text:
Justia Patents Banking SystemsUS Patent for Method of ordering displayed document images in an image based document processing system Patent (Patent # 5,221,830)
Method of ordering displayed document images in an image based document processing system
Oct 10, 1989 - Unisys Corp.
A method which provides for controlling the ordering of document images in an image based document processing system so as to minimize the likelihood of an operator making an incorrect entry. In a particular preferred embodiment, transactions comprised of a single deposit ticket and a single check are reordered when displayed for amount entry so that they are separated by at least one document image. This minimizes data entry errors, since an operator cannot assume that successively displayed items are related.
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CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS
This patent application is related to the following concurrently filed patent applications:
U.S. Ser. No. 07/420,090, filed Oct. 10, 1989,
U.S. Ser. No. 07/420.098, filed Oct. 10, 1989,
U.S. Ser. No. 07/420,100, filed Oct. 10, 1989.
The present invention relates generally to improved means and methods for processing documents using electronic imaging, and more particularly, to the use of electronic imaging for processing financial documents, such as checks and related documents in a banking environment.
Today's financial services industry is facing the immense challenge of processing huge amounts of documents efficiently. Predictions that document payment methods would decline have not been realized. In fact, document payment methods have grown worldwide and are expected to continue increasing. There is thus a vital need to devise improved means and methods for processing such documents.
The use of imaging technology as an aid to document processing has been recognized as one way of significantly improving document processing, as disclosed, for example, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,205,780, 4,264,808, and 4,672,186. Generally, imaging involves optically scanning documents to produce electronic images that are processed electronically and stored on high capacity storage media (such as magnetic disc drives and/or optical memory) for alter retrieval and display. It is apparent that document imaging provides the opportunity to reduce document handling and movement, since these electronic images can be used in place of the actual documents.
However, despite technological advantages in imaging in recent years, prior art document processing systems employing imaging, such as disclosed in the aforementioned patents do not realized sufficient improvements to justify the added implementations costs.
SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION
Accordingly, it is a broad object of the present invention to provide improved means and methods for employing electronic imaging in a document processing system.
A more specific object of the present invention is to provide such improved means and methods in a manner which significantly improves document processing productivity.
Another object of the present invention in accordance with one or more of the foregoing objects is to provide a document processing system employing imaging which is organized for operation in a manner which significantly reduces labor costs.
Further objects of the present invention involve improvements in system architecture, workstation management, transaction balancing, lost image recovery, priority document shipment, and free and missing document management.
The specific nature of the invention as well as other objects, features advantages and uses thereof will be come evident from the following detailed description along with the accompanying drawings comprised of FIGS. 1-26.
FIG. 1 generally illustrates an exemplary image-based bank check processing system in accordance with the invention.
FIG. 2 is a pictorial representation of FIG. 1.
FIG. 3 illustrates the front side of a typical check.
FIG. 4 illustrates the front side of a typical deposit ticket.
FIG. 5 illustrates the back side of a typical deposit ticket.
FIG. 6 illustrates a typical cash paid out slip.
FIG. 7 illustrates a typical check containing an encoded amount below the signature.
FIG. 8 illustrates the layered software architecture employed in the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 9 illustrates the manner in which application programs are distributed throughout the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 10 is a more specific representation of the layered software architecture employed in the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating how the system of FIG. 1 can be expanded.
FIG. 12 is a flow chart illustrating how image recovery is provided in the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 13 illustrates how documents may be distributed after sorting by the document processor in FIG. 1.
FIG. 13a illustrates how the distributed documents of FIG. 13 are placed in a block tray without reordering preparatory to performing a repass for image recovery purposes.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating various types of workstations employed in the system of FIG. 1.
FIG. 15 illustrates preferred hardware for the image workstations of FIG. 14.
FIGS. 16 and 17 illustrate examples of image displays which may typically appear on an amount entry workstation.
FIGS. 18 and 19 illustrate examples of screen displays which may typically appear on a MICRO correction workstation.
FIG. 20 illustrates an example of a multi-window screen display which may typically appear on a balancing work station.
FIG. 21 illustrates a typical workstation keyboard.
FIGS. 22A and 22B show the upper keys and associated functions of the keyboard of FIG. 21.
FIGS. 23A, 23B, and 23C show the lower keys and associated functions of the keyboard of FIG. 21.
FIG. 24 is a flow chart illustrating the automatic steps through which a balancing workstation leads an operator in order to balance out-of-balance transactions.
FIG. 25 illustrates an example of atypical customer advance letter that may be prepared by an operator at a balancing workstation.
FIG. 26 is a flow diagram illustrating how priority transit shipment is provided in the system of FIG. 1.
Like numerals and characters refer to like elements throughout the figures of the drawings.
In order to demonstrate how the invention may be implemented and operated, an exemplary image-based bank check processing system, such as generally illustrated in FIG. 1, will be considered in detail. It is to be understood that this exemplary system is merely illustrative, and should not be considered as in any way limiting the scope of the invention, since the invention is applicable to other types of document processing systems, financial and otherwise.
Deposit Transactions
Before describing FIG. 1, it will be helpful to first consider the deposit type of transactions which this exemplary system will be assumed to process for the purposes of this description.
As is well known, a very common activity within a bank involves the processing of deposits made by the bank's customers. A customer is typically one who has a checking account at the bank and, from time-to-time, makes a deposit for the purpose of depositing to his/her account one or more checks which the customer has received from others. These checks may be drawn on the same bank (on us checks) or on other banks. FIG. 3 illustrates the front side 10a of a typical check 10.
In order to make a deposit, a customer ordinarily fills out a deposit ticket listing the amount of each check to be deposited, and the total of all checks. FIG. 4 illustrates the front side 15a of a typical deposit ticket 15 listing for deposit only a single check for $250.00.
If there are many checks to be deposited and insufficient space to list them on the front side 15a of the deposit ticket 15, the check amounts are then listed on the back side 15b of the deposit ticket 15, as illustrated in FIG. 5, with the total of these checks being written on the back 15b and also on the front side 15a of the deposit ticket 15.
Note that code lines 11 and 16 are provided at the bottom of the front sides 10a and 15a of both the check 10 and deposit ticket 15, respectively. These code lines 11 and 16 typically are both humanly-readable and machine-readable, and contain information which the bank uses for processing, such as the bank on which the document is drawn, a routing/transit number, the account number of the person who wrote or made out the check or deposit ticket, and a transaction code indicating the type of document. These code lines 11 and 16 are usually comprised of well known MICR (Magnetic Ink Character Recognition) data, but may alternatively be OCR (Optical Character Recognition) data. For convenience, it will be assumed for the remainder of this description that these code lines are MICR data.
A bank receives deposit tickets and associated checks for further processing from a variety of sources, such as from the bank's tellers, through-the-mail, from automated teller machines, etc. When the transaction is made at a teller window, the customer may also choose to receive a certain amount of cash, as indicated by the $200.00 amount provided on the "LESS CASH RECEIVED" line on the front side 15a of the deposit ticket 15 in FIG. 4. In such a case, the teller will then include with the check(s) and deposit ticket of the transaction, a cash paid out slip for the corresponding cash amount of $200.00, as illustrated in FIG. 6. This cash paid out slip also has a MICR code line 19.
Instead of receiving cash, the customer might wish to deposit cash into his account, in which case the customer would enter the appropriate amount into the "CURRENCY" and/or "COIN" lines adjacent the "CASH" block on the front side 15a of the deposit ticket 15(FIG. 4). The teller would then include with the check(s) and deposit slip of the transaction, a cash paid in slip (not shown), which would be generally similar to the cash paid out slip shown in FIG. 6 (including an appropriate code line), except that it would designate cash paid in instead of cash paid out.
The deposit ticket 15 along with its associated checks 10, and any cash paid in or paid out slip constitute a transaction. Other documents, such as mortage and credit card payments could also be included in a transaction. Assuming no errors have been made (by either the customer or the teller), the "NET DEPOSIT" line on the front side 15a of the deposit ticket 15 should equal the algebraic sum of the associated check amounts and any cash paid in or paid out amount, and also the amounts of any other types of transaction items which may be included in the transaction. When this equality is present, the transaction is said to be "balanced."
It will be appreciated that a bank is required to process large quantities of transactions, such as described above, every working day. The bank needs to process these transactions for two primary purposes:
(1) To capture data from the transaction documents in order to be able to update the bank's own customer accounts. For example, a customer who made a deposit needs to have his account updated to reflect the results of the deposit.
(2) To send out checks drawn on other banks for collection. In accordance with current banking practices, it is required that a machine-readable amount be encoded on each check which for the present description will be assumed to be MICR data. This encoded amount is conventionally placed below the signature of the person who wrote the check, in line with the check code line 11, as illustrated at 21 in FIG. 7. It will be assumed that MICR encoding is used.
In accomplishing the above purposes, it is important that a check processing system provide for proofing, which in the banking industry refers to methods and apparatus for detecting, correcting and handling transaction balancing errors. It will be understood that such errors may be produced by the customer and/or teller, or may be introduced during processing. The manner in which the processing system provides for detecting and correcting such errors, as well as preventing the introduction of errors during processing, has a very significant impact on the resultant productivity and cost effectiveness of the system. This is why the use of imaging technology in document processing is not of itself a solution to the problems associated with document processing.
