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An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information.
1. An automated payment system for processing payment of an invoice sent from a payee to a customer, wherein the customer has a bank account at a payor bank, the automated payment system comprising:
a document processing system including:
an input receptacle for receiving the invoice,
an image scanner configured to generate image data from the received invoice, the image data reproducible as a visually readable image of the invoice,
a transport mechanism configured to transport the invoice from the input receptacle and past the image scanner, and
at least one processor associated with the image scanner, the at least one processor configured to extract field information from the image data of the invoice, the field information including an amount due on the invoice; and
an interface coupled to the document processing system, the interface configured to transmit the image data and extracted field information to a network, the transmitted image data and field information formatted for processing by a computer associated with a payor bank and for debiting of the customer bank account for the extracted amount due.
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11. An automated payment system for processing payment of an invoice sent from a payee to a customer, wherein the customer has a bank account at a payor bank and the payee has a bank account at a payee bank, the automated payment system comprising:
a payor bank computer configured to receive invoice image data, the invoice image data reproducible as a visually readable image of the invoice, the payor bank computer or a processor configured to extract field information from the invoice image data, the field information including an amount due on the invoice; and
a communications interface associated with the payor bank computer or the processor, the communications interface configured to transmit funds for the extracted amount due on the invoice from the payor bank computer to a network, wherein the transmitted funds are formatted for processing by a payee bank computer to credit the payee bank account the amount of the transmitted funds.
12. The system of
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14. A method of debiting a first financial account and crediting a second financial account, the first financial account belonging to a customer and the second financial account belonging to a payee, the method comprising:
receiving an invoice in the input receptacle of a document scanning system, the received invoice referencing the second financial account;
transporting the invoice past an image scanner of the document scanning system;
scanning the invoice with the image scanner to generate electronic image data of the invoice, the electronic image data being reproducible as a visually readable image of the invoice;
extracting account information and an amount due from the electronic image data of the invoice;
transmitting the image data, the obtained account information, and the amount due to an interface connected to a network, wherein the image, the account information, and the amount due are formatted for processing by a payor financial institution associated with the first financial account and debiting of the first financial account for the amount due; and
transmitting funds equal to the transaction amount via the interface or another interface configured to transmit the funds to a network, the transmitted funds formatted for processing by a payee financial institution associated with the second financial account.
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This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/649,394, filed Jan. 3, 2007, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,882,000, which is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/899,727, filed Jul. 5, 2001 now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 7,647,275, each of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Currently, when a customer receives an invoice from a company, a check is usually written for the invoice and then sent in the mail with the payment stub or invoice. Often, these payments go to a post office box number. These post office box numbers are often located at a bank and are commonly known as "lock boxes." Bank personnel receive the payments, deposit the checks into the company's account, and forward the invoices to the company for reconciliation purposes. The check is then routed through the Federal Reserve Bank system to the bank of the customer. This whole process can take up to a week or more before the customer's account at the company is credited. Such a long processing time can cause the customer to be charged with late fees and/or interest on the unpaid amount. Also, the long processing time may adversely affect the company, as it is dependent on the mail to receive payments to its account. Also, the company has to deal with angry customers who demand that late charges and interest fees be reversed.
Some banks provide invoice payment services for customers who travel frequently. The bills are forwarded directly to the bank, and an employee of the bank writes the check or debits the customer's account for the payment. Because the customer's bank may not be the bank of the company, however, the bills still need to be mailed to the lock box for processing.
Another method recently instituted by some banks and companies is payment via the internet. Such systems vary, but there are two main methods. In one method, a customer enters the company's website and selects a payment option. The customer may then enter important data such as name, address, e-mail address, and the account number they wish to have credited. Also, the customer must provide authorization for the transaction to occur and supply information regarding from where the payment should be debited, i.e., bank name and routing number and account name and number.
After the program is established, the user may pay bills on-line. This method takes time (up to three or four days), however, because the company must first send a request to the customer's bank and then wait for the bank to send the funds and for the receiving bank to process the transfer of funds.
The other method of paying on-line is utilized by the customer accessing his or her bank account and sending the information that way. In this system, the bank of the customer processes the transaction on-line and electronically transfers the funds to the company. This process is usually faster because the customer's bank is immediately sending the funds instead of waiting for a request from the company. This method also, however, has drawbacks. First, not all people have access to the internet. Although many people have computers, large segments of the population do not or do not know how to use the internet. Second, due to security issues, not all people who have access to the internet feel comfortable accessing accounts on-line. Some people do not want to provide account numbers on the internet for fear of hackers obtaining such information.
Also, the customer must still wait until they receive the invoice and must enter in the information every month.
Another drawback of current payment systems is that customers may only use them to pay companies that are on the internet and are established to receive payments in such a manner. For many smaller companies and individuals, the above-mentioned devices cannot be used.
In view of these problems, there is a need for a system which provides a customer with a method of faster payment of bills while ensuring the confidentiality of account numbers and the like. There is also a need for a method of payment where the customer does not need to enter payment information every month.
In an embodiment, a system for processing original checks comprises: a document scanning system having: an input receptacle for receiving an original check; and at least one image scanner for scanning both sides of the original check, wherein the at least one image scanner obtains images of both sides of the original check; a first computer communicatively coupled to the document scanning system, the first computer electronically transmitting the images of both sides of the original check over a communications link; and a second computer which receives the electronically transmitted images of both sides of the original check and prints a substitute check from the received images of both sides of the original check.
In another embodiment, a method for processing original checks comprises: scanning both sides of an original check to obtain images of both sides of the original check; receiving the images of both sides of the original check at a first computer; electronically transmitting the images of both sides of the original check from the first computer over a communications link; and receiving the electronically transmitted images of both sides of the original check at a second computer and printing a substitute check from the received images of both sides of the original check.
In another embodiment, a financial institution document processing network comprises: a document scanning system including a plurality of image scanners each operating to receive original checks and image both sides of the received original checks; and a computer communicatively coupled to the document scanning system, the computer operating to print substitute checks from the images of both sides of the original checks.
In another embodiment, a system for check processing checks comprises: at least one image processing unit comprising: an input receptacle for receiving an original check; an image scanner for scanning both sides of the original check to obtain images of both sides of the original check; and an interface to electronically transmit the images of both sides of the original check; and an account processing system that receives the electronically transmitted images, updates an account associated with the imaged original check and prints a substitute check from the images of both sides of the original check.
In another embodiment, a method for processing checks comprises: scanning both sides of an original check to create an electronic image of both sides of the original check; electronically transmitting the electronic image of both sides of the original check to a second location remote from the first location; printing a substitute check from the electronic image of both sides of the original check; and reconciling at least one account based on information contained in the scanned original check.
In another embodiment, a system comprises: a first processing system receiving an electronic image of an original check and reconciling a first account based on information contained in the original check image; a printer for printing a substitute check from the electronic image of the original check; and a second processing system receiving the electronic image of the original check from the first processing system and reconciling a second account based on information contained in the original check image.
In another embodiment, a method for processing checks electronically comprises: receiving, at a first bank location, an electronic image of both sides of an original check; determining whether to print a substitute check from the at least one electronic image at the first bank location; determining whether to forward the electronic image of both sides of the original check to a second bank location; and printing the substitute check at the second bank location.
The foregoing and other advantages of the invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings.
While the invention is susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms, specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail herein. It should be understood, however, that the invention is not intended to be limited to the particular forms disclosed. Rather, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.
Customers write out and mail numerous checks in a month. These checks are written to payees for any number of reasons. The check may be to a company to pay a bill or invoice, or it may be written to a person as a gift. The term "customers" refers to any person or business that receives invoices requesting payment from anyone, a person or an entity. The term "payee" refers to whom the money is owed or to whom it is being paid. The term "payee," as used in this application, refers to any person or business who provides services and/or goods to a customer or to anyone to whom a customer wishes to pay money (i.e., a grandchild for a birthday present). The payee may send an invoice to the customer for payment. The term "invoice" refers to any sort of bill, payment coupon, remittance, or reminder notice of payment due for goods or services rendered. As described above in the background, this method of paying invoices often takes a great amount of time and is inefficient. In one embodiment of the present invention, the invoices or bills are mailed directly to a payment center for processing. The term "payment center" includes banks, savings and loans, investment houses, and all other types of financial institutions, whether private, public, or government, as well as including any other business that would provide this service, such as a currency exchange, department or other retail store, or places that normally accept bill payments. For ease of description, the following embodiments will be described in terms of banks, but it is understood that all other payment centers are contemplated.
Turning now to
The first computer 130 is a computer at a bank where the payor, or person receiving the invoice, has an account. The first computer 130 is adapted to receive information through the first communication link 120 and to update the payor's account accordingly (i.e., credit or debit the account). The first computer 130 may be located in the same place as the document scanning system 110, or it may be in a location remote, or separate, from the document scanning system 110. For example, it is contemplated that the document scanning system 110 and the first computer 130 may be located in the same building. It is also contemplated that the document scanning system 110 may be located at a branch of the payor bank, while the first computer 130 is located at the main office or processing center of the payor bank.
