WO1995004659A1

WO1995004659A1 - An enhanced accounting system with improved statements

Info

Publication number: WO1995004659A1
Application number: PCT/US1994/009029
Authority: WO
Inventors: Thomas Spann Duck
Original assignee: Canard Resources Inc.
Priority date: 1993-08-06
Filing date: 1994-08-05
Publication date: 1995-02-16
Also published as: AU7523494A

Abstract

An improved system for performing accounting and general ledger activities which eliminate the need for operator-keyed input of data during the check posting operation. The supplier of the goods or services sends out a periodic statement (11) to the customer. The statement includes a peel-and-stick label (13) to be used by the customer in completing the customer's check (12). Besides information as to amount and payee, the peel-and-stick label contains machine readable code (26B) identifying the customer and the amount of the check (12). When the check (12) is received by the supplier, the machine readable code is read using a reader (113). The reader (113) captures the necessary information from the label (13) on the check which is then used by the general ledger program to update its files.

Description

AN ENHANCED ACCOUNTING SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED STATEMENTS

Background of the Invention:

This invention relates generally to printed materials and more particularly to billing statements and negotiable instruments. One of the most ubiquitous aspects of modern life is the bill or statement from the sundry institutions and companies which supply everything from water to electricity, from clothing to school tuition.

The modern world would could not function without this short-term credit arrangement. The well known procedures associated with the use of statements is that a statement is sent out to the user/consumer who then utilizes the information on the statement to complete a negotiable instrument such as a check. This creation of the negotiable instrument calls for the user to complete portions of the check which define the identification of the payee, the amount to be paid, the date of the instrument, and authorizing signature.

In many situations, the service provider also desires that an identifier number also be supplied on the negotiable instrument so that the check can be matched to a specific customer. Sometimes this identifier is a long complex arrangement of letters and numbers which requires great concentration on the ,part of the user in completing.

Because of the large number of checks which are completed by each household and business bi-monthly, the consumer/user becomes increasingly fatigued and irritable which causes their handwriting to degrade to a point where it is almost impossible to read or discern what is being written.

Even further, for many elderly check writers, they easily become confused and often enter conflicting information on the check. This usually occurs where the amount is to be written as a numeral and where the amount is to be written in alphabetical terms. This ambiguity results in a check being returned to the user which furthers the accounting problems.

At other times, the formal name for the payee is shortened or mis-written which also results in the check being returned without crediting of the account. This often happens when the name of the payee is extremely long or where the company is commonly known by a nick-name (i.e. Mountain Bell Telephone Company, aka "Ma Bell").

If completing of checks poses a problem for the consumer, the problem of processing the millions of checks daily by the banks and major suppliers would seem next to impossible. The supplier is faced with the problem of properly crediting the various accounts; the bank must debit the proper account and assure that the correct credit is given to the supplier. Even in the best of situations, the reading of handwriting requires the use of human operators at the banks to enter the amounts on the checks. In some situations, the computers have been designed to automatically read the account number for the check which is combined with the human entered amount value.

Because of this approach, which is forced on the banks by the basic nature of the check, errors occur and the cost of processing the checks so that proper credit and debit are made, increases.

Typically this process falls to a mind-numbing menial task which has not much changed since the middle ages; manually read the check and entering the value in the proper column. Automating this process has proven extremely difficult and continues to a large extent to evade the ability of computer programmers.

Because of the processing problems, numerous attempts have been made to facilitate the process and to remove the chances of errors. Examples of these attempts include: United States Patent number 3,455,576, entitled "Means for Preventing Unauthorized Cashing of Checks" issued to Hammerling on July 15, 1969; and United States Patent number 5,022,683, entitled "Check Insert and Envelope" issued to Barbour on June 11, 1991. Hammerling utilizes colored labels for placement on the back of the checks so that a counterfeiting endorsement of the check is more difficult; Barbour creates a card support for the check so that it can be machine managed more efficiently. In neither of these situations though is the basic problem addressed and in both of these situations there still is required the human intervention in the processing of the checks which can result in a great deal of imposed error and cost.

It is clear from the foregoing that an efficient and cost effective method of handling checks is not available and is needed.

Summary of the Invention:

The invention creates an improved system for performing accounting and general ledger activities which eliminate the need for operator-keyed input of data during the check posting operation. The supplier of the goods or services sends out a periodic statement to the customer. The statement includes a peel-and-stick label to be used by the customer in completing the customer's check. Besides information as to amount and payee, the peel-and-stick label contains machine readable code identifying the customer and the amount of the check. When the check is received by the supplier, the machine readable code is machine-read, thereby providing the information which then is used by the general ledger program to update its files.

The accounting aspect of this invention relies upon several other mechanisms and concepts. In one facet of this concept, the invention is a printer and system which assists in the preparation and completion of check writing at a point-of-sale. The vast majority of checks written in the United States are prepared at the point-of-sale where a purchase has been made. Completion of the check is a time consuming operation which forces other customers to wait while the check is being prepared. This system employs a printer which prints onto labels the critical areas of the check or negotiable instrument, such as: tendered amount, payee, and date. The labels are then removed and permanently applied to the check, thereby reducing the completion of the check to a simple task of signing it. Further, a separate label, containing the same information, is supplied the customer for completion of the ledger associated with the check. In this manner, the entire check is completed quickly and efficiently, increasing the efficiency of the check-out counter.

A further aspect of the invention is an improved statement in which removable labels are included with the statement. These labels, although removable from the statement, adhere permanently to a negotiable instrument and provide for efficient and exacting completion of the negotiable instrument. A negotiable instrument, such as a check, contains several portions which are blank and are to be completed by the user. These blank portions include such components as: the payee's name, the amount to be paid, and a reference line.

The removable labels from the statement are printed with the statement to provide permanent labels to fill-in these components by simple removal from the statement and permanent adhesion to the check. Once the labels are affixed, the user simply dates and signs the check for it's proper completion.

This process assures that the critical areas of the check are completely and legibly completed. Elderly people are given the ability to complete a check with a minimum of writing without the worry that their handwriting will be misread by the bank or the supplier. The supplier/creditor is assured that the checks have the proper payee and amount presented.