General System Description
FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of an image-based bank check processing system in accordance with the invention, which is able to take particular advantage of imaging technology in a manner which significantly enhances the productivity and cost-effectiveness of the system. As mentioned previously, this bank check processing system is presented by way of example, and should not be considered as in any way limiting the scope of the invention.
An initial step of preparation is required to prepare incoming transactions for processing by the check processing system of FIG. 1. This preparation step involves removing staples, paper clips, rubber bands etc. from the transaction documents, and arranging them in trays with proper orientation and in proper order, each tray corresponding to a block. Included in each tray is a block ticket for identifying the documents in that block, and pocket separator ticket for separating the documents into block groups after they have been sorted into pockets 32a. For the purposes of this description, and, by way of example, it will be assumed that a tray comprises a block of transactions containing about 3,000 documents, and without any transactions being split up between different blocks. To permit identification of the documents associated with each transaction, they are arranged in consecutive order in the tray. Typically, the deposit ticket of each transaction follows the other documents of the transaction.
These tray blocks of transactions are brought to a high speed document processor 32 which includes an imaging capability, and also optionally includes a microfilming capability and a capability for automatically reading the dollar amounts of the transaction documents. The operator places the tray block into an automatic document feeder of the document processor unit 32 and begins operation. The document processor 32 then reads the MICR code line on each document as the document flows through the unit, endorses audit trail information (including assigning a sequence number) on the document, optionally microfilms the document, and also captures an image of one or more sides of the document. If a document already has the dollar amount encoded, or if automatic dollar amount reading is available, this dollar amount is also read. The document processor 32 then sorts the documents (usually based on MICR data) to pockets 32a using a sort pattern which may be downloaded from a host computer 34 via a a communication link 36. As will become evident hereinafter, it is advantageous to sort to pockets 32a based on the destination indicated by the MICR code line in order to facilitate meeting destination shipment deadlines. As will also become evident hereinafter, it is additionally advantageous to permit a defective MICR code line to be sorted to its corresponding pocket, so long as the destination portion is readable. The manner in which such documents having defective MICR code lines, but with readable destinations are handled will be described later on herein. Documents which cannot be handled (e.g., because of a defective MICR line without readable destination) are sorted to a reject pocket for handling by conventional reject reentry procedures. If desired, deposit slips and cash-in and cash-out slips could also be sorted to separate pockets.
The data read from the transaction documents by the document processor 32 are fed to the computer 34 via communication link 36, and typically includes each document's MICR data, amount data (if read), assigned sequence number and pocket location. The host computer 34 maintains a data base which stores the pertinent data corresponding to each transaction document being processed.
Images captured by the document processor 32 are processed, compressed, and formed into image packets. Each packet comprises one or more compressed images of a document along with an identifying header containing document identifying in data (such as MICR data and sequence number). These image packets are then sent, via a high speed, point-to-point optical network 41 for storage on a high capacity disk-based magnetic storage and retrieval unit 40. The storage and retrieval unit 40 communicates with the computer 34 via communication link 42 and communication processor 34a.
Thus, after a tray block is passed through the document processor 32, the transaction documents will be in the pockets 32a, corresponding document data, such as MICR, sequence number, dollar amount (if read) and pocket location will have been sent to the host computer 34 for storage in its document data base, and corresponding images with document identifying headers will have been stored on the storage and retrieval unit 40.
Additional tray blocks are processed by the document processor 32 in the same manner as described above. In each pocket, the pocket separator tickets provided in the trays during the previously described preparation step serve to separate documents from different blocks. As pockets fill, an operator empties each pocket into a pocket tray which is identified with the corresponding pocket number. These pocket trays are moved to a holding area. When the system indicates that the documents in a particular pocket tray are ready for encoding, the tray may then be taken to a power encoder 60 for high speed encoding of the dollar amount on each check. Since, as mentioned previously, the sorting into pockets is advantageously based on shipping destination, these trays corresponding to destinations having the earliest deadlines, and which the system indicate are ready for encoding, can be encoded before those having later deadlines. In the system being described encoding of the dollar amount by a power encoder 60 is normally permitted only after the dollar amounts of all documents in a tray have been entered into the computer data base and, in addition, all corresponding transactions have been determined to be properly balanced. Batch and/or block balancing may additionally be provided as a further check on proofing accuracy.
Of course, before a transaction can be balanced, the dollar amounts of its documents must be entered into the computer data base. The images of those documents which still require dollar amount entry after being processed by the document processor 32 are sent by the storage and retrieval unit 40, via a local area network 52, to image workstations 50
As shown in FIG. 1, the illustrated system includes a plurality of image workstations 50 which, in response to receiving images from the storage and retrieval unit 40, serve as the primary operator interface for entering dollar amounts and correction data into the computer data base, and for balancing transactions. The workstations 50 communicate with the computer 34 via network 52 and the storage and retrieval unit 40. Accordingly, data generated at the workstations 50 is sent to the computer 34 by first sending the data, via network 52, to storage and retrieval module 40, which then sends the data, via network 42 and communication processor 34a to the computer 34.
As will be described in further detail hereinafter, the workstations 50 are divided by function into various types: one type of workstations is used to key in dollar amounts by viewing document images; a second type provides for the correction of MICR code lines, while also providing for amount entry if required; a third type is used to balance transactions; and a fourth type cooperates with a printer to provide text and image hard copy output.
It will be appreciated that proofing (transaction balancing) is required to correct any transaction errors which may be present (to the extent possible) before the checks are encoded by power encoder 60 and shipped to their proper destinations. The transaction documents sorted to the reject pocket by the document processor 32 also have to be entered into the computer data base, since they also belong to transactions which are to be balanced. These rejects are handled by a well known procedure known as reject reentry. The power encoder 60 may be operated in a reject reentry mode for entry of reject data into the computer data base.
When the transactions corresponding to the documents in a pocket tray which require encoding have been determined to be balanced, the pocket tray may then be taken from the holding area to the power encoder 60, which communicates with the computer 34 via communication link 62 and communication processor 34a. An operator places the documents from the tray into the input hopper of the power encoder 60 and initiates operation. As the documents pass through the power encoder 60, each pocket separator signals the computer 34 to send to power encoder 60 the amount data for the sequence of checks which follows the pocket separator. The power encoder 60 then encodes the sequence of checks accordingly, using an appropriate printer (not shown). The power encoder 60 may also provide for further sorting of checks based on, for example, destination data contained in the MICR code line, or in response to sorting data derived from the host computer 34. The checks are thus made ready for shipment to their appropriate destinations. Any checks not fed to the power encoder 60, or those checks rejected thereby, are added to their respective group for shipping. The sorting may also be used to remove other types of transaction documents (such as pocket separators, deposit tickets and cash-in and -out slips) by sorting them to a separate pocket. Typically, a cash letter accompanies each shipped group indicating the number and amount of the checks in the group.
Description of Specific Features
Having generally described the exemplary check processing system of FIG. 1, various important advantageous features of the system will next be considered.
Layered Software Architecture
As illustrated in FIG. 8, the software architecture provided for the system of FIG. 1 advantageously employs a layered software architecture comprised of application programs, system services and native operating systems which permit the system to serve as a hardware platform applicable to various types of document processing systems. This layered software architecture also permits the cooperative performance of the hardware to be tailored for maximum productivity.
A particular application is composed of application programs that run on different units in the system, each application program being written in the language best suited to its own particular operating environment.
FIG. 9 illustrates the manner in which such application programs are distributed throughout the system of FIG. 1. It will be seen that application programs (indicated in black) execute on the document processor 32, the host computer 34, the image workstations 50, and the power encoder 60, each of these units having its own native unit operating system.
The system services (FIG. 8) are a library of commands that may be called by application software programs so as to provide an interface between these application programs and the native unit operating systems. More particularly, system service calls are made in the application programming language and provide the ability to interact with all system hardware components and native operating systems. System services provide this interaction independent of any other programming language or operating system restrictions. When a service is requested, the request is translated into commands that the particular involved hardware uses to perform the function.
It will be understood that the system software (application programs, operating systems, system services) may be provided in firmware (ROM), may be loaded into random access memory (RAM), or may be a combination of both. Preferably, the host computer contains the application program software and transfers appropriate portions to the various hardware components during system initialization. As indicated in FIG. 9, this facilitates customizing system operation to the requirements of a particular document processing system.
A more specific representation of the layered software architecture employed for the system of FIG. 1 is illustrated in FIG. 10, which diagrammatically shows the four categories into which system software is divided: application programs, system services, communication services (which is a subset of system services), and native operating systems. A summary of each of these categories is presented below:
Enable the system to
perform specific tasks
useful to the end user.
Application programs call
system services to perform
program functions.
System services  Provide a uniform interface
between application
programs and system
hardware native operating
systems. The system
services are a commandable
system software language
which enable applications
written in different
programming languages to
communicate with each
other and with the native
operating systems.
Native Operating Drive the hardware
systems          components and interfaces
to application programs via
the system services.
Application programs are
written to work with
specific system services.
