Check Deposit Terminal Duplicate Detection via Web Service
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a potential for check fraud and errors due to the possibility of duplicate check deposits when checks are scanned at remote locations, such as ATMs, as existing systems lack effective real-time duplicate detection mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An image-based self-service check depositing terminal system that captures check image data and transmits it to a web-based service provider via a communications network to verify if the check is a duplicate, using a hashing algorithm to determine if the check has been previously deposited, allowing for real-time detection and prevention of duplicate deposits.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If checks are scanned at remote locations like ATMs, then convenience and accessibility of check depositing is improved, but the risk of duplicate check deposits and fraud increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary duplicate detection by capturing check image data and transmitting it to a web service provider before the deposit is finalized. The web service provider compares the check image against previously deposited checks and returns a verification message indicating whether the check is a duplicate, preventing fraudulent deposits before they occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback mechanism where the ATM receives a verification message from the web service provider indicating whether the deposited check is a duplicate. This feedback allows the system to immediately alert the customer and prevent the deposit transaction if a duplicate is detected, creating a closed-loop control system that actively prevents fraud.
2Reliability
If real-time duplicate detection is implemented, then fraud prevention capability is improved, but system complexity and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web service provider as an intermediary between the ATM and the duplicate detection database. The ATM captures check image data and transmits it via a communications network to the web service provider, which performs the duplicate detection and returns a verification message. This intermediary approach distributes system complexity across multiple components rather than concentrating it in a single device.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses optical copying by capturing the check as an image rather than requiring physical handling or complex mechanical scanning. The check image data is then transmitted electronically for comparison, replacing physical check verification with digital image processing and comparison algorithms.
3Measurement precision
If check images are transmitted to a web service provider for verification, then duplicate detection accuracy is improved, but communication network dependency and transmission time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The duplicate detection process operates continuously and asynchronously. While the check image is being transmitted and verified, the customer can continue with other tasks at the ATM. The system does not require the customer to wait idle for verification, as the process runs in the background and the ATM can prepare the next transaction or provide other services during the verification interval.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal when a customer at the terminal is conducting a check deposit transaction. A check to be deposited is received from the customer. An image capture device electronically captures check image data which is representative of an image of the check. The check image data is electronically transmitted via a first communications network to a web service provider to allow the web service provider to determine if the check being deposited is a duplicate check. A verification message is received from the web-based service provider indicating that the check being deposited is either a duplicate check or not a duplicate check. The check image data is transmitted via a second communications network to a consolidation server when the verification message indicates that the check being deposited in not a duplicate check.