Electronic Check

Abstract

An electronic check that is created by a secure electronic transmission which can be printed as a paper check by the payee. The electronic check is created by a software program that makes a digital image of the check, securely encrypts the digital image and transmits the digital image to the payee. The payee then uses special software to decrypt the transmitted check image, which is then capable of being printed as a paper check by the payee. The payee can deposit the paper check to the bank. Optionally, the payee can electronically transmit the check image to the payee's bank.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 039,322 filed 19 Jan. 2005 and now U.S. Pat. No. 7,113,925 dated 26 Sep. 2006 and which is incorporated herein by reference.FIELD OF INVENTION [0002] The invention relates generally to an electronic check and more particularly to a method and system for the creation of an electronic check image by a payor through use of software, the encryption and secure transmission of the electronic check image and the receipt, decryption and printing by the payee of the electronic check. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] With the digital revolution and subsequent advent of the world wide web, digitized information can now almost instantaneously be transmitted from one party to another. Consequently, several payment and money transfer mechanisms have evolved around the internet. [0004] Typical payment methods require the payor or payee to exchange sensitive information. For example, some payment meth...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

One such disadvantage is that the sensitive information disclosed by the payee could be used fraudulently by an unauthorized party.

Another disadvantage requires the involvement of third-party entities that not only route electronic transaction data (for example using payment gateways) but also charge additional fees for their involvement.

Additional special equipment and handling adds further to the total expense.

Providing such information raises privacy concerns.

Wire transfers and the exchange of sensitive information over the internet are prone to digital fraud wherein data is hijacked during transmission by a third-party.

Many large companies do not permit wire transfers for security reasons.

Though not very prevalent, this mechanism does not usually have any protection against fraud.

The biggest disadvantage in the existing electronic methods in comparison to traditional paper checks is that the payor and payee need to be able to contact each other prior to making the transaction.

It is estimated that a check is typically handled on average 19 times, increasing the opportunity for errors.

Nor do the methods or systems teach of an electronic check that is created by a software program that makes a digital image of the check, securely encrypts the digital image and transmits the digital image to a payee.

Additionally, physical paper transmissions sent through public delivery mechanisms are prone to delays and uncertainties arising due to carrier delays or errors.

Images