Method and system for realizing object-oriented programming on spreadsheet and medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, which is characterized by comprising the following steps of: creating a definition of an object, and storing a definition file in a medium; the definition file of the object contains the definition of one or more objects; the definition file of the object is used for storing the object according to a preset storage format; a method function is created for the object, the method function is used for operating the object, the method function comprises at least one of a first method function, a second method function, a third method function, a fourth method function and a fifth method function, and the first method function is used for reading the object from a definition file to a memory data structure; a second method function to save the object from the memory data structure to a definition file; the third method function is used for returning the object; the fourth method function is used for transforming the input object; and the fifth method function is used for displaying the object in the memory on the interface. According to the method, object-oriented programming is realized on the spreadsheet, and related objects can be operated through the method function, so that the bottom logic complexity is hidden, and the programming efficiency is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of electronic spreadsheet data processing, and in particular to a method, system and medium for implementing object-oriented programming on electronic spreadsheets. Background Art

[0002] Spreadsheet is a long-lasting office software. One of the reasons for its success is that it has a simple and pure calculation model, which is reflected in the user level and produces a natural and easy-to-understand user experience. With the upgrade of hardware equipment, the computing speed and the amount of data that can be processed by modern spreadsheets have greatly increased. However, the basic functional form of spreadsheets has not changed much compared with its early days. At the same time, the functional complexity of application software is generally increasing with hardware upgrades. If there is a way to implement object-oriented programming on spreadsheets, it will be able to usher in a new period of productivity growth. Past patents in this regard are relatively rare. Some of them are slightly related, such as: CN101809610A describes a method for generating some views from part of the content of a spreadsheet; CN116595959A describes a method for generating a spreadsheet after compiling some custom semantic files. But these are not to implement object-oriented programming on spreadsheets.

[0003] In order to support users' demand for complex functions, an object-oriented programming method is urgently needed on electronic spreadsheets. Summary of the invention

[0004] In view of the above problems, the present application provides a method, system and medium for implementing object-oriented programming on electronic spreadsheets.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, comprising:

[0006] Create object definitions and save definition files to media;

[0007] The object definition file contains definitions of one or more objects;

[0008] The object definition file is used to save the object in a preset storage format;

[0009] Creating a method function for the object, and using the method function to operate the object, the method function comprising: at least one of a first method function, a second method function, a third method function, a fourth method function, and a fifth method function;

[0010] The first method function is used to read the object from the definition file into the memory data structure;

[0011] The second method function is used to save the object from the memory data structure to the definition file;

[0012] The third method function is used to return an object;

[0013] The fourth method function is used to transform the input object;

[0014] The fifth method function is used to display the objects in the memory on the interface.

[0015] In some embodiments, creating a definition of an object and saving the definition file to a medium further comprises:

[0016] The object, the definition of the object, and the type of the object are stored in a medium.

[0017] In some embodiments, in response to a user's input instruction for constructing an object, the input instruction is an expression entered by the user in a cell of a spreadsheet; by parsing and calculating the expression, a data structure is correspondingly created in the memory to store the calculation result of the expression; the calculation result of the expression is the object constructed by the user, and the object can be referenced by the address of the cell where the expression is located.

[0018] In some embodiments, in response to a save instruction from a user, a second method function is called to save the object from the memory data structure to a definition file;

[0019] The definition of the object is added to the definition file and saved in the medium.

[0020] In some embodiments, on the user interface, the method function is used to be edited by the user;

[0021] The result obtained by calculating the method function can be displayed on the interface.

[0022] In some embodiments, the third method function is used to create and return a data structure of the constructed object in memory after being executed in memory;

[0023] Or receive parameters from the outside world and return objects with different contents based on the parameters received.

[0024] In some embodiments, the fourth method function is used to transform the input object according to the function definition when executed in the memory, and return the transformation result after execution.

[0025] In some embodiments, the fifth method function is used to display the object in the memory to the view on the interface, further comprising:

[0026] Transform the in-memory object into a view data structure,

[0027] Draws views on the user interface based on the view data structure.

[0028] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a system for assisting a user in performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, comprising:

[0029] There is a spreadsheet graphical user interface;

[0030] There is a data processor for executing the program of the above method and accessing the relevant data;

[0031] A data memory is provided for storing the program of the above method and related data during execution, so that the system can execute the program of the above method when there is a processor.

[0032] On the third aspect, the embodiments of the present application also provide a non-temporary computer readable and writable medium for long-term storage of the program and related data of the above method, so that when the program and data in the medium are read by the processor of the above system, any step of the above method can be executed.