The first computer 130 of the payor bank is then linked via a second communication link 140, which is defined the same as above, to a second computer 150 at a payee bank. The payee bank is a bank having an account owned by the payee. The second communication link 140 allows the payor bank to communicate with the payee bank. In this embodiment, images obtained from the scanning system 110 may be transferred to the first computer 130 for debiting the customer's account and then transferred to the second computer 150 for crediting the payee's account. The images are transferred over the communication lines 120, 140. These transfers may occur substantially immediately. For example, an image that is scanned on a Monday morning may be electronically transferred to the receiving bank that day for crediting to the company's account within minutes. Alternatively, the transaction may occur within a couple of hours, depending on the speed of transmission and auditing requirements. In other embodiments, the payee and payor banks may have predetermined time periods established for the transfer of images. For example, the payor bank may send image transmissions once every hour, once a shift, or once a certain number of images have been obtained.
In another embodiment, the first computer 130 is linked via a communication line 160, as defined above, to a third computer 170 operated by the customer or payee. Information may be forwarded from the payor bank to the customer or payee. For example, images from the scanning system may be e-mailed to either the customer or the payee. In another embodiment, the images may not be transmitted, but a receipt indicating that the transaction occurred may be e-mailed. In another embodiment, the images may be downloaded onto a disk or a tape by either the payee or payor bank and forwarded to the customer or payee in this manner, as well. In this embodiment, the automated payment system 100 is useful because it provides the company, customer, or both with a detailed record of the transaction soon after the transaction occurs. If the image is sent to the company, the company may update their records faster than if the receipts were merely mailed to them.
In other embodiments, the third computer is operated by the customer and a fourth computer operated by the payee is included. Also, the third and fourth computers 170 may be linked to the second computer 150 instead of or in addition to the first computer 130. In all of these embodiments, the operation of the system is the same.
Turning now to
Turning now to
In the embodiment described above, there are situations when the customer is present as the operator scans the document 305. In such an embodiment, a customer control panel 330 may be provided to display information to a customer. The customer control panel 330 may also be a display, a video screen, or a touch screen as described above. In one embodiment, the customer control panel 330 includes a touch screen button for authorizing the transaction. Also, there may be a separate "OK" button. In other embodiments, the control panels 320, 330 may also have numeric keypads, standard keyboards, and/or denomination keys for inputting information into the document scanning system 310. For example, if a document has information that is unable to be scanned or if the information scanned is unreadable and/or unable to be deciphered, the control panels 320, 330 may be used to input the missing information into the scanning system 310. In an alternative embodiment, the control panels 320, 330 also include electronic signature pads and pens. The electronic signature pads and pens also enable operators and users to input information into the scanning system 310 if it is needed.
Turning now to
Once the image scanner 450 receives an instruction from the controller 460, the image scanner 450 scans the document 405, and obtains an image of the document 405. The image may be an image of the entire document 405 (a full image) or it may be of selected portions of the document 405. The image scanner 450 may contain optical character recognition (OCR) software, such as character amount recognition (CAR) or legal amount recognition (LAR), for identifying the characters printed in one or more fields of the document 405. The OCR also recognizes certain fields within the document 405. For example, if the document 405 is a check, the OCR may search the full image for the account number, scan the account number once the field is located, and transfer the determined account number to the memory 470 through the controller 460 for storage. Alternatively, if the document 405 is an invoice, the OCR may search the full image for a dollar amount. Once the dollar amount field is located, the OCR will then scan the dollar amount and transfer an image of the dollar amount to the memory 470 for storage. In an alternative embodiment, the image scanner 450 is directly linked to the memory 470 for transfer and storage of the images.
The memory 470 may be used for either temporary or permanent storage of the images obtained by the image scanner 450. The memory 470 may store the images until the images are transported via the first communication link 120 to the first computer 130. The transportation may occur after a set number of images have been stored, after a predetermined amount of time, or when the memory 470 is full. Alternatively, the memory 470 may be used to store information on tapes, disks, and/or CD-ROMs. The customer may insert a memory storage device into the scanning system 410. After the image scanner 450 obtains images of the document 405 and communicates the images to the first computer 130, the scanning system 410 may save the images to the memory 470, which is then taken by the customer as a receipt. In another embodiment, the memory is removable, but is removed by the first bank for reconciliation purposes. In yet another alternative embodiment, any combination of memories 470 are included.
Next, the transport mechanism 440 may transport the document 405 past a discrimination and authentication unit 480. The discrimination and authentication unit 480 is of the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,915,592, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. The discrimination and authentication unit 480 authenticates the document 405 and, in the case of a currency bill, determines the denomination of the bill. With other documents, such as checks, the system may capture information such as the check amount, account number, bank number, or check number. If a document cannot be authenticated or discriminated by the discrimination and authentication unit 480, an alert may be sent via one of the control panels 320, 330 to an operator or customer. In some embodiments, the controller 460 may cause a document that is unable to be authenticated to be flagged and then rejected from the machine. If the document scanning system 410 only has one output receptacle 455, the controller 460 may halt the operation of the machine while the document 405 is ejected into the output receptacle 455. In embodiments where the scanning system 410 has multiple output receptacles 455, the controller 460 may continue operation of the scanning system and merely reject the unauthenticated document 405 to one output receptacle, while authenticated documents are sent to a different output receptacle.
It is also contemplated that the discrimination and authentication unit 480 may not be used for all documents 405 that are input into the system 410. For example, the discrimination and authentication unit 480 may be used to process currency bills and checks, but may not be used in the case of invoice-type documents. In this situation, the discrimination and authentication unit 480 recognizes certain documents, such as an invoice or payment coupon, as being a type of document where no discrimination or authentication needs to be performed. In this case, after the discrimination and authentication unit 480 recognizes the invoice document, the transport mechanism 440 may transport the document to the output receptacle 455.
In another embodiment, it is also contemplated that the discrimination and authentication unit 480 is not included. In this embodiment, the document 405 would be transported past the image scanner 450 and to the output receptacle 455.
In another embodiment of the present invention, a printer 490 is included in the document scanning system 410. The printer 490 may perform a variety of functions. In one embodiment, the printer 490 may be used to print an indicia of cancellation or a "paid" indicia on the document 405. The type of mark used may depend on the type of document 405. For example, a check would have an indicia of cancellation on it, while the invoice may be marked "paid." In another embodiment, the printer 490 may be used to print an image of the check and/or invoice to be physically sent to the customer. The printer 490 used can be any type of conventional printer. For example, depending on the function for which the printer 490 is used, the printer 490 may use conventional printing wheels. In another embodiment, where the printer 490 is only used for one purpose, for example, to cancel the document 405, the printer 490 may be a stamp. In yet another embodiment, the printer 490 may include a series of stamps. For example, one stamp could imprint an indicia of cancellation on a check and another stamp could print "paid" on an invoice. The operation of the printer 490 is controlled by the controller 460.
One example of the arrangement of an image scanner 550 for use in the above-mentioned embodiments is described with reference to
After the document 505 is inserted into the document scanning system 310, the document 505 is transported past a scanning arrangement by the transport mechanism 440 (
The rotation and operation of the scan head 540 may be controlled by the controller 460 illustrated in
In accordance with another embodiment of the present invention, the image scanner 550 may be of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,888,812, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
In the embodiment illustrated in
The image data may be monitored for unacceptable image quality by an image quality unit 630. For example, the image quality unit 630 may monitor the distribution of gray scale values in the image data and create a histogram. As is well known in the art, acceptable quality images have a distribution of gray scale values within certain prescribed limits. If the gray scale distribution of the histogram falls outside these limits, this is indicative of poor image quality and an error condition may be generated.
The image data is transmitted from the quality unit 630 to an image processor 640. The image processor 640 may add items to the image. For example, if a document bearing only a signature is scanned, the image processor 640 may add a transaction amount, a payee, and/or other information to the image. As is known in the art, the scan heads 602, 604 can additionally scan specified fields on the faces of the document. For example, when processing checks, the scan heads 602, 604 may be directed by the OCR software to search for the "$" symbol as a coordinate to the left of the numeric check amount field box. As is known in the art, a straight coordinate system or dimension system may be used where known dimensions of the box are used to locate the field. Also, when scanning currency, the scan heads 602, 604 may be directed by the OCR software to search for the serial numbers printed at defined locations which the image processor 640 can locate.
The processor 640 can be programmed to locate fields for various types of currency and perform processing. Based on scanning certain areas on the currency or document, the processor 640 first identifies the type of document, such as type of currency, for example, U.S. bank notes. Then, based on the outcome of the previous step, certain fields of interest are located, and the information is stored for use by the system. For checks, fields of interest may include the name of the bank, the account number, and the amount of the transaction. For U.S. bank notes, the fields of interest may include the dollar amount. For deposit slips, the fields of interest may include the bank name, account number, total amount of deposit, and amount of individual checks or currencies deposited. For invoices, the fields of interest may include the account number, the transaction amount, and the minimum amount due. The processor 640 may also compress the image data, as is known in the art, in preparation for transmission to an outside location and/or storage.