The following table describes the functions of various types of system services which may typically be provided:
Type of Service  Function
Communication    Provides a mechanism for
message-based interprogram
and intertask
comunications among
File-Related     Provides the ability to
store and retrieve images
and other forms of
information such as object-
code files and program-
defined document
Image            Provides the ability to
manipulate document images.
Image Capture    Supports the application
software on the document
processor 32 involved in
image capture.
Keyboard         Provides an application
with the means to access
keyboards.
Nationalization  Enables applications to
choose what language and
conventions are to be used
for image workstation
messages.
Notice           Supports the handling and
distribution of notices
(messages about specific
system events) in the
system.
Print-Related    Provides the ability to
generate hard-copy reports
and images.
Provides the ability for a
program executing at one
location in the system to
initiate the execution of
programs at image
workstations 50, read the
status of programs, and
terminate programs.
Provides a basis for
supervising, coordinating,
and controlling the actions
of image workstation
operators.
System Directory Provides information about
the configuration of the
Unit Management  Provides the means to
acquire information about
system components.
Window-Related   Enables an application
program to manage and
manipulate image
workstation windows.
The next following table lists access points "A" and providers "P" for the above system services (as is well known, an "access point" identifies a unit having access to a particular service, while a "provider" identifies a unit at which a particular service is provided).
Doc.    Stor. & Image         Host
Type of   Proc.   Retr.   Workst.
Print  Comp.
Service   32      Unit 40 50     Workst.
Communication             P/A    P/A    P/A
File-Related      P       A      A      A
Image                     P/A    P/A    P/A
P/A
Keyboard                  P/A    P/A
Nationaliza               P/A
Notice                    A      A      P/A
Print-Related             P/A    P/A    P/A
Prog. Mgt.                P/A    P/A    A
Session Mgt.              P/A    P/A    A
Sys. Dir.                 A      A      P/A
Unit Mgt. P       P       P/A    P/A    P/A
Window Rel.               P/A
Image processing and Storing
In order to maintain a high rate of document processing, the document processor 32 provides for capturing, processing, and compressing images in real time matching the speed of document flow. The optical network 41 permits the resulting image packets to be sent to the storage and retrieval unit 40 at a sufficiently fast rate so that images are stored on unit 40 at the image capture rate. Thus, images are available for sending to the workstations 50 a very short time after they have been captured by the document processor 32. Retrieval of images can occur one image at a time, or in groups of images defined by a list or range.
To further speed up storage and retrieval operations and increase image throughput, the storage and retrieval unit 40 is designed to provide for the concurrent storage and retrieval of images, that is, storage and retrieval operations are performed in parallel. In addition, operation is such that once written, neither the image nor its header are ever changed (commonly referred to as write-once operation). When an application determines that a block of images is no longer needed (such as when it is determined that all transactions of the block are correctly in balance), the block may then be deleted from the storage and retrieval unit 40. This temporary storage of images by the storage and retrieval unit 40 keeps the unit 40 available for use in storing newly received images.
FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating how the system of FIG. 1 can be expanded to provide a plurality of storage and retrieval units 40, as well as a corresponding plurality of document processors 32. Note in particular, the provision of communication link 43 which provides for transmitting images between units 40. This advantageously permits a workstation 50 to receive images from any storage and retrieval unit 40 so that the total work load can be shared amongst all the available workstations. FIG. 11 also illustrates how the storage and retrieval units 40 may communicate, via communication links 42 and 43 with an optical memory 45 and a remote communicator 47. The optical memory 45 provides the capability for archiving images, and the remote communicator provides the capability of transmitting images to a remote location.
Host Computer Unit 34
The host computer 34 serves as the central control unit for the system of FIG. 1. It coordinates the functioning of the application software running in the system and directs data traffic. The size of the host computer 34 is minimized, since images are routed directly to the separate storage and retrieval unit 40 and do not flow to the computer 34. This separation of the storage and retrieval unit 40 from the computer 34 also provides the additional advantage of being able to use a high speed optical network, such as illustrated by optical network 41, to speed the flow of images from the document processor 32 to the storage and retrieval unit 40. Furthermore, since images do not flow to the host computer unit 34, it may be located at a remote location without the need for the high bandwidth communications which would be required for image transmission.
As mentioned previously, it is of particular advantage, for example, in order to facilitate meeting shipment deadlines, to provide for the sorting of documents by destination during their initial pass by the document processor (FIG. 1). However, such sorting distributes the documents of a tray block to different pockets. As a result, if for some reason the document images are lost or not available after sorting, it would be very time consuming to collect the documents from the pockets and arrange them back in their original order for a re-pass by the document processor 32. For example, images could be lost or unavailable because the imaging portion of the document processor 32 did not operate properly during the pass, or because the storage and retrieval unit 40 containing the images went down.
The above image recovery problem is solved in a particularly advantageous manner such that block documents can be re-imaged without arranging them in their original order. The flow chart of FIG. 12 in conjunction with FIGS. 13 and 14 illustrate how this is accomplished.
Refer first to FIG. 13 which is an example of how three blocks B1, B2, and B3 may be distributed amongst four pockets P1, P2, P3, and P4 after sorting by the document processor 32. Pocket separator tickets 72 serve to divide the block documents from one another in each pocket (block tickets are typically sorted to the reject pocket). Assuming it is determined (step 110 in FIG. 12) that blocks B1 and B3 require reimaging, an operator would collect the block B1 and B3 documents from pockets 1, 2, 3, and 4 (along with the pocket separators 72) and place them in a block tray without reordering (step 112), the result being illustrated in FIG. 13a.
During repass (step 114), each pocket separator signals the computer 34 to send to the document processor 32 the first-pass data required to create the headers for the sequence of documents which follows the pocket separator. The document processor 32 uses this first-pass data to create the headers for the images produced during repass, which are then sent to the storage and retrieval unit 40 for storage (step 116 in FIG. 12) in the normal manner. The fact that the images in a stored block on the storage and retrieval unit 40 are not in the original order will not be of concern, since the document sequence number assigned on the first pass will permit the documents of a transaction to be displayed at a workstation 50 in the desired order.
Workstation Operations
Important aspects of the exemplary check processing system being described herein reside in the manner in which provisions are made for prioritizing images sent to the workstations 50, for entering dollar amounts, for handling MICR correction problems, and for performing balancing.
As shown in FIG. 14, the workstation stations 50 include four types of workstations 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d. The system is designed so that an operator can input priority data into the computer 34 for controlling the order of transmission of transaction documents to these workstations. For example, operation can be prioritized such that those transactions having documents with earlier shipment deadlines will be sent to the workstations 50 earlier than those having later deadlines.
With reference to FIG. 14, the workstations 50a, 50b, 50c, and 50d are dedicated as follows: each workstation 50a is an amount entry workstation and receives images of those documents requiring amount entry and having good MICR code lines; each workstation 50b is a MICR correction workstation and receives images of documents having deficient, but acceptable MICR code lines; each workstation 50c is a balancing workstation and receives images of out-of-balance transactions for the purpose of balancing them with operator assistance; and workstation 50d is a printing workstation which provides for printing text and graphics.
Besides the advantages derived from prioritizing the images sent to the workstations 50, as pointed out in the previous paragraph, the above described workstation dedications provide the further advantage of permitting processing operations to be overlapped. For example, transaction balancing can be performed by workstation 50c on transactions which are ready for balancing (such as those involving high priority documents), while workstation 50a is entering amounts, while workstation 50b is correcting code lines as well as entering amounts, and while workstation 50d is providing printing. As mentioned previously, in connection with FIG. 1, data entered at workstations 50a, 50b, and 50c is sent via communication network 52, storage and retrieval unit 40 and communication link 42 to computer 34 for storage in the computer's data base.
The workstations may, for example, be personal computers providing the functions described herein. Since images are stored in compressed form on the storage and retrieval unit 40, as described previously, each workstation also provides for decompressing received compressed images for display on the workstation monitor. An operator can also zoom, pan, scroll, rotate, and flip (view the rear) an image for optimal viewing. The block diagram of FIG. 15 illustrates a preferred hardware architecture for the image workstations, the components of which are described below:
System unit 51    Houses the System Processor
52, power supply, cooling
fan, I/O bus, two serial
ports, a parallel
interface, and expansion
card slots (e.g., for
expansion memory).
System Processor 52
Contains the microprocessor,
memory, and the interface
for the keyboards. It also
provides socket access to
the I/O bus.
Disk-drive Controller 53
Provides the interface for
the diskette drive 60 and
the fixed-disk drive 61.
Workstation LAN (Local Area
Buffers image packets sent
Network) Controller 54
from the Storage and
Retrieval unit 40 (FIG. 1)
before they are displayed
on the monitor 59 Executes
the communications protocol
between the image
workstation and the Storage
and Retrieval Unit 40.
Image Decompressor 55
Decompresses images (i.e.,
reverses the compression
process that took place in
the document processor 32).
Display Controller 56
Generates graphics, manages
display memory, defines the
screen size, and enables
document image manipulation
for the high-resolution
display monitor 59.
Alphanumeric keyboard
Enables operators to per-
(optional) 57     form basic text processing.
Data-entry and function
Supports high-speed data
keyboard 59       entry tasks and provides
various function controls.
