Image-based check depositing automated teller machine (ATM) and method of operating an image-based check depositing ATM

A method of operating an image-based check depositing automated teller machine (ATM), the method comprising:

• receiving from an ATM customer a check to be deposited;
• capturing image data which is representative of a first check image;
• electronically by a computer binarizing the captured image data to provide binarized data which is representative of a second check image which is different from the first check image and which second check image is a binary form of the first check image;
• electronically by a computer determining a check image quality value associated with the second check image which is different from the first check image;
• electronically by a computer comparing the check image quality value with a first threshold value and a second threshold value which is different from the first threshold value;
• and
• electronically by a computer transmitting the first check image which is different from the second check image to a back office facility of an institution when the check image quality value is between the first and second threshold values.

An image-based self-service check depositing terminal, the image-based self-service check depositing terminal comprising:

• a transport mechanism for receiving from a self-service depositor customer a check to be deposited;
• an imaging camera for capturing image data which is representative of a first check image;
• and
• an electronic controller for (i) electronically binarizing the captured image data to provide binarized data which is representative of a second check image which is different from the first check image and which second check image is a binary form of the first check image, (ii) electronically determining a check image quality value associated with the second check image which is different from the first check image, (iii) electronically comparing the check image quality value with a first threshold value, (iv) electronically transmitting the second check image which is different from the first check image to a back office facility of an institution when the check image quality value is outside of the first threshold value, (v) electronically comparing the check image quality value with a second threshold value which is different from the first threshold value, (vi) providing an electronic control signal to control the transport mechanism to return the check to the self-service depositor customer when the check image quality value is outside of the second threshold value, and (vii) electronically transmitting the first check image which is different from the second check image to a back office facility of an institution when the check image quality value is between the first and second threshold values.