Contextual Natural Language Input Processing in Enterprise Applications

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Solution Overview

Problem

Users of software applications often require extensive training to navigate and execute functions, as they need to know specific formats and transaction codes, leading to reduced productivity and efficiency due to the complexity of interacting with these systems.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a computer-implemented method using contextual natural language processing that converts user input instructions into a predetermined format, filters them based on application parameters, compares them to available transactions, and executes the appropriate transactions, allowing users to interact using natural language inputs such as audio, video, or text without needing specific training.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If users are provided with extensive training on specific formats and transaction codes, then they can effectively operate software applications, but training time and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidtraining time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces natural language processing as an intermediary layer between the user and the software application's transaction code system. Users provide instructions in natural language, and the NLP engine automatically translates and converts these into the appropriate transaction codes and formats, eliminating the need for users to learn specific software formats while maintaining effective operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual format conversion and transaction code selection with an automated natural language processing engine. This engine automatically converts natural language instructions into structured transaction formats, substituting the manual mechanical process of learning and applying specific software formats

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If users are provided with extensive training on specific formats and transaction codes, then they can effectively operate software applications, but resource consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidresource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The natural language processing engine serves as an intermediary that handles the complex conversion and formatting tasks automatically, reducing the need for users to invest time and resources in training while maintaining effective operation of the software application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the software application requires specific formats and transaction codes, then it can execute precise transactions, but user input flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransaction precisionVSAvoidinput flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid mechanical system of fixed transaction code input with an automated natural language processing engine that can interpret various forms of natural language input and convert them into precise transaction codes, maintaining transaction precision while dramatically increasing input flexibility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of input format from fixed transaction codes to variable natural language expressions. The NLP engine adapts to different input styles and formats while maintaining the precision required for accurate transaction execution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Reliability

If the software application uses fixed transaction codes and formats, then it can ensure reliable execution, but system complexity increases for users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexecution reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The natural language processing engine acts as an intermediary that shields users from the complexity of fixed transaction codes and formats. It handles the conversion and mapping between natural language and the underlying rigid transaction system, maintaining execution reliability while reducing perceived system complexity for users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10474748B2Contextual natural language input processing in enterprise applications based on static and dynamic application parameters

Publication Date: 2019.11.12 SAP SE

AI summary

A system, a method, and a computer program product for contextual natural language processing in software applications are disclosed. At least one input instruction for a software application is converted, using a natural language processing, to a predetermined format associated with the software application. The converted input instruction is filtered based on at least one parameter associated with the software application. The filtered input instruction is compared to a plurality of transactions associated with the software application. Based on the comparison, at least one transaction in the plurality of transactions capable of being executed by the software application is selected in response to the filtered input instruction. The software application executes the selected transaction based on the filtered input instruction.