Automated MICR Line Data Correction System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current check processing systems are hindered by defective Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line data, which often require human intervention for correction, leading to inefficiencies due to the need for manual assessment and replacement of defective data.

Innovation Solution

A system comprising a receiver device and a processor configured to capture, enhance, and distribute information from checks, using a look-up table to identify and correct defective MICR line data by correlating magnetic read and scanned image data, thereby automating the correction process without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If human intervention is used to correct defective MICR line data, then correction accuracy is improved, but processing speed and efficiency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrection accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-correction of defective MICR line data by automatically comparing scanned image data with magnetic read data and using look-up tables to identify and correct errors without human intervention, thereby maintaining accuracy while improving processing speed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical human assessment and correction process with an automated electronic system that uses data comparison algorithms and look-up tables to identify and correct defective MICR line data, eliminating manual labor while maintaining or improving correction accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If human assessment and replacement of defective MICR line data is performed, then data quality is improved, but time consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata qualityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary comparison and identification of defective data elements by comparing scanned image data with magnetic read data before final correction, using look-up tables to pre-identify potential errors, which accelerates the overall correction process while maintaining data quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The automated system independently assesses and replaces defective MICR line data by comparing multiple data sources and using look-up tables to identify corrections, eliminating the need for human assessment time while ensuring data quality through systematic verification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If automated correction systems are implemented, then processing efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a universal look-up table that can identify and correct multiple types of defective MICR line data elements (routing numbers, account numbers, check amounts) through a single automated process, improving processing efficiency across various defect types without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a look-up table as an intermediary component that stores pre-defined correction rules and data correspondences, allowing the automated system to efficiently identify and correct defects without requiring complex real-time decision-making logic, thereby improving processing efficiency while managing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution enables efficient and automated correction of MICR line data defects, reducing the need for human intervention and facilitating normal check processing by using captured and enhanced meta-data to replace defective data with accurate information.

Implementation Method 1

The electronic reading device may be sensitive to magnetic properties of magnetic ink used to print MICR line data on the face of the check

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic properties detection: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS8996476B2Correction of check processing defects

Publication Date: 2015.03.31 BANK OF AMERICA CORP

AI summary

Apparatus, methods and media for correcting a defective check processing datum. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve, a receiver that is configured to receive from memory a first transaction record. The transaction record may include Magnetic Ink Character Recognition (MICR) line data. The MICR line data may be electronically read from a check. The transaction record may include non-MICR data. The non-MICR data may be electronically read from the check. The apparatus may include, and the methods and media may involve, a processor that is configured to identify a defective datum among the MICR line data. The processor may identify a portion of the non-MICR data that corresponds to the defective datum. The processor may store in memory a second transaction record. The second transaction record may include corrected data that includes an element that is derived from the identified portion of the non-MICR data.