Serialized system for image replacement documents

Abstract

An improved process for clearing bank checks. Paper bank checks are digitized, and the paper checks are placed into storage. The digitized versions are used in the check-clearing process. When paper versions of the checks are required, as when a check is needed for evidence in a lawsuit, a paper version is printed from the corresponding digitized version, each paper version bearing a unique serial number, wherein no two serial numbers are alike. At that time, selected data from the printed check is stored in a database. A recipient of the printed check is allowed access to the database, to verify authenticity of the printed check.

1 - 16 . (canceled)  
   
   
       17 . A method of processing a paper bank check in which the paper check is digitized and the digitized check is transferred for clearing, the method comprising: 
 transferring a printed IRD version of the digitized check if returned for insufficient funds, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    providing access to the database to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       18 . A method according to  claim 17 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.  
   
   
       19 . A method of processing a paper bank check in which the paper check is digitized and the digitized check is transferred for clearing, the method comprising: 
 receiving a printed IRD version of the digitized check if returned for insufficient funds, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    receiving access to the database to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       20 . A method according to  claim 19 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.  
   
   
       21 . A method of processing a paper bank check, the method comprising: 
 having the check digitized;    having the digitized check presented to its drawee bank for clearing;    having a printed IRD version of the digitized check if returned for insufficient funds, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    having access to the database for the recipient of the IRD version to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       22 . A method according to  claim 21 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.  
   
   
       23 . A method of processing a paper bank check in which the paper check is digitized and the digitized check is transferred for clearing, the method comprising: 
 transferring a printed IRD version of the digitized check with a statement from a drawee bank, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    providing access to the database to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       24 . A method according to  claim 23 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.  
   
   
       25 . A method of processing a paper bank check in which the paper check is digitized and the digitized check is transferred for clearing, the method comprising: 
 receiving a printed IRD version of the digitized check with a statement from a drawee bank, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    receiving access to the database to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       26 . A method according to  claim 25 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.  
   
   
       27 . A method of processing a paper bank check, the method comprising: 
 having the check digitized;    having the digitized check presented to its drawee bank for clearing;    having a printed IRD version of the digitized check with a statement from the bank, the IRD version being verifiable by access to a database; and    having access to the database for the recipient of the IRD version to allow the IRD version to be verified.    
   
   
       28 . A method according to  claim 27 , wherein the IRD version bears a serial number by which other information on the check may be retrieved from the database.