Chart Data Point Calculation Using Interactive Ruler Tool

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current productivity software applications do not provide an easy and accurate method for users to perform calculations on chart data, such as distance, difference, average, count, and sum calculations, especially for complex data visualized as lines or scattered data points, leading to time-consuming and inaccurate mental estimations.

Innovation Solution

A computing device displays user controls adjacent to a chart, allowing users to select data points for calculations, with the device performing calculations and displaying results directly on the chart, using tools like a ruler, compass, lasso, and protractor for various calculations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If users perform manual visual inspection and mental calculations on chart data, then no additional software tools are needed, but the process becomes time-consuming and inaccurate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation accuracyVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a ruler tool as an intermediary between the user and the chart data. This ruler tool automatically measures distances between data points and performs calculations, eliminating the need for manual visual estimation and mental math. The ruler serves as a mediator that provides precise measurements and calculations while maintaining ease of use through simple dragging operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If users manually estimate data point values from visual inspection, then no complex software features are required, but the results become inaccurate especially for complex calculations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational simplicityVSAvoiddata value accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The ruler tool employs self-service functionality by automatically detecting data points, calculating distances between them, and performing mathematical operations without requiring user intervention. When the user drags the ruler between points, the system autonomously identifies the relevant data points, retrieves their values, performs the calculation, and displays the result, thereby maintaining simplicity while ensuring accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If productivity software provides basic charting capabilities, then the software remains simple, but users cannot easily perform calculations on chart data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesoftware complexityVSAvoidcalculation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ruler tool is designed as a multi-functional instrument that can perform various calculation operations including distance measurement, difference calculation, averaging, and other mathematical operations on chart data. This single tool provides diverse calculation capabilities without requiring separate features for each type of analysis, thereby enhancing versatility while maintaining software simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9183650B2Data point calculations on a chart

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

Data point calculations on a chart are provided. A user control may be displayed adjacent to a chart by a computing device. A selection of data points on the chart may then be received the user control. A calculation may then be performed by the computing device on the data points selected by the user control. The results of the calculation may then be displayed by the computing device on the chart.