Spreadsheet Fact Retrieval via Unstructured Document Repository
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreadsheet systems face challenges in efficiently entering and managing large amounts of information, as manual data entry is time-consuming and error-prone, and importing data from databases is limited by the need for specific data sources and predefined categories, making it difficult for users to access relevant information.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that allows users to request and insert facts into a spreadsheet by utilizing a repository of information derived from unstructured documents, where user-selected identifiers are used to retrieve and associate facts, enabling easier information management and integration into spreadsheet cells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If manual data entry is used to enter information into a spreadsheet, then the user can input any custom information, but the process is extremely time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system between the user and the spreadsheet that automatically retrieves information from external sources based on user-provided identifiers. This mediator handles the time-consuming manual entry task while maintaining user control over what information is entered, thus resolving the contradiction between flexibility and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service by automatically fetching and populating spreadsheet data using identifiers provided by the user. The automation handles the data retrieval and entry process without requiring manual typing, significantly improving productivity while preserving user flexibility in selecting what data to enter.
2Productivity
If data is imported from a database, then data entry is faster and more reliable, but it is limited by the need to specify a specific data source and choose among predefined categories
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal system that can retrieve information from multiple types of sources (databases, web sources, documents) using a common identifier-based approach. This multi-functional capability allows the system to maintain high productivity while eliminating the limitations of predefined categories and specific data sources, thus resolving the contradiction between speed and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the key parameter for data retrieval from requiring specific data source specifications and predefined categories to using flexible user-selected identifiers. This parameter change enables the system to access diverse information sources dynamically, resolving the contradiction between fast automated entry and adaptability in data source selection.
3Extent of automation
If conventional database importation is used, then information can be retrieved automatically, but users must know the name of a database and how information is organized within it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer that translates user-friendly identifiers into the appropriate database queries and information retrieval operations. This mediator handles the complexity of database organization and structure, allowing automatic retrieval without requiring users to know database names or internal organization, thus resolving the contradiction between automation and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically interpreting user-provided identifiers and retrieving the corresponding information without requiring users to understand database structures. The automation adapts to different data sources and organizations autonomously, maintaining high automation while significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreadsheet user interface accepts a request for at least one fact, the request comprising a user-selected identifier for the desired fact. Responsive to the entry of the request, a fact repository containing information derived from unstructured documents is accessed. The fact or facts corresponding to the request, if any, are retrieved from the repository, and the results are displayed at the location of the spreadsheet that is associated with the request.