Infinite Canvas Object Encapsulation for Spreadsheet Flexibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional spreadsheet applications lack flexibility in formatting, moving, and resizing tables, as they are not encapsulated as single objects, limiting their independence and functionality.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a workspace with an infinite canvas that allows various objects, including tables, to be individually formatted, moved, and resized as atomic objects, while maintaining spreadsheet functionalities and relationships between objects, enabling encapsulation of content into single objects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If tables are organized as subsets of rows and columns in a grid, then spreadsheet functionalities are maintained, but flexibility in formatting, moving, and resizing tables is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the traditional grid-based spreadsheet into discrete, independent objects that can be freely positioned and manipulated. Each table, chart, or data element becomes a separate object rather than being constrained to fixed grid cells, enabling independent formatting, moving, and resizing operations while maintaining spreadsheet functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional rigid grid structure to a free-form object-based layout system. Objects can be positioned anywhere on the canvas and resized independently, adding spatial freedom and flexibility beyond the constraints of traditional row-column organization.
2Ease of operation
If all content is encapsulated in individual objects, then flexibility and independence are improved, but complexity of managing multiple object types increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal object model that can represent tables, charts, images, and other content types within a single unified framework. Each object type maintains its specific functionalities while being managed through common operations, reducing the complexity of handling multiple object types independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic object properties that allow objects to be manipulated, formatted, and positioned independently while automatically maintaining their relationships and dependencies. This dynamic approach simplifies management by allowing objects to adapt their behavior based on their context and interactions with other objects.
3Adaptability or versatility
If tables are not encapsulated as single objects, then grid-based spreadsheet functionality is maintained, but ability to format, move, and resize tables as single objects is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple grid cells and their contents into a single table object that can be manipulated as one unit. This consolidation allows users to format, move, and resize entire tables with single operations rather than having to manually adjust individual cells, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining the underlying grid structure for data organization.
Data Source
AI summary
Including multiple types of objects on a canvas is disclosed. In some embodiments, an ability to include on a displayed canvas simultaneously a set of objects comprising one or more objects of two or more different types, including a first type of object having associated with it an ability to define the content of a first cell by reference to one or more other cells such that the content of the first cell is updated automatically and without further human intervention if the content of one or more of the one or more other cells is changed and a second type of object not having said ability associated with it, is provided.