ansi x9.7 - 1999(r2007) bank check background and

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

American National Standard

for Financial Services

ANSI X9.7 - 1999(R2007)

Bank Check Background and Convenience

Amount Field Specification

Secretariat:

Accredited Standards Committee X9, Inc.

Approved: Approved: July 11, 2007

American National Standards Institute

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Contents

PART I - SPECIFICATIONS ....................................................................................................................................1

1 SCOPE ................................................................................................................................................................1

1.1 SCOPE ..............................................................................................................................................................1 1.2 PURPOSE ..........................................................................................................................................................1 1.3 INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................................2

2 REFERENCES...................................................................................................................................................3 TERMS AND DEFINITIONS ..........................................................................................................................3

4 DATA ELEMENTS - CHECK DOCUMENT DESIGN ................................................................................7

4.1 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT AREA DATA ELEMENTS FOR MINIMUM SIZE CHECK (PERSONAL) FORMAT ..............7 4.1.1 Convenience Amount Scan Area (Personal Sized Checks)....................................................................7 4.1.2 Convenience Amount Rectangle (Personal Sized Checks) ....................................................................7 4.1.3 Convenience Amount Clear Area (Personal Sized Checks).................................................................10 4.1.4 Dollar Symbol (Personal Sized Checks)..............................................................................................12 4.1.5 Convenience Amount Data (Personal Sized Checks) ..........................................................................12

4.2 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT AREA DATA ELEMENTS FOR LARGE SIZE CHECK (BUSINESS) FORMAT ..................14 4.2.1 Convenience Amount Scan Area (Business Size Checks) ....................................................................14 4.2.2 Convenience Amount Rectangle (Business Size Checks).....................................................................14 4.2.3 Convenience Amount Clear Area (Business Size Checks) ...................................................................17 4.2.4 Preprinted Dollar Symbol (Business Size Checks) ..............................................................................19 4.2.5 Machine Printed Dollar Symbol (Business Size Checks).....................................................................19 4.2.6 Machine Printed Convenience Amount (Business Size Checks)..........................................................20

4.3 AREAS OF INTEREST (ALL CHECKS)...............................................................................................................20 4.3.1 Amount In Words .................................................................................................................................20 ...........................................................................................................................................................................21 4.3.2 Date .....................................................................................................................................................21 4.3.3 Payee Line ...........................................................................................................................................22 4.3.4 Signature(s) .........................................................................................................................................22

4.4 MICR CLEAR BAND AND OPTICAL CLEAR BAND ..........................................................................................22 4.5 BANK NAME ..................................................................................................................................................23 4.6 OTHER DATA ELEMENTS................................................................................................................................23 4.7 PRINTED BORDERS.........................................................................................................................................23 4.8 ENDORSEMENT DATA ....................................................................................................................................24

5 REFLECTANCE, PCS, AND DCR REQUIREMENTS..............................................................................24

5.1 GENERAL .......................................................................................................................................................24 5.2 BACKGROUND REFLECTANCE AND PCS VS. AVERAGE AREA REFLECTANCE AND PAXEL COUNT.............25

5.2.1 Backgrounds on Plain, Safety Tinted, Patterned, and Scenic Checks .................................................25 5.3 BACKGROUND REFLECTANCE AND PCS SPECIFICATIONS FOR ALL CHECKS .............................................28 5.4 AVERAGE AREA REFLECTANCE AND PAXEL COUNT FOR ALL CHECKS .....................................................28 5.5 PRE-PRINTED AND PRINTED DATA SPECIFICATIONS..................................................................................29

5.5.1 General ................................................................................................................................................30 5.5.2 Pre-printed Data Specification............................................................................................................30 5.5.3 Printed Data Guideline........................................................................................................................30

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6 SECURITY AND FRAUD CONSIDERATIONS.........................................................................................30

PART II - CONFORMANCE TESTING................................................................................................................32

1 PURPOSE.........................................................................................................................................................32

2 REFERENCES.................................................................................................................................................32

3 DEFINITIONS .................................................................................................................................................32

4 ACCEPTANCE SAMPLING METHODS (INFORMATIONAL) ..............................................................32

5 CONFORMANCE TESTING FOR MECHANICAL REQUIREMENTS - DATA ELEMENTS AND PRINTED BORDERS OF THE PAYMENT DOCUMENT .................................................................................33

5.1 TEST EQUIPMENT AND ITS APPLICATION .......................................................................................................33 5.2 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT SCAN AREA (PART I, CLAUSE 4.1.1 AND 4.2.1).......................................................33 5.3 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE (PART I, CLAUSE 4.1.2 AND 4.2.2) ......................................................40 5.4 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT CLEAR AREA (PART I, CLAUSE 4.1.3 AND 4.2.3).....................................................40 5.5 DOLLAR SYMBOL (PART I, CLAUSE 4.1.4, 4.2.4, AND 4.2.5) ..........................................................................40 5.6 AMOUNT IN WORDS (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.1)..................................................................................................42 5.7 BANK NAME (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.2) .............................................................................................................42 5.8 DATE (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.3) ........................................................................................................................42 5.9 MICR CLEAR BAND (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.4) .................................................................................................42 5.10 PAYEE LINE RESTRAINT (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.5).......................................................................................42 5.11 SIGNATURE(S) AND MEMO LINES (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.6 AND 4.3.7) .......................................................42 5.12 PAYOR DATA (PART I, CLAUSE 4.3.7) .......................................................................................................42 5.13 PRINTED BORDERS (PART I, CLAUSE 5.6)..................................................................................................42 5.14 ENDORSEMENT DATA (PART I, CLAUSE 4.5) .............................................................................................43

6 CONFORMANCE TESTING FOR OPTICAL REQUIREMENTS - REFLECTANCE, PRINT CONTRAST SIGNAL (PCS), AND PAXEL COUNT (PART I, CLAUSE 5).....................................................44

6.1 TEST EQUIPMENT AND ITS APPLICATION........................................................................................................44 6.2 REFLECTANCE, PCS AND PAXEL COUNT MEASUREMENTS (PART 1, SECTION 5) ...........................................44 6.3 PRE-PRINTED AND PRINTED DATA SPECIFICATIONS (PART I, CLAUSE 5.5) ....................................................49 6.4 PRINTED BORDERS (PART I, CLAUSE 5.6) ......................................................................................................49

7 AREAS OF INTEREST ..................................................................................................................................49

7.1 DATE AREA OF INTEREST...............................................................................................................................49 7.2 PAYEE AREA OF INTEREST .............................................................................................................................50 7.3 LEGAL AMOUNT AREA OF INTEREST..............................................................................................................50 7.4 SIGNATURE AREA OF INTEREST .....................................................................................................................50

A1 COLOR MEASUREMENT SYSTEMS....................................................................................................52

A1.1 MEASUREMENT SYSTEM FOR COLORS.......................................................................................................52 A1.2 REFLECTANCE ...........................................................................................................................................53 A1.3 PRINT CONTRAST SIGNAL .........................................................................................................................53

A2 COLORS OF PRINTED DATA, CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE AND BACKGROUND........................................................................................................................................................54

A2.1 BACKGROUND COLORS .............................................................................................................................54 A2.2 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE PCS................................................................................................54 A2.3 DOLLAR SYMBOL ......................................................................................................................................54

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A3 DROPOUT INK COLORS ........................................................................................................................55

A4 APPLICATION PERFORMANCE IMPROVEMENTS ........................................................................55

B1 RDM IMAGE QUALIFIER 97 ......................................................................................................................59

B1.1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................59

IMAGE READINESS EXPLAINED.............................................................................................................................60

MEASUREMENT BASICS...........................................................................................................................................60

B1.2 AUTOMATIC ANS X9.7 LEGIBILITY MEASUREMENT USING A DC IMAGE .................................................61 B1.3 AUTOMATIC CAR (CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE) PCS AND REFLECTANCE EVALUATION: .........62 B1.4 MANUAL SPOT REFLECTANCE, SPOT PCS AND PCS MAPPING..................................................................63 B1.4 CAUTIONARY NOTE FOR SPOT PCS AND PCS MAPPING............................................................................64

B2 PROCEDURE FOR SPOT AND AUTOMATIC AVERAGING MEASUREMENTS OF REFLECTANCE AND PCS USING THE CLEARWAVE O82 SERIES OF OPTICAL CHARACTER TESTERS ...................................................................................................................................................................65

B2.1 INTRODUCTION..........................................................................................................................................65 B2.2 APPLICATION.............................................................................................................................................65 B2.3 PCS SPOT MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................65 B2.4 REF SPOT MEASUREMENT ........................................................................................................................65 B2.5 SCAN AVERAGING.....................................................................................................................................66

B3 PROCEDURES FOR USING THE MACBETH PCM II .......................................................................66

B3.1 GENERAL...................................................................................................................................................66 B3.2 CALIBRATION CHECKS ..............................................................................................................................67

B3.2.1 Daily Calibration Check......................................................................................................................67 B3.2.2 Factory Calibration .............................................................................................................................67

B3.3 REFLECTANCE MEASUREMENTS................................................................................................................67 B3.4 PCS COMPUTATION ..................................................................................................................................68

C SPECIFICATION FOR AN IMAGE BASED DOCUMENT ANALYSIS SYSTEM ...............................69

C1 GENERIC SPECIFICATION FOR AN ANS X9.7 IMAGE BASED DOCUMENT ANALYSIS SYSTEM FOR DETERMINATION OF LEGIBILITY, INCLUDING AVERAGE REFLECTANCE, DC IMAGE AND PAXEL COUNT FUNCTIONALITY.............................................................................................69

C1.1 SCANNING SYSTEM SPECIFICATION...........................................................................................................69 C1.2 DYNAMIC CONTRAST IMAGE SPECIFICATION ............................................................................................69 C1.3 AVERAGE REFLECTANCE SPECIFICATION (RB)..........................................................................................70 C1.4 PAXEL SPECIFICATION...............................................................................................................................70 C1.5 PAXEL COUNT SPECIFICATION ..................................................................................................................70

D1 CONVERSION TABLE .............................................................................................................................73

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Table of Figures

PART 1 FIGURE 1A SCAN AREA LOCATION-PERSONAL SIZE CHECK................................................... 8 FIGURE 2A CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE AND CLEAR AREA-PERSONAL SIZE CHECK........................................................................................................................................................ 8 FIGURE 3A EXAMPLES OF AMOUNT RECTANGLE LOCATION INSIDE AREA-PERSONAL SIZE CHECK............................................................................................................................................... 9 FIGURE 4A ACCEPTABLE DESIGN VARIATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT RECTANGLE PERSONAL SIZE CHECK…………………………………………………………………………….…11 FIGURE 5 PRE-PRINTED DOLLAR SIGN LOCATION TOLERANCES....................................... 13 FIGURE 6 PRE-PRINTED DOLLAR SIGN DESIGN...........................................................................13 FIGURE 1B SCAN AREA LOCATION-BUSINESS SIZE CHECK.....................................................15 FIGURE 2B CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE AND CLEAR AREA- BUSINESS SIZE CHECK .......................................................................................................................................................15 FIGURE 3B EXAMPLES OF AMOUNT RECTANGLE LOCATION INSIDE SCAN AREA .........16 FIGURE 4B ACCEPTABLE DESIGN VARIATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT RECTANGLE BUSINESS SIZE CHECK..........................................................................................................................18 FIGURE 7 CHECK AREAS OF INTEREST ...........................................................................................21 FIGURE 8 PAYEE LINE RESTRAINT....................................................................................................22 FIGURE 9 LIMITS FOR NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING WITHIN THE MICR CLEAR BAND.....24 FIGURE 10 EXAMPLE OF A PLAIN COLORED DOCUMENT.........................................................26 FIGURE 11 EXAMPLE OF A SAFETY TINTED/PATTERENED DOCUMENT..............................26 FIGURE 12 EXAMPLE OF A SCENIC CHECK....................................................................................27 PART 2 FIGURE 1 MICR POSITION AND DIMENSION GAUGE...................................................................34 FIGURE 2 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT SCAN AREA...........................................................................35 FIGURE 3 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT RECTANGLE........................................................................ 36

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FIGURE 4 EXAMPLES OF AMOUNT RECTANGLE LOCATION INSIDE SCAN AREA............ 37 FIGURE 5 ACCEPTABLE DESIGN VARIATIONS FOR THE AMOUNT RECTANGLE............. 38 FIGURE 6 CONVENIENCE AMOUNT CLEAR AREA ...................................................................... 39 FIGURE 7 LIMITS FOR NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING WITHIN THE MICR CLEAR BAND ... 43 FIGURE 8 MEASUREMENT OF REFLECTANCE AND PCS............................................................ 46 ANNEX A FIGURE A1 RELATIVE SPECTRAL LUMINANCE RESPONSE FOR PHOTOPIC VISION....... 57 ANNEX C FIGURE C1 DYNAMIC THRESHOLDING FROM A BIT MAP......................................................... 71 FIGURE C2 PIXELS, PAXELS AND PAXEL STRINGS DEFINED ................................................... 72

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List of Tables

PART 1 TABLE 1 SPECIFICATIONS.................................................................................................................. 29 TABLE 2 REFLECTANCE OF BACKGROUND VS. REFLECTANCE OF PRINTED DATA FOR PCS OF 0.60............................................................................................................................................... 31 PART 2 TABLE 5-1 DOLLAR SIGN CHARACTERISTICS .............................................................................. 41 ANNEX A TABLE A1 PCS VS. INK AND BACKGROUND REFLECTANCE.................................................... 58 ANNEX D TABLE D1 CONVERSION TABLE......................................................................................................... 73

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Foreword

This foreword is not part of American National Standard X9.7 Specifications for Check Documents, but is provided to note the working group history and other information.

It has been approximately twenty-five years since the first publication of this standard. When it was last published in 1999 it included minor enhancements to the previous publication. Before then, the inclusion of specifications and requirements to support image capture check processing platforms was so timely that financial institutions have been able to invoke this standard when requiring the printing of image compatible checks.

This standard is what we refer to in ANSI vernacular as a reaffirmation. This standard (reaffirmed and as last published) already provides the necessary specifications and requirements for designing and printing “image-friendly” checks. In fact, extensive research and hands-on investigations by the Work Group X9B11 have determined that the majority of faulty check images are not derived from checks compliant with this standard. The major challenge to populating the US Payments System with image compatible checks is two-fold: education of those responsible for designing and implementing checks (those not adhering to this standard) and those who choose to not follow the specifications and requirements of ANS X97. The areas WG X9B11 seeks to address for additions and revisions of the next publication of this standard are additions and enhancements that will support the US Payments System electronification efforts moving forward.

ANSI requirements mandate that any standard published shall have either a reaffirmation or a revision after (or during) a five-year period. This standard is a reaffirmation of specifications and requirements that have and continue to support properly designed and manufactured checks for automated and image processing environments.

WG X9B11 will continue their work for additions and enhancements that will assure that X9B continues to be part of the solution as the US Payments System electronification efforts move forward. The new standard will be published as two separate standards. 1. ANS X9.100-110, Specification for Check Documents and, 2. ANS X9.100-30, Optical Specifications for MICR Documents.

