Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US6350005?dq=7,346,545
Timestamp: 2016-07-27 17:48:58
Document Index: 468650754

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 4', 'art 23', 'arts 4', 'art 23', 'art 4', 'art 23', 'art 23', 'arts 4', 'art 23']

Patent US6350005 - Method and apparatus for processing recording media having embedded information - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsAn apparatus includes a passage along which a recording medium with magnetic information recorded thereon can travel and an information read head disposed along the passage for reading the magnetic information. The apparatus also includes a first print head disposed on the first side of the passage and...http://www.google.com/patents/US6350005?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US6350005 - Method and apparatus for processing recording media having embedded informationAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS6350005 B1Publication typeGrantApplication numberUS 09/130,165Publication dateFeb 26, 2002Filing dateAug 6, 1998Priority dateAug 6, 1997Fee statusPaidAlso published asCN1144181C, CN1208217A, DE69803727D1, DE69803727T2, DE69813036D1, DE69813036T2, EP0895868A2, EP0895868A3, EP0895868B1, EP1080927A1, EP1080927B1Publication number09130165, 130165, US 6350005 B1, US 6350005B1, US-B1-6350005, US6350005 B1, US6350005B1InventorsNaoki Asai, Kunio OmuraOriginal AssigneeSeiko Epson CorporationExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (12), Non-Patent Citations (1), Referenced by (50), Classifications (11), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod and apparatus for processing recording media having embedded information
US 6350005 B1Abstract
An apparatus includes a passage along which a recording medium with magnetic information recorded thereon can travel and an information read head disposed along the passage for reading the magnetic information. The apparatus also includes a first print head disposed on the first side of the passage and a second print head disposed on the second side of the passage. The first print head prints information on a first surface of the recording media based on data obtained by the information read head and the second print head prints information on a second surface of the recording media based on the data obtained by the information read head. Methods of processing a recording medium with magnetic information recorded thereon also are disclosed.
What is claimed is: 1. An apparatus for processing a recording medium with embedded information, the apparatus comprising:
a passage along which the recording media can travel; an information read head disposed along the passage for reading the recorded information; a first print head disposed on a first side of the passage for printing information on a first surface of the recording medium; a second print head disposed on a second side of the passage opposing to the first side of the passage for printing information on a second surface of the recording medium opposite to the first surface of the recording medium; an insertion opening connecting to the passages through which the recording medium is inserted; and a discharge opening connecting to the passage, through which the recording medium is discharged, the insertion opening and the discharge opening being, respectively, disposed at each end of the passage; wherein the information read head is disposed between the insertion opening and the second print head; and wherein the first print head is disposed between the second print head and the discharge opening. 2. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of rollers disposed along the passage and between the insertion opening and the second print head for feeding the record medium along the passage.
3. The apparatus according to claim 2 further comprising a sensor disposed along the passage and between the pair of rollers and the discharge opening for detecting presence or absence of the recording medium.
4. The apparatus according to claim 3 further comprising a stopper disposed along the passage and between the sensor and the discharge opening for blocking the recording medium at a predetermined position in the passage.
5. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a pair of rollers disposed along the passage and between the first and second print heads for feeding the recording medium along the passage.
the insertion opening is disposed substantially horizontal allowing the recording medium to be inserted in a horizontal manner; and the discharge opening is disposed substantially vertical allowing the recording medium to be discharged in a vertical manner. 7. The apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the first print head is disposed on the same side of the passage as the information read head.
8. The apparatus according to claim 1 further comprising a roll medium feed mechanism disposed opposing to the first print head for feeding a roll medium for printing, the roll medium feed mechanism movably fixed so as to expose the second print head.
9. The apparatus according to claim 8 wherein the roll medium feed mechanism comprises a third print head for printing the roll medium.
