Digital Camera Check Deposit via Image Copying
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for electronic check presentment face challenges when depositors lack access to scanners or cannot configure their systems to communicate with banks, hindering the deposit of negotiable instruments like checks.
Innovation Solution
The use of a digital camera to capture and transmit digital images of negotiable instruments, with image processing techniques to correct distortions and extract information, allowing for deposit transactions via communication pathways to financial institutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a scanner is used to capture check images, then image quality is improved, but device availability and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the scanner (original imaging device) with a digital camera (copy/im substitute). The digital camera captures images of negotiable instruments and transmits them electronically, providing the same functional outcome (check image capture and transmission) while being more widely available and easier to operate.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical scanning system with an optical-digital system using a digital camera. Instead of physically scanning documents through a scanner, the system uses a digital camera to capture images and transmit them electronically, replacing mechanical document handling with digital imaging and transmission.
2Reliability
If complex system configuration is required for check deposit, then communication reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic image processing and validation without requiring user configuration. The digital camera captures the check image, and the system automatically processes the image, validates it against requirements, and transmits it to the financial institution, eliminating the need for users to configure complex communication settings.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary image processing and validation before transmission. By pre-processing the captured image (enhancement, validation, formatting) and pre-establishing communication protocols, the system ensures reliable transmission without requiring the user to configure anything at the time of deposit.
3Measurement precision
If physical checks are transported for clearing, then processing accuracy is improved, but loss of time and loss of substance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a digital copy of the physical check and uses this copy for all clearing operations. The digital image is transmitted electronically to the financial institution for processing, eliminating the need to physically transport the original check while maintaining processing accuracy through digital image analysis and validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical transportation system (physical check movement between locations) with an electronic transmission system. Digital images are transmitted instantly over communication networks, eliminating the time required for physical transport while maintaining processing accuracy through digital image processing techniques.
Data Source
AI summary
To deposit a negotiable instrument electronically, a digital image may be used. Systems and methods are described herein that facilitate the use of a digital camera to provide the digital image. A user may capture an image of a negotiable instrument to create a digital image. The digital image may be compressed and saved as a digital image file. The user may then transmit the digital image file to a financial institution, such as a bank, to deposit funds drawn from the account of the negotiable instrument into the user's account. A financial institution may receive digital image files created by a digital camera from account holders and process a deposit request using the digital image file.