Messaging Interface Task Automation via Segmented Visual Selection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for users to perform tasks, such as booking a hotel room, often require multiple types of information and can be inefficient due to the limitations of single forms that do not account for specific user preferences, leading to user dissatisfaction.

Innovation Solution

A messaging interface-based system that determines the task to be performed and provides users with relevant questions and answer choices, allowing for efficient selection of options through visual elements, enabling the system to perform the task based on user input.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single form with various input fields is used to collect user information, then the structure is simple and easy to implement, but the user's possibilities are unnecessarily constrained and the efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveform structureVSAvoidtask completion efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the information collection process into multiple interactive steps rather than presenting a single comprehensive form. The system divides the task into discrete questions with answer choices, allowing users to progress through information gathering incrementally. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural simplicity at each step while improving overall task completion efficiency through guided interaction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a dynamic information collection approach where the system adapts the sequence and content of questions based on user responses. Rather than a static form structure, the system dynamically generates and presents relevant questions with contextualized answer choices, enabling the interface to evolve based on user needs and improving efficiency without increasing inherent structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If a single form with various input fields is used, then the implementation is straightforward, but the user may be dissatisfied due to impossible requests or constrained options

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem implementationVSAvoiduser preference accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by providing users with curated answer choices before they need to make decisions. The system pre-processes available options (such as hotels with waterfront views) and presents them as selectable choices, allowing users to make informed decisions without having to formulate requests that might be impossible to fulfill. This maintains ease of implementation while significantly improving adaptability to user preferences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system responds to user selections by providing relevant information and subsequent options. The interactive dialogue allows the system to confirm understanding, clarify preferences, and adjust available choices based on user responses, thereby accommodating diverse user preferences while maintaining a straightforward implementation through rule-based interaction protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If multiple types of information are required from the user, then the task can be performed properly, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetask performance accuracyVSAvoidinformation collection time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by collecting information in manageable portions rather than requiring all data upfront. The system gathers necessary information through a sequence of targeted questions, allowing users to provide details incrementally. This approach maintains reliable task performance by ensuring all necessary information is collected while reducing the perceived time burden by breaking the process into smaller, less intimidating steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary processing of user inputs and pre-presents relevant options based on initial responses. By anticipating user needs and preparing contextualized answer choices in advance, the system reduces the time required for information collection while ensuring all necessary data is gathered for proper task execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11113079B2Mobile assistant
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 VERIZON PATENT & LICENSING INC
  • US11113079B2 patent drawing
  • US11113079B2 patent drawing
  • US11113079B2 patent drawing

AI summary

One or more computing devices, systems, and/or methods for assisting a user in performing a task are provided. For example, a request may be received from the user via a messaging interface, and the task (e.g., make a reservation) may be determined (e.g., identified) based upon the request. Questions associated with information required (e.g., name, location, dates, etc.) to perform the task may be determined and provided. Visual elements (e.g., selectable buttons) corresponding to answer choices associated with the questions may be provided. A selection of a first visual element of the visual elements may be received, and the task may be performed based upon the selection of the first visual element.