Abstract:
In a method of processing recording media on which magnetic ink characters are printed, the media is transported at a first speed in an upright position along a transportation path from a supply unit to a discharge unit. The magnetic characters are read and output signals representative of the reading generated. The output signals are analyzed, including comparing the output signals with previously stored signal patterns of magnetic ink characters to determine if the magnetic characters can be recognized or not. The transporting of the recording media is paused, or slowed to a second speed substantially lower than the first speed, for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. A processing apparatus includes components for carrying out the operations of such method.

Description:
[0001]    CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S) 
         [0002]    This application is continuation of, and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 120 on, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/978,396, filed on Oct. 29, 2007, the contents of which is incorporated by reference herein. Japanese Patent Application No. 2006-297464 is also incorporated by reference in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND 
       [0003]    1. Field of Invention 
         [0004]    The present invention relates to a method of processing recording media in a recording medium processing apparatus such as a check reading device that is used to read magnetic ink characters from a recording medium such as checks or promissory notes that are printed with magnetic ink characters. More specifically, the invention relates to a recording media processing method enabling control of the transportation state of a recording medium based on the detection signals of a magnetic head that reads the magnetic ink characters. The apparatus is also capable of efficiently executing a post-processing step such as sorting the recording media. The invention further relates to a recording media processing apparatus that implements the method operations. 
         [0005]    2. Description of Related Art 
         [0006]    In banks and other financial institutions checks, promissory notes, and similar recording media are passed through a check reader to read the magnetic ink characters and, for example, sort the recording media based on the result of this reading operation. As electronic check processing has become more common, the read magnetic ink character data is also computer processed and the check instruments are managed by computer. 
         [0007]    JP-A-2004-206362 teaches this type of check reading device. This check reading device uses a flapper to switch the paper transportation path based on the result of reading the magnetic ink characters and selectively discharge the media to either of two discharge trays. After reading by the magnetic head used for reading the magnetic ink characters, the checks are conveyed at a different speed passed the reading position of an image scanning sensor so that the checks are also imaged. 
         [0008]    When a check is inserted to the check reading device, the top and bottom or front and back may be reversed. The magnetic ink characters are printed in a prescribed position on the front of the check. The magnetic head for reading the magnetic ink characters is also disposed to the transportation path at the position where the magnetic ink characters on a correctly inserted check pass. Therefore, if a check is conveyed with the top and bottom or the front and back reversed, the area where the magnetic ink characters are printed will not pass in contact with the magnetic head and the magnetic head cannot correctly read the magnetic ink characters. 
         [0009]    If the checks are sorted and selectively deposited into either one of two discharge trays by using a flapper to switch the paper transportation path based on the result of reading the magnetic ink characters as in the check reading device taught in JP-A-2004-206362, this sorting operation can be executed efficiently and with good precision if check transportation errors can be detected. 
         [0010]    It is often not possible to increase the length of the transportation path in the small check reading devices that are used at bank teller windows, for example, due to space limitations. However, if the transportation path is too short, the leading end of the check may have already reached a position near the flapper for sorting into the two discharge trays when the trailing end of the check passes the reading position of the magnetic head. The time that is required to evaluate the result of magnetic ink character reading by the magnetic head and switch the flapper based on the result therefore cannot be assured in this type of small check reading device. In other words, the check has already passed the flapper sorting position and is sent towards one of the discharge trays before the reading result can be evaluated or before the flapper can be switched based on the result of this evaluation. 
         [0011]    As a result, a problem to be solved with compact check reading devices according to the prior art is that checks cannot be correctly sorted based on the result of reading the check by a magnetic head or image scanning sensor. Conventional compact check reading devices therefore do not have two or more discharge trays for sorting as taught in JP-A-2004-206362, and discharge checks into a single discharge tray. This then requires manually sorting the checks deposited into the discharge tray and makes the task of processing checks inefficient. 
       SUMMARY OF INVENTION 
       [0012]    According to embodiments of the invention, an apparatus and method for processing recording media having printed magnetic ink characters evaluate the result of reading the recording medium based on a detection signal from a magnetic head, and efficiently execute a post-processing operation, such as sorting the recording media after passing the reading position of the magnetic head, based on the result of this evaluation. 
