Table top image based document processing machine and methods of processing documents

A document processing machine for use with a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of said computer;

• said document processing machine being used for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• imaging means for imaging substantially all of one of said first and second sides as said document is moved along one of said first and second feeding directions in imaging relationship with said imaging means;
• a printer positioned along said document track for printing on substantially all of one of said first and second sides of said document;
• a magnetic card reader;
• an encrypter;
• a control board operatively coupled to said transport means, imaging means, printer, magnetic card reader, and said encrypter;
• and
• input means for coupling said control board to said control means of said computer;
• said control board comprising:
• an image processing system controlling said imaging means;
• a track encoder system controlling said transport means;
• a magnetic card reader system controlling said magnetic reader;
• an encryption system controlling said encrypter;
• and
• an operating system operatively coupled to said image processing system, said track encoder system, said image processing system, said magnetic card reader system, and said encryption system;
• said operating system having storing means storing operating software downloaded from said computer, and also having an embedded processor executing said operating software.

A document processing machine for use with a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of said computer;

• said document processing machine being used for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• imaging means for imaging one of said first and second sides as said document is moved along one of said first and second feeding directions in imaging relationship with said imaging means;
• a printer positioned along said document track for printing on one of said first and second sides of said document;
• a magnetic card reader;
• an encrypter;
• a control board operatively coupled to said transport means, imaging means, printer, magnetic card reader, and said encrypter;
• and
• input means for coupling said control board to said control means of said computer;
• said control board comprising:
• an image processing system controlling said imaging means;
• a track encoder system controlling said transport means;
• a magnetic card reader system controlling said magnetic reader;
• an encryption system controlling said encrypter;
• and
• an operating system operatively coupled to said image processing system, said track encoder system, said imaging processing system, said magnetic card reader system, and said encryption system;
• said operating system having storing means storing operating software downloaded from said computer, and also having an embedded processor executing said operating software;
• said imaging processing system, said track encoder system, and said magnetic card reader system each have a RAM storing running software and an embedded processor for executing the associated said running software, with said running software being downloaded from said computer via said operating system.

A table top document processing machine for use with a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of said computer;

• said document processing machine being used for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• an image processing system including running software for imaging the first and second sides of said document moved in a document track;
• a track encoder system including running software for printing graphics and alpha-numerics on said first and second sides and also for printing MICR data on said first side of said document;
• a magnetic card reader system including running software and a magnetic reader for reading customer data from a card inserted in said magnetic reader;
• an encryption system including running software for encryption of data processed by said machine;
• and
• an operating system including operating system software and a PC chip set for executing said operating system software;
• said document processing machine having an architecture enabling said operating system software and said running software to be stored in said control means of said computer and to be downloaded to said operating system, with said running software being downloaded by said operating system to the associated image processing system, track encoder system, magnetic card reader system, and encryption system.

A document processing machine for use with a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of said computer, said document processing machine comprising:

• a document track having a first end and a second end;
• programmable transport means for moving a document having a front side and a rear side, with said programmable transport means moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, and with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• first imaging means for imaging said front side and second imaging means for imaging said rear side as said document is moved along said feeding directions in imaging relationship with said first and second imaging means, respectively;
• a first printer positioned along said document track for printing on said front side;
• a second printer positioned along said document track for printing on said rear side;
• a third printer positioned along said document track for printing MICR data on said front side;
• a control board operatively coupled to said transport means, first and second imaging means, and first, second, and third printers;
• and
• input means for coupling said control board to said control means of said computer.

A system comprising:

• a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of the computer;
• and
• a document processing machine for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a chassis having a topside and an underside;
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• imaging means for imaging substantially all of one of said first and second sides as said document is moved along one of said first and second feeding directions in imaging relationship with said imaging means;
• a printer positioned along said document track for printing on substantially all of one of said first and second sides of said document;
• a control board mounted on the underside of said chassis and operatively coupled to said transport means, imaging means, and printer;
• and
• input means coupling said control board to said control means of said computer;
• said programmable transport means including a bi-directional motor for moving said document and also including sensor means for outputting a control signal to said control board to enable said bi-directional motor to be energized only when the document is properly positioned in said first end of said document track;
• said printer comprising an ink jet printer;
• said control board comprising:
• an image processing means controlling said imaging means;
• a track encoder system controlling said transport means;
• and
• an operating system coupled to said image processing system and said track encoder system;
• said operating system including operating system software and a PC chip set running said operating system software, with said operating system software being downloaded from the control means of the computer.

