Spreadsheet Display Area Management on Touch Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic spreadsheet software on handheld touch devices lacks the functionality to conveniently display calculation results due to screen size constraints, which hinders user interaction.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving touch signals to move the electronic spreadsheet between initial and interim positions to reveal a blank area for displaying calculation results, allowing users to easily view and relocate the results within the spreadsheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If the electronic spreadsheet occupies the full screen to maximize data visibility, then the display area for calculation results is limited, but the spreadsheet content can be fully viewed
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic spreadsheet is designed to dynamically change its position and display state based on user interaction. The spreadsheet can be dragged between different positions (initial position covering the blank area, and second position revealing the blank area), allowing the system to adapt between maximizing spreadsheet visibility and maximizing result display area according to user needs
Solution Approach 2:
The solution introduces a temporal dimension to the display arrangement. Instead of statically allocating screen space, the spreadsheet and blank area share the display space through time-based switching. The spreadsheet moves between positions, temporarily revealing the blank area for results, then returning to cover it, creating a dynamic spatial arrangement that resolves the area conflict
2Ease of operation
If the calculation result is displayed directly on the spreadsheet without moving it, then the spreadsheet remains in its initial position, but the calculation result cannot be clearly displayed
Solution Approach 1:
The calculation result is extracted from the spreadsheet area and placed in a separate blank area. By separating the result display from the data input area, the system enables clear result presentation without interfering with the spreadsheet's data display function, improving both visibility and user interaction
3Area of stationary object
If the screen size is increased to display both spreadsheet and calculation result clearly, then the calculation result can be displayed, but the device portability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than increasing screen size, the solution dynamically reuses the existing screen space. The spreadsheet moves to reveal the blank area for results, then returns to its initial position. This temporal multiplexing of display space allows both spreadsheet and result to be displayed clearly on the same limited screen area without increasing device size
Solution Approach 2:
The blank area for calculation results is nested within the screen space that the spreadsheet temporarily occupies. When the spreadsheet moves to its second position, it reveals the previously hidden blank area, allowing the result to be displayed within the same overall device footprint without requiring additional screen real estate
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method for controlling an electronic spreadsheet on a handheld touch device, comprising an operation procedure, a display procedure and a recovery procedure. The operation procedure comprises: receiving a selection touch control signal for selecting cells, determining selected cells in an electronic spreadsheet according to the selection touch control signal, calculating according to a preset processing method, and storing the calculation result. The display procedure comprises: receiving a first touch control signal for controlling movement of an electronic spreadsheet from an initial position of the electronic spreadsheet to an interim position, moving the electronic spreadsheet from the initial position of the electronic spreadsheet to the interim position according to the first touch control signal to expose a blank area, querying whether the calculation result exists or not, and if yes, displaying the calculation result in the blank area. The recovery procedure comprises: receiving a second touch control signal for controlling movement of the electronic spreadsheet from the interim position to the initial position of the electronic spreadsheet, and moving the electronic spreadsheet to the initial position of the electronic spreadsheet according to the second touch control signal to cover the blank area. The calculation result can be displayed clearly by using the method, thereby facilitating use by users.