Automated payment system and method

Abstract

An automated payment system for processing payment by a customer to a company. The payment system includes a document scanning system which has an input receptacle adapted to accept a document. After receiving an authorization agreement from the customer, the scanner acquires at least one image from the document. Also provided is a first computer adapted to receive images from the document scanning system. Adapted to communicate information represented by the image, a first communication link couples the document scanning system and the first computer. The payment system also includes a second computer adapted to receive images which is in communication with the first computer via a second communication link. The second communication link is adapted to communicate images and payment information.

1 - 33 . (canceled) 
     
     
         34 . An automated payment system for processing payment of an invoice sent from a payee to a customer, wherein the customer has a bank account at a payor bank, the automated payment system comprising:
 a document processing system including:
 an input receptacle for receiving the invoice, 
 an image scanner configured to generate image data from the received invoice, the image data reproducible as a visually readable image of the invoice, 
 a transport mechanism configured to transport the invoice from the input receptacle and past the image scanner, and 
 at least one processor associated with the image scanner, the at least one processor configured to extract field information from the image data of the invoice, the field information including an amount due on the invoice; and 
   an interface coupled to the document processing system, the interface configured to transmit image data and extracted field information to a network, the transmitted image data and field information formatted for processing by a computer associated with a payor bank and for debiting of the customer bank account for the extracted amount due, the interface further configured to receive a confirmation from the network, the confirmation associated with the debiting of the customer bank account, wherein transmitting of image data and extracted field information to the network and receiving of the confirmation from the network occur substantially immediately after the extraction of field information from the image data.   
     
     
         35 . The automated payment system of  claim 34 , wherein the transmitting and the receiving occur in real time. 
     
     
         36 . The automated payment system of  claim 34 , wherein the interface is configured to transmit and receive to a network operating at least partially via microwave links.