Grid Data Management via Notation Inputs for Formula Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grid data management approaches face issues such as slow performance with large reports, limited user accessibility, increased resource drain, and inadequate security features, particularly when using formulas to retrieve data from multiple cells and importing data into proprietary databases.
Innovation Solution
A method involving notation inputs that specify data sources and security information, allowing direct connection to databases or web services, reducing the need for numerous formulas, enhancing user control over data handling and display, and providing secure sharing options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If formulas are used in each cell to retrieve data from data sources, then data can be accessed and displayed in grid cells, but performance becomes slow on large reports with many cells containing formulas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the grid into ranges of cells, where each range is associated with a single notation that retrieves data for the entire range. This divides the problem of managing individual cell formulas into managing range-level notations, reducing the total number of formula evaluations required while maintaining data accessibility across all cells in the range.
Solution Approach 2:
The notation associated with a range of cells serves multiple functions: it retrieves data from the specified data source, populates all cells in the range, and can be updated centrally when data changes. This single notation replaces what would otherwise require individual formulas in each cell, improving performance while maintaining universal data access.
2Ease of manufacture
If data is imported into a proprietary database for grid access, then data can be managed and formatted, but accessibility is reduced and resource drain increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a notation as an intermediary between the grid application and external data sources. This notation enables direct data retrieval and formatting capabilities without requiring data to be imported into a proprietary database, eliminating the intermediary database layer while maintaining formatting and management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the data import step entirely from the workflow. Instead of importing data into a proprietary database before grid access, the system directly connects to external data sources through notations, eliminating the database import bottleneck and improving both accessibility and reducing resource drain while preserving formatting capabilities.
3Quantity of substance
If numerous formulas are used to retrieve data for large reports, then comprehensive data coverage is achieved, but the complexity of data management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual cell formulas into a single range-associated notation. Instead of managing thousands of separate formulas across a large report, the user manages a small number of notations, each covering a range of cells. This consolidation maintains comprehensive data coverage while dramatically reducing management complexity.
4Reliability
If data is retrieved via formulas without copying to cells, then data remains linked to sources, but users cannot freely work with the data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic system where data in grid cells can exist in different states: initially linked to source data through notations, and optionally copied to enable free manipulation. The system dynamically adapts to user needs, allowing data to transition from a linked state (for reliability) to a copied state (for manipulative freedom) based on user actions and requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are provided for managing data in a grid. In one example approach, a method comprises importing data from a data source to a range of cells in a grid, where the range of cells is specified by a notation input associated with the grid, and where the notation input includes a key specifying the data source and security information associated with the data source.