[0033] This application implements object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, and can operate related objects through method functions, thereby hiding a large amount of underlying logic complexity and improving programming efficiency. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0034] The drawings described herein are used to provide a further understanding of the present application and constitute a part of the present application. The illustrative embodiments of the present application and their descriptions are used to explain the present application and do not constitute an improper limitation on the present application. In the drawings:

[0035] Figure 1 A system block diagram for implementing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet of the present application is shown.

[0036] Figure 2 A flow chart of a method for implementing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet of the present application is shown.

[0037] Figure 3 A flowchart of a specific embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0038] Figure 4 A flowchart of a specific embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the present application clearer, the technical solution of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in combination with the specific embodiments of the present application and the corresponding drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0040] The technical solutions provided by various embodiments of the present application are described in detail below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0041] The first characteristic of object-oriented programming is to package complex data into structures called objects. Another characteristic is to write functions called methods for these objects. Programmers can use these methods to operate related objects, thereby hiding a large part of the underlying logic complexity and adding a level of abstraction that is conducive to conceptual thinking. Now, if there is a way to implement object-oriented programming on spreadsheets, it will usher in a new period of productivity growth.

[0042] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, comprising:

[0043] Create object definitions and save definition files to media;

[0044] The object definition file contains definitions of one or more objects;

[0045] The object definition file is used to save the object in a preset storage format;

[0046] Creating a method function for the object, and using the method function to operate the object, the method function comprising: at least one of a first method function, a second method function, a third method function, a fourth method function, and a fifth method function;

[0047] The first method function is used to read the object from the definition file into the memory data structure;

[0048] The second method function is used to save the object from the memory data structure to the definition file;

[0049] The third method function is used to return an object;

[0050] The fourth method function is used to transform the input object;

[0051] The fifth method function is used to display the objects in the memory on the interface.

[0052] The above method functions are not mutually exclusive, and a specific method function can belong to multiple method functions.

[0053] In some embodiments, in response to a user's input instruction for constructing an object, the input instruction is an expression entered by the user in a cell of a spreadsheet; by parsing and calculating the expression, a data structure is correspondingly created in the memory to store the calculation result of the expression; the calculation result of the expression is the object constructed by the user, and the object can be referenced by the address of the cell where the expression is located.

[0054] In some embodiments, in response to a save instruction from a user, a second method function is called to save the object from the memory data structure to a definition file;

[0055] The definition of the object is added to the definition file and saved in the medium.

[0056] In some embodiments, on the user interface, the method function is used to be edited by the user;

[0057] The result obtained by calculating the method function can be displayed on the interface.

[0058] In some embodiments, the third method function is used to create and return a data structure of the constructed object in memory after being executed in memory;

[0059] Or receive parameters from the outside world and return objects with different contents based on the parameters received.

[0060] In some embodiments, the fourth method function is used to transform the input object according to the function definition when executed in the memory, and return the transformation result after execution.

[0061] In some embodiments, the fifth method function is used to display the object in the memory to the view on the interface, further comprising:

[0062] Transform the in-memory object into a view data structure,

[0063] Draws views on the user interface based on the view data structure.

[0064] In a second aspect, an embodiment of the present application further provides a system for assisting a user in performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, comprising:

[0065] There is a spreadsheet graphical user interface;

[0066] There is a data processor for executing the program of the above method and accessing the relevant data;

[0067] A data memory is provided for storing the program of the above method and related data during execution, so that the system can execute the program of the above method when there is a processor.

[0068] refer to Figure 1-Figure 4 , the present invention is introduced in detail. First, the definition of an object is created, and the definition of an object includes information such as the object type and the values ​​of each attribute of the object. The definition of an object can be statically from a file in a medium, or dynamically from data temporarily input into a memory through an input device during use. Dynamic definition can also be directly input into the definition of various details, or indirectly input some parameters and then create an object through some functions that can create an object.

[0069] The difference between these creation processes is mainly the difference in information input methods, and their goal is to use the established data structure of the object type in memory to hold the specific content of the object.

[0070] like Figure 2 As shown, a method function is created for the object, and the object is operated using the method function, referring to ( Figure 2 :211)、( Figure 2 :221)、( Figure 2 :231)、( Figure 2 :241)( Figure 2 :251)、( Figure 2 :261).

[0071] Recognizing that the most common structure for object definition is a tree structure, any file or file part that can store tree-structured data (such as common JSON, XML, YAML, etc. formats) can be used to store it in a medium for a long time ( Figure 1 :102), used to store the definition of an object.

[0072] In memory ( Figure 1 :103), general programming languages ​​have data structures to hold data with a tree structure (such as struct in C language, class and Map in JAVA language, class and dict in Python language, etc.).

