Web Browser Plugin for Invoice Data Extraction and Payment Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current accounting systems are inefficient and cumbersome for managing and processing outstanding invoices, requiring users to navigate through multiple steps and increasing the risk of errors due to manual data entry and lack of real-time data synchronization.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that analyzes web pages to identify unique invoice identifiers, retrieves additional information, and facilitates real-time data synchronization and payment processing through an API, providing a user-friendly interface for streamlined invoice management and payment processing across various accounting systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If users navigate through multiple steps within accounting systems to access invoice details, then the system can maintain standardized information display, but the process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a web browser plugin as an intermediary between the user and the accounting system. The plugin automatically extracts invoice information from the web page and presents it in a simplified interface, eliminating the need for users to navigate through multiple system steps while maintaining accurate information retrieval
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts relevant invoice information from the accounting system's web interface and presents it separately in a dedicated plugin interface. This extraction allows users to access only the necessary invoice details without navigating through the entire accounting system, reducing time while maintaining information accuracy
2Loss of information
If users manually search for specific invoice details distributed across multiple parts of the system, then the system can provide comprehensive information, but the process becomes cumbersome and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple分散 invoice information sources into a single unified display interface within the plugin. All relevant invoice details that were previously distributed across multiple system pages are consolidated into one accessible location, maintaining information completeness while dramatically improving ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The plugin performs preliminary extraction and organization of invoice information automatically when the user visits the accounting system web page. This preliminary action prepares and structures the information before the user needs to access it, eliminating the need for manual searching and reducing operational complexity
3Reliability
If the payment process requires multiple steps including selecting invoice, entering payment details, and authorizing transaction, then the system can ensure transaction accuracy, but the process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the plugin automatically retrieves invoice information and pre-fills payment details based on the selected invoice. This reduces the manual steps required from multiple sequential actions to a single authorization action, maintaining transaction accuracy while significantly improving processing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The plugin performs preliminary preparation of payment information by automatically extracting invoice details and preparing payment data before the user initiates the payment process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for users to manually enter payment details, reducing the number of steps while ensuring accuracy through automated data retrieval
4Device complexity
If accounting systems require separate interfaces for viewing invoices and processing payments, then the system can maintain functional separation, but the user experience becomes fragmented and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal plugin interface that serves multiple functions: viewing invoice information, accessing payment details, and processing payments all through a single unified interface. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for users to switch between separate system interfaces, maintaining functional separation while providing continuous user experience
Solution Approach 2:
The web browser plugin acts as an intermediary layer that bridges the gap between the accounting system's web interface and the user's interaction. It provides a unified interface that consolidates multiple functional steps into a single continuous experience, improving ease of operation without requiring changes to the underlying system architecture
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method and system manages and processes outstanding invoices within various accounting software applications. The method includes analyzing a web page to identify a unique invoice identifier (e.g., within the web page's URL or a user interface element of the web page), obtaining additional invoice information from the accounting system based on the unique invoice identifier, and displaying this information in a user-friendly interface. A web browser plugin facilitates real-time data synchronization and payment processing by interacting with the accounting system through an API. The system streamlines the payment process by reducing the number of steps required, improving the efficiency and accuracy of financial transactions. The system is designed to be compatible with multiple accounting systems and web browsers, ensuring broad applicability and ease of use.