Dynamic Conditional Formatting for Summary Table Data Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
When a conditionally-formatted summary table is manipulated, the highlighted data may be moved to a different location, causing confusion as the static highlighting remains with the original cells, while different data is highlighted, leading to a mismatch between the original and new highlighted data locations.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for associating conditions with data points in a summary table, allowing the conditions to be applied to the same data points even when they are moved, by using scoping options that determine the set of data points to which the condition is applied, such as all profit cells or cells where the same set of fields intersect, and saving this information for reapplication when the table is rearranged.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conditional formatting is applied to static cells in a summary table, then the formatting can be easily defined and applied, but when the table is manipulated and data moves, the formatting remains with the original cells causing confusion and mismatch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from static cell-based conditional formatting to dynamic data-point-based conditional formatting. The conditional formatting is now associated with specific data points rather than fixed cell locations, allowing the formatting to automatically follow data when the summary table is manipulated. This is achieved by tracking data point identities and reapplying formatting to the same data points at their new locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a copying mechanism where conditional formatting definitions are saved and reapplied to data points. When data moves within the summary table, the system copies the conditional formatting associations from the original data points to their new locations, ensuring the formatting travels with the data rather than remaining static in the original cells.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the summary table is manipulated to view data in different ways, then the analysis flexibility is improved, but the conditional formatting becomes mismatched with the data it was intended to highlight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors data point locations and conditional formatting associations. When the summary table is manipulated and data moves to new cells, the system detects this change and automatically reassociates the conditional formatting with the correct data points, providing feedback that maintains the integrity of the formatting-data relationship despite table manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-saving conditional formatting definitions and data point associations before table manipulation occurs. This allows the system to quickly reapply the formatting to the correct data points after manipulation, rather than requiring manual reconfiguration. The conditional formatting rules are prepared in advance and can be rapidly reapplied when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system associate conditional formats with selected data points or groups of data points within a summary table. In one embodiment, related groups of data are determined based upon currently highlighted cells in a summary table. A user then selects from the groups and identifies conditional formats to be associated with the specified data points. The conditional formats are associated with currently displayed as well as non-displayed data within the summary table. The associated conditions are saved relative to the data points rather than the original cell positions so that the conditions remain associated with the data points following a reorganization of the summary table.