10. A method of processing a recording medium with embedded information, the method comprising the steps of:
feeding the recording medium along a passage in a first direction towards a discharge opening; feeding the recording medium along a passage in a second direction towards an insertion opening; and reading the magnetic information recorded on the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage; and after reading the magnetic information printing information on a first surface of the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step; and printing information on a second surface of the recording medium opposite to the first surface thereof while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step, wherein the medium feeding direction in the reading step is the second direction; the medium feeding direction in the first and second printing step is the first direction; and printing the first surface and printing the second surface are performed at substantially the same time or in parallel. 11. A method of processing a recording medium with embedded information, the method comprising the steps of:
feeding the recording medium along a passage in a first direction towards a discharge opening; feeding the recording medium along a passage in a second direction towards an insertion opening; and reading the magnetic information recorded on the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage; and after reading the magnetic information printing information on a first surface of the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step; and, without flipping the recording medium, printing information on a second surface of the recording medium opposite to the first surface thereof while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step, wherein: the second printing step is executed before execution of the first printing step; the medium feeding direction in the reading step is the first direction; the medium feeding direction in the first printing step is the first direction; and the medium feeding direction in the second printing step is the second direction. 12. A method of processing a recording medium with embedded information, the method comprising the steps of:
feeding the recording medium along a passage in a first direction towards a discharge opening; feeding the recording medium along a passage in a second direction towards an insertion opening; and reading the magnetic information recorded on the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage; and after reading the magnetic information printing information on a first surface of the recording medium while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step; and, without flipping the recording medium, printing information on a second surface of the recording medium opposite to the first surface thereof while moving the recording medium along the passage after the reading step; and discharging the recording medium in accordance with a result of the reading step when the reading result has been failure wherein the discharge step is executed before execution of both the first and second printing steps. 13. The method according to claim 12 wherein the medium feeding direction in the discharge step is the second direction.
The present invention is based on Japanese patent application no. Hei. 9-212259 which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The U.S. Pat. No. 4,373,438 and The U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/752,782, now U.S. Pat. No. 5,833,380, and U.S. Pat. No. 08/919,950, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,118,469, are also incorporated herein by reference.
The present invention relates generally to methods and apparatus for reading embedded information such as magnetic ink characters recorded on a recording medium and printing information on the recording medium.
Checks such as personal checks are widely used in business transactions and for personal shopping. Generally, an amount of money and a signature are inscribed on the front surface of the check. Such an inscription can be referred to as a “front surface inscription”. In addition, specified information such as the number of a bank, an individual bank account number, the number of the check and the like are inscribed on the check using magnetic ink characters.
In general, according to one aspect, an apparatus for processing a recording media with embedded information such as recorded magnetic information includes a passage along which the recording media can travel and an information read head disposed along the passage for reading the recorded magnetic information. The apparatus also includes a first print head disposed on a first side of the passage and a second print head disposed on a second side of the passage. The first print head prints information on a first surface of the recording media based on data obtained by the information read head and the second print head prints information on a second surface of the recording media based on the data obtained by the information read head.
Additionally, feeding the recording media in a first direction can include moving the recording media to a specified location in the passage. Reading the magnetic information can be performed after the recording media reaches the specified location. The method also can include determining whether the recording media is valid based on reading the magnetic information. Furthermore, discharging the recording media from the passage can include moving the recording media in the first direction.
In yet a further aspect, a method of processing a recording media with recorded magnetic information includes reading the magnetic information while moving the recording media in a first direction along a passage. The method further includes printing information on a first surface of the recording media based on data obtained during the reading step. Printing information on the first surface is performed while the recording media travels in a second direction opposite the first direction. The method also includes printing information on a second surface of the recording media based on data obtained during the reading step. Printing information on the second surface is performed while the recording media travels in the first direction. The recording media then can be discharged from the passage.
According to some implementations of the latter method, the recording media is fed along the passage in the first direction to a specified position in the passage. The step of feeding can be performed after reading the magnetic information and before printing information on the first surface of the recording media. The method also can include determining whether the recording media is valid based on reading the magnetic information. A first print head can be used to print information on the first surface of the recording media, and a second print head can be used to print information on the second surface of the recording media. The recording media can be moved in the first direction to discharge it from the passage.
FIG. 1 is a schematic view of the internal structure of a composite processor according to the invention.
FIG. 3 is a partial schematic view of the composite processor.
FIG. 4 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a composite processor according to one embodiment of the invention.
