GUI Condensed View for Electronic Statement Reconciliation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electronic reconciliation of financial transactions is inefficient due to limited display capabilities on devices, requiring extensive page scrolling and lacking an 'at a glance' indication of completed reconciliation, unlike hard copy processes.
Innovation Solution
A Graphical User Interface (GUI) that replaces text lines of reconciled events with condensed views, such as smaller font or icons, allowing users to view all reconciled transactions in a single display without scrolling, and providing an 'at a glance' indication of completion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If events/transactions are displayed in single-line format to maximize display area, then the number of visible transactions increases, but the user cannot see further details required for reconciliation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested view structure where a condensed single-line representation of each transaction contains an embedded expanded view. When a user selects a transaction in single-line format, the system nests the detailed multi-line view within the same display space, allowing users to access complete transaction details without losing the overview of other transactions. This nesting approach resolves the contradiction by providing both compact display and detailed information access within the same interface hierarchy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional display constraint to a multi-dimensional viewing approach. Instead of forcing users to choose between single-line compact view or multi-line detailed view, the system adds a temporal dimension where the expanded view appears on-demand when selected. This dimensional transformation allows the interface to accommodate both display efficiency and information completeness by utilizing the time dimension for view switching rather than competing for spatial resources.
2Loss of information
If the expanded view is used to mark reconciled transactions, then users can see transaction details, but the need for page scrolling increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by changing the display format selectively rather than globally. Each transaction line maintains its condensed single-line format by default, but when a user selects a specific transaction, only that local area expands to show detailed information. This localized expansion allows users to review transaction details without expanding the entire list, thereby maintaining compact overall display and minimizing the need for page scrolling during the reconciliation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements partial action by allowing users to expand only the specific transaction lines that require detailed review for reconciliation, rather than expanding all lines simultaneously. This selective expansion approach reduces the overall display footprint and minimizes scrolling requirements while still providing access to necessary transaction details when needed, thereby reducing the time required to complete reconciliation.
3Ease of operation
If all transactions are displayed in expanded view to enable marking, then users can reconcile transactions, but the display area is insufficient and excessive scrolling is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic display system where the view format of each transaction line can change from condensed to expanded state based on user interaction. Rather than presenting a static all-expanded view that consumes excessive display area, the system dynamically transitions individual lines between compact and expanded states as users progress through reconciliation. This dynamic approach maintains ease of operation by allowing detailed view access while preserving display area efficiency through automatic return to condensed format after selection.
4Productivity
If users scroll through multiple pages to reconcile all transactions, then all transactions can be reviewed, but users may unknowingly omit transactions and lose track of completion status
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that continuously inform users of their reconciliation progress. The system provides visual feedback by highlighting or marking transactions as they are reconciled, and displays progress indicators showing the number of reconciled versus pending transactions. This feedback loop prevents users from omitting transactions by making the completion status immediately visible, thereby improving both the productivity and reliability of the reconciliation process without requiring users to manually track their progress through multiple pages of scrolling.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides for reconciling an electronic statement of events. In this regard, the present provides for presenting, within a GUI, display of events that a user has designated as reconciled in a condensed view, such that the typical single line of text or multi-line text that represents an event is either diminished or removed from the GUI. In additional embodiments of the invention, in response to presenting the condensed view, a second listing, a chart and/or a table may be presented in the GUI alongside the events yet to be reconciled, which lists or indicates the events that have been reconciled. As a result the user is provided with an “at a glance” view of reconciled events/transactions and can readily ascertain the progress that is being made toward completion of the reconciliation process.