High-resolution display
Displays images in four
monitor 59        gray levels.
Diskette drive 60 Enables the operator to
perform read and write
operations on a 31/2-inch
floppy disk.
Fixed-disk drive 61
Provides high storage
capacity at the
workstation.
It is to be noted that a print workstation 50d is based on the same workstation hardware illustrated in FIG. 15 with the addition of a printer interface and a printer.
The operations of each of the above described types of workstations in the exemplary system being described will next be considered in further detail.
Amount Entry Workstations 50a
It has been found that an unusually high rate of productivity can be achieved by dedicating the operations at a data entry workstation 50a to keying in the dollar amount seen on each document image. A transaction code identifying the type of document (e.g., debit or credit) may also be entered by the operator. As previously described in connection with FIG. 14, only those document images requiring amount entry and having good MICR code lines are sent to workstation 50a.
An example of an image display which may typically appear on an amount entry workstation 50a is illustrated in FIG. 16. Note that the operator sees only an image 70 of the document (which in FIG. 16 is a check) along with a box 71 (which is initially blank) labelled "Amount." In FIG. 16, box 71 contains the entry "23500" (decimal point omitted), which is the operator's entry of the observed $235.00 amount of the check. Operation is variably controllable such that the screen will automatically switch to the next document whose amount is to be entered after the operator has entered the first 2, 3, 4, etc. of the observed amount. If the operator cannot read the dollar amount on the document, he/she would merely press a "pass" key, which would then cause the next document to be displayed.
FIG. 17 illustrates an example of a display screen for an amount entry workstation 50a, wherein a transaction code box 73 labelled "TC" is additionally displayed as a result of the operator having keyed in a transaction code indicative of the type of document. Workstation operators will be trained to recognize the type of document (e.g., check, deposit ticket, etc.), and enter the correct transaction code (prior to entering the amount). In FIG. 17, it will be seen that the operator has entered the transaction code "76" in box 73 and the amount "23500" in box 71. To speed up operator processing, operation may alternatively be caused to be such that transaction codes need not be entered for checks, since the system can then assume that a check is indicated when no transaction code is entered.
Since most documents will be directed to an amount entry workstation 50a operating as described above, a very high document processing rate is achievable. Furthermore, processing speed is additionally enhanced, since document images are applied to data entry workstations 50a (and in a like manner to workstations 50b) irrespective of what block they are from: in addition the sending of document images to workstations 50a and 50b can advantageously be provided using priorities which may have been entered into the system, as described previously.
While providing for fast amount entry, it is also important that the possibility of errors be minimized to the extent possible. One type of error which has been observed may occur when debit and credit items of a single-item deposit are presented sequentially to an operator. Such a single-item deposit may, for example, comprise a check (debit) $110.00 and a corresponding deposit ticket (credit) of $110.00. If the check is displayed first and the operator misreads it and keys in $100.00, the operator may without thinking key in the same incorrect amount of $100.00 for the next displayed deposit ticket. A variation of this error is the incorrect keying of the first item and the use of a repeat key on the second item. In either case, the transaction balances even though there is an error. Such errors may go undetected until a customer complains.
The exemplary processing system being described herein advantageously avoids the above described error problem by reordering the display of document images in a manner such that the operator will not know which items are associated with which deposit ticket. For example, the images could be reordered such that both items of a single check deposit will be separated by at least one item from each other. This will prevent the single-item-deposit syndrome because the operator will never be able to assume that two successive items have any relation to one another. The table below presents an example of how an image sequence of eleven items maybe reordered:
Actual Input Sequence
Displayed Sequence
1.     deposit 10.00       1.  deposit
2.     check   10.00       3.  deposit
3.     deposit 50.00       5.  check 30.00
4.     check   20.00       2.  check 10.00
8.     deposit 105.00      10. credit
9.     check   105.00      7.  check 95.00
10.    deposit 35.00       9.  check 105.00
11.    check   35.00       11. check 35.00
Amount Entry and MICR Correction Workstation 50b
As will be evident from FIG. 14, workstation 50b is dedicated to receiving images of documents requiring MICR code line correction. These images are a result of the decision to sort documents to the document processor pockets 32a (FIG. 1) based on the destination indicated in the MICR code line, even for documents having defective MICR code lines, so long as the destination MICR portion is readable. A significant advantage of providing such operation is that it results in a significant reduction in the number of rejects that require the use of reject reentry procedures, which are slow and labor intensive. In order to facilitate retrieval from the storage and retrieval unit 40 (FIG. 1) of these document images requiring MICR correction, they are stored in a separate code correction file on the storage and retrieval unit 40.
The manner in which the code correction workstation 50b typically operates will be understood by reference to FIG. 18 which illustrates a screen display showing the image of a check 80 requiring MICR code line correction, along with a plurality of MICR code line boxes 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, and an amount entry box 86. Box 85 labeled TC is for entry of a transaction code, as previously described with respect to box 73 in FIG. 17. Boxes 81, 82, 83 and 84 labeled Aux On-Vs, p44, R/T and Account Number, respectively, Denote typical divisions well known in the art for code lines, such as 11 and 16 previously described in connection with FIGS. 3 and 4. When the display first appears on the screen, those portions of the MICR code lines which are known (box 84) appear in the appropriate boxes 81 to 85. Those which are not known are left blank. If known, the amount appears in box 86. If a box contains an entry which was only partially readable (box 83), an asterisk "*" appears to indicate each character or number, which needs entry.
In response to the display shown in FIG. 18, an operator would, view the displayed check image 80, and substitute "9" (83a) for the first asterisk in box 83, and "2" (83b) for the second asterisk in box 83. The operator would also provide entries for any blank boxes requiring entry, and then would be prompted to enter the check amount $235.00 (and transaction code if required). The display would then switch to a new document image.
FIG. 19 illustrates a display by the code correction workstation 50b of a deposit ticket 87 in which the account number is handwritten (84a) on the deposit ticket, usually by a teller to identify the account to which the deposit ticket applies. An operator may conveniently enter this handwritten account number in the appropriate box 84 by viewing the document image.
As described in connection with the amount entry workstation 50a, an operator of a MICR correction workstation 50b can depress a "pass" function key if a required entry cannot be read from the check image.
Balancing Workstation 50c
The balancing workstation 50c receives transactions which do not balance for the purpose of attempting to get them into balance. The workstation 50 is also typically used for balancing blocks and/or batches of transactions. An out-of-balance transaction may, for example, be a deposit transaction for which the total on the deposit ticket (FIG. 4) does not equal the sum of the checks being deposited. Of course, balancing will not be attempted for a transaction until it has had its MICR code corrected by workstation 50b (if necessary), and has had its dollar amount entered or attempted to be entered (either automatically by document processor 32 in FIG. 1, or by imaging using workstation 50a or 50b). The basic manner in which a balancing workstation 50c provides for handling a transaction will next be considered.
Workstation 50c is advantageously provided with a multi-window display (FIG. 20) controlled by a keyboard 90 (FIGS. 21-23). FIG. 21 illustrates the overall layout of the keyboard 90. FIG. 22 illustrates the upper portion 90a of the keyboard, and FIG. 23 illustrates the lower portion 90b of the keyboard. FIGS. 22 and 23 show the labels of the keys. Also included are short description describing the operation of particular keys. The number keys in the center of the lower keyboard portion 90b are for entering numbers.
Workstation 50c is advantageously provided with a multi-window display (FIG. 20) corresponding to a single transaction. It is to be understood that each window is controllable (flip, rotate, scroll, zoom, etc.) using the various window control keys of the keyboard (FIGS. 22 and 23). It is also to be understood that the particular multi-window display and keyboard shown are merely illustrative.
A first window W1 in FIG. 20 displays an image of a deposit ticket 15 indicating a total of $686.30. The other side may be seen by pressing the "Flip" key in the top row in FIG. 22.
A second window W2 in FIG. 20 provides a summary of the transaction derived from the database in computer 34. The "CR" amount (686.30) in window W2 is the deposit ticket total, the "DB" amount (676.30) is the sum of the checks being deposited, and the "DIF" amount (10.00) is the difference between the "CR" and "DB" amounts, that is, the amount by which the transaction is out of balance. Note that window W2 also indicates the number of "CR" and "DR" items, 1 for "CR" (deposit ticket) and 6 for "DR (checks). Movement between windows is accomplished by using the "Backward Window" and "Forward Window" keys in FIG. 23.
A third window W3 in FIG. 20 labeled "CREDITS" lists each of the "CR" (deposit ticket) amounts. The deposit ticket 15 shown in window W1 is the only listing in window W3 since the displayed transaction has only one credit item.
A fourth window W4 in FIG. 20 labeled "DEBITS" lists each of the "DB" (check) amounts. Accordingly window W3 lists the amount of each of the six debits (checks) whose sum is equal to the total debit "DB" amount in window W2.
A fifth window W5 in FIG. 20 shows a partial image of the particular debit (check) Whose amount is highlighted in window W4, which is the check for 235.00. The particular check which is highlighted can be changed by using the up-or-down keys in FIG. 23. Manipulation of the check shown in window W5, such as scrolling (to see other parts of the check), flipping, etc., is accomplished by appropriate use of particular keyboard keys (FIGS. 22 and 23). It will be understood that, if there were more credit items shown in the credit window W3, window W1 would display the particular credit item highlighted.
