Smart Grid Cell Editing with Dynamic Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Grid-based data processing software applications often restrict user flexibility by locking cells with formulas, making it difficult for users to edit values intuitively, which can lead to errors and undetected changes in models.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a smart grid system that allows users to edit cells while maintaining formula integrity by automatically adjusting related cells to prevent circular references and maintain relationships, using metadata to derive new formulas and update visual indicators.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cells with formulas are locked to maintain model integrity, then formula integrity is preserved, but user flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformula integrityVSAvoiduser flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic cell locking where the locked status of cells changes based on the editing context. When a user edits a cell, the system dynamically determines which other cells should be locked to prevent circular references or formula overwrites, and which should remain editable. This dynamic adjustment allows maximum user flexibility while maintaining formula integrity only when necessary.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to users about the consequences of their edits. When a user attempts to edit a cell, the system checks for potential circular references or formula overwrites and provides feedback by locking affected cells or displaying warnings. This feedback mechanism ensures formula integrity is maintained while allowing users to edit freely when safe to do so.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If cells are unlocked to allow intuitive editing, then user flexibility is improved, but errors and undetected changes increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser flexibilityVSAvoidmodel integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system takes preliminary action by automatically locking cells before a user can introduce errors. When a user edits a cell, the system immediately identifies cells that would be affected by the change (such as cells that would create circular references or overwrite formulas) and locks them in advance. This prevents errors before they can occur, maintaining model integrity while allowing intuitive editing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If formulas are automatically updated to maintain relationships, then model integrity is preserved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemodel integrityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically determining which cells need to be locked or updated based on the editing context. When a user edits a cell, the system autonomously analyzes the grid to identify circular reference risks and formula overwrite risks, then automatically locks affected cells without requiring user intervention. This self-service approach maintains model integrity while minimizing the complexity burden on users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the state parameters of cells (locked vs. unlocked) dynamically based on the editing context. When a user edits a cell, the system calculates which cells should change their locked status to prevent circular references or formula overwrites. This parameter change approach maintains model integrity through automated state management rather than complex user-facing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11036931B2Grid-based data processing with changeable cell formats

Publication Date: 2021.06.15 GROWTHPLAN INC

AI summary

Methods and systems for providing an improved grid-based data processing experience are described. Using the improved grid-based data processing system, a user can edit cells in a way that is intuitive, and the system automatically checks and adjusts the grid to alleviate any circular references or violations of relationships among the cells of the grid. For example, if a user's edit to a target cell creates a circular reference or breaks a predefined relationship, the system can automatically edit one or more other cells of the grid to obviate the problem. Such automatic editing may involve deriving a new formula to populate one or more non-target cells.