DESC:FORM 2

THE PATENTS ACT, 1970

(39 of 1970)

&

THE PATENT RULES, 2003

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION

[See Section 10 and Rule 13]

TITLE:

“CUSTOMER OPERABLE, INSTANT AND CUSTOMIZED CHEQUE BOOK PRINTING AND DISPENSING MACHINE”

APPLICANT:

MANIPAL TECHNOLOGIES LTD.
A company under Indian Companies Act, 1956 having address at
Press corner, Manipal-576104
Karnataka

PREAMBLE TO THE DESCRIPTION:

The following specification particularly describes the invention and the manner in which it is to be performed

FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to the customer operable, instant and customized cheque book printing and dispensing machine. More particularly, it relates to a compact cheque book printing and dispensing machine that allows a customer to choose number of leaflets and print customized information such as name, address etc and delivers it in the form of a booklet instantly.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Banks and financial institutes are proactive to improve quality of services and facilities they provide to the customers. The high tech facilities by automation in banking procedures are evidences to prove this fact. Financial transaction process is one of the main areas for improvement opted by the service providers i.e. banks and financial institutions. Cheque plays a vital role as it serve as a mode for such transaction. A cheque is a negotiable order instructing a financial institution to pay a specific amount of a specific currency from a specified transactional account held in the drawer's name with that institution.
The Customer to whom cheques are to be issued require data such as the name of payer, place of payment, name of drawer, place of drawing, clearing house, name of bank, name of bank branch, account number and the information alike are printed on cheques and these cheques are delivered to the customer in the number (leaflet size) the customer requires. The data printed on a cheque includes visually recognizable characters, numerals, symbols, figures or other information and other encoded machine recognizable data which consists of magnetic ink recognition characters, numerals, MICR symbols or symbols such as barcode.
The production of personalized cheques is very difficult task as banks and financial institutions do not carry more than one cheque book to hold in stock or customize print to order. Therefore, the bank sends the request for customized printing with personal details and number of leaflets required. The printing machine that adds the personalization details is manually operated and is error prone due to human intervention. Further, after printing the cheque book are sent to the marked addresses that pose other problems like misplacing and time.
Hence, a simple, economic and automatic cheque book printing machine including all necessary steps like printing, collating; stapling performing in a single device is required that can be operated by a user and instant cheque book can be printed and dispensed.
The prior art cited includes:
In WO2016097879 A1 the invention discloses an e-cheque issuing system for money transfer between a payer and a payee without using internet. The system includes user- end-system and processing system. The user-end-system comprises magnetic stripe or smart card, magnetic-stripe or smart card reader, transaction platform and e-cheque book system. The processing system comprises a cellular network, interconnected bank server and e-cheque processing server. The payer connects his card reader to a transaction platform, which is a smartphone or a smartphone integrated into ATM. A payer raises an e-cheque from transaction platform. The e-cheque is verified by the e-cheque processing server. Once the payee receives the e-cheque via SMS or offline, the e-cheque book system in his/her smartphone breaks and writes the code into the non-volatile memory of the payee's reader. The user is able to carry the code anywhere and make money transfers and payments with ease and without using internet connection; and
In US4552065 A This invention is concerned with the high speed printing of a line of text on a sheet in very accurate registration with an edge of the sheet or another feature (for example an existing print line) on the sheet. The sheet is fed without preregistration on to a track which passes the printing station. A detector adjacent the track senses the arrival of the edge or some other feature of the sheet and a printing control means responsive to the detector signal initiates the firing of the printing hammer when the print line reaches the printing station, a registered operation being thereby effected without stopping the sheet. The detector signal may start the operation of a counter and a firing signal is sent to the hammer control circuit when the count reaches a value dependent on the distance between the detector and the point at which the printing operation takes place and (unless the new print is to be in alignment with a detected print line) also dependent on the distance on the sheet between the edge or feature detected and the position at which the new print is to appear.
These inventions provide an alternative solution but the major problem is while collating and pinning of the cheque book leaflets. The present invention aims at alleviating this gap.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION
The primary object of the present invention is to provide a customer operable, instant and customized cheque book printing and dispensing machine.
Yet another object of the invention is to allow a user to input personal details for customization and choose number of leaflets to be printed.
Yet another object of the invention is to provide a machine that automatically executes printing the personal details on the stored leaflets; checking, collecting and collating the leaflets; stapling and applying the spine tape for assembling a cheque book; and dispensing the cheque book instantly on command physically or via remote connection.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is to provide a compact cheque book dispensing machine with less complex parts that shall occupy less space and shall be installed with low installation costs in preferred areas such as banks, ATM kiosk etc .
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cheque book dispensing machine to reduce manual activity at the backend process that leads to human error.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cheque book dispensing machine with accurate printing of visually recognizable characters and has no probability of printing errors.
Yet another object of the present invention is to provide a cheque book machine enabled with data security for maintaining the confidentiality of user specific data.
Yet another object of the preset invention is to provide an accurate method (hereinafter referred to as one stop operation) to minimize chances of data mismatch while printing and delivers cheque books instantly.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In the preferred embodiment, the present invention provides a customer operable, instant and customized cheque book or another security document printing and dispensing machine; allowing a user to input personal details and number of leaflets to be printed; printing the personal details on the stored leaflets; checking, collecting and collating the leaflets; stapling and applying the spine tape for cheque book compilation; and dispensing.