[0073] The definition file of an object refers to the file containing the static definition of the object. In order to ensure that the file containing the static definition of the object can be found in the future, an address needs to be set for the definition file of the object, and the file can be found by the address later. There are many ready-made implementation methods for this process of finding files by address, such as the file system on a single machine (the address is the full file name) or a server on the network (the address is the URL).

[0074] Step 201 of parsing and processing the user instruction specifically includes the following:

[0075] Step 210, find the definition file of the object stored in the medium, and read the definition of the object into the memory. Next, the method of reading static objects is described ( Figure 2 :210). After obtaining the address of the file containing the object to be loaded, the location of the corresponding definition file is found based on the address, such as the file path or web page address. Then, through the first function, the object definition in the definition file is read into the data structure in the memory.

[0076] Next, we will explain how to dynamically define objects ( Figure 2 :220,230).

[0077] Step 220: The user inputs the object definition through the input method, and the object is created in the memory according to the object definition. In many temporary cases, an object is used only to assist in the intermediate steps of a lengthy calculation, and it does not need to be saved for a long time. This requires temporarily defining the object in the memory. Different from the static definition, the dynamic definition is that the user temporarily inputs information into the memory through the input device. In some cases ( Figure 2 :220), users can directly enter the specific details of the object definition to create the object definition.

[0078] Step 230, the object is returned by the method function being executed ( Figure 2 :230). A method function that can return an object is a third method function. The constructor is a typical third method function; the definition of the method function is static, that is, it needs to be saved in the medium and read into the memory before use. The constructor is used to return the data structure of the constructed object in the memory after being executed in the memory. The constructor can also receive some parameters from the outside world and return objects with different contents according to these parameters according to the established definition. The method of deleting objects is similar to deleting other values ​​in memory (if the object is allocated in the heap area, it can be deleted through the relevant conventional methods).

[0079] Next, we will explain how to dynamically transform objects ( Figure 2 :240). The definition of the object has been read or temporarily constructed and now exists in the memory. Then it is natural to use it for calculation. This requires the fourth method function to transform it. The transformation result can be any type of value or object, not limited to the same type. The definition of these fourth method functions still needs to be written into a static definition file first, then saved to the medium, and read into the memory before use.

[0080] Next, step 250 is performed, and the content or summary of the object is displayed in a single cell of the electronic form or in a newly created view window.

[0081] Specifically: Users need to use the spreadsheet interface ( Figure 1 :104) Load objects in memory for browsing and manipulation ( Figure 2 :250). The loaded object occupies only one cell like a normal value. The cell is usually not large enough to display the object's contents completely, so only a short summary is displayed. The system can provide the user with another view to display the object's full contents. To manipulate the object, the user only needs to write an expression containing the cell address of the object, just like manipulating other values.

[0082] So far, this application discloses the static definition and reading of objects ( Figure 2 :210), dynamic creation ( Figure 2 :220,230), dynamic transformation ( Figure 2 :240), user browsing and operation methods ( Figure 2 :250), together they implemented an object-oriented programming approach on the spreadsheet ( Figure 2 :200), and after being equipped with various hardware, it becomes a system ( Figure 1 :100).

[0083] The present application also discloses a system for assisting a user in performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, comprising:

[0084] There is a spreadsheet graphical user interface;

[0085] A data processor is provided for executing the program of the method for implementing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet and accessing related data;

[0086] There is a data storage device (referred to as memory) for storing the program and related data of the above-mentioned method for implementing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet during execution, so that the system can execute the program of the above-mentioned method for implementing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet when there is a processor.

[0087] The present application also discloses a non-temporary computer readable and writable medium for long-term storage of the program and related data of the above method, so that when the program and data in the medium are read by the processor of the above system, any step of the above-mentioned method of object-oriented programming can be implemented on the electronic spreadsheet.

[0088] This application takes the implementation of vector (vec) objects, plot (plot) objects, circle (circle) objects, and canvas (canvas) objects on a spreadsheet as an example to further explain the above method and system.

[0089] The definition file is a spreadsheet in XML format. Figure 3 :300), the user temporarily enters the expression =vec_seq(1,4,1) in cell A1 ( Figure 3:301), this is to use the third method function vec_seq to dynamically create and return a vector object whose content is an arithmetic progression with the first term as 1, length as 4, and difference as 1. Specifically: after parsing the expression, a data structure is created in memory to hold the content and type of the vector object, and the A1 grid is matched with the memory reference method of the data structure, so that the created vector object can finally be returned to the A1 grid and can be referenced by the A1 grid. The specific memory reference method will depend on the programming language used to write the system.