A sixth window W6 in FIG. 20 is a dialogue window which is used to permit an operator to dialogue with the computer such as by choosing a particular operation to be performed from a menu. As an example, window W6 illustrates a "CUSTOMER ADVICE MENU". Other types of dialogue activity can also be provided, as will become evident hereinafter.
A seventh window W7 in FIG. 20 at the bottom of the screen shows MICR code line data for a highlighted item in window W3 or W4, dependent upon which immediately preceding window was active. An active window has a thick black border, as illustrated for window W6 in FIG. 20. Movement between boxes (fields) in window W7 is accomplished using the "Backward Field" and "Forward Field" keys in FIG. 23.
Having described an example of the multi-window display capabilities provided by a balancing workstation 50c, the advantageous manner in which transaction balancing is performed will next be considered. Although this description will be directed to transaction balancing, it will be evident therefrom how batch and/or block balancing may also be provided, if desired, for multi-batch deposits as well as for multi-deposit batches.
When an operator signs-on at a balancing workstation 50c for transaction balancing, he or she typically first requests a display of blocks of transactions to be worked on. A screen will then be displayed indicating a plurality of blocks and pertinent information about each, such as the priority of a block, its current status, the credit, debit, and out-of-balance amounts for the block, etc.
The balancing workstation 50c is programmed to automatically lead the operator through various steps in order to attempt to balance out-of-balance transactions. Operation pauses only when operator action is required. These steps are illustrated in FIG. 24 and described in further detail below:
Block Selection (FIG. 24, Step 200)
The initial step is to select a block for balancing.
Reject Reentry Free and Missing Matchup (FIG. 24, Step 202)
The computer 34 (FIG. 1) sends to the balancing workstation 50c the free and missing items from reject reentry. These items are the documents which were entered using reject/reentry procedures, as described previously. Each out-of-balance transaction is examined in turn to determine whether any items are missing from the transaction. If so, a determination is made as to whether any of the free items could be a possible match for any of the missing items. If a possible match is encountered, the image of the missing item and the code line for the free item are displayed to the balancing operator on the workstation screen for verification. The operator simply answers "yes" or "no" to the matchup. Operation proceeds in this manner until all out-of-balance transactions have been handled, after which operation proceeds to the next step.
Automatic Force Balancing (FIG. 24, Step 204)
During automatic force balancing each out-of-balance transaction is examined to determine if any are out of balance by less than a predetermined dollar amount specified by the user. If there are any transactions fitting this description, the transaction is automatically forced into balance without operator intervention. Operation then proceeds to the next step after all out-of-balance transactions have been handled. Any transactions which were balanced as a result of this step are removed from the list of out-of-balance transactions.
Amount Rekey (FIG. 24, Step 206)
The user also specifies the maximum number of items in a transaction that will qualify the transaction for amount rekey. For each out-of-balance transaction which contains less than the number of items specified by the user, the transaction is presented to the balancing operator for rekey. During rekey, the items in the transaction are processed to determine if any are suspects for keying errors. These items are presented to the operator first, followed by all other items in the transaction. If an amount is keyed that equals the amount entered during amount entry, the next item is displayed. If the amount keyed does not equal the amount entered during amount entry, but it causes the transaction to balance, the remaining items of the transaction are not displayed, and operation proceeds to the next out-of-balance transaction. If the amount keyed is not equal to the amount entered during amount entry and the transaction is still out of balance, the amount entered during rekey is taken as the new amount and the next item is displayed. The amount rekey procedure is not performed for those transactions containing PASSED items. After all out-of balance transactions have been handled, operation proceeds to the next step.
Think Balancing (FIG. 24, Step 208)
This is the step of the balancing function that involves interaction with the balancing operator. At this point, the operator may request a list of the out-of-balance transactions in the block and select the one which is to be subject to think balancing. Alternatively, the system could make this selection automatically. In either case, the think balancing operations are the same.
When an out-of-balance transaction is selected for think balancing, it is examined by the system for errors as indicated below, to determine if there are suspect items that could be causing the out-of-balance condition.
KEYING           TRANSACTION LEVEL
Transpositions   Double Posted Items
Shifted Digits   DR Entered as CR,
Extra Digits     CR Entered as DR
Missing Digits   Misplaced Item
Extra Item
Common MICR Misreads
When the transaction is displayed to the balancing operator (FIG. 20), the first item in each list in the credit and debit windows W3 and W4 that is suspect will be highlighted in order to guide the operator to that item first. There is also an area on the right of the items which can be used to provide comments about the items. For example, if the system considered the suspect item to be an extra item, the comment "extra item" could be provided (not shown in FIG. 20). The dialogue window W6 in FIG. 20 could also be used to provide additional facts.
The operator now tries to use the contents of the display (FIG. 20) to balance the transaction. All of the functions of the keyboard of FIGS. 22 and 23 are available to manipulate the multi-window display, as described previously. The speed at which an out-of-balance transaction can be corrected will be evident by considering the particular transaction display shown in FIG. 20. It is readily apparent from a comparison of the amounts listed on the deposit ticket shown in window W1, with the check amounts listed in window W4 it that the $245.00 amount listed on the deposit slip is an incorrect listing, and should be $235.00, which has been highlighted as being suspect in window W4. This is confirmed by the corresponding image of the check in window W5, which is for $235.00.
A further advantage of the multi-window display shown in FIG. 20 is that a customer advice for advising the customer of an incorrect listing (including images) can be prepared at the workstation 50c while the transaction is being displayed. This is accomplished by depressing the "ADVICE" key in FIG. 22, which will produce a menu in the dialogue window W6 to permit the operator to prepare the advice. FIG. 25 illustrates an example of a typical customer advice letter that may be prepared by an operator using the dialogue window W6. Note that images of the deposit slip and check are advantageously provided by the operator requesting same during the operator's dialogue with the dialogue window W6.
If an operator cannot balance a transaction, the operator then presses the "Block Pass" key in FIG. 22, causing a new transaction to be displayed for balancing.
Image Free and Missing Management
The balancing workstation 50a also advantageously provides for handling a situation where a document (item) becomes separated from its transaction, and is erroneously placed with another transaction. This could occur, for example, when preparing documents for the document processor 32 in FIG. 1. Such a misplaced item will be sorted to its proper pocket (assuming its MICR is acceptable); however, the transaction which lost the item, as well as the transaction which gained the item, will not balance. In order to provide for balancing in such situations, computer 34 (FIG. 1) provides a free item store for storing free items. If, during think balancing, an operator determines that an item in window W3 or W4 (FIG. 20) of a displayed transaction is a free (extra) item (e.g., in response to the "Comments" in window W3 or W4 indicating such), the operator can logically remove the item from the transaction and place the item in the free item store. The operator does this by highlighting the item in its respective window (W3 or W4), and then pressing the "Make Free Item" key in FIG. 23. When appropriate, additional identifying data for the document may be provided by the operator using the dialogue window W6.
On the other hand, if an operator, while viewing the display of a transaction during think balancing determines that an item is missing, the operator may want to see what is in the free item store. To do this, the operator presses the "Display Free Items" key in FIG. 23, which causes candidate free items to be displayed in the dialogue window W6 (FIG. 20). The operator can limit the entries displayed by entering free item search data into the dialogue window W6. For example, if the missing item should have an amount of $100.00, the operator by appropriate entry in the dialogue window W6 can limit the free item search to just those items having an amount of $100.00, in which case, the resulting display in the dialogue window W6 will only be of items having an amount of $100.00. If the operator determines that a displayed free store item belongs to the displayed transaction, the operator can then logically place the missing item in the transaction by pressing the "Get Free Item" key in FIG. 23. If the transaction is thus brought into balance, operation will proceed to the next out-of-balance transaction.
If a missing item is not found for a transaction, the operator can create a missing item advice using the dialogue window W6 (FIG. 20) in a generally similar manner to that previously described for a customer advice (FIG. 25). If at a later time the block containing the missing transaction is worked on again, and the missing item is found (e.g., because the missing item was placed in the free item store after the previous attempt at balancing), the missing item can at this later time be logically placed in the transaction to balance the transaction, as described above. The previously prepared missing item advice will then be deleted. An advice can thus be electronically created at the time it appears to be required (which is the most efficient time to create an advice). Then, if the missing item is found at a later time, the electronically created advice will be deleted and will, thus, not be printed.
The free item store described above is also advantageously employed during the system's transaction level search for "Missing Item" listed in the previously described think balancing error search. When the search detects a missing item in the displayed transaction, candidate items from the free item store will automatically be listed in the dialogue window W6 (FIG. 20) for use by the operator.
Priority Transit Shipment
It will be remembered that the document processor 32 (FIG. 1) sorts documents into pockets based on MICR destination data, after which the documents in each pocket have to wait for their corresponding transactions to be balanced before they can be encoded by power encoder 60 and shipped. For example, particular pockets may contain checks which have to be shipped by a particular deadline which is very near. Of course, they could be power encoded "as is," which is undesirable since there may be checks in this pocket which are from transactions that have not been balanced.