Because labels are used for the critical areas of the negotiable instrument, their processing by the billing entity is more efficient (permitting machine reading of the check) and more exact since bank operators need not struggle with "poor handwriting" . Rather, computer programming for optical character recognition is readily available for almost all printed material and even bar-code printing can be used to rapidly and efficiently identify the consumer. To a very large extent if not totally, the processing of the checks is completed totally through automation, thereby significantly increasing the efficiency and reducing the error rate while reducing the cost and relieving humanity of this mindless crunching of numbers.

In the preferred embodiment, the labels are substantially clear with the printing on one side of the label. Once the label is permanently affixed to the check, any later attempts to manipulate the check's contents is readily and easily discerned. As example, should a counterfeiter attempt to place another payee label over the top of the completed check, the underlying payee portion is obvious to the bank and would be instantly "flagged" and reported to the proper authorities; alternatively, if the counterfeiter attempts to remove the label, the label will tear and disfigure the check rendering it void.

Removal of the label from the statement and its permanent adhesion to the check is through a variety of techniques well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. Examples of labels which will serve in this function include those shown by: United States Patent number 5,071,167, entitled "Shipping and Return Mailing Label" issued to O'Brien on December 10, 1991; United States Patent number 4,379,573, entitled "Business Form with Removable Label and Method for Producing the Same" issued to Lomeli et al. on April 12, 1983; and United States Patent number 4,082,873, entitled "Switch-Proof Label" issued to Williams on April 4, 1978; all of which are incorporated hereinto by reference.

The labels are intended to be easily removed from the statement and yet permanently adhered to the negotiable instrument.

A variety of embodiments exist for the placement of the labels. The preferred embodiment has the label or labels put onto the statement form prior to its printing so that the printing process simply completes the label on the statement as it is printing the statement. A second embodiment uses a sheet holding the labels which is processed and which is sent to consumer with the statement and is associated with the statement.

In either case, the result is providing the consumer with labels to facilitate the proper completion of a negotiable instrument. In regards to the point-of-sale application, the invention is a printer and system which assists in the preparation and completion of check writing at a point-of-sale. The vast majority of checks -written in the United States are prepared at the point-of-sale where a purchase has been made. Completion of the check is a time consuming operation which forces other customers to wait while the check is being prepared. This system employs a register communicating with a printer. The printer prints onto labels the critical portions of the check or negotiable instrument, such as: tendered amount, payee, and date. The labels are then permanently applied to the check, thereby reducing the completion of the check to a simple task of signing it. The speed in which a check is completed renders the check-out counter more efficient, thereby permitting a retail store to minimize its requirements for registers.

Further, a separate label, containing the same information, is supplied the customer for completion of the ledger associated with the check. The customer then has a complete and accurate record of the transaction. In this manner, the entire check is completed quickly and efficiently, increasing the efficiency of the check-out counter while making the process easier on the customer. As noted before, the invention creates an improved system for performing accounting and general ledger activities which eliminate the need for operator-keyed input of data during the check posting operation.

In operation, the supplier of the goods or services sends out a periodic statement to the customer. The statement includes a peel-and- stick label to be used by the customer in completing the customer's check. Besides information as to amount and payee, the peel-and-stick label contains machine-readable code identifying the customer and the amount of the check. When the check is received by the supplier, the machine readable code is read using a variety of devices such as a hand-held reader. The reader captures the information from the-label which is then used by the general ledger program to update its files without requiring any, or minimal, keyed data entry from the supplier's financial operator. The elimination of keyed data entry is important since most errors are introduced at this level.

The invention, together with various embodiments thereof will be more fully illustrated by the drawings and the following descriptions. Drawings in Brief:

Figure IA is a perspective view of the preferred embodiment of the invention showing the use of the label on a statement.

Figure IB is a frontal view of a typical negotiable instrument. Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a statement illustrating the use of a separate component for the labels.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment reading and storage apparatus as used by banks and suppliers/creditors.

Figure 4 is flow chart of the preferred operation of the reading and storage apparatus when used by a bank.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of the preferred operation of the reading and storage apparatus when used by a supplier/creditor.

Figure 6 diagrams the interaction between the cash-register and the printer of the present invention in the point-of-sale embodiment. Figure 7 is a perspective view of the printer first illustrated in figure 6.

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate two embodiments of the labels used in the point-of-sale application.

Figure 9 is a flow-chart illustrating the operation of the computer at the cash register in creating the labels for the point-of- sale.

Figure 10 is a functional layout of an embodiment of the automated accounting apparatus.

Figure 11 is a functional layout of a hand-held embodiment of the improved accounting apparatus of the invention.

Figure 12 is a flow-chart of an embodiment of the operation of the accounting apparatus of the invention in the creation of the statements.

Figure 13 is a flow-chart of an embodiment of the data entry portion of the accounting apparatus.

Figure 14 is a exploded view of the hand-held embodiment of the accounting apparatus showing the scanner and the data stream generated therefrom.

Figure 15 is a functional layout of an embodiment of the automated accounting in which the labels on the checks are automatically scanned.

Figures 16A and 16B are front and back views respectively of a check which has passed through the embodiment illustrated in figure 15. Drawings in Detail:

In this embodiment, labels 13 and 14 are detachably secured to the statement 11. User 10 is able to remove the label, as shown with label 13, through manual manipulation of the label. Labels 13 and 14 are kept from permanent adhesion to statement 11 through the use of a coating (as shown by coating 15) . Through proper placement of the coating and the subsequent placement of the labels on the blank statement, the printing of the statement both prints out standard billing information for the user and also completes the labels for the user to utilize in the completion of the negotiable instrument.

Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various methods and materials which will create a statement as described above. Figure IB is a frontal view of a typical negotiable instrument. A negotiable instrument such as check 12 has a variety of areas or portions which must be completed to make the instrument negotiable. The requirements for a negotiable instrument are established through banking custom and the Uniform Commercial Code. Typically a check 12 must have completed the date of payment 16E, the name of the ordered payee 16A, the amount to be paid both in numerals 16C and in written alphabetical form 16D, and the signature of the party making the order of payment 16F.

