Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
1~827~
1 The present invention is directed to an apparatus
2 and method for producing personalized travelers checks. Spe-
3 ciflcally, the apparatus and method of the present invention
4 provide for the production of travelers checks presi~ned with a
digitized replica of a customer's signature. With the apparatus
6 and method o~ the present invention the customer does not have
7 to be physically present to order the travelers checks nor does
8 the customer have to sign each travelers check personally.
~0 At the present time travelers checks are normally
11 purchased by a customer who physically goes to a sales location
12 where travelers checks are sold and purchases the travelers
13 checks over the counter. For example, the travelers checks
14 may be purchased at a bank or a savings and loan or other
sales agents, but the purchase of the travelers checks requires
16 the customer's presence. Specifically, the customer~s presence
17 is required since each travelers check must be signed by the
18 customer at the time the checks are purchased. Additionally,
19 at the time the travelers checks are purchased, the serial
numbers of the particular checks purchased by the.customer are
21 recorded so that they can be identified with a particular
22 customer's purchase of tra~elers checks. Unfortunately, a period
23 of time must expire before these serial numbers are on file at a
24 central location thereby complicating refunds or replacements of
lost checks.
26
2~ The present method of purchasing and dispensing
28 travelers checks is time consuming and cumbersome to both the
29 customer and to the sales agent such as the bank or savings
and loan which is selling the travelers checks. The present
31 system is time consuming because it requires the personal
32 appearance of the customer and since each purchase of -travelers
27~
1 checks by a customer is an individual operation which must be
2 handled on a one-to-one basis between the customer and a person
3 from the sales agent selling the travelers checks. Because the
present method is time consuming and cumbersome, travelers
checks have not been used as a general replacement for money.
7 The present method of purchasing travelers checks
cannot be set up on a production basis from a centralized
9 location since a key factor in the purchase of the travelers
checks is the signing of each individual check by the customer.
11 The present invention provides for an apparatus and method
12 wherein the purchasing of travelers checks is processed from
13 a centralized location and with the present invention eliminating
14 the necessity of having the customer's physical presence to
1~ sign each travelers check. In addition, the present invention
16 does not require a personal appearance by the customer to
17 purchase ~he travelers checks, but allows for the purchase of
1~ the checks by telephone or mail. Similarly, the distribution
19 of the checks to the customer is also accomplished by mail or
20 other deliver~ systems, again to eliminate the neces~ity of the
21 customer's physical presence.
22
23 The present invention provides for an apparatus and
24 method for processing and distributing travelers checks and
25 with the checks personalized by being at least presigned with
26 a digitized replica of the customer's signature. The personaliza-
27 tion occurs at the central location and with the checks then
2~ distributed to the customer. The personalization of the checks
29 before distribution not only eliminates the necessit~of the
30 customer's signing each check but also is a safety factor. The
31
32
., .. ,.~ . .. ..
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a~s~7~ ,
present invention also allows for much greater flexibility in
the issuance of travelers checks to customers from a particular
account. For example, a paxticular ordex of travelers checks
may have some presigned with a first signature, such as the
husband's, and other presigned with a second signature, such
as the wife's. There may be a corporate account with a number
of authorized signatures. The account may have the travelers
checks issued periodically to replenish the supply of travelers
checks automatically.
Thus, the present invention provides an apparatus for pro-
viding a personalization of a blank check form with particular
customer information and with the personalization for use as iden-
tification when the personalized check is presented for cashing
including means for storing electronic digital information repre-
sentative of a digital replica of a particular customex's signat-
ure, means for storlng a plurality of blank check forms for use for
personalization with the particular customer's signature, a
printing station for printing information on the blank check forms,
means coupled to the means for storing the blank check forms and to
the printing station for transporting individual ones of the stored
blank checks to the printing station, and means coupled to the
printing station and responsive to the stored electronic digital
information for electronically controlling the printing at the
printing station of the replica of the particular customer's sig-
nature on individual ones of the blank check forms.
As a specific example, the customer may pre-enroll by
filling out an application form and with the application form
including an area for at least one signature. Preferably, the
form includes areas for more than one signature so as to
increase the flexibility of the present invention, as indicated
abo~e. Once the customer has been pre-enrolled, the customer
may order the travelers checks either by telephone or by mail.
Of course, the initial enrollment and the first order may occur
~5~7~
at the same time~ Once the customer has been enrolled and an
account is opened, the.c.ustomer data is retained permanently so
that future orders may be easily accomplished. It is also to
be appreciated that the customer may, of course, make a personal
appearance to place an order for travelers checks, but since the
present invention provides for the personalization of the
travelers checks by at least a digitized replica of the customer's
signature the customer need not individually sign each travelers
check.
Once an order for travelers checks has been received,
the travelers checks may be processed at a central location and
~ 158276
1 with the processing accomplished by automated equipment.
2 Specifically, blank forms for travelers checks may be used and
3 with an individual order filled with particular denominations
4 of the blank forms. The blank forms of travelers checks may or
~ may not have preprinted serial numbers and the blank forms may
6 include preprinted codes so as to identify the denomination of
7 the blank travelers check form.
9 The customer's signature is stored in a digitized form
10 by scanning the signature areas of the application forms.
11 Normally, a specific customer order includes a request for
12 particular denominations of ~ravelers checks and the blank
13 travelers checks are fed to a personalization area. Each blank
1~ travelers check is then personalized with at least the digitized
1~ replica of the customer's signature. As indicated above,
16 the serial number of each blank travelers check may be pre-
17 printed and each serial number is read and stored with the
18 customer's order so as to provide for a complete order record.
19 If the serial numbers are not preprinted, the serial nurnbers
20 may be printed along with the digitized replica of t~ customer's
21 signature and with the serial numbers of the travelers checks
22 forming the customer's order stored to provide for an order
23 record. The denomination codes of the individual travelers
24 checks may be read prior to personalization so as to provide
25 a verification of the denomination of the travelers checks
26 used to fill the order.
27
2~ Payment for the individual customer's orders may be made
29 by debiting the custorner's account, such as through a~bank card
30 or a checking or savings account. The system therefore provides
31
3~
1 1582~6
1 for a complete audit trail and for complete order records so
2 that i~ the travelers checks are lost or stolen tne records
3 facilitate the making of timely refunds to the customer. In
4 addition, since the complete information is in a cen~ral file
5 before the checks are sent to the customer, this prevents various
6 modes of unauthori~ed cashing Qf the checks.
