US6059185A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Automated system and method for improved check processing
Assignee: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Development LP
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Filing: 1996-03-28
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Granted: 2000-05-09
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Expires: 2016-03-28
Abstract
Abstract The automated improved check processing system and method includes a data entry device (200, 202) for receiving checking account information (304, 306, 308) and a check amount (302) of a check (210, 300) provided for deposit in a transaction, which are electronically transmitted and stored in a database (204). A document identifier is automatically generated and also stored with the checking account information in the database (204). Further, the depositor's account information may also be read and stored in the database. A power encoder (208, 414) is then used to match the paper checks (210, 300) with the respective electronic checking account information and check amount so that the correct check amounts can be encoded onto the face of the checks. The power encoder may also spray endorse a depositor's account information on the check to facilitate returns processing (416). Cash management investment positions can also be planned and maximized in advance due to the early availability of the deposit information (418) through on-line access terminals.
Inventors
- 👤 Wade L. Funk
- 👤 Walter C. Jackson
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 11:16
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/042
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 38
Claim 1
Independent Claim
170 words
An automated check processing system, comprising: an input station receiving MICR checking account information and a check amount of a check provided for deposit in a banking account, said MICR data being preprinted on said check; a database coupled to said input station via a data communications link, for electronically receiving and storing said MICR checking account information and check amount; and a power encoder electronically receiving from said database said MICR checking account information and check amount for transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period, and further receiving checks provided for payment in said same transactions occurring over said same predetermined transaction period, said power encoder operable to read MICR checking account information from said checks, said power encoder matching stored MICR checking account information for a particular transaction from said database to MICR checking account information read from a particular check and obtaining a corresponding check amount from the database for that transaction, said power encoder operable to encode said check amount on each of said matched checks.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
170 words
An automated check processing system, comprising: an input station receiving MICR checking account information and a check amount of a check provided for deposit in a banking account, said MICR data being preprinted on said check; a database coupled to said input station via a data communications link, for electronically receiving and storing said MICR checking account information and check amount; and a power encoder electronically receiving from said database said MICR checking account information and check amount for transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period, and further receiving checks provided for payment in said same transactions occurring over said same predetermined transaction period, said power encoder operable to read MICR checking account information from said checks, said power encoder matching stored MICR checking account information for a particular transaction from said database to MICR checking account information read from a particular check and obtaining a corresponding check amount from the database for that transaction, said power encoder operable to encode said check amount on each of said matched checks.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input station comprises a MICR reader for reading MICR data line on said check.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
40 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input station comprises a MICR reader for reading MICR data line on a deposit slip being provided with said check, said deposit slip having a depositor's account number preprinted thereon.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input station comprises at least a numerical keypad for entering said check amount.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
28 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said checking account information includes a routing and transit number, a checking account number, and a check serial number.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
26 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input station has an integrated input device for reading MICR data and receiving check amount data.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power encoder encodes said check amount on said matched check in a machine-readable medium.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power encoder encodes said check amount on said matched check in a magnetic ink.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said power encoder spray endorses said depositor's account number on said matched check.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
24 words
The system, as set forth in claim 1, wherein said input station is a teller station where a teller manually enters said check amount.
Claim 12
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for automated check processing, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a teller station, MICR checking account information and a check amount of a check; electronically associating said MICR checking account information with said checking amount and transmitting said MICR checking account information and said check amount to a database for storage therein; electronically downloading MICR checking account information and check amounts related to transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period from said database to a power encoder; transmitting said checks provided for payment in transactions occurring over said same predetermined transaction period to said power encoder; reading said MICR checking account information from said checks; using the MICR checking account information to match said checks with said electronically downloaded MICR checking account information; and encoding said check amounts on respective matched checks.
