Dynamic Spreadsheet Generation via Natural Language Queries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data management and sharing technologies, such as spreadsheets, often require technical expertise and specific knowledge of Structured Query Language (SQL) to combine data from multiple sources, and lack efficient mechanisms for securely sharing and customizing data among users, especially in large organizations.
Innovation Solution
A spreadsheet editor system that supports natural language querying and dynamic spreadsheet generation, allowing users to create and share spreadsheets without SQL knowledge, using user-generated data and metadata to filter and customize content based on user permissions and roles, ensuring secure and scalable data distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional spreadsheets are used to combine data from multiple sources, then data integration capability is achieved, but technical expertise and SQL knowledge are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a natural language processing layer as an intermediary between users and the data integration system. Users can query data from multiple sources using natural language instead of SQL, and the system automatically translates these queries into executable data retrieval operations, eliminating the need for technical expertise while maintaining complex data integration capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of learning and using SQL syntax with a more intuitive natural language interface. The system substitutes the need for users to manually construct queries with automated query generation based on natural language inputs, significantly reducing the operational barrier while preserving data integration functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If spreadsheets are shared with multiple users, then data collaboration is enabled, but secure access control and customization become difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic spreadsheet generation where the content and structure of spreadsheets are automatically adjusted based on user roles, permissions, and data references. Instead of static spreadsheets requiring manual customization for each user, the system dynamically generates personalized versions based on predefined access control rules and user attributes
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service access control where users can define their own data references, roles, and permission requirements. The system automatically processes these definitions and generates appropriate spreadsheet versions without requiring manual intervention from administrators, reducing the complexity of managing access control across multiple users
3Reliability
If manual filtering and customization of spreadsheet data is performed, then data security is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining access control rules, data references, and customization parameters before data sharing occurs. When a user requests access to data, the system automatically applies the pre-established rules to filter and customize the spreadsheet content, ensuring data security without requiring time-consuming manual filtering operations
Data Source
AI summary
Editing and sharing spreadsheets of a spreadsheet editor system are disclosed. Interactions pertaining to requests of users of the spreadsheet editor system may be treated via natural language queries that are received at an interface of said system. When a first user attempts to share a spreadsheet with a second user, various spreadsheet filtering techniques may cause a new version of the given spreadsheet to be generated for the second user depending on permissions and metadata of one or both users of the editable spreadsheet system. References of the second user may additionally be used to modify a spreadsheet for viewing by the second user.