The document processing system being described herein provides a particularly advantageous way of handling the above situation, as illustrated by the flow diagram of FIG. 26. As indicated by step 300, a supervisor schedules one or more pockets for priority transit shipment rekey; unbalanced blocks are tagged accordingly. An operator at a balancing workstation 50c (step 302) then requests a tagged block (step 302). The system searches the requested block for items that are part of an out-of-balance transaction and also are in a scheduled pocket (step 304). These items (and these items only) are presented to the operator in the same fashion as during amount entry at an amount entry workstation 50a (step 306). The operator enters the amount as if seeing the item for the first time. The amount that was entered in a previous function is not displayed to the operator. When an amount is entered, one of the following three scenarios takes place (steps 308:
(1) - If the amount entered is the same amount that is in the computer data base for this item, this amount is not changed.
(2) - If the amount entered is different from new amount causes the transaction to balance, the data base amount will be changed to this new amount.
(3) - If the amount entered is different from the amount currently captured for the item, and the new amount does not resolve the out of balance condition, the operator may tag the item for a rekey or simply have the item outsorted.
As indicated by step 310 in FIG. 26, steps 302-308 are repeated for all other tagged blocks. The documents in the scheduled pockets are then encoded by the power encoder 60 (FIG. 1) and shipped (step 312). If later balancing reveals an item was incorrectly encoded, an adjustment suspect report is printed to advise that an incorrectly encoded item was shipped.
It is to be understood that the present invention is not limited to the particular implementations and/or examples disclosed herein, and is accordingly to be considered as including all modifications and variations coming with the scope of the appended claims.
1. In an image-based document processing system for processing transactions, each transaction comprising debit and credit documents having amount data, a method comprising:
providing a workstation having a display, said workstation including data entry means;
capturing images of said documents;
storing captured images in image storage means;
extracting data from said documents, the extracted data including amount data and document identifying data;
storing said extracted data in a computer data base;
accessing said image storage means to retrieve document images of selected transactions, at least certain ones of the accessed transactions consisting of a single credit document image and a single debit document image, each having the same amount, the document images in the retrieved selected tractions, being in a first predetermined order;
reordering the document images so that they are in a second predetermined order for purposes of display, said second predetermined order being such that said single debit document image is separated by at least one other document image from said single credit document image; and
sequentially displaying document images, one document image at a time, of the retrieved selected transactions in accordance with said second predetermined order; and
entering amount data into said data base based on the displayed document images.
2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of accessing said image storage means to retrieve document images of selected transactions occurs concurrently with the storing of lager-captured images
3. The method of claim 1 or 2 when said method includes the step of comprising each captured image prior to storing in said image storage means, wherein said workstation includes image decompression means, and wherein said method includes decompressing images using said image decompression means prior to said displaying.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein said debit documents comprise checks and said credit documents comprise deposit tickets.
4027142 May 31, 1977 Paup et al.
4205780 June 3, 1980 Burns et al.
4264808 April 28, 1981 Owens et al.
4404649 September 13, 1983 Nunley et al.
4523330 June 11, 1985 Cain
4555617 November 26, 1985 Brooks et al.
4564752 January 14, 1986 Lepic et al.
4813077 March 14, 1989 Woods et al.
4888812 December 19, 1989 Dinan et al.
4918588 April 17, 1990 Barrett et al.
Assignee: Unisys Corp. (Detroit, MI)
Inventor: Norman P. Kern (Birmingham, MI)
Primary Examiner: Davis L. Willis
Assistant Examiner: Edward H. Sikorski
Attorneys: Nathan Cass, Mark Starr
Current U.S. Class: Banking Systems (235/379); With Scanning Of Record (235/470); 364/406
International Classification: G06F 1530;


(MoneyWatch) Getting several people on the same phone call is always a bit of a hassle. Most conference-call services require everyone to dial in with lengthy passcodes, for example, and conference-calling software typically requires everyone to have it installed and running.
Here's an app that requires neither. CrowdCall is an iPhone application that makes arranging and participating in conference calls easy and -- at least potentially -- free. Using the app is a snap. The only step in configuring the service is tell the tool your iPhone's phone number. After that, to make a call just add up to 20 attendees from your iPhone contacts list or LinkedIn, or just enter the numbers directly. Then tap "Call Now."
CrowdCall will then call your phone, answer it and add other attendees. The call appears to come from your number, so there's no ambiguity about who is calling everyone else. No one has to have any apps installed, nor are there any passcodes to enter. It couldn't be much simpler.
Now for the bad news. While CrowdCall is free, you are limited to five 10-minute calls per day unless you pay for extra minutes -- 1,000 minutes costs $10, for example, or you can get 10,000 minutes for $50. Even so, you're limited to 60-minute calls. There's no in-app purchasing, so you need to log into the CrowdCall website to subscribe.
Still, it's a pretty slick app. Not only is setting up a call incredibly easy, but you can schedule calls for later and set certain calls as favorites so you don't have to build the attendee list from scratch each time.
By contrast, the call quality is somewhat mixed; some calls were as clear as a regular phone call, while others were much lower quality. That might be a consequence of how busy the CrowdCall servers were at any given time of day, or the fault might even have been with other phones on my conference call. Yet quality was still more than sufficient to recommend the service.


I took students' photos with a baseball cap on the first day of school. I then used Print Shop to crop their heads and place them in front of a stock image of a baseball field. You could also just take students' photos in front of a sports scene setter!
Posters are displayed in the hallway outside our classroom.
I made a team version of a Sports Illustrated cover and blew it up for our hallway display.
Sports balloons made the first day of school exciting for the students!
On the first day, students are given a baseball cap (from Oriental Trading) with their class number on it. They can add self-adhesive felt stars to decorate their hat.
Students fill out a "Player Profile" so that their classmates can learn more about them.
Students create their own jerseys with their last names on the back. The jerseys can be hung from the "rafters" or displayed in the hallway.
If it's an Olympic year, make the jerseys red, white, and blue with medals!
I purchased a football-themed fabric to cover the table and added a soccer centerpiece from Party City.
Hang pennants with positive slogans created by the students on the walls of the classroom.
My teaching partner's mom took the pillows we already had in our classroom and created new covers for them using sports-themed fabrics!
At our spring open house, we decorated our room to reflect our sports theme and showed class movies with students acting as Sports Center reporters.
For a spring open house we had while doing a sports theme, we created a football field using turf carpet and duct tape. We created a viewing area for our class movies (which were shown on a TV back then)!
Students even put together SportsCenter updates to introduce our class movies at the open house!
Students signed autographed baseball cards and made lists of their favorite things for guests to see when they visited our classroom.
This bulletin board is in the hallway outside our classroom. I change the photos as often as possible to show what we are doing in Room 13!
Our student of the week is called the "All-Star of the Week" and gets to decorate this bulletin board with photos and other special things their classmates will enjoy.
My word study center rotation groups are named after popular sports.
Students' baseball cards are used to rotate through our classroom jobs each week.
Large 12x12 sports-themed scrapbook pages are laminated and used to decorate our "All-Star Work" display in the hallway. The work changes every month, but the sports backgrounds stay the same.
We focused on inspirational men and women in sports throughout the school year for our "Leader of the Month" board.


text:
Wikipedia portal for content related to Freedom of speech
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Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)—Article 19 states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers."
Freedom of speech is a principle that supports the freedom of an individual or a community to articulate their opinions and ideas without fear of retaliation, censorship, or legal sanction. The right to freedom of expression has been recognised as a human right in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and international human rights law by the United Nations. Many countries have constitutional law that protects free speech. Terms like free speech, freedom of speech, and freedom of expression are used interchangeably in political discourse. However, in a legal sense, the freedom of expression includes any activity of seeking, receiving, and imparting information or ideas, regardless of the medium used.
Article 19 of the UDHR states that "everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference" and "everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive, and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice". The version of Article 19 in the ICCPR later amends this by stating that the exercise of these rights carries "special duties and responsibilities" and may "therefore be subject to certain restrictions" when necessary "[f]or respect of the rights or reputation of others" or "[f]or the protection of national security or of public order (order public), or of public health or morals". ( Full article...)
In Taiwan, the White Terror ( Chinese: 白色恐怖; pinyin: báisè kǒngbù) was the suppression of political dissidents following the February 28 Incident. The term "White Terror" in its broadest meaning refers to the entire period from 1947 to 1987. Around 140,000 Taiwanese were imprisoned during this period, of whom from about 3,000 to 4,000 were executed for their real or perceived opposition to the Kuomintang (KMT, Chinese Nationalist Party) government led by Chiang Kai-shek. Most of those prosecuted were labeled by the Kuomintang as " bandit spies [ zh]", meaning spies for Chinese communists, and punished as such.
