Quick Guide MICR and related technologies

Character recognition of magnetic ink (MICR) was developed to take advantage of computer technology in the banking sector. Before using the MICR line, check sorting by account number was a manual process. Two systems were previously processed for processing a large number of checks used in the banking industry: Top Tab Key Sort Sort-A-Matic.

-MATIC Ordering System 100 metal or leather dividers numbered 00 to 99 of each control on the corresponding two first divider placed by counting numbers. The assignment procedure was repeated for the following two digits of the account, and so on. When the process is complete, the controls by the account number are grouped.

Under the grading system superior Tab key, small holes on top of the inspections specified numbers. For example, the first opening of the metal "key" to the first point is set (0, 1, 2, 3, ...) is inserted through the holes to remove all the controls with the same value in the first digit , and this step was repeated for each digit until all the checks classified.

Both systems worked, but they were long. With the advent of the computer and its movement from the laboratory into the business world, sorting and matching task it would be ideal. Stanford University and Bank of America were to sort the first to successfully use computers and game controls. They have been developed what is now known as MICR.
Development of the MICR Font

MICR font was developed by Stanford University in conjunction with Bank of America and approved by the Bankers Association of America. Fountain known as E-13B font. E-13B offers a total of 14 characters: ten specially designed numbers (0-9) and four special symbols (Transit, the amount for us, and hyphens).

The letter E indicates the fifth version considered. The letter is the second revision of this version. The number 13 of the 0.013-inch module construction for the character width and stroke used derived. This means that all character widths, both horizontally and vertically, in multiples of 0.013 inches from 0.052 to 0.091. The significance of this will be explained later in this document.
MICR reader

There are three types of machines are used to read MICR characters. Both, the MICR reader to read called magnetic signs. The third machine is an optical character recognition (OCR) reader.

E-13B characters are magnetized with toner, iron oxide, which is capable of being printed. MICR reader operator controls E-13B magnetic characters by the magnet, whereby the magnetized iron oxide particles. Magnetized characters then pass under a magnetic read head. The magnetic field (flow pattern) of the magnetized characters causes a current in the read head. The strength and timing of this current allows the reader to decipher the characters.

Magnetic readers come in two types: single track (single track or split scan) and multiple track (matrix or pattern) readers.

Features single-track reader
One path uses the read head with a gap to detect generated by the MICR characters, the magnetic flux pattern. If a printed magnetized E-13B moves character through the narrow opening of the reading head, generates the voltage. By the magnetic flux of characters induced a unique waveform for each character

Multi-Track Reader Characteristics
The reader array uses several small traces of vertically aligned read heads in order to detect the presence of the magnetic flux pattern. Small individual read heads by the character wheel to detect the presence of magnetic flux. This measurement of the magnetic flux with time produces a clear matrix pattern for each character.

OCR readers used no magnetic properties in order to detect the E-13B character. Instead, it uses a scanner to the amount of light, the detection of the type and the amount of light reflected from the background. Column of the photocell detects the presence of a dark area of ​​the symbol.
Theory waveform

Readers and reading documents move from right to left. The right edge of the sign as a result, the first to cross the read head. The signal level of analysis generated by reading the character 0 will help explain in detail.

As the character moves from right to left under the read head, the gap detects the magnetism of the first right-hand edge (1) in the region. This leads to an increase in attraction force and generates positive peak (Peak 1). As soon as the right edge is moved over the gap of the reading head, no new magnetism is thus the waveform of the signal level returns to zero.

In a second edge, the vertical read head detects magnetism reduction, the signal level at the height of -110 2. The waveform returns to zero until the next inner ring portion of the character has been found. At this point (peak 3), an increase of attraction (110) indicated. Finally, the exterior of the character reading, resulting in a negative peak (peak 4) -130.

Arranging the vertical edges should be made in increments of 0.013 inches from the right edge of the first. There are five symbols that two positive and two negative, similar to the tips of the character 0 and also appear in положительный-отрицательный-положительный-отрицательный Format. They are 0, 2, 4, 5, and the kind of traffic that are different in a horizontal position in the headlights. Peaks require different amplitudes, but enable ANSI, the (Canadian Standards allow, from 80% to 200% of the nominal amplitude vary) from 50% to 200% of the nominal amplitude. Therefore it is very important, the placement of the signal and why the characters have unusual way.
What affects the signal level?

The signal level can vary depending on several factors. The amount of iron oxide (concentration) that is present in nature on the signal strength. It depends not only from the toner, but also how this is carried out on the paper and the height of the stack, the other blade unit components (for example, "hot" OPC) can handle.

About the vertical edge nature, above the tip (positive or negative). Vertical edge that is not regular and / or vertical reduced the peak amplitude and peak is smooth.

The key to proper signal detection are:

* To detect the signs signal peaks. The reader sorter must know that there is a peak.

* The tip may be located at or near its intended location.

* No significant "extra" peaks exist.

* Indicates be a significant difference in the signal levels of peaks within a character.

What to Look for MICR printers and supplies shop

The printer must be on the MICR print a unique MICR font that have changed in accordance with the system of the printer, and must be changed at the pixel level to match the magnetic toner, provided that the printer. This is important to ensure proper signal measurement and signal strength when a check with the correct MICR characters printed. In addition, the MICR font ABA standard need to take X9 to ensure that its examination of the banking institutions.

The magnetic MICR toner that you need to choose who will be specifically designed for the particular print engine in the printer. Make sure the toner has been thoroughly tested for consistent signal readings, image permanence and uniformity, and excellent edge definition. Toner coating should be strong without foreign Toner, he specifies.

OEM cartridges are always a safe (but more expensive) bet. If you buy a brand "compatible", make sure that this is a new drum, new primary charge roller (PCR Records), a new black velvet magnetic sleeve, and new image wiper blades. The system tank must be filled with high quality and low abrasion MICR toner.

The provider you choose, the latest and most advanced testing equipment should use MICR, meet examiners and Golden Qualifier to ANSI X9 Standards. It is also recommended that the systems exceed US and Canadian Standards pressure tests.