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Introduction NOTE: The user's attention is called to the possibility that compliance with this standard may require use of an invention covered by patent rights. By publication of this standard, no position is taken with respect to the validity of this claim or of any patent rights in connection therewith. The patent holder has, however, filed a statement of willingness to grant a license under these rights on reasonable and nondiscriminatory terms and conditions to applicants desiring to obtain such a license. Details may be obtained from the standards developer. Suggestions for the improvement or revision of this Standard are welcome. They should be sent to the X9 Committee Secretariat, Accredited Standards Committee X9, Inc., Financial Industry Standards, P.O. Box 4035, Annapolis, MD 21403 USA. This Standard was processed and approved for submittal to ANSI by the Accredited Standards Committee on Financial Services, X9. Committee approval of the Standard does not necessarily imply that all the committee members voted for its approval. At the time it approved this standard the X9 Committee had the following members:

The X9 committee had the following members: Gene Kathol, X9 Chairman Vincent DeSantis, X9 Vice-Chairman Cynthia Fuller, Executive Director Isabel Bailey, Managing Director

ORGANIZATION NAME Acxiom Thomas Gurry All My Papers Larry Krummel American Bankers Association C. Diane Poole American Financial Services Association Mark Zalewski BancTec, Inc. David Hunt Bank of America Daniel Welch Boise Paper Solutions John Claflin Carreker Don Harman Certicom Corporation Daniel Brown Check Site, Inc. Trevor Kensey CheckTech Financial Corporation Don Brannigan Citigroup, Inc. Daniel Schutzer Clarke American Checks, Inc. John W. McCleary ClearWave Electronics Mark Ross Compass Bank Kirk Maze Davis & Henderson Dragan Calusic Deluxe Corporation John FitzPatrick Diebold, Inc. Bruce Chapa Discover Financial Services Julie Shaw Domtar, Inc. Howard Hunter ECCHO Phyllis Meyerson Federal Reserve Bank Mark Kielman

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First Data Corporation Gene Kathol Fiserv Lori Hood FSTC, Financial Services Technology Consortium Zach Tumin Huntington Bank Michelle Dunkle Hypercom Scott Spiker iStream Imaging/Bank of Kenney Ken Biel IBM Corporation Andrew Sutton ImageScan Hanna Jabbour Ingenico John Spence Intuit, Inc. Jana Hocker J.P. Morgan Chase & Co Jacqueline Pagan John H. Harland Company Curt Siroky KPMG LLP Alfred F. Van Ranst Jr. Liberty Enterprises, Inc. Rick Zecher MagTek, Inc. Carlos Morales National Security Agency Sheila Brand NACHA The Electronic Payments Association Nancy Grant NCR Corporation David Norris NetDeposit, Inc. William Wong Oce North America, Inc Tony Ribeiro Orbograph Dave Kliewer Paychex Inc Carl Tinch Piracle Alan Quarnberg RDM Corporation Karin McNabb Relizon Mel Stephenson Relyco Sales Inc Rick Gagnon Reynolds and Reynolds Co. Mark Hoenie Rosetta Technologies Jim Maher Silver Bullet Technology, Inc. Bryan Clark Solutran Michelle Kocur Source Technologies Wally Burlingham Standard Register Company Russell Hill SWIFT/Pan Americas Malene McMahon The Clearing House Steve Jackson Troy Group, Inc. Michael Riley U.S. Bank Marc Morrison Unisys Corporation David J. Concannon VECTORsgi Jerry Bowman Vicor, Inc. Rick Smith VISA Richard Sweeney Wachovia Bank Keith Ross Wells Fargo Bank Al Hecht Xerox Corporation Frank Bov

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Subcommittee X9B on Check Processing, which voted on and approved this standard, had the following members: Christopher Dowdell, Chairman ORGANIZATION NAME Acxiom John Barrett Acxiom Christopher Dowdell Acxiom Thomas Gurry ACOM Solutions Carl Grant Advanced Financial Solutions Dan Ulrich All My Papers Larry Krummel All My Papers Brett Nelson American Bankers Association Tom Judd American Bankers Association C. Diane Poole BancTec, Inc. Peter Caporal Bank of America Joe Shuster Bank of America Daniel Welch Carreker Don Harman Certicom Corporation Daniel Brown Check Site, Inc. Neil Godfrey Check Site, Inc. Trevor Kensey Check Site, Inc. Michael Lowery CheckTech Financial Corporation Brian Boyd CheckTech Financial Corporation Don Brannigan Clarke American Checks, Inc. John W. McCleary Clarke American Checks, Inc. Valerie Meddleton Comerica Paul Burns Comerica Mary Kosinski Compass Bank Jan Cole Compass Bank Kirk Maze Custom Direct LLC Tanya Cook Custom Direct LLC Dale Dabbs Data-Mail, Inc. Kerry Hannify Data-Mail, Inc. Mark Sullivan Deluxe Corporation John FitzPatrick Deluxe Corporation Angela Hendershott Deluxe Corporation Brian Flaten Deluxe Corporation Lyle Prickett Deluxe Corporation Ralph Stolp

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Deluxe Corporation John Toedter Deluxe Corporation Mike Valiquet Diebold, Inc. Bruce Chapa Diebold, Inc. Laura Drozda Diebold, Inc. R. David Nein Diebold, Inc. Michael Shirk Domtar, Inc. Howard Hunter Domtar, Inc. Rick Mullen Domtar, Inc. Anthony Rigelman ECCHO Phyllis Meyerson Federal Reserve Bank Jeannine M. DeLano Federal Reserve Bank Deb Hjortland Federal Reserve Bank Dexter Holt Federal Reserve Bank Mark Kielman First Data Corporation Pam Carter First Data Corporation Paquito Singleton Fiserv Keay Edwards Fiserv William Saffici Fiserv Linda Weber FSTC, Financial Services Technology Consortium Christine Nautiyal FSTC, Financial Services Technology Consortium Zach Tumin Huntington Bank Michelle Dunkle Huntington Bank Jim Posani iStream Imaging/Bank of Kenney Ken Biel iStream Imaging/Bank of Kenney Mike McGuire IBM Corporation Rod Moon IBM Corporation Andrew Sutton ImageScan Hanna Jabbour ImageScan Lucie Johnson Ingenico Ann Dismukes Ingenico Rob Harrison Innovax Corp Jim Peterson Innovax Corp Mark Sloan Intuit, Inc. Craig Cuffle Intuit, Inc. Jana Hocker John H. Harland Company Al Ludwick Liberty Enterprises, Inc. Rick Zecher Nexpress Solutions, Inc. A Kodak Company Aaron Lazar Nexpress Solutions, Inc. A Kodak Company Kathleen Roland Orbograph Uriel BenDavid Orbograph Joe Gregory Parascript, LLC Mike Fenton Parascript, LLC Kaz Jaszczak Paychex Inc Carl Tinch PrintXcel Peter Atzman PrintXcel Deanna Day RDM Corporation Peter Hanna RDM Corporation Tom Hayosh RDM Corporation Tom Kettell

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RDM Corporation Karin McNabb Relyco Sales Inc Helene Kontonis Reynolds and Reynolds Co. Carolyn Brackman Silver Bullet Technology, Inc. Bryan Clark Silver Bullet Technology, Inc. Ray Higgins Solutran Dan Galinson Solutran Michelle Kocur Solutran Cindy Neiderhiser Solutran Carmen R. Nordstrand Solutran Scott Reid Source Technologies Roger Owens Standard Register Company Melissa Barnes SWIFT/Pan Americas Malene McMahon The Clearing House Steve Jackson U.S. Bank Valerie Melville U.S. Bank Nicole Mettler U.S. Bank Marc Morrison Unisys Corporation David J. Concannon Unisys Corporation Leonard Wasielewski VECTORsgi Jerry Bowman VECTORsgi Ron Schultz Vicor, Inc. Robert Kirk Vicor, Inc. Rick Smith Wachovia Bank Andrew Garner Xerox Corporation Frank Bov Xerox Corporation Susan Siani

Under ASC X9 procedures, a working group may be established to address specific segments of work under the X9 Committee or one of its subcommittees. A working group exists only to develop standard(s) or guidelines in a specific area and is then disbanded. The individual experts are listed with their affiliated organizations. However, this does not imply that the organization has approved the content of the standard or guideline.

Organization Represented Representative John FitzPatrick,Chairman...................................................................Deluxe Corporation.

Angela Hendershott, Secretary......................................................Deluxe Corporation

Curt Siroky, Editor .......................................................................... John H Harland Company

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1

Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field Specification

Part I - Specifications

1 Scope

1.1 Scope

This standard specifies the location and background design of essential check data fields and is intended for all business size and personal size checks.

1.2 Purpose

The intent of this standard is to:

a) establish the specific location for the convenience amount (amount in numerics)

b) standardize the design of the background for four essential data fields as well as the Convenience Amount Area and the MICR Clear Area.

This revision of the standard has been expanded to include the entire front of the payment document and to meet the current requirements for electronic imaging of checks. These new requirements have an incorporation date of December 31, 2000 to allow the industry participants time to prepare for implementation.

This revised standard maintains the previous specifications for the design, location, reflectance and PCS of the dollar amount field. Adherence to this standard has become more important as more payments are automatically scanned and amount recognition is performed by machine. It is important that the design and location of the dollar amount field be standardized to allow recognition algorithms to efficiently locate the amount and the background of the amount field should not contribute to any errors in the reading of the dollar amount.

New to this revision of the standard are background requirements for other essential data fields on the check. The processes of electronic scanning and imaging of checks as well as microfilming necessitate the use of adequate information contrast with respect to the check background:

1) to assure that data elements are legible

2) to assure that data elements are not obscured by background clutter

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

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3) to allow reliable conversion from electronic grayscale to binary images and to minimize the size of the electronic image file.

This standard is intended to be compatible with existing check specifications and does not alter requirements for paper or MICR specifications. It is anticipated that all payment documents will adhere to applicable American National Standards as referenced in Clause 2.0 of this standard.

1.3 Introduction

Check imaging and microfilming eliminates color in the conversion of a paper document to a captured image. Accordingly, printing a check adds some unique requirements over and above those normally required for human viewing to preserve reliable recognition of data elements. Since color is lost, detection and recognition of information is highly dependent on the contrast between the written information and the printed background. In image processing a technology known as dynamic thresholding is often used to retain check data and discard background. This specification provides measurement methodologies to predict the outcome of this technology and assure legibility and efficient processing of the check image.

Successful imaging and recognition can be affected by many factors in the document design, including background color, screening, background pattern of the document, security patterns, and the ink used to print the data. The effect of all of these can be assessed by reflectance and contrast measurements.

An imaging approach to measurement of reflectance and contrast has been found to be a superior analysis methodology and is given primary consideration in this standard. Analysis tools that utilize images eliminate operator-induced error, as there will be no interpretation required in selecting the reflectance sample.

Reflectance measurements as specified in this standard utilize visible light illuminating the document at 45 degrees to normal incidence and a photodetector positioned at normal incidence. Because of the different specific angles of illumination and photodetection, this system measures only diffuse reflected light. Document colors that appear bright to the human eye will have high reflectance because they reflect most of the illuminating light. Conversely, printing that appears dark, absorbs most light and reflects little light is thus low in reflectance. See Annex A for more details and Part II, Conformance Testing, for measurement procedures.

Print Contrast Signal or PCS is a measure of the difference of reflectance of two adjacent regions, one that is called the background region. PCS measurements always require two regions of reflectance measurement, a print or data region and an adjacent background region. These regions are often subject to human interpretation.

Dynamic Contrast Ratio (DCR) measurements are similar to PCS measurements but are done automatically and dynamically in an image processing computer program as specified in Annex C.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

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2 References

ANS X3.49-1975 (R1989), Character Set for Optical Character Recognition (OCR-B)

ANS X9.18-1998 (X9.100-10), Paper Specifications for Checks

ANS X9.27-1995 (X9.100-20), Print and Test Specifications for Magnetic Ink Printing (MICR)

ANS X9.100-111-2004 (X9.53), Specifications for Check Endorsements

ANS X9.100-160-1-2004 (X9.13), Part 1: Placement and Location of Magnetic Ink Printing (MICR)

ANS X9.100-160-2-2004 (X9.13), Part 2: EPC Field Use

ASC X9 TR 2-2005 (X9/TG-2), Understanding, Designing and Producing Checks

ASC X9/TG-8-2001 (X9 TR 8), Check Security Guideline

ISO/DIS 1004:1994, Information Processing – Magnetic Ink Character Recognition – Print Specifications

3 Terms and Definitions 3.1 aligning edge (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13) The bottom edge of a document when its face is viewed.

3.2 area of interest (AOI) (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) Refers to a rectangular area 0.250 inch (6.35mm) high having the length of each particular field for the four essential data elements: date, signature, amount in words and payee.

3.3 average area reflectance (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A calculation of reflectance applicable to the four Areas of Interest. The calculation is described in Section 2.3 of Annex B of this standard.

3.4 background clutter (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The remnants of background in a binary image that interferes with legibility of written or printed data.

3.5 background reflectance (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A calculation of the reflectance of the check background in the Convenience Amount and Optical MICR Clear Band.

3.6 binary image (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A black and white image where each pixel can be stored in memory by one bit of information since it is either black or white.

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3.7 clear band (MICR) (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) A horizontal band, 0.625 inch high, on the front and back of the document, measured from the aligning edge, that must be free of any magnetic ink other than that of the E-13B font.

3.8 clear band (optical) (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) A 0.300 inch high band that has included within it the MICR print band. This band is located 0.150 inch above the aligning edge and extends the length of the document.

3.9 color separation (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A photographic technique used to separate the colors of a scene or picture into three or four basic colors that can be screened to produce printed reproductions that look like the original picture.

3.10 continuous form check (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A check manufactured by a method that results in many checks joined together for automatic feeding and printing in data processing printers.

3.11 convenience amount (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The value of the check expressed in numbers.

3.12 convenience amount clear area (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The area surrounding the convenience amount rectangle that is clear of any printing that would interfere with the convenience amount.

3.13 convenience amount recognition (CAR) (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The application of Intelligent Character Recognition to the function of locating and recognizing the characters in the convenience amount area.

3.14 convenience amount rectangle (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) An area within the convenience amount scan area that restricts the location of the convenience amount.

3.15 convenience amount scan area (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The rectangular area on the right side of a check that contains the convenience amount rectangle and its associated clear area.

3.16 data elements (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) Information that is contained on a check that is legally necessary or desired by the payor to convey funds. A signature, payee name, and amount are each examples of data elements which are legally necessary. A memo line and invoice number are each examples of data elements not legally necessary but often desired by the payor for payment tracking.

3.17 dynamic contrast image (DC Image) (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A generic binary (i.e. black and white) image generated from a grayscale image by comparing the reflectance value of each pixel to the average of all pixels (including itself) in the 0.125 inch x 0.125 inch (3.18mm x 3.18mm) immediate surrounding area. Each pixel is thereby converted to a black or white value.

