Check Image Thumbnail Generation for Storage Optimization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Financial institutions face challenges in efficiently capturing, processing, and storing high-resolution images of financial documents due to storage space constraints and regulatory requirements for maintaining images at high resolution for extended periods.

Innovation Solution

The system generates a thumbnail version of the check image at a lower resolution, stores it for a longer period, and deletes the high-resolution image after 90 days, while allowing retrieval and recreation of the original image from stored check information, thereby optimizing storage space and compliance with regulations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If high-resolution images of checks are stored for extended periods to meet regulatory requirements, then compliance with regulations is improved, but storage space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the image storage strategy by creating two distinct versions: a high-resolution original image stored for a limited period (90 days) to meet immediate regulatory requirements, and a low-resolution thumbnail image stored indefinitely in an archive to maintain long-term compliance. This segmentation allows the system to satisfy regulatory needs without requiring unlimited storage space for high-resolution images.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies parameter changes by transforming the image from high-resolution to low-resolution for long-term storage. The thumbnail version has reduced resolution parameters compared to the original, enabling the system to maintain regulatory compliance for extended periods while significantly reducing storage space requirements. The system changes the quality parameter of the image based on storage duration needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If high-resolution images are stored for at least 90 days to meet regulatory requirements, then compliance is improved, but storage cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidstorage cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a copy of the high-resolution image at lower resolution (the thumbnail) for long-term storage. This copy preserves the essential check information needed for regulatory compliance while requiring significantly less storage space and cost. The thumbnail acts as a cost-effective surrogate for the expensive high-resolution original after the 90-day retention period.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The system discards the high-resolution image after 90 days by deleting it from active storage, while recovering its essential information through the permanently stored low-resolution thumbnail. This approach eliminates the need to continue paying for high-resolution storage while maintaining compliance through the archived thumbnail version.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Productivity

If thumbnail versions are stored for longer periods to reduce storage costs, then storage efficiency is improved, but image quality decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoidimage quality

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic storage strategy where image quality is adjusted based on retention needs. High-resolution images are maintained dynamically during the 90-day active period when full quality is required for processing and immediate compliance. After this period, the system transitions to storing low-resolution thumbnails dynamically, optimizing storage efficiency while maintaining sufficient quality for long-term regulatory archiving.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Productivity

If images are processed and stored immediately to enhance efficiency, then processing speed is improved, but storage space consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidstorage space

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by immediately generating and storing the low-resolution thumbnail version of the check image upon receipt, while also storing the high-resolution original for 90 days. This preliminary creation of the thumbnail enables long-term storage optimization from the outset, preventing future storage space constraints without delaying the processing efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS9087389B2Reducing image size at point of capture

Publication Date: 2015.07.21 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Embodiments of the invention are directed to systems, methods, and computer program products for capturing, processing, storing, and generating images of a check. In some embodiments, a system is configured to: receive an image of a check; generate a thumbnail version of the image, wherein the thumbnail version of the image is generated immediately after receiving the image; link the image with the thumbnail version of the image; store the image and the thumbnail version of the image, wherein the thumbnail version of the image is stored for a longer period of time than the image.