Epson TM-U950 - MICR Board Operating Principle (on Printers with a MICR Reader) (Not Available for the TM-U950 P)

Rev. A Mechanism Configuration and Operating Principles 2-49
TM-U950/U950P Technical Manual
MICR Board Operating Principle (on printers with an MICR reader) (not available
for the TM-U950P)
Operating principle of the MICR reader
“MICR” stands for “Magnetic Ink Character Recognition”. Magnetic ink is different from ink
normally used for printing in that it contains magnetic particles such as iron filings which
magnetize the ink.
When a magnetic field is applied from a certain direction to the magnetic ink characters printed
on check paper, the characters are magnetized, as shown in the diagram below. (The term
“magnetic ink” is used in this manual, but in actuality, the characters are read by sending
current to a magnetic reading head and forming a magnet.)
Characters magnetized in this way are read by the magnetic reading head, and character
recognition is carried out.
Figure 2-63. Magnetization of the Magnetic Ink Characters.
Figure 2-64. Operation of the Magnetic Reading Head
CONFIDENTIAL