3.18 dynamic contrast ratio (DCR) (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The mathematical formula for creating a dynamic contrast image. It is the same as the formula for PCS, but the calculation is performed at a pixel level. See Annex B, Sections 1.2 and 2.2.

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3.19 endorsement or indorsement (ANS X9.100-111/X9.53) Information used to transfer a negotiable instrument from one holder to another. Endorsements are placed on a document by payee(s), by the Bank of First Deposit, and by institutions subsequently handling the document.

3.20 grayscale image (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) An image where each pixel can have a full range of gray tonal values usually more than 2 up to 256 levels.

3.21 human-visible spectrum (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The wavelengths of light that can be observed by the human eye, ranging between 400 and 700 nanometers, with the peak human response at 555 nanometers. These wave-lengths span the full range of pure colors; 400 nanometers is perceived as deep blue, 550 nanometers is yellow-green, and 700 nanometers is deep red.

3.22 ICR (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) See intelligent character recognition (ICR)

3.23 imaging (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A system based on monochrome scanning of checks, processing discrete picture elements to remove data redundancy, followed by compression and storage of the image data. Images can be retrieved, decompressed, and displayed on image work stations or printed on a printer either locally or remote to the storage site.

3.24 intelligent character recognition (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) Algorithms used to provide character or symbol recognition from the captured or stored image data.

3.25 leading edge (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13) The right edge of a document when its face is viewed.

3.26 magnetic ink character recognition (MICR) (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) The common machine language specification for the paper-based payment transfer system. It consists of magnetic ink printed characters of a special design, called the E-13B font that can be recognized by high speed magnetic recognition equipment.

3.27 MICR clear band (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) See clear band (MICR)

3.28 MICR print band (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) See print band (MICR)

3.29 OCR (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) See optical character recognition (OCR)

3.30 optical character recognition (OCR) (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) A technology that uses optical sensing to achieve machine readability of the E-13B font on MICR documents.

3.31 optical clear band (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) See clear band (optical)

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6

3.32 paxel (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A group of black pixels (equal to or more than 6 of 9) in a binary image, measuring 0.010 inch x 0.010 inch (0.25mm x 0.25mm) square, that is the smallest dark area of background clutter that has been determined to affect the legibility of handwritten data on checks.

3.33 paxel count (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The number of contiguous paxels that, when joined in any shape, line or combination can create a background clutter problem that can affect the legibility of handwritten data on checks.

3.34 payee line restraint (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A vertical mark at the right end of the payee line showing the point where writing should end.

3.35 pixel (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) A contraction of "picture element", the smallest area of a document considered in capturing an electronic image. Common pixel densities in imaging are 200 and 240 pixels per inch.

3.36 print band (MICR) (X9.27/X9.100-20) A 0.250 inch high band, subdivided into a series of character spaces, within the MICR clear band, within which E-13B characters are located.

3.37 print contrast (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The difference between the reflectance of a printed point and the reflectance of the background on which it is printed.

3.38 print contrast signal (PCS) (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The ratio of the print contrast of a particular printed point with respect to the reflectance of a reference or background region. See Annex A.

3.39 printed features (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) Features printed on paper in the check manufacture, such as decorative patterns, security patterns, Convenience Amount Rectangle outlines, hand print constraint boxes, dollar signs, field designators, etc. Printed areas may be either in the background or foreground.

3.40 reflectance (ANS X9.7/X9.100-110) The relative brightness of an illuminated paper surface as seen by the human eye as indicated by values between 0 and 100%. The eye modifies the apparent brightness at different wavelengths according to its response to the human-visible spectrum. Equipment that measures reflectance requires a filter that matches its response to that of the human eye.

3.41 routing number (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13) The numeric identifier of a financial institution as assigned by the American Bankers Association or its agent. Routing numbers are used for routing purposes on checks, and virtually all other MICR documents, such as deposit tickets and batch tickets. A specific numeric series is reserved for internal bank usage.

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7

3.42 screen printing (halftone) (ANS X9.100-120/X9.33) A printing process that prints one or more basic colors in discrete patterns of dots that vary in size. The human eye perceives a combination of basic colors in the dots as a mixture or hue. In the case of a single color the human eye perceives a shade of the basic printed color that is dependent on dot size and spatial density.

3.43 solid printing (ANS X9.100-120/X9.33) A printing process that applies a single solid color to a piece of paper. The color seen by the eye will be the ink color.

3.44 stroke width (ANS X9.27/X9.100-20) The measurable width of a printed stroke or line. The edges of the stroke can be irregular depending on printing methods, paper surface or both; therefore, the stroke width is measured as the average distance between the average edges of a stroke.

3.45 trailing edge (ANS X9.100-160-1/X9.13) The left edge of the document when its face is viewed.

4 Data Elements - Check Document Design

4.1 Convenience Amount Area Data Elements for Minimum Size Check (Personal) Format

4.1.1 Convenience Amount Scan Area (Personal Sized Checks)

4.1.1.1 Description

An imaginary rectangle of fixed size and location with its long axis parallel to the aligning edge of the document within which the convenience amount rectangle is located. See Figure 1A.

4.1.1.2 Specification

The size of the scan area shall be 0.600 inch (15.24 mm) high and 2.250 inches (57.15 mm) wide. Its lower edge location shall be 1.400 inches (35.56 mm) from the aligning edge. Its upper edge shall be located 2.000 inches (50.80 mm) from the aligning edge. The right edge shall be 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) from the leading edge and the left edge shall be 2.500 inches (63.50 mm) from the leading edge.

4.1.2 Convenience Amount Rectangle (Personal Sized Checks)

4.1.2.1 Description

A rectangular area for the convenience amount free from external interference to ensure quick and accurate visual determination of the value of the payment document. See Figure 2A.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)


The inside dimensions of the amount rectangle shall be between 0.200 inch (5.08 mm) and 0.300 inch (7.62 mm) high and between 0.800 inch (20.32 mm) and 2.150 inches (54.61 mm) wide.

The amount rectangle shall be entirely located within the scan area. It shall be located such that the 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) convenience amount clear area limits are maintained. See Clause 4.1.3. Combined printing and cutting tolerances shall not exceed ± 0.063 inch (1.60 mm). The form designer will determine the precise location and size of the amount rectangle. Amount rectangles of varying length and horizontal placement can be used as best fit user needs. See Figure 3A for examples.

Figure 1A - Scan area location - personal size check

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Figure 2A - Convenience amount rectangle and clear area - personal size check

9

Figure 3A - Examples of amount rectangle location inside scan area - personal size check

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10

4.1.2.3 Design Variations

The design of the amount rectangle shall be one of the following variations as shown below. See Figure 4A.

(1) A rectangular area of appropriate color intensity surrounded by a basic background color. The difference in color shall be such that the print contrast signal (PCS) of the basic background color with respect to the internal rectangular area does not exceed 0.30.

(2) A rectangular area with its outline printed in a color such that the PCS of the outline with respect to its interior background does not exceed 0.30. The minimum stroke width for the outline shall be 0.008 inch (0.20 mm).

(3) A rectangular area with its outline printed by screening techniques having a minimum screen of 120 lines/inch (4.7 lines/mm) and a minimum stroke width of 0.020 inch (0.51 mm). The PCS of the screened outline with respect to its interior background shall not exceed 0.30.

In the event the check designer cannot utilize one of the above preferred variations of printing the amount rectangle, the printer may utilize a rectangular area with its outline printed in a color such that the PCS of the outline with respect to the background shall be greater than 0.60. The stroke width of the outline shall be 0.008 inch ± 0.002 inch (0.20 mm ± 0.05 mm).

4.1.3 Convenience Amount Clear Area (Personal Sized Checks)

4.1.3.1 Description

An imaginary rectangle, inside the scan area, surrounding the convenience amount rectangle. No extraneous marks or printing of any kind that exceed a PCS of 0.30 shall appear within this clear area. See Figure 2A.

4.1.3.2 Size

On the left side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) to the left of the preprinted dollar symbol. On the right side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend to the right edge of the scan area. The area between the right edge of the scan area and the document leading edge shall be clear of all extraneous printing except the border.

On the upper side and lower side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend 0.100 inch (2.54 mm). This upper and lower clear area shall extend to both the left and right edge of the clear area.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Figure 4A - Acceptable design variations for

the amount rectangle - personal size check

4.1.3.3 Location

The precise location of the convenience amount clear area is determined by the form designer, restricted by the size specification above, and the additional requirement that the top, bottom, and left edges of the clear area shall be within the scan area. See Figure 3a for examples.

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12

4.1.4 Dollar Symbol (Personal Sized Checks)

4.1.4.1 Description

A single preprinted dollar symbol shall serve as the left boundary of the high-order position of the convenience amount. To provide adequate visual and machine recognition of the convenience amount, the symbol shall be printed in a color that provides a PCS of 0.60 or greater with respect to its background. The usual color for this data element is black.

4.1.4.2 Location

The preprinted dollar symbol shall be located within the scan area adjacent to the amount rectangle. The symbol shall be perpendicular to the aligning edge and centered within ± 0.015 inch (0.38 mm) vertically on the amount rectangle.

The right edge of the dollar symbol shall be no less than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) and no more than 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) from the left edge of the amount rectangle. See Figure 5.

4.1.4.3 Design

The dollar symbol shall be a continuous printed character with one vertical line close to the center of the symbol. The dollar symbol shall be 0.150 - 0.200 inch (3.81 - 5.08 mm) in height and should have a minimum stroke width of 0.013 inch, with a maximum of 0.017 inch. Height to width ratio (aspect ratio) shall not be less than 1/1 nor greater than 2/1. The preferred aspect ratio is 3/2. See Figure 6. The OCR-B size IV is an acceptable design option even though its stroke width is nominally 0.020 inch. See ANS X3.49.

4.1.5 Convenience Amount Data (Personal Sized Checks)

Those check writing systems which use computer software to prepare checks should utilize fonts for the check amount and other data elements which are non-serif and no smaller than 10 pts. In the event a proportional spaced font is used, the design of the font should not cause the characters to be tightly spaced so that the recognition system cannot easily separate each character. There should be at least two pixels space at the boundary of each character. In no case should the amount be printed using a reverse font where the background of the printing is black and the character itself is not printed.

Informative: While printing or writing the data for the convenience amount is uncontrolled, there are things that can be done by a financial institution to improve performance in automated reading of Convenience Amount Recognition (CAR) systems. The financial institution can encourage its customers to use black or blue-black ball point or roller ball pens, and can offer hand-printing examples of the numeric amount. The manner in which the cents are written is especially important.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Figure 5 - Pre-printed dollar sign

location tolerances

Figure 6 - Pre-printed dollar sign design

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4.2 Convenience Amount Area Data Elements for Large Size Check (Business) Format

4.2.1 Convenience Amount Scan Area (Business Size Checks)

4.2.1.1 Description

An imaginary rectangle of fixed size and location with its long axis parallel to the aligning edge of the document within which the convenience amount rectangle is located. See Figure 1B.


The size of the scan area shall be 1.200 inches (30.48 mm) high and 2.250 inches (57.15 mm) wide. Its lower edge location shall be 1.400 inches (35.56 mm) from the aligning edge. Its upper edge shall be located 2.600 inches (66.04 mm) from the aligning edge. The right edge shall be 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) from the leading edge and the left edge shall be 2.500 inches (63.50 mm) from the leading edge.

4.2.2 Convenience Amount Rectangle (Business Size Checks)

4.2.2.1 Description

A rectangular area for the convenience amount free from external interference to ensure quick and accurate visual determination of the value of the payment document. See Figure 2B.


The inside dimensions of the amount rectangle shall have a minimum height of 0.300 inch (7.62 mm) with a maximum height of 0.500 inch (12.7 mm) and have a width between 0.800 inch (20.32 mm) and 2.150 inches (54.61 mm).

The amount rectangle shall be entirely located within the scan area. It shall be located such that the 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) convenience amount clear area limits are maintained. See Clause 4.2.3. Combined printing and cutting tolerances shall not exceed ± 0.063 inch (1.60 mm).

The form designer will determine the precise location and size of the amount rectangle. This specification provides flexibility so machine printed checks can be aligned on a print line in the amount rectangle when checks are printed at either 6 lines/inch (4.233 mm/line) or 8 lines per inch (3.175 mm/line). Amount rectangles of varying length and horizontal placement can be used as best fits the user needs. See Figure 3B for examples.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Figure 1B - Scan area location - business size check

Figure 2B - Convenience amount rectangle

and clear area - business size check

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Figure 3B - Examples of amount rectangle location

inside scan area

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17

4.2.2.3 Design Variations

The design of the amount rectangle shall be one of the following variations as shown below. See Figure 4B.

(1) A rectangular area of appropriate color intensity surrounded by a basic background color. The difference in color shall be such that the print contrast signal (PCS) of the basic background color with respect to the internal rectangular area does not exceed 0.30.

(2) A rectangular area with its outline printed in a color such that the PCS of the outline with respect to its background does not exceed 0.30. The minimum stroke width for the outline shall be 0.008 inch (0.20 mm).

(3) A rectangular area with its outline printed by screening techniques having a minimum screen of 120 lines/inch (4.7 lines/mm) and a minimum stroke width of 0.020 inch (0.51 mm). The PCS of the screened outline with respect to the background within the amount rectangle shall not exceed 0.30.

(4) A rectangular area with its outline printed in a color such that the PCS of the outline with respect to its interior background shall be greater than 0.60. The stroke width of the outline shall be 0.008 inch ± 0.002 inch (0.20 mm ± 0.05 mm). This rectangle shall be the lowest most box in the scan area if other rectangular boxes are also within the scan area. Any other dollar signs shall be entirely outside of the scan area.

(5) No outline or specific box.

4.2.3 Convenience Amount Clear Area (Business Size Checks)

4.2.3.1 Description

An imaginary rectangle, inside the scan area, surrounding the convenience amount rectangle. No extraneous marks or printing of any kind that exceed a PCS of 0.30 shall appear within this clear area. See Figure 2b.

4.2.3.2 Size

On the left side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) to the left of the preprinted dollar symbol, if the document has a preprinted dollar symbol, 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) to the left of the amount rectangle. If the document is to have a machine print the dollar symbol and the amount, they shall be printed simultaneously. On the right side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend to the right edge of the scan area. The area between the right edge of the scan area and the document leading edge shall be clear of all extraneous printing except the border.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Figure 4B - Acceptable design variations for the

amount rectangle - business size check

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19

On the upper side and lower side of the amount rectangle, the clear area shall extend 0.100 inch (2.54 mm). This upper and lower clear area shall extend to both the left edge of the clear area and to the right edge of the clear area.

4.2.3.3 Location

The precise location of the convenience amount clear area is determined by the form designer, restricted by the size specification above, and the additional requirement that the top, bottom, and left edges of the clear area shall be within the scan area. See Figure 3B for examples.

4.2.4 Preprinted Dollar Symbol (Business Size Checks)

4.2.4.1 Description

If a preprinted dollar symbol is present, a single dollar symbol shall serve as the left boundary of the high-order position of the convenience amount. To provide adequate visual and machine recognition of the convenience amount, the symbol shall be printed in a color that provides a PCS of 0.60 or greater with respect to its background. The usual color for this data element is black.