7 Once a particular order for travelers checks is
8 processed at the central location, the order can be delivered
9 to the customer by mail or other delivery systems. ~ince the
checks have been preprinted with at least a replica of the
11 customer's signature, this enhances the safety factor if the
12 checks are stolen during delivery. ~lso, the present invention
13 may provide for additional identifiers preprinted on the indi-
14 vidual travelers checks so as to hinder the unauthorized cashing
1~ of the travelers checks by someone other than the customer. For
16 example, the customer's driver's license number or pa~sport
17 number ma~ be also printed on each travelers check and with
18 this additional number used as a further identification when
lg cashing the check.
Because the present invention does not req~ire the
21 presence of the customer to sign the individual travelers checks,
22 even the existing method of purchasing travelers checks can be
23 enhanced. For example, the customer can leave an order with
24 his bank or savings and loan either by phone or in person and
then pick up at a later time the travelers c~ecks which have been
26 presigned with the customer's signature. Other variations of
27 ordering travelers checks according to the present invention
2~ include ordering travelers checks at the same time the customer
29 makes airline reservations. When the customer picks~p the
airline tickets he can at the same tirne receive the order of
31 travelers checks. The various methods of ordering and delivering
32
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1 1582~6
1 the travelers checks are manifold, but since the custo~ner's
2 presence is not necessary for the signing of each travelers
3 check, the handling and the processing of the tra~elers checks
are enhanced and the time-consuming portion for the ~ustomer
~ and the sales agent is eliminated.
7 It may also be appreciated that the apparatus and
8 method of the present invention may be incorporated into existing
g automated teller equipment. The automated teller wouid be
10 modified so as to include equipment for printing travelers
~1 checks with replicas of the customer's signature and the
12 automated teller would dispense the travelers checks presigned
1~ with the replica of the customer's signature. The custome~ would
14 go to the location of such an automated teller and the customer
1~ would order travelers checks dixectly from the automated teller.
16 ~
17 The apparatus and method of the present invention
18 may also incorporate all of the numerous advantages of a
19 centralized sys~em. For example, the customer's account may ;~
allow for more than one person to be able to order tr~velers
21 checks and for more than one signature to be preprinted on
22 the travelers checks. The customer's file may include other
23 personal data so that even if the customer forgets his account
24 number he may be able to identify himself properly and thereby
order travelers checks. The system may use secret passwords
26 and other identifiers so as to hinder the ordering or cashing
27 of the travelers checks by unauthorized persons.
2~
29 With the present invention, the customer si~ns the
application form at a particular location on the form. The
31
32
27~
1 signature on the application form is optically scanned and a
2 dlgitized representation of the customer's signature is stored
3 in a central data file along with other customer data. The
4 stored data is then used as an input to a printing system, such
5 as an ink jet printing system, to print at least the digitized
6 replica of the customer's signature at a particular location
7 on the travelers checks. The ink jet printing system may be
8 used to print other data such as the serial number of; the
g individual travelers check. The ink jet printing sys~em may
10 also be used to print a cover sheet for a book of travelers
11 checks and with the cover sheet forminy a mailer to :Eacilitate
12 the mailing of the travelers checks to the customer.
13
14 In order to ensure that the ink ~et printing system
15 has properly printed the desired data, the present invention
16 provides for a veri~ication that the data has been pr~perly
17 printed on each travelers check. The present invention therefore
1~ ensures that all of the desired information is properly printed
19 on each individual travelers check and on the cover sheet.
20 This ensures that incomplete or inaccurate travelers ~checks
21 are not sent to the customer. Other aspects of the present
22 invention, including the operation of a particular system for
2~ producing the personalized travelers checks, will become clearer,
24 as will a complete understanding of the invention, upon reference
25 to the following description and drawings, wherein:
26
27 Figure 1 illustrates a specimen of a personalized
28 travelers check including a preprinted digitized replica of a
29 customer's signature;
31
32
~ 1 5~B
1 Figure 2 illustrates a specimen of a blank travelers
2 check and with the blank including a preprinted bank identification
3 and document serial numbers;
4 .~
Figure 3 illustrates a specimen of a blank travelers
6 check without preprinted bank identification and document seri.al
7 numbers;
g Figure 4 illustrates a first embodiment of a travelers
check including a first type of denomination code;
11
12 Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment of a
13 travelers check including a second type of denomination code;
14
1~ Figure 6 illustrates a cover sheet for a book of
16 travelers checks and with the cover sheet providing o~rder infor-
17 mation and serving as part of a mailer for the book of travelers
1~ checks;
19
20 Figure 7 illustrates a verification patter~ which may :
21 be used to verify the printing of the signature and other data
22 on the travelers checks and cover sheet;
23
~4 Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an overall
system of the present invention for providing personalized
26 travelers checks;
27
2~ Figure 9 illustrates a block dia~ram of a system for
29 capturing the customer's signature and other data in ~ customer's
file;
31
32
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7~
1 Figure 10 is a flow chart illustrating the ordering
2 of travelers checks by telephonei
4 ~igure 11 illustrates a physical layout of-a production
system for producing the personalized travelers checks;
S ..
7 Figures 12~a) and 12~b) illustrate an ink jet printing
8 system for providing a printin~ of particular data on the
9 travelers checks, including the digitized replica of the
customer's signature
11
12 Figure 13 illustrates both an enlarged and an actual
13 size example of a digitized replica of a customer's signature;
14
1~ Figure 1~ illustrates a block diagram of the production
16 system of Figure 11; and
17
18 Figure 15 is a flow chart illustrating the operation
19 of the production system of Figure 11. This Figure is on two sheets.
21 Figure 1 illustrates a specimen of a personalized
22 travelers chec~ 10 produced in accordance with the apparatus
23 and method of the present invention. Speci~ically, the
24 travelers check 10 includes at least a digitized replica 12
of the customer's signature in the normal signature position.
26 In the prior art, the customer, when purchasing travelers
2~ checks, would sign each one of the travelers checks in the
2~ signature position in the presence of the sales agent. In
29 the present invention the digitized replica 12 o~ th~
customer's signature is produced by automa-ted equipment from
31 stored information and the customer's presence is not necessary
32 to complete the personalization of the travelers checks.
tl~8276
1 The travelers check 10 also includes identifying
2 data such as a document serial number 14 and a magnetic ink coded
3 print line 16. The print line 16 typically includes a bank
4 identification number ~ollowed by the document serial number and
~ may also include a denomination code as part of the serial number.
6 The travelers check 10 may also include a separate denomination
7 code 18 which would help in the elimination of errors in the
8 filling of customers' orders for travelers checks, especially
g if the magnetic ink coded print line 16 is not preprinted.
,
11 The personalized travelers check 10 of th~ present
12 invention may be cashed in the normal manner wherein the
1~ travelers check is presented and is countersigned at the
14 position 20 in the presence of the person cashing the travelers
15 check. The digitized replica 12 and the countersignature at ~ .
