Abstract: An improved electronic spreadsheet is provided for applications that require the processing of continuous data streams over a time-based data interval of size greater than one. The improved spreadsheet supports the creation of expressions involving clocked delay line objects instantiated within spreadsheet cells. The delay line object includes data storage and a member function that implements a shift register. Data stream input functions supply the clocking signals that trigger the execution of the shift register function of the delay line object. Spreadsheet functions are provided that support random access of elements and other analysis over the buffered data interval The forgoing improvements extend the effective range of spreadsheet programming to include a wider range of applications than was previously possible, including signal processing, machine vision, and time evolution studies.
Type:
Grant
Filed:
September 16, 2002
Date of Patent:
June 27, 2006
Assignee:
Cognex Technology and Investment Company