Spreadsheet Formula Segmentation for Natural Math Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional spreadsheet software lacks the ability to efficiently execute and display mathematical calculations in a natural format, limiting user flexibility and understanding of mathematical expressions.
Innovation Solution
The spreadsheet system accepts and processes calculation formulas in a format that includes both cell references and mathematical natural display, converting them for execution or display using LaTex notation, allowing for flexible input and interpretation of mathematical expressions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spreadsheet software uses standard cell reference formats for calculations, then calculation execution is reliable, but mathematical expression display is not natural and user understanding is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The calculation formula is divided into two distinct parts: a first part for cell reference description and a second part for mathematical natural display description. This segmentation allows each part to serve its specific purpose independently, enabling both reliable calculation execution and natural mathematical display.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary conversion mechanism that transforms the mathematical natural display description into a format suitable for calculation execution. This intermediary layer bridges the gap between natural mathematical notation and computational requirements, allowing both display formats to coexist and function properly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the spreadsheet system supports both calculation execution and mathematical natural display, then user flexibility and understanding are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal formula processing mechanism that handles multiple functions through a unified approach. The same dual-part formula structure supports both calculation execution and mathematical natural display, eliminating the need for separate processing systems and reducing overall complexity despite the enhanced versatility.
3Ease of operation
If calculation formulas require explicit cell references for execution, then calculation precision is maintained, but user input convenience is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the formula into a first part for cell references and a second part for mathematical expressions, the system maintains the precision of cell references while allowing convenient mathematical input. Users can input formulas naturally without needing to explicitly reference cells for mathematical operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A spreadsheet apparatus accepts a calculation formula for executing calculation with a target being a calculation element that is input in a table format, as a first calculation formula of a first format including a first part corresponding to a description format of referring to a cell of a table and a second part corresponding to a description format for mathematical natural display, and executes one of (i) a calculation process for calculating the first calculation formula by using a value of the cell that the first part refers to, and (ii) a display process for displaying on a display the first calculation formula in a display mode of the mathematical natural display indicated by the second part.