16 the position 20 may then be compared to ensure that ~he proper
17 person is cashing the travelers check. 'rhe travelers check 10
lB may also include a further identifier 22 which, for example, may
1~ be the customer's driver's license number or passport nun~er so
20 as to serve as a f~r~her personal identification whe~ cashing
21 the check.
22
23 It is to be appreciated that although the invention ~;
24 is described with reference to a personalized travelers check,
25 the word "travelers" is merely illustrative and the personalized
26 check of the present invention may be used for purposes other
27 than during traveling. For example, there are many businesses
2~ which pay their workers in cash. This practice is quite
29 dangerous since on every payday a large amount of ca~h must
3~ be kept on hand. Personalized checks produced in accordance
31 with the present invention may be used in lieu of payment in cash.
32 For example, each worker would receive pay in the form of ~hecks
-- 1 0 ~
7 6
1 of various denominations personalized with digitized replicas of
2 the worker's own signature. In this way, the worker would receive
3 a plurality of personalized checks which are readily negotiable,
4 but are safer than the use of cash. r
~ Figures 2 and 3 illustrate specimens of blank travelers
6 checks which may be used as the blank forms prior to the person~
7 alization of the checks by at least the replica of the customer's
8 signature. In Figure 2, a blank travelers check 30 is preprinted
9 with both the document serial number 14 and the magnetic ink coded
line 16, as well as the denomination code 18. With the blank
11 travelers check 30 of Figure 2, the production equipment provides
12 for the replica of the customer's signature so as to personalize
13 the trave]ers check plus any other identifiers such as the
14 number 22. In Figure 3 a blank travelers check 32 includes only
1~ the denomination code 18. With the blank travelers check 32 of
16 Figuxe 3,the production equipment provides for printlng all of
17 the identifying numbers in addition to the re~lica of the
18 customer's signature.
19 With the current method of printing blank travelers
checks, the various identification numbers 14 and 16~are printed
21 as the last step in the overall printing process and while the
22 checks are still in sheet form. The sheets are run on a
23 numbering press with the printed number sequences running down
24 through a stack of sheets so that when the stack of sheets
2~ is cut, the numbering sequence is in order. This printing
26 technigue requires that all of the checks be perfectly
27 printed with the magnetic ink code print line so that
2~ all of the checks can be machine readable at a later time.
29 The current practice is to inspect each check indivi~ally,
which is obviously an expensive process. In addition, the
31 prior art methods require that an impr~perly printed check
32 be replaced so as to maintain a complete serial number sequence.
~158~7~
1 Using the blank travelers check 32 of Figure 3, the
2 present invention provides for the printing of the serial
3 number 14 and the magnetic ink coded print line 16. This
4 eliminates the prior art step of individual inspectiorn since
5 with the present invention the printing is checked as part
6 of the production process. In addition, when using either of
7 the blank travelers checks of Figures 2 or 3, the travelers
8 checks serialization is read at the same time the customer's
g order is being filled so as to provide for an immediate tie-in
10 between the customer's order and the serialization of the
11 travelers check. This provides for a complete record which
12 greatly acilitates the servicing of any claims of lost or
13 stolen travelers checks.
14
1~ As a further control in the apparatus and method
16 of the present invention, the blank travelers checks ~ or 32
17 may also include the denomination code 18. Figure 4 illus-
18 trates a first embodiment of the positioning of the denomina-
19 tion code 18 and, as shown in Figure 4, the code may consist
20 of a number of bars and with the particular number of~bars
21 representing the denomination of the travelers checks. For
22 example, a single bar represents $10.00, two bars $20.00,
23 three bars $50.00, four bars $100.00, and five bars ~500.00.
2~ It is to be appreciated that the denomination code may take
2~ other forms such as a binary code and may be at other positions
26 on the travelers checks.
27
29
31
32
~.
- 12 -
1 For example, Figure 5 illustrates a second embodiment
2 of a denomination code including combinations of bars 33
3 representing the denomination with a binary code and with
4 a second redundant group of bars 34 representing the`same
denomination so as to provide an even further control. In
6 the embodiment shown in Figure 5, the denomination code is
7 on a stub portion of the travelers check and represents a
8 denomination of $20.00. The dotted portions may also contain
9 bars and with combinations of the bars providing a binary coaing
of the denomination. The use of the denomination code ensures
11 that the proper denomination for the blank travelers check is
12 used as the blank travelers check enters the equipment for
13 providing for the additional personalization of the travelers
14 check.
16 Figure ~ illustrates an additional persona~ization
17 feature of the present invention wherein a cover sheet for a
18 book o travelers checks is provided to include various
19 personalized information. Specifically, the cover sheet 40
includes the digitized replica 12 of the signature o~ the
21 customer. In addition, a portion 42 of the cover sheet 40
22 provides a summary of the customer's order and is printed
23 with specific information to enable the customer to check the
24 order and to have a summary readily at hand. A mailer portion
44 of the cover sheet 40 is used to print the customer's
26 name and address and may be used in combination with an
27 envelope having a window to provide for the mailing o~ a book
2~ of travelers checks to the customer~ An area 46 of the cover
29 sheet 40 indicates to the customer the number of boo~s which
3 were required to fill the order.
31
32
276
1 During the personalization of the travelers checks
2 and the cover sheet, bar verification patterns 48 and 50 may
3 be printed so as to verify that the printing system is operating
properly. As shown in Figure 5, the bar verificationF
5 patterns are shown printed on the travelers checks as the
6 individual travelers checks are personalized. Figure 6
7 illustrates the same bar verification patterns 48 and 50
8 on the cover sheet 40.
In a particular embodiment of the invention the
11 printing is accompllshed using an ink jet system and the
12 bar verification patterns 48 and 50 are produced by the ink
13 jet system to verify ihat each ink jet is functioning.
14 The bar verification patterns are printed after all of the
other information has been printed at a position following the
16 other printed information. The bar verification pat~erns are
17 then scanned after the cover sheet 40 and travelers checks have
18 been personalized and if the bar verification pattern has been
19 correctly printed it is then assumed that all of the previously
printed information has been properly printed.