The amount of image data per document may vary depending on the size and nature of the document and the efficiency of the data compression and reduction for that particular document. To insure that no data is lost in the event that the volume of image data temporarily exceeds the transfer capacity of a data channel 655, such as a high speed data channel, a prechannel buffer 650 is interposed prior to the data channel 655, which is connected to a controller 660. The capacity of the pre-channel buffer 650 is continually monitored by the controller 660 so that appropriate action may be taken if the buffer becomes overloaded. The compressed video image data is received by the controller 660 over, for example, a high-speed data channel 760 and is initially routed to temporary storage. The prechannel buffer 650 is preferably of a size capable of storing image data from at least several batches or runs of checks or similar documents, each batch or run containing several checks or documents. The controller 660 in the document scanning system directs the image scanner to perform the functions of analyzing the data. Alternatively, as discussed above, analysis of the data can occur at an office computer or at a personal computer attached to the system.
A personal computer or alternate means may be used to create images of electronic documents that are electronic images only. That is, such documents may be created without scanning physical documents. In such a system, computer software electronically creates an image of a document such as a check. These systems are commonly known in the art. A special printer (not shown) may be connected to the system to print documents with fields of interest.
Other scanning modules and methods can be used in place or in addition to the ones described above. These include CCD array systems, multi-cell arrays, and other well-known scanning techniques. Examples of these techniques and devices are described in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,023,782, 5,237,158, 5,187,750 and 4,205,780, all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entireties. The scanning module can also be a color image scanner such as the type described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,335,292, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.
Turning now also to
Turning now to
Areas 915 c and 915 d represent, respectively, routing and control information. The routing and control information is needed so that the image file can be transmitted among financial institutions. The routing information is a number that corresponds to the bank that issued the check. In other words, the bank to which the image file belongs can easily be recognized by an operator. The areas 915 c and 915 d may be extracted from the area 915 a or from the MICR encoding on the check. The numbers illustrated are used as examples and are not meant to represent the exact digits or number of digits used.
Also taken from the MICR encoding line on the check is field 915 e, which contains the account number for the check extracted from the image of the check. The account number allows an operator to know which account was debited for the funds.
To further aid the operator in recognizing the account, a field 920 b may be included in the image file and contains data indicating the name and address of the owner of the account. This information is taken from an identification section 920 a on the image file. Normally, this information is on the upper left side of the check and usually includes at least the name of the owner of the account, and may include address and telephone information.
On the written portion of the check, an amount of transaction is indicated in an amount box 930 a. This information may be read from the image and inserted into an amount field 930 b. Other written information, such as a payee name 940 a, may also be extracted from the full image and added into a field 940 b. A check number 950 a may be extracted and added into a field 950 b to provide a clearer indication of the check number. It should be recognized that the fields illustrated are not inclusive of all possible fields and types of information which can be stored in the image file 900. Indeed, other types of information can be stored as can pointers to other files having, for example, further information relating to the customer. In some cases, it may also be useful to read the memo line of the check. In addition, it is contemplated that an operator may fill in some of these fields. For example, in an embodiment of the present invention that only requires the customer to sign the document, the payee field and amount field may be added to the image before it is processed. The format of the file is standardized for ease of processing, i.e., using .tif or .jpg. This allows other software to process the information in image files for use by the merchant or financial institution.
Numerous invoices contain various dollar amounts that may be owed by a customer. For example, on a standard credit card invoice, the invoice will include a total amount owed 1040 a, a minimum amount to be paid 1050 a, and a transaction amount 1060 a. These amounts may differ. In the illustrated embodiment, the total amount owed 1040 a is $100.00, the minimum amount to be paid 1050 a is $10.00, and the transaction amount 1060 a is also $10.00. In practice, the transaction amount 1060 a may be any number, but usually it lies between the minimum amount to be paid 1050 a and the total amount owed 1040 a. The total amount owed 1040 a, the minimum amount to be paid 1050 a, and the transaction amount 1060 a may all be extracted and put into separate fields 1040 b, 1050 b, 1060 b, respectively, in the image file 1000. Alternatively, any combination of these fields may be extracted in addition to any other fields that may be useful for the payee, customer, payee bank, and/or payor bank.
In order for the payor bank to transmit the funds to the payee bank, the payor bank must be able to ascertain the payee bank's routing number and the account number at the payee bank to be credited. This information may be included on the invoice image file 1000, as illustrated by a line 1070 a. The line 1070 a provides the routing number and account number for the payee. The line 1070 a may be extracted and inserted into a bank routing field 1070 b and into a payee account number field 1070 c. These two fields may also be input by the operator or customer if the information was not included on the invoice.
In both the image files 900 and 1000, there is certain information that should be the same. For example, a customer wanting to pay an invoice from Credit Services should have a check that names Credit Services as the payee. Also, the transaction amount field 960 b of the check (
In one embodiment, the image files 900, 1000 only include the full images of the check and invoice. In this embodiment, none of the data is extracted and added to the image file. In this embodiment, both the payee bank and payor bank would extract required information as needed to process the images.
In yet another alternative embodiment, only the extracted fields, and not the full image, would be transmitted to the payor bank and the payee bank. In this embodiment, the full images may be discarded or the extracted fields may be imaged directly from the document as mentioned above.
Turning now to
Once the authorization is established, the process proceeds to step 1102, where the bank receives the invoice directly, instead of the customer. In another embodiment, the customer could receive the invoice and then notify the bank of payment instructions, such as dollar amount, and payee and bank information.
At step 1104, an operator inserts the invoice into a document scanning system. The operator may be an employee or contractor of the bank. The document scanning system then obtains a full image of the invoice in step 1106. The image may be a full image of the document or it may only be of a selected portion of the document. Optical character recognition software (OCR) may be included in the scanning system. The OCR may "read" the image for relevant information, such as the P.O. box number, account number, transaction amount, total amount owed, and minimum amount due.
Next, at step 1108, the operator may create an image of a check for payment. This image may contain all the data commonly found on a check, or it may only contain the data that is needed to conduct the transaction, such as bank routing number, account number, and transaction amount. In another embodiment, the bank operator may fill out an actual check and insert it into the document scanning system for scanning. In another embodiment, the customer may have provided the bank with checks that are already filled out and the operator need only scan the appropriate check. In both of these embodiments, the OCR may again read the whole image or search for the needed images only for processing. In all of these embodiments, it is contemplated that the operator may input any needed information onto the image. For example, if a scanned invoice is lacking a transaction amount, the transaction amount may be keyed in by the operator and, thus, added to the image of the invoice. In one embodiment, the only portion of the check that is filled out is the signature, while the rest of the data is added to the image in such a manner by the operator.
At step 1110, the scanned images are transmitted electronically to the company's bank for payment and processing. There are numerous ways the customer's bank may obtain the company's bank information. The information may be included on the invoice or it may be obtained from the company or the customer. The electronic payment may be processed as a check, whereby the customer's account is not debited until the check is sent back to the customer's bank to be honored. In another embodiment, the payment may be made by a cashier's check. Here, the customer's account is debited immediately, but the funds are still sent to the company's bank via the mail system. In another embodiment, the electronic payment may be paid as an automated clearinghouse payment, such that the funds are first deducted from the customer's account and then electronically transferred along with the images to the bank of the customer.
Once the invoice has been paid, the images are transmitted to the customer in step 1112. This may be done electronically where the images themselves are sent to a customer's website or e-mail address. The images may also be saved on a disk, tape, or other recordable device and then mailed to the customer. In another embodiment, the images of the check and the invoice are printed and mailed to the customer as the invoices are paid. This embodiment would be ideal for people who do not own a computer or do not feel comfortable using a computer for transactions which include account numbers. In another embodiment, the bank may print the images of the scanned items and include the items in the customer's regular bank statement. It is also contemplated that the actual invoice and check (if there is a hard copy) may be stamped with indicia of cancellation or payment and returned to the customer via any of the above-mentioned processes.
Turning now to
A transport mechanism 1240 is coupled to the input receptacle and is adapted to carry the documents, one at a time, from the input receptacle 1205 past an image scanner 1250, and to an output receptacle 1255. As illustrated in the drawing, the scanning system 1210 has at least one output receptacle, but may have any number of output receptacles 1255 a-n. In one embodiment, there are two output receptacles 1255 a-b. Documents that are scanned properly may be transported into one output receptacle 1255, while documents that are believed to be counterfeit or are not properly scanned may be off sorted to another output receptacle. Also, if there are two types of documents being scanned, checks and invoices, the checks may be transported to one output receptacle 1255, while the invoices are transported to another output receptacle 1255. In an embodiment having three output receptacles 1255 a-c, each receptacle may receive different types of documents, or one receptacle 1255 may be used to off sort certain documents.
The image scanner 1250 operates similarly to the image scanner 450 in
The controller 1260 is coupled to the image scanner 1250 and the transport mechanism 1240, and controls the operation of both of these devices. The controller 1260 also communicates information to and from the image scanner 1250. As described above, the image scanner 1250 transmit images to the controller 1260. The controller 1260 may also transmit information to the image scanner 1250 instructing the image scanner 1250 to create image files of the images and what to include in these image files. Alternatively, the controller 1260 may take the images transmitted by the image scanner 1250 and create image files that include the information discussed in
The controller also controls the operation of a printer 1290. The printer 1290 may be used to perform a variety of functions. In one embodiment, the printer 1290 may be used to print the payment agreement on the document. The timing of the printing operation is controlled by the controller 1260. According to one embodiment, the printer 1290 automatically prints the payment agreement on the document. The printer 1290 may also be used to print an indicia of cancellation on a document. For example, if a check is being scanned for electronic transfer purposes, the printer 1290 may print "cancelled," "void," or other such language on the check. The printer 1290 may also operate as does the printer 490 described in
Also controlled by the controller 1260 is a communications panel 1220. The communications panel 1220 may be used by an operator and/or customer to input information into the image file. Also, the controller 1260 may communicate information to the communications panel 1220. For example, the controller 1260 may instruct the communications panel 1220 to display a message to the operator or customer that the image scanning is complete or that a problem has occurred. The communications panel 1220 may include a numeric keypad, a standard keyboard, denomination keys, a touch screen panel, and/or an electronic pen and screen. All of these devices would allow the operator or customer to input information into the scanning system 1210.
