Multi-Header Summary Table for Independent Data Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional summary tables in data analysis programs are limited to a single set of row and column headers, requiring users to create separate tables for different views of data, which is cumbersome and restricts the ability to manipulate distinct views together.

Innovation Solution

A data analysis program that allows multiple row and column header areas in a single summary table, enabling users to create and manipulate multiple distinct views independently while maintaining overall table operations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single set of row and column headers is used in a summary table, then the table structure is simple and easy to implement, but the user cannot display multiple distinct views of data simultaneously and must create separate tables for different views

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to display multiple distinct views of dataVSAvoidtable structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the header area into multiple independent row header areas and column header areas within a single summary table. Each header area can be independently configured with different data fields, allowing multiple distinct views of the same data to be displayed simultaneously without requiring separate tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The summary table is enhanced to support multiple row header areas and multiple column header areas, making it a multi-functional data visualization tool. This allows the same table structure to serve multiple analytical purposes by displaying different data perspectives concurrently, eliminating the need for multiple separate tables.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If separate summary tables are created for different data views, then each view can be independently manipulated, but the process becomes cumbersome requiring redundant parameters and displays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manipulating multiple data viewsVSAvoidtime to create and manage multiple tables

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple distinct data views into a single summary table by implementing multiple row header areas and column header areas. This consolidation allows users to manipulate all views within one table interface, eliminating the time-consuming process of creating, managing, and coordinating multiple separate tables while reducing redundant parameter specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate summary tables are used for different views, then each table can be optimized for its specific view, but the ability to manipulate them together through grouping, expanding, or collapsing is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to manipulate views togetherVSAvoidnumber of separate table structures

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the header functionality into multiple independent row header areas and column header areas within a unified table structure. This segmentation allows each header area to be independently manipulated through grouping, expanding, or collapsing operations while maintaining the ability to coordinate manipulations across all areas within the same table, enhancing collaborative manipulation capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2396736B1Displaying multiple row and column header areas in a summary table

Publication Date: 2021.03.31 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

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AI summary

A data analysis program receives a selection of data fields defining multiple row header areas and/or multiple column header areas for display in a summary table. Data is read from a data source containing values for the data fields and transformed into summary level data for building the summary table. A display is rendered in the summary table for each of the multiple row header areas and column header areas defined, with the row header areas being displayed vertically adjacent to one another and the column header areas being displayed horizontally adjacent to one another.