21
22 Figure 7 specifically shows an enlarged version of
23 the bar verification pattern 48 and it is to be appreciated
24 that the pattern 50 would be the same. The travelers checks
25 would be fed for printing in the particular direction as desig-
26 nated in Figure 7. The bar verification pattern 48 includes four
27 columns of dots 52 through 58 and with each column offset one row
28 from the next column. Each column includes fifteen
29
31
32
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` ~582~6
1 pair of dots. The bar verification pattern also includes a
2 portion 60 which forms a single column of dots. Specifically,
3 the bar verification pattern is formed from a portion of the
4 ink jet system which includes a total of sixty dots spaced
next to each other along a distance of one-half inch. This
6 provides a resolution of one hundred twenty points per inch
7 in the vertical direction and the system has the same resolution
8 along the horizontal directions. As can be seen in Figure 7, '
9 the bar verification pattern 48 provides for an accurate
check of the printing of data since the pattern represents
11 the proper operation of all of the ink jets in particular
12 areas.
13
14 Figure 8 illustrates a block diagram of an apparatus
1~ and method or producing the personalized travelers checks
16 of the present invention. As shown in Figure 8/ the customer
17 would initially fill in a~ application form 80, which applica-
18 tion form may include specific identification material. In
19 addition, the application form 80 would include at least the
20 customer's signature 82 in a particular location on the
21 application form. Additional signatures 83, such as for the
22 customer's spouse, children, employees, etcO, may also be
23 included on the form 80 and a block 100 may be checked if
24 more than one signature appears on the form 80. Other
information such as home and business addresses, mode of
26 payment, personal identifiers, such as mother's maiden name
27 and first school attended, may also be included. A password
28 may also be selected by the customer and entered on the form
29 80. The form 80 may also include a preprinted number 103
30 which serves as a control number during the initial processing.
31
" 32
I - 15 -
l Each application form 80 may be processed to deter-
2 mine if an account is to be opened and if so the application
3 form 80 including the signatures 82 and 83 may be processed
4 through a signature apture scanner 84 to produce digitized
information representative of the signatures. The preprinted
6 number 103 s~rves as a control number during the initial
7 stages. In addition, the other information and the cxedit
8 information may be entered as shown by block 86 and with all
g of the information stored in a customer data base file storage
88. Each customer account may be given an account number and
ll the customer is given this number for future use.
12
13 The data base file storage 88 serves as a basic
14 repository of information so as to provide for the batch
l~ processing of customers'orders for travelers checks. As an
16 example, requests for travelers checks may be made directly
17 by phone or mail by the customer ox may be made indirectly
18 through various agent5 for the customer. These requests for
l9 travelers checks would come in to a central location and be
processed through a controller 90. If the travelers check
21 order is to be charged to an account, then the contro,ller
22 may request authorization for the charge from existing credit
23 authorization.
24
In addition, if the identity of the customer is to be
26 verified, this may occur using the data base file storage 88.
27 If the order is authorized and the customer properly identified,
28 then the particular travelers check order is stored on a dis~
29 memory 92 for file storage of the orders.
31
32
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a~58278
1 The order is also recorded on a tape 94 and with
2 each tape 94 providing for the storage of a batch of orders.
3 The information recorded on the tape 94 may include the
digitized information representing the customerls sig-~ature
5 but it would not be necessary to include this information
6 on the disk memory. The tape 94 may be removed and replaced
7 by a new tape after a full complement of orders is stored
8 on the tape 94. The tape 94 may now be transferred f-or use
9 as part of a production system including a travelers ~check
production controller 96. The production controller 96
11 uses the information on the tape 94 during the processing
12 of orders for travelers checks. As the orders are processed,
13 the production controller 96 also makes a tape of the various
1~ completed transactions 9~ so as to form a transaction log
1~ tape. This tape may be used to provide ~or a complete cIosure
16 to the customer files so that a complete record is kept of
17 each customer's orders.
1~ :
1~ In general, the production controller 96 controls
a production unit which includes a dispensing sectio~ 100 for
21 dispensing different denominations of travelers checks. These
22 travelers checks are then processed through a personalization
23 and printing section 102 so that the checks are personalized
24 with at least the customer's signature and possibly serial
numbers and other identifying information. Finally, the various
26 orders are packaged for transportation by a section 104. At
27 this point the checks are ready to be sent to the customer.
28
29 &
31
32
- 17 - _
27~
1 Figure 9 illustrates an optical scan system for use
2 in-capturing the signature of the customer which has been
3 written on the application form 80 illustrated in Figure
4 8. As described above, the application form 80 inclu~des
positions for a plurality of signatures, such as the signatures
~ 82 and 83. In addition, the application form includes the
7 box 101 which is checked if more than one signature is on
8 the application form. The application form 80 also includes
9 a preprinted number 103 to serve as the control until the
account has been cleared and given a particular account
11 number.
12
13 The use of a plurality of signatures as part of a
1~ single account allows for the system to provide travelers
checks with different signatures depending on the need of
16 the customer. For example, the application form 80 ~ay allow
17 for signatures of both the husband and wife so that when an
1~ order or travelers checks is n~ade, the customer may specify
19 that a particular group of the travelers checks include the
digltized replica of the husband's signature, while ~nother
21 group of travelers checks may have the digitized replica of
22 the wife's signature. The account may be a corporate account
23 and with a number of different employees' signatures stored
24 so that travelers checks may be ordered for particular ones
of the employees.
26
27 The various application forms are stacked together
28 in an input hopper 105 and with each application form 80
29 being fed individually from the input hopper to a sc~nning
tower 106. The scanning tower 106 may be any type of standard
31
32
- 18 -
27~
1 scanning device such as an image dL's-sector tube to provide for
2 a high resolution reading of the information contained in
3 particular positions on the application form. For example,
4 the scanning tower 106 provides for a reading of the~pre-
printed number plus the individual signatures such as the
6 signatures at the positions 82,and 83. The scanning tower,
~ therefore, provides for a high resolution reading of particular
8 information on the application form.
After each application form 80 is read it is trans-
11 ported to an output hopper 107. The control of the movement
12 of the application forms through the scanning tower and the
13 reading of the information are provided by a scanner control
14 108. The information read when each application form is
in the scanning tower 106 is also sent to the scanner control
16 108. Typically the information at this point would ~e in an
17 uncompressed form and consist of the signature data and the
18 pre-printed number data. The uncompressed information from
19 the scanning tower is fed through a computer 110 to provide
compression of the data to a more compact form and w~th the
21 compressed data then recorded on a tape 112.
22
23 In order to ~nsure that the signatures have been
24 accurately digitized by the optical readout provided by the
scanning tower 106, the information on the tape is reproduced
26 and verified by the verification portion 114. Specifically,
27 the data is read out of the tape 112 and displayed on a
2~ terminal 116 including a visual display such as a CRT tube.
29 An operator 118 visually scans the representation of~the
signatures and verifies the preprinted numbers. The signatures
31 and numbers ~hich are properly recorded are then further
32 recorded on an additional tape 120.
