subject: More Information About Micr [print this page] Developed a recognition of magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) to take advantage of computer technology in the banking sector. Before using the MICR line and check sorting by account number is a manual process. And used by both systems to cope with large numbers of checks processed in the banking industry: Sort-A-Matic and the highest note TAB ranking.
The system comprises a metal tri-A-100-matic, or skin breaks numbered from 00 to 99. Put all the choice of detail unlike the first two digits of the account. And then repeated the process of sorting the two digits of the account number, and so on. When the process is complete, and collection of checks by account number.
On the System tab key top arranged, and said small holes in the upper part of the check numbers. For example, he pointed out the first hole of the value of a number (0, 1, 2.3 ...) are included metal "key" through the holes to separate each of the checks with the same value in the first number, and repeated this step for each number until it is sorted All checks.
I worked all these systems, but it takes time. With the advent of the computer and its movement from bench to business, and it seemed the task of sorting and the corresponding ideal. Stanford University, and Bank of America is the first to successfully use computers to sort and match checks. Developed what is now known as MICR.
The development of the MICR line
Developed a MICR line by Stanford University in collaboration with Bank of America and approved by the Association of American banks. It is known that the line as a line E-13B. E-13B A total of 14 characters: ten specially designed numbers (0-9) and four special symbols (Transit, the amount and the United States, and Dash).
Letter E indicates the version 5 to consider. B. The letter refers to the second revision of this release. Derived from the number 13 and the construction of a 0.013 inch are used to display the character and stroke. This means that all character widths, both horizontal and vertical, in multiples of 0.013 inches ranging from 0.052 to 0.091. And explain the importance of this more comprehensive later in this article.
MICR readers
Three types of machines used to read MICR characters. It should be noted that two of the characters read magnetically as MICR readers. The third device is the optical character recognition (OCR) reader.
E-13B characters printed with ink containing iron oxide, which is capable of being magnetized. MICR readers controls the transport containing the E-13B characters beyond a point of magnetic attraction, and thus to attract the particles of iron oxide. Magnetized characters then pass under the magnetic read head. Magnetic field (flow pattern) to the characters in the current generates a magnetic reading head. The strength and timing of this current allows the reader to decipher the symbols.
Swipe Readers are available in two types: a single track (single gap or split scan), and multi-track (matrix or pattern) readers.
Properties of single track reader
A path is used to read at the head of a gap model to detect the magnetic flux generated by the MICR character. When magnetized E-13B character moves across the print head for reading narrow space, and the tension caused by the magnetic flux of the wave generates a unique for each character.
Characteristics of multi-track player
Drive track multiple uses a matrix of small heads vertically aligned, and read to detect the presence of a magnetic flux. Read the individual heads small wafer through the character to detect the presence of magnetic flux. This magnetic flux detection in time produces a matrix pattern is unique for each character.
OCR reader does not use the magnetic properties reveal the E-13B characters. Instead, it uses a scanner to detect the amount of light reflected from the character and quantity of light reflected from the bottom. Optical column detects the presence of a dark area of character.
Wave theory
The readers move and read documents from right to left. The right edge of nature, and therefore the first to cross the playhead. Analysis of the level signal generated by reading the character 0 will help explain this in more detail.
Time the character moves from right to left under the read head, the gap detects the magnetism of the right border of the first (edge 1). The implementation results in an increase in the magnetic high and positive (pic 1). Once the right of the mover behind the top of the gap in reading is to find a new magnetic, and therefore the form of a wave due to the signal level is zero.
On the edge of the second, and the read head detects a vertical drop of the magnetism, which results in a signal level of -110 to the height of 2. Again the waveform returns to zero is detected in the next part of the inner ring of the character. It should be noted at this point (peak 3), and an increase in magnetism (110). Finally, the outer part is reading the letter, which led to the negative peak (peak 4) of -130.
Must be vertical edges occur in increments of 0.013 inches from the right edge first. There are five characters, two peaks of 0 is a positive and two negative style and also appear in the form of positive, negative, positive, negative. Are 0.2, 4, 5, and the nature border, which differ from each other by the horizontal location of the peaks in the wavelength. Peaks do not require a different capacity, but ANSI standards allow them to vary from 50% to 200% of rated capacity (Canadian standards allow them to vary from 80% to 200% of rated capacity). Therefore, in the position of the wave is so important, and why the characters are formed abnormally.
What affects the signal level?
Can vary the level of a reference to a number of factors. The amount of iron oxide (concentration) which is present in the personality affect the level of the signal. This is a function not only of the ink itself, but also on how to put it on paper and stack height, which can be controlled by numerous other cartridge components (ie, " hot "OPCs).
Taller the vertical edge of the character, and the largest peak (positive or negative). And the edge of the vertical will not unusual and / or vertical does not lead to a reduction in peak capacity and will flatten the top.
Keys for detecting the correct waveform are:
* You must be detected for all peaks in the waveform in the letter. You should know that the height of sorter drive there.
* You must be present at or near the expected location.
* Can not "extra" peaks to be present.
* Perhaps there is no large variations in signal levels of peaks within a character.
What are you looking for in MICR Printers and Consumables
Printers must be used to print MICR MICR line is unique be modified to fit the print engine is unique and must be adjusted to match the pixel level magnetic toner provided for that printer. This is necessary to ensure the correct waveform, size and signal strength when you print a check with the correct MICR characters. In addition, you must meet the MICR line ABA-X9 standards to ensure acceptance of your checks by banking institutions.
Must be a magnetic field MICR toner of your choice specially designed for the print engine, especially in the printer. Make sure the ink has been thoroughly tested for readings of coherent signals, image permanence and uniformity, the unity of a great edge. Must be solid ink coverage without ink mode Foreign.
OEM cartridges are always a safe (but more expensive) bet. If you buy a "compatible" brand, and make sure it has a new OPC drum, rollers new elementary charge (RAP), a few kilometers of new black velvet magnetic, and new wiper blades windshield image. System must be completed MICR toner hopper with high quality and low abrasion.
The vendor you choose to use the MICR test the latest equipment and most advanced, such as verification and qualification of the gold line with the standards of ANSI X9. It is also recommended that the systems exceed U.S. and Canadian standards for check printing.