In yet another embodiment the customer operable, instant and customized cheque book printing and dispensing machine requires feeding the cheque leaf through the feeder assembly and storing it inside the machine for operation; wherein the cheque leafs are conveyed to the printer for customized cheque book printing.
The printing process is operated by means of application software containing user and/or bank specific information. The machine further provides automatic and manual provisions for printing. For both the modes, prior initialization of the machine is required for security purposes. Initialization process checks for the availability of cheque leaflets, matches the input to the information provided in the banking server and checks the working condition of different assembly present in the machine. After a successful initialization process, printing can be initiated either through admin mode i.e. Utilizing the bank authorization code in the form of dynamic password or any other code which shall allow a customer to amend details or user mode allowing printing of the cheque leaflets but with only with the name and addressed that is registered in the bank.
In an embodiment of the current invention the machine shall further be operated in Manual Print mode or auto print mode. In manual print mode the printing shall be initiated via a user by manually inputting details or retrieving details from a database. In Auto print mode, the automatic mode of printing shall be initiated when a user had already filed a printing request and has obtained a confirmation ID from the financial institution. After detection of a printing request, the user specific details to be printed like account number, check serial no, bank name and the information alike shall be filled automatically in their respective fields and automatic printing shall be initiated. The customer shall be able to remotely feed the confirmation ID or connect via other channels such as wifi, to deliver the command. In other form a bar code encoded conformation may also be scanned that is provided by the bank to initiate the process automatically.
In another embodiment of the current invention the method of operation of the machine (general operational procedure), comprises a prior initialization. After a successful initialization, the printing command/request is then provided that causes machine to initiate the printing process. Sheet career assembly is switched ON wherein sheets are counted. The sheets are counted depending upon the printing instructions provided to the machine by the customer Upon a successful counting process, the series of operational changes occur in the dispensing machine viz. activation of jogger assembly, gripper assembly, conveyer, etc. the cheque leaf moves through these assemblies during cheque book generation process. Finally, printed cheque leafs are sent to stapler mounting assembly for pinning purpose followed by labeling process, forming a cheque book. The spine tape is then applied to the cheque books in the final step of the cheque book generation process.
In another embodiment of the current invention the dispensing machine according to the present invention comprises functional assemblies to carry out all necessary operations involved in a typical cheque book generation process, like printing, collating, stapling, applying self adhesive tapes etc. These functional assemblies are located within the cheque book dispensing machine in such a way it results in creation of a finished cheque book via a single uninterrupted operation (hereinafter one-stop operation). One-stop operation may be referred to an operation that executes a single cheque book generation request, generates and delivers the finished cheque book at a time. The special arrangement of functional assemblies makes the machine so compact and user friendly, which also reduces manual contribution of the backend process in the banks and financial institutions.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A complete understanding of the system and method of the present invention may be obtained by reference to the following drawings:
FIG.1 is a schematic view of the instant cheque issuance machine in accordance with the present invention;
FIG.2 is an isometric view of the instant cheque issuance machine in accordance with the present invention;
FIG.3 is a sectional view of instant cheque book dispensing machine elucidating functional supporting assemblies;
FIG.4 is a top cross sectional view of cheque book dispensing machine according to one aspect of the present invention;
FIG.5 is a plan view of pulley shaft assembly according to another aspect of the present invention;
FIG.6 is a rear view of cheque book dispensing machine showing structural location of various other assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG.7 is a sequence operation diagram of the cheque book dispensing machine.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings in which a preferred embodiment of the invention is shown. This invention may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiment set forth herein. Rather, the embodiment is provided so that this disclosure will be thorough, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art.
In an embodiment of the present invention the customer operable, instant and customized cheque book printing and dispensing method comprising: performing initialization; allowing a user to input personal details and number of leaflets to be printed; printing the personal details on the stored leaflets; checking, collecting and collating the leaflets; stapling and applying the spine tape for cheque book compilation; and dispensing the finished cheque book; wherein: initialization checks the availability of cheque leaflets, matches the input to the information provided in the banking server and checks the working condition of different assembly present in the machine; the cheque leafs are conveyed to the printer for customized cheque book printing; feeding the cheque leaf through the feeder assembly and storing it inside the machine for operation; utilizing the bank authorization code in the form of dynamic password or any other code which shall allow a customer to amend details or user mode allowing printing of the cheque leaflets but with only with the name and addressed that is registered in the bank; detection of a printing request, the user specific details to be printed like account number, check serial no, bank name and the information alike shall be filled automatically in their respective fields and automatic printing shall be initiated; remotely feeding the confirmation ID or connect via other channels such as wi-fi, to deliver the command or a bar code encoded conformation may also be scanned that is provided by the bank to initiate the process automatically; and the cheque leafs are conveyed to the printer for customized cheque book printing.
