Mobile Check Ordering via Image Capture and Automated Data Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional method of ordering checks is time-consuming and error-prone, requiring manual data entry of bank and account information.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device-based system that captures an image of a check using a camera, analyzes it to extract account information, and submits an order to a check ordering service via a mobile network, minimizing user input and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual data entry is used to order checks, then user control and verification are improved, but time consumption and error rates increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system captures an image of the check using a camera and creates a digital copy, then extracts account information from this copy. This eliminates manual data entry while maintaining accuracy, as the information is automatically transferred from the check image to the ordering system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of manual data entry with an automated image processing system. The mobile device's camera and processor automatically capture and extract information from the check image, substituting human manual input with automated optical recognition and data extraction.
2Productivity
If automated image analysis is used to extract account information, then data entry time is reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile device performs multiple functions: it captures the check image with the camera, processes and extracts information using the processor, stores data in memory, and communicates with the check ordering service. This multi-functionality consolidates the system complexity into a single ubiquitous device rather than requiring separate specialized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device's processor automatically analyzes the check image and extracts account information without requiring external processing equipment. The system serves itself by using the device's own computational resources to perform image analysis and data extraction, eliminating the need for additional complex external systems.
3Ease of operation
If camera-based image capture is used, then manual input is minimized and errors reduced, but device requirements and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention leverages the multi-functionality of modern mobile devices, which already possess cameras, processors, memory, and communication capabilities. By utilizing these existing components for check ordering, the system achieves ease of operation without adding significant complexity, as the device is already designed to perform these functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A method to order a set of paper checks using a mobile device, including obtaining, using the mobile device, an image of a check, analyzing, using a computer processor of the mobile device and based on a pre-determined check template, the image to generate account information of the check, wherein the account information relates to a checking account of an account holder at a financial institution issuing the check, and wherein the account information comprises a checking account number, a name of the account holder, and an address of the account holder, searching, using the computer processor, a database to identify a check ordering service based on the account number and the address of the account holder, and submitting to the check ordering service, using the mobile device, an order of the set of paper checks for the account holder based on the account information of the account holder.