Abstract: Preventing the inclusion of a reference to a host cell in a formula to avoid a circular reference in the formula is disclosed. In some embodiments, an indication of an attempted user gesture for inserting into a formula being entered into a host cell a reference to the host cell is received, and the attempted user gesture for inserting a reference to the host cell is disallowed to prevent a circular reference from being inserted into the formula being entered into the host cell.

Abstract: A spreadsheet model is employed to facilitate distributed computations. Spreadsheets and cells are generalized to correspond to arbitrary data sources that can be remote from each other, among other things. Functions can be specified with respect to these arbitrary data sources to produce combinations of data or mashups, for example, wherein changes initiate re-computation with respect to dependent data sources.

Abstract: Individual cells within a spreadsheet may contain an extensible value as defined by an extensible value type. The extensible value type is a user defined value type that is incorporated into the spreadsheet as a supported data type. Generally, the extensible data types provide support for types that are not internally defined by a spreadsheet. When the extensible value type is defined, an associated set of functions are developed to operate on the type. These functions are added to the set of base functions supported by the spreadsheet. The functions, therefore, behave in a substantially similar manner to the set of base spreadsheet functions. The extensible values that are contained within the cells may be acted upon in the same way that supported base types are acted upon.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system, method, means, and/or computer program code are provided to facilitate use of a spreadsheet application to access information stored in a multi-dimensional data source. Some embodiments include receiving, at an analyzer module, a change indication from the spreadsheet application, the change indication being associated with an identifier entered by a user into a spreadsheet cell. In response to the change indication, a member associated with the identifier in a multi-dimensional data source may be dynamically determined. Information in the spreadsheet may then be replaced with a formula based at least in part on the determined member.

Abstract: A data processing system comprises an object manager maintaining two or more uniquely named objects in an object repository, each of the two or more uniquely named objects comprising at least a formula and a value, the value being determined by the formula, a graphical user interface displaying two or more windows, each of the two or more windows corresponding to exactly one named object of the two or more uniquely named objects and displaying within the each window one or more of the name, formula, and value associated with the exactly one named object, and a calculation engine for determining the value of each object responsive to changes in the formula or value of any of the two or more uniquely named objects.

Abstract: A system, method and program product for synchronizing spreadsheet data. A system is provided having: a scheduling system for scheduling a first import time, a second import time, a first export time and a second export time; an import system for obtaining a first spreadsheet from a first entity at the first import time, and for obtaining a second spreadsheet from a second entity at the second import time; a synchronization system for synchronizing the first spreadsheet and the second spreadsheet to obtain a first revised spreadsheet and a second revised spreadsheet; and an export system for providing the first revised spreadsheet to the first entity at the first export time, and for providing the second revised spreadsheet to the second entity at the second export time.

Abstract: A method of searching at least one report includes extracting at least one of report element instance content, report element instance metadata, report element instance data, and at least one of associated report element instance context content, report element instance context metadata and report element instance context data to define indexed fields. A search query is received. The search query is applied against at least one indexed field. Search query results are compiled to produce a list of relevant report element instances.

Abstract: Reference adding behavior in a formula editing mode is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving an indication of a selection of a cell, a reference to the selected cell is inserted into a formula being entered into a host cell if the host cell is not a header cell, and a reference to a row or column with which the selected cell is associated is inserted into a formula being entered into a host cell if the host cell is a header cell.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for decompiling loops in a spreadsheet. Embodiments of the invention detect loops by walking a dependency graph on a spreadsheet. As nodes are encountered, sequences of the same formulas are looked for in a normalized representation of the spreadsheet (e.g., R1C1 notation). When the same formulas are identified, the formulas may represent a loop. The spatial structure of the cells is analyzed to determine which cells are to be stored in arrays and which cells can be loop carried dependencies.

Abstract: The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for creating text functions form a spreadsheet. Embodiments of the invention extract functions from spreadsheets and represent the functions in textual form. Representation in textual form promotes code reuse, clarify, expressive power, and better performance. Text can be rendered in virtually any programming language, such as, for example, C#, C++, Visual Basic (“VB”), etc. In some embodiments, programming language extensibility to support spreadsheet compatible data types and functions is utilized.

