Encrypted Spreadsheet Runtime for Automated Data Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spreadsheet applications require hands-on human interaction for data manipulation and generation, making it difficult to run computations at scale and necessitate time-consuming manual translation into other computing languages for automation and scalability.
Innovation Solution
A data processing platform that analyzes and compiles source spreadsheets to create encrypted files with transformed data and directives, allowing for secure processing of disparate data sets by mimicking the source spreadsheet's functionality without the need for traditional spreadsheet applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If spreadsheet computations are automated using traditional spreadsheet applications, then hands-on human interaction is required for data manipulation, but this makes it difficult to run computations at scale and increases time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical interaction model of traditional spreadsheet applications with an event-driven computational system. Instead of requiring hands-on human interaction to manipulate cells and formulas, the system translates spreadsheet logic into automated event handlers that process data changes programmatically, enabling scale automation without manual translation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary translation layer that converts spreadsheet formulas and cell references into a standardized computational representation. This intermediary model acts as a bridge between the visual spreadsheet interface and the automated computational engine, allowing spreadsheet computations to be executed at scale without requiring manual retranslation for each computation run
2Ease of operation
If spreadsheet functionality is preserved in traditional applications, then user interface interaction is maintained, but computational resources are excessively consumed when running at scale
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spreadsheet computation process into distinct event types (cell changes, formula evaluations, data imports) and processes only the affected portions of the spreadsheet rather than recalculating the entire worksheet. This selective event-driven approach maintains ease of operation for users while dramatically reducing computational resource consumption when running at scale
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic computation triggers based on specific events (data changes, user actions, scheduled intervals) rather than continuous recalibration. This event-triggered periodic action allows the system to maintain spreadsheet functionality with user interface interaction while consuming computational resources only when necessary, enabling scalable operation
3Reliability
If data processing is performed securely with encryption, then data security is enhanced, but processing speed and scalability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs encryption and security validations in advance during data ingestion and spreadsheet compilation phases. By establishing security protocols and encrypted data structures beforehand, the system eliminates the need for time-consuming security checks during actual computation, thereby maintaining both data security and processing speed at scale
Data Source
AI summary
An aspect of the present teachings generally includes a data processing platform (e.g., a platform hosted by a remote computing resource) that analyzes and compiles information contained in a source spreadsheet, e.g., to ascertain how the source spreadsheet manipulates input data. The data processing platform may create an encrypted file related to the source spreadsheet that includes transformed input data and/or directives that define functionality of the source spreadsheet, e.g., where the encrypted file is specifically tailored for use on the data processing platform for a particular user or set of users. Also, or instead, the data processing platform may create or otherwise utilize one or more runtimes that, when executed in conjunction with the encrypted file, can mimic functionality of the source spreadsheet and/or other useful functionality applied to the input data or other disparate data.