The controller 1260 is also in communication with an interface 1230. The interface 1230 receives information from the controller 1260 and adapts it to be transmitted to an office computer 1275 and/or a personal computer 1270. The personal computer 1270 may be a computer owned by the customer, the computer adapted to receive information such as confirmations that a transaction occurred. For example, if a check written by a customer is scanned and, through the operation of this system, debits an account owned by the customer, the interface may transmit a confirmation to the personal computer 1270. The confirmation may simply be a message indicating that the payment was made or it may include copies of the images of the documents for record keeping purposes. It is also contemplated that the personal computer 1270 may be a computer owned by the payee on the scanned check and may be used to provide the payee with confirmation of the transaction. In another embodiment, two personal computers are linked to the interface, one of the computers is operated by the customer and the other is operated by the payee. In this embodiment, both computers may receive confirmations of the transaction.
The office computer 1275 is the same as the first computer 130 in
The document scanning system 1210, via the link with the office computer 1275, may process transactions substantially immediately. That is, withdrawals may be processed in real time rather than waiting for the end of the day. Alternatively, the document scanning system 1210 may transfer the funds at set periods during the day. For example, the funds and images could be transferred once an hour or once a shift. Alternatively, the office computer 1275 could direct the controller when to transfer the images.
The input receptacle 5209 for receiving a stack of documents to be processed is formed by downwardly sloping and converging walls 5205 and 5206 (see
From the input receptacle 5209, the documents are moved in seriatim from a bottom of the stack along a curved guideway 5211 (shown in
Stacking of the documents in one embodiment is accomplished by a pair of driven stacking wheels 5212, 5213 for the output receptacle 5017. The stacking wheels 5212, 5213 are supported for rotational movement about respective shafts 5115 journalled on a rigid frame and driven by a motor (not shown). Flexible blades of the stacking wheels 5212, 5213 deliver the documents onto a forward end of a stacker plate 5214.
According to one embodiment, the document scanning system 5010 is compact, having a height (H1) of about 9˝ to 10˝ inches, a width (W1) of about 10ľ to 11ľ inches, and a depth (D1) of about 12 to 16 inches.
According to one embodiment, the document scanning system 6010 is compact, having a height (H2) of about 17˝ inches, a width (W2) of about 13˝ inches, and a depth (D2) of about 15 inches. According to another embodiment, the document scanning system has dimensions of a height (H2) of about 18 inches, a width (W2) of about 13ľ inches, and a depth (D2) of about 16 inches. The document scanning device 6010 may be rested on a tabletop.
Returning now to
In another embodiment, step 1720 is eliminated and the customer only has to sign the document once. The document scanning system would add to the image any other fields which were desired, i.e., payee name and amount. Also, it is contemplated that a printer would then print this additional information on the document as a receipt, but such a step is not required.
Next, at step 1730, the customer authorizes the transaction. This may be done via signing the document after the agreement has been printed on it, giving a verbal authorization, selecting a button on a communication screen, or signing an electronic signature pad. If a signature is used, it may be handwritten, stamped, or made via other conventional means or may be, for example, an electronic signature. If verbal authorization is given, step 1720 may be eliminated, and the authorization need not be printed on the document. If verbal authorization is given, a printer may print "authorized verbally" or like terms on the document. Also, the image may be tagged with such indicia of authorization.
At step 1740, the check is placed into the document scanning system by the operator. Next, at step 1750, the document scanning system, using full image scanning techniques, scans the check and obtains information from the check for use in the clearing and processing system. The document scanning system may scan for any indicia of cancellation. If some indicia of cancellation is found on the document (indicating that the document has already been processed), the process is terminated and the appropriate authorities may be informed. Also, if the document contains some indicia of cancellation, it is also contemplated that the document would not be returned to the customer, but instead be held by the operator or issuing bank. If no indicia of cancellation is found, the check images may be sent to a central clearinghouse (or first computer 130 as shown in
Turning now to
The image scanner 1840 and the transport mechanism 1820 are electronically coupled to a controller 1850. The controller 1850 controls the image scanner 1840, creates image files, and controls the transport mechanism 1820. The image scanner 1840 operates the same as the image scanner 450, described in
In this embodiment, the scanning system also includes a second input receptacle 1815 adapted to receive invoices. This is useful for situations where a customer is scanning checks and invoices to be paid by the checks. In this system, a second transport mechanism 1825 transports the invoices 1805 past a second image scanner 1845 and to an output receptacle 2035. The second image scanner 1845 is controlled by the controller and directs images to the memory 1860. The memory 1860 operates as described with reference to
The second input receptacle 1815 may also be used to accept currency bills. This is useful if a customer wants to deposit funds as well as pay a check. Alternatively, one input receptacle may be for checks written by the customer to pay bills, and the other input receptacle may be for currency bills and checks written to the customer for deposit into the customer's account at the payor bank.
The controller 1850 also controls two control panels 1870, 1880. The control panels operate the same as the control panels 420, 430 in
Turning now to
The image scanner 1940 is adapted to obtain images of the invoice 1900 and the check 1905 as discussed above in relation to
In another embodiment, the invoices and checks for payment may be inserted via one input receptacle, while currency bills and checks for deposit are inserted via the other input receptacle.
Turning now to
The second scanning system 2005 includes many of the same features as the first scanning system 2000, such as an input receptacle 2015, a display 2025, a keypad 2045, denomination keys 2075, and a keyboard 2035. The second scanning system 2005, however, is adapted to receive checks into the input receptacle. The checks are then scanned by the scanning system.
In this embodiment, the invoices and checks are scanned by image scanners in the respective systems 2000, 2005 in the same manner as in
In an alternative embodiment, the invoices and checks may be inserted into the first scanning system 2000. The second scanning system 2005 may be used to accept documents for depositing, such as currency bills and checks written to the customer.
All of the embodiments discussed above, which accept both checks written by and to the customer, are beneficial because these embodiments allow one system to be used for a variety of functions. For example, a customer who needs to both pay a bill and deposit a check need only find one machine to do both. It is also contemplated that the document scanning device of
While the present invention has been described with reference to one or more particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that many changes may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Each of these embodiments and obvious variations thereof is contemplated as falling within the spirit and scope of the claimed invention, which is set forth in the following claims.
Patent Citations
Non-Patent Citations
Referenced by
Legal Events
Original Image


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Friday, 28 May, 2010 21:45
Two releases in short order. My oh my, what's the world coming to? This is another desktop made with Pixelmator, a second experiment using large texture images as a basis to create some nifty aged effects. Like the previous release, I'm also providing a direct link to the 1024x1024 image for those browsing here on iPads so you can see how it works as a background for the mobile device.
The image to the right is just a sample of the complete desktop; it reproduces poorly when shrunk to thumbnail size.
Saturday 22 May, 2010 17:18
It's been a long, long time since the site's seen an update, but an urge hit me to experiment with the OS X graphics application Pixelmator, and well, here's the result. I do not yet know if this heralds a genuine return of my dabblings in graphics. We'll see. Regardless, feel free to give it a whirl. Sadly, the desktop reproduces horribly at thumbnail size. On the upshot, the desktop, sans Apple logo, also makes a rather nice iPad background, and I've added it as an option for download. Rather than the usual .dmg file, I have instead linked to the image itself for those of you browsing on iPads. This means, naturally, the iPad link will also act as a crude preview for those interested in the full resolution for regular computers.
The desktop uses different blending modes to mix layers of concrete and paper images into a pleasing whole. Lighting effects are achieved through the simple expedient of setting a black layer to a color dodge blending mode, and applying a white brush to get the lighting effects.
Hoh Rain Forest
Monday 3 April, 2006 18:56
On Washington state's Olympic Peninsula can be found the magnificent Hoh Rain Forest in the Olympic National Park. It is one of the few temperate rain forests on the planet, and experiences an annual rainfall of 12 to 14 feet of rain. This past weekend I had the good fortune to visit it for the second time, unfortunately for just a short while as there is some fantastic hiking to be made in the area which I would love to be able to try out.
I did have my camera with me though, and while I didn't get very many shots, I did manage to snap this one—on a whim no less, it was a simple strech, point, click, on a fallen tree. As luck would have it, it was the best photo I took.
I've a strange fascination with mosses, and the Hoh forest is certainly the place to indulge any interest in the plants. Trees are quite literally dripping with moss and fern from every exposed surface, giving them quite a shaggy appearance. The effect this has is to make you feel as if you've somehow found yourself in Tolkien's Mirkwood forest; it makes the place feel ancient. The Olympic rain forests are some of the oldest, most diverse biological environments on the planet, and wandering through them will instantly give you a deep appreciation for why we need to protect such amazing places for future generations. If you ever get the chance to visit, do so. You will not regret it.