Claim 13
Independent Claim
134 words
A method for automated check processing, comprising the steps of: receiving, at a teller station, MICR checking account information and a check amount of a check; electronically associating said MICR checking account information with said checking amount and transmitting said MICR checking account information and said check amount to a database for storage therein; electronically downloading MICR checking account information and check amounts related to transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period from said database to a power encoder; transmitting said checks provided for payment in transactions occurring over said same predetermined transaction period to said power encoder; reading said MICR checking account information from said checks; using the MICR checking account information to match said checks with said electronically downloaded MICR checking account information; and encoding said check amounts on respective matched checks.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, further comprising the step of automatically encoding said document identification number for identifying said transaction, said encoding being performed after said transmitting step.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said electronically transmitting step comprises the step of transmitting said checking account information and check amount via a telecommunications line.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said checking account information receiving step comprises the step of reading pre-printed MICR depositor's account information on a deposit slip submitted with said check.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
23 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said check amount receiving step comprises the step of electronically entering said check amount.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
38 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said checking account information receiving step comprises the steps of machine-reading a routing and transit number, a checking account number, and a check serial number pre-printed on said check.
Claim 19
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, wherein said checking account information receiving step comprises the step of reading pre-printed MICR line data on said check.
Claim 20
Dependent Claim
39 words
The method, as set forth in claim 17, wherein said matching step comprises the steps of: reading said MICR line data on said check; and searching said downloaded checking account information for a match with said MICR line data.
Claim 21
Dependent Claim
54 words
The method, as set forth in claim 17, wherein said matching step comprises the steps of: reading said MICR line data on said check; searching said downloaded checking account information for a match with said MICR line data; obtaining a corresponding depositor's account information; and spray endorsing said check with said depositor's account information.
Claim 22
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method, as set forth in claim 19, further comprising the step of processing a returned check using said electronically stored depositor's account information.
Claim 23
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method, as set forth in claim 19, further comprising the step of spray endorsing said depositor's account information on said check.
Claim 24
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method, as set forth in claim 11, further comprising the step of accessing information stored in said database on-line.
Claim 25
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method, as set forth in claim 22, further comprising the step of planning cash management investment positions using information stored in said database.
Claim 26
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for automated check processing, comprising the steps of: electronically recording and storing preprinted MICR checking account information and check amounts of checks provided for deposit in transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period at the time of each transaction; using the MICR checking account information preprinted on said checks to electronically match said checks with said electronically recorded checking account information to obtain corresponding check amounts for respective matched checks; and electronically encoding said check amounts on respective matched checks.
Claim 27
Independent Claim
82 words
A method for automated check processing, comprising the steps of: electronically recording and storing preprinted MICR checking account information and check amounts of checks provided for deposit in transactions occurring over a predetermined transaction period at the time of each transaction; using the MICR checking account information preprinted on said checks to electronically match said checks with said electronically recorded checking account information to obtain corresponding check amounts for respective matched checks; and electronically encoding said check amounts on respective matched checks.
Claim 28
Dependent Claim
44 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of automatically generating a document identifier associated with each check transferred in each said transaction and storing said document identifier with said checking account information and check amount associated with each check.
Claim 29
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method, as set forth in claim 25, wherein said step of recording and storing is preceded by the step of manually entering said check amount at a teller station.
Claim 30
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of reading pre-printed MICR line data on said check.
Claim 31
Dependent Claim
40 words
The method, as set forth in claim 27, wherein said electronically matching step comprises the steps of: reading said MICR line data on said check; and searching said downloaded checking account information for a match with said MICR line data.
Claim 32
Dependent Claim
55 words
The method, as set forth in claim 27, wherein said electronically matching step comprises the steps of: reading said MICR line data on said check; searching said downloaded checking account information for a match with said MICR line data; obtaining a corresponding depositor's account information; and spray endorsing said check with said depositor's account information.
Claim 33
Dependent Claim
27 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of reading pre-printed MICR depositor's account information on a deposit slip submitted with said check.
Claim 34
Dependent Claim
32 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the steps of machine-reading a routing and transit number, a checking account number, and a check serial number pre-printed on said check.
Claim 35
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method, as set forth in claim 31, further comprising the step of processing a returned check using said electronically stored depositor's account information.
Claim 36
Dependent Claim
25 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of transmitting said checking account information and check amount via a telecommunications line.
Claim 37
Dependent Claim
20 words
The method, as set forth in claim 24, further comprising the step of accessing information stored in said database on-line.
Claim 38
Dependent Claim
24 words
The method, as set forth in claim 34, further comprising the step of planning cash management investment positions using information stored in said database.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-05-09 | 2003-11-08 | 2004-05-09 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-05-09 | 2007-11-08 | 2008-05-09 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-05-09 | 2011-11-08 | 2012-05-09 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |