Dynamic Tax Interview Engine for Real-Time Error Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tax preparation applications relying on pre-determined question-and-answer tree structures are inflexible and unable to identify data entry errors in real-time, limiting user interaction and accuracy in electronic tax return preparation.

Innovation Solution

A modular interview engine framework utilizing a rule module and interface controller that generate non-binding suggestions based on runtime data, compliance rules, and statistical analysis, allowing for dynamic question presentation and real-time error identification without relying on a pre-defined tree structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a pre-determined question-and-answer tree structure is used, then the interview flow is structured and predictable, but the system lacks flexibility and cannot adapt to runtime data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterview flow structureVSAvoidflexibility in question presentation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static, pre-determined question-and-answer tree structure into a dynamic system that adapts to runtime data. The interview engine now determines which questions to present based on data entered during the interview process, allowing the question sequence and content to change dynamically rather than following a fixed predetermined path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameters of question presentation based on runtime conditions. Instead of presenting questions in a fixed sequence, the engine evaluates entered data and dynamically adjusts which questions are presented, in what order, and with what content, thereby adapting the interview flow to the specific circumstances of each user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If manual data entry fields are provided, then users can input their own data, but errors in data entry cannot be identified by the system

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser data input capabilityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors data entered by users and automatically identifies errors or inconsistencies. When an error is detected, the system provides immediate feedback to the user, notifying them of the specific error and allowing correction before proceeding, thereby ensuring data accuracy while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of time

If error checking is performed at the end of the interview, then all data can be reviewed, but errors are not identified in real-time during data entry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to complete interviewVSAvoidreal-time error detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs error checking preliminarily during the data entry process rather than waiting until the end of the interview. The system continuously validates data as it is entered, identifying errors in real-time and notifying users immediately, which prevents errors from propagating and reduces the need for time-consuming corrections later.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If a rigid tree structure is used, then the interview flow is easy to program, but the application cannot be easily modified or expanded

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming simplicityVSAvoidmodifiability and expandability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the rigid tree structure into modular components that can be independently configured and modified. The interview engine uses a data-driven approach where questions, validation rules, and flow logic are separated into discrete, configurable elements that can be easily added, removed, or modified without restructuring the entire system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10915970B1Computer implemented methods systems and articles of manufacture for communicating and resolving electronic tax return errors and inconsistent data

Publication Date: 2021.02.09 INTUIT INC

AI summary

Computer-implemented methods, system and computer program products for identifying and communicating errors or inconsistencies in data of an electronic tax return during preparation of the electronic tax return, e.g., presenting a message to a user regarding the error or inconsistency “on the spot” or immediately in response to identifying the error or inconsistency during a currently displayed interview screen. Error messages may be communicated to an interface controller that processes error messages or non-binding suggestions concerning same from a rule module by the rule module pushing messages to the interface controller, the interface controller pulling or querying the rule module, or by use of a shared memory or data store to which the rule module pushes messages and from which the interface controller pulls or retrieves the messages generated by the rule module.