I've a longer entry concerning the trip over on the blog, if you're interested in the subject
Site Updates
Friday 31 March, 2006 23:23
You may notice a more streamlined appearance to the site as of this evening. The layout's the same, but the design elements have been simplified further than ever before.
Why? Well, I've been keeping a blog off and on (rather more off than on, admittedly), for a while, and had been meaning to integrate it into the site a bit more closely. One thing lead to another, graphics tweaked here and there, and I ended up deciding to unify them completely and so propagated the changes back to this end of the site.
Don't go expecting me to become some a-list blogger or anything crazy like that. I update it about as often as this site gets updated: rarely.
At any rate, hope you enjoy the new tweaks to the appearance. That's Seattle's Space Needle up there in silhouette, just in case you wondered.
Monday 20 March, 2006 22:16
OK, so it's been forever since I updated the site. Sue me. In my defense, I've picked up a new addiction. For the first time in my life, I've actually been looking forward to the winter months, something decidedly odd for a Southern transplant to the Northwest. While my years here in Seattle have taught me not to dread winter, I can't say that I've ever looked forward to 4-5 months of unremitting gray and rainy weather. I love rain more than most people—I wouldn't be here otherwise—but there are limits. So I'm more than a little happy to have been turned on to snowboarding; it allows me to look forward to winter as something to enjoy, rather than endure. This is, to say the least, a novel concept for me.
At any rate, my weekends spent out on the slopes haven't left much time for playing around in Photoshop. This particular desktop was finished long ago and I've been using it on my own computer for some time, but couldn't summon the interest in getting the downloads together. Weirdly enough, it's the original version of the Web desktop released back in August. I like this one much better and have no idea why I released the other version. Meh. What's life without a few mysteries, I suppose? And no, the name does not reference some unfortunate adolescent run-in with bullies; I was merely amused by it.
Astute observers may notice the addition of another resolution. The site's desktops have always been a reflection of my own monitors over the years, and having recently purchased a 23" Cinema Display, you'll now see future desktops offered at this larger size as well as the smaller versions. It's likely the 1024x768 and 1280x1024 versions will at some point be dropped as altering desktops between aspect ratios is officially a pain in the ass.
Jedi Academy
Tuesday 27 September, 2005 21:45
You know, I certainly don't consider myself a gamer, but there are a few I've tried and had a lot of fun playing, such as Halo, or the various Myst incarnations. Another one I've found to be good for hours of entertainment is Lucas Arts' Jedi Academy. How could I resist? It's about the closest you can get to wielding a real lightsaber.
Unfortunately, most games seems to be released with the most pitiful icons to be found for OS X. I can't explain it, but game makers seem loath to invest in a decent icon, which forces me to step in, and I'd much rather be lazy and not have to do it. Case in point is Jedi Academy. The native icon is a flat 128x128 boring square. It doesn't even have a trace of a drop shadow, and squats in your dock like some overweight behemoth crowding up against its neighbors. Not willing to have such an ugly monstrosity in my dock, I had to tweak it to fit in a bit better. So here you go; a few minutes work in Photoshop, and here's an icon that doesn't stand out like a sore thumb.
It's in .icns format, so you can simply crack open the game package if you wish and replace the original, or copy-and-paste if that's more your speed.
Monday 12 September, 2005 18:55
By popular request, here's a desktop version of the Podcast icon. It's actually the original artwork I created for the icon, which was merely sized down. Using a large canvas makes icon creation go much easier than a small one, and has the added benefit of being able to pull double duty if necessary.
At long last, Apple looks like it's getting rid of the ubiquitous brushed metal interface, and the desktop reflects the move, borrowing the new shades of gray from iTune's interface. It's funny how a single shift can change your perceptions. Brushed metal never bothered me one way or the other (though I know it engendered strong responses in many people), but already it seems -- and this would no doubt please Apple -- that the brushed metal interface feels outdated, even clunky. I strongly suspect we will be seeing the other brushed metal applications adopting this new look as it appears to be consistent with the new unified toolbar applications like Mail and System Preferences -- only darker. Maybe OS X will finally begin gaining some consistency within its GUI -- something it has lacked now for several years.
Saturday 27 August, 2005 11:03
A new abstract desktop I've finally gotten aroud to finishing up, this is the one promised back in July that came out of the Widgets desktop. It was originally the background image for that release, but proved too visually busy to keep. On its own it works much better.
This is actually just another in a series of experiments using Photoshop to transform visually mundane elements into something more interesting. The swirls all started as a white circle layer on a blue background. Using Photoshop's new transform function allowed them to be warped in all manner of directions, producing the effect you see here. It's a neat result, though the process isn't exactly exciting.
Lower resolution sizes aren't available for this reason, mainly because the image just doesn't suit itself to resizing very well.
Thursday 7 July, 2005 23:14
And what self-respecting Mac-user would be caught without the the appropriate icon to badge their 'Podcast' directory inside their iTunes music folder?
OK, so it may be completely, utterly, useless. But the purples sure are pretty, aren't they?
Sunday, 3 July, 2005 15:26
Here's a desktop thrown together simply for the fun of it. How useful Dashboard is going to be in the long run is open to debate. It has a great 'wow' factor, but like many people, I don't find myself using it very often aside from checking the weather forecast. Widgets are fun to use, but the majority of them seem to end up repeating functionality better suited to a web browser like Safari or FireFox.
The icons are fun though, and here I've taken several of the Apple supplied
widgets and recreated them somewhat larger than life. Other than a few
minor tweaks to make the images work at a larger size, they're pretty
much the way you'd see them in your Dashboard.
About the only novel
thing you'll find in this desktop is the background itself, a custom-built
riff on the stock Aqua desktop. Believe it or not, those swirl shapes
started off as nothing more than identical white circles, which were
then blurred and put through the wringer of Photoshop's new "Warp" function
of the transformation command. A few layer tweaks later, and voila! Instant
abstract swirls. Kinda nifty, actually. I liked the blue so much,
I've pulled it from the picture—replacing it with a sedate brushed metal
that suits the widget display better—and am going to play with it a bit
more before releasing it as a stand alone desktop of its own. It'll
show up some time over the next few days.
Macromedia '05
Sunday, 26 June, 2005 12:49
Building the CS2 replacement icons finally motivated me to revamp the site's Macromedia MX icons, something I've been meaning to do for the past year.
Each release of OS X has seen a refinement of the Aqua interface, and the subsequent approach to icon design. One result of this has been a movement away from the ubiquitous globe icons with their strong specular highlights -- thank goodness. I've never made my dislike of them a secret. The globes are still present, but the visual effects are more stylized, with subtler highlights, and are often compared to a more plastic look as opposed to glass. The end result is icons that have a somewhat flatter appearance and are moderately easier to identify, which is as it should be. Cool visual effects are great, but when it comes down to it, you need to be able to identify icons at a glance, not be forced to look through the effects to the icon beneath them.
At any rate, the new Macromedia icons are a bit closer to the orginals in execution, though suitably aquafied. The old ones are still available in the Icons section of the Graphics Factory.
Photoshop CS2
Saturday, 18 June, 2005 12:10
Anyone involved with graphics work has probably noticed that Adobe has gone and released yet another update to their graphics suite. And of course we all know what that means: I once again wade in and try to bring their icons more into line with what is expected of icons under OS X.
I'm not sure where Adobe's trying to go with the feather as an icon for Photoshop -- I associate feathers with writing, not drawing -- but hey, you work with what you have. The previous versions (still available here and here), took the icon images from the application's splash screen, and these are no exception. Unfortunately, Adobe keeps reducing the complexity of the splash screen, which makes it more and more difficult to extract any imagery of usefulness for icon creation. With CS2, it's down to a white box with a feather in the corner -- not a lot to work with as you may imagine.
On the other hand, it certainly does simplify the choices, and this time I've actually followed the Aqua interface guidelines for application specific documents much more closely than ever before -- even going so far as to use the template provided by Apple. The only rule I've broken is the size of the icon on the document -- mainly because though I see where Apple's going in regards to consistency of appearance, their specification of an icon no larger than 56 pixels square placed onto the document just doesn't lend itself well to identifying icons at smaller sizes. So I've broken that rule, but the benefit is that these are instantly identifiable as Photoshop documents even in column view, and I'll go ahead and count that as a success.
Eighteen icons make up the set, and as before, instructions on how to replace the icons are included in the disk image. If you'd like to see the other Adobe applications' icons given a similar treatment, feel free to drop me a line using the email address down below, and I'll look into it.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Middle East
IDF Tik Tok's in HebronJuly 6, 2010 - 8:19 AM | by: Yonat Friling
Israeli soldiers may have to face the music, after a video of them dancing made it onto YouTube.
The video "Batallion 50 Rock the Hebron Casbah" shows six dancing Nahal Brigade soldiers, armed and wearing bulletproof vests, patrolling the streets of the Palestinian city of Hebron, as a Muslim call to prayer is heard. Then the music changes and they break into a Macarena-like dance to the tunes of "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha.
