Elastic Sheet-Defined Functions Dynamic Input Sizing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreadsheet functions require fixed input sizes, leading to errors or incorrect results when input ranges differ from the expected size, limiting their applicability to variable input lengths.
Innovation Solution
The development of elastic sheet-defined functions (SDFs) that generalize inelastic functions to accommodate variable input lengths by using delta variables and constraints to dynamically adjust input ranges, allowing for dynamic input sizes while preventing overlap and ensuring correct calculations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fixed input size functions are used, then calculation precision is maintained, but adaptability to variable input lengths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static fixed-size input functions into dynamic elastic functions that can adapt their input range sizes. This is achieved by introducing delta variables that modify the original fixed size parameters, allowing the function to accept variable input lengths while maintaining calculation accuracy through constraint-based validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter structure by introducing delta variables (e.g., delta_row, delta_col) that modify the original fixed size parameters. These delta parameters allow the function to dynamically adjust its input range while constraints ensure the modified parameters remain valid, thus maintaining precision while gaining adaptability.
2Reliability
If input range size is fixed, then function reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by automatically calculating and adjusting the input range sizes based on the actual data provided. The elastic function automatically determines the appropriate delta values and applies constraints to ensure validity, eliminating the need for users to manually configure fixed sizes while maintaining reliability through automated validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms through constraint validation that automatically checks whether the dynamically adjusted input ranges are valid. If constraints are violated, the system provides feedback to adjust the delta variables, ensuring reliability while allowing flexible operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If delta variables are introduced to generalize functions, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the complexity management by separating the delta variable definitions from the core function logic. The delta variables are introduced as distinct parameters with their own constraint sections, allowing the core function to remain simple while the adaptation mechanism is handled separately through structured constraint validation.
4Productivity
If elastic SDFs are generated from inelastic functions, then productivity is improved, but loss of information increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining constraint rules for the delta variables before the elastic function is executed. These constraints encode the original function's requirements, ensuring that the generalization process preserves essential information while enabling broader applicability. The constraints act as a safeguard to maintain the integrity of the original function's logic.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods for generation and execution of elastic sheet-defined functions and arrays are performed by systems, devices, and apparatuses. Elastic sheet-defined functions are generated from inelastic defined functions. Specific notations for tile ranges and range references of inputs for an inelastic function are generated, and heights, widths, rows, and columns of the inputs are modified with delta variables. Constraints for the delta variables are generated and mapped to solve for a constraints solution for a given inelastic function. Based on the constraints solution, an elastic sheet-defined function is generated that takes dynamic input ranges of different sizes. Elastic sheet-defined functions are executed to prevent overlap of tiles and ranges for variables by generating new sheets for tiles and ranges, dynamically moving tiles and ranges, and assigning cells as arrays. Software programming arrays are also dynamically sized in a similar manner.