FIG. 5 is a flow chart of a method of controlling a composite processor according to a second embodiment of the invention.
Referring to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, a composite processor 1 includes a roll of paper R disposed in the rear portion of a main body cover 2 formed of resin or the like. A roll paper feed mechanism 3 is located in front of the roll of paper R.
The first print part 4 is disposed on one side of the second feed rollers 29 and 30, and the second print part 23 is 10 disposed on the other side of the second feed rollers 29 and 30. When printing the front surface inscription and endorsement on the check S, the respective print heads 4 a and 23 a of the first and second print parts 4 and 23 can be positioned at optimum print positions in consideration of the endorsement print position limited within a predetermined position. An opening 21 is provided above the second feed rollers 29 and 30 for discharging the check S in a substantially vertical direction. The opening 21 is defined by the main body upper cover 20 and main body front cover 5.
A form stopper 31 (FIG. 3) is interposed between the first feed rollers 27, 28 and second rollers 29, 30 on the feed passage.
The form stopper 31 is used to stop the inserted check S temporarily and can be moved away from the feed passage.
An magnetic head 33 is disposed adjacent the first feed rollers 27 and 28 and serves as an information read head to read MICR characters inscribed or recorded on the check S. The magnetic head 33 is configured such that, by pressing a pressure member (not shown) against the checks, the check Scan be brought into close contact with the head portion of the MICR read head. Known roller or pad having a relatively low friction coefficient with checks S is used as the pressure member. The pressure member is configured to move away from the magnetic head making an enough gap for slip sheets to pass the magnetic head without abutting thereto. Known plungers are utilized for moving the pressure member.
As indicated by step S3, when the check S arrives at a specified position where the trailing edge of the MICR character string inscribed on the check S has passed a detecting portion of the magnetic head 33, the feeding of the check S is stopped. Hereinafter, his process is referred as a MICR character positioning.
If the inserted check S is determined to be invalid, then, as indicated by step S6, the check S is fed in the reverse direction. The check S is discharged from the insertion opening 26,as indicated by step S7. Although these steps can be executed automatically by the processor, it is possible for the processor to execute these steps in response to control commands issued by the host device. Thus, more flexible operations by the system including both the processor and host device are made possible.
In step S9, the second print part 23 is driven to print an endorsement on the back surface of the check S. At substantially the same time or in parallel, the first print part 4 is driven to print the front surface inscription on the front surface of the check S. These print processes can be executed in accordance with print data and control commands received from the host device. In this case, feeding direction of the check S is determined based on the print data and the control commands. Next, in step S10, the check S is fed further in the forward direction to discharge it from the opening 21. This process can be done in response to a predetermined control command received from the host device.
If, on the other hand, the check S is determined to be valid, then, as indicated by step S27, the check S is fed in the forward direction to a specified position where the second print part 23 can print a portion of the check S near its trailing edge.
This process can be done in response to a predetermined control command received from the host device. In step S28, the second print part 23 prints an endorsement on the back surface of the check S while the check S is fed in the reverse direction. This print process can be executed in accordance with print data and control commands received from the host device. In this case, feeding direction of the check S is determined based on the print data and the control commands. After completion of the endorsement printing, the check S is then fed further in the reverse direction as indicated by step S29.
As previously noted, the first and second print parts 4, 23, can execute their respective their respective printing operations using ribbon cassette-type printers. Alternatively, the printing operations can be performed using ink jet printers or the like to reduce the printing sound of the print head and to obviate the need to provide a large gap between the print head and the platen 8. In yet other implementations, a thermal printer, in which ink is fused from a ribbon and transferred to the recording media, can be used. An ink ribbon which is capable of printing two or more times also can be used. In some implementations, only the second print part 23 includes an ink jet-type printer or a thermal transfer-type printer. Use of such printers is advantageous because the number of printed lines for the endorsement on the back surface of the check is small, and the second print part is not required to print a large number of sheets. In addition, such printers provide better print quality than an impact type printer.
