Check-processing device with single image camera

An apparatus for capturing images from checks and other financial and payment-related documents, the apparatus comprising:

• a compact, desktop document processor base unit including an input slot for receiving a document to be processed;
• a transport stage located within the base unit and receiving the document from the input slot, the transport stage including a document track, a processing device located along the document track, and a one-way gate located along the document track after the processing device;
• the document track including a second, return path extending from a location at the one-way gate to a location before the processing device;
• and
• a bi-directional drive mechanism for receiving the document as the document passes through the one-way gate in the forward direction, the bi-directional drive mechanism then reversing direction to drive the document in the reverse direction, the one-way gate being arranged to divert the document traveling in the reverse direction into the second, return path and re-introduce the document to the processing device with the document now in a reverse orientation.