4.2.4.2 Location

The preprinted dollar symbol shall be located within the scan area adjacent to the amount rectangle. The symbol shall be perpendicular to the aligning edge and centered within ± 0.015 inch (0.38 mm) vertically on the amount rectangle.

The right edge of the dollar symbol shall be no less than 0.030 inch (0.76 mm) and no more than 0.050 inch (1.27 mm) from the left edge of the amount rectangle. See Figure 5.

4.2.4.3 Design

The dollar symbol shall be a continuous printed character with one vertical line close to the center of the symbol. The dollar symbol shall be 0.150 - 0.200 inch (3.81 - 5.08 mm) in height and should have a minimum stroke width of 0.013 inch (0.33 mm), with a maximum of 0.017 inch (0.43 mm). Height to width ratio (aspect ratio) shall not be less than 1/1 nor greater than 2/1. The preferred aspect ratio is 3/2. See Figure 6. The OCR-B size IV is an acceptable design option even though its stroke width is nominally 0.020 inch. See ANSI X3.49.

4.2.5 Machine Printed Dollar Symbol (Business Size Checks)

4.2.5.1 Description

A single dollar symbol shall serve as the left boundary of the high-order position of the convenience amount.

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4.2.5.2 Specifications

For checks in which the amounts are expected to be entered by a machine printer, i.e. a data processing high-speed printer, a single dollar symbol shall be printed by that device in the high-order position of the convenience amount and be contained wholly within the scan area. The permissible size for the machine printed dollar symbol is 0.120 - 0.150 inch (3.05 - 3.81 mm) high. Equipment which provides variable character font options may use an OCR-B size IV dollar symbol or its equivalent, despite character height greater than 0.150 inch (3.81 mm) and stroke width greater than 0.017 inch (0.43 mm). To provide adequate visual and machine recognition of the convenience amount, the symbol shall be printed in a color that provides a PCS greater than 0.60.

4.2.6 Machine Printed Convenience Amount (Business Size Checks)

Machine printed amounts on business size checks shall use fonts that are non-serif and at least 10 pts in size. The design of the font shall allow each character to be easily separated e.g. as in 10 pt. Courier that is a fixed pitch font. The design of proportional spaced fonts can be controlled to provide at least two pixels of space within each character's boundary so that between any two characters there are at least 4 pixels of space.

The use of fancy fonts or reverse printing in the convenience amount is a violation of this standard as those checks reject at 100 percent in a CAR system. One or two asterisks (*) produced by a machine printer may be used as protection symbols only at the beginning or at the end, or both places of the amount. Other graphic elements such as dashes, stars, periods, etc., shall not be used in place of the asterisk. The use of commas to separate high dollar amounts is not recommended. Dollars shall be separated from cents only by a decimal point, and not with any other graphic means. The numeric cents shall be present in all cases.

4.3 Areas of Interest (All Checks)

Four data elements are designated as Areas of Interest. These elements are required for the payment system at the time of presentment in exchange for goods or services or at the back-end of the payment process for exception item handling. Therefore, these areas need to be carefully designed and printed to provide acceptable readability of information. See Figure 7.

4.3.1 Amount In Words

On most checks, the dollar value contained in the convenience amount rectangle is repeated as a handwritten or machine printed text line. This line is usually located to the left of the amount rectangle but may be located higher or lower by the check manufacturer. The amount in words, or "legal amount", is an important protection against alteration. Therefore, when present, this feature must be clearly legible to a human observer examining the original check, microfilm, a digital image hard copy, or a video monitor representation of the check.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

Check Areas-of-Interest

$

101

FOR

PAY TO THE ORDER OF

DOLLARS

ABC CHECK PRINTER

A

B C

F

G

H

D EDATE

A. Date Area of Interest B. Payee Area of Interest C. Convenience Amount D. Convenience Amount Area E. Convenience Amount Rectangle Outline F. Amount in Words (Legal Amount) Area of Interest G. Signature Area(s) of Interest H. MICR Optical Clear Band

Figure 7 Check areas of interest

4.3.2 Date

The date area is generally located towards the upper right end of the check. The exact location is left to the discretion of the check printer. It should be located at least 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) clearance with respect to the convenience amount rectangle to prevent manual extraneous date completion from entering the convenience amount clear area.

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4.3.3 Payee Line

The payee line is located at the left end of the check, generally on the same line as the convenience amount. The location may vary depending upon the requirements of the payee name and address to appear in a window envelope. The location is left to the check manufacturer. However, it shall not interfere with the convenience amount. On personal size checks, a restraint mark at the right end of the payee line should be included to constrain the information on the payee line from interfering with the dollar symbol. See Figure 8.

Figure 8 - Payee line restraint

4.3.4 Signature(s)

The signature of the payor shall be clearly visible for comparison to a file record of the authorized signature. There can be one, or more than one required signature. The general location for signatures is in the lower right hand quadrant of the check above the MICR clear band and below the convenience amount area. Multiple signature lines may be contained within this location without interfering with the convenience amount or the MICR encoded amount field. The location is left to the check printer to satisfy the customer without impacting any other data element areas.

4.4 MICR Clear Band and Optical Clear Band

The MICR clear band is the 0.625 inch (15.88 mm) high strip at the bottom of the check that shall be free of all magnetic ink printing except the E-13B printed characters. The MICR data field format is specified in ANS X9.100-160-Part 1 (X9.13). Because MICR data is required to be OCR readable and visible from an image or its microfilm record, the background reflectance in the MICR optical clear band shall be no less than 60%. Any scenes, pictures, tints, etc., in this band that would interfere with the visual requirements for legibility and OCR/ICR machine recognition of the MICR data shall be avoided. See ANS X9.27 for more details on the requirements of the MICR optical clear band.

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4.5 Bank Name

Generally, the bank nameplate is located in the lower left quadrant of the check but may be found in the middle section at the top of the check. Of all the data elements on the face of the check, this is the least demanding from a microfilming or imaging perspective because the information identifying the paying bank is also contained in the MICR routing field. The bank name is a fixed field so that normally there should not be any interference with any of the variable data element fields.

4.6 Other Data Elements

Almost any check design may provide an area on the face of the check, which is important to the payor, and the payee beyond those listed above. These may be as simple as a single line (often labeled "memo") to enter some identification data concerning the payment purpose of the check. Or it may be an area to the left of the data elements described above to enter invoice numbers or other data to support the purpose of the payment. In addition, for certain payment items other data elements may be present that represent contractual or claim data that is important in addition to the monetary value of the transaction. In any event, these other data elements are required to be legible in the case of microfilm or image representation of the item.

4.7 Printed Borders

Printed borders provide some degree of counterfeit protection in some check designs. Although it is desirable to keep them out of the MICR clear band area, they are not prohibited. However, they shall not interfere with the OCR recognition and visual reading requirements of the MICR data or the convenience amount data. When printed borders having a PCS greater than 0.30 pass through the MICR optical clear band, they shall not extend more than 0.200 inch (5.08 mm) inward from the leading edge, nor, on personal size checks, more than 0.159 inch (4.04 mm) inward from the trailing edge of the document. Lower horizontal borders having a PCS greater than 0.30 shall not extend more than 0.150 inch (3.81 mm) up from the document aligning edge. Borders that pass through the 0.625 inch (15.88 mm) MICR clear band shall not be printed with magnetic ink. See Figure 9. In order to be in conformance with this standard, the specification for the trailing edge border shall be initiated for conformance testing no later than December 31, 2000.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

NAME OF DEPOSITOR 101 STREET ADDRESS 00-6789/0000

CITY, STATE 12345678

DATE________________PAY TO THE

ORDER OF $ Dollars

Financial Instition Name Street Address City, State

ALL NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING WITHPCS GREATER THAN 0.30 SHALL BELOCATED AT LEAST 0.450” ABOVEALIGNING EDGE. 0.625” PREFERRED.

0.625”0.159”MAX.

0.200” MAX.

0.150” MAX.

LEADING EDGEMICR ENCODING STRIP

NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING ALLOWEDIN MICR CLEAR BAND IF LOCATEDLOWER THAN 0.150” FROMALIGNING EDGE.

ALIGNING EDGE

PRINTING AND CUTTINGTOLERANCE ± 0.063”

Figure 9 - Limits for non-magnetic printing

within the MICR clear band

4.8 Endorsement Data

The area on the back of the check extending lengthwise from end to end, approximately 3.00 inches high (76.2 mm) measured from the aligning edge is reserved for endorsements. The area immediately behind the payee line and extending for 1/2 the length of the check is the most critical for endorsements. This area is for the payee and the bank of first deposit endorsements. See ANS X9.100-111 (X9.53).

5 Reflectance, PCS, and DCR Requirements

5.1 General

Check documents are printed with backgrounds, patterns, ink and other design elements intended to provide certain desirable features to check users or customers. Printing check backgrounds

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25

without regard to the minimum requirements for legibility of written data may cause the misinterpretation of dollar amounts, illegible written data, or written data that disappears from binary images.

This section provides the specifications for the average area reflectance and paxel count for the four areas of interest: Amount in Words, Date, Payee and Signature. For these specifications, the DCR method of measurement is used. DCR image creation is an automated dynamic contrast mapping process that minimizes the potential for human error inherent in many PCS measurements. In order to be in conformance with this standard these particular specifications shall be initiated for conformance testing no later than December 31, 2000.

This section also provides the specifications for the background reflectance and manual PCS measurement for the Convenience Amount Area and the MICR Clear Band.

5.2 Background Reflectance and PCS vs. Average Area Reflectance and Paxel Count

Two distinct calculations for reflectance are used in this standard:

a) Background Reflectance is used in conjunction with PCS Determination and applies to the background of the check within the convenience amount rectangle, the convenience amount clear area, and the MICR optical clear band. It is determined by manual selection of sample regions, which are interpreted as “background” by the operator. The visual effect of the background can be a plain or single color, a traditional safety paper, a printed pattern, a muted scene, or a muted picture.

b) Average Area Reflectance uses all the pixels in an area and is used for legibility analysis. It refers to the background in the four areas of interest: the date, payee, amount in words, and signature fields. The average area reflectance is calculated as the average of all pixels in each 0.125 inch x 0.125 inch (3.18 mm x 3.18 mm) square in the area of interest being measured.

PCS in this specification refers to the ratio of the reflectance of a particular printed point with respect to the reflectance of the background region immediately surrounding the printed point. This measurement applies to the convenience amount rectangle, the convenience amount clear area, and the MICR optical clear band.

Paxel Count in this specification refers to the automatic analysis of a DC image in any of the areas of interest: date, payee, amount in words, or signature(s). It is derived from counting the clusters of black pixels, termed paxels, remaining in a DC image created using a DC Ratio of 0.20. See Figure B2 in Annex B. The limit of paxel count is the number of contiguous paxels that, when joined in any shape, line or combination can create background clutter that can affect the legibility of handwritten data.

5.2.1 Backgrounds on Plain, Safety Tinted, Patterned, and Scenic Checks

Plain, safety tinted, and patterned documents all have backgrounds consisting of one color, or may have a background design or pattern intended to protect against alteration. These

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documents are produced by a variety of methods using different ink colors, different screen values and/or ink colors to achieve a solid background color, design, or pattern. See Figures 10 and 11.

26

Figure 10 - Example of a plain colored document

Figure 11 - Example of a safety tinted/patterned document

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Scenic checks have a background scene or picture with a pre-printed convenience amount rectangle. Different screen values and ink colors are used to achieve the background scene or picture. Most scenic designs are printed using three or four color separation processes at screening densities of 120 lines/inch (4.7 lines/mm) or greater. These designs can be readily adapted for bank checks by judicious use of colors and photographic techniques that produce softness and gradual changes in contrast. See Figure 12.

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Figure 12 - Example of a scenic check

If documents with screened backgrounds are desired, wide variances of ink colors and screen densities are available that could obtain the required reflectance and PCS values. Screens in the area of 10%, 120 to 150 lines/inch (4.7 to 5.9 lines/mm) have been found to work successfully with some ink colors for the internal convenience box rectangle and the convenience amount clear area, while screens in the area of 20%, 120 to 150 lines/inch (4.7 to 5.9 lines/mm) have been used satisfactorily in the convenience amount rectangle outline. The main concern for any combination of inks and screening is that the PCS for the final product shall not be exceeded while at the same time that the minimum background reflectance shall be exceeded. For scenic checks, scenes should be muted with soft edges having gradual reflectance changes where they intersect with data elements and their areas of interest.

It has been found that PCS measurements are not adequate or appropriate to determine precisely what will remain in a binary (black and white) image. PCS can only predict scanner performance in a very localized area with absolutely uniform background. Most documents, however, have a continuously varying background and require a more dynamic approach, such as used in industry reader sorter scanners. Furthermore, PCS will not predict to what degree background clutter in a binary image will constitute a threat to legibility of handwritten data. However, actual binary images, termed Dynamic Contrast Images in their generic form, can be

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used for this evaluation. An automated method of creating a DC image and counting clusters of black pixels, called Paxel Count, is described in Annex C.

5.3 Background Reflectance and PCS Specifications for All Checks

The specifications for checks used in the payments process shall be as in Table 1. These specifications target dropout of non-essential features in binary images, assure that essential data does not drop out, and assure legibility of handwritten data over background patterns.

Manual reflectance measurements of the CA rectangle, clear areas, and MICR optical clear band can be made taking multiple samples within the specific area.

Reflectance and PCS calculations shall be made using the average reflectance measurements from a system having a circular aperture of 0.008 inch (0.20 mm). See Annex A for more details. This method of measuring background reflectance assumes that the background in these areas is relatively uniform. Otherwise a large number of samples must be taken in the area to reliably determine its representative background reflectance.

PCS within the background of the Convenience Amount area or MICR optical clear band is calculated by measuring the reflectance of a candidate pattern (relatively darker areas within the background) as Rp. The measurement of Rb from the local background is used to compute:

PCS =(Rb-Rp)/Rb.

See Annex A, Section 1.2 for details. PCS within the background shall be not greater than 0.30.

5.4 Average Area Reflectance and Paxel Count for All Checks

See Table I. Measurements in the areas of interest (AOI), which include the date, payee, amount in words, and signature fields should be made assuming that the user data are contained in horizontally oriented rectangles having a height of 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) and having a length equal to the line length for each field, but not including the line.

Average Area Reflectance in these areas of interest shall be a minimum of 40%. To ensure that reflectance does not drop below 40% in the manufacturing process, a design minimum target value of 43% is recommended.

The Paxel count shall not exceed 12.

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Areas on Check Reflectance Maximum PCS Notes Paxel Count** Date AOI 40% avg. min.* 12 n/a within the entire AOI Legal AOI 40% avg. min.* 12 n/a within the entire AOI Payee AOI 40% avg. min.* 12 n/a within the entire AOI Signature AOI(s) 40% avg. min.* 12 n/a within the entire AOI CA rectangle area 60% min. 0.30 PCS w/n the rectangle area CA clear area 60% min. 0.30 PCS w/n clear area CA rectangle outline N/A 0.30 max. PCS wrt internal area *MICR clear band 60% min. 0.30 max. PCS w/n MICR optical clear See also ANS X9.27 band background MICR characters N/A 0.60 min. PCS wrt MICR optical clear See also ANS X9.27 background Endorsement locations As per ANS X9.100-111 (X9.53) Abbreviations: CA = convenience amount AOI = area of interest wrt = with respect to w/n = within N/A = Not Applicable * The minimum reflectance shall be 40%. To ensure that reflectance does not drop below 40% in the manufacturing process, a design minimum target value of 43% is recommended. ** Using an automated image based device, generating a dynamic contrast image at 0.20 DCR and background sample size 1/8 inch, and counting contiguous paxels of at least 66% density, as specified in Annex C "Specification for an Image Based Reflectance and Legibility measurement Tool".

Table 1 Specifications

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5.5 Pre-Printed and Printed Data Specifications

5.5.1 General

The contrast between the printed or handwritten/hand printed data elements and the background immediately surrounding the printed data should greatly exceed the eye's contrast sensitivity threshold so data may be easily recognized by a human observer using the original document as well as a microfilm image or digital captured image. Pre-printed data is printed at the time the original check is produced, while printed data refers to data that is machine printed or handwritten/hand printed by the user or check writer. Even though there is little control over the user and his choice of writing instruments, or which printer is used to prepare machine printed checks, the background of checks is under the control of the check printer. In addition, for imaging applications, the user/writer often must agree with his/her bank of account to keep his/her checks image compatible in order to participate in image truncation programs.

5.5.2 Pre-printed Data Specification

Pre-printed data includes the dollar sign and serial number on personal size checks, the routing number, MICR line, account name and address, the bank logo and the bank title plate on all checks. The minimum PCS of each of these data elements should be 0.60 with respect to its immediate surrounding background. When used with a background of 60% reflectance, this allows the use of ink with a maximum of 24% reflectance. Printing of these data elements may be done with black and other ink colors as long as the minimum PCS of 0.60 is maintained.

Table 2 illustrates the relationship between background reflectance and the reflectance of printed data necessary to obtain a PCS of 0.60.

5.5.3 Printed Data Guideline

Printed data includes the dollar sign and serial number on machine printed checks, the date, legal amount, convenience amount, signature, and memo data on all checks. The minimum PCS of printed data should be 0.60 with respect to its immediate surrounding background.

6 Security and Fraud Considerations

Many techniques have been developed to protect checks against alteration and counterfeiting. All methods depend upon the education and vigilance of those handling the transactions for the security features to be effective. See the Technical Guideline, X9/TG-8, on Check Security, for additional details on the specifics of various security features to deter alterations and counterfeiting. In an imaging check processing system, human eyes will not scrutinize many checks in their original form before being processed, and many of these will not be viewed on an image screen when recognition determines the amount correctly. In many cases, no scrutiny of

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the item will occur at all. Therefore, the need for automatic fraud detection becomes stronger with imaging.

Not all security features are compatible with good microfilming and digital imaging systems. Security designs which are “Image Ready” are expected to preserve legibility and yield acceptable compressed image storage. Security features that utilize high contrast fine line structures usually cause marginal image data element legibility and large storage requirements.

When Background The Maximum Reflectance Reflectance is: of Printed Data is:

60% 24.0%

65% 26.0%

70% 28.0%

75% 30.0%

80% 32.0%

85% 34.0%

Table 2 – Reflectance of background vs. reflectance of printed data for PCS of 0.60

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Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field Specification

Part II - Conformance Testing

1 Purpose

The purpose of Part II of this standard is to provide at least one measurement method that can be used to perform conformance testing of the specifications established in Part I of this standard. Conformance testing will enable the user to be confident that documents when tested successfully with the methods in Part II, conform to the specifications.

New to this revision is a description on how to use a new imaging type of tool to automatically measure the reflectance, PCS, DCR, and paxel count requirements in document design to assure legibility of written data on images of checks.

The functionality and specifications of an imaging tool that may be used to perform conformance testing is found in Annex C. It describes the generic operations that an image-based tool must perform on the grayscale image to comply with the specifications in Part I.

Other measurement methods and tools may exist or become available that are equally capable of these measurements.

2 References

See Part I, Clause 2.0, of this standard.

3 Definitions

See Part I, Clause 3.0, of this standard.

4 Acceptance Sampling Methods (Informative)

The theory and methods of statistical sampling to enable testing of conformance to specifications is an extensive subject that cannot be discussed in this document. References on the subject can be found in your company or local library. Quality control personnel should be used to provide guidance to operating personnel with regard to sampling techniques appropriate for their particular production process.

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Basically, statistical sampling involves a trade-off between how small a sample of a batch or production run one can test to establish conclusions about the entire batch with a chosen degree of confidence. If one desires to be more certain about the properties of the entire batch, then larger samples are required and the evaluation process becomes more costly. If one is willing to settle for a higher degree of risk, then smaller and more economical sample sizes may be utilized. Deviations in properties of large production runs may be either random or systematic and different sampling plans are used for these cases. Often random sampling is not possible given the nature of the production process. The statistical sampling should be planned with the details of the particular production process clearly in mind. In any event, the practitioner is urged to take a sample, however small, since any sample size is better than one or none.

5 Conformance Testing for Mechanical Requirements - Data Elements and Printed Borders of the Payment Document (Part I, Clause 4.1, 4.2, 4.3 and 5.5)

5.1 Test Equipment and Its Application

Test equipment for conformance testing of the specifications found in Part I, Clause 4.0 of this standard and appropriate applications are summarized in the following list:

Tool - Applicable Specification Sections

MICR Position & Dimension Gauge (contains convenience amount and optical clear band information) - 4.1.1, 4.1.2, 4.1.3, 4.2.1, 4.2.2, 4.2.3

Ruler - 4.1.4, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, 4.3.3, 4.7, 4.8

Eye Loupe with Reticule - 4.1.4, 4.2.4, 4.2.5, and 4.3.3, 4.7

Automated PC based Imaging Systems - All Sections in Part I, Clauses 4, 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4.

A simplified drawing of a MICR position and dimension gauge containing the required convenience amount and optical clear band information is shown in Figure 1.

5.2 Convenience Amount Scan Area (Part I, Clause 4.1.1 and 4.2.1)

Place the document into the MICR position and dimension gauge, henceforth called the "gauge" and register the bottom and the right (aligning) edges, as viewed from the face of the document. The convenience amount scan area on the gauge is indicated in Figure 2. All specifications concerned with the convenience amount will pertain to this area of the document.

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Figure 4 - Examples of amount rectangle location

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Figure 5 - Acceptable design variations

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5.3 Convenience Amount Rectangle (Part I, Clause 4.1.2 and 4.2.2)

Place the document in the gauge as described in Clause 5.2 above. For all checks, the convenience amount on the check must fall inside the convenience amount scan area shown outlined in Figure 3. For personal size checks, the size and location is per Clause 4.1.2. For business size checks, the size and location is per Clause 4.2.2. Note that the gauge shows only the maximum limits for the convenience amount rectangle; smaller areas are acceptable, as long as they are at least 0.200 inch (5.08 mm) tall and at least 0.800 inch (20.32 mm) wide.

There are also several allowable design variations for the convenience amount rectangle, shown in Figures 4 and 5, which are not tested by the gauge shown in Figure 1. These variations allow customization of check design, permit a wider variety of check printing technologies, and take into account practical considerations, such as check cutting tolerances. When design variations are found on a check, care should be taken to insure that they have been properly implemented.

5.4 Convenience Amount Clear Area (Part I, Clause 4.1.3 and 4.2.3)

Place the document in the gauge as described in Clause 5.2 above. The convenience amount clear area for maximum sized convenience amount rectangles is shown in Figure 6. It must be clear of any printing other than that allowed by this standard. Based on allowable design variations, the exact location of the clear area will vary, as shown in Figure 4. Note that borders are permitted.

Any printing close to the clear area is suspect, depending on the forms design, due to printing registration variations and cutting tolerances. When any printing is close to the clear area, several samples should be evaluated to be sure that printing variations do not cause the printing to fall into the convenience amount clear area.

5.5 Dollar Symbol (Part I, Clause 4.1.4, 4.2.4, and 4.2.5)

There are two cases to distinguish with respect to the dollar symbol. In the first case the dollar symbol is preprinted on the check stock, i.e., preprinted check stock, and the dollar amount is added when the check is written. The second case covers situations in which the dollar signs and amounts are both machine printed when the check is produced. Examples of this second case are laser printed checks on blank stock, or data processing printer produced checks.

The dollar symbol should have only a single vertical stroke through the “S”. The height, width, stroke width, and other features of the dollar symbol should be measured with an appropriate ruler combined with a magnifier, a calibrated eye loupe, a calibrated low power microscope, or an automated PC based imaging system.

The following table, Table 5-1, assembles the attributes to be measured with their specified values.

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Attribute Allowed Values Preferred Value

Height, Preprinted 0.150"-0.200" OCR-B Size IV, 0.162"

(3.81-5.08 mm)

Height, Machine Printed 0.120"-0.150" OCR-B Size IV, 0.162"

(3.05-3.81 mm)

Height/Width Ratio 1.0 to 2.0 1.5

Stroke Width 0.020" nominal 0.013-0.017"

OCR-B size IV

Dollar Sign Location: Vertically centered within the convenience amount rectangle with a tolerance of ± 0.015" (0.38 mm) and 0.030"- 0.050" (0.76 - 1.27 mm) from the left edge of the convenience amount rectangle.

If machine printed asterisks (*) are used as a dollar sign protective device, they shall be located only at the beginning and end of the dollar amount. A decimal point is required to separate the dollar and cents fields in the amount. No other characters are allowed in this area. The use of commas to separate high dollar amounts is not recommended. The numeric cents shall be present in all cases.

Table 5-1 Dollar sign characteristics

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5.6 Amount in Words (Part I, Clause 4.3.1)

The dollar amount in the convenience amount area shall be represented in handwritten or machine printed form and contained within the allotted space. This data should not interfere with any other data elements on the check.

5.7 Date (Part I, Clause 4.3.2)

The date area should be far enough away from the convenience amount area to prevent manual extraneous data completion from entering the convenience amount clear area. At least 0.250 inch (6.35 mm) clearance should be maintained.

5.8 Payee Line Restraint (Part I, Clause 4.3.3)

Presence of the payee line restraint shall be confirmed by examination of the document. A ruler or eye loupe with reticule should be used to verify that the payee line restraint is located no closer than 0.100 inch (2.54 mm) from the dollar symbol. The payee line restraint should be between 0.125 - 0.250 inch (3.18 - 6.35 mm) high.

5.9 Signature(s) and Memo Lines (Part I, Clause 4.3.4 and 4.6)

Non-magnetic printing other than the background, signature, and memo lines, shall be printed no lower than 0.450 inch (11.43 mm) [0.625 inch (15.88 mm) preferred] above the aligning edge of the document.

5.10 MICR Clear Band (Part I, Clause 4.4)

The MICR clear band is the 0.625 inch (15.88 mm) high strip at the bottom of the check that shall be free of any magnetic ink other than the intended MICR characters. The field format for MICR data is specified in ANS X9.100.160 Part 1 (X9.13).

5.11 Bank Name (Part I, Clause 4.5)

The bank name is a fixed field so that normally there should not be any interference with any of the variable data element fields. Bank names and logos should not be printed lower than 0.625 inch (15.88 mm) above the aligning (bottom) edge of the document.

5.12 Payor Data (Part I, Clause 4.6)

Payor data shall be located such that it does not interfere with the payee line and date area.

5.13 Printed Borders (Part I, Clause 4.7)

Confirm the presence of borders with PCS greater than 0.30 through optical measurements of the borders.

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For borders with PCS greater than 0.30, use a ruler to verify that they do not extend more than 0.200 inch (5.08 mm) inward from the leading edge of the document, more than 0.159 inch (4.04 mm) inward from the trailing edge of the document, or more than 0.150 inch (3.81 mm) above the document aligning edge. See Figure 7.

Borders with greater than 0.30 PCS which pass through the 0.625 inch (15.88 mm) MICR clear band shall have at least 0.035 inch (0.89 mm) clearance from the last MICR character printed in the optical clear band.

5.14 Endorsement Data (Part I, Clause 4.8)

Refer to ANS X9.100-111 (X9.53) for endorsement requirements.

NAME OF DEPOSITOR 101 STREET ADDRESS 00-6789/0000

CITY, STATE 12345678

DATE________________ PAY TO THE

ORDER OF $

Dollars

Financial Instition Name Street Address

City, State

Figure 7 - Limits for Non-magnetic Printing Within the MICR Clear Band

ALL NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING WITHPCS GREATER THAN 0.30 SHALL BELOCATED AT LEAST 0.450” ABOVEALIGNING EDGE. 0.625” PREFERRED.

0.625”

0.200” MAX.0.159”MAX.

0.150” MAX.MICR ENCODING STRIP

LEADING EDGE

ALIGNING EDGE

NON-MAGNETIC PRINTING ALLOWEDIN MICR CLEAR BAND IF LOCATEDLOWER THAN 0.150” FROMALIGNING EDGE.

PRINTING AND CUTTINGTOLERANCE ± 0.063”

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6 Conformance Testing for Optical Requirements - Reflectance, Print Contrast Signal (PCS), and Paxel Count (Part I, Clause 5)

6.1 Test Equipment and its Application

Test equipment devices for measuring reflectance, print contrast signal (PCS), and paxel count in conformance testing of the specifications found in Part I, Clause 5.2, 5.3, 5.4 of this standard are:

- Clearwave Electronics O82A, O82B

- Macbeth PCM-II

- RDM Image Qualifier 97 – a PC based Imaging System

- or equivalent

Each of these devices can be used interchangeably to test conformance to any specification in Part I, Clauses 5.2, 5.3 and 5.4. See Annex B of this standard for specific measurement procedures and the vendor’s equipment operating manuals for additional information before using any of these instruments. As a practical matter, the RDM Image Qualifier 97 is much easier to use for measuring PCS, average area reflectance and paxel count for image readiness evaluations than the other mentioned instruments. The RDM can generate an ANS generic binary image of the whole document, called a Dynamic Contrast Image (DC Image), so the operator can overview what detail will either be included or dropped-out in a reader-sorter image and identify obvious trouble spots. This DC Image is also used for measurement of background clutter, automatically measuring groups of black pixels and generating the new Paxel Count.

The Clearwave O82A, O82B and Macbeth PCM-II are .008” aperture point-by-point (spot) measurement devices while the RDM Image Qualifier is a full image scanner. Consequently the RDM makes an automatic computer calculation on a three-by-three group of image pixels to simulate the .008” aperture of the spot type test instruments. Therefore, on the RDM Image Qualifier, the “Aperture” mode should be used for all ANS measurements.

6.2 Reflectance, PCS and Paxel Count Measurements (Part 1, Section 5)

Important: Verify the reflectance calibration of the instrument being used, as required by the test equipment manufacturer. As well, set the instrument's aperture to 0.008 inch diameter, or a computer-calculated equivalent. In the case of the RDM Image Qualifier, assure that the “Aperture” is set to .008” under “Preferences” in the “File” menu. See Figure 8.

Note: With regard to measuring average area reflectance in “Areas of Interest,” image based test instruments such as the RDM Image Qualifier use a scanning system for taking many thousands of reflectance readings (a value for each pixel) over the entire area of interest. In these cases reflectance of the background which contains scenes or patterns is permitted to be calculated by an area average method where the area is a 0.125 inch x 0.125 inch (3.18 mm x 3.18 mm) region.

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In the “area average method”, the sum of the reflectance value of every measurement point (pixel) in the 0.125 inch x 0.125 inch (3.18 mm x 3.18 mm) region, divided by the number of pixels, is equal to the area average reflectance for that sample. With the RDM, all possible 0.125” x 0.125 samples are measured in the selected “Areas of Interest”. In making selections, note that average reflectance of the background must not include any written or printing information including the printed lines.

All Documents (Part 1, Clause 5.3):

Testing Part I, 5.3 - Follow the procedure using the steps below:

(Procedures A, B, and C below are generic procedures using spot measuring methods to convey the test principles for conformance to Part I, 5.3. They can be accomplished on the Clearwave, Macbeth or RDM test devices. All of the devices can further automate the processes as per the procedures given in Annex B).

A - Convenience Amount Clear Area (CACA):

A1 - Measure the reflectance of the entire CACA, within the area defined in Part I, Section 4.1.3 or 4.2.3.

A2 - Find the minimum or average reflectance from step A1.

A3 - Verify that the minimum or average reflectance is greater than 60%, as specified in Part I, Table 1.

A4 - Find the maximum reflectance from step A1.

A5 - If required by the User, note the actual PCS from the PCS Table, Table A-1 in Annex A. Use maximum reflectance from step A4 as the background reflectance and minimum reflectance from step A2 as the Ink reflectance.

B - Convenience Amount Rectangle Area (CARA):

B1 - Measure the reflectance of the entire CARA, within the area defined by the Convenience Amount Rectangle, excluding the Rectangle itself.

B2 - Find the minimum reflectance from step B1.

B3 - Verify that the minimum reflectance is greater than 60%, as specified in Part I, Table 1.

B4 - Find the maximum and minimum reflectance from step B1.

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B5 - If required by the User, lookup and note the actual PCS from the PCS Table, Table A-1, Annex A. Use maximum reflectance from step B4 as the background reflectance and minimum reflectance from step B2 as the Ink reflectance.

C - Convenience Amount Rectangle Outline (CARO):

C1 - Measure the reflectance of the entire printed rectangle, within the area defined in Part I, Section 4.1.2 or 4.2.2.

C2 - Find the minimum reflectance from step C1.

C3 - Lookup the maximum PCS of the CARO from the PCS Table, Table A-1, Annex A, using the maximum reflectance reading from step B4 as background reflectance and the reading from step C2 as the Ink reflectance.

C4 - Verify that the maximum PCS is not greater than 0.30, as defined in Part I, Clause 5.3.

Testing Part I, Clause 5.3 - Alternate Automatic Method using an Image System for Procedures A, B, and C above.

Automatic background Reflectance and PCS determination of the CARO using an image device such as the RDM Image Qualifier 97. (See the Introduction to the Image Based Image Qualifier 97 in Annex B.)

Procedure:

Note: This is a manual procedure for an image-based device, given here to convey the conformance concepts. It is recommended to refer to the more detailed procedure in Annex B.1. 4.

Scan and display an image of the document.

Select the PCS Menu.

Select the Background command from the PCS menu.

Note: With the Background command, the background reflectance of the CARA is measured and stored. This is a necessary perquisite to measuring the reflectance of the CARO to enable an automatic calculation of the PCS of the CARO.

From the Background Dialogue Box, select “by area” for complex patterned CARA backgrounds. Alternatively select “by spot” for uniform CARA backgrounds where a small number of manually selected samples will be sufficient to represent the CARA. Having selected “area,” adjust the measurement box to include just the interior of the CARO, but not the outline itself. When using “spots,” select a number of different spots with the cursor within and without the CARO, very close but not touching the CARO. In either case, finalize the background operation with the right mouse button. The CARA background average reflectance will be stored

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and displayed. Now PCS of the Convenience Amount Rectangle Outline (CARO) can be determined.

Select from the PCS menu either the Spot PCS command or the PCS Map command.

With “spot PCS,” the cursor can be moved to any point on the CARO and the PCS of that point will be automatically displayed.

With “PCS map,” a complete image will appear for which a scale can be adjusted with the mouse (or keyboard keys) to display a dropout map at any chosen PCS value. Move the scale to a low PCS value to where the CARO is visible and then up to a PCS value where it just disappears. The displayed value is the effective PCS of the CARO.

The average background reflectance must be greater than 60% and the PCS of the CARO not greater than 0.3.

D, and E below are generic procedures using spot measuring methods to convey the test principles for conformance to Part I, 5.3. They can be accomplished on the Clearwave, Macbeth or RDM test devices. All of the devices can further automate the processes as per the procedures given in Annex B.

D - MICR Optical Clear Band:

D1 - Measure the reflectance of several areas of the MICR Optical Clear band, within the area defined in Part I, Section 4.3.4, excluding the MICR characters. Measure enough points to get a statistically significant number of samples (20 to 50 points), distributed over the non-character area or compute the average reflectance over the entire Optical Clear Band.

D2 - Find the minimum reflectance from step D1.

D3 - Verify that the minimum reflectance is greater than 60%, as specified in Part I, Table 1.

D4 - Find the maximum or compute the average reflectance from step D1.

D5 - If required by the user, lookup and note the actual PCS from the PCS Table, Table A-1, Annex A. Use the reading from step D4 as the background reflectance and the reading from step D2 as the Ink reflectance.

E - MICR Characters:

E1 - Measure the reflectance of the entire printed rectangle, within the optical clear band as defined in Part I, Clause 4.3.4, excluding the MICR characters.

E2 - Find the minimum or average reflectance from step E1.

E3 - Find the maximum reflectance of the MICR characters.

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E4 - Lookup the maximum PCS of the MICR characters from the PCS Table, Table A-1, Annex A, using the reading from step E2 as background reflectance and the reading from step E3 as the Ink reflectance.

E5 - Verify that the minimum PCS is greater than 0.60, as defined in Part I, Table 1.

6.3 Pre-Printed and Printed Data Specifications (Part I, Clause 5.5)

Reflectance and PCS measurements are exactly the same as described in Clause 6.2, Step E, except that the specification references are found in Part I, Clauses 5.5, 5.5.2, and 5.5.3.

6.4 Printed Borders (Part I, Clause 5.6)

Reflectance and PCS measurements are exactly the same as described in Clause 6.2, Step E, except that the specification references are found in Part I, Clause 5.6.

7 Areas of Interest

The remaining conformance procedures are all based on the Image Qualifier 97 procedure for the four Areas of Interest. This is described here as a generic procedure that may apply to any image based analysis tool. More RDM specific procedures are given in Annex B.1.2.

In the following, all procedures are invoked by selecting commands in the DC Image menu or its equivalent.

7.1 Date Area of Interest

This test determines the extent that the background of the Date area could interfere with the legibility of written date data in a binary image. Reference the requirements from Part I, Clause 5.4.

Select "ANS Field" in the DC Image menu. Several AOI commands will appear

Select the Date command: A box will appear.

Position and adjust the length of the date box, which is fixed at 0.250 inch high but is variable in length. Use the click and drag technique to move, adjust and position the box just over, but not touching, the left portion of the date line. The box length must match the length of the line. Then click the right mouse button and the remaining analysis will be automatic.

The result will be a DC image "overlay" (overlaying the grayscale image) on the Date Area of Interest. Then tests will be made for 1) background reflectance being greater than 40% and 2) paxel count being not greater than 12.

The test result will be a green rectangle for a pass, and a red rectangle for fail. Along with red will be blue or yellow over-lines or underlines to highlight the location of low reflectance and

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

50

high black pixel count respectively. Numeric results of the lowest average area reflectance and highest Paxel Count values will appear be in the status bar.

Optional: To see a reflectance map of the entire image at this time in order to precisely pinpoint areas of low reflection, select the Reflectance Map in the Reflectance Menu at this point. A grayscale image will appear with all pixels of less than 40% displayed in blue.

7.2 Payee Area of Interest

Payee Area of Interest is essentially the same as Date Area of Interest above. It determines the extent that the background of the payee area could interfere with legibility of written payee data in the DC image. It will overlay (over the grayscale image) a DC image on the payee Area of Interest and then automatically test for background reflectance being greater than 40% and Paxel Count being not greater than 12.

To use, position the payee box that appears just over, but not touching, the payee line and adjust the box length to match the exact length of the line by dragging the box end(s). Don't include the riser at the right end or any written words. Then click the right mouse button and the analysis is automatic.

Refer to Date Area of Interest above for result interpretation.

Optional: To see a reflectance map of the entire image at this time in order to precisely pinpoint areas of low reflection, select the Reflectance Map in the Reflectance Menu at this point and a grayscale image will appear with all pixels of less than 40% reflectance in blue.

7.3 Legal Amount Area of Interest

Determines the extent that the background of the legal amount area could interfere with human legibility of written data in the DC image. Will overlay (over the grayscale image) a DC image on the legal amount area of interest and then automatically test for background reflectance being greater than 40% and Paxel Count being not greater than 12.

To use, position the legal amount box that appears just over, but not touching, the legal line and adjust the box length to match the exact length of the line by dragging the box end(s). Then click the right mouse button and the analysis is automatic. Be careful not to include any printing of words, etc.


7.4 Signature Area of Interest

Determines the extent that the background of the signature area could interfere with legibility of written signature data in the DC image. Will overlay (over the grayscale image) a DC image on the signature area of interest and then automatically tests for background reflectance being greater than 40% and Paxel Count being not greater than 12.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

51

To use, position the signature box that appears just over, but not touching, the signature line and adjust the box length to match the exact length of the line by dragging the box end(s). Then click the right mouse button and the analysis is automatic.


ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

52

Annex A

(This Annex is not part of American National Standard, X9.7-1999(R2007), Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field, but is included for information purposes only.)

A1 Color Measurement Systems

A1.1 Measurement System for Colors

The measurement method for design and quality control of reflectance and print contrast of documents uses a reflectance meter or print contrast meter, or both, which is typically used for measuring optical character recognition (OCR) characters.

The equipment commonly used to measure reflectance and Print Contrast Signal (PCS) may be one of the following:

1. Clearwave Electronics O82A, O82B is available from Clearwave Electronics Inc., Buffalo, NY. See Annex B2 and B3 for operational procedures.

2. Macbeth PCM II is available from Macbeth Division of Kollmorgen, Inc., Glen Cove, NY

3. RDM Image Qualifier System is available from RDM Corporation, Waterloo, Ontario. See Annex B1 for operational procedures.

4. Or the functional equivalent

These instruments have varying spectral characteristics and may need to be equipped with a special filter that converts the instrument's light and detector system to one that approximates the CIE Photopic response. NOTE: The characteristics are described in International Lighting Vocabulary, CIE Publication No. 17, available from Bureau central, Commission International de L’eclairage, 4 Av du Recteur Poincare, F75782 Paris CEDEX 16, France.

The Clearwave O82B is equipped with a Q10 filter (optional on the O82 and O82A) suited to the CIE Photopic Response. The manufacturer or dealer of the Macbeth PCM II should be consulted so the correct filter glass can be installed in the tester. The RDM Image Qualifier approximates the photopic response required without the addition of filters.

The required system response for measuring reflectance and Print Contrast Signal (PCS) in this standard is given in Figure A1. The human eye modifies the apparent brightness of any viewed image according to the wavelength of the illumination. This result can be plotted as a curve suitable for defining the reflectance of colors used in the printing process for payment documents. The basic characteristics of the CIE Photopic Response form a bell-shaped curve with a peak response at 555 nanometers and 50% response points at 510 and 610 nanometers. There is zero response outside the visible region, i.e. less than 400 or more than 700 nanometers.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

53

A1.2 Reflectance

Reflectance as measured by a reflectance meter or print contrast meter is an absolute value calibrated or referenced to freshly pressed magnesium oxide (MgO) powder or barium sulfate (BaSO4) powder as the 100-percent value. All reflectance measurements shall be made using equipment having a spectral response as specified above and using an aperture 0.008 inch (0.20 mm) in diameter or the computer-calculated equivalent, based on square pixel measurements from an electronic document scanner. Reflectance as used in this standard refers to diffuse reflectance; that is, the reflected light used for measurement excludes specularly reflected light. Measurement of reflectance should be accomplished by using the black-backing method, which is, the sample being measured shall be backed with black having no more than 0.5 percent reflectance.

As a practical matter, when determining the background reflectance of a scenic document in a specific region of interest, use the average area reflectance method. A large number of samples are taken of the background within a given small region, say a 0.250 inch x 0.250 inch area, with a cumulative running average calculated. PCS is then calculated at each sample point by using the area average reflectance as the background reflectance.

A1.3 Print Contrast Signal

The Print Contrast Signal (PCS) is the ratio of the reflectance of a point to the reflectance of a reference or background region. The PCS can be determined by using a reflectance meter and performing the calculation shown below, or it can be measured directly by using a print contrast meter.

The PCS value of a point is defined by the following equation:

Rb - Rp

PCSp = ________

Rb

where Rb is the average reflectance of the background within the Area of Interest and Rp is the reflectance of a small measurement area centered on point P.

The reflectance and consequently, the PCS, is measured using an aperture 0.008 inch (0.20 mm) in diameter or the computer calculated equivalent, based on square pixel measurements from an electronic document scanner. This measurement, like that of reflectance, shall be performed by using the black-backing method. A table of PCS values is provided for reference and convenience as Table A-1.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

54

A2 Colors of Printed Data, Convenience Amount Rectangle and Background

Any combination of colors that will yield the reflectance and PCS values specified in Clause A2.2 may be used for the background, printed data, and convenience amount rectangle outline. To reiterate, the background within the MICR clear band, the areas surrounding the convenience amount rectangle, and within the convenience amount rectangle must have a reflectance greater than 60%. The convenience amount rectangle outline, whether screened or a solid line, should have a PCS of 0.30 or less, with the exception of variation 4, which should have a minimum PCS of 0.6. Finally, the printed data (the pre-printed dollar symbol) should have a PCS of 0.60 or greater.

A2.1 Background Colors

To yield high reflectance for the background, white or pale shades of green, yellow, or orange give the best results. Saturations of greenish yellow, yellow-green, yellow, and orange-yellow generally have greater reflectance than corresponding saturations of greens, blues, oranges, and reds. Black or dark tones in any amount within the background area will usually cause the reflectance to measure low. It should be noted that many colors might be used if they are screened at 10, 20, or even 30%.

