File Locking Framework for Check Image Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Financial institutions face inefficiencies due to the frequent duplication of check image file processing and reconciliation of discrepancies, leading to wasted time and resources.
Innovation Solution
A system that ensures one-time processing of check image files by queuing incoming files, locking selected files to prevent duplicate processing, and using unique keys to track processed files, thereby streamlining the processing and reducing errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If check image files are processed by multiple application servers simultaneously, then processing throughput is increased, but duplicate processing occurs leading to wasted resources and time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by renaming check image files to include a lock indicator (e.g., adding '.locked' extension) before processing begins. This pre-action prevents other threads from selecting the same file, eliminating duplicate processing while allowing multiple servers to work simultaneously on different files.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism - a queue system with locked files - that mediates between multiple application servers and the check image files. The queue manages file distribution and prevents conflicts, allowing high throughput without duplicate processing.
2Speed
If check image files are processed without locking mechanisms, then processing speed is maintained, but accuracy decreases due to duplicate processing and reconciliation needs
Solution Approach 1:
The lock indicator is applied preliminarily to files before processing starts. This ensures that when multiple threads access the queue, they can quickly identify which files are already being processed without complex locking protocols, maintaining speed while ensuring accuracy through preventive measures.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is implemented by renaming files, then duplicate processing is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses self-service by having the queue automatically manage file locking through renaming. When a file is selected for processing, it's renamed with a lock indicator, and when processing completes, the lock is automatically released by renaming it back. This self-managing approach ensures reliability without requiring complex external locking mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If check image files are stored with original names, then ease of operation is maintained, but loss of information occurs due to inability to track processing status
Solution Approach 1:
The lock indicator is preliminarily applied to files when they enter the processing queue. This maintains ease of operation as files are still accessible by their original names in the queue, while simultaneously preserving processing status information through the naming convention that indicates locked vs. available files.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a system that ensures one-by-one processing of incoming check image files. The system receives incoming check image files and inputs them into a queue for processing. An application server (e.g., a thread) then selects one check image file from the queue for processing. For example, the system may process the check image to extract check information from the check image file. Once selected by the application server, the check image file is “locked” so that no other thread is enabled to select the same check image file. In this way, the system of the present invention is configured to ensure that each check image file is processed only one time.