Check processing method, check processing program medium, and check processing apparatus

A medium readable by a machine embodying a program of instructions executable by the machine to perform a check processing method, the program of instructions comprising:

• instructions for scanning a back of a check having no authorization data printed thereon;
• instructions for generating authorization data indicating that processing a check payment has been completed and that the check is valid based on a reading of magnetic ink characters preprinted on the check and a response from an external analysis source, the authorization data being generated electronically and not being printed on the check;
• instructions for generating an electronic merged image by electronically combining back image data captured during the scanning of the back of the check with generated authorization data, such that, in the electronic merged image, the authorization data appears outside of an endorsement area, the electronic merged image being generated without printing any data;
• and
• instructions for performing the operations of scanning the back of the check, generating authorization data, and generating the electronic merged image in a single pass of the check in one direction through a transportation path of a check processing apparatus.

A check processing apparatus configured to communicate with a host device, the check processing apparatus comprising:

• a transportation path for conveying a check from a check insertion opening to an exit opening;
• a transportation mechanism that conveys the check through the transportation path;
• a back image scanning component that captures a back image of the check conveyed through the transportation path;
• an authorization data component that sends a request to the host device for electronic authorization data indicating that processing a check payment has been completed and that the check is valid based on a reading of magnetic ink characters preprinted on the check and a response from an external analysis source, wherein the authorization data component receives the requested electronic authorization data from the host device if the check is determined to be valid;
• and
• a merged image generating component that generates an electronic merged image by combining the back image data captured by the back image scanning component with the received electronic authorization data, such that, in the electronic merged image, the electronic authorization data appears outside of an endorsement area;
• wherein the back image is captured, the authorization data is requested, and the electronic merged image is generated in a single pass of the check in one direction through the transportation path.