In an embodiment of the present invention the a customer operable, instant and customized cheque book or another security document printing and dispensing machine comprising: a control panel; a printing, collating, stapling assembly; a guide rod assembly; a roller assembly; a labeling roller assembly; a tensioner pulley assembly, a bottom jogger; and a sheet carrier; wherein: the printing, collating, stapling assembly further comprising of a sheet carrier gripper mounting assembly, a stapler mounting assembly, a bottom jogger assembly, a gripper assembly, spine tape labeling unit and a printer; the bottom jogger assembly for shaking the stacks of the cheque to eliminate sticking of the cheque leaflets and obviate miscounting; the sheet carrier gripper mounting assembly providing arm like gripper for proper gripping and alignment and of the cheque leaflets; the stapler mounting assembly to mount and operate a stapler for stapling cheque leaflets into a booklet; and the spine labeling unit to affix label on the spine of the cheque booklet.
As shown in Fig.1, a schematic view of the Instant cheque issuance machine is illustrated with the housing. The machine 100 shows a touch sensitive input unit 101 with an electronic display that is required to input the customization details or bank log-in details and a top sliding unit 301. The number of leaves is also selected by the user with the customization details. Further, the machine has a communication module to connect with the bank servers to authenticate the user data or the log-in details, a processing module to co-ordinate different functions such as Printing, collating, stapling unit, spine tape labeling, and delivery chute 102; and further a memory module to keep record of the various issuance.
As shown in Fig.2, top view of the instant cheque issuance machine in accordance with the present invention is illustrated. The machine 100 comprises of Printing unit 201; collating unit 202; stapling unit 203; spine tape labeling unit 204; and delivery extension chute 205.
The pre-fed cheque leaves, inserts and cover sheets are stored in the specific trays of the printing unit 201 and upon receipt of command the same are recalled from the respective trays, personalized and accumulated at the collating unit 202. Upon completion of collation the sets are transferred to stapling unit 203, and thereafter transferred to the spine tape labeling unit 204 which applies adhesive and label to the spine of the book and drops the finished book for the delivery extension chute 205.
As shown in Fig.3, a sectional view of instant cheque book dispensing machine elucidating functional supporting assemblies is illustrated. The section comprises a Gripper mounting assembly 302, a Stapler mounting assembly 303, a Bottom jogger assembly 304, a Gripper assembly 305, a Tensioner assembly 306, and Tie rod assemblies 307, 308.
As shown in Fig.4, a top cross sectional view of cheque book dispensing machine according to one aspect of the present invention is illustrated. The section comprises a pusher assembly 310, a bearing assembly 311, a book support guide 206, a feeder assembly 312, a gripper mounting assembly 302, a structural assembly 313, a jogger assembly 314, a sheet guide assembly 315, a tension block assembly 316, a pinning machine 207, a top bearing housing assembly 317, a labeling assembly 318, and a paper setter 208.
As shown in Fig.5, a plan view of pulley shaft assembly 309 according to another aspect of the present invention is illustrated.
As shown in Fig.6, a schematic view of cheque book dispensing machine showing structural location of various other assemblies according to an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The section comprises a control panel 401, a printer 402, a guide rod assembly 319, a roller assembly 320, a labeling roller assembly 321, a tensioner pulley assembly 322, a bottom jogger 304, and a sheet carrier 209.
As shown in Fig.7, a sequence operation diagram of the cheque book dispensing machine is illustrated. The operation of the machine is comprises with following steps:
Before switching ON the Machine Feed the Cover Pages to Multi-Purpose tray, Cheque Leaves to Tray 1, and Requisition Slips to Tray 2 of the printer.
Switch ON the Power Supply, cheque network cable is connected.
Release the Emergency STOP Button if it is pressed.
Double Click on the Icon on desktop and enter the password and select the Format of cheque as required.
Once click on “Print” Button, Feeder Motor & Belt Conveyor will start running.
As per the Database Sequence Cheque leaves will be printed.
For Each leaf Collating will be done using 3 set of Joggers.
After Completion of Sequence, the Feeder Motor & Belt Conveyor will be stopped.
Transport Motor will Move till the gripping position, gripper will hold the book and transport will start moving to the pinning position.
Pinning will be done.
Transport will move to pusher position.
Gripper will release the Book and transport will move back to Home Position.
Pusher will start and will move the book to Labeling unit.
Labeling will be done and Book will deliver.
If AUTO MODE is Selected Next Book Printing will be Start Automatically.
If MANUAL MODE is selected User need to give Print Command to Print the Next Book.
Thus, by introducing a simple, economic and automatic cheque book printing machine fulfill all necessary steps like printing, collating; stapling performing in a single device that can be operated by a user and instant cheque book can be printed and dispensed. Further, this automatic cheque printing machine manually or remotely adjust document characteristics instantly on the cheque leaf left and hence reduces the likelihood of printing error due to printing process variations, such as, for example, variations in paper length, registration errors, paper handling variation, etc.
As will be appreciated by one with ordinary skill in the art, the machine and assemblies described in FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, and 6 may represent one or more of any number of processing unit or assemblies. As such, various steps or functions illustrated may be performed in the sequence illustrated, in parallel, or in some cases omitted. Likewise, the order of processing is not necessarily required to achieve the objects, features, and advantages described herein, but are provided for ease of illustration and description. Although not explicitly illustrated, one with ordinary skill in the art will recognize that one or more of the illustrated steps, methods, or functions may be repeatedly performed depending on the particular strategy being used.
As those with ordinary skill in the art will understand, various components of the assemblies illustrated and described with reference to any one of the Figures may be combined with components illustrated in one or more other Figures to produce alternative assemblies that are not explicitly illustrated and described. The combinations of components illustrated provide representative examples for typical applications. However, various combinations and modifications of the components consistent with the teachings of the present disclosure may be desired for particular applications or implementations. Those with ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the teachings of the present disclosure may be applied to other applications or implementations. ,CLAIMS:CLAIM

