Spreadsheet Simulation System for Automated Data Extraction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quantitative plan simulations face inefficiencies due to the need for manual data selection and input, which is time-consuming and prone to errors, as users must identify relevant numerical values and mathematical formulas from varied and formatted spreadsheets, lacking a standardized template.
Innovation Solution
A simulation system that automatically scans and identifies numerical values and mathematical formulas within spreadsheets, forming a data set based on reference relationships, allowing for automated data setting and streamlined sensitivity and risk analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data selection and input is used for quantitative plan simulation, then users can perform simulations with general-purpose spreadsheet software, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically scanning spreadsheet files and extracting assumption data without requiring manual user intervention. The simulation system autonomously identifies numerical values, mathematical formulas, and their relationships, eliminating the need for users to manually select and input data, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and time consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical manual process of data selection and input with an automated computer-based system. The simulation system uses algorithms to scan spreadsheets, identify assumption data cells, and extract relevant information automatically, substituting human manual operations with automated computational processes to improve efficiency and reduce errors.
2Measurement precision
If users manually select necessary data from spreadsheets for simulation, then they can identify relevant assumption data, but the process requires expert knowledge and is extremely difficult for ordinary users
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and extracting assumption data from spreadsheets without requiring user expertise. The simulation system autonomously analyzes spreadsheet structure, identifies assumption data cells based on their characteristics, and extracts relevant information, making the process accessible to ordinary users while maintaining high accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary automated system that mediates between the spreadsheet data and the simulation process. This intermediary system handles the complex task of identifying assumption data, translating spreadsheet content into simulation-ready formats, and eliminating the need for users to possess expert knowledge about data selection criteria.
3Ease of operation
If a standardized spreadsheet template is used for all plans, then data input becomes simpler, but it is practically impossible to create a template applicable to all types of plans
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a simulation system that can handle multiple spreadsheet formats and structures without requiring standardized templates. The system universally scans and analyzes various spreadsheet types, automatically adapting to different plan structures while maintaining consistent data extraction capabilities, thereby achieving both simplicity and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamics by adaptively adjusting its data extraction process based on the specific characteristics of each spreadsheet. Rather than requiring a fixed template, the simulation system dynamically analyzes the spreadsheet structure, identifies assumption data based on contextual cues, and adapts its extraction methodology to suit different plan types, making the process both simple and versatile.
4Quantity of substance
If spreadsheets contain all company data, then comprehensive information is available, but most data pieces are not directly related to the simulation and increase manual selection burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the extraction principle by automatically identifying and extracting only the relevant assumption data from comprehensive spreadsheets containing all company data. The simulation system scans the entire spreadsheet, distinguishes assumption data cells from other data based on their characteristics and relationships, and extracts only the necessary information for simulation, thereby reducing processing complexity while maintaining data completeness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system removes unnecessary data by extracting only the relevant assumption data needed for simulation from the comprehensive spreadsheet. This extraction process eliminates the burden of manually sifting through irrelevant data pieces while preserving all necessary information, effectively separating the essential simulation data from the broader company data context.
Data Source
AI summary
In a conventional quantitative plan simulation, it is practically impossible to prepare a spreadsheet-type data input template applicable to all types of plans. Thus, a quantitative plan simulation system is required to handle a plurality of spreadsheets containing variously-formatted data. Therefore, the present invention provides a simulation system, a simulation method and a simulation program which are configured to extract a numerical value, a mathematical formula or other kinds of data necessary for a quantitative plan simulation, based on a relevancy among numerical values and mathematical formulas or other kinds of data in a spreadsheet, and perform the quantitative plan simulation based on the extracted numerical values and mathematical formulas.