A2.2 Convenience Amount Rectangle PCS

Since it is desirable to de-emphasize the rectangle outline, it should be screened or printed with a color that will result in a reasonably high reflectance compared to the surrounding background region (Design variation 4 excepted). To attain the desired low PCS, the reflectance of the box outline should be high. The minimum reflectance values to achieve the PCS value of 0.30 are as follows:

Rb (%) Min. Rp for Box Outline (%)

80 56.00

75 52.50

70 49.00

65 45.50

60 42.00

A2.3 Dollar Symbol

Printing of the dollar symbol may be done with colors other than black. Any color containing a large percentage of carbon black will have a low reflectance and will result in an adequate PCS

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

55

measurement. The PCS requirement for the dollar symbol is that the PCS be 0.60 or greater. The maximum reflectance values of the dollar symbol when used with certain background reflectance are as follows:

Rb (%) Max. Rp for $ Symbol (%)

80 32.00

75 30.00

70 28.00

65 26.00

60 24.00

A3 Dropout Ink Colors

Since this standard defines a single spectral measurement range, the CIE photopic human-visible spectrum, it is possible to formulate or select inks that can exhibit good contrast for human use but to which automated machinery is insensitive. These inks are known as dropout inks or non-read inks. In many applications, these inks provide printing guides and other information for user convenience that need not be scanned. The convenience amount rectangle outline is an example of an element where dropout during scanning is desirable. For the purpose of this standard, a non-read ink is one whose PCS with respect to its background is 0.30 or less. For example, if the background is bright yellow, with a reflectance of 72 percent, the rectangle could be printed on light green, with a reflectance of 64 percent, giving a PCS value of 0.11. The box outline would be invisible to a scanner reader yet provide sufficient contrast for humans.

A4 Application Performance Improvements

Variations in ink color and types of writing instruments used by the writers of the documents may cause mis-reading or non-reading of information due to insufficient contrast (PCS). To improve readability of handwritten information with respect to the document background, the use of pens with medium writing tips and the use of black or blue-black ink is recommended. It is also recommended that document backgrounds be designed to attain the highest reflectance, and the printing for specified data elements be the lowest practical reflectance consistent with human aesthetics, i.e., producing documents exceeding the minimum requirements of this standard.

For digital imaging systems, the reflectance and contrast within the background pattern can have a dramatic impact on the storage requirements of compressed images. Some background

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

56

patterns may cause large image storage requirements. In addition, because of low contrast between lightly printed data and dark backgrounds, some captured and processed images may be marginally legible.

AN

S X

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– 19

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)

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0.26

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0.78

0.71

0.64

0.57

0.54

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0.42

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0.46

0.44

0.41

0.38

0.35

0.32

0.30

0.27

0.24

0.21

0.18

0.15

0.13

0.10

0.07

0.04

0.01

72%

0.79

0.72

0.65

0.58

0.56

0.53

0.50

0.47

0.44

0.42

0.39

0.36

0.33

0.31

0.28

0.25

0.22

0.19

0.17

0.14

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0.79

0.73

0.66

0.59

0.56

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.45

0.42

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0.37

0.34

0.32

0.29

0.26

0.23

0.21

0.18

0.15

0.12

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0.80

0.73

0.66

0.59

0.57

0.54

0.51

0.49

0.46

0.43

0.41

0.38

0.35

0.32

0.30

0.27

0.24

0.22

0.19

0.16

0.14

0.11

0.08

0.05

75%

0.80

0.73

0.67

0.60

0.57

0.55

0.52

0.49

0.47

0.44

0.41

0.39

0.36

0.33

0.31

0.28

0.25

0.23

0.20

0.17

0.15

0.12

0.09

0.07

76%

0.80

0.74

0.67

0.61

0.58

0.55

0.53

0.50

0.47

0.45

0.42

0.39

0.37

0.34

0.32

0.29

0.26

0.24

0.21

0.18

0.16

0.13

0.11

0.08

77%

0.81

0.74

0.68

0.61

0.58

0.56

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.45

0.43

0.40

0.38

0.35

0.32

0.30

0.27

0.25

0.22

0.19

0.17

0.14

0.12

0.09

78%

0.81

0.74

0.68

0.62

0.59

0.56

0.54

0.51

0.49

0.46

0.44

0.41

0.38

0.36

0.33

0.31

0.28

0.26

0.23

0.21

0.18

0.15

0.13

0.10

79%

0.81

0.75

0.68

0.62

0.59

0.57

0.54

0.52

0.49

0.47

0.44

0.42

0.39

0.37

0.34

0.32

0.29

0.27

0.24

0.22

0.19

0.16

0.14

0.11

80%

0.81

0.75

0.69

0.63

0.60

0.58

0.55

0.53

0.50

0.48

0.45

0.43

0.40

0.38

0.35

0.33

0.30

0.28

0.25

0.23

0.20

0.18

0.15

0.13

81%

0.81

0.75

0.69

0.63

0.60

0.58

0.56

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.46

0.43

0.41

0.38

0.36

0.33

0.31

0.28

0.26

0.23

0.21

0.19

0.16

0.14

82%

0.82

0.76

0.70

0.63

0.61

0.59

0.56

0.54

0.51

0.49

0.46

0.44

0.41

0.39

0.37

0.34

0.32

0.29

0.27

0.24

0.22

0.20

0.17

0.15

83%

0.82

0.76

0.70

0.64

0.61

0.59

0.57

0.54

0.52

0.49

0.47

0.45

0.42

0.40

0.37

0.35

0.33

0.30

0.28

0.25

0.23

0.20

0.18

0.16

84%

0.82

0.76

0.70

0.64

0.62

0.60

0.57

0.55

0.52

0.50

0.48

0.45

0.43

0.40

0.38

0.36

0.33

0.31

0.29

0.26

0.24

0.21

0.19

0.17

85%

0.82

0.76

0.71

0.65

0.62

0.60

0.58

0.55

0.53

0.51

0.48

0.46

0.44

0.41

0.39

0.36

0.34

0.32

0.29

0.27

0.25

0.22

0.20

0.18

Ink

Ref

lect

ance

BackgroundReflectance

1 - g

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wn

the

left

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col

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ance

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

59

Annex B

(This Annex is not part of X9.7-1999(R2007) Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field Specification, but is included for information purposes only.)

B1 RDM Image Qualifier 97

Procedure for Image Readiness Evaluation, ANS Legibility Testing and PCS measurements using the RDM Image Qualifier 97.

B1.1 Introduction

The RDM Image Qualifier 97 is a Windows based image analysis tool that runs on a PC equipped with a RDM modified tabletop scanner. It makes all reflectance measurements by automatically taking samples from a grayscale image of the document. It has been developed in response to the revised ANS X9.7 (1998) standard and automates all of the new legibility and PCS measurements. The Image Qualifier 97 automatically performs legibility pass/fail tests in the new "Areas of Interest" (AOI): Date, Payee, Legal Amount, and Signature by menu selections and adjusting the position of box outlines with a mouse on an image of a check. By using ANS specified dynamic thresholding (see Annex C), it converts the grayscale image to DC Image (binary image) in the AOI areas and then makes the two required legibility tests:

a) minimum average area reflectance (background) of not less than 40%. This dynamically measures background to predict dropout of handwriting written over it on at least one industry scanner.

b) maximum Paxel count of not greater than 12 (a special black pixel count). This is a quantification of background clutter as a prediction of interference with legibility of handwriting on at least one industry scanner.

In addition, the IQ 97 automates Convenience Amount rectangle PCS determination. It uses a dynamic process for automatic calculation of PCS after determining the average area reflectance of the area within the rectangle. As in previous versions of the IQ, the 97 version provides traditional Reflectance and PCS spot measurement features and PCS map displays using the traditional ANS 0.008 inch aperture.

For overall Image Readiness evaluation, the Image Qualifier 97 converts the entire grayscale image to a DC (binary) Image for an overview of exactly what an industry scanner image will include. It also calculates a CCITT Group 4 compressed DC image file size. A Free Field command is also provided which allows non-standard DC Image creation of any size field within the image, and allows non-standard legibility parameters to be applied for testing.

ANS X9.7 – 1999(R2007)

60

Image Readiness Explained

Image based check processing systems depend on checks and other documents being "image ready". Image readiness requires that the reflectance of the background be high enough to assure sufficient contrast with written information (from pens and printers). This is because low background reflectance will cause written information to disappear in binary images. At the same time, the contrast of printed background patterns must be low enough so that they "drop out" sufficiently to prevent remaining background clutter from interfering with the legibility of written information.

Measurement Basics

Measurement of PCS of a printed feature of a check, such as the Convenience Amount Rectangle (CA rectangle), involves a comparison between the reflectance of the CA rectangle (Rp) and the reflectance of the background area within the CA rectangle (Rb). ANS X9.7 (1977) specifies that the reflectance of the CA rectangle background area should be 60% minimum and that the contrast of the rectangle should not exceed 0.30 PCS. Meeting this requirement for low contrast is important to ensure that the CA rectangle will "drop out" and not be included in the binary black and white image where it could interfere with automatic recognition of the convenience amount digits.

In the other Areas of Interest (AOI), it is essential to keep the contrast of background patterns low enough so that they drop out and not obscure legibility of written information. As these patterns are often complex, PCS has been found inadequate and inappropriate as a predictor of what background clutter will remain after dynamic thresholding in industry scanners. Consequently a test method has been developed utilizing a standard dynamic thresholding algorithm, to simulate industry scanners, followed by a background clutter quantification process, called Paxel Count, to measure the result.

Equally important is to keep the average area reflectance in the AOI's above specified values so that the contrast of information written with typical pens remains sufficiently high to be retained in the binary images of today's image systems.

The following Section B1.2 describes these new methods that the Image Qualifier 97 provides for testing documents to the new ANS specifications. It automatically analyzes a DC image to:

a) quantify just what will remain in a black and white image and

b) dynamically average background reflectance to assure handwritten data won't drop out.

Section B1.3 gives the procedure for the IQ 97 automated way of determining the PCS and background of the CA rectangle.

Section B1.4 covers Spot Reflection, Spot PCS and PCS Map, all of which can be used for the traditional manual reflectance and PCS measurement of any document.

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B1.2 Automatic ANS X9.7 Legibility Measurement using a DC Image

Turn on both the computer and the scanner and start the Image Qualifier software. The first screen will indicate when the system was last calibrated. If necessary, calibrate the Image Qualifier system according to the RDM procedure published in the manual.

Step 1 - Set Aperture

Make sure the Image Qualifier Aperture is set to 0.008 inch, as required for all reflectance measurements by this standard. The aperture is set using the Preferences command in the File menu

Step 2 - Scanning

This first step involves scanning the document to display an image of it on the PC. The result will be a low resolution grayscale image known as a Preview. Scanning is accomplished by placing the document face down on the glass plate of the scanner. (See the Image Qualifier manual for proper placement of the document). Using the mouse, select the Scan icon on the left end of the Tool Bar, or the Acquire command in the Edit menu, and click the left mouse button. This will activate the scanner and display a Preview image of the whole document. Then perform a final scan by selecting an area and clicking final, or select the whole image by simply clicking final scan without any selection.

Note: A Final scan of the entire document is recommended. If a full final scan is always desired, "Preview Scan" can be disabled in the Source menu in the Edit menu. Then only one high resolution scan will be made each time.

It is possible to perform spot reflectance measurements from a Preview screen, but for all automated tests a final scan of the area or the entire document must be made first.

Step 3 - Selection of ANS AOI (Area of Interest)

Select the DC Image menu, then the ANS Field menu, then select one of the AOI:, Date, Payee, Amount in Words, or Signature. A faint box outline appears in the general vicinity of the chosen field.

Step 4 - Measurement

Note: In the following, the CA Rectangle test area is variable in both length and height, while the other AOI vary in length but are fixed at 1/4" in height.

Date, Payee, Amount in Words or Signature Areas

Procedure: Select an AOI from the ANS Field sub-menu in the DC Image menu (or just click the appropriate button in the tool bar). A faint area box will appear on the image. Position and adjust the length of this box (height is fixed at 0.250 inch) to match the length of the line of the selected area. The area box must be equal to the length of the line, positioned just above but not

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touching or including any of the line. The Payee AOI area must not include the riser at the right end of the line.

When the AOI box outline is correctly sized and positioned, simply click the right mouse button, and automatic analysis will take place.

Result: In a short time, the average area reflectance and maximum background clutter Paxel Count of the selected AOI will be calculated and a colored display will indicate the result. If the calculated values of reflectance and Count meet the standard, the AOI will become outlined in green. The actual values will be displayed in the Status Bar.

In measuring average reflectance, the IQ calculates the area average area reflectance for all 1/8 inch square areas in the AOI. If any are lower than the minimum ANS requirement (i.e. 40%) for the AOI selected, the entire AOI will be highlighted in red and the location(s) of the low reflectance will be "capped" in blue. The lowest value measured will be in the status bar.

If Paxel Count is higher than the maximum of 12 allowed for the area of interest, the AOI will be outlined in red and the area(s) of high count be under-lined in yellow. The highest calculated Paxel Count value will be in the status bar.

At this point a reflectance map can be selected (Reflectance menu or Tool Bar button) and all pixels of less than 40% will be displayed in blue. This indicates exactly which points contribute to the low average value(s) so that the design can be changed or printers can remedy the problem.

Each AOI should be tested for Legibility. A test report can be generated (File menu) which will include the screen display and allow explanatory comments to be selected form a library or added by the user.

B1.3 Automatic CAR (Convenience Amount Rectangle) PCS and Reflectance Evaluation:

Procedure: Select CAR from the ANS Field sub-menu in the DC Image menu (or just click the CAR button in the tool bar) and a faint box outline will appear. Position and size the box outline by dragging it with the mouse cursor and adjusting it to just encompass the CA Rectangle Outline (CARO) but no more. Then simply click the right mouse button.

Result: If the CA Rectangle area passes the required 60% reflectance and the maximum contrast of 0.30 PCS, it will immediately be highlighted in green. If the area fails in either, it will be highlighted in red. The measured minimum reflectance and maximum PCS values will appear in the Status Bar.

Note: In the foregoing testing of the CA Rectangle, the Image Qualifier will have actually performed an area reflectance calculation on an area which is 0.060 inch smaller on each dimension than the CA Rectangle in order to exclude the actual rectangle outline from the Rb reflectance calculation so as to determine the background reflectance based on the interior of the rectangle only. Then a PCS calculation is then performed on the entire area so as to include the

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rectangle outline. The PCS value is determined by the software by applying an increasing PCS threshold to eliminate pixels until the value is reached at which only 2% of the pixels remain.

B1.4 Manual Spot Reflectance, Spot PCS and PCS Mapping

Spot PCS allows selection with the mouse, after determination of background reflection, of any specific 0.008 inch (0.20 mm) spot on a printed feature. PCS Map presents an area of the image and allows the operator to vary the PCS applied to it to see when features drop out. Both Spot PCS and PCS Map must be preceded by sampling and averaging the reflectance of the background touching the feature being evaluated to establish a reference with which to compare foreground features. Furthermore, for each new PCS measurement of a foreground feature, the reflectance of the background as close as possible to the feature being evaluated must be determined anew. This is necessary because industry scanners, in converting from grayscale to binary images, dynamically measure the reflectance of background pixels immediately around each pixel in determining whether it should be dropped out or not. Therefore, it is required to manually simulate this dynamic process in measuring each foreground process.

