the pressure depending on the pressure verification pattern descriptive information for printing the verification pattern on the individual blank check forms after printing the reproduction of the signature of the specific customer. 13 · Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized characterized that the printing station. (102) an inkjet printing system for printing information on which has blank check forms. 14. Apparatus according to claim 13 »characterized in that the inkjet system includes a plurality of separate ink nozzles arranged adjacent to one another, around individual ones Direct ink droplets at the blank check forms and that a device for pressure control is provided which controls the delivery of the individual ink droplets onto the blank check forms. 130063/0758 31U669 15. Apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that the means (94) for storing information Stores information that represents a large number of customer accounts, with information stored for each customer account that represent several different signatures, and that a device for pressure control is provided, which carries out the printing of the various, several, different signatures. 16. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (100) for storing the blank check forms also stores blank cover sheets, and that the device for conveying the Blank check forms additionally convey the blank cover sheets to the printing station that the device (94) for storage of information additionally stores specific customer information to the information that the playback represent the signature of a specific customer, and that the device for pressure control also the printing of the controls certain customer information on the blank cover sheet. 17. Apparatus according to claim 16, characterized in that the conveyor also promotes a blank cover sheet that can be used as a cover sheet for a plurality of personalized Serves checks. 18. Apparatus according to claim 17, characterized in that the specific customer information name and address of the specific Includes customers, the cover sheet serving as a mailing sheet for multiple personalized checks. 19 · Device according to claim 17, characterized in that the certain customer information includes information 130063/0758 ■ - 6 - with regard to the special customer order for checks, with the cover sheet giving brief details of the special customer order wearing. 20. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the personalization of the blank check forms is carried out according to the special customer orders and that a device for storing several Customer orders is provided. 21. Device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that several blank check forms personalized with the signature of a specific customer. and that a device for combining the personalized checks into a checkbook is arranged. 22. Apparatus according to claim 21, characterized in that a device for stapling and binding the checkbook is provided. 23. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the means (94) for storage of information representing a signature of a particular customer digitally stores it and that the Device for pressure control causes the printing of the reproduction of the customer's signature on a digital basis. 24. Travelers check personalization system characterized by (a) an application form to include certain customer information including at least a signature of a specific customer; (b) a device for scanning the signature of the particular customer on the application form and for 130063/0758 - ο _ attest to data representing a reproduction of the signature of the specific customer; (c) a customer file repository for storing the reproduction of the signature of the particular customer and the storage of other customer information data representing the specific customer; (d) Blank travel check forms with certain monetary values, each blank form having a specific location for receiving a reproduction of a customer's signature; (e) a customer order memory for storing data relating to an order for travelers checks from a specific Represent customers; and (f) a printing device cooperating with the blank forms, which is based on the in the customer file memory and data stored in the customer order memory for Printing the reproduction of the signature of the specific customer in the specific place on certain of the blank travel check forms, depending on the order of the particular customer. 25 traveller's check personalization system according to claim 24, characterized in that a device according to one of Claims 1 to 23 is used. 26. A method for personalizing blank check forms, characterized by the following steps (a) Receiving certain customer information on an application form including at least the signature of a specific customer; (b) Scanning the signature of the specific customer on the application form and generating data that represent a representation of the signature of the specific customerί 130063/0758 - ^: " ^: - " ■ '· - · - 31U669 (c) Saving the rendering of the signature, data representing the particular customer as well as other customer information representing the particular customer Data; (d) Provision of blank check forms, where ^ each Blank form is provided with a specific location for recording a reproduction of a customer's signature; (e) storing data representing an order for personalized checks from the particular customer; and (f) Printing the reproduction of the signature of the specific customer at the specific location of the specific customer the blank check forms according to the specific customer order. 27. The method according to claim 26, characterized by the steps (a) verify the print of the reproduction of the customer's signature; and (b) initiating a rejection of the check if there is no verification that the check is in order was printed with the reproduction of the customer's signature. 28. The method according to claim 26 or 27, characterized by the step of: printing a coded information line with magnetic ink on the specific one of the blank check forms. 29. The method according to claim 28, characterized by the further steps: reading the on the blank check forms coded information line printed with magnetic ink and triggering a rejection of the check, if the coded information line was not correctly printed on this. 130063/0758 " ^: '31U669 30. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 29, characterized by the further steps: providing a Serial number information for the specific one of the blank check forms and printing a serial number on the specific one the blank check forms. 31. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 30, characterized through the following steps: reading the serial number information from the specific ones of the blank check forms and initiating a rejection of the check if it does not properly match the serial number information was printed. 32. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 31 »characterized by the further steps: providing additional Information on how to print on specific blank check forms and how to print additional information on this. 33 »Method according to claim 32, characterized by the following steps: reading the additional information on the particular one of the blank check forms and triggering a rejection of the check if the additional information is not properly printed on it. 34. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 33, characterized by the further step: printing information on the specific one of the blank check forms that an organization issuing the personalized checks represent. 35. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 34, characterized through the following steps: Pre-printing a blank check form with a certain monetary value 130063/0758 ■ - ' ^: '"- ^: " ^: - '- 31H669 Use as a traveler's check and providing such a blank check form with a digit for a countersign * - when presenting the check after personalization. 36. The method according to claim 35, characterized by the further steps: pre-printing of each blank check form with a preprinted monetary value coding, corresponding to the specific monetary value of the specific blank check form, and reading the monetary value coding and triggering a rejection of an improper monetary value blank check form according to the specific customer order. 37. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 36, characterized through the further steps: providing information according to a print verification pattern and printing the verification pattern on the selected ones of the blank check forms after the reproduction of the Signature of the specific customer. 38. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 37, characterized through the step of: printing information on the blank check forms using an ink jet system. 39. The method according to claim 38, characterized in that the ink jet system with a plurality of separate ink nozzles is provided, which are arranged adjacent to each other, to individual ink drops in the direction of the blank check forms to be directed, with a control of the trajectory of the individual ink droplets during printing in the direction of the blank check forms. 40. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 39 "S ^e " is characterized by the additional steps: storing 130063/0758 31U669 of information representing a plurality of customer accounts under storing information, corresponding to a plurality different signatures for each customer account, and printing the different ones of the several different ones Signatures. 41. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 40, characterized by the further steps: providing Blank cover sheets and storing certain customer information in addition to reproducing the signature information representing the specific customer and printing the specific customer information on the blank cover sheet. 42. The method according to claim 41, characterized by the step: providing a blank cover sheet that serves as a cover sheet for several personalized checks. 43 · Method according to claim 42, characterized by the steps of providing the particular customer's name and address and printing the name and address on the cover sheet to form a mailing sheet for several personalized checks. 44. The method according to claim 42, characterized by the steps of: providing customer information accordingly a specific customer check order and printing the order information on the cover sheet for an abstract of the specific customer order. 45. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 44, characterized through the step: combining several personalized checks into one checkbook. 1300 6 3/0758 46. The method according to claim 45, characterized by the further step of stapling and binding the checkbook . 47. The method according to any one of claims 26 to 46, characterized in that the storage of information, which represent a reproduction of the signature of the specific customer is done digitally and that the printing of the reproduction the customer signature is effected digitally. 130063/0758