Spreadsheet Analyzer Module for Dynamic Data Disaggregation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spreadsheet applications face challenges in efficiently managing and visualizing complex data due to cumbersome manipulation and visualization processes, often prone to errors, especially when dealing with large numbers of formulas and hierarchical structures.

Innovation Solution

A computing device with a semiconductor-based processor hosts a spreadsheet application and an analyzer module that performs local disaggregation and aggregation operations in response to special syntax characters, allowing for even or proportional distribution of data across hierarchy nodes, thereby simplifying data manipulation and visualization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If complex formulas and hierarchical structures are used to manage data relationships in spreadsheets, then data manipulation capability is improved, but operation complexity and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata manipulation capabilityVSAvoidoperation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs disaggregation and aggregation operations by detecting special syntax characters in cell content, eliminating the need for users to manually create complex formulas. The analyzer module self-executes the data manipulation tasks based on simple user input markers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual formula-based data manipulation with an automated analyzer module that processes data through syntactic analysis. Instead of requiring users to write and maintain complex formulas, the system uses pattern recognition and automatic execution to perform the same operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual data aggregation and disaggregation operations are performed, then data processing flexibility is improved, but time consumption and error rate increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata processing flexibilityVSAvoidtime consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system pre-configures the analyzer module to automatically detect and execute disaggregation/aggregation operations when special syntax characters are present. The processing logic is prepared in advance, allowing immediate automatic execution without requiring manual intervention or time-consuming formula construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual data processing operations are replaced with automated computational processes. The analyzer module executes data manipulation tasks programmatically based on syntax detection, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual operations while maintaining processing flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Power

If server-based data processing is used, then processing power is improved, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocessing powerVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts data processing functionality from the server and implements it locally within the spreadsheet application on the client device. The analyzer module operates independently on the client side, eliminating the need for server-based processing while maintaining adequate processing power for spreadsheet operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spreadsheet application performs data processing autonomously without requiring server intervention. The analyzer module self-executes aggregation and disaggregation operations locally, reducing system complexity by eliminating server communication overhead and infrastructure requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

4Measurement precision

If detailed disaggregation of data is performed, then data analysis precision is improved, but computation time and resource usage increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata analysis precisionVSAvoidcomputation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs disaggregation operations only when and where needed, based on the presence of special syntax characters. Rather than continuously processing all data, the analyzer module activates specific disaggregation functions only for cells requiring detailed analysis, reducing overall computation time while maintaining precision when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS10540434B2Dynamic disaggregation and aggregation of spreadsheet data

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 BUSINESS OBJECTS SOFTWARE

AI summary

A computer-implemented method for disaggregating data in a spreadsheet or other data structure hosted on a client computing device includes providing an analyzer module as a plug-in or add-in to a spreadsheet application on a client computing device. The analyzer module locally performs disaggregation and aggregation processes on data in the spreadsheet on the client computing device. The method includes parsing, by the analyzer module, content entered in a subject cell of the spreadsheet to determine if sets of special syntax characters corresponding to a disaggregation instruction or command precede an amount in the entered content, and accordingly disaggregating or aggregating data in the spreadsheet.