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Abstract

A method of improving the accuracy of identifying or reading magnetic ink characters (MICR) of the type used on checks and other documents, by choosing key values of a waveform selected using one of several templates which best fits recognized peaks. The steps of the improved method include periodically sampling the signal generated from a magnetic read head, digitizing each sample, locating peaks (in an absolute-value sense), comparing the pattern of peaks against templates (stored values preferably in the form of a saw-tooth) representative of various periods and offsets between positive and negative peaks to determine which template fits the sensed peaks best, then using that template to select samples for identification of the character. The samples thus selected are preferably in the location of the peaks and zero-crossings predicted by the best template or pattern, but are not necessarily the peaks of zero-crossings themselves. If the character is not recognized, it may be identified as a reject, or alternatively, another template (such as the next best template) may be used. Advantageously, means for differentiating an ink spot from a character are also included in the system as is a system which normalizes the character over all the peaks and not just the initial perceived peak of the character.

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First Claim