Mobile Check Deposit Alignment Guide for Automated Image Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
The process of depositing checks remotely using digital images is hindered by the difficulty in efficiently and accurately capturing and extracting information from these images, particularly due to alignment issues and the need for manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
An alignment guide is provided within the camera's field of view on a mobile device to assist in capturing check images, which can be adjusted by the user, financial institution, or device, allowing for automatic or manual image capture once the check is properly aligned, facilitating easier processing and transmission to financial institutions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual alignment and capture methods are used, then flexibility and user control are maintained, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing the mobile device to automatically detect check alignment, trigger image capture, and transmit the image to the financial institution without requiring manual intervention at each step. The device serves itself by autonomously completing the deposit workflow.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the image capture parameters, alignment detection algorithms, and transmission protocols before the actual deposit process. The mobile device prepares the software object and alignment guide in advance, so that when a check needs to be deposited, the system is ready to execute immediately.
2Productivity
If automated image capture is implemented, then processing efficiency increases, but alignment precision requirements become more stringent
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the alignment status of the check image against the alignment guide and providing visual feedback to the user. The software object receives feedback from the camera about image quality and alignment, automatically adjusting capture parameters or prompting the user to reposition the check.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters by dynamically adjusting image capture settings such as resolution, exposure time, and focus based on the detected alignment status and lighting conditions. The software object modifies capture parameters in real-time to optimize image quality for automated processing.
3Extent of automation
If software objects are downloaded to mobile devices, then functionality and automation capability are enhanced, but device storage and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The software object is designed to be universal by implementing multiple functions within a single downloadable package: alignment guide display, image capture, image processing, and transmission to multiple financial institutions. This multi-functional approach reduces the need for separate applications for each deposit task.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies segmentation by dividing the deposit functionality into a modular software object that can be independently downloaded and executed. The software object is segmented from the mobile device's core operating system, allowing it to be updated, removed, or replaced without affecting other device functions.
Data Source
AI summary
An alignment guide may be provided in the field of view of a camera associated with a mobile device used to capture an image of a check. When the image of the check is within the alignment guide in the field of view, an image may be taken by the camera and provided from the mobile device to a financial institution. The alignment guide may be adjustable at the mobile device. The image capture may be performed automatically by the camera or the mobile device as soon as the image of the check is determined to be within the alignment guide. The check may be deposited in a user's bank account based on the image. Any technique for sending the image to the financial institution may be used.