Remote Check Deposit via Fax Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Remote check deposit systems incur unnecessary overhead for smaller depositors due to the costs of check scanners, computers, and network access, as they are not economically viable for those receiving only a few checks per day/week.
Innovation Solution
A remote deposit system that uses a fax machine to transmit facsimile data of checks, constructs digitized images, gathers check data, and processes transactions via a telephone network, eliminating the need for specialized hardware and high-speed internet access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a remote check deposit system uses a check scanner and computer with network access, then check processing capability is improved, but overhead cost increases for smaller depositors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses facsimile copies of checks transmitted over telephone networks instead of requiring original check images via high-speed scanning. This copying approach allows smaller depositors to process checks using existing fax infrastructure, eliminating the need for expensive check scanners and high-speed internet access while maintaining check processing capability
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows a single fax machine to serve multiple functions: it can transmit check images, receive confirmations, and interface with the financial institution's processing system. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized hardware (check scanners, dedicated computers, network equipment) that would otherwise be required, reducing overhead costs for smaller depositors
2Speed
If a remote deposit system requires check scanner and computer equipment, then transaction processing speed is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential function of check image transmission from complex scanning systems and implements it through simple fax machines. By taking out only the necessary image transmission capability and implementing it through existing fax infrastructure, the system reduces device complexity while maintaining transaction processing speed
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical/optical check scanning systems with fax machine transmission over telephone networks. This substitution uses acoustic modulation and demodulation techniques to transmit check images, replacing complex mechanical scanning systems with simpler electronic fax transmission that achieves the same result with less complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Described is a method and system for a remote deposit system. The method comprises receiving facsimile data corresponding to facsimile of a plurality of checks, constructing digitized images of the checks as a function of the facsimile data, gathering check data from each of the digitized images, and processing the check data according to a check processing procedure to settle transactions referenced by each of the checks.