In the processor of the present embodiment, the roll paper feed mechanism 3 is disposed so that it can rotate about pivot 12 and supplies the roll paper R to the first print head 4 a for printing when the roll paper feed mechanism 3 is positioned as shown by the solid line in FIG. 1. However, the present invention is not limited to this configuration. The roll paper feed mechanism 3 can be further provided with a third print head dedicated on printing the roll paper R fed in the mechanism 3. Preferably the third print head is a thermal line print head explained in detail in the U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08/752,782 which is incorporated herein by reference. Other implementations are within the scope of the following claims.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4027142Aug 18, 1975May 31, 1977Recognition Equipment IncorporatedAutomated processing of financial documentsUS4786789Dec 17, 1985Nov 22, 1988Electronique Serge DassaultApparatus for processing vouchers, in particular checksUS5049898 *Jul 13, 1990Sep 17, 1991Hewlett-Packard CompanyPrinthead having memory elementUS6017161 *Jun 11, 1998Jan 25, 2000International Business Machine CorporationCheck flipper for point of sale printer and method thereforUS6118469 *Aug 29, 1997Sep 12, 2000Seiko Epson CorporationThermal printerEP0115189A1Dec 22, 1983Aug 8, 1984Ncr Canada Ltd - Ncr Canada LteeApparatus and method for processing documentsEP0441964A1Apr 16, 1990Aug 21, 1991Laurel Bank Machines Co., Ltd.Printing device of securitiesEP0492900A2Dec 11, 1991Jul 1, 1992NCR International, Inc.Document processing machine and methodEP0677392A1Apr 12, 1995Oct 18, 1995Gemplus Card InternationalSimultaneous two-sided printing machineJPH0336054A Title not availableJPH03224760A Title not availableJPH03297670A Title not available* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1European Search Report.Referenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6695427Jun 19, 2002Feb 24, 2004Seiko Epson CorporationMultifunction device and control method for the sameUS6964475Jul 3, 2003Nov 15, 2005Seiko Epson CorporationPrinterUS6983885Sep 4, 2002Jan 10, 2006Seiko Epson CorporationPrint media processing apparatus and control method for the sameUS7057759Aug 8, 2003Jun 6, 2006Silverbrook Research Pty LtdMemory configuration in a printer that simultaneously prints on both surfaces of a sheet of print mediaUS7118208Sep 22, 2005Oct 10, 2006Seiko Epson CorporationPrinterUS7182249Apr 10, 2003Feb 27, 2007Rdm CorporationApparatus and method for obtaining data from a documentUS7187470Oct 21, 2002Mar 6, 2007Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrint engine mechanismUS7239407 *Dec 11, 1999Jul 3, 2007Silverbrook Research Pty LtdController for controlling printing on both surfaces of a sheet of print mediaUS7258500Nov 22, 2005Aug 21, 2007Seiko Epson CorporationMedia processing apparatus and scanner unitUS7280235Dec 23, 2005Oct 9, 2007Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrint engine for double-sided printingUS7280244Dec 6, 2004Oct 9, 2007Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrinter simultaneously printing on both surfaces of a sheetUS7414749Aug 10, 2006Aug 19, 2008Silverbrook Research Pty LtdDual printhead controller architectureUS7477427 *Jan 15, 2004Jan 13, 2009Seiko Epson CorporationData reading apparatusUS7665655Feb 23, 2010Rdm CorporationApparatus and method for presenting both faces of a document for processingUS7701622Jul 16, 2007Apr 20, 2010Seiko Epson CorporationMedia processing apparatus and scanner unitUS7744208Jun 29, 2010Silverbrook Research Pty Ltd.Printer with ink transfer roller and cleaning stationUS7782481Aug 24, 2010Silverbrook Research Pty LtdDual printhead controller architecture for ink quality assurance circuitryUS7787148Aug 31, 2010Silverbrook Research Pty LtdDual printhead controller architecture having hidden slaveUS7808670May 3, 2007Oct 5, 2010Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrint media tray assembly with ink transfer arrangementUS8289590Oct 