Adaptive Check Image Compression for Storage Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional check processing methods face challenges in efficiently storing and processing check images, leading to potential loss of information due to compression, especially when checks with dark backgrounds or light ink signatures are scanned at high resolution, resulting in storage space issues and difficulties in verifying transactions.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that capture check image data at a first compression rate, evaluate if information can be reproduced at a higher second compression rate, and store or process the data accordingly, ensuring that only reproducible information is used for electronic check processing, thereby preventing information loss and optimizing storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If check images are scanned at high resolution (8-bit, 256 gradation levels), then image quality and information completeness are improved, but storage space requirements and transmission time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of image compression rate by capturing check images at multiple compression rates (first compression rate and second compression rate greater than the first) and selectively storing or processing images based on whether information can be reproduced at the higher compression rate, thereby optimizing storage space while maintaining image quality where possible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by capturing images at a first compression rate and only capturing at the second (higher) compression rate when information reproduction is verified, rather than always capturing at maximum quality. This reduces overall storage requirements while ensuring sufficient image quality when needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Volume of stationary object

If check images are converted to binary (1-bit) image data to compress storage, then storage space requirements are reduced, but critical information such as check numbers, signatures, and background details may be lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage spaceVSAvoidinformation completeness

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback by evaluating whether information contained in the check can be reproduced by image data at the second compression rate before storing it. This feedback mechanism ensures that only images where critical information (check number, signature, amount, background) can be successfully reproduced are stored at the higher compression rate, preventing information loss while optimizing storage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary action by capturing check images at the first compression rate and evaluating information reproducibility before capturing at the second compression rate. This preliminary evaluation prevents unnecessary high-quality captures and ensures that only images needing preservation of critical information are processed at the higher compression rate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If check images are stored at the same number of gray levels used for scanning, then image quality is maintained, but storage capacity requirements balloon and transmission time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimage qualityVSAvoidtransmission speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter of image compression rate by capturing check images at multiple compression rates and selectively storing or processing images based on whether information can be reproduced at the higher compression rate, thereby optimizing storage space while maintaining image quality where possible

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS7584148B2Apparatus and method for processing a check, and a computer-readable recording medium storing a check processing control program

Publication Date: 2009.09.01 SEIKO EPSON CORP

AI summary

A check processing method involves capturing at a first compression rate certain portions of a received check, and evaluating, based on that captured image data, whether certain information of the check can be reproduced by image data at a second compression rate that is greater than the first compression rate. If so, then image data representing the subject portions of the check is captured at the second compression rate image data, stored, and used to electronically process a corresponding check payment transaction. If not, then a specific process is executed without using image data at the second compression rate. This processing step outputs a specific signal or stores image data containing representing the subject portions of the received check at the first compression rate. Such process may be embodied in a check processing apparatus and may be carried out in response to a program of instructions.