Worksheet Join Row Cardinality Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing methods struggle to maintain cardinality of rows when joining worksheets from a database, leading to disruptions in calculations and formulas due to changes in the number of rows.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that involves generating join rows by comparing maximum and minimum values for each column in matching rows from a second worksheet, storing matching values or multiple value indications, and presenting these adjacent to corresponding rows in the first worksheet, thereby maintaining cardinality and preventing disruptions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If worksheets are joined from a database, then data completeness is improved, but row cardinality changes causing calculation disruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the joined data into multiple virtual rows within a single displayed row. When a worksheet is joined and multiple matching rows are found, the system creates multiple virtual representations (segments) of that data within the same row structure, allowing complete data retrieval while maintaining stable row cardinality for calculations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the database join operation and the worksheet display. This intermediary virtualizes the row data, allowing the system to retrieve complete joined data while presenting it in a stabilized format that maintains consistent row counts. The virtualization layer acts as a mediator that transforms variable-length joined results into fixed-cardinality row structures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex queries are constructed to access database information, then data access capability is improved, but user accessibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to automatically construct and execute complex database queries without requiring user expertise in query languages. The spreadsheet application self-services by generating appropriate SQL queries based on user-friendly join specifications, retrieving data from the database, and automatically handling the complexity of data integration while presenting simple results to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the user and the database query system. This intermediary translates user-friendly join specifications into complex SQL queries, executes them, and processes the results. Users interact with simple join parameters while the intermediary handles the complexity of query construction, database communication, and result processing.
Data Source
AI summary
Maintaining cardinality of rows while joining worksheets from a database including receiving a request to join, to a first worksheet, a second worksheet from the database; for each row in the first worksheet: generating a join row for data from the second worksheet on the database; in response to determining that there is at least one matching row in the second worksheet on the database: compare a maximum value and a minimum value for each column in each row of the at least one matching row; if the maximum value and the minimum value match, store a matching value in a corresponding column of the join row; and if the maximum value and the minimum value do not match, store a multiple value indication in the corresponding column of the join row; and presenting the join row adjacent to a corresponding row in the first worksheet.