The KMT mostly imprisoned Taiwan's intellectual and social elite out of fear that they might resist KMT rule or sympathize with communism. For example, the Formosan League for Reemancipation was a Taiwanese independence group established in 1947 which the KMT believed to be under communist control, leading to its members being arrested in 1950. The World United Formosans for Independence was persecuted for similar reasons. However, other prosecutions did not have such clear reasoning; in 1968 Bo Yang was imprisoned for his choice of words in translating a Popeye comic strip. A large number of the White Terror's other victims were mainland Chinese, many of whom owed their evacuation to Taiwan to the KMT. Often, after having come unaccompanied to Taiwan, these refugees to Taiwan were considered more disposable than local Taiwanese. Many of the mainland Chinese who survived the White Terror in Taiwan, like Bo Yang and Li Ao, moved on to promote Taiwan's democratization and the reform of the Kuomintang. In 1969, future president Lee Teng-hui was detained and interrogated for more than a week by the Taiwan Garrison Command, which demanded to know about his "communist activities" and told him "killing you at this moment is as easy as crushing an ant to death."
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The following are images from various freedom of speech-related articles on Wikipedia.
Image 1 Eleanor Roosevelt and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)—Article 19 states that "Everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression; this right includes freedom to hold opinions without interference and to seek, receive and impart information and ideas through any media and regardless of frontiers." (from Freedom of speech)
Image 2Members of Westboro Baptist Church (pictured in 2006) have been specifically banned from entering Canada for hate speech. (from Freedom of speech)
Image 3This 1688 edition of Jacobus de Voragine's Golden Legend (1260) was censored according to the Index Librorum Expurgatorum of 1707, which listed the specific passages of books already in circulation that required censorship. (from Freedom of speech)
Image 4In Brazil, freedom of assembly and expression are Constitutional rights. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 5The Bill of Rights 1689 grants the parliamentary privilege for freedom of speech and debates or proceedings in Parliament and is still in effect. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 6Protesters exercise freedom of speech to hold a vigil in front of the Zimbabwean Embassy in London, 2005. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 7Orator at Speakers' Corner in London, 1974 (from Freedom of speech)
Image 8Permanent Free Speech Wall in Charlottesville, Virginia, U.S. (from Freedom of speech)
Image 9Local issues are often the subject of free speech. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 10 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 11A map of nations which have Lèse-majesté laws as of September 2022 (from Freedom of speech)
Image 12 Charitable organizations can use the freedom of speech to campaign and lobby government ministers. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 13Countries with laws against Holocaust denial (from Freedom of speech)
Image 14The Newseum's five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment to the US Constitution. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 15 Punk band Visací zámek which composed a popular song "The President Is a Faggot" about Václav Klaus, 2003–2013 Czech President. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 16 George Orwell statue at the headquarters of the BBC. A defence of free speech in an open society, the wall behind the statue is inscribed with the words "If liberty means anything at all, it means the right to tell people what they do not want to hear", words from George Orwell's proposed preface to Animal Farm (1945). (from Freedom of speech)
Image 17First page of John Milton's 1644 edition of Areopagitica, in which he argued forcefully against the Licensing Order of 1643 (from Freedom of speech)
Image 18In Panegyricae orationes septem (1596), Henric van Cuyck, a Dutch Bishop, defended the need for censorship and argued that Johannes Gutenberg's printing press had resulted in a world infected by "pernicious lies"—so van Cuyck singled out the Talmud and the Qur'an, and the writings of Martin Luther, Jean Calvin and Erasmus of Rotterdam. (from Freedom of speech)
Image 19 De Schreeuw (The Scream) is a memorial commemorating Theo van Gogh and a symbol of the freedom of speech. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 20Title page of Index Librorum Prohibitorum, or List of Prohibited Books (Venice, 1564) (from Freedom of speech)
Image 21Orthodox priest Libor Halík with a group of followers. Halík has been chanting daily for over five years against abortion via megaphone in front of a maternity hospital in Brno, Moravia. (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 22A map of nations which have Lèse-majesté laws as of September 2022 (from Freedom of speech by country)
Image 23An "unexpurgated" edition of Lady Chatterley's Lover (1959) (from Freedom of speech)
Image 24The Free Speech Flag was created during the AACS encryption key controversy as "a symbol to show support for personal freedoms". (from Freedom of speech)
May 10: Wikinews interviews Jonathan Stanley, Scottish Unionist candidate for 2021 Airdrie and Shotts by-election in Scotland
May 10: Wikinews interviews Neil Manson, SDP candidate for 2021 Airdrie and Shotts by-election in Scotland
May 10: Wikinews interviews Donald Mackay, UKIP candidate for 2021 Airdrie and Shotts by-election in Scotland
February 13: Greek lawmakers approve contentious campus police legislation
May 6: Philippines' largest television network shut down by government
Freedom of speech on Wikinews
Selected biography
Larry Claxton Flynt, Jr. (born November 1, 1942) is an American publisher and the president of Larry Flynt Publications (LFP). In 2003, Arena magazine listed him as the number one on the "50 Powerful People in Porn" list. LFP mainly produces sexually graphic videos and magazines, most notably Hustler. Flynt has fought several prominent legal battles involving the First Amendment, and has unsuccessfully run for public office. He is paralyzed from the waist down due to injuries sustained in a 1978 assassination attempt. In 1988, Flynt won an important Supreme Court decision, Hustler Magazine v. Falwell, after being sued by Reverend Jerry Falwell in 1983, over an offensive ad parody in Hustler that suggested that Falwell's first sexual encounter was with his mother in an out-house. Falwell sued Flynt, citing emotional distress caused by the ad. The decision clarified that public figures cannot recover damages for "intentional infliction of emotional distress" based on parodies.
More selected biographies
...that Bob Woodward (pictured) has twice won the Worth Bingham Prize: in 1972 for reports on Watergate and in 1987 for covering covert action in United States foreign policy?
...that Chen Chi-li, late head of Taiwan's United Bamboo Gang, claimed to have killed dissident journalist Henry Liu out of patriotism, and refused the $20,000 payout he was offered?
... that Martynas Jankus, Lithuanian journalist and "Patriarch of Lithuania Minor", was penalized around forty times by Prussian authorities for his public activities?
More did you know facts
Selected quote
" That there is a social problem presented by obscenity is attested by the expression of the legislatures of the forty-eight States, as well as the Congress. To recognize the existence of a problem, however, does not require that we sustain any and all measures adopted to meet that problem. The history of the application of laws designed to suppress the obscene demonstrates convincingly that the power of government can be invoked under them against great art or literature, scientific treatises, or works exciting social controversy. Mistakes of the past prove that there is a strong countervailing interest to be considered in the freedoms guaranteed by the First and Fourteenth Amendments. "
— Earl Warren, Chief Justice of the United States ( Roth v. United States, 1957)
More selected quotes
In this month
6 January 1941 – Four Freedoms speech given by U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt
18 January 2012 – Series of coordinated Protests against SOPA and PIPA (Wikipedia blackout pictured)
21 January 2010 – Decision reached in Supreme Court of the United States case, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission
25 January 2011 – Beginning of 2011–2012 Egyptian revolution
More anniversaries...
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Recognized content
This is a list of recognized content, updated weekly by JL-Bot ( talk · contribs). There is no need to edit the list yourself. If an article is missing from the list, make sure it is tagged (e.g. {{ WikiProject Freedom of speech}}) or categorized correctly. See WP:RECOG for configuration options.
Birth control movement in the United States
Four Freedoms (Rockwell)
Freedom for the Thought That We Hate
Fuck (film)
Fuck: Word Taboo and Protecting Our First Amendment Liberties
Learned Hand
Heffernan v. City of Paterson
Mom and Dad (1945 film)
September Morn
Smith Act trials of Communist Party leaders
United States v. Progressive, Inc.
The Whistleblower
CPJ International Press Freedom Awards
George Orwell bibliography
Sakharov Prize
1988–1994 British broadcasting voice restrictions
AACS encryption key controversy
The Anarchist Cookbook
Erwin Arnada
Article 14 of the Constitution of Singapore
Asia Bibi blasphemy case
Beck v. Eiland-Hall
Beyond the First Amendment
United States Bill of Rights
Alexandru Bogdan-Pitești
Edward Coke
Concurrent use registration
Cream Holdings Ltd v Banerjee
Cutting the Mustard
Cyber Rights
Mauro De Mauro
Case of the Dean of St Asaph
Dick in a Box
Disneyland with the Death Penalty
The finger
First Amendment to the United States Constitution
Free Expression Policy Project
Free Speech Flag
Free Speech, "The People's Darling Privilege"
Freedom of Expression (book)
Freedom of Speech (painting)
Glik v. Cunniffe
Golos Truda
Greene v Associated Newspapers Ltd
Gyles v Wilcox
Haymarket affair
Hazelwood School District v. Kuhlmeier
Nat Hentoff
Incitement to genocide
Jyllands-Posten Muhammad cartoons controversy
Judith Krug
Langit Makin Mendung
Legal Services Corp. v. Velazquez
Mam Sonando
Manifesto of the Sixteen
Microsoft v. MikeRoweSoft
Moral rights in United Kingdom law
Motte v Faulkner
Not in Front of the Children
Obscene Publications Act 1959
Odex's actions against file-sharing
Parents Television and Media Council
Dan Paul
Oswaldo Payá
PTV (Family Guy)
Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
R v Baillie
Reed v. Town of Gilbert
Sex, Sin, and Blasphemy
Katie Sierra free speech case
Speakers' Corner, Singapore
Bassem Tamimi
Tax protester constitutional arguments
Think of the children
United States v. Alvarez
Universal City Studios, Inc. v. Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Dhondup Wangchen
Weiquan movement
Woodhull Freedom Foundation
Sample 09-F9 protest art, Free Speech Flag by John Marcotte
Streisand Estate
Main parent WikiProject
WikiProject Freedom of speech
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text:
Law-school grads are bombing the bar, and it's a sign of trouble for legal education
Jeremy Berke
"Legally Blonde 2"
Bar-passage rates have plummeted in several big states, the National Law Journal reports, indicating that America's law schools may be accepting less-qualified students than they once did.
