Spreadsheet Math Engine Translates Equations

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Solution Overview

Problem

Spreadsheet applications are limited in evaluating complex mathematical equations and recognizing relationships among data, requiring unique notation and struggling to translate equations between standard math notation and spreadsheet notation.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method and system that connects variables in math equations with data from other cells, translates equations between mathematical and spreadsheet notation, and displays dependencies, using a calculation engine and a math engine to evaluate and simplify equations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If spreadsheet applications use unique spreadsheet function notation for mathematical operations, then they can perform calculations, but they cannot evaluate complex equations or recognize relationships among data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of mathematical operationVSAvoidcapability to evaluate complex equations

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a math engine as an intermediary component that translates standard mathematical notation into spreadsheet function notation. This mediator enables the spreadsheet to evaluate complex equations and recognize data relationships without requiring users to directly input complex spreadsheet functions, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of equation representation from spreadsheet function notation to standard mathematical notation. By accepting equations in standard notation and internally converting them to spreadsheet-executable format, the system maintains ease of use while gaining the capability to handle complex mathematical operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If spreadsheet applications require equations to be input in spreadsheet notation, then they can perform calculations, but they cannot receive and translate equations in standard math notation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalculation executionVSAvoidequation input convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A translation layer is introduced as an intermediary between the user input interface and the calculation engine. This mediator accepts equations in standard mathematical notation from the user and automatically translates them into spreadsheet function notation for execution, eliminating the need for users to directly input complex spreadsheet functions while maintaining calculation productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary translation of the equation from standard math notation to spreadsheet notation before execution. This preliminary action occurs automatically when the user inputs an equation in standard notation, so the user never has to manually convert equations, maintaining both ease of operation and calculation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If spreadsheet applications are limited to simple evaluation of mathematical equations, then they can calculate to a single result, but they cannot perform complex analysis or recognize relationships among data

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesingle result calculationVSAvoidcomplex analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the evaluation process into distinct phases: parsing the mathematical equation, identifying variables and relationships, translating to spreadsheet notation, and executing the calculation. This segmentation allows the system to handle complex equations systematically while ensuring reliable single results through structured processing steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The math engine is designed with universal functionality to handle both simple and complex mathematical operations through a unified translation and execution framework. This multi-functional approach enables the same system to evaluate simple calculations and perform complex analysis, recognizing data relationships, all while maintaining reliable single result output.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS10515145B2Parameterizing and working with math equations in a spreadsheet application

Publication Date: 2019.12.24 MICROSOFT TECHNOLOGY LICENSING LLC

AI summary

The present disclosure is directed to a spreadsheet application with an enhanced understanding of mathematical equations using a mathematical engine and a calculation engine. The disclosed spreadsheet application has many enhanced features, such as, but not limited to: analyzing complex equations, identifying dependencies, converting mathematical notation to spreadsheet notation, connecting variables in an equation to other cells of the spreadsheet, solving or simplifying equations, recommending different display representations of data, and a providing a math display mode.