Automated Check Date Validation Using OCR and Authorization Rules
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Financial institutions face difficulties in determining which checks should not be processed or require additional attention due to mismatched dates, such as pre or post-dated checks, or checks deposited before or after their expiration dates.
Innovation Solution
A computer-based system that receives an image of a check, applies optical character recognition to extract text data, identifies the check date, compares it to authorization parameters like posting dates, and determines the check's disposition, which can include expedited processing, holding, or requiring review.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual review of each check date is performed, then accuracy in identifying date-related issues is improved, but processing time and operational complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical review of check dates with an automated optical character recognition (OCR) system combined with image processing algorithms. The system automatically extracts date information from check images, converts it to text-based data, and compares it against authorization parameters, eliminating the need for manual inspection while maintaining high accuracy in identifying date-related issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service processing by automatically performing date extraction, validation, and disposition determination without human intervention. The check processing system independently identifies date-related issues, compares dates against authorization parameters, and determines appropriate dispositions, freeing operational staff from routine review tasks.
2Productivity
If automated processing of all checks is implemented, then processing speed and productivity are improved, but accuracy in detecting date-related issues may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs advanced optical character recognition (OCR) technology and image processing algorithms to automatically extract and validate date information from check images. This automated optical-mechanical system achieves high accuracy in detecting date-related issues while processing checks at high speed, eliminating the trade-off between automation speed and detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where extracted date data is automatically compared against authorization parameters and posting dates. The system provides feedback loops that validate extracted information, flag discrepancies, and determine dispositions based on predefined rules, ensuring high accuracy in automated date-related issue detection.
3Reliability
If comprehensive date validation and comparison processes are applied to all checks, then reliability in determining check disposition is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the check processing system into distinct functional modules: image reception, optical character recognition, text-based data conversion, date identification, parameter comparison, and disposition determination. This modular segmentation allows comprehensive date validation through multiple processing stages while managing system complexity through organized, reusable components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs universal authorization parameters and processing rules that can be applied across all check types and scenarios. By using multi-functional comparison logic that handles various date-related conditions (pre-dated checks, post-dated checks, expired checks, same-day deposits) through a unified framework, the system achieves high reliability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention relate to systems, methods, and computer program products for extracting check data and using the check data for determining a disposition of a check. The system, method, and computer program product are configured to: a) receive an image of a check; b) apply an optical character recognition process to at least a portion of the image of the check; c) convert one or more image portions of the at least a portion of the image to text based data based at least partially on the application; d) identify a date of the check based on the text based data obtained from the one or more image portions; e) compare the date of the check to one or more authorization parameters; and f) provide a disposition of the check based on the comparison of the date of the check to the one or more authorization parameters.