Waterfall Chart Creation via Automated Variance Computation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for creating and modifying waterfall charts are cumbersome, requiring users to manually calculate and graph data, and do not allow for easy modification of existing charts without recreating them from scratch.

Innovation Solution

A user-friendly computational system that allows users to create and modify waterfall charts with minimal input by selecting data, breakdown methods, and formatting options, enabling automatic generation and modification of charts without manual graph manipulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If existing methods are used to create waterfall charts, then users can generate charts with manual calculation and graphing, but the process is cumbersome and requires significant user effort and time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of chart creationVSAvoidtime required for chart creation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service chart creation by automatically calculating variance steps and generating waterfall charts without requiring users to manually compute or graph data. The system serves itself by processing input data and producing the complete chart visualization autonomously, eliminating the need for users to perform manual calculations or graphing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical operations (manual calculation and graphing) with an automated computational system. The system uses computer-based algorithms to calculate variance steps and generate chart visualizations, substituting the manual mechanical process with an automated electronic system that performs these tasks instantly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing methods are used, then users can create waterfall charts from scratch, but modifying existing charts requires recreating them from scratch without any modification mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechart modification capabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of modification process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system introduces dynamic modification capabilities that allow users to interact with and adjust existing waterfall charts. Users can dynamically modify charts by selecting different breakdown methods, time periods, or dimensions without needing to recreate them from scratch. The system adapts the chart based on user selections, providing flexibility and versatility in chart customization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing variance data and chart structures. When users want to modify an existing chart, the system retrieves pre-computed data and applies the desired modifications, rather than requiring users to recalculate everything from scratch. This preliminary preparation enables efficient chart modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual graph manipulation is required, then users can create customized charts, but the process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of graph manipulationVSAvoidchart creation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-service by automatically generating the complete chart visualization without requiring users to manually manipulate graphs. The system processes input data, calculates variance steps, and produces the waterfall chart autonomously, eliminating the need for users to perform manual graphing operations and significantly improving chart creation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS10586359B1Methods and systems for creating waterfall charts

Publication Date: 2020.03.10 WORKDAY INC

AI summary

Disclosed is a method for creating a waterfall chart for data analysis. A waterfall chart enables a user to compare two different versions of a quantity and the underlying details for the differences between the two versions. The method comprises: 1) a data setting step including the setting of: a) an open value, b) a close value, c) a breakdown time and d) a breakdown dimension; 2) a data series definition step including defining: a) a reference data point, b) a comparison data point, c) a reference data breakdown series and d) a comparison data breakdown series; 3) a variance series computation step including: a) aligning the reference data breakdown series and the comparison data breakdown series, b) calculating a variance series, and c) creating a waterfall data series; and 4) a chart rendering step.