Spreadsheet Custom Command Definition System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional spreadsheet applications limit users in defining and executing custom commands, requiring programming skills and not allowing for easy translation of data models between spreadsheets and databases, which hinders data organization and automation.

Innovation Solution

A system and method that allows users to declare new commands in a spreadsheet by specifying a command name and associating it with input and output cells, translating the command into a programming language code, enabling the execution of custom functions and data manipulation within the spreadsheet, and facilitating data model translation between spreadsheets and databases.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional spreadsheet applications are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability is limited due to inability to define custom commands

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to define custom commandsVSAvoidsystem complexity for command definition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the spreadsheet interface and the command execution system. This intermediary translates user-friendly spreadsheet formulas into executable code fragments, allowing users to define custom commands without programming expertise while maintaining system simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables users to self-define custom commands directly within the spreadsheet environment using a declaration command syntax. Users can create, modify, and execute custom commands without external programming tools, making the system self-sufficient and highly adaptable

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If programming skills are required for custom commands, then adaptability improves, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustom command functionalityVSAvoidprogramming expertise requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a simplified copy or representation of programming functionality within the spreadsheet environment. Instead of requiring users to write actual code, the system accepts spreadsheet-formula-like syntax that gets translated into executable commands, preserving adaptability while eliminating the need for programming skills

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical system of traditional programming (writing, compiling, debugging code) with a spreadsheet-based declaration system. Users declare commands using familiar spreadsheet syntax, and the system automatically handles the translation and execution, substituting complex programming mechanics with simple declaration statements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If data model translation between spreadsheets and databases is not supported, then ease of operation is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata model translation capabilityVSAvoidtranslation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal command execution system that can handle multiple data models (spreadsheets and databases) through a single interface. The declaration command mechanism serves multiple functions: defining custom commands, translating between data models, and executing operations across different data sources without requiring separate systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9384182B2Systems, methods and machine readable mediums for defining and executing new commands in a spreadsheet software application

Publication Date: 2016.07.05 EIS SOFTWARE LTD

AI summary

Systems, methods and machine-readable mediums for defining and executing new commands in a spreadsheet application are provided. A method may include receiving a declaration command in a first spreadsheet cell. The declaration command identifying a command name for the new command and operations performed for the command name based on a plurality of second spreadsheet cells. A system may include a processor programmed to evaluate the declaration command in the first spreadsheet cell according to the instructions stored in a storage device, receive the command name and at least two parameters identifying at least one input spreadsheet cell and at least one output spreadsheet cell of the spreadsheet application, create a new command for the spreadsheet application, and evaluate the new command as identified by the command name in a second spreadsheet cell for execution. The computer readable mediums provide instructions to cause the processor to perform the operations above.