         [0013]    An apparatus and method for processing recording media having printed magnetic ink characters according to another aspect of the invention enable sorting the recording media after reading into one or another of a plurality of discharge parts based on the result of reading the magnetic ink characters even in a check reading device that has a short transportation path. 
         [0014]    One aspect of the invention involves a method of processing recording media on which magnetic ink characters are printed. The method includes transporting the recording media at a first speed in an upright position along a transportation path from a recording media supply unit to a recording media discharge unit; reading magnetic characters printed on the recording media and generating output signals based thereon; analyzing the output signals using a magnetic character reader disposed to the transportation path, the analyzing including comparing the output signals with previously stored signal patterns of magnetic characters to determine if the magnetic ink characters can be recognized or not; and pausing the transporting of the recording media for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals, or slowing the transporting of the recording media to a second speed substantially lower than the first speed for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. 
         [0015]    In another aspect the invention entails a recording media processing apparatus for processing recording media on which magnetic ink characters are printed. The apparatus comprises a recording media supply unit for supplying the recording media; a recording media discharge unit for storing the recording media; a transportation path for guiding the recording media fed from the recording media supply unit in an upright position to the recording media discharge unit; a magnetic ink character reader disposed to the transportation path for generating output signals upon reading magnetic characters printed on the recording media; a transport unit for transporting the recording media along the transportation path; and a character recognition unit for analyzing the output signals from the magnetic ink character reader by comparing the output signals with previously stored signal patterns of magnetic ink characters. The transport unit pauses the transporting of the recording media for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. 
         [0016]    In another aspect of the apparatus, the transport unit transports the recording media along the transportation path at a first speed and temporarily slows the transporting of the media to a second speed substantially lower than the first speed for a period of time during the analyzing of the output signals. 
         [0017]    In another arrangement, the recording media discharge unit comprises a plurality of discharge parts, and the recording media processing apparatus further comprises a sorting unit for sorting each particular recording media into one of the discharge parts based on character recognition results. 
         [0018]    In some embodiments, the length of the transportation path from the magnetic ink character reader to the sorting unit is substantially equal to or shorter than the length of the recording medium. 
         [0019]    Preferably, the apparatus further comprises a printing mechanism upstream of the discharge unit. 
         [0020]    The magnetic ink character reader may be a magnetic head, an image scanner, or other suitable device. 
         [0021]    Other objects and attainments together with a fuller understanding of the invention will become apparent and appreciated by referring to the following description and claims taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0022]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a check reading device according to the present invention. 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  describes the internal arrangement of the check reading device. 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram of the control system of the check reading device. 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a signal waveform diagram showing an example of the detection signal waveform from the magnetic head. 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart describing the operation of the check reading device. 
           [0027]      FIG. 6A  describes the top and bottom, and front and back orientations of a check. 
           [0028]      FIG. 6B  is a flow chart of a process for determining the top and bottom, and front and back orientation of a check. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0029]    Preferred embodiments of a recording media reading apparatus according to the present invention are described below with reference to the accompanying figures. 
         [0030]      FIG. 1  is an oblique view of a check reading device according to a preferred embodiment of the invention. This check reading device  1  has a main case  2  and a cover case  3  covering the top of the main case  2 , and various parts are assembled inside. A transportation path  5  for conveying checks  4  is formed in the cover case  3  as a narrow vertical channel that is substantially U-shaped when seen from above. 
         [0031]    One end of the transportation path  5  is connected to a check supply unit  6  that is a wide vertical slot, and the other end of the transportation path  5  branches left and right and is connected to first and second check discharge units  7  and  8 , both of which are wide vertical slots. 
         [0032]    The checks  4  have a magnetic ink character line  4 A printed lengthwise along the bottom edge part of the check front  4   a . The check amount, payer, check number, and signature are also recorded on the check front  4   a  against a specific background pattern, and an endorsement line is provided on the check back  4   b . As shown in  FIG. 1 , the checks  4  are inserted to the check supply unit  6  with the tops and bottoms aligned and the check front  4   a  facing the outside of the U-shaped transportation path  5 . The checks  4  are therefore fed from the leading end  4   d  side into the transportation path  5 . 