Additionally, most suppliers/creditors also require that their individualized assigned customer number be written on the check 12, usually in position 16B. This assures that proper credit is given to the customer by the supplier.

Bank number 17 is used by the financial institution to properly debit the account of the user. In the preferred embodiment, when using the statement, such as illustrated in figure IA, in conjunction with the check of figure IB, user 10 removes the labels supplied on the statement 11 and places the labels in the correct portion of check 12.

Depending on the number of labels supplied, various areas such as payee 16A, amounts 16C and 16D, and the reference 16B, are completed; thus reducing the task for the user to simply date (16E) and sign (16F) the check to make it a negotiable instrument.

Certain banks and other financial institutions also permit the use of a single label which extends to include both the name of the payee 16A and also the numerical dollar amount 16C. As example, the label for payment to the Tucson Electric Power for the amount one hundred fifty three dollars and ten cents may read:

TUCSON ELECTRIC POWER $153.10

In other situations, the name may be curtailed to its letter representations with the customer's account number following. In this situation the label may read:

TEP account number 0234/A8 $ 153.10 For either of these two situations, a single label is utilized to establish and complete several portions of the negotiable instrument. Although the present discussion relates to checks, those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize that the present invention could also be utilized for other negotiable instruments such as a bill of exchange, a promissory note, bearer bond, or the like.

Figure 2 is a perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a statement illustrating the use of a separate component for the labels. In this embodiment of the statement, the labels are not on the statement 22 itself but rather are associated with the statement via attachment 21.

As noted in this figure, certain information is contained in duplicate both in the statement and also on the labels. As shown here, the customer's name appears on the statement 24A and also on the labels 24B. The amount to be paid is printed on the statement 23A, and also in numerical form 23B and alphabetical form 23C on the labels.

The customer's name is on the statement 24A and is repeated on label 24B. Note that in this embodiment, the customer number or identifier 26A (written in human readable form) is printed as bar-code indicia 26B on the labels to facilitate the ready reading of the information by machine by either the supplier's book-keeping department and/or at the bank. Bar-Code representations can be used in several of the label embodiments and may be printed either in visible or invisible ink. The use of invisible ink, readable using ultra-violet light, is advantageous since it permits easy machine readability without undue confusion on the part of the human user. To additionally improve the machine readability of the labels, magnetic ink is also available to enhance the machine's "vision" of the printing. This further reduces the possibility of error.

Figure 3 is a block diagram of the preferred embodiment reading and storage apparatus as used by banks and suppliers. In this embodiment, a multitude of readers 31 are attached to Central Computer 30 (only one reader is shown in this figure) . Each reader 31 contains an input tray 32A for receipt of new checks for processing and an output tray 32B for checks which have been duly entered. Checks from input tray 32A are drawn into the reader 31 via a feed mechanism well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and are scanned automatically to determine if the checks utilize the labels discussed above. If the labels are used, then reader 31 is able to automatically withdraw the information for proper storage within the memory of central computer 30; if the labels are not fully used, then the check is displayed in window 33 and the operator, not shown, is able to supply the proper data via keyboard 34.

In this manner, the system of figure 3 is able to automatically process checks which utilize the invention's label while permitting it also to handle traditionally completed checks.

The apparatus as shown in figure 3 is programmed to utilize the software discussed relative to figure 4, thereby addressing the entry of the check into the bank's accounting procedures.

Once the machine is started, 40, a check is fed 41A into the mechanism from the input tray. The check's number and account number are read 42A and stored into memory. Next, a determination as to whether a label has been used for the amount of the check, 43A is made. If a label has been used, the reader automatically withdraws this information from the check, 42B; otherwise, the operator must input the dollar amount 42C.

Determining if the amount is readable is simply done by attempting to read the value. An error in the read operation indicates either that a label was not used or that a defect exists and the label used is unreadable; in either case, the amount must be entered manually.

Because of the label system utilized, an additional capability available is determining j.f a payee name is readable 43B and then automatically reading this name 42D into memory. Currently, this capability is not available for most check writers as it would require additional work for the bank; in this case, using labels, the name of the payee is automatically withdrawn and does not require any additional effort or expense on the part of the bank. Once all of the information is collected, the data is stored and the check is ejected to the output tray 41B. An analysis is made to determine if there are any more checks to process 43C. If there are, then the check is fed into the mechanism 41A and the process repeats itself; if there are no more checks to process, then the process terminates 44.

In this manner, the checks are properly entered and their data is stored for handling by the accounting program.

Figure 5 is a flow chart of the preferred operation of the reading and storage apparatus when used by a supplier/creditor. Again, the apparatus of figure 3 is utilized for the entry of the data from the check, except that in this application, the data being collected is to be used by the supplier or creditor of the check writer.

Once start 50 has occurred, a check is fed into the reader 51A. A determination is made if the amount is readable 52A and that amount is automatically read 53A if possible. If the amount is not readable, then the operator must manually enter the amount 53B.

If the customer number is readable 52B, the customer number is automatically read 53D; otherwise, the operator inputs the customer number 53C.

The data so collected is then stored in the central memory and the check is ejected to the output tray 51B. Should there be more checks to process 52C, then the program returns to feed another check into the reader, 51A, and the program repeats itself; otherwise, the program terminates, 54.

In this manner, the operator is relieved of having to enter any data from checks which utilizes the present invention's check labeling system.

Figure 6 diagrams the interaction between the cash-register and the printer of the present invention in the point-of-sale embodiment. The point-of-sale assembly of this invention is composed essentially of a register (such as a cash register) 61, label printer 62, and a communication link 62 therebetween. Label printer 62 receives its data and instructions from the register 61. Preferably, register 61 is programmable so that it has maximum flexibility relative to the label printer 63.

Customer 10 seeks to pay for the merchandise using check 12, as described before. Table 60 is provided for the customer 10 with label printer 63 secured thereunder. Using instructions and data from register 61, label printer 63 creates a label 64 which is used by the customer for the completion of check 12. The task associated with completing the check is reduced to simply placing the completed labels on the check and signing it.

