Spreadsheet Conversion to Web via Server-Side Calculation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spreadsheet applications face issues with distribution and resource management, as they can lose control over modified spreadsheets, expose proprietary data, and large files can cause computer resource overload, leading to potential crashes.
Innovation Solution
Converting spreadsheet applications into web-based applications using XML to define networked versions with applied permissions, allowing for secure distribution and reduced resource usage by performing calculations on a server, while maintaining the same appearance and logic as the original spreadsheet.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spreadsheet applications are distributed to users, then accessibility and ease of operation are improved, but control over the spreadsheet and security are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a server as an intermediary between the spreadsheet creator and users. The server hosts the spreadsheet application and manages user access, allowing users to access spreadsheets remotely while the server maintains control over the application logic, data integrity, and security permissions. This resolves the contradiction by enabling wide accessibility through the network while preserving control through centralized server management.
2Ease of operation
If spreadsheet applications are distributed to users, then accessibility is improved, but security and protection of proprietary data are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The server acts as a security intermediary that enforces permission settings and protects proprietary data. Users interact with the spreadsheet through the server, which controls what data is visible and editable based on predefined permissions. This allows broad accessibility while maintaining security, as the server mediates all access and prevents unauthorized modifications or data exposure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If large spreadsheet files are used, then functionality and data capacity are improved, but computer resource usage and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the spreadsheet application into two parts: the application logic and data remain on the server, while only the user interface is transmitted to clients. This segmentation allows large, complex spreadsheets to be hosted on the server where resources are abundant, while client machines only need minimal resources to display and interact with the interface. This resolves the contradiction by enabling high data capacity without burdening client computer resources.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple large spreadsheets are active on one computer, then data capacity is improved, but system stability and reliability are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the spreadsheet workload between server and client, multiple large spreadsheets can be hosted and processed on the server simultaneously without affecting client system stability. Each client only runs a lightweight interface, allowing users to access multiple data-intensive spreadsheets without overloading their local computer resources, thus maintaining system stability while providing high data capacity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method includes receiving a spreadsheet application that is executable using a spreadsheet program; converting the spreadsheet application into a data file that defines characteristics of a networked version of the spreadsheet application that was converted from the spreadsheet application by applying permissions that are set in the spreadsheet application and not applied in the spreadsheet application, wherein the characteristics are defined based on the permissions and include information defining cells of the networked version of the spreadsheet application that are displayable to a user of the networked version of the spreadsheet application; and transmitting the data file to a server to make the data file available to network users as the networked version of the spreadsheet application.