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

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

• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to detect a check;
• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to scan a back of the check to capture a back image of the check, which has no authorization data printed thereon;
• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to scan a front of the check to capture a front image of the check;
• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to read magnetic ink characters on the front of the check;
• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to generate authorization data indicating that the check is valid based on the magnetic ink characters, the authorization data being generated electronically;
• and
• instructions for causing the check processing apparatus to generate an electronic merged image by electronically combining the back image with the authorization data in a predetermined area, the electronic merged image being generated such that at least a portion of the authorization data overlaps the back image;
• wherein the instructions are performed as the check is conveyed through a transportation path of the check processing apparatus in one direction, one time.

A check processing apparatus which is connectable to a host device, the check processing apparatus comprising:

• a detector that detects a check in a check insertion opening;
• a transportation path for conveying the check from the check insertion opening to an exit opening;
• a transportation mechanism that conveys the check through the transportation path;
• a scanning component that captures both a back image of the check and a front image of the check conveyed through the transportation path;
• a reader that reads magnetic ink characters on the front of the check;
• an authorization data component that sends read magnetic ink characters data to the host device for electronic authorization indicating that the check is valid, wherein the authorization data component receives electronic authorization data from the host device if the check is determined to be valid by the host device;
• a merged image generating component that generates an electronic merged image by combining the back image with the received electronic authorization data in a predetermined area, the electronic merged image being generated such that at least a portion of the authorization data overlaps the back image;
• a memory that stores the electronic merged image with the front image;
• and
• a controller that sends the electronic merged image with the front image to the host device;
• wherein the above-recited operations are performed as the check is conveyed by the transportation mechanism through the transportation path in one direction, one time.