Third-Party API Auto-Fill for Online Application Forms
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing online application processes on mobile devices are time-consuming and error-prone, requiring users to manually enter data into various fields, and current auto-fill methods rely on storing data locally on the device.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize authenticated communications between an application provider system and third-party platforms to populate online applications on mobile devices, allowing users to select third-party providers to auto-fill form fields using secure APIs and security tokens.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users manually enter data into online application fields, then data can be entered with full control and accuracy, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing user data from third-party platforms (social media, professional networks, etc.) before the application process begins. When a user initiates an application, the system automatically retrieves and populates relevant fields using previously gathered information, eliminating the need for manual re-entry and significantly reducing completion time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data population service that acts as a mediator between third-party data sources and the application system. This intermediary service securely retrieves data from external platforms, processes it, and automatically fills application fields, thereby eliminating direct manual input while maintaining data accuracy and user control
2Loss of time
If current auto-fill methods are used to populate forms, then data entry time is reduced, but data must be stored locally on the device which raises security and privacy concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the data storage function from the user's local device and relocates it to secure third-party platforms where data already resides. Instead of storing sensitive information locally on mobile devices, the system retrieves data directly from authenticated third-party sources during the application process, eliminating the security vulnerability of local storage while maintaining fast auto-fill capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an intermediary service layer that securely manages data retrieval from third-party platforms without requiring local storage on the user's device. This intermediary architecture allows the system to access necessary information quickly while keeping data security responsibilities with the authenticated third-party sources rather than vulnerable local device storage
3Measurement precision
If data is automatically populated from third-party platforms, then accuracy and completeness of information is improved, but system complexity and authentication requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal data population service that can retrieve information from multiple different third-party platforms (social media, professional networks, data brokers) through a single unified interface. This multi-functional approach handles various data sources and authentication methods through one standardized system, managing complexity by providing a consistent layer over diverse external sources
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where users can review, approve, or correct automatically populated data before submission. This feedback loop ensures data accuracy while giving users control, and the system learns from user corrections to improve future auto-population accuracy, thereby managing the complexity-trust relationship between automated systems and user oversight
4Reliability
If users manually enter data, then they have full control over information accuracy, but errors are more likely to occur during entry
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically retrieving and populating application data from authenticated third-party sources without requiring manual user input. Users simply initiate the process and approve the data retrieval, while the system handles all data collection, validation, and population tasks autonomously, eliminating manual entry errors while maintaining user control through approval mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method includes a communication interface configured to transmit a web-based form to an applicant device and receive a selection of the third party to provide data to populate the plurality of fields of the web-based form and an application server that, in conjunction with the communication interface, is configured to perform various steps. It may, in response to receiving the selection, transmit a third-party API call to the selected third party. It may also transmit data indicative of an authentication request associated with the selected third party and receive data indicative of a validated authentication request. It may further request a set of data from the selected third party via the third party API and receive the requested set of data, which includes data for populating a specific data field on the web-based form.