Spreadsheet Fill Parameters for Nested Table Output Combinations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreadsheet functions struggle to efficiently fill nested output fields/ranges with repetitive values, particularly when dealing with multiple nested fields/ranges, and fail to support a broad range of data types beyond dates and integers.
Innovation Solution
The technology introduces fill parameters that can be added to spreadsheet functions to automatically fill combinations of two or more data fields/ranges, supporting various fill sets including all values, unique values, and specified lists, which can be sourced from spreadsheet cells or external data, and can modify existing function arguments to achieve this.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing spreadsheet functions are used to fill nested output fields/ranges, then the functions can handle simple date and integer sequences, but they fail to efficiently fill nested fields with repetitive values across multiple data types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends spreadsheet function capabilities to handle multiple data types (dates, integers, reals, text, Booleans) through a unified filling mechanism. The function automatically detects the data type of each field/range and applies appropriate filling strategies, making the spreadsheet function universal across diverse data types rather than limited to specific types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fill parameters that can be added to spreadsheet functions to specify filling behavior for nested fields/ranges. These parameters allow users to define how values should be repeated or generated across multiple fields, changing the functional parameters of spreadsheet operations to enable efficient nested filling while maintaining type flexibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fill parameters are added to spreadsheet functions to support multiple data types, then the functions can handle diverse data types, but the function complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic data type detection and appropriate filling strategy selection within the spreadsheet function. The function autonomously determines the data type of each field/range and applies the correct filling method without requiring users to manually specify complex parameters for each data type, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent handles different data types through segmented processing within the unified function. Each data type (dates, integers, reals, text, Booleans) is processed with type-specific filling logic, allowing the function to manage complexity by dividing the filling task into type-specific segments while presenting a unified interface to users.
3Productivity
If existing spreadsheet functions are used without fill parameters, then the functions maintain simple operation, but they fail to create comprehensive table outputs with repetitive value combinations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements optional fill parameters that users can add when comprehensive nested filling is needed. The basic function operates simply without these parameters for basic cases, while the optional parameters enable comprehensive filling of nested fields/ranges with repetitive value combinations when required, providing partial action for simple cases and excessive action for comprehensive cases.
4Productivity
If fill parameters are implemented to support nested fields/ranges, then the functions can efficiently fill repetitive values, but the ease of operation decreases due to additional parameters
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic data type detection and appropriate filling strategy selection within the spreadsheet function. The function autonomously determines the data type of each field/range and applies the correct filling method without requiring users to manually specify complex parameters for each data type, thereby reducing perceived complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology for applying a fill parameter to prebuilt spreadsheet table populating functions that fills otherwise not present field/range combinations of values in the table output. It adds a new capability to existing prebuilt spreadsheet functions and can be employed for future prebuilt functions. It works for all data types and for data from multiple cells within the spreadsheet or data not stored in a spreadsheet, including data not discretely defined. The technology disclosed can employ fill types determined by application default or by user specification.