-- 19 --
1~L5827~
1 The application forms may also include other
2 identifying informa~ion, such as the customer's home and
3 business addresses, birthdate, motherls maiden name, name
of first school attended, credit information, etc. The
application forms are therefore taken from the output hopper
6 107 and read by an operator. The operator would then
7 keypunch the information, as shown at position 122, and after
8 verification as shown at portion 124, the additional-informa-
g tion is recorded on a tape 126.
Il Both the tapes 120 and 126 now contain information ;
12 regarding a particular customer and with this information
13 correlated by a preprinted number 103 on the application form
14 ~0. The information on the tapes 120 and 126 is now stored
in the customer file 88 and used as part of the further
16 production system as shown in Figure 8. The preprint~d
17 number may be used as the account number or at the time the
18 information is stored in the customer file 88 a new account
lg~ number may be given to the particular customer. In either
case, the customer would have a~specific account num~er which
~21 is used as identification when orders for travelers checks ~ ~-
22 are made at a future time.
23 ,
2~ Figure 10 illustrates a typical flow chart for the
entry of an order for travelers checks. As an example, the
26 order is shown by telephone to a centxal station. It is to
27 be appreciated that the order may also be processed through a
2~ terminal such as the type now currently being used in banks.
29 In either case, whether by direct telephone contact ~th an
operator or through a terminal, two-way communication is
31
32
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1115827~
1 established between the customer and the central processin~
2 station. It is also to be appreciated that the order may be
3 made by mail.
As shown in Figure 10, a customer 150 establishes,
6 through a telephone link 152, communication with the central
7 station. Generally the customer has pxeviously opened an
8 account and has stored in the customer data base file storage
9 88, shown in Figure 8, various identifying informatio~. This
10 ensures that the customer is properly identified when making
11 the telephone order for travelers checks. Specific examples
12 of the use of particular identifying information is shown in
13 the flow chart of Figure 10, but it is to be appreciated that
14 other identifying information may be used.
1~
16 As a first step, the customer may provide ~enti-
17 fication by supplyin~ his particular account number. This
18 step is shown by block 154, If the customer knows his
19 particular account number then the operation passes on to the
next step. If the customer does not know his account~ number,
21 he is requested by the operator to identify himself by his
22 name and birth date as shown by block 156. If the customer
23 knows that information, then he is passed on to the next step.
24 If no~, the customer is told that the order cannot be placed.
2~ The operator, of course, retrieves the information from the
26 data base 88 and determines that the information is correct at
27 appropriate points in the entry of the order.
28
29
31
32
- 21
a~5~278
1 Assuming that the customer can supply either his
2 particular account number or his name and birthdate, then the
3 operator checks to see if the customer is allowed to purchase
travelers checks at this time. For example, after a~rcustomer
initially sends in an application form, a period of time must
6 pass to ensure that credit has been authorized. Also, the
7 system may be checked to determine i~ there is a hold or
8 stop on the particular account. These steps are shown by the
g blocks 157 and 158.
11 If the various preconditions are met, then the
12 customer is questioned for his secret password. This is
13 shown by block 160. If the password is not known, then the
1~ customer m~y still verify his identification by giving further
1~ information such as his mother's maiden name and the name of
16 his first school attended. This verification step i~ shown
17 by block 162. If the customer is verified by the additional
18 information, the order may be entered but the customer cannot
19 make any on-line data changes. For example, the customer
20 cannot request the use of an alternate mailing addre~s. ;~
21
22 If, on the other hand, the customer does know his
23 secret password, he can request an alternate mailing address
24 as shown ~y block 164. However, the customer then must further
identify himself such as by giving his mother's maiden name
26 and the name of his first school attended. This step is
27 shown by block 166.
28
29 -~
~0
31
32
- 22 -
11~82~6
1 If the customer does not know his password bu-t has
2 properly identified himself as shown by block 162, the customer
3 may at this time request the forgotten password. This step
is shown by block 168. However, the password inform~tion is
~ not given to the customer by telephone but is sent to the
6 customer at his home address. In addition, if the customer
~ requests a change of password, which step is block 170, this
8 request is transferred to a customer service branch after
g the order is taken at which time specific arrangement~s are
10 made for a change of the password.
11 `
12 Once the customer's identification has been properly
13 established then the operator will request the total amount
14 of the order for travelers checks and request the method by
1~ which payment is to be made. This step is shown by block 172.
16 The customer may also request specific denominations ~f
17 travelers checks to fill the order. The method of payment
18 may be made by credit cards such as~ by the blocks 174 and
~19 176 representing Master Charge and VISA. In addition,
~o payment may be made by other methods such as shown by~
21 block 178 representing an account established directly with
22 the seller of the trave]ers checks.
23 ;
24 It is to be appreciated that the customer may also
request that the order be split into a number of separate
26 orders and with these orders paid for by different methods
27 of payment. Also, the separate orders may be sent to
28 different addresses or to different people. All of the above
29 can be easily accomplished from the central station.
31
32
- 23
~ 5~27~
1 As an additional feature of the present invention,
2 the operator may request that the customer specify an
3 additional cashing identifier which may be printed on all of
4 the travelers checks. For example, the customer may~use
his driver's license number, passport number, a credit card
~ number, etc. as a further identifier to be printed on the
7 travelers checks. When the txavelers checks are cashed at a
8 later time, the additional identifier will enable the person
g cashing the travelers checks to have a further means~of
identification.
11
12 As shown in Figure 8, the various orders are recorded
13 on a tape 94 and are also stored on a disc memory 92. Once a
14 sufficient number of orders has been stored on the tape 94,
1~ this tape is handed off to the production system so as to be
16 used during the production of travelers checks order~ on a
17 batch basis. Figure 11 illustrates a perspective view of
18 various component sections of the production system generally
19 shown in Figure 8. In particular, the production system
includes a production controller 96 operating in coniunction
21 with tapes 94 and 98. The multi-denomination travelers
22 checks dispensing section is provided by a paper feed unit
23 100. All of the personalization and printing is provided
24 in the section 102. The packaging and transportation
is provided in the section 104. In addition to the sections
26 generally described above, various control units control the
27 various sections of the production system.
28
29
31
32
.
- 2~ ~
27~
1 As indicated above, the production controller 96
2 provides for the overall system control and specifically
3 provides this control in accordance with a batch of orders
4 stored on the tape 94. As the various orders are pr~duced
5 by the particular sections of the production system, a log
6 of the various orders which are, filled is stored on the
7 additional tape 98. The tape 98 then may be used to update
8 the customer files and thereby form a complete record of
9 customer orders. '
11 As each order is filled, the various denominations
12 of blank travelers checks are fed from the paper feed section
13 100. Specifically, the paper feed section 100 incluaes a
1~ total of six dispensers wh.ich provide for storage and
1~ dispensing of five denominations of travelers checks, shown
16 in Figures 2 through 5, and the cover sheet shown in~
17 Figure 6. As indicated above, the various denominations may '
18 be $10.00, $20.00, $50.00, $100.00 and $500.00. The individual
19 travelers checks in the particular denominations needed to fill
20 each order are dispensed from the paper feed section~100 and ;
21 are ed through the personalization and printing section 102.