In this embodiment, the printer and register are shown as two separate mechanisms. In another embodiment of the invention the label printer is incorporated into the register's housing. In this alternative embodiment, the labels are delivered to the register operator who hands them to the customer for completion of the check. Other various embodiments are obvious to those of ordinary skiil in the art.

Figure 7 is a perspective view of the printer first illustrated in figure 6.

As noted earlier in figure 6, label printer 63 generates labels

64 for use by the customer. Labels 64 are, in this embodiment, composed of several individual labels which have serrations 73 created between them by label printer 63. The serrations are formed by any means well known to those of ordinary skill in the art.

The use of serrations permit a roll or reel of labels to inserted into the label printer 63 via opening 70 and then the label printer to create the labels having the size and shape desired. In this illustration, label 64 is composed of only two principal sections: payee's name with numerical amount 72A; and, written amount 72C with bar-code representation 72B. The payee's name with numerical amount label is used to complete sections 16A and 16C of the negotiable instrument (figure IB); while the written amount label 72C, with bar¬ code representation 72B, is used to complete section 16D (figure IB) . The amount printed onto the label is usually the amount of the sale. In some situations, the amount tendered exceeds the sale amount (if cash-back is sought by the customer) or is less than the sale amount (where the check is combined with either cash or a gift certificate) . In all of these cases, the amount to be printed onto the label is the amount tendered for the purchase.

The payee's name includes any indicia of the store or location. In some instances this indicia may be the full name of the store, or it may be a commonly accepted initial representation of the name.

^' In this embodiment, the tendered amount and the name of the store is transmitted from register 61 via communications link 62 for each sale. In other embodiments, the name of the store is transmitted only once during initiation or start-up of the register and thereafter only the tendered amount is transmitted; the label printer 63 combines the tendered amount with the store name (previously stored in a local memory) for the creation of the labels.

Portion 72D is waste and is discarded.

In this illustration, completion of the check requires only dating and signing of the instrument.

In this embodiment of the label printer, customer-button 71 is provided which permits the customer to indicate when labels are required. Some customers will still want to complete their checks in the traditional long-hand manner; but, should a customer want to have the labels supplied to him, simply pushing customer-button 71 indicates to the printer to print out the labels when the register has completed its task and has computed the tendered amount.

In this application, the customer-button 71 may be activated at any time and label printer 63 waits until the appropriate data is received from register 61.

In this embodiment of the invention, a reel or roll of label material is used. In other embodiments of the invention, pre-cut labels are also supplied either by roll or on flat stock. The flat stock embodiment permits the labels to be inserted into the label printer much the same as blank paper into a photo-copier and are then fed to the printing mechanism one at a time. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various mechanisms which will serve in this manner.

Figures 8A and 8B illustrate two embodiments of the labels used in the point-of-sale application. Figure 8A illustrates an embodiment of the invention which creates a label 80A composed of: payee name with numerical amount 81; written amount 82A with bar-code 82B; and, date 83. In this embodiment, the labels are used to complete the entire check leaving only its signature necessary to render it negotiable.

The labels are peeled from a substrate as shown by 85A and 85B. Although the use of a substrate to support the labels and maintain the underlying glue's integrity is the preferred embodiment, it is also contemplated that the present invention could be used with a label system which does not require a substrate but which activates the glue for application to the check. One such label applies the glue after the material has been printed and as the label leaves the printer. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other arrangements which will work in this context. Figure 8B illustrates another arrangement for the labels 72A showing: payee with numerical tendered amount 81; written amount 82D with bar code 82C; and ledger portion 84. In this embodiment, the bar¬ code 82C, once placed on the check is bracketed by the payee label 81 and the written amount 82D. This arrangement has been shown to be superior in readability of the bar-code since the code is not close to any other printing which could be confusing or distracting to the machine reader.

Bar-Code 82B, 82C, is any of the many forms well known to those of ordinary skill in the art and is not limited to merely being a machine-readable form of the tendered amount. Other information may be included in the bar-code which is of relevance or importance to the retail store.

Ledger portion 84 provides added assistance to the customer since it is used by the customer to complete their ledger portion associated with the check 12. The ledger portion is that written material which is the customer's record of the specifics of the check. In this instance, the payee's name, date of the check, and the check amount is provided on a peel-and-stick label which is placed into the ledger for later balancing of the customer's checkbook. Figure 9 is a flow-chart illustrating the operation of the computer at the cash register in creating the labels for the point-of- sale.

Once start has occurred 90, the register performs its normal and traditional registering function 91 in ringing up the purchases and adjusting for coupons and taxes. A query is made to determine if labels are sought, 92. If no labels are sought, then the operation returns to the normal function 91; otherwise, the store's name, the tendered amount, and the date are transmitted to the label printer.

Through this simple operation, check completing labels are provided to the customers who sought them. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize various other operational arrangements which will accomplish the objectives of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a functional layout of an embodiment of the automated accounting apparatus. At the supplier side 101, the statement is generated and the debit is posted onto the records of the supplier 103 (these records are usually electronically stored in a computer memory) . The statement is then communicated from the supplier 101 to the consumer 102. This is usually done by mail. Upon receipt of the statement, and when it is time to pay the amount due, consumer 102 drafts a check 105 and returns it to the supplier 101 which uses the information on the check for proper accounting and credit to the consumer's account.

Figure 11 is a functional layout of the hand-held embodiment of the improved accounting apparatus of the invention.

As noted in figure 10, computer 110 of figure 11 has stored therein the program for performing the accounting of the supplier. This program employs any of the accounting methodologies well known in the art. A good reference for various accounting techniques is Financial Accounting, an Introduction to Concepts, Methods, and Uses , fifth edition, by Sidney Davidson, et al., copyright 1988, published by Dryden Press, incorporated hereinto by reference.

Computer 110 directs printer 111 to generate the statement which is mailed to the consumer. These statements have the same removable labels discussed above. The consumer, not shown, places the label from the statement onto their own check and returns the completed check to the supplier.

Once the consumer's check is received, the supplier enters all of the pertinent data for accounting purposes by merely passing the optical wand 113 over label 114 on the consumer's check 112. Since the data on label 114 is accurate (it was printed by printer 111 for this purpose), its entry via wand 113 is error-free. In the prior art, the data which is contained on label 114 would have to be manually entered through a keyboard. This manual keyboarding introduces an element of error which was difficult to identify and correct.

