Outgoing Returns Processing System File Format Conversion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for processing outgoing returns, such as dishonored checks, face inefficiencies due to the need for manual handling and compatibility issues with various file formats and channels, leading to increased costs and reduced automation in the check clearing process.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for receiving and converting outgoing returns data files from multiple formats and channels into a platform format, retrieving image files, and electronically processing these returns, enabling automated settlement and reducing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling is used for processing outgoing returns, then flexibility in handling various file formats is maintained, but processing efficiency and productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (file format converter/adapter) that translates various incoming file formats into a standardized internal format. This mediator enables the system to maintain flexibility in accepting diverse formats while achieving automated high-speed processing, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of file format from variable (multiple formats) to fixed (standardized internal format) through automated conversion. This parameter transformation allows the system to process files efficiently in a uniform format while still accepting diverse input formats, thereby improving productivity without sacrificing adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple file formats and channels are supported, then system versatility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct functional modules: interface adapters for different channels, file format converters, and core processing logic. This segmentation isolates complexity into manageable components, allowing the system to support multiple formats and channels without overwhelming overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal standardized internal file format that serves as a common denominator for all incoming data streams. This universal format allows the core processing system to handle diverse inputs through a single unified pathway, reducing complexity by eliminating the need for multiple specialized processing paths.
3Productivity
If automated processing is implemented, then productivity is improved, but handling of non-standard file formats becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by converting all incoming file formats to a standardized internal format before the automated processing begins. This pre-processing step ensures that the main automated processing pipeline always receives uniform, standard-compliant data, maintaining both automation benefits and format flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, apparatuses and/or computer program products are directed to outgoing returns processing. The outgoing returns processing includes receiving outgoing returns data files, where the outgoing returns data files may be of a plurality of different file formats and received from a plurality of different channels. The outgoing returns processing further includes converting the outgoing returns data files to a platform file format and retrieving image files based on the outgoing returns data files. The outgoing returns are then settled.