We claim:

1. A customer operable, instant and customized cheque book printing and dispensing method comprising:
performing initialization;
allowing a user to input personal details and number of leaflets to be printed;
printing the personal details on the stored leaflets;
checking, collecting and collating the leaflets;
stapling and applying the spine tape for cheque book compilation; and
dispensing the finished cheque book;
wherein:
initialization checks the availability of cheque leaflets, matches the input to the information provided in the banking server and checks the working condition of different assembly present in the machine;
the cheque leafs are conveyed to the printer for customized cheque book printing;
feeding the cheque leaf through the feeder assembly and storing it inside the machine for operation;
utilizing the bank authorization code in the form of dynamic password or any other code which shall allow a customer to amend details or user mode allowing printing of the cheque leaflets but with only with the name and addressed that is registered in the bank;
detection of a printing request, the user specific details to be printed like account number, check serial no, bank name and the information alike shall be filled automatically in their respective fields and automatic printing shall be initiated;
remotely feeding the confirmation ID or connect via other channels such as wifi, to deliver the command or a bar code encoded conformation may also be scanned that is provided by the bank to initiate the process automatically; and
the cheque leafs are conveyed to the printer for customized cheque book printing.
2. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the printing process is operated by means of application software containing user and/or bank specific information.
3. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the machine further provides automatic and manual provisions for printing.
4. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein for both the modes, prior initialization of the machine is required for security purposes.
5. The method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the sheets are counted depending upon the printing instructions provided to the machine by the customer.
6. A customer operable, instant and customized cheque book or another security document printing and dispensing machine comprising:
a control panel;
a printing, collating, stapling assembly;
a guide rod assembly;
a roller assembly;
a labeling roller assembly;
a tensioner pulley assembly,
a bottom jogger; and
a sheet carrier;
wherein:
the printing, collating, stapling assembly further comprising of a sheet carrier gripper mounting assembly, a stapler mounting assembly, a bottom jogger assembly, a gripper assembly, spine tape labeling unit and a printer;
the bottom jogger assembly for shaking the stacks of the cheque to eliminate sticking of the cheque leaflets and obviate miscounting;
the sheet carrier gripper mounting assembly providing arm like gripper for proper gripping and alignment and of the cheque leaflets;
the stapler mounting assembly to mount and operate a stapler for stapling cheque leaflets into a booklet; and
the spine labeling unit to affix label on the spine of the cheque booklet.