Infrared Illumination for Check Field Location in Self-Service Depositors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Image-based self-service check depositing terminals face difficulties in recognizing check data due to scenic background printing and handwritten signatures, which reduces the acceptance rate of check deposits.

Innovation Solution

The method involves illuminating checks with infrared radiation to enhance contrast between pre-printed characters and non-pre-printed data, allowing for improved location of check fields by capturing infrared images, which are then analyzed to facilitate better OCR reading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If scenic background printing is used on checks, then check design flexibility and aesthetics are improved, but OCR reading accuracy deteriorates due to blending with check data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecheck design flexibilityVSAvoidOCR reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the check image processing into two distinct parts: infrared imaging to capture pre-printed characters and visible light imaging to capture handwritten data. This segmentation allows the system to process different types of information separately, eliminating the interference between scenic background printing and check data that plagues conventional single-mode imaging systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary infrared imaging step that captures pre-printed characters before they are combined with visible light images containing handwritten data. This intermediary process allows the system to extract and process pre-printed field information separately, preventing it from interfering with the recognition of handwritten check data in the final composite image.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If handwritten signatures are allowed on checks, then customer convenience and authenticity are improved, but OCR reading accuracy deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomer convenienceVSAvoidOCR reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the imaging process into infrared and visible light modes, where handwritten signatures and other handwritten data are captured in the visible light images. This segmentation allows the system to handle handwritten information separately from pre-printed characters, maintaining the ability to process checks with handwritten signatures while preserving OCR accuracy for machine-readable fields.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If conventional visible light imaging is used, then the system is simple and cost-effective, but check field location accuracy deteriorates due to low contrast between pre-printed characters and background

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidcheck field location accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the imaging parameter from visible light to infrared radiation for capturing pre-printed characters. This parameter change exploits the different optical properties of pre-printed ink, which absorbs infrared radiation and appears dark against a bright background, creating high contrast that dramatically improves the accuracy of check field location while maintaining system effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach improves the accuracy and efficiency of check data reading, enhancing the acceptance rate of check deposits by clearly distinguishing pre-printed characters from background and handwritten information.

Implementation Method 1

an infrared illuminator positioned to illuminate the check with infrared radiation

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared radiation: Infrared Radiation

Implementation Method 2

pre-printed characters on the check...with infrared radiation to improve contrast between pre-printed characters on the check

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption (EM radiation): Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentUS8300915B2Methods of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal to improve locating a pre-defined check field and an apparatus therefor

Publication Date: 2012.10.30 NCR ATLEOS CORP

AI summary

A method is provided of operating an image-based self-service check depositing terminal. The method comprises receiving from a self-service depositor a check to be deposited, illuminating the check with infrared radiation to improve contrast between pre-printed characters on the check and non-pre-printed check data on the check, and electronically on an imager capturing an image of the check while the check is illuminated with infrared radiation to provide a captured infrared check image with improved contrast between at least one pre-printed character on the check and non-pre-printed check data on the check so as to allow location of a check field associated with the check to be more easily located.