Note: A DC image is a superior way of predicting dropout of complex patterns in industry images.

Step 1- Set Aperture

Make sure the Image Qualifier Aperture is set to 0.008 inch, as required for manual reflectance measurements by this standard. The aperture is set using the Preferences command in the File menu

Step 2 - Scan the Document

Scan a document to obtain a grayscale image on the PC display (refer to Section B.1.2- Step 1 for detailed procedure).

Step 3 - Select Background

Select the PCS menu and then the Background command in the menu. A screen will appear titled "Measure Background Reflectance" requesting a choice be made of either measuring background reflectance By Spot or by selecting an Area.

Step 5 - Select Reflectance Mode

Select either "By Spot," to sample spot reflectance, or "By Area," to start a background area average measurement. Select spot reflectance if the background surrounding the feature is a pattern. Select area if there is a uniform area available immediately surrounding the feature. Both procedures follow.

If Spot Reflectance is chosen, the cursor will appear as a small round circle, representing a 0.008 inch aperture and the reflectance of any location will be displayed in the lower bar. The value will be seen to change as the spot is moved. The left button will cause sampling and values to be

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stored, averaged and displayed. Sample the lightest areas of the background as close as possible to the feature. Move the spot after each sample to accumulate multiple values for averaging. The right button completes the averaging process, displays the average reflectance in the Status Bar, stores the value for subsequent PCS measurements, and allows a PCS function to be started.

If Area Reflectance is chosen, drag diagonally down to the right to form an area box (in the same manner as in Step 3) that defines the exact area to be averaged. Include only the lightest background area adjacent to, but not including, the foreground feature for which a PCS measurement is desired. The right button will start an averaging of all pixels, the process indicted by a vertical line progressing across the area rectangle. It averages all pixels in the area, displays the result in the Status Bar, stores this value for subsequent PCS measurements, and allows a PCS function to be started.

Step 6 - PCS Map

Note: A PCS map is not an accurate representation of a binary image. It is only valid for the small area adjacent and very close to where the background value was established. This is because its PCS threshold calculations are based on a single background value, despite how much the background of the document may vary. For a truly representative industry image, depend on the DC Image that is produced by dynamic thresholding, where each pixel is turned black or white depending on its local background "neighborhood".

Select PCS Map from the PCS Menu and a false color PCS map will appear. It should be changed to a black and white presentation with the F2 key. This allows the operator to see when a feature drops out as the PCS is varied to a higher or lower value. Three methods are available to change the PCS threshold being applied to the map:

1. Drag the mouse on the PCS scale to vary the threshold value to be applied.

2. Use the keyboard up and down arrow keys to vary the PCS threshold value.

3. Click on the buttons at the right end of the Command Bar to vary the value.

The value displayed in the left end of the Status Bar when the CA Rectangle outline disappears is the PCS of the outline.

Step 7 - (Optional) Spot PCS

Spot PCS can be selected from the menu and the cursor moved to any spot to display the 0.008 inch aperture PCS value. Multiple spots can be sampled and the PCS value stored with the left button, after which the averaging process is finalized with the right button.

B1.4 Cautionary Note for Spot PCS and PCS Mapping

To predict the drop out characteristics of a document to be scanned and converted to binary by industry scanners, the PCS of any printed ink in the image can be determined with the Image Qualifier spot or mapping features. However, for each foreground feature the reflectance of the

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background as close as possible to the feature being evaluated must be determined first. This is because industry scanners dynamically measure the reflectance of background pixels immediately around each pixel in determining if it should be dropped out or not. Unless the background is completely uniform, using a background reflectance measurement from one area of the document to determine the dropout PCS of a feature in another area is not a valid procedure and will produce erroneous results.

B2 Procedure for Spot and Automatic Averaging Measurements of Reflectance and PCS Using the Clearwave O82 series of Optical Character Testers

B2.1 Introduction

The Clearwave O82B, as well as previous models O82A and O82, are optical character testers capable of measuring the reflectance (REF) and print contrast signal (PCS) of printed data and background information found on negotiable documents as well as on other types of printed material that are to be scanned by reading/sorting equipment.

B2.2 Application

REF and PCS measurements of areas on a check such as the date, pay to, legal amount, convenience amount and signature fields may be accomplished with the O82 using a conventional spot measurement technique or with the assistance of the Clearwave CSCAN averaging software.

B2.3 PCS Spot Measurement

The initial setup is explained in the operators manual accompanying the tester and includes correct operating voltage settings, 0.008 inch aperture installation, filter selection, sensitivity setting and calibration. The former is done at the factory and calibration is the only ongoing requirement to be performed by the user.

Begin testing by positioning the check sample over the port opening on the document stage with the aid of the micrometer stage controls, so that a background area immediately adjacent to the area to be measured is located in the circular target at the center of the viewing screen. Rotate the calibration control for a meter reading of +0.0 to establish a reference value. Reposition the sample with the micrometer stage controls so that the area to be measured is now in the target area and read the PCS value directly from the meter. With the reference value of 0.0 established, any number of PCS readings may be taken from the same area without further adjustment.

B2.4 REF Spot Measurement

Place the Barium Sulfate calibration disk over the port opening and adjust the calibration control for a meter reading of 100.0. Begin testing by removing the disk and placing the check sample over the port opening on the document stage with the aid of the micrometer stage controls, so that the area to be measured is located in the circular target at the center of the viewing screen.

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Read the REF value directly from the meter. With the reference value established any number of REF readings may be taken from the same area without further adjustment.

B2.5 Scan Averaging

Using CSAN permits rapid calculation of minimum, maximum, and average REF and PCS values. The CSCAN software is loaded through Windows running on a 386 or 486 PC. The program is menu driven and permits automatic calibration of the O82, O82A, or O82B testers. Deviation from the 100.0 calibration value forces the user to re-calibrate before proceeding with further tests.

Additional functions permit on screen storage of a quantity of readings from one document under a user selected file name. Save, recall, and print functions as well as “quick test” screen for real-time measurements are also features of CSCAN.

Tester setup and document testing procedures are similar to spot testing. Utilizing the micrometer controls allows scanning individual areas anywhere on the check sample in 0.008 inch steps. To scan larger areas such as the “pay to” area, Amount in Words area, etc., the operator may move the document horizontally and vertically so that the entire area to be measured passes through the target area.

Note: the above information and capabilities apply equally to the O82, O82A, and O82B Optical Character Testers.

B3 Procedures for Using the Macbeth PCM II

B3.1 General

The PCM II is a digital-readout print contrast meter that measures: (1) ink or paper reflectance; (2) ink and paper contrast contained in the Optical Character Recognition (OCR) code imprints; and (3) the width of OCR imprints within the range of 0 to 0.100 inches in increments of 0.001 inch. Measurements automatically indicate the percent reflectance (%R) of ink or paper and the Print Contrast Signal (PCS) of ink and paper. Measurement selection is accomplished with push-button controls. Up to a maximum of eight selectable filter positions are available to the operator; five filter positions are normally supplied (positions A through E). Up to three additional positions are available for factory filter installation to meet special customer specifications.

Note: In order to use the Macbeth PCM II in conformance with ANS X9.27, a special filter must be installed.

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B3.2 Calibration Checks

B3.2.1 Daily Calibration Check

Turn the power on and allow a warm up period of at least 5 minutes to assure accurate readings. Remove the calibration standard from the storage compartment and note the SET REFL values indicated for the FILTER SELECT position on the white standard calibration label affixed to the underside of the storage compartment cover.

Set the FILTER SELECT switch to position F (this is the assumed position for the special filter) and operate the %R/PCS button to indicate %R. Place the clean white standard flat against the aperture plate in the measuring port. The digital display will indicate the %R of the standard that should correspond with the SET REFL value noted on the calibration label for the selected filter. If the values check correctly, restore the calibration standard, close the storage compartment cover, and restore the instrument to service. If the values do not check correctly, use the manufacturer’s calibration procedures.

B3.2.2 Factory Calibration

Factory calibration is performed by placing freshly pressed BaSO4 (barium sulfate) in the measuring port and adjusting the instrument to read 100%. Following this a working white standard is measured with its value measured and recorded for the specific filtration selected on the label affixed to the underside of the storage compartment cover. Thus, when performing the instrument calibration check, using the white standard, the PCM II % R-values are scaled relative to freshly BaSO4 pressed as 100%.

B3.3 Reflectance Measurements

The PCM II is provided with a two position detented backing plate. One position provides a “black” backing and the other position a “white” backing. To conform to ANS X9.7 procedures, the “black” backing position must be used.

Set the FILTER SELECT switch to the desired filtration position. Normally this would be position F providing the required photopic filter. Position the sample to be measured in the measuring port so that the selected area is visible in the view port. While observing the document through the magnified port, align the sample so that the area to be measured is positioned over the small black circle in the center of the viewing port. The %R of either the background or the foreground (ink) will be indicated on the digital display depending upon the sample position.

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B3.4 PCS Computation

Position the sample so that the background %R is measured first. When the %R indication is obtained, depress the RpSTORED push-button to place the value into digital storage. The RpSTORED indicator lamp will light to indicate that PCS computation is now enabled (%R indicator lamp will remain lit). Now align the document sample so that the small black circle lies on the selected area of ink or other area that is lower in reflectance than the background, and observe the %R of the ink sample on the digital display. Depress the %R/PCS push-button; the PCS indicator will light, the %R indicator light will go out and the digital display will indicate the Print Contrast Signal (PCS);

PCSp = Rb - Rp

Rb

where Rb is the reflectance of the background and Rp is the reflectance of the point being measured.

As long as the RpSTORED indicator lamp remains lit, additional PCS readings may be made by positioning the small black circle along various points of the ink sample and thus check for ink consistency. %R readings may be made at any time by depressing the %R/PCS push-button so that the %R indicator lamp lights, and relocating the sample with respect to the small black circle. Observe the sample motion throughout the magnified viewing port.

IMPORTANT: To measure the PCS of various samples, the %R of each sample background must first be measured and stored. The PCS indicator lamp will not light unless the RpSTORED lamp is lit.

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Annex C

(This Annex is not part of X9.7-1999(2007) Bank Check Background and Convenience Amount Field Specification, but is included for information purposes only.)

C Specification for an Image Based Document Analysis System

C1 Generic Specification for an ANS X9.7 Image based Document Analysis System for determination of Legibility, including Average Reflectance, DC image and Paxel Count functionality.

Introduction: This is a specification for the image based analysis system which is a superior method for making the legibility prediction measurements for document design requirements set out in ANS X9.7. It has been found that only the dual measurements of Average Background Reflectance and Paxel Count can effectively predict legibility of handprint over check background designs.

C1.1 Scanning System Specification

ANS X9.7 image analysis conformance measurements require a system to produce a 300 dpi grayscale bitmap image. The system shall have a photopic system color response as laid out in Annex A.

Each pixel must be represented with a discrete reflectance value ranging from 0% to 100%.

C1.2 Dynamic Contrast Image Specification

The starting point of a DC Image is a 300dpi grayscale bitmap image, each pixel represented by a value from 1 to 100%.

Each pixel value is based on Aperture of 0.008 inch, this being generated in software by assigning the average of a 0.010 x 0.010 inch area (3 x 3 pixel area) to the center pixel. See Figure C1.

The grayscale image is converted to a DC Image by dynamic thresholding at a DC Ratio of 0.2

The DCR (dynamic contrast ratio) of each pixel is calculated thus:

DCR = Rb - Rc

Rb

where:

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Rc is the reflectance value of the center pixel of each 1/8 x 1/8 inch area.

Rb is the average reflectance of all pixels in the 1/8 x 1/8 inch area.

To create a Dynamic Contrast Image:

For each pixel in an Area of Interest:

where Rc =/< 20%, it becomes black (20 % low cutoff)

where DCR =/> 0.2, it becomes black

where Rc =/> 70%, it becomes white (70% high cutoff)

where DCR < .2, it becomes white

C1.3 Average Reflectance Specification (Rb)

To generate an average background value from the standard grayscale image:

1. all pixel values are based on 0.008 inch aperture inch diameter aperture (3x3) at 300 dpi scanner resolution

2. average all values in 0.125 inch square

3. move 5 pixels between 0.125 inch square samples and calculates another average background value

C1.4 Paxel Specification

Whereas a pixel is a the smallest element of an image, a Paxel is defined as any group of pixels forming a 0.010 inch x 0.010 inch (0.25 mm x 0.25 mm) area in which at least 66% of the area is black. If this were a 3 x 3 pixel area in a 300 dpi image, at least six of the nine pixels must be black. See Figure C2.

C1.5 Paxel Count Specification

The paxel count shall not exceed 12. A paxel count is a quantification of DC image background clutter to determine when a threat to legibility of handwriting exists based upon tests of prevalent industry check processing systems. Software analysis of the DC image determines how many paxels touch to form a line, curve or any shape. When this paxel count exceeds 12, it has been determined that the background clutter remaining in a DC image makes hand writing ambiguous and difficult to decipher in at least some images produced by prevalent industry check processing systems.

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0.125 inch

0.12

5 in

ch

Center pixel of 3 X 3 pixel areabased on an aperture of 0.008 inch

1. Average Background Reflectance of all pixels in 0.125 X 0.125 inch is compared to the Reflectance of the center pixel.

2. If Dynamic Contrast (DC) is less than or equal to 0.2, the center pixel is assumed black.

3. When this is completed for all pixels, a Dynamic Contrast Map is Created.

Figure C1 Dynamic thresholding from a bit map

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0.003 inchPixels: Individual Pixels;No Legibility Problem

FilledPaxel:

0.010 inch

All pixel in a paxel are Black;Count this Paxel

PartiallyFilledPaxel

Greater than 5/9 of Pixelsare black;Count this Paxel

Paxel Count Greater than 8 in a String;Problem Likely with Legibility

Figure C2 Pixels, paxels and paxel strings defined

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Annex D

D1 Conversion Table

Inches...to....Millimeters...to....Point Sizes:

Inches Millimeters Points

0.002 0.05 --- 0.005 0.13 --- 0.008 0.20 --- 0.013 0.33 --- 0.015 0.38 --- 0.017 0.43 --- 0.020 0.51 --- 0.030 0.76 --- 0.035 0.89 --- 0.050 1.27 --- 0.063 1.60 --- 0.075 1.90 --- 0.100 2.54 --- 0.120 3.05 --- 0.125 3.18 9.0 0.150 3.81 --- 0.167 4.23 12.0 0.175 4.45 --- 0.200 5.08 --- 0.250 6.35 18.0 0.300 7.62 --- 0.450 11.43 --- 0.600 15.24 --- 0.625 15.88 45.0 0.800 20.32 --- 1.000 25.40 72.0 1.200 30.48 --- 1.400 35.56 --- 2.000 50.80 144.0 2.150 54.61 --- 2.250 57.15 162.0 2.500 63.50 180.0 2.600 66.04 --- 3.000 76.20 216.0 Halftone Screen Frequencies: 120/inch 4.7/mm 150/inch 5.9/mm