         [0033]    As the checks  4  fed from the check supply unit  6  travel through the transportation path  5 , the front and back sides of the check  4  are imaged and the magnetic ink character line  4 A printed on the check front  4   a  is read. If this information is read normally, an endorsement is printed and the check  4  is directed and discharged into the first check discharge unit  7 . If a read error occurs or reading is not possible, an endorsement is not printed and the check  4  is diverted and discharged into the second check discharge unit  8 . 
         [0034]      FIG. 2  describes the internal structure of the check reading device  1 . A check feeding mechanism  10  for feeding the checks  4  from the check supply unit  6  into the transportation path  5  is disposed to the check supply unit  6 . The check feeding mechanism  10  includes a pickup roller  11 , a feed roller  12 , a retard roller  13  that presses against the feed roller  12 , a feed motor  14 , and a hopper  15  for pressuring the checks. When the feed motor  14  drives, the checks  4  loaded in the check supply unit  6  are pressed to the pickup roller  11  side by the hopper  15 , and the pickup roller  11  and the feed roller  12  then rotate synchronously. The pickup roller  11  feeds the checks  4  between the feed roller  12  and the retard roller  13 . A prescribed torque load is applied to the retard roller  13 , which works so that only the one check  4  in direct contact with the feed roller  12  is separated from the other checks and fed into the transportation path  5 . 
         [0035]    The transportation path  5  is a U-shaped path including an upstream-side transportation path portion  21  connected to the check supply unit  6 , a downstream-side transportation path portion  23  connected to the first and second check discharge units  7  and  8 , and a curved transportation path portion  22  connecting the portions on the upstream and downstream sides. 
         [0036]    The transportation mechanism  30  that conveys checks  4  fed from the check supply unit  6  into the transportation path  5  along the transportation path  5  includes first to sixth transportation rollers  31  to  36 , first to sixth pressure rollers  41  to  46  that are pressed against and rotation in conjunction with the first to sixth transportation rollers  31  to  36 , and a transportation motor  37  for rotationally driving the first to sixth transportation rollers  31  to  36 . A stepping motor, for example, is used as the transportation motor  37 . How far a check  4  has travelled can therefore be known from the number of steps the stepping motor is driven. 
         [0037]    The first to third transportation rollers  31  to  33  are respectively disposed to the upstream-side transportation path portion  21  at the upstream end, the middle, and the boundary to the curved transportation path portion  22 . The fourth transportation roller  34  is disposed at a position on the downstream side of the curved transportation path portion  22 . The fifth and sixth transportation rollers  35  and  36  are disposed to the downstream-side transportation path portion  23  at positions in the middle and the downstream end. 
         [0038]    Disposed in order from the upstream side to the upstream-side transportation path portion  21  of the transportation path  5  between the first and second transportation rollers  31  and  32  are a magnet  51  for magnetizing the magnetic ink characters, a front contact image scanner  52  as a front image reading means, and a back contact image scanner  53  as a back image reading means. A magnetic head  54  for magnetic ink character reading is disposed between the second and third transportation rollers  32  and  33 , and a pressure roller  55  for pressing the checks  4  to the magnetic head is disposed opposite the magnetic head  54 . 
         [0039]    A printing mechanism  56  for printing an endorsement on checks  4  is disposed to the downstream-side transportation path portion  23  between the fifth and sixth transportation rollers  35  and  36 . The printing mechanism  56  can move by means of a drive motor (not shown in the figure) between a printing position  56 A pressed against the check  4 , and a standby position retracted from the printing position  56 A. The printing mechanism  56  could be a stamp instead of a print head. 
         [0040]    Various sensors for check transportation control are disposed to the transportation path  5 . 
         [0041]    A paper length detector  61  for detecting the length of the check being fed is disposed to a position before the magnet  51 . 
         [0042]    A multifeed detector  62  for detecting if multiple checks  4  are being fed together is disposed between the back contact image scanner  53  and the second transportation roller  32 . 