The city of Hebron has been a center of conflict and tension between Jewish Settlers and the local Palestinian residents.
The video was uploaded to YouTube over the weekend, and quickly spread across Facebook pages and blogs. By late afternoon on Monday, the video was removed by those who uploaded it, but local Israeli TV channels have aired it several times.
The military called the video a "stunt" and said the troops' commanders have been informed. Some critics called for a harsher punishment for the soldiers, claiming this harms the image of the Israeli Army. But some call it a funny sketch made by 18 year-old men.
This is not the only video that was made by Israeli soldiers to hit the internet. Just search for "funny, " "Israeli soldiers" and you'll find many more.


text:
Type in the Key Words you wish to search for
DMW Case Study - Aircraft parts, 6061 and 6Al4V
The Business Challenge
Diamond Machine Works (DMW) is a family-owned business that started in 1959 with manual machines, eventually expanding to CNC machining technology. The Seattle-based job shop now operates five CNC mills (two 50-taper and three 40-taper machines) and four CNC lathes using Mastercam® X4.
According to David Pruett, the company's CNC programmer for 15 years, close to 90 percent of DMW's work is for aerospace and defense giant, Boeing. Their diverse capabilities drive other customers to DMW for intricate parts machining for skis, snowboards, and even the BMW Oracle racing sailboat.
"We do a little bit of everything," Pruett says. "As a job shop, we take a lot of work that other people won't bother taking. We excel at airplane parts that no one else wants to make, due to either their complexity, low volume, or both." While many shops are looking for profitable high-volume aluminum parts, DMW is able to handle not only aluminum, but also complex jobs made from steel and other harder materials.
The complexity of the parts produced at DMW led Pruett to research the latest high-speed machining software. "Some of the parts we cut are complicated and some are overly complicated, with difficult-to-machine, tight-tolerance features," Pruett said. He discovered the VoluMill™ toolpath solution and began the two-week free trial offer.
Read the Entire Article, download the PDF.


text:
Happy Birthday Sangam!
Este texto no ha sido traducido todavía
7 Octubre 2013
Sangam is 47 years young this 16th of October and we need you to help us celebrate!
Today we started our first From Silver to Gold event. These events will be running every year until Sangam's 50th Birthday. Our 48th Birthday is already full, but we have space in our 49th!!
While we are busy with our event here in India, this doesn't mean you can't be part of the celebrations! There are plenty of ways you can keep in touch with us!
The Sangam Cup
Join us in a wide-game/scavenger hunt! Get your team together and play with us on Saturday the 12th of October. Seeing this after the registration deadline of the 7th? No worries: email firstname.lastname@example.com and use the code SANGELEESAYS and you will be registered! After the 12th of October? No worries either! If you're interested, we'll send you the activities to play!
Explore Your World Centres Webinar
Join Sangam, US Girl Scouts Overseas, and Melinda Caroll in a special WAGGGS World Centres webinar on the 16th of October, Sangam's birthday! Sign up today and join us along with all the World Centres!
World Sangam Day
The 16th of October is World Sangam Day! You can take this time to learn about Sangam, fundraise for Sangam, plan a visit, or even plan an activity or two with your Guides or Girl Scouts! We have numerous resources available on our website all year long! So don't delay! Download them today and get celebrating!
We have a few other exciting surprises in store during the next 12 days so keep watching our facebook, twitter, website and YouTube channel! You never know what might pop up somewhere about our golden birthday!
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text:
Barboursville girls head to Georgia for regionals
HUNTINGTON -- They're not the New York Yankees' version but you can go ahead and call the foursome of Emily Wilmink, Makala Bell, Karlee Alderman and Hannah Morgan "The Core Four."
When the age 11-12 Barboursville All-Stars make their return appearance Thursday at the Little League Softball Southeast Regional in Warner Robins, Ga., on Thursday, that quartet will be the one teammates and coaches will look to lean on.
After all, they're all that remains from last year's run to the regional semifinals.
"They're the team leaders," said Coach Kevin Alderman. "They know what to expect going down there.
"(Warner Robins) is so big and so beautiful and these girls see it all. But with our four returning starters, they'll keep them in line. ... Olivia Caterbury and Karlee are our two pitchers and I'm starting Karlee just because of the experience."
Barboursvile fell to host Warner Robins in last year's event and then watched them go out and win the Little League World Series.
In other words, The Core Four has been battled tested.
But the good news is Warner Robins lost in its Georgia state tournament, meaning the field is wide open.
West Virginia's champions play Florida's champion, Lake Wales Little League, in the opening pool play game of the tournament at 10 a.m., Thursday. Follow the game online at http://eteamz.active.com/llbsouth/.
"They're ready," Alderman said. "They're believers. I think every girl on this team - all 11 - believe that they can go down there and do well.
"And I know that we can. All three coaches know we can. Let's not go down there and compete, we're going down there to win.
"We're not going down there just to have fun, we're going down there to win. They all feel confident. They know we hit th ball well. We play defense real well
"So we're going down there to win."
Which is almost expected when it comes to Barboursville and Little League. Both softball and baseball teams have put together impressive showings this summer,
Alderman's bunch is carrying the flag for them all.
"We appreciate the support of the community," Alderman said. "The people around here have been tremendous.
"It's a tradition to win here. It's like people step their game up in order to get their name on a banner."
ON 2B: Southeast Regional schedule.


text:
Posted at: 06/16/2013 10:41 PM
By: Jenna Lohse
(ABC 6 News)-- Many people spent the day outdoors, enjoying the beautiful weather. But just three weeks ago, it was a totally different story for those in Northeast Iowa. Flooding took over most towns in the Mitchell county area.
The Good news is water is no longer the issue, but there is still work to be done.
"Today with the sun shining the way it is, it's kind of hard to imagine how it was a couple of weeks ago," said Bob Mayor of Stacyville.
Mowing the lawn on a beautiful Sunday afternoon isn't something Bob Mayor takes for granted, because three weeks ago, his backyard was underwater.
"The water line was here and it was just barely so you could see underneath the bridge," said Mayor.
On the other side of the Little Cedar River in Stacyville, is Riverside Park. A place that would normally be packed on a holiday weekend, but remains closed because of flood damage.
"It probably won't dry out all summer," said Mayor.
The main roads in Stacyville has been drivable for a while now, but there are a few side roads that need repairs.
"There's been some roads that have been a lot of washout, but there secondary roads and state are doing a great job of getting them back as quickly as possible," said Ray Huftalin, Emergency Management Coordinator for Mitchell and Worth County.
Of more concern is Highway 9 West of Osage. The main road is still closed after the bridge buckled because of water. This situation has those who live right next to the construction hoping for more good weather.
"The process has been very fast, they're ahead of schedule and so if we don't have no rain days they're going to be done before the deadline," said Travis Barclay of Osage.
Overall, Emergency Management says the progress is huge compared to what many roads looked like a few weeks ago. Many are hoping to have more weather like this, so the rest of storm damage clean up can be as quick as possible.
Crews are working to put culverts in this week on Highway 9 in Osage and they hope to have the road open by the end of next month. Emergency Management says Highway 105 in St. Ansgar just reopened this weekend.


text:
The Global Intelligence Files,
files released so far...
Index pages
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The Hindu - India
The Yes Men - Bhopal Activists
Sunday Star-Times - New Zealand
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The Global Intelligence Files
On Monday February 27th, 2012, WikiLeaks began publishing The Global Intelligence Files, over five million e-mails from the Texas headquartered "global intelligence" company Stratfor. The e-mails date between July 2004 and late December 2011. They reveal the inner workings of a company that fronts as an intelligence publisher, but provides confidential intelligence services to large corporations, such as Bhopal's Dow Chemical Co., Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Raytheon and government agencies, including the US Department of Homeland Security, the US Marines and the US Defence Intelligence Agency. The emails show Stratfor's web of informers, pay-off structure, payment laundering techniques and psychological methods.
RE: On behalf of email@example.com...your www.stratfor.com page isn't working again
Released on 2013-11-15 00:00 GMT
|2008-04-08 14:52:10
I must have not been very clear in my initial description of the problem.
This happens when I first select Stratfor from my Favorites list in the
Internet Explorer. There is no way to log on until IE takes you to a page.
That is instead of typing www.stratfor.com in the Address area, I just
select a favorite with the same website address. It is at that point that I
am not taken to www.stratfor.com, but to the website link I sent you which
is https://www.stratfor.com/campaign/free_books_bookshelf_2. I never got
the opportunity to logon because I ended up at the wrong page as the very
first page I was taken to.
Note this does not happen very often if I use www.stratfor.com/frontpage
instead of www.stratfor.com. I bring this problem back up because Stratfor
thought it had been fixed and I just thought you would like to know. For
me, it's fine if you never fix it, this was mostly for Stratfor's benefit
not mine. I'm an IT / infosec person and I was just trying to be helpful if
I could.
Mrs. Dowe.
At 03:51 PM 4/7/2008, you wrote:
>Dear Mrs. Dowe,
>I believe you are being redirected to that page because you have not yet
>logged into the site. If you get sent to that page you should be able to go
>type in www.stratfor.com or the /frontpage again and get sent to the proper
>page you requested.
>Alternatively if go to www.stratfor.com directly and login at the top-left
>corner your login information should stay for about 30 days.
