US5890141A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Check alteration detection system and method
Assignee: Bank of America Corp
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Filing: 1996-01-18
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Granted: 1999-03-30
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Expires: 2016-01-18
Abstract
Abstract A system and method for detecting and thus preventing check fraud utilizing a digital computer with image capture and interpretation systems. The system converts the payee information, issue date and the MICR line information (account number, check number and dollar amount) to a check digit which is then placed into the MICR line of a check, printed on its face or transmitted via the paid issuance file to the drawee bank. The drawee bank, upon presentment utilizes a transformation algorithm to convert the printed payee information and issue date on the check into a numerical value that is combined with MICR line information and a check digit is calculated based upon pre-agreed logic. This unique data processing system quickly confirms properly presented checks while effectively precludes payee and other alterations in a cost effective manner.
Inventors
- 👤 James F. Carney
- 👤 Craig W. Ponsonby, Jr.
- 👤 Anthony F. Brady
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-03 14:35
CPC Classifications
G; G07; G07F; G07F7/00; G07F7/08; G06; G06Q; G06Q20/00; G06Q20/04; G06Q20/042; G06Q40/00; G06Q40/02; G07F7/12; G07F7/125
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 18
Claim 1
Independent Claim
169 words
In combination in a system for determining whether check information printed on the face of a check has been modified comprising: a first computer means for printing check information on the face of a check, including means for converting said printed check information to a first digital value; a second computer means for capturing and processing said printed check information, including scanning means for capturing said printed check information from the face of said check and means for converting the captured printed check information to a second digital value; means for conveying in a MICR line or paid issuance file said first digital value to said second computer means; and said second computer means further comprising a comparison routine for comparing said first digital value to said second digital value to discern a match therebetween, wherein said second computer means further comprises means for iteratively evaluating one or more field position for which more than one value may exist to determine if a changed value will produce a match.
Claim 2
Dependent Claim
169 words
In combination in a system for determining whether check information printed on the face of a check has been modified comprising: a first computer means for printing check information on the face of a check, including means for converting said printed check information to a first digital value; a second computer means for capturing and processing said printed check information, including scanning means for capturing said printed check information from the face of said check and means for converting the captured printed check information to a second digital value; means for conveying in a MICR line or paid issuance file said first digital value to said second computer means; and said second computer means further comprising a comparison routine for comparing said first digital value to said second digital value to discern a match therebetween, wherein said second computer means further comprises means for iteratively evaluating one or more field position for which more than one value may exist to determine if a changed value will produce a match.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 1 wherein the means for converting the printed check information to a first digital value comprises a predetermined algorithm selected from a set of at least one algorithm; and the means for converting said captured printed check information to a second digital value comprises said predetermined algorithm.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
29 words
The system of claim 2 wherein the printed check information comprises information selected from the group consisting of payee name, check number, check amount, issue date and account number.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
49 words
The system of claim 3 wherein the printed check information includes the payee name, and the predetermined algorithm includes a step for transforming said payee name to a numerical value, said numerical value being used in the predetermined algorithm to convert the printed check information to a digital value.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
51 words
The system of claim 4 wherein each of said at least one algorithm of said set of algorithms is assigned an identifying number, and said means for conveying comprises means for conveying an identifying number corresponding to said predetermined algorithm along with said first digital value to said second computer means.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
23 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said means for conveying comprises placing said first digital value in the MICR code of the check.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
22 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said means for conveying comprises placing said first digital value on the face of the check.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
21 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said means for conveying comprises placing said first digital value in a paid issuance file.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim
14 words
The system of claim 1 wherein said scanning means includes digital image processing techniques.
Claim 11
Dependent Claim
153 words
A banking fraud prevention process using a digital computer and utilized to prevent the submission for payment of checks having information printed on the face of the check altered, comprising the steps of: converting the printed check information to a first digital value via a predetermined but not publicly known algorithm; receiving a presented check having said printed check information printed thereon; converting the presented check information to a second digital value via said predetermined algorithm; comparing said first digital value and said second digital value to determine whether a match exists; and when a match does not exist, reconverting said presented check information to a third digital value by iteratively evaluating one or more field positions for which more than one value may exist and using an alternate value to determine said digital third value and comparing said third digital value to said first digital value to determine whether a match exists.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
153 words
A banking fraud prevention process using a digital computer and utilized to prevent the submission for payment of checks having information printed on the face of the check altered, comprising the steps of: converting the printed check information to a first digital value via a predetermined but not publicly known algorithm; receiving a presented check having said printed check information printed thereon; converting the presented check information to a second digital value via said predetermined algorithm; comparing said first digital value and said second digital value to determine whether a match exists; and when a match does not exist, reconverting said presented check information to a third digital value by iteratively evaluating one or more field positions for which more than one value may exist and using an alternate value to determine said digital third value and comparing said third digital value to said first digital value to determine whether a match exists.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
30 words
The method of claim 10 wherein the printed check information includes information selected from the group consisting of the payee name, account number, check amount, issue date and check number.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
45 words
The method of claim 11 wherein the printed check information includes the payee name, and the step of converting said presented printed check information to said second digital value includes the step of converting the payee name to said numerical value by image capture software.
Claim 15
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method of claim 12 wherein the step of converting said payee name to said numerical value includes the step of scanning the presented check by an image camera.
Claim 16
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method of claim 10 further including the step of rejecting payment of said presented check when a match does not occur.
Claim 17
Dependent Claim
34 words
The method of claim 10 further including the step of keying in the check information by an operator when a match does not occur between said first digital value and said third digital value.
Claim 18
Dependent Claim
21 words
The method of claim 10 further comprising the steps of incremental processing a series of preprinted checks in a sequential manner.
References Cited (Backward Citations)
USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-03-29 | 2002-09-28 | 2003-03-30 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-03-29 | 2006-09-28 | 2007-03-30 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-03-29 | 2010-09-28 | 2011-03-30 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |