Method and system for improved spreadsheet analytical functioning
AssigneeAdaptam Inc.
InventorRobert E. Dvorak
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
The disclosed technology creates a family of spreadsheet functions (predefined formulas) which allows users to create programming loop equivalents in their regular spreadsheet cells combining familiar range or array evaluating functions (e.g., SUM, COUNT, MIN, MAX, etc.) with data filtering and output selection. The input data to these new functions can be sourced from multiple cells within the spreadsheet or a broad spectrum of numeric, date and text data not stored in a spreadsheet, including data not discretely defined. The technology disclosed can use as inputs cell ranges or Non-spreadsheet Cell (NSC) data formulas. The technology supports functions with predefined combinations and user specified combinations all capable of automating, millions of looped calculations.
Claims24
A method of evaluating data in a spreadsheet using a combination function, including:
- accessing from the spreadsheet the combination function entered in a first spreadsheet cell, wherein the combination function combines first and second functions;
- receiving in a parameter list of the combination function at least first and second data fields;
- applying the first function to groups of items in the first data field having distinct values to generate first function outputs from data in the second data field, wherein there are more values in the first data field than there are distinct values and there are two or more groups;
- and
- applying the second function to the first function outputs to generate a combined function output.
A non-transitory computer readable medium holding instructions that, when executed on hardware, configure the hardware to implement actions, including:
- accessing from the spreadsheet the combination function entered in a first spreadsheet cell, wherein the combination function combines first and second functions;
- receiving in a parameter list of the combination function at least first and second data fields;
- applying the first function to groups of items in the first data field having distinct values to generate first function outputs from data in the second data field, wherein there are more values in the first data field than there are distinct values and there are two or more groups;
- and
- applying the second function to the first function outputs to generate a combined function output.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.