>Please let me know if this resolves the problem or if you are unable to
>leave that page.
>Solomon Foshko
>Strategic Forecasting, Inc.
>Stratfor Customer Service
>-----Original Message-----
>From: dd_email [mailto:email@example.com]
>Sent: Saturday, April 05, 2008 8:17 AM
>To: firstname.lastname@example.com
>Subject: On behalf of firstname.lastname@example.com...your www.stratfor.com page isn't
>working again
>Hi Stratfor,
>I'm Jim Dowe's wife and he lets me share his stratfor subscription. I'm the
>one who sent the email saying I had switched to www.stratfor.com/frontpage
>because I kept having problems using www.stratfor.com. He told me from his
>emails last week that the problem had been fixed and Stratfor preferred
>customers use www.stratfor.com. That worked yesterday, but today the latest
>of the problems I have had getting to your new website happened again. My
>browser has www.stratfor.com, but where I was sent was to
>I had problems earlier with your new website where I would be taken to the
>wrong place, but the latest one is the same one that happened today, which
>is going to the book page. I just thought you would like to know, and I'm
>going back to www.stratfor.com/frontpage.
>I think it was a different email address besides firstname.lastname@example.com that
>I used earlier this week that Stratfor provided in your efforts to solve
>this problem, but I don't remember what that was so I used this one. If
>it's useful to your IT team, I'm running Windows XP Pro, SP2, with IE6. If
>you need a beta tester, let me know, it wouldn't take long to test this.
>Please just use the email address I have sent this from for communication
>I really enjoy reading your information and I really like the new web
>site. I would very much like to see you have this problem permanently
>fixed; I'm sure not more that you do.
>Dee Dee Ranyan (aka Mrs. Jim Dowe III)


text:
- About
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Plug and Play Looks To Invest in European Tech Startups
International Accelerator Establishes its European Headquarters in Valencia, Spain
• Plug and Play Spain to serve as a bridge for Silicon Valley-based tech companies to expand into Europe
• Plug and Play seeks to invest in 5 to 10 European companies per year
• Plug and Play intends to invest between EUR 25.000 – 50.000
Valencia, Spain (05/13/2012) – Silicon Valley based startup accelerator Plug and Play Tech Center, is looking to invest in European tech startups who want to accelerate growth and have unique access to the Silicon Valley ecosystem. Founded in 2006 by entrepreneur Saeed Amidi, Plug and Play began operating in Spain this year, with the objective of growing entrepreneurial tech projects.
Plug and Play's 'Plug and Play Accelerator' program will search for promising startups and invest between EUR 25.000 and 50.000 per company. Plug and Play has a budget of EUR 1 million to invest annually in 5 -10 local startups. In addition, the founders of the selected companies will take part in a 3-month program designed to immerse startups into the Silicon Valley environment. "Through a combination of structured workshops, speaker series, mentorship sessions, and active coaching, startup founders will crystallize their ideas and business plans, build out their startups' business models and prototypes as well as present their refined pitches to the venture capital community," said Juan Luis Hortelano, Manager and Co- founder of Plug and Play Spain.
The Plug and Play Accelerator programs will take place at both Plug and Play's Sunnyvale, California headquarters and at Plug and Play Spain in Valencia. The Plug and Play Accelerator Program will conclude with EXPO, a demo day that provides exposure for the Plug and Play Accelerator companies and connects them with the venture capital and angel investor community. The deadline for applications in Silicon Valley is June 11. The deadline for the Valencia program is June 25.
"Plug and Play Spain will also serve as a bridge for fast-growing technology startups based in the Silicon Valley to expand into Europe via Spain," says Hortelano. One of Plug and Play Spain's goals is to expedite the establishment of U.S. tech companies in Europe. Hortelano emphasizes that Plug and Play Spain's objective is, "to create a bridge between Europe and Silicon Valley, helping European companies to make the leap into the most important high-tech region in the world." Plug and Play will also work closely with Spanish universities to find new talent. Plug and Play plans to organize two annual events in Spain and in the Silicon Valley, which aim to promote entrepreneurial culture and to create an ecosystem for entrepreneurs and investors.
About Plug and Play Spain
Plug and Play Spain is the European headquarters for Plug and Play Tech Center and was established in January 2012 in Valencia after its founders, Saeed Amidi and Alberto Gutiérrez, had strong ties to the city spanning the last15 years. It is focused on sourcing, funding and accelerating the growth of the most promising young tech companies. Plug and Play Spain seeks to build an inclusive environment with wide networks and strong support structures to help accelerate these companies toward success.
About Plug and Play Tech Center
Plug and Play Tech Center is a business accelerator that specializes in growing tech startups. Headquartered in Sunnyvale, CA, Plug and Play's global network includes over 300 tech startups, 180 investors and a community of leading universities and corporate partners. From unique industry networking events, education and immersion programs to mentorship, Plug and Play provides access to the resources and infrastructure essential to building rapidly growing, profitable enterprises.
Since its creation in January 2006 Plug and Play has helped startups raise over $1 billion in venture funding. For nearly three decades, Plug and Play management has played a direct role in starting successful ventures in the Silicon Valley and around the world. Plug and Play's portfolio includes investment in companies like Google, Paypal, Dropbox, Zoosk, Soundhound and Lending Club.


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Teen Mom
Farrah Abraham Shows Off Her Post-Plastic Surgery Face! (PHOTO)
Teen Mom's Farrah Abraham recently went under the knife for $16,000 worth of cosmetic surgery, including a nose job and chin implant. Although she told Us Weekly she's "done thinking about it," she's obviously thrilled to showcase her new face.
On November 19, the 21-year-old reality starlet jetted back to Iowa after a quick jaunt to L.A. for the 40th annual American Music Awards. During her flight — where she was seated in first class, by the way — Farrah held a mini-photoshoot with herself, snapping a few Twitter-worthy selfies.
"Farrah in 1st class Lucky Day ROAR!" she posted, along with this self-taken kissy pic.
We don't normally condone duck face, but we must admit our girl looks totally glam. Do y'all agree, Teen Mom fans? Tell us what you think of Farrah's new look in the comments below!
Wanna chat with fellow Teen Mom fans? Join the discussion on our Teen Mom Facebook page!
Follow @TeenMomWetpaint on Twitter
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Meet Your Academic Advisor
Carol Harneit, Ph.D.
Welcome to the University of South Florida!
I am looking forward to working with you as your advisor for the Bachelor of General Studies. I am here to assist you on your path to success, so please feel free to contact me if you have questions.
In order to help you get to know me a little before we work together, I would like to tell you about my background. I'm originally from Louisville, Kentucky and attended a small private college there. Afterwards I moved to New York for graduate school, knowing no one, but depending on the assistantship I had there. I earned my M.A. and Ph.D. in English Literature at St. John's University, N.Y. and had several years to explore New York's theaters, museums, and sights between classes, teaching and other jobs.
From the beginning, I seemed destined to be connected with technology in teaching and learning. As a graduate assistant, I worked with a professor teaching by closed circuit TV in multiple classrooms. Later, back in Louisville, I created and presented introductions and follow ups for a televised Freshman Composition course for the local university/college consortium on cable TV, telling students about their course assignments.
At USF, I've worked for many years in a variety of programs with undergraduate adult students taking classes off campus, on campus on weekends, by telecourse, by videoconferencing, by ITFS, and online. While I have taught a few courses, I've chiefly worked in the administration and coordination of these programs. In addition, I worked in faculty development for eight years, working with faculty and graduate teaching assistants. Currently I am Assistant Director for Advising and Communications in Innovative Education, advising students in the Bachelor of General Studies (BGS) and administering this program.
During the 30+ years I have been at USF, I have met many wonderful people and learned a great deal about how the University works. I look forward to putting this knowledge and these contacts to use in helping you have a successful career at USF. I can help you answer questions about admission to USF and to the BGS, and of course help with other academic or administrative questions you may have as you progress through your bachelor's degree. I can also link you to the advisor in your chosen concentration who can answer specific questions about the sequence of courses or other questions that come up there. Even if you feel you know no one at USF, you now know me, so you have a friend at USF who will help you with questions or issues that arise.
If you would like to set up an appointment to meet with me in person or by phone, call 813-974-7277 (or toll free at 1-888-873-4968) or email me at firstname.lastname@example.com. Please feel free to call or email with a quick question. My office is in SVC 1072 on the first floor of the Student Services Building in the center of campus, near the Collins Parking Garage.For directions to campus, parking information, or a campus map, go to http://www.usf.edu/about-usf/visit-usf.aspx. Advising appointments are encouraged to avoid waiting, but walk-ins are welcome in SVC 1072.


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Articles tagged alloy ark
10 Nov 2010 // 9:56 PM
- //Music
The piano and unexpected rhythms give an almost vaudevillian feel, and keep the album from sounding like Kindercore-by-numbers.READ more
//Mixed media
Willis Earl Beal "Survive" (Singles Going Steady) // Music
Andy Lampert "Even I Can Dream" (audio) (premiere) // Music
Kendrick Lamar "For Free? (Interlude)" (video) // Music
Bodies Be Rivers "Room For One" (video) (premiere) // Music
Gary Clark Jr. "The Healing" (Singles Going Steady) // Music
//Pm Picks
Call for Papers: Threatdowns, Political Beatdowns, and the Stewart/Colbert Affect
// Announcements
"We got our "news" from these two satirists, and their protégés, Noah and Wilmore, surely hope for such loyalty. What is Stewart and Colbert's legacy? What does the future hold for them -- and us?READ the article


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Lindsay distracts you from the footage of cute animals in distress with... more footage of cute animals. In distress.
