Simulated Spreadsheet System Separating Template and Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Spreadsheets, commonly used for financial modeling, face challenges with large file sizes, linked spreadsheet dependencies, limited dimensional representation, and user-specific configurations, leading to inefficiencies and errors in managing complex financial models.
Innovation Solution
A simulated spreadsheet system that separates template and information, calculates data using spreadsheet formula syntax, and presents results in a Web Browser, allowing for multi-dimensional financial and operational modeling without the limitations of traditional spreadsheet software.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If spreadsheets are used to model financial forecasts, then calculations can be performed with user-defined formulas, but file sizes become excessively large (exceeding 100 MB)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the financial model into separate components: a database storing structured financial data and a spreadsheet interface for visualization and calculation. This segmentation allows the data to be stored efficiently in the database while the spreadsheet maintains its traditional calculation capabilities, resolving the contradiction between modeling flexibility and file size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a database as an intermediary between the user and the financial data. The database serves as a mediator that stores data in a structured, efficient manner while the spreadsheet interface provides the familiar calculation and visualization functions, thereby reducing file sizes while maintaining adaptability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple linked spreadsheets are used to manage a financial model, then comprehensive modeling can be achieved, but changes to one spreadsheet must be manually updated in all linked spreadsheets, causing errors and inefficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple spreadsheets into a single integrated system where all financial data is stored in one database. This eliminates the need for manual updates across multiple linked spreadsheets, as changes are automatically reflected throughout the system through the centralized data storage and retrieval mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal financial modeling system where a single database serves all modeling needs. The database structure is designed to handle various financial scenarios and calculations, making the system multi-functional and eliminating the need for multiple specialized spreadsheets that require manual synchronization.
3Ease of operation
If spreadsheets are used for financial modeling, then data can be presented in two dimensions, but this limits the representation of complex n-dimensional financial and operational space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional spreadsheet presentation to multi-dimensional data storage and retrieval through the database system. The database can store and query data across multiple dimensions (time, category, amount, etc.), while the spreadsheet interface continues to provide familiar two-dimensional visualization, thereby resolving the contradiction between simplicity and dimensional capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A method is provided for creating a simulated spreadsheet. The method includes receiving information from a simulated spreadsheet template, separating the simulated spreadsheet template from information within the simulated spreadsheet template, storing the simulated spreadsheet template and the corresponding information separately, calculating any calculable information within the information by using spreadsheet formula syntax, and presenting a simulated spreadsheet that includes the calculated information.