Further, entry by the wand is extremely fast and doesn't require any "training"; hence, not only does it takes the operator of the accounting system much less time to perform the entry function, but, this operator does not need to be highly trained in the data entry field (simply pass the wand over the check) . Figure 12 is a flow¬ chart of an embodiment of the operation of the accounting apparatus of the invention in the creation of the statements.

Once the program has started, 120, the first step is the general ledger 121A or other type of accounting activity. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize the steps and operations which must be established for such an accounting or ledger activity.

For the first customer, the statement is created 125. In this embodiment, the creation of the statement requires the printing of ledger information 122A onto the statement, the printing of information onto the labels 122B, and the printing of bar code onto the labels

122C.

In this embodiment bar-code is used as the medium for encoding onto the label (and subsequently the customer's check) the information required for the accounting program. Other encoding schemes are obvious to those of ordinary skill in the art including the use of optical character recognizable printing.

Once the statement is printed 125, the program checks to see if there are more customers 123, if so, the accounting program sequences to the next customer 121B and the cycles back to again create the statement for this next customer 125. If there are no more customers which require statements, the program stops 124.

In this manner, the statements are prepared and the labels are created which contain the proper information for capture when the check is returned.

Once the checks have been collected by the supplier, the program is started 130 and a selection is made on if the data is to be entered by keyboard or wand 131A. This election is optionally done automatically by monitoring the keyboard and light pen activity or it is accomplished through an affirmative action by the operator such as the manipulation of a switch.

If the keyboard is to be used for the data entry, data from the keyboard is accepted 132A; similarly, if the data comes from the wand, its data is accepted 132B. In either case, the data is used to upgrade the general ledger portion of the program 133A.

A query is made on if there are more entries 13IB. This query is as subtle as looking for more data, or requiring the entry of a code to proceed. If there are more entries, the program cycles back to accept the input 13IA; otherwise, in this embodiment, a report on the checks received is printed 133B so that a running monitor of the payments received is kept. Thereafter, the program stops 134.

Through the use of the program of figure 13, the entry of the data for proper accounting at the supplier's site, is reduced to a simple task of passing the wand, or other reading device, over the label placed on the check.

Figure 14 is a exploded view of the hand-held embodiment of the accounting apparatus showing the scanner and the data stream generated therefrom. As noted earlier, in the preferred embodiment of the invention, label 114 has three line components. The top line 142 contains the payee's name and the numerical amount to be paid (not shown) . The bottom line 143 has the amount alphabetically written. Between these two lines is, in the preferred embodiment, a bar-code information line 141 which contains the information required for the accounting program.

In this embodiment, the information is composed of an eight digit customer identification 144 followed by the amount 145. Those of ordinary skill in the art readily recognize other information which might be included including due date for the payment and the like.

In this embodiment of the invention, computer 110 communicates data to printer 111 so that the statements with labels are properly generated. This embodiment employs an automatic mechanism 150 instead of the hand-held wand discussed earlier.

Automatic mechanism 150 draws checks to be processed from bin 151A and directs them through an array of mechanism to bin 151B. In their passage from bin 151A to bin 151B, the check is moved by assorted driving wheels 154.

The check passes scanners 156 which are directed to both sides of the check to scan the information on the label on the check. The data from scanner 156 is passed to controller 153 which, in this embodiment, uses the information to complete the micro-line on the check.

The micro-line is completed by printer 157 which receives its ink from ink reservoir 152. Ink reservoir 152 also supplies ink to printer

158. Printer 158 is directed to the back of the check to print a preselected legend onto the check to facilitate depositing of the check into a financial institution.

Figures 16A and 16B are front and back views respectively of a check which has passed through the embodiment illustrated in figure 15.

As noted relative to figure 15, a check has a line of code commonly known as the "micro-line" located along the bottom of the check 112. At the time of the bank's printing or creation of the blank checks, the bank identification 160 and the customer's identification 161 is imprinted onto the check. For a financial institution to process check 112, the micro-line must be completed by the printing of the amount of the check 162. The amount portion is obtained by the automatic system of figure 15 from the label on the check and is used to complete the micro-line on check 112.

In the automatic embodiment of this invention as discussed in figure 15, a legend 163 is printed onto the back of check 112 so that the check is readily acceptable by the financial institution for deposit. It is clear from the foregoing that the present invention creates a highly improved system for statement and check writing while improving on the payment processing, related banking activities, and point-of-sale operation.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A checking system comprising: a blank check having front and back surfaces, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted in predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion and a signature portion and further defining at least two separate and different label portions thereon; a corresponding statement having front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said information indicia corresponding to said plurality of indicia on said check, said front surface of said statement further including at least two separate label areas, each of said label areas detachably holding a corresponding label thereon; at least two separate and different labels, each of said labels being essentially substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each of said back sides of said labels having an adhesive coating thereon, each of said front sides of said labels having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels comprising alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least two labels being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, said at least two separate and different labels are removed from said statement by said user and each of said back sides of said labels are then permanently adhered within respective one of said separate and different label portions on said front surface of said blank check, said different printed indicia on said front sides of each of said at least two labels correlating with each other and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check, thereby creating a completed negotiable check.

2. The checking system according to claim 1: a) wherein said blank check has imprinted thereon a payee portion; and, b) wherein one of said at least two labels has imprinted thereon a name of a payee.

3. The checking system according to claim 2 wherein said labels are substantially clear.

4. The checking system according to claim 2 wherein said check includes at least one amount payable portion for identification of an amount of said check, and wherein said statement further includes an imprinting of an amount due, and, wherein said at least two labels includes at least one amount label having an imprinting of the amount due.

5. The checking system according to claim 4 wherein said at least two amount labels includes a first amount label and a second amount label, said first amount label having numerical indicia of the amount due, said second amount label having alphabetical indicia of the amount due.

6. The checking system according to claim 2 wherein said check includes a reference portion for user identification of reference material, and wherein said statement further includes an identifier of the user, and, wherein said at least two labels include a reference label.

7. The checking system according to claim 6 wherein said reference label has imprinted thereon an indicia of said identifier.