         [0043]    A paper jam detector  63  is disposed to a position before the fourth transportation roller  34 . If a check  4  is detected continuously by this detector for longer than a prescribed time, a paper jam in which a check  4  is stuck in the transportation path  5  is known to have occurred. 
         [0044]    A print detector  64  for detecting if a check  4  on which an endorsement is to be printed by the printing mechanism  56  is present is disposed to a position before the fifth transportation roller  35 . 
         [0045]    A discharge detector  65  for detecting a check  4  to be discharged into the first and second check discharge units  7  and  8  is disposed at a position downstream from the sixth transportation roller  36 , or more specifically to the routing channel  9  that branches to the first and second check discharge units  7  and  8 . 
         [0046]    A gate lever  66  (flapper) that is a sorting unit switched by a drive motor not shown is disposed to the routing channel  9 . The gate lever  66  selectively switches the downstream end of the transportation path  5  to the first or second check discharge unit so that the check  4  is guided to the selected discharge unit. 
         [0047]    The length of the transportation path  5  from the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54  to the printing position  56 A of the printing mechanism  56  is substantially equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the long side (transportation direction) of the checks  4  to be read. Therefore, when the leading end of the check  4  reaches the printing position  56 A, the trailing end of the check  4  or the trailing end of the magnetic ink character line  4 A has just passed the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54 . In addition, the length from the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54  to the end of the gate lever  66  on the upstream side can also be rendered substantially equal to or slightly shorter than the length of the long side (transportation direction) of the checks  4  to be read. 
         [0048]      FIG. 3  is a schematic block diagram showing the control system of the check reading device  1 . The control system of the check reading device  1  has a control unit  71  that includes a CPU and has memory such as ROM or RAM. The control unit  71  is connected to a host computer system  73  by a communication cable  72 . 
         [0049]    The computer system  73  has a display  73   a  and input/output devices such as a keyboard, mouse, or other operating unit  73   b , and commands such as a start command for the check reading operation are input from the computer system  73  to the control unit  71 . 
         [0050]    When a command to start reading is received, the control unit  71  drives the check feed motor  14  and the transportation motor  37  to feed a check  4  into the transportation path  5  and convey the fed check  4  through the transportation path  5 . The front image data, back image data, and the magnetic ink character information from the check  4  that are captured by the front contact image scanner  52 , the back contact image scanner  53 , and the magnetic head  54  are input to the control unit  71 . 
         [0051]    The magnetic head  54  outputs the electromotive force produced by the change in the magnetic field formed by the passing magnetic ink character line  4 A as the detection signal S 1 . The detection signal S 1  is converted to a digital signal S 2  after amplification and wave shaping by a signal processing circuit  74 , and input to the control unit  71 . 
         [0052]    This input information is then supplied to the computer system  73  for image processing and character recognition and deciding if the check was read correctly, and the result of this evaluation is then supplied to the control unit  71 . 
         [0053]    The control unit  71  controls driving the printing mechanism  56  and the gate lever  66  based on the result of this evaluation to print or not print on the read check  4  and route the check  4  to the first check discharge unit  7  or the second check discharge unit  8 . Image processing, character recognition processing, and deciding whether the check was read normally could also be done by the control unit  71 . 
         [0054]    Transportation control of the check  4  by the control unit  71  is based on detection signals from the paper length detector  61 , the multifeed detector  62 , the paper jam detector  63 , the print detector  64 , and the discharge detector  65  that are disposed along the transportation path  5 . An operating unit  75  including a power switch and other operating buttons disposed to the main case  2  is also connected to the control unit  71 . 
         [0055]    The computer system  73  has a character recognition unit  76  and first and second evaluation units  77  and  78 . The character recognition unit  76  and first and second evaluation units  77  and  78  recognize the magnetic ink characters in the magnetic ink character line  4 A based on the detection signals from the magnetic head  54 , and the first and second evaluation units  77  and  78  determine if the top/bottom and front/back orientations of the check  4  are reversed based on the detection signals. The character recognition unit  76  has a magnetic ink character pattern recognition function for comparing the detection signals with digital data patterns (front character signal patterns  79 , back-side character signal patterns  80 ) corresponding to the detection signal waveforms of the magnetic ink characters and recognizing the characters. 