Abstract: A system that facilitates a grid-based approach to defining styles for a table. During operation, the system allows a user to define a new table style by specifying styles for cells in a two-dimensional grid of table cells, wherein a style for a given cell specifies one or more attributes for the given cell. The system then applies the new table style to a target table, wherein applying the new table style involves repeating or tiling a pattern of cell styles defined in the two-dimensional grid across the target table.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and machine readable mediums are disclosed for viewing multidimensional data. In one embodiment, a method is disclosed which comprises displaying multidimensional data in a table format, the table format having a plurality of rows, a plurality of columns, and a plurality of cells displaying data, a first column of the plurality of columns including data having at least two hierarchical levels. Data for at least a first set of the plurality of cells is displayed in a graphical format, the first set including cells in the first column, the graphical format of the cells in the first set in the first column indicating a hierarchical level associated with the cell data and a mechanism is displayed for a first one of the rows to display at least one additional row having data in the first column associated with a lower hierarchical level of the first row data.

Abstract: A workbook includes a spreadsheet having cells arranged in columns and rows. The cells include input cells and output cells. The output cells include a formula to be calculated. Calculation of the spreadsheet is divided into multiple tasks. The tasks are assigned among computing nodes within a computing cluster for concurrent calculation of the spreadsheet.

Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of information processing involving digital computers, embedded devices and more particularly, to a method and system for defining hierarchical data model and related computation and instructions rules using electronic spreadsheet like interface. The system and method of the invention are directed to user friendly, fast, development of multi-user, workflow enabled applications using spreadsheet as a tool for application modeling.

Abstract: A method for operating a computer which has access to data of a database, is disclosed. The method includes the steps of: creating a spreadsheet using a table calculation program; defining logic operations between various cells of the spreadsheet; defining an assignment of the data from the database to the cells of the spreadsheet; and generating a source code of a procedural, re-entrant-compatible programming language from the spreadsheet, which when called, reads data from the database, executes a logic operation on it and outputs the result of the logic operation. Also disclosed is a method for generating source code in a procedural, re-entrant-compatible programming language from a spreadsheet representation, wherein a source code is generated from a representation of algorithms and/or data in one or more spreadsheets in such a way that cell areas with the same formula structure are mapped onto one or more methods of the programming language.

Abstract: A method for exporting-importing the content of input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source multi-dimensional spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination multi-dimensional spreadsheet comprises the steps of: detecting a command for exporting-importing input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination spreadsheet; identifying the source scalable template associated with the source scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the source scalable template; identifying the destination scalable template associated with the destination scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the destination scalable template; copying cell per cell, the content of each input cell of the source scalable template instance in each input cell of the destination

Abstract: A workbook includes a spreadsheet having cells arranged in columns and rows. The cells include input cells and output cells. The output cells include a formula to be calculated. Calculation of the spreadsheet is divided into multiple tasks. The tasks are assigned among computing nodes within a computing cluster for concurrent calculation of the spreadsheet.

Abstract: A method for exporting-importing the content of input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source multi-dimensional spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination multi-dimensional spreadsheet comprises the steps of: detecting a command for exporting-importing input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination spreadsheet; identifying the source scalable template associated with the source scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the source scalable template; identifying the destination scalable template associated with the destination scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the destination scalable template; copying cell per cell, the content of each input cell of the source scalable template instance in each input cell of the destination

Abstract: In one aspect, the present invention relates to utilizing a spreadsheet by defining a parameter external to the spreadsheet and associating the parameter with the spreadsheet to define a parameterized workbook. In one embodiment, this utilization further comprises storing a location of the spreadsheet and storing the name of the parameter in the same storage module as the location. In another embodiment, it includes defining a result external to the spreadsheet, the result referencing one or more cells within the spreadsheet. In another embodiment, this utilization further comprises receiving a value for the parameter and generating the result based at least in part on the value and the spreadsheet. In another embodiment, it further comprises associating a type with the parameter. The type can define a range of values or attributes associated with the parameter.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products dynamically filter an aggregate report based on values resulting from one or more filters previously applied to the aggregate report. A method involves maintaining a collection of filters to be applied in a designated evaluation order to the aggregate report, applying a first filter to the aggregate report, and evaluating values in the aggregate report to produce aggregate values resulting from applying the first filter. The method also involves applying a next filter to the aggregate report and evaluating the aggregate values in the aggregate report resulting from applying the first filter therein producing aggregate values resulting from applying the next filter to the aggregate report. Additionally, the method involves displaying the aggregate report wherein evaluating values resulting from previously applying any filter to the aggregate report involves evaluating visual values displayed in the aggregate report after each previous filter has been applied.