22 The controller 96 provides for the overall control but a '
23 separate controller 200 provides for the individual control ~.
24 of the paper feed section 100 and the printing and personaliza-
tion section 102. As the individual blanks, including the
26 travelers check and the cover member, are transported down :~
27 the length of the personalization and printing section 102,
28 the blanks pass by a number of separate stations. Each
29 station may provide for a par~icular function for pr~viding the
personalization and printing of the blank travelers check and
31 :
~2
- 25 -
~827~
1 cover member.
3 Specifically, a first station 202 may provide for
a reading of ~he denomination code lS which may be pre~ent on
each travelers check. This denomination code has been described
6 with reference to Figures 1 through 5. The reading of the
7 denomination code ensures that the proper denomination
8 travelers chec~ is fed from the paper feed portion 100. A
g station 204 provides for a printing of the magnetic ~nk
coded line 16 shown in Figure 1. If this magnetic ink line
11 has been preprinted then the station 204 is not used. In
12 either case, a station 206 provides for a reading of the
13 magnetic ink coded line. This ensures that the magnetic
14 ink coded line is properly printed and also provides for a
correlation of the particular serial number of the travelers
16 check with the specific customer's order. The seria~ number
17 for each travelers check is therefore completely identified
18 with an individual customer's order.
19
At the next station 208, an ink jet mechanism provides
21 for the printing of a digitized replica of the customer's
22 signature. The ink jet equipment is housed in a cabinet 210
23 and the control of the ink jet is provided by an ink jet
24 controller 212. In addition to the printing of a digitized
2~ replica of the customer's signature, the ink jet system may
26 also provide for printing of the serial number 1~ in Gothic
27 letters as shown in E'igure 1. Also, the ink jet system may
28 print the additional information such as the customer's
29 name and address and other information on the cover ~heet 40,
as shown in Figure 6. It is to be appreciated that the serial
31
~2
- 26 -
l~8276
1 number 14 may be preprinted on the travelers check as shown
2 in-Figure 3.
A station 214 may provide for the personallzation
of the travelers check with a particular bank identification
6 so that many different banks or other entities may be identified
7 as the issuer of the travelers checks. The serial number 14
8 is verified by an optical reader at the station 216.- This
9 again ensures that the proper serial number for the travelers
check has been printed and can further tie in the specific
11 serial number to the customer's order.
12
13 In addition to reading the serial number at the station
14 216, the replica of the customer's signature and the address may
1~ be verified by an optical reader at the station 218. This provides
16 a final check to ensure that the travelers chec]c as ~ompleted
17 has been properly personalized with the customer's signature.
18 The travelers check may now be perforated at station 220 to form
~19 a check portion and a stub portion and the travelers check is
now transferred to the packaging and transportation ~ection
21 104.
22
23 Specifically, a group of travelers checks is collated
24 into an individual book or a plurality of books by the collator
222 to form the order. If there are any rejects, they would be
26 rejected at the output of the collator 222 to a reject bin 308.
27 Each book of travelers checks includes a cover sheet as shown in
28 Figure 6. The individual books are stitched and bound by a
29 stitch binder 22~. After each package is stitched a~d bound
31
32
- 27 -
27~
1 it is then stuffed by an envelope stuffer 226 into an envelope
2 having a window 50 as to show the name and address portion of the
3 cover sheet. The individual book of travelers checks forming
4 the customer's order is now ready to be mailed or delivered in
~ some other fashion ~o the customer.
7 Figure 14 illustrates a block diagram of the production
8 system of Figure 11 and specifically illustrates the-inter-
~ relationship of the controllers and the other compon~nts of the
system. The controller 96 provides for the overall control of
11 the system. The controller 200 provides for the specific
12 control of the paper feed section 100 and the transporting and
13 tracking of the papers, including the travelers checks a~d
14 cover sheets, through the various stations. The ink jet control
212 is shown to be adjacent the ink jet station and provides
16 control of the ink jet printing of information on th~ travelers
17 check and cover sheets.
18
19 Figures 12(a) and 12~b) illustrate in more detail
the operation of the ink jet printer at the station 208 and
21 specifically illustrate the ink jet printer providing for the
22 printing of specific information on a travelers check. As shown
23 in Figures 12(a) and 12~b), the particular travelers check 10 is
24 transported through the ink jet station 208 in the direction shown
by an arrow 230. A supply of ink is provided through a tube 232
26 to a drop senerator 23~. The drop generator provides for individual
2~ drops of ink being supplied along a line perpendicular to the arrow
2~ 230. As shown in Figure 7, there may be 120 individual drops of
29 ink per inch. The drops of ink may extend across s~stantially
the height of the travelers check and, for example, may extend
31
32
7 ~
1 across a distance of two and one-half (2-1/2) inches for a
~ total of 300 individual drops of ink. As shown in Figure 12(a),
3 a group of individual drops such as 60 drops of ink extending
over a half inch distance may provide for the printi~g along
the signature portion of the travelers check and a group if
6 individual drops such as 30 drops of ink extending over a quarter
7 inch distancè may provide for the printing along the identifying
8 number portion 22 of the travelers check.
As shown in Figure 12(a), the individual drops are
11 directed toward the travelers check 10 and, by providing proper
12 control of the passage of a drop to the paper, the drops form the
13 digitized replica 12 of the customer's signature. The drops
14 may also form the document serial number 14, the identifying
1~ number 22 and the other printed information on the travelers
16 check and cover sheets. The particular control of the
17 individual drops is supplied to the ink jet printer through a
1~ bundle of control cables 236 and with the actual control of the
19 individual drops provided by the control:Ler 212 shown in Figures
11 and 14. As shown in Figure 12(b), the individual drops 240
21 each fall through an individual charge tunnel 238. Each drop 240
22 may be either charged or uncharged as it passes through each
23 charge tunnel 238 in accordance with the control provided to each
2~ charge tunnel 238 by the controller 212 through an individual
one of the bundle of cables 236.
