Mechanism and method for dynamic question handling through an electronic interface

Abstract

An improved mechanism for intelligently presenting questions through an electronic interface is disclosed. A rule server receives information identifying a set of answers from a user corresponding to a first set of questions presented to that user. In response, analysis is performed upon the set of received answers. A first determination is then made of whether any questions from the first set of questions need to be answered again based upon rules governing responsive answers. Next, a second determination is made of the composition of a second set of questions. The first determination and second determination may be performed at a rule server or an application tier. The second set of questions is then presented to a user through an electronic interface. Suggested answers to the second set of questions may also be presented to the user through an electronic interface contemporaneously with the second set of questions.

Description

RELATED APPLICATION DATA[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Serial No. 60 / 231,161 filed on Sep. 7, 2000, which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY[0002] This invention relates generally to computer systems that utilize rule-based mechanisms to facilitate or implement an application or business process. A type of system that often uses a rules-based approach is an expert system or knowledge-based system, which attempts to mimic the thought process that an expert would utilize to address tasks in a particular field. Computer systems that employ rules-based mechanisms, e.g. expert systems, are employed in a wide variety of settings, such as computer systems that bank loan officer uses for guidance in approving and rejecting loan applications. Other examples of disciplines in which rules-based systems are used include automobile repair, medical diagnosis, oil exploration, financial planning, chemical analysis, su...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

0002] This invention relates generally to computer systems that utilize rule-based mechanisms to facilitate or implement an application or business process. A type of system that often uses a rules-based approach is an expert system or knowledge-based system, which attempts to mimic the thought process that an expert would utilize to address tasks in a particular field. Computer systems that employ rules-based mechanisms, e.g. expert systems, are employed in a wide variety

Problems solved by technology

While a rules-based approach is useful, there are drawbacks with respect to efficiency and ease of use.

Computer systems that have implemented standardized forms, such as a loan application, often present questions without intelligence or forethought.

As questions are presented without regard of their relevance to the user, many presented questions are inappropriate, which wastes time and computer resources.

Moreover, if all the answers to a set of questions in a transaction are not fully responsive, the transaction may be aborted, which further wastes time and computer resources.

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