Patent ID: 7644043

Claim:
A check processing apparatus for processing payments by check, comprising: a check image scanning unit for generating check image data of all or part of a check during a check transaction; an identity verification information acquisition unit for capturing identity verification information from an identification item used to identify an individual using the check and provided by said individual during said check transaction; an identity verification data generating unit for generating identity verification image data of the captured identity verification information; a merge file generating unit for merging the check image data with the identity verification image data to generate an identification merged file; a merged file storage unit for storing the identification merged file; a merged file output unit for outputting the identification merged file; a payment amount evaluation unit for determining if the payment amount of the check is greater than or equal to a specified fixed minimum amount previously set within said apparatus; and an identity verification data acquisition control unit for determining to acquire identity verification data if the payment amount evaluation unit determines that the payment amount is at least said fixed minimum amount, and to not acquire identify verification data if the payment amount evaluation unit determines that the payment amount does not exceed said fixed minimum amount; wherein the identity verification information acquisition unit captures identity verification information based on the decision of the identity verification data acquisition control unit; and wherein said apparatus continues to process the payment by check irrespective of whether said payment amount exceeds or does not exceed said fixed minimum amount.