26
27 The drops 240 further pass through a deflection tunnel
28 242 which includes a deflection plate 244 having a high
29 negative potential to one side and a gutter and ink ~eturn 246
to the other side. If a charge is placed on a particular drop
31
32
- 29 ~
27B
1 240, the charged drop will be repelled by the deflection plate
2 244 and directed to the gutter and ink return 246. The charged
3 drops will fall into the gutter and ink return 246 and be returned
4 to the ink supply through an ink return 248. If it ~s desired
to have an individual drop of ink 240 continue on to the paper,
6 such as the travelers check 10, then the particular drop 240 is
7 not charged and is therefore notaffected by the deflection plate
8 244 and the uncharged drop freely falls through the deflection
g tunnel 242 to contact the travelers check 10. There~ore,
individual drops of ink ~40 may be uncharged when it is desired
11 to have them fall to the travelers check 10 or cover sheet to
12 provide for the proper printing of information on the.travelers
13 check 10 or cover sheet.
14
It is also to be appreciated that, as shown in Figure
16 12(a), a first particular group of the drops of ink ~s shown to
17 provide for the printing of the serial number 14 and the
18 digitized replica of the signature 12 and a second particular ~:
19 group of the drops of ink is shown to provide for the printing
of the identifying number 22. Other groups of the d~ops of ink
~1 are provided to print the other information such as the name and
22 address and the other information on the cover sheet, all as
23 shown in Figure 6. It is also to be appreciated that it would be
24 possible to provide all of the different information on the
travelers check or cover sheet using other types of printing
26 systems such as an ink jet system having a single jet and with
2~ a control of the jet to form theparticular printing. Also, the
28 printing system may use a single group of drops of ink and
29 transport the travelers check or cover sheet a numbe~ of times
3~ through the ink jet station. One particular advantage of the
31
32
- 30
115~27~
1 ink jet system is that the ink penetrates the paper and is
2 virtually impossible to remove without detection. This sub-
3 stantially eliminates the possibility of altering the signature
4 if the checks are lost or stolen.
6 Figure 13 illustrates a particular example of a
7 signature which has been printed using the ink drop system
8 of Figures 12(a) and 12(b~ and specifically illustrates the
9 resolution of the signature. In Figure 13, the prin~ed
signature is shown in actual size and enlarged to four times
11 the actual size. I-t can be seen in the enlarged version of the
12 signature that the signature is formed by the pluralit~ of
13 individual dots produced by the indiviaual drops of ink. The
1~ resolution of the signature is, in a particular example, 120
points per inch in both the horizontal and vertical directions.
16 It is, of course, to be appreciated that the resolut~on can be
17 either increased or decreased, depending upon the desired
18 resolution, but the particular resolution illustrated has been
19 found to provide for an adequate replica of a customer's
~0 signature.
21
22 In the actual size version of the signature in
23 Figure 13, it can be seen that the digitized nature of the
24 signature may be difficult to discern. The digitized replica of
the signature looks substantially like an actual signature
26 to a person cashing the travelers check. More importantly, the
27 signature provides for an accurate replica of the actual sisnature
28 so that the person cashing the travelers check may be able to
29 make a proper comparison between the signature on th~ travelers
check and the countersignature which the customer signs in the
31 presence of the person cashing the travelers check.
32
- 31 -
l 15~7~
1 Figure 15 illustrates a flow diagram of the operation
2 of the production syste~ and specifically the production system
3 shown in Fi~ures 11 and 14. The flow diagram is shown as a
4 series of blocks representing the various operationa~ steps.
6 In the right hand corner of each block is a numeral representing
6 the particular portion of the system shown in Figures 11 and 14
q which controls the particular operational step. For example,
8 the majority of the blocks include either the reference numerals
9 96 or 200, which represent the two main controllers ~n the
production system. Specifically, the controller 96 provides
11 for the overall system control, including the handling of the
12 information and the printing and ~erification, while the
13 controller 200 provides for the specific control of individual
14 hardware porti.ons of the system, including the paper feed
1~ section designated by reference numeral 100, and the packaging
16 and shipping section represented by reference numera~ 104.
17
18 Generally, the operation of the production system is
19 initiated by an operator, as shown in the upper righthand corner
of blocks 250, 252 and 254. Block 250 represents the~ step of
~1 the loading by the operator of the tapes 94 and 98 into the con-
22 troller 96. The tape 94 has stored information representative of
23 a batch of customer orders and the tape 98 records the filling
24 of these orders by the particular system. The operator also
starts up the ink jet system, as represented by the block 252
2~ Finally, the operator loads all of the hoppers of the paper feed
27 section 100, as represented by the block 254.
28
29
~1
32
- 32 -
1 When the tapes 94 and 98 are properly loaded, the
2 controller 96 is now ready to provide control of the tape decks,
3 as shown by block 256. Also, when the ink jet system is properly
4 started, the controller g6 sends a "ready" signal to-the controller
200 to indicate that the paper is ready to be fed, as represented
6 by block 258. Concurrently, the controller 200 initially
7 controls the paper in the different hoppers to the feed position
8 and indicates to the controll.er 96 that the paper is~now ready
9 to be fed and transported through the stations. This step is
represented by block 260. At this point in the operation, the
11 system is now ready to process a batch of orders for travelers
12 ;'
l3
14
16
17
18
19
21
~2
23
Z5
26
27
28
29
~0
31
32
-
- 32a -
1 checks. The operator may now key into the controller 96 the
2 initial serial number which is to be used for the first order of
3 tra~elers checks and also keys a "go" order to the system.
This step is represented by block 262.
6 At this point in the operation, the system is now ready
7 to provide for the filling of customers' orders. The first
8 step, as shown by block 264, is to read the customer-data from
g the tape 94. This is under the control of the contr~ller 96.
If the controller 96 has received a "paper ready" signal from
11 the controller 200, then the controller 96 sends to the
12 controller 200 the makeup of the next book of travelers checks
13 ,o be produced. This step is shown by block 266. If the
14 controller 200 indicates ~hat the paper feed is not ready, then
1~ a "not ready" sig~al is provided back to the controller 96, as
16 represented by block 268, and the system is stopped ~nd the operator
17 informed. As shown in Figure 11, the production system may
18 include a console 270 and a display 272 so as to provide a central
19 station from which the operator may give controls to the system
and by w~ich the operator may xeceive informational ~ignals
21 from the system. For example, as shown in step 268, the operator
22 may be informed on the display 272 that the paper feed section
23 100 is not ready.
24
In the next step of the operation, as shown by block
26 274, the controller 200 responds to a "ready to feed" signal
27 from the controller 96. The steps 266 and 27~, therefore, pro~ide
28 that the paper cannot be fed to the printing and personalization
29 portion 102 of the system shown in Figure 11 until ~th the
controller 96 and the controller 200 are ready to proceed. When
31
32
27~
1 both of the controllers are ready to proceed, the next step, as
2 shown by block 276, provides for the controller 200 controlling
3 the feeding of the paper from the paper feed section lO0 for a
4 book of travelers checks. Each paper is checked for~position
on the track before it exits the paper feed section lO0 and if
6 the paper is out of position, the controller 200 provides for
7 the feeding to be stopped. This step is shown by block 278.