[0090] The user now asks to browse the results ( Figure 3 :319), the system provides her with a window view in the user interface ( Figure 3 :310). The fifth method function is used to display the object in the memory to the view on the interface. The top of this view briefly displays the original cell address A1 and the object type vec( Figure 3 :311), the view body shows the contents of the vector object as 1,2,3,4 ( Figure 3 :312).

[0091] Next, the user needs to calculate the square of the vector (vec) object in A1. The expected result is a vector object with contents of 1, 4, 9, and 16. Specifically, by using the statically defined fourth method function sqr, write the expression = sqr(A1) to pass the address A1 to the fourth method function sqr as a parameter ( Figure 3 :302). After the system parses this expression, it will find the data structure that A1 is referencing in memory. Then, the system will transform this data structure according to the logic defined by the fourth method function sqr itself, retain the result (vector object) in memory, and make the vector object referenced by A2. Finally, when the user requests to browse the results, the system will use the fifth method function to display the vector object referenced by A2 in a view on the user interface as before ( Figure 3 :329, 320, 321, 322).

[0092] Next, the user needs to draw a line graph for the two vector objects in A1 and A2. Specifically, by using the statically defined third method function plot_line, write the expression = plot_line(A1,A2) in cell A3 and pass the two addresses A1 and A2 to the third method function plot_line as parameters ( Figure 3:303). The third method function plot_line finds the data structure referenced by A1 and A2 in memory based on the addresses of cells A1 and A2. Then, according to the logic defined by the third method function plot_line itself, a plot object is created and returned in memory, and the result is referenced by cell A3. Finally, when the user requests to browse the results ( Figure 3 :339), the system uses the fifth method function to display the result of the A3 grid reference in a view on the user interface as before ( Figure 3 :330, 331, 332).

[0093] The above is an example of how to create and return an object dynamically through a third method function. Next, we will explain how to create and read static definitions. Although static definitions of objects can be created by manually inputting files, in most cases, some intermediate results obtained through calculations have extensive utilization value and need to be saved as static definitions for later transmission and utilization.

[0094] The user now wants to save the plot object in A3 to a medium for long-term use. Enter the expression =save(A3,"C:\a.json") in cell A4. Figure 3 :304), after receiving the instruction, the system finds the data structure that A3 is referencing in the memory, and then converts it into the file structure required by the user (such as JSON, XML, or YAML format) ( Figure 3 :344), and then move the file ( Figure 3 :342)Write to connected media ( Figure 3 :348), and finally, if the file is saved successfully, the system displays the file name "C:\a.json" in a single cell on the user interface ( Figure 3 :341).

[0095] The user now wants to read the object saved in the file "C:\a.json". She enters the expression =load("C:\a.json") in cell A5. Figure 3 :305). After the system parses this expression, it will go to the file system to request the file located at "C:\a.json" and obtain ( Figure 3 :358), the system will create a data structure in memory that can hold the vector object based on the file and make it referenced by A5.

[0096] The user can now treat A5 just like A3, for example, she can request to browse the contents of A5 ( Figure 3 :359), the system will provide a view with the same content as before ( Figure 3 :330,331,332).

[0097] The above user operation in cell A5, i.e. loading an object definition file from the medium into the spreadsheet memory, can completely happen in another spreadsheet; then, further transformations and operations on A5 will appear to start from a static object definition file "C:\a.json" without knowing the history of the definition.

[0098] Next, the present application gives another example to explain the situation where the user directly inputs the original object definition into a single cell; when the object to be input is more complex, a specific input method tool can be used to assist in input. Figure 4 , in the spreadsheet ( Figure 4 :400), the user first activates the A1 cell ( Figure 4 :401) indicates that data should be entered in the A1 cell. Then, the user opens a graphical input method view ( Figure 4 :410), this graphic input method helps users manually input the original definition of the graphic. Then, the user enters a circle with a center at (10,10) and a radius of 5 on the input method ( Figure 4 :411). Finally, when the user confirms that the input is complete, the system converts the graphic input by the user into the definition of the "circle" object ( Figure 4 :419), and fill in the definition in cell A1 ( Figure 4 :401). The definition can be in the form of a literal object value ( Figure 4 :444), or a formula that returns the definition, such as =circle(10,10,5).

[0099] The user now wants to create a second circle of the same size, but move it vertically downward so that the two circles touch each other. Figure 4 :402), the user uses the third method function translate expression = translate(A1,0,10) to translate the circle in the A1 grid, and the result is a circle that is translated vertically downward by 10 units. Now, the user wants to browse the results ( Figure 4 :429), the system provides him with a window view in the user interface ( Figure 4 :420), and uses the fifth function to display the object in memory to the view on the interface. The object type circle ( Figure 4 :421), the view body shows the drawing result of the circle object ( Figure 4 :422).

