Secure Check Capture Device with Automated Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current electronic check clearing machines are vulnerable to unauthorized access and theft, as unsupervised employees can steal physical checks after scanning, leading to potential forgery and diversion of funds.
Innovation Solution
A secure check capture device with a housing that includes a check scanner and a secure storage area, where scanned checks are electronically captured and securely stored, preventing unauthorized access through a key-lock mechanism and mounting bolts, and optionally interfaced with a personal computer for further processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If checks are returned to users after scanning, then users can retrieve their checks, but employees can steal physical checks for forgery or unauthorized deposit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the physical check from the user's possession after scanning by automatically depositing it into a secure storage compartment within the device. Only the scanned image data remains with the user, while the physical check is retained securely, preventing theft while maintaining operational convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary secure storage mechanism between the scanning process and check retrieval. The check is held in a locked compartment that requires authorization for access, serving as a mediator that prevents direct employee access while allowing legitimate operations to proceed.
2Reliability
If checks are securely stored in a locked compartment, then check theft is prevented, but employees cannot retrieve checks for legitimate processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authorization verification before allowing check retrieval. Employees must authenticate themselves through a card reader or biometric scanner before the compartment lock is disengaged, ensuring that only authorized personnel can access checks for legitimate processing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback through an authorization verification process that checks employee credentials before permitting check access. The locked compartment responds to authentication attempts by either engaging or disengaging the lock based on verification results, creating a controlled access feedback loop.
Data Source
AI summary
A check capture device is disclosed. The check capture device includes a housing including a secure check storage area. The check capture device further includes a check scanner configured to electronically capture information from one or more checks. The check capture device also includes control logic configured to route checks successfully scanned by the check scanner into the secure check storage area. A method of capturing check information is also disclosed.