9 If the feeding of paper is stopped, a "paper error"
signal is sent to the controller 96 and the controller 96 provides
ll a display to the operator of "paper error" on the display 272.
12 This step is shown by block 280. Block 282 represents the step
13 of the operator clearing the track and setting a manual reject
l~ into the system. ~he manual reject provides for a reject of the
particular travelers checks which were out of position on the
~6 track. This manual reject operation is controlled b~ the
17 controller 200, as shown by block 284. The actual reject of the
18 book of travelers checks is represented by the step 286 and occurs
19 at a later portion in the operation of the system.
21 If the papers, including the travelers checks and the
22 cover sheet, are properly positioned on the track, then the
23 denomination of each travelers check is checked in accordance
24 with either the denomination code shown in Figures 4 and 5 or as
part of the magnetic ink coded line. The step of checking the
26 denomination is shown by the block 288. If the denomination
27 of the travelers check is not correct, then a "wrong denomination"
28 signal is sent to the controller 200, as shown by the step 278,
29 and the paper is rejected ~y the steps 280, 282, 284~and 286.
31
32
- 3~ -
.~
8~71~ -
1 If the papers, including the travelers checks and the
2 cover sheet, are properly positioned and if the travelers checks
3 have the proper denomination, the each paper passes through a
4 series of stations 204, 208 and 214, as shown in Fig~res 11
and 14. The controller 96 controls the printing of the various
6 information on the paper at the~ different stations. The station
7 204 prints the magnetic ink coded information. The ink jet
8 station 208 prints the digitized replica of the signature, the
9 seria] number in Gothic letters and the other inform~tion on the
cover sheet 40. The station 214 produces a bank personalization
11 printing or the personalization of the particular organization
12 issuing the travelers che'ck.
13
14 The various printin~ steps are together represented
1~ by the block ~90. If there is a failure in printing at any
16 of the print stations, a "print fail" signal is prod~ced. As
17 shown by the step represented by block 292, the controller 96
18 provides for the stopping of the printing and sends a "printer
19 error" signal to the controller 200. When the controller 200
receives the "printer error" signal, as represented ,by the
21 block 294, the controller 200 provides for an automatic reject
2~ of the printing routine and stops the feeding of paper from the
23 paper feed section. In addition, the controller 200 provides for
2~ the rejecting of the entire book of travelers checks, which
includes those which are improperly printed. This step is
26 represented by the block 286.
27
28 If the printing at stations 204, 20~ and 214 is
29 physically accomplished, the production system also ~rovides for
3 a check of the ~uality of the printing by checking the customer
31
32
35 -
27~
1 data. This step is represented generally by the block 296.
2 In particular, as shown by blocks 298, 300 and 302 all providing
3 input signals to the block 296, the printing is read at stations
206, 216 and 218, shown in Figures 11 and 14. At thé station 206,
~ as represented by the block 298, the magnetic ink coded information
6 is xead. At-the station 216, as represented by the block 200,
7 the serial number is optically read. Finally, at the station
8 218, as represented by the block 302, the signature is verified
9 by optical scanning. If any of the printed data is ~improperly
printed, as represented by block 296, a "data fail" signal is
11 produced and this signal is sent to the controller 96 to provide
12 for a rejection of the book of travelers checks.
13
14 If the data is properly printed, then in the next step.
as represented by the block 30~, the controller 96 provides for
16 writing the various customer data, including the serial numbers
17 of the issued travelers checks, on the recording tape 98 shown
1~ in Figure 11. The personaiized travelers checks and cover sheet
19 are then passed to the collator, as shown by block 306.
21 If there had been a reject signal produced in the
22 system, then the travelers check would be rejected at this point
23 in the operation. Specifically, as shown in Figure 14, the reject
24 bin 308 is shown to be provided at one of the output positions
from the collator 226. If there is no reject signal, then the
26 book of travelers checks is passed to the stitcher binder and
27 then to the envelope stuffer, as represented by block 310.
28 At this point in the operation, the production s~stem has now
29 produced a particular book of travelers checks rep~esenting
3 either a complete order or a part of an order. The controller
~1
~2
- 36 -
2~
1 200, therefore, indicates that the book is complete, as repre-
2 sented by block 312.
4 If the book of traveIers checks is comple ~nd if
there was no paper error, as represented by block 314, then
~ the controller 96 provides for the reading of further customer
q data, as shown in step 264, and the operation starts over again.
8 If there was a paper error or a printer error, as shQwn by the
9 inputs to the block 316, then the system is stopped aind the
opera-tor informed so as to correct the error before printing the
1~ next book of traveLers checks. It is to be appreciated that the
12 system may not actually be stopped for every error which is
13 detected but that some errors may only require that an individual
14 check or book of checks be discarded and a substitute check or
1~ book be prepared. The substitute book may have serial numbers
16 replacing those which were previously used so as to ~rovide
17 for continuity in serial numbers. In the present invention
1~ this is described as being done manually by the operator but, as
19 indicated abo~e, this could be accomplished in an automatic
manner and with only repetitive errors shutting the system down.
21
22 The present invention, therefore, provides for the
23 personalization of a check with at least a digitized replica
24 of the customer's signature. This check may be provided as a
travelers check and with the check cashed as travelers checks
~6 are normally cashed. However, with the present invention
27 the customer does not have to make a personal appearance in
28 order to obtain the checks, since the checks do not have to be
29 signed by the customer at the time they are issued. ~The
checks may be ordered by telephone or by mail or can be
31
32
- 37 -
7 1~
1 automatically sent on an automatic replenishment basis. For
2 example, the personalized checks of the present invention can
3 be used to provide for a company payroll in place of paying
4 employees in cash or by company check~
6 The present invention allows for a number of signatures
7 stored under a single account number so that the checks may be
ordered to be sent with different signatures. For example,
9 both the husband's and wife's signatures may be on f~le and when
the checks are ordered the checks may be personalized with a
11 particular number of checks presigned with the digitized replica
12 of the husband's signature and with a particular number of checks
13 presigned with the digitized replica of the wife's signature.
14
1~ Although the invention has been described wlth
16 reference to a particular embodiment, it is to be ap~reciated
17 that various adaptations and modifications may be made and the
18 invention is only to be limited by the appended claims.
19
21
22
23
24
26
2q
28
29
31
32