         [0056]    Based on the detection signals, the first evaluation unit  77  determines if check  4  was correct, if check  4  was fed with the top and bottom inverted, or if a non-check paper sheet that is not printed with magnetic ink characters was fed, based on whether or not there is any actual change in the detection signal waveform from the magnetic head  54 . 
         [0057]    The second evaluation unit  78  determines if the check  4  was conveyed with the front and back reversed by comparing the detection signals with digital data patterns (back-side character signal patterns  80 ) that correspond to the detection signal waveforms that are output when the magnetic head  54  reads the magnetic ink characters on the check from the back side. 
         [0058]    The character recognition unit  76 , the first and second evaluation units  77  and  78 , and the digital data patterns  79  and  80  can be disposed on the control unit  71  side in the check reading device  1 . 
         [0059]      FIG. 4  is a signal waveform diagram showing the correlation between the detection signal waveforms from the magnetic head  54  and the magnetic ink characters. The magnetic head  54  outputs a unique detection signal waveform for each magnetic ink character contained in the magnetic ink character line  4 A of the check  4  passing the reading position of the magnetic head  54  at a prescribed speed. Digital data patterns corresponding to these detection signal waves are previously stored as the front character signal patterns  79 , and the characters can be recognized by comparing the digital data for the detection signal waves actually detected by the magnetic head  54  with the front character signal patterns  79 . 
         [0060]      FIG. 5  is a flow chart showing the processing operation of the check reading device  1 . The reading operation is described using this flow chart. 
         [0061]    When the operator inputs a command to start reading from the operating unit  73   b  of the computer system  73  to the check reading device  1 , driving the check feeding mechanism  10  and the check transportation mechanism  30  starts to feed and convey the checks  4  loaded in the check supply unit  6  one at a time through the transportation path  5  (steps ST 1 , ST 2 , ST 3 ). The position of the conveyed check  4  is managed based on the number of steps the transportation motor  37  (the stepping motor) is driven from when the leading end of the check  4  is detected by the paper length detector  61 . The trailing end of the check  4  is when the check  4  is no longer detected by the paper length detector  61 . The length and the position of the check  4  are known from the transportation distance and the time required for the leading and trailing ends of the check  4  to pass. 
         [0062]    Front and back images of the conveyed check  4  and the magnetic ink characters are read by the front contact image scanner  52 , the back contact image scanner  53 , and the magnetic head  54  (step ST 4 ). 
         [0063]    The read information is then sent via the communication cable  72  to the computer system  73  (step ST 5 ). The computer system  73  then processes the front check image, the back check image, and the magnetic ink character information, and determines if the check was read normally. If the check  4  is determined to be upside down, if the front and back of the check  4  are determined to be reversed, or if part of the magnetic ink characters cannot be read, reading is determined to be no good. Reading is also determined to be no good if the check amount or other specific information cannot be recognized from the front and back image data. The process of determining if the top and bottom or front and back of the check  4  are reversed is described further below ( FIG. 6 ). 
         [0064]    When the leading end of the conveyed check  4  reaches the printing position  56 A of the printing mechanism  56  for endorsement printing, the transportation mechanism  30  on the check reading device  1  side pauses conveying the check  4  (step ST 6 ). With check  4  transportation paused, the check reading device  1  waits to receive the result of determining whether the check was correctly read from the computer system  73  (step ST 7 ). The control unit  71  can alternatively process the read front image data, back image data, and magnetic ink characters and determine if the check was read correctly. 
         [0065]    If the result of this decision is received and the check was read correctly, transporting the check  4  resumes and the printing mechanism  56  is moved to the printing position at the same time (steps ST 8 , ST 9 ). The check  4  is then conveyed while the printing mechanism  56  prints the endorsement, and is discharged by the gate lever  66  to the first check discharge unit  7  side (step ST 10 ). Driving the transportation mechanism  30  stops after the discharge detector  65  detects the trailing end of the check  4  (steps ST 11 , ST 12 ). Feeding and conveying the next check then starts. 
