Distributed Payment Processing System for Overloaded Central Servers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Central servers face increased processing loads and communication challenges when multiple card terminals simultaneously transmit data, leading to inefficiencies and potential overload, especially in distributed transportation fee processing systems.

Innovation Solution

A distributed processing system that utilizes multiple distributed servers, each connected through a wired network to a central server and card terminals via a wireless network, allowing for load distribution and bypass routes to maintain communication even if the central server is overloaded or communication lines fail, enabling efficient processing of payment transactions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple card terminals simultaneously transmit data to a central server, then payment processing capacity is improved, but the processing load on the central server increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepayment processing capacityVSAvoidprocessing load

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized server system into multiple distributed servers deployed at different regions or stations. Each distributed server independently processes payment transactions for local card terminals, segmenting the overall processing load across multiple nodes rather than concentrating it at a single central server. This segmentation enables parallel processing of transactions from multiple terminals simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a hierarchical dimension to the system architecture by adding distributed servers between the central server and card terminals. This creates a three-level structure (central server → distributed servers. The distributed servers can operate autonomously when the central server is unavailable, providing resilience against central server failures or overload conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a central server processes all card terminal data, then centralized control is maintained, but communication line costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecentralized controlVSAvoidcommunication line costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the communication architecture into two distinct networks: a wired network connecting the central server to distributed servers, and wireless networks connecting distributed servers to local card terminals. This segmentation allows the expensive wired network to be used only for critical server-to-server communication, while less costly wireless networks handle terminal-to-server communication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements local processing at distributed servers, where each server handles transactions for its local card terminals independently. This local quality approach enables distributed servers to process transactions autonomously using locally cached operating information, reducing the need for continuous communication with the central server and thereby reducing communication costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Speed

If distributed servers process payments locally, then processing speed is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing speedVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary action by having the central server pre-download and distribute operating information (including transaction rules, fare tables, and terminal configurations) to distributed servers before they are needed for processing. This preliminary distribution of data enables distributed servers to process transactions quickly and autonomously without needing to query the central server for each transaction detail.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes feedback mechanisms where distributed servers report their status, transaction results, and operational data back to the central server. The central server uses this feedback to monitor the health of distributed servers, update their operating information, and maintain centralized oversight. This feedback loop enables autonomous local processing while maintaining system-wide coordination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS10395225B2Distributed processing system for processing transportation fees and operating method thereof

Publication Date: 2019.08.27 LG CNS CO LTD

AI summary

An operating method of a distributed server includes downloading operating information from a central server, the operating information including information related to card transactions and terminal information on one or more card terminals, receiving a payment request for a card tagged on a card terminal from the card terminal, and performing an operation related to a payment requested by the card terminal based on the operating information. The operating method may further include receiving status information from the central server, the status information indicating whether or not the central server is overloaded, processing the payment requested by the card terminal if the status information indicates that the central server is overloaded, and transmitting a result of processing the payment to the card terminal.