A system comprising:

• a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of the computer;
• and
• a document processing machine for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a chassis having a topside and an underside;
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• imaging means for imaging substantially all of one of said first and second sides as said document is moved along one of said first and second feeding directions in imaging relationship with said imaging means;
• a printer positioned along said document track for printing on substantially all of one of said first and second sides of said document;
• a control board mounted on the underside of said chassis and operatively coupled to said transport means, imaging means, and printer;
• and
• input means coupling said control board to said control means of said computer;
• said computer having storing means and in which said control means of said computer has editing means for editing image data from said imaging means to generate a graphic which may be stored in said storing means for use in printing said graphic on a said document by said printer;
• said storing means including a plurality of graphics and said control means has means for selecting a graphic to be printed on said document by said printer;
• said document being a financial document, and said graphic being an endorsement printed on said financial document;
• and
• said editing means in said control means of said computer including a Windows (.TM.) program, a Paint (.TM.) program, and a Clipboard (.TM.) storage associated with said Windows (.TM.) and Paint (198 ) programs.

A system comprising:

• a computer having a keyboard, display, and control means for controlling the operation of the computer;
• and
• a document processing machine for processing a document having a first side and a second side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a chassis having a topside and an underside;
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• imaging means for imaging substantially all of one of aid first and second sides as said document is moved along one of said first and second feeding directions in imaging relationship with said imaging means;
• a printer positioned along said document track for printing on substantially all of one of said first and second sides of said document;
• a control board mounted on the underside of said chassis and operatively coupled to said transport means, imaging means, and printer;
• and
• input means coupling said control board to said control means of said computer;
• said computer having storing means and in which said control means on said computer has editing means for editing image data from said imaging means to generate a graphic which may be stored in said storing means for use in printing said graphic on said document by said printer;
• said storing means including a plurality of graphics and said control means has means for selecting a graphics to be printed on said document by said printer;
• said document being a financial document, and said graphic being an endorsement printed on said financial document;
• said programmable transport means including first drive rollers positioned along said document track for moving said document in said track and second drive rollers positioned along said track to position a document at said printer, with said first and second drive rollers being driven by said bi-directional motor.

A system comprising:

• a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing data, and control means for controlling the operation of the computer;
• and
• a document processing machine for processing a document having a front side and a rear side, said document processing machine comprising:
• a chassis having a topside and an underside;
• a document track having a first end and a second end with said first end being used for entering and exiting said document, and with said second end being used for exiting said document;
• programmable transport means for moving said document along first and second feeding directions within said document track, with said first and second directions being towards said second and first ends, respectively;
• first imaging means for imaging said front side and second imaging means for imaging said rear side as said document is moved along said feeding directions in imaging relationship with said first and second imaging means, respectively;
• a first printer positioned along said document track for printing on said front side;
• a second printer positioned along said document track for printing on said rear side;
• a third printer positioned along said document track for printing MICR data on said front side;
• a control board operatively coupled to said transport means, first and second imaging means, and first, second, and third printers;
• and
• input means for coupling said control board to said control means of said computer.

A method of processing a document having first and second sides in a document processing machine (hereinafter referred to as machine) which is controlled by a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing data, and control means for controlling the computer;

• said machine having a document track;
• programmable transport means for moving said document bi-directionally along opposed feeding directions in said document track;
• imaging means for imaging at least one of said first and second sides;
• at least one printer for printing on one of said first and second sides;
• and an operating system coupled to said control means, said programmable transport means, said imaging means, and said at least one printer;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) loading in said control means programs to control the operation of the machine;
• (b) positioning a document to be processed in said document track;
• (c) inputting to said control means a control signal indicating the type of graphic to be printed on one of said first and second sides of said document;
• and
• (d) printing said graphic on said document by moving said document bidirectionally relationship with said printer located adjacent to said document track.

A method of processing a document having first and second sides in a document processing machine (hereinafter referred to as machine) which is controlled by a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing data, and control means for controlling the computer;

• said machine having a document track;
• programmable transport means for moving said document bi-directionally along opposed feeding directions in said document track;
• imaging means for imaging at least one of aid first and second sides;
• at least one printer for printing on one of said first and second sides;
• and an operating system coupled to said control means, said programmable transport means, said imaging means, and said at least one printer;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) loading in said control means programs to control the operation of the machine;
• (b) positioning a document to be processed in said document track;
• (c) inputting to said control means a control signal indicating the type of graphic to be printed on one of said first and second sides of said document;
• and
• (d) printing said graphic on said document by moving said document in printing relationship with said printer located adjacent to said document track;
• said printing step being effected while a print head in said printer is moved along a direction which is perpendicular to said feeding directions;
• said step of inputting being effected by actuating a key on said keyboard;
• and
• said step of inputting being effected by using said imaging means to read a code on said document to generate said control signal.

A method of endorsing a financial document having first and second sides in a document processing machine (hereinafter referred to as machine) which is controlled by a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing data, and control means for controlling the computer;

• said machine having a document track;
• programmable transport means for moving said document bidirectionally along opposed feeding directions in said document track;
• imaging means for imaging at least one of said first and second sides;
• at least one printer for printing on one of said first and second sides;
• and an operating system coupled to said control means, said programmable transport means, said imaging means, and said at least one printer;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) loading in said control means programs to control the operation of the machine;
• (b) storing endorsements to be selected in said storing means;
• (c) positioning a document to be processed in said document track;
• (d) inputting to said control means a selection signal indicating the type of endorsement to be selected from said storing means and printed on one of said first and second sides of said document;
• and
• (e) printing said endorsement selected on said document by moving said document bi-directionally in printing relationship with said printer located adjacent to said document track.

A method of issuing a check having first and second sides in a document processing machine (hereinafter referred to as machine) which is controlled by a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing image data and authorization data to be printed on said check, and control means for controlling the computer;

• said machine having a document track;
• programmable transport means for moving said document bi-directionally along opposed feeding directions in said document track;
• a magnetic card reader for reading customer account data for the check to be issued, at least one printer for printing image data on said check;
• a MICR printer for printing MICR data on said check;
• and an operating system coupled to said control means, said programmable transport means, said magnetic card reader, said MICR printer, and said at least one printer;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) loading in said control means programs to control the operation of the machine;
• (b) positioning a sheet to form said check in said document track;
• (c) selecting said image data and said authorization data to be printed on said sheet;
• (d) entering on said keyboard the monetary amount of the check to be issued;
• (e) moving said sheet in printing relationship with said at least one printer to print said image data on said sheet;
• (f) moving said sheet in printing relationship with said MICR printer to print the monetary amount and authorization data on said sheet to complete the generation of said check.

A method of issuing a check having first and second sides in a document processing machine (hereinafter referred to as machine) which is controlled by a computer having a keyboard, display, storing means for storing image data and authorization data to be printed on said check, and control means for controlling the computer;

• said machine having a document track;
• programmable transport means for moving said document bi-directionally along opposed feeding directions in said document track;
• a magnetic card reader for reading customer account data for the check to be issued, at least one printer for printing image data on said check;
• a MICR printer for printing MICR data on said check;
• and an operating system coupled to said control means, said programmable transport means, said magnetic card reader, said MICR printer, and said at last one printer;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) loading in said control means programs to control the operation of the machine;
• (b) positioning a sheet to form said check in said document track;
• (c) selecting said image data and said authorization data t be printed on said sheet;
• (d) entering on said keyboard the monetary amount of the check to be issued;
• (e) moving said sheet in printing relationship with said at least one printer said image data on said sheet;
• and
• (f) moving said sheet in printing relationship with said MICR printer to print the monetary amount and authorization data on said sheet to complete the generation of said check;
• said selecting of authorization data being effected at least partially by reading customer account data through using said magnetic card reader.

A method of processing documents in a machine having:

• an image processing system including associated running software for imaging at least one side of a said document moved in a document track in said machine;
• a track encoder system including associated running software for printing graphics and text on at least one side of said document;
• and
• an operating system including operating system software and a PC chip set for executing said operating system software;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) downloading said operating system software and said running software from an external PC to said operating system;
• (b) downloading said associated running software to said image processing system and said track encoder system from said operating system;
• and
• (c) using said operating system software and said running software to process said document in said machine.

A method of processing documents in a table-top machine having:

• an image processing system including associated running software for imaging first and second sides of a said document moved in a document track in said table-top machine;
• a track encoder system including associated running software for printing graphics and text on the first and second sides of said document and also for printing MICR data on said first side of said document;
• a magnetic card reader system including associated running software and a magnetic reader for reading customer data from a card inserted in said mag reader;
• an encryption system including associated running software for encryption of data processed by said machine;
• and
• an operating system including operating system software and a PC chip set for executing said operating system software;
• said method comprising the steps of:
• (a) downloading said operating system software and said running software from an external PC to said operating system;
• (b) downloading said associated running software to said image processing system, said track encoder system, said magnetic card reader system, and said encryption system from said operating system;
• and
• (c) using said operating system software and said running software to process said document in said machine.