         [0066]    If the check cannot be read or a reading error results (step ST 8 ), conveying the check  4  resumes (step ST 13 ) and the gate lever  66  is switched at the same time. The printing mechanism  24  is also held in the standby position and does not print an endorsement on the check  4 . The check  4  is then diverted and discharged into the second check discharge unit  8  by the gate lever  66  (step ST 14 ). Driving the transportation mechanism  30  stops after the discharge detector  65  detects the trailing end of the check  4  (steps ST 11 , ST 12 ). Feeding and conveying the next check then starts. 
         [0067]    If multifeeding of the checks is detected by the multifeed detector  62 , the control unit  71  executes an interrupt process, immediately stops transportation, reports that a transportation error occurred by means of a warning indicator on the operating unit  75 , for example, and waits for the check to be removed from the transportation path  5  and the starting position reset. A similar interrupt process is executed when the paper jam detector  63  detects that a check has jammed in the transportation path  5 . 
         [0068]    An evaluation process for determining if the top and bottom or front and back of the conveyed check  4  are reversed based on a detection signal S 1  from the magnetic head  54  is described next with reference to the diagrams and flow chart shown in  FIG. 6A  and  FIG. 6B . 
         [0069]      FIG. 6A  shows the various orientations in which a check  4  can be inserted. Check  4 ( 1 ) is a check  4  inserted in the normal insertion position, and check  4 ( 2 ) is a check  4  inserted with both the top and bottom and the front and back reversed. Check  4 ( 3 ) is a check  4  inserted with the top and bottom and the leading and trailing ends reversed, and check  4 ( 4 ) is a check  4  inserted with the front and back and the leading and trailing ends reversed. 
         [0070]    With checks  4 ( 2 ) and  4 ( 3 ) the position of the magnetic ink character line  4 A is inverted top and bottom from the position on the normally inserted check  4 ( 1 ), and the magnetic ink character line  4 A therefore cannot be read by the magnetic head  54 . With check  4 ( 4 ) the magnetic ink character line  4 A will be read from the back side by the magnetic head  54 . 
         [0071]    These different check orientations can be determined from the detection signals output by the magnetic head  54  in this embodiment of the invention. 
         [0072]    This process is described below with reference to the flow chart in  FIG. 6B . The first step is to determine if there is actually any change in the detection signal from the magnetic head  54  (step ST 21 ). More specifically, whether the amplitude of the detection signal waveform varies a prescribed amount or more is determined. Because the magnetic head  54  cannot read the magnetic ink character line  4 A and there is no actual change in the detection signal with checks  4 ( 2 ) and  4 ( 3 ), the conveyed check is determined to be a check  4 ( 2 ) and  4 ( 3 ) with the top and bottom inverted (step ST 25 ). Alternatively, the medium can be determined to be a sheet of paper other than a check on which a magnetic ink character line  4 A is not printed. If the check  4 ( 4 ) is inserted with the front and back reversed and the check is made of thick paper, the amplitude of the waveform of the detection signal from the magnetic head  54  may not vary the prescribed amount or more. This situation can also be determined (step ST 25 ). 
         [0073]    If there is actually any change in the detection signal, the detection signals are compared with the detection signal patterns (front character signal patterns  79 ) for the magnetic ink characters that are previously stored for character recognition (step ST 22 ). If character recognition is possible, it is determined that the check  4  is being conveyed in the normal position (step ST 24 ). More specifically, the check is in the position of check  4 ( 1 ). 
         [0074]    If character recognition is not possible, the detection signals are compared with the previously stored back-side character signal patterns  80  for character recognition (step ST 26 ). If character recognition is possible in this case, it is determined that the check is conveyed with the front and back reversed as indicated by check  4 ( 4 ) (step ST 28 ). 
         [0075]    If character recognition is not possible, it is determined that the check is conveyed with the top and bottom inverted as in transportation states  4 ( 2 ) and  4 ( 3 ) (step ST 29 ). Determining that the top and bottom are reversed is based on whether there is any change in the detection signals in step ST 21 . However, there are also checks that have a background pattern printed with magnetic ink over the entire front of the check. Because the detection signals from the magnetic head  54  will vary with this type of check even if the top and bottom are inverted, the top and bottom cannot be determined based on whether or not there is change in the detection signals. However, this embodiment of the invention can determine the top and bottom even with such checks by referencing the back-side character signal patterns. 