8. The checking system according to claim 7 wherein said indicia is machine readable.

9. A checking system comprising: a blank check having front and back surfaces, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted on predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion, a signature portion, and at least one label portion; a statement having front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said front surface of said statement further including at least one label area; at least one label being substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each back side of said at least one label having an adhesive coating thereon, each front side of said at least one label having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels being alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least one label being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, and said at least one label is removed from said statement by said user and the back side of each label then permanently adhered on said front surface of said blank check and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check.

10. The checking system according to claim 9: a) wherein said check has imprinted thereon at least one amount payable portion for identification of an amount of said check; b) wherein said statement has an imprinting of an amount due; and, c) wherein said at least one label includes at least one amount label having printed indicia of the amount due.

11. The checking system according to claim 10 wherein said amount label is substantially clear.

12. The checking system according to claim 11 wherein said at least one amount label includes a first amount label and a second amount label, said first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due, said second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due.

13. The checking system according to claim 9 wherein said check includes having imprinted thereon a payee portion for identification of a payee, and, wherein the statement includes an imprinting of a payee name, and wherein said at least one label includes a payee label having imprinted thereon said payee name.

14. The checking system according to claim 9 wherein said check further includes a reference portion for identification of reference material, and wherein said statement further includes an imprinting of an identifier of the user, and, wherein said at least one label includes a reference label having imprinted thereon said identifier.

15. The checking system according to claim 14 wherein said reference label having imprinted thereon a machine readable indicia of said identifier.

16. A checking system comprising: a blank check having front and back surfaces, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted in predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion and a signature portion and further defining at least two separate label portions thereon; a corresponding statement having front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said information indicia corresponding to said plurality of indicia on said check, said front surface of said statement further including at least two separate label areas; at least two separate and different labels, each of said labels being essentially substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each of said back sides of said labels having an adhesive coating thereon, each of said front sides of said labels having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels comprising alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least two labels being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, said at least two separate and different labels are removed from said statement by said user and each of said back sides of said labels are then permanently adhered within respective one of said separate and different label portions on said front surface of said blank check, said different printed indicia on said front sides of each of said at least two labels correlating with each other and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check.

17. The checking system according to claim 16: a) wherein said check has imprinted thereon a reference portion; b) wherein said statement has imprinted thereon an indicia of a user, and, an indicia of a payee; and, c) wherein said at least two labels include,

1) a reference label having imprinted thereon the indicia of the user, and,

2) a payee label having imprinted thereon the indicia of a payee.

18. The checking system according to claim 17 wherein said indicia of a user and the indicia of a payee are machine readable.

19. The checking system according to claim 17 wherein said check includes at least one amount payable portion for identification of an amount of said check, and wherein said statement further includes an imprinting of an amount due, and, wherein said at least two labels includes at least one amount label having imprinted thereon the amount due .

20. The checking system according to claim 19 wherein said at least one amount label includes a first amount label and a second amount label, said first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due, said second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due.

21. A statement for use with a blank check having a front and back surface, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted in predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion and a signature portion and further defining at least two separate and different label portions thereon, said statement comprising: front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said information indicia corresponding to said plurality of indicia on said check, said front surface of said statement further including at least two separate label areas, each of said label areas detachably holding a corresponding label thereon; at least two separate and different labels, each of said labels being essentially substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each of said back sides of said labels having an adhesive coating thereon, each of said front sides of said labels having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels comprising alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least two labels being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, said at least two separate and different labels are removed from said statement by said user and each of said back sides of said labels are then permanently adhered within respective one of said separate and different label portions on said front surface of said blank check, said different printed indicia on said front sides of each of said at least two labels correlating with each other and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check, thereby creating a completed negotiable check.

22. The statement according to claim 21 wherein each of said at least two label areas on said statement have a coating on their front surface so as to allow detachability of said labels.

23. The statement according to claim 21 wherein one of said at least two labels has imprinted thereon an indicia of the user for being permanently adhered to a reference portion on said check.

24. The statement according to claim 23 wherein said indicia is machine readable.

25. The statement according to claim 24 wherein said indicia includes bar code.

26. The statement according to claim 21 wherein said at least two labels include a first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due and a second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due, said labels located in said label areas of said statement.

27. The statement according to claim 26 wherein said amount labels are substantially transparent.

28. The statement according to claim 21 wherein said adhesive coating on said at least two labels provides a means for permanent adhesion of said labels to said check.

29. The statement according to claim 21 wherein said at least two labels further include a payee label having imprinted thereon a name of a payee.

30. A statement for use with a blank check having a front and back surface, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted on predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion, a signature portion, and at least one label portion, said statement comprising: front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said front surface of said statement further including at least one label area; at least one label being substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each back side of said at least one label having an adhesive coating thereon, each front side of said at least one label having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels being alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least one label being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, and said at least one label is removed from said statement by said user and the back side of each label then permanently adhered on said front surface of said blank check and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check.

31. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said at least one label is located in said at least one label area.

32. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said front surface of said at least one label area on said statement is coated so as to allow detachability of said at least one label.

33. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said at least one label has imprinted thereon an indicia of the user for being permanently adhered to a reference portion on said check.

34. The statement according to claim 33 wherein said indicia is machine readable.

35. The statement according to claim 34 wherein said indicia include bar code.

36. The statement according to claim 30 further including: a) an imprinting of an amount due on said instrument; b) a numerical imprinting of the amount due on said at least one label; and, c) an alphabetical imprinting of the amount due on said at least one label.

37. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said at least one label is substantially transparent.

38. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said adhesive coating allows said at least one label to be transferred from said statement and permanently adhered to said check.

39. The statement according to claim 30 wherein said at least one label further includes an imprinting of the payee's name.