A sardonic look at media past and present from the viewpoint of Lindsay and her motley crew of nerdy friends.
Discover the best in original web series.
© 2014 Blip Networks, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Blip is part of Maker Studios


text:
ALBUQUERQUE -- Federal employees who are laid off, including those furloughed during the temporary shutdown of the federal government, can file for unemployment benefits through the New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions.
Individuals can apply for Unemployment Insurance by logging in at www.jobs.state.nm.us, Sunday through Friday from 4 a.m. to 7 p.m. They can also contact a Customer Service Agent at 1-877-664-6984, Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
"We are encouraging federal employees to apply online or contact the UI Operations Center to submit their initial claim," said Cabinet Secretary Celina Bussey. "Since the federal government shutdown on Tuesday, October 1, approximately 47% of our initial claims have been federal claims."
Whether over the internet or by telephone, individuals will need the following information to file a new claim:
- Social Security Number (SSN)
- Mailing address and phone number(s) of employer(s) you worked for in last 18 months
- The starting and ending dates of your last job (or jobs if more than one employer in last 18 months)
- If you are a non-citizen, have your alien registration number and expiration date
- If you worked during the week you are filing your claim, be sure you know the gross amount (total dollars and cents before any deductions) of your pay before filing
- If you have dependents, have names, dates of births, and SSNs for all of your dependents
- Pencil and paper to write down questions and instructions
Copyright 2013 Nexstar Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.


text:
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The Dragon Scale Upper Leg Armours are made with 18 gauge steel pieces and 8 to 10 oz tan leather. Two leather straps help to firmly fix them on your leg. The price is for the pair.
Once you have filled in all the required options and pressed the Update Options button you will be able to add this item into your shopping cart.
Copyright © 1995 - 2015 By The Sword All rights reserved
Contact Us: email@example.com


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Homeschool Wednesday at the Higgins!
Wednesday, Feb 13, 2013 at 10:00am-4:00pm
100 Barber Avenue, Worcester, MA 01606
$7 per person (includes admission, show, and story time). Ages 3 and under are FREE. Workshop: $5 per project
Our Homeschool Wednesdays are the perfect way to make learning medieval history engaging and fun! Go deeper. Explore the Higgins Armory extensive collection of arms and armor from around the world through programs designed to compliment home based learning for ages 5 and up. Participants enjoy discounted admission to the museum, an auditorium show, and a workshop. There is no need to pre-register for these programs.


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Release DateJuly 11, 2014 (Limited)
Duration90 min.
Official Siteclick here
REVIEWS RATE: Critics Readers Be the 1st!
Cast and Crew
DirectorKevin Asch
ProducerKevin Asch, Morris S. Levy
ScreenwriterAntonio Macia
- Ben Rosenfield
- Nicola Peltz as Kate Miller
- Gregg Sulkin as Dylan Carson
- Grant Gustin as Todd Goodman
- Steve Guttenberg as Philip Miller
- Samantha Mathis as Bunny Miller
Loosely based on "The Great Gatsby", "Affluenza" finds a middle class kid (Boardwalk Empire's Ben Rosenfield) thrust into the upper crust party scene of Great Neck, Long Island with his privileged cousin Kate (Bates Motel's Nicola Peltz) and her cabal of volatile admirers and friends (including The Flash's Grant Gustin and Faking It's Gregg Sulkin).


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Companies respond to OCAP RFPSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
Less than two months after putting the call out, 14 companies have responded to CableLabs ' OpenCable Application Platform (OCAP) request for proposal for implementations. OCAP, which is largely based on Europe's MHP platform, is a specification tied to middleware that eventually will populate OpenCable-based digital set-top boxes and other devices.
Harmonic tumbles on revised outlookSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
Wall Street is frowning on Harmonic Inc.'s stock, following a revised third-quarter outlook that will come in below previous expectations. The company expects to post Q3 sales of between $37 million and $39 million, citing a significant slowdown in orders from its domestic cable customers. Its Broadband Access Networks division, which manufacturers fiber optic products for broadband cable netwo...
Juniper bows compact CMTSSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Jeff Baumgartner | Comments
Juniper Networks will tackle the small- to mid-sized MSO sector with a new "pizza box" cable modem termination system (CMTS) dubbed the "G1." The G1 complements Juniper's DOCSIS 1.1-qualified G10 model, a full-chassis, "carrier-class" CMTS. Both models house Juniper's home-grown silicon, the "Broadband Cable Processor.
WorldGate shuffles staff, makes cutsSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
To ensure WorldGate has enough cash to fund itself through at least the next four quarters, the company is making some changes. WorldGate said it is taking steps to get its priorities in line. First, the company will transfer some of its employees to TVGateway LLC, its joint venture with Adelphia Communications Corp.
FreeZone debuts in San DiegoSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Staff | Comments
Ready to see if "free" on-demand will drive and retain digital subscribers, Cox Communications Inc. has launched its advertising-supported video-on-demand service in San Diego. The service bowed on channel 997. Dubbed "FreeZone," the service gives digital subscribers on-demand access to a spate of ad-supported content, including short independent films, action sports vignettes and interviews w...
OpenCable adds HD to the mixSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Staff | Comments
CableLabs has issued a new OpenCable specification designed to funnel high-definition television programming through advanced digital set-tops and other OpenCable-based devices or "hosts." OpenCable is a CableLabs initiative that aims to create the technical pieces necessary to lend "portability" to digital cable set-tops and, consequently, foster a retail market for the equipment.
UPC looks to Arris for tiering, VoIPSeptember 30, 2002 8:00 pm | by Staff | Comments
Pushing ahead with an advanced cable service plan that includes tiered data and a transition to IP telephony, UnitedGlobalCom has awarded Arris a three-year purchase agreement that covers "all elements" of HFC systems and multiple deployments. More specifically, the deal includes Arris' DOCSIS 1.1- and EuroDOCSIS 1.
Cox to offer HDTV next month in San DiegoSeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Jennifer Davies | Comments
Copyright 2002 The San Diego Union-Tribune The San Diego Union-Tribune…09/28/2002 From LexisNexis Cox Communications Inc. will launch its high-definition television service in San Diego at the end of next month, providing further momentum for the technology. Starting Oct. 29, Cox cable customers will be able to get high-definition television for programming on HBO, NBC, Showtime and G4, a...
UPC restructures debtSeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
European cable network operator United Pan-Europe Communications NV has reached an agreement with its creditors to restructure its debt. The deal will give its parent UnitedGlobalCom a minimum 65.5 percent interest in the company. The recapitalization plan calls the elimination of 65 percent of UPC's debt.
Arris, Alopa partner to strengthen telephony positionSeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
Arris has inked a reseller agreement with Alopa Networks to boost its ability to deliver its CompleteVoice end-to-end voice and data service program to cable operators. The deal grants Arris the right to resell Alopa's MetaServ provisioning platform. Financial terms were not disclosed. Alopa's MetaServ provisioning platform is designed for small- to mid-size cable operators, and interfaces with...
Cable modem customers pass 10-million markSeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
The U.S. cable modem customer base will top 10 million at the end of the third quarter 2002, according to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association. The milestone "reflects continued steady growth in consumer demand for cable broadband services," said Robert Sachs, NCTA president and CEO.
Convergent dials up cable VoIP strategySeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Jeff Baumgartner | Comments
After toiling away early and quietly on the PacketCable front, Convergent Networks now appears ready to start making some noise about cable-based IP telephony. Founded in 1998, Lowell, Mass.-based Convergent had its cable coming-out party this week with the release of "Cohesion," a PacketCable-based product suite comprised of media gateways, SS7 signaling gateways, tandem proxies and element ma...
Microsoft buys Liquid Audio's intellectual propertySeptember 29, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
Microsoft Corp. has snapped up Liquid Audio Inc.'s patents for cash consideration of $7 million. The streaming media software provider enables music fans to download and purchase digital files off the Internet, but is trying to shift its focus from product development to digital distribution of media to retail.
Liberate posts wider Q1 lossSeptember 26, 2002 8:00 pm | by Susan Rush | Comments
Interactive software developer Liberate Technologies posted a wider year-over-year first quarter loss. The company cited the weakness in the cable and telecom sectors for the dip. The company reported a net loss of $249.6 million, or $2.35 a share, compared with a year-earlier net loss of $78 million, or 74 cents a share.
Gartner: Cable access gear revenue downSeptember 26, 2002 8:00 pm | by Jeff Baumgartner | Comments
Global revenue for cable access platforms, a sector that includes cable modem termination systems (CMTSs), dropped by more than 9 percent to $181.9 million in the first half of 2002, Gartner Dataquest revealed in a new report ("Cable Broadband Access Platform Shipments Fall as Service Providers Tighten their Belts, 1H2002 Market Share and Forecast 2002-2006").