Importance

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Abstract

A method of off-line digitizing item images for subsequent image processing. In a financial institution application of the present invention, all items to be processed are fed through a reader/sorter, which reads the MICR data on the item, stores this transaction data on an attached computer, endorses the item, microfilms the front and back of each item, and then sorts the items. In a first embodiment off-line operation, the microfilm is digitized and the digitized images are stored in a disk storage unit. In a second embodiment off-line operation, the sorted items are digitized directly (after being processed by the reader/sorter) and the digitized images are stored on a disk storage unit. Image enhancement algorithms may be employed due to the fact that the digitizing process is off-line and such enhancement algorithms will not slow the reading/sorting process. The microfilm is then retained as an archival copy. Software is then used to link the transaction data in the computer database to the digitized images on the disk. Thereafter, statement rendering is greatly simplified, as only the digitized check images need to be included with the customer statement, rather than the actual cancelled checks. This eliminates the subsequent check sorting operation, simplifies the statement rendering operation, and reduces the postage costs associated with mailing the statements. Furthermore, the method of the present invention does not require the financial institution to purchase a new reader/sorter apparatus in order to create digitized item images.

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First Claim