40. A statement for use with a blank check having a front and back surface, said front surface having a plurality of indicia imprinted thereon, said plurality of indicia being imprinted in predetermined portions of said front surface of said check defining a date portion and a signature portion and further defining at least two separate label portions thereon, said statement comprised of: front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said information indicia corresponding to said plurality of indicia on said check, said front surface of said statement further including at least two separate label areas; at least two separate and different labels, each of said labels being essentially substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each of said back sides of said labels having an adhesive coating thereon, each of said front sides of said labels having printed indicia thereon, said printed indicia on each of said labels comprising alphabetical, numerical, or bar-code representations, said at least two labels being initially adhesively attached to said label areas of said front surface of said statement; and, wherein said date and signature portions provided on the front surface of said blank check are completed by a user, said at least two separate and different labels are removed from said statement by said user and each of said back sides of said labels are then permanently adhered within respective one of said separate and different label portions on said front surface of said blank check, said different printed indicia on said front sides of each of said at least two labels correlating with each other and providing essential indicia on said respective label portions of said check.

41. The statement according to claim 40 wherein each of said at least two labels is detachable from said at least two label portions of said statement.

42. The statement according to claim 40 wherein said adhesive on said back side of said at least two labels allow permanent adhesion of said labels to said label portions on said check.

43. The statement according to claim 40 wherein said at least two labels are substantially transparent.

44. The statement according to claim 40 further including: a) an imprinting of the amount due on said statement; b) a first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due and located in said label portion of said statement; c) a second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due and located in said label portion of said statement; d) a payee label having imprinted thereon the payee's name and located in said label portion of said statement; and, e) an user label having imprinted thereon an indicia of the user for being permanently adhered to a reference portion of said check and located in said label portion of said statement.

45. The statement according to claim 44 wherein said indicia on said user label is machine readable.

46. The statement according to claim 45 wherein said indicia includes bar code.

47. A billing statement for use with a negotiable instrument, said statement comprising: a) a printed portion; and, b) a label portion associated with said printed portion and having a plurality of labels detachably adhered to said label portion.

48. The billing statement according to claim 47 wherein said statement has a front and back surface, said front surface of said printed portion having an imprinting of information relative to a user of said statement, said front surface of said labels having an imprinting of selected information from said statement.

49. The billing statement according to claim 48 wherein each of said labels have an adhesive coating on its back side so as to allow permanent adhesion to a negotiable instrument.

50. The billing statement according to claim 48 wherein one of said labels has imprinted thereon an indicia of the user for being permanently adhered to a reference portion of said negotiable instrument.

51. The billing statement according to claim 50 wherein said indicia is machine readable.

52. The billing statement according to claim 51 wherein said indicia includes bar code.

53. The billing statement according to claim 48 wherein said detachable labels include a first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due and a second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due, said labels located in said label portion of said statement.

54. The billing statement according to claim 53 wherein said amount labels are substantially transparent.

55. The billing statement according to claim 48 wherein said detachable labels further include a payee label having imprinted thereon a name of a payee.

56. The billing statement according to claim 47 wherein said labels are substantially smaller than said negotiable instrument.

57. A billing statement having a means for completing a negotiable instrument, said billing statement comprising: a) a printed portion having an imprinting of information relative to a user of said statement; b) a coated portion; and, c) a plurality of labels, each of said labels having an adhesive on a first side thereof, said labels detachably attached to said coated portion, said adhesive being permanently attachable to an uncoated negotiable instrument, said labels having selected components of said information printed thereon.

58. The billing statement according to claim 57 wherein said labels are substantially transparent.

59. The billing statement according to claim 57 wherein said labels have a first and second side, said selected components of information imprinted on said second side of said labels.

60. The billing statement according to claim 59 wherein said labels include: a) a reference label identifying the user; b) a first amount label having numerical imprinting of the amount due; c) a second amount label having alphabetical imprinting of the amount due; and, d) a payee label having imprinted thereon a name of a payee.

61. The billing statement according to claim 60 wherein said labels are transferred from said billing statement to corresponding locations on said negotiable instrument and permanently attached thereon.

62. The billing statement according to claim 57 wherein said labels are substantially smaller than said negotiable instrument so as to allow their permanent adhesion to said negotiable instrument without either of said labels overlapping each other.

63. An point-of-sale apparatus designed to assist in check writing comprising: a) registering means for determining a tendered amount; b) a reel of adhesive label removably attached to a substrate, said adhesive label being permanently bondable to paper; and, c) printer means, in communication with said register means, for printing the tendered amount onto a first adhesive label portion of said tape.

64. The apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said printer means further prints a store's name onto a second adhesive label portion.

65. The apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said store's name is communicated by said registering means.

66. The apparatus according to claim 63 wherein said printer means further prints the tendered amount and the store's name onto a separate adhesive label portion.

67 The apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said printer means further prints a date onto a third removable label portion.

68. The apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said printer means includes a receptacle for holding said reel of adhesive label.

69. The apparatus according to claim 68 wherein said printer means includes means for creating serrations at selected locations in said adhesive label.

70. The apparatus according to claim 69 wherein said printer means is activated via a customer-activated switch.

71. The apparatus according to claim 64 wherein said first label portion includes a machine-readable representation of said amount due.

72. The apparatus according to claim 71 wherein said machine- readable representation includes a bar-code representation.

73. The apparatus according to claim 72 wherein the amount due ^• is printed in both machine-readable form and in human-readable form.

74. A system designed to assist in check writing at a point of sale, said system comprising: a) registering means for determining a tendered amount; b) an adhesive label being permanently bondable to paper; and, c) printer means, in communication with said register means, for printing onto a first adhesive label, the tendered amount.

75. The system according to claim 74 further including a second label being permanently bondable to paper and wherein said printer means further prints an indicia of a store's name onto said second label.

76. The system according to claim 75 further including a third label being permanently bondable to paper and wherein said printer means prints a date onto said third label.

77. The apparatus according to claim 75 further including another label being permanently bondable to paper and wherein said printer means further prints the tendered amount and said indicia of a store's name onto said separate label.

78. The system according to claim 75 wherein said store's name is communicated by said registering means.

79. The system according to claim 75 wherein said printer means includes a receptacle for holding a plurality of adhesive labels.

80. The apparatus according to claim 79 wherein said plurality of adhesive labels are in a reel arrangement.

81. The system according to claim 80 wherein said printer means includes means for creating serrations at selected locations during unwinding of said reel arrangement of adhesive label.

82. The system according to claim 75 wherein said printer means is activated via a customer activated switch.

83. The system according to claim 75 wherein said first label includes a machine-readable representation of said tendered amount.

84. The system according to claim 83 wherein said machine- readable representation includes a bar-code representation.

85. The system according to claim 83 the tendered amount is printed in both machine-readable form and in human-readable form.

86. A printer designed to assist in check writing at a point of sale, said printer being responsive to a computer and comprising: a) a printer housing having therein:

1) a plurality of adhesive labels being permanently bondable to paper, and,

2) a printer mechanism for printing onto a first adhesive label, a tendered amount; and, b) a communication means for comminuting data and instructions from said computer to said printer mechanism.

87. The printer according to claim 86 wherein said printer mechanism further prints an indicia of a store's name onto a second adhesive label.

88. The printer according to claim 87 wherein said printer mechanism prints an indicia of a date onto a third removable label.

89. The printer according to claim 86 wherein said printer mechanism further prints the tendered amount and said store's name onto a separate removable label.

90. The printer according to claim 86 wherein said adhesive labels are arranged in a reel-arrangement.

91. The printer according to claim 90 wherein said printer further includes means for creating serrations at selected locations in said reel-arrangement of adhesive labels.

92. The printer according to claim 86 wherein said printer mechanism is activatable via a customer-activated switch.

93. The printer according to claim 88 wherein said printer mechanism includes means for printing in machine-readable representation.

94. The printer according to claim 93 wherein said machine- readable representation includes a bar-code representation.

95. An accounting system comprising: a) a statement having front and back surfaces, said front surface of said statement having a plurality of information indicia imprinted thereon in predetermined areas, said information indicia corresponding to a plurality of indicia on a check, said front surface of said statement further including at least one separate label area, each label area detachably holding a corresponding label thereon, each label being essentially substantially smaller than said check and said statement and having front and back sides, each back side of said labels having an adhesive coating thereon, each of said front sides of said label having printed indicia thereon, said at least one label being initially adhesively attached to said label area of said front surface of said statement; b) a printer for printing selected information on said statement and said at least one label; c) a scanning apparatus for generating digital data from printed materials; and, d) control means, in communication with said printer and said scanning apparatus, for,

1) creating an accounting amount and data for a selected customer,

2) directing said printer to print onto said statement and said removable label selected portions of said accounting amount and data,

3) receiving from said scanning apparatus, digital data representative of information contained on said label having been permanently affixed to a customer's check by a customer, and, 4) adjusting said accounting amount and data based upon the digital data received from said scanning apparatus.

96. The accounting system according to claim 95 wherein selected portions of the printing on said label is in machine readable code.

97. The accounting system according to claim 96 wherein the machine readable code includes bar-code.

98. The accounting system according to claim 97 wherein said machine readable code is indicative of the selected customer and said accounting amount.

99. The accounting system according to claim 95 wherein said scanning apparatus is hand-held.

100. The accounting system according to claim 99 wherein said hand-held scanning apparatus includes a light-pen.

101. The accounting system according to claim 95 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for automatically feeding said customer's check past an optical reader such that said label on said check is exposed to said optical reader.

102. The accounting system according to claim 101 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a front portion of said customer's check, selected information from said label portion.

103. The accounting system according to claim 102 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a back portion of said customer's check, a preselected legend.

104. An accounting system comprising: a) a statement having a removable label thereon; b) a printer for printing selected information on said statement and said removable label; c) a scanning apparatus for generating digital data from printed materials; and, d) control means, in communication with said printer and said scanning apparatus, for,

1) creating an accounting amount and data for a selected customer,

3) receiving from said scanning apparatus, digital data representative of information contained on said label having been permanently affixed to a customer's check, and,

4) adjusting said accounting amount and data based upon the digital data received from said scanning apparatus.

105. The accounting system according to claim 104 wherein selected portions of the printing on said label is machine readable code.

106. The accounting system according to claim 105 wherein the machine readable code includes bar-code.

107. The accounting system according to claim 106 wherein said machine readable code is indicative of the selected customer and said accounting amount.

108. The accounting system according to claim 104 wherein said scanning apparatus is handheld.

109. The accounting system according to claim 108 wherein said handheld scanning apparatus includes a light-pen.

110. The accounting system according to claim 104 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for automatically feeding said customer's check past an optical reader such that said label on said check is exposed to said optical reader.

111. The accounting system according to claim 110 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a front portion of said customer's check, selected information from said label portion.

112. The accounting system according to claim 111 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a back portion of said customer's check, a preselected legend.

113. An data entry system for accounting comprising: a) a scanning apparatus for generating digital data from printed materials; and, b) control means, in communication with said scanning apparatus, for receiving from said scanning apparatus, digital data representative of information contained on an adhesive backed label having been removed from a statement by a customer and permanently adhered to a customer's check.

114. The data entry system according to claim 113 wherein selected portions of said label are in machine readable code.

115. The data entry system according to claim 114 wherein the machine readable code includes bar-code.

116. The data entry system according to claim 115 wherein said machine readable code is indicative of the selected customer and said accounting amount.

117. The data entry system according to claim 113 wherein said scanning apparatus is handheld.

118. The data entry system according to claim 117 wherein said handheld scanning apparatus includes a light-pen.

119. The data entry system according to claim 113 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for automatically feeding said customer's check past an optical reader such that said label on said check is exposed to said optical reader.

120. The data entry system according to claim 119 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a front portion of said customer's check, selected information from said label.

121. The data entry system according to claim 120 wherein said scanning apparatus includes means for printing onto a back portion of said customer's check, a preselected legend.

122. An statement generating system comprising: a) a statement having a removable label thereon; b) a printer for printing selected information on said statement and said removable label; c) control means in communication with said printer for,

1) creating an accounting amount and data for a selected customer, and, 2) directing said printer to print onto said statement and said removable label selected portions of said accounting amount and data.

123. The statement generating system according to claim 122 wherein selected portions of the printing on said label are in machine readable code.

124. The statement generating system according to claim 123 wherein the machine readable code includes bar-code.

125. The statement generating system according to claim 124 wherein said machine readable code is indicative of the selected customer and said accounting amount.