Substitute User Interface for Third-Party Service Outages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing computing systems face challenges in completing user-instructed actions when third-party user interface services are unavailable due to network failures, leading to inefficiencies and the need for frequent status checks.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a substitute user interface module within the user request processing system that provides an identical experience to the primary interface, allowing secure data entry and encryption of user information, even in the absence of connectivity with third-party services.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the system relies on third-party user interface services for data collection, then security is improved, but system availability deteriorates when network connectivity is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem availabilityVSAvoidcontinuous network dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by implementing a substitute user interface module that can operate independently of third-party services. This module is prepared in advance and can immediately take over when network connectivity is lost, eliminating the need for continuous network dependency while maintaining security through local data handling capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The substitute user interface module acts as an intermediary between the user and the system when third-party services are unavailable. It mediates data collection and transmission locally, allowing the system to function without direct network connectivity while still maintaining secure data handling protocols.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the system implements a substitute user interface module, then system functionality is improved during network outages, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctionality during network outagesVSAvoidinterface module complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The substitute user interface module creates a simplified copy of the third-party interface functionality. Instead of implementing a completely new complex system, it replicates essential data collection and transmission capabilities locally, providing adaptability during outages while keeping the added complexity manageable through functional duplication.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Reliability

If the system encrypts user data locally, then security is improved, but processing time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata securityVSAvoidencryption processing time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements periodic encryption actions where data is encrypted in stages or batches rather than all at once. This allows security to be maintained while distributing the processing time load, reducing the perceived delay to users while still providing comprehensive encryption protection for sensitive information.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS20260046125A1Substitute user interface for sensitive data

Publication Date: 2026.02.12 HOME DEPOT PRODUCT AUTHORITY LLC

AI summary

A server-implemented method includes receiving a request from a user to initiate a computing action, determining that an interface service of a third party for collecting information from the user for the computing action is not available, presenting a substitute interface that matches an appearance respective of the third-party interface service in response to the determination, receiving, via the substitute interface, information for the computing action, encrypting the receiving information to generate encrypted computing action information, and transmitting the encrypted computing action information to the third party to initiate the computing action.