         [0076]    As described above the check reading device  1  according to this embodiment of the invention determines if the top and bottom of the conveyed check are inverted or the front and back are reversed based detection signals from the magnetic head  54 , determines that such reversed checks cannot be read, and routes and discharges such checks to the second check discharge unit  8 . By thus determining if the top and bottom or the front and back of the checks  4  are reversed, checks from which the magnetic ink characters cannot be read or which cause a read error can be separated efficiently and accurately. 
         [0077]    This embodiment of the invention also pauses check  4  transportation and waits for check reading to be evaluated when the leading end of the check  4  reaches the printing position  56 A of the printing mechanism  56 , that is, as soon as the trailing end passes the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54 . By thus pausing the check  4  and appropriately setting the pause time, the checks  4  can be routed to the first and second check discharge units  7  and  8  based on the result of the evaluation even if the transportation path  5  is short. And, the gate lever  66  can be moved to the appropriate routing position before the leading end of the check  4  reaches the routing position of the gate lever  66 . More specifically, the printing mechanism  56  can be moved to the position where printing is possible before the endorsement printing area of the check  4  reaches the printing position  56 A. 
       OTHER EMBODIMENTS 
       [0078]    In the embodiment described above transporting the check  4  is paused to assure time to evaluate the result of reading the check and to move the printing mechanism  56  and the gate lever  66 . This time can also be assured by slowing the check transportation speed instead of pausing transportation. For example, the length of the transportation path from the reading position  54 A to the printing position  56 A can be set slightly longer than the length of the check, the check can be conveyed at a slow speed from when the trailing end of the check  4  passes the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54  until the leading end of the check reaches the printing position  56 A of the printing mechanism  56 , and this transportation time can be used as the check reading evaluation time and the time for moving the printing mechanism  56  and the gate lever  66 . 
         [0079]    Alternatively, the transportation path length from the reading position  54 A to the printing position  56 A can be set slightly shorter than the length of the check, and the check can be conveyed at a very slow speed from when the trailing end of the magnetic ink character line  4 A of the check  4  passes the reading position  54 A of the magnetic head  54  until the leading end of the check reaches the printing position  56 A of the printing mechanism  56 . This arrangement affords a more compact check reading device  1 . 
         [0080]    Resuming transporting a check  4  that was paused at the printing position  56 A can also be done manually by the operator. More specifically, the operator can check the front image, the back image, and the magnetic ink characters on the screen of the computer system  73  and input from the operating unit  73   b  whether the check was read normally or not. This input result is supplied to the control unit  71  of the check reading device  1 , and based on this input transporting the check  4  is resumed and the check  4  is routed to the first check discharge unit  7  or the second check discharge unit  8 . Alternatively, the operator can operate the operating unit  75  of the check reading device  1 . 
         [0081]    The foregoing embodiment applies the invention in a check reading device, but the processing method of the invention can be used in the same way when processing recording media having printed magnetic ink characters other than checks. 
         [0082]    Moreover, the character recognition and the evaluation can be done on the control unit  71  side in the check reading device  1 . 
         [0083]    In the example described above checks  4 ( 1 ) in the normal orientation are discharged to the first check discharge unit  7  and all other checks  4  are discharged to the second check discharge unit  8 . An arrangement having additional discharge units so that checks  4 ( 2 ) that are transported with the top and bottom and the front and back inverted, checks  4 ( 3 ) that are transported with the top and bottom inverted, checks  4 ( 4 ) that are transported with the front and back reversed, and recording media that are not checks are discharged to separate individual discharge units, and an arrangement in which specific combinations of these orientations are discharged to a plurality of discharge units, are also possible. This eliminates the need to manually sort the checks when correcting the orientation and reinserting the checks  4 . 
         [0084]    While the invention has been described in conjunction with various embodiments, further alternatives, modifications and/or variations will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the foregoing description. Thus, the invention described herein is intended to embrace all such alternatives, modifications, applications and/or variations as may fall within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.