16, 2012Seiko Epson CorporationMedia processing apparatus and scanner unitUS8780368 *May 7, 2010Jul 15, 2014Shangdong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., Ltd.Scanning-printing integrated apparatusUS9049329Mar 2, 2012Jun 2, 2015Seiko Epson CorporationMultifunction printing deviceUS9098979 *Nov 16, 2010Aug 4, 2015Shandong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., Ltd.Scanning-printing integrated machine for lottery ticket printing and cashingUS9193187 *Mar 4, 2011Nov 24, 2015Seiko Epson CorporationGap control method for a media processing device, and a media processing deviceUS9256811Nov 15, 2010Feb 9, 2016Seiko Epson CorporationRecording medium processing apparatusUS9381753May 29, 2015Jul 5, 2016Seiko Epson CorporationMultifunction printing deviceUS20020195492 *Jun 14, 2002Dec 26, 2002Sadao MurataScanner apparatus and multifunction device having a scannerUS20030189615 *Oct 21, 2002Oct 9, 2003Paul LapstunPrint engine mechanismUS20030214689 *Apr 10, 2003Nov 20, 2003Glen JohannessonApparatus and method for obtaining data from a documentUS20040046971 *Aug 8, 2003Mar 11, 2004Paul LapstunMemory configuration in a printer that simultaneously prints on both surfaces of a sheet of print mediaUS20040100549 *Jul 3, 2003May 27, 2004Mitsuhiko NebashiPrinterUS20050083389 *Dec 6, 2004Apr 21, 2005Paul LapstunCompact printer roller drive assemblyUS20060028522 *Sep 22, 2005Feb 9, 2006Seiko Epson CorporationPrinterUS20060098034 *Dec 23, 2005May 11, 2006Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrint engine for double-sided printingUS20060115312 *Nov 22, 2005Jun 1, 2006Seiko Epson CorporationMedia processing apparatus and scanner unitUS20060186208 *Jan 30, 2006Aug 24, 2006Rdm CorporationApparatus and method for presenting both faces of a document for processingUS20060210342 *Jan 15, 2004Sep 21, 2006Masashi FujikawaData reading apparatusUS20060268293 *Aug 10, 2006Nov 30, 2006Silverbrook Research Pty LtdDual printhead controller architectureUS20070206078 *May 3, 2007Sep 6, 2007Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrint Media Tray Assembly With Ink Transfer ArrangementUS20080006165 *Sep 23, 2007Jan 10, 2008Silverbrook Research Pty LtdPrinter with ink transfer roller and cleaning stationUS20090008861 *Apr 21, 2008Jan 8, 2009Pfu LimitedSheet feeding deviceUS20090051943 *Apr 16, 2008Feb 26, 2009Silverbrook Research Pty LtdDual printhead controller architecture for ink quality assurance circuitryUS20100208311 *Mar 4, 2010Aug 19, 2010Seiko Epson CorporationMedia Processing Apparatus and Scanner UnitUS20110129280 *Nov 15, 2010Jun 2, 2011Seiko Epson CorporationRecording medium processing apparatusUS20110217105 *Sep 8, 2011Seiko Epson CorporationGap control method for a media processing device, and a media processing deviceUS20120120433 *May 7, 2010May 17, 2012Shandong New Beiyang Information Technology Co., Ltd.Scanning-printing integrated apparatusUS20130038905 *Nov 16, 2010Feb 14, 2013Qiangzi CongScanning-printing integrated machine for lotter ticket printing and cashingUSRE43358Jan 11, 2011May 8, 2012Seiko Epson CorporationData reading apparatusCN1762718BJul 3, 2003Jul 27, 2011精工爱普生株式会社PrinterEP2886354A1 *Dec 20, 2013Jun 24, 2015Wincor Nixdorf International GmbHDevice for printing and scanning printable media* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification347/19, 400/637.1International ClassificationB41J11/48, B41J11/46, B41J3/60Cooperative ClassificationB41J3/60, B41J11/46, B41J11/48European ClassificationB41J11/48, B41J3/60, B41J11/46Legal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionOct 22, 1998ASAssignmentOwner name: SEIKO EPSON CORPORATION, JAPANFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:ASAI, NAOKI;OMURA, KUNIO;REEL/FRAME:009548/0537Effective date: 19981014Aug 3, 2005FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 4Jul 29, 2009FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 8Mar 14, 2013FPAYFee paymentYear of fee payment: 12RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services