[0100] Next, the user needs to combine the two circles on the same picture. Specifically, by using the statically defined third method function canvas, write the expression = canvas(A1, A2) in cell A3 to pass the addresses of cells A1 and A2 to the third method function canvas as parameters ( Figure 4 :403). By parsing this expression, the data structure referenced by A1 and A2 will be found in memory. Then a canvas object will be created in memory according to the definition logic of canvas itself, and the result will be referenced by A3. Finally, when the user requests to browse the result ( Figure 4 :439), the system uses the fifth method function to display the result (object) referenced by the A3 grid in a view on the user interface as before ( Figure 4 :430, 431, 432). This view briefly shows the object type canvas ( Figure 4 :431), the view body shows the drawing results of two circle objects ( Figure 4 :432).

[0101] The user now wants to save the canvas object in A3 to a medium for long-term use. Enter the expression =save(A3,"C:\b.json") in cell A4. Figure 4 :404), after receiving the instruction (i.e. input expression), the system finds the data structure that A3 is referencing in the memory, and then converts it into a file in the format of JSON, XML or YAML, etc., and then saves the file ( Figure 4 :442)Write to connected media ( Figure 4 :448), and finally, if the file is saved successfully, the system displays the file name "C:\b.json" in a single cell on the user interface ( Figure 4 :449).

[0102] The user now wants to read the object saved in the file "C:\b.json". You need to enter the expression = load("C:\b.json") in cell A5. Figure 4 :405). After the system parses this expression, it will ask the operating system for the file located at "C:\a.json" and obtain ( Figure 4 :458) After the file is loaded, the system will create a data structure in memory that can hold the canvas object based on the file and make it referenced by A5.

[0103] The user can now treat A5 just like A3, for example, she can request to browse the contents of A5 ( Figure 4 :459), the system will provide a view with the same content as before ( Figure 4:430,431,432).

[0104] The above is only an embodiment of the present application and is not intended to limit the present application. For those skilled in the art, the present application may have various changes and variations. Any modification, equivalent replacement, improvement, etc. made within the spirit and principle of the present application should be included in the scope of the claims of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, characterized in that: include: Create object definitions and save definition files to media; The object definition file contains definitions of one or more objects; The object definition file is used to save the object in a preset storage format; Creating a method function for the object, and using the method function to operate the object, wherein the method function includes at least one of a first method function, a second method function, a third method function, a fourth method function, and a fifth method function: The first method function is used to read the object from the definition file into the memory data structure; The second method function is used to save the object from the memory data structure to the definition file; The third method function is used to return an object; The fourth method function is used to transform the input object; The fifth method function is used to display the objects in the memory on the interface.

2. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: The step of creating a definition of an object and saving the definition file to a medium further includes: The object, the definition of the object, and the type of the object are stored in a medium.

3. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that: In response to the user's input instruction for constructing an object, the input instruction is an expression entered by the user in one of the cells of the electronic spreadsheet; by parsing and calculating the expression, a data structure is correspondingly created in the memory for storing the calculation result of the expression; the calculation result of the expression is the object constructed by the user, and the object can be referenced by the address of the cell where the expression is located.

4. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein: In response to a user's save instruction, calling a second method function to save the object from the memory data structure to a definition file; The definition of the object is added to the definition file and saved in the medium.

5. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein: include: On the user interface, the method function is used to be edited by the user; The result obtained by calculating the method function can be displayed on the interface.

6. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The third method function is used to create and return the data structure of the constructed object in the memory after being executed in the memory; Or receive parameters from the outside world and return objects with different contents based on the parameters received.

7. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein: The fourth method function is used to transform the input object according to the function definition when being executed in the memory, and return the transformation result after execution.

8. The method for performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet as claimed in claim 1, wherein: include: The fifth method function is used to display the object in the memory to the view on the interface, which further includes: Transform the in-memory object into a view data structure, Draws views on the user interface based on the view data structure.

9. A system for assisting a user in performing object-oriented programming on a spreadsheet, characterized in that: include: There is a spreadsheet graphical user interface; A data processor for executing the method program of claims 1 to 8 and accessing related data; There is a data memory for storing the method program and related data of claims 1-8 during execution, so that the system can execute the method program of claims 1-8 when there is a processor.

10. A non-transitory computer readable and writable medium, characterized in that: Used to store the program and related data of the above method for a long time, so that when the program and data in the medium are read by the processor of the system described in claims 1-8, any step of the method described in any one of claims 1-8 can be executed.

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