In California, for example, passage rates for the exam in July hit the lowest point since 1986, with just 46.6% of total applicants and 60% of first-time test takers passing.
In New York, the passage rate for first-time test takers dropped 4 percentage points since the July 2014 test, from 74% to 70%, hitting the lowest point since 2004.
Passage rates also dipped in Washington, DC, Florida, Georgia, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.
Part of the blame for these abysmal bar scores stems from a low demand for law school. With fewer applicants to choose from, law schools may be selecting students who don't have the chops to actually become lawyers.
Law-school applications have declined almost 40% in the past five years, from 87,900 in 2010 to 54,130 in 2015, the National Law Journal — citing the Law School Admissions Council — reports.
In order to boost attendance — and acquire more paying customers — law schools have been forced to admit students with drastically lower GPAs and Law School Admission Test (LSAT) scores.
"Even though many schools have shrunk their enrollments, there is a greater decline among people at the high end of the LSAT distribution, than at the low end of the LSAT distribution," says Jerry Organ, a law professor at the University of St. Thomas. "So it's not only a smaller pool of applicants, but it's now shallower at the high LSAT end."
Number of law schools with LSAT medians in LSAT categories 2010 to 2014.
Jerry Organ/ Legal Whiteboard
And according to the Law School Admissions Council's National Longitudinal Bar Passage Study, there's a clear relationship between low LSAT scores — less than 150 — and failing the bar exam.
Though Organ does caution that there's no "magic score" on the LSAT that predicts success on the bar, it is fair to say that students who score lower on the LSAT are less likely to end up passing the bar.
And budding lawyers who can't pass the bar risk losing out in the tightening legal job market.
Between 2010 and 2020, the economy will provide 21,880 jobs for new lawyers annually, The Wall Street Journal reported in 2013, citing the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.
But more than 40,000 students will graduate from law school each year.
Meanwhile, the average amount borrowed by students attending private law schools has shot up 78% in the last decade, from $70,147 in 2002 to $124,950 in 2011, according to the American Bar Association.
These students — who often go into debt to finance their education — risk becoming saddled with six-figure loans they're never going to be able to pay off.
"Ten years ago, there weren't that many students with low LSAT scores getting into law school," Organ said. "I'm not sure that law schools are fully prepared for the difference in teaching a class with a median LSAT of 150 or 151, and teaching a class with a median LSAT of 145 or 146."
More: Law School Bar Exam Lawyers Education


text:
HomeSportsPremier League! Angry Chelsea Football Club Promise To Ban Fans Who 'Shame' Club With Racist Language
Premier League! Angry Chelsea Football Club Promise To Ban Fans Who 'Shame' Club With Racist Language
February 8, 2018 Joy Peace Sports
Chelsea will ban any supporters found to have used anti-Semitic language or behavior during the defeat at Walford on Monday, saying it "shames the club".
The Blues lost 4-1 at Vicarage Road in the Premier League.
A report on a Jewish website said one fan was left "disgusted" by chanting from fellow Blues supporters, reporting the incident to stewards at the ground.
"Anti-Semitism has no place in our club, football or wider society," said a Chelsea statement.
The club have launched an investigation in co-operation with Watford and the police.
The statement added: "Anyone found guilty of anti-Semitic language or behavior will face action from the club, including bans, and will be asked to attend equality education courses.
"We welcome the fact that Chelsea fans have reported this behaviour, which shames our club."
The club last week launched a 'Say No to Anti-Semitism' campaign as part of their own inclusion work through the Building Bridges initiative.
"At this stage Hertfordshire Constabulary has not received any reports from members of the public regarding racism during the Watford v Chelsea game on Monday evening," Hertfordshire Police said in a statement.
"We take all reports of hate crime very seriously and would urge anyone who witnessed this type of behaviour to contact Herts police.
"We will be working with both football clubs to investigate the allegations that have been reported by the media."


text:
SAD NEWS FOR SKIER LINDSEY VONN
Less than a year ago, Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn tore the anterior cruciate
ligament and medial collateral ligament in her right knee and fractured her
tibia during a harrowing ski accident in Schlamding, Austria.
Vonn was airlifted by helicopter to a hospital in Schladming.
Concerned she wouldn't be ready for the 2014 Winter Olympics, The U.S. Olympic Committee announced today her spot on the U.S. Olympic Team would be filled by Barack Obama.
U.S. Olympic officials said Obama deserved the spot on the team
because no one has ever taken a country downhill faster than he has.


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Some Notes on the Black Arts By Alojo Occultism, and the arts, sciences and crafts connected with it, is generally misunderstood by the laymen, and not really comprehended except by those who have been willing to devote a considerable amount of their time to the studies and researches required. Indeed, a person who dabbles slightly in any or all of the branches of the occult arts will generally emerge even more befuddled than the average person, who carries within him the inherited race-memory of things he dimly perceives but does not understand. The seemingly mad whirl of Black Magic, White Magic, Satanism, Witchcraft, the Black Mass, Voodoo, Invocations, Demonology, Black and White Magicians, that confronts the casual inquirer is practically guaranteed to leave him startled, confused, and without any clear understanding of that which he started out to seek, whether it be along the White or Black path. Since time immemorial, beyond the comprehension of the feeble Fifth Race memory, back to the days of the glory of the Atlanteen Empire, the conflict between the Black and the White Schools has existed, sometimes flaring into open conflict, but generally confined to a silent but no less deadly clash of interests. Between those who work only for the self, and those who work for the whole, there will be strife until the final dissolution of the Universe. What exists in the world today is but one brief instant in a struggle between the Powers of Light and Darkness that extends over a period so great that it staggers the imagination. This paper could not possibly even begin to be a comprehensive treatise on White and Black Occultism in the brief space allotted to it. What we must do, then, is attempt to state as nearly as possible the facts, and clarify some general misunderstandings. DEVIL WORSHIP AND THE BLACK MASS "Devil Worship" is in itself a misleading title. A more accurate one would be "The Worship of the Negative Principle." Satan, Lucifer, Mephistopheles -- all are differing manifestations of Negation. And an UNSELFISH worship of these principles would be no different from an unselfish worship of the Positive Principle, as allegedly represented by the Christian churches. It is only when these principles are propriated for selfish reasons that evil results. In fact, there are few church-goers who are not to some degree practicing a selfish worship. They pray to God for favors -- personal favors. Some even pray that a rival may go out of business, or that their slightly nefarious acts may go undiscovered, or in time of war for a victory for "their" side. If one were to accuse these pious individuals of "Devil Woship" (to use the term loosely) they would indignantly deny it. Yet what they are doing is worse than the open avowel of the Satanist that his motives are selfinh. He is at least honest about his motives. Many a pillar of the church is not -- and his act is doubly infamous thereby. Arthur Edward White says, "In Egypt, in India, and in Greece, there was no dealing with devils in the Christian sense of the expression; Typhon, Juggernaut, and Hecate were not less divine than the gods of the over-world, and the offices of Canidia were probably in their way as sacred as the peaceful mysteries of Ceres." The worship of the representatives of the Negative Principle was selfless and impersonal. It occupied as important a place as the worship of the Positive Principle and it was not until personality entered into the scheme that its downfall began. It would probably be safe to say that nowhere does there exist today a worship of Negation which is pure and uncontaminated by selfish purposes. Yet there are uncounted worships of lesser dignitaries than the Devil. According to Thede Kenyon, "a greater authority than any synod mentioned him (Satan) as an Archangel; and a medieval savant called him 'the great Second Best'. To the Persians, he the is the 'Prince of the Powers of the Air.'" In the allegory of the ambitious Archangel who was cast out of heaven to become the Ruler of the Powers of Darkness is concealed a great chapter in the past of mankind. Yet how is Satan worshipped today? The worst picture is painted by Huysmans in "La Bas," With this as the absolute nadir, one may find almost any degree of depravity and perversion among those who kneel before the shrine of the Black Goat of Mendes. Some take this course as an outlet for pure love of evil. Others use it in hope of gaining power of one sort or another. It is an evil time indeed when one of the two great powers of the Universe finds itself with only such as these to worship it. Such is the results of thousands of years of oppression, misinterpretation and persecution.


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My next Sage disc drag reel was the venerable 6010 in champagne gold. This is singularly the most proven steelhead/salmon/big game reel I own.
By latest count I own a 2210, a 3250, a 4250, a 4280, (2) 4210, a 6210, a Domain 10, and an Evoke 10, and have caught fish with all of them. I also still own a 6010, 3400D and a 3600D. All three have had a lot of slime & grime on them.
None have had failures, or even little problems, or have ever caused the slightest annoyance. There is nothing better than stuff that works. That is why I have bought into the Sage reel program. I believe they are the best out there.