Abstract: A process for analyzing a sub-model associated with a full system model as often depicted as an influence diagram. The process includes defining the sub-model as a collection of entities where some entities are calculation entities and some are data entities. The process converts the calculation entities in the sub-model that depend on entities in the fall model outside of the sub-model to temporary data entities. Further, the process deletes any data entity in the sub-model from which any converted temporary data entity depends. The process also determines if there are any isolated cycles in the sub-model, and, if so, which of the entities in the isolated cycle will be an output entity.

Abstract: A method of filling empty cells of a range of cells in a spreadsheet on the basis of sample values contained in a sub-set of the range.

Abstract: Techniques for processing flexible-date queries are described. Techniques include a interface to enter a flexible date query including a description of a traveler's desired stay at a destination. A user receives a set of solutions that satisfy the flexible date query in the form of a calendar. The set of solutions can be stored in a database for eventual retrieval of a subset of the set of solutions to render to a user.

Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed for receiving and processing data analysis expressions. A particular method includes receiving a data analysis expression at a pivot table of a spreadsheet. The data analysis expression is executed for a particular cell of the pivot table by determining a context associated with the particular cell, calculating a value of the data analysis expression based on the context, and outputting the calculated value at the particular cell.

Abstract: A workflow includes an activity that takes advantage of spreadsheet calculations. For a spreadsheet activity, calculation and extraction of values from a spreadsheet is performed. Thus, spreadsheet calculations are integrated into workflows without user intervention. Values from previous activities in the workflow may be obtained and provided to the spreadsheet (e.g., cell values are set, modified, or adjusted). The spreadsheet may then be recalculated using these obtained values. Moreover, values from the spreadsheet may be used in subsequent parts of the workflow. Also, any number of spreadsheet activities may be incorporated into a workflow, and one spreadsheet activity may provide values to a second spreadsheet activity in the workflow.

Abstract: A system including spreadsheet sheets, makes calculations and data transformations, which is available through a programming interface, and conforms to the grammar and syntax of a target software development language is presented. The system includes an Object Model with Data Structures representing entities involved in spreadsheets. The system includes a Parser and Code Generator that extracts data from a body of spreadsheet data, instantiates instances of Data Structures of the Object Model to represent the spreadsheet data, parses the data and formulas contained in the cells of the spreadsheets, iterates through the instantiated instances of the Data Structures, and generates source code that performs the calculations and data transformations embodied in the spreadsheet data. The system includes a Calculation Engine with software base classes that implement the common structural and data access features of spreadsheet data, and further implement the operations of common spreadsheet functions and operators.

Abstract: An improved electronic spreadsheet is provided for applications requiring conditional expression execution behavior. Each cell having an executable expression is cooperative with an implicit conditional execution wrapper. The execution of each cellular expression is implicitly conditioned on the state of an individually assigned logical switch expression. The improved electronic spreadsheet also includes a user interface by which a user can assign logical switch expressions to a cell, or to a range of cells. The improved electronic spreadsheet facilitates the use of spreadsheets for wider range of applications than was possible with conventional electronic spreadsheets.

Abstract: A graphical application developing and managing environment is described capable of representing and editing program modules using multiple display formats, which include embedding source code written in a functional language into a spreadsheet-like format. Methods are described for enabling the sharing of program modules by defining standardized interfaces into program modules and existing documents and by centrally locating module definitions. A patchwork mechanism is described requiring only basic spreadsheet editing skills on behalf of the user, enabling a user of the environment to connect external documents and program modules into a new program application. The invention allows complicated programming and simple end user programming to be achieved within a unified environment and allows the execution of program modules and tracing of variables simultaneously with the writing of a program application.

Abstract: A system and methodology for data processing combining stream processing and spreadsheet computation is described. In one embodiment, a system for data processing combining stream processing and spreadsheet computation comprises: one or more Cloudscale Stream Processors (CSPs), a Cloudscale-enabled spreadsheet, a web services architecture, and one or more data sources. Each CSP takes a set of streams of input data and outputs a set of streams of data. Each stream is a time-ordered stream of files which when concatenated together comprise the stream. The Cloudscale-enabled spreadsheet is used to provide a wide range of complementary capabilities that together with the CSPs provides a comprehensive and powerful data processing architecture.

Abstract: A graphical application developing and managing environment is described capable of representing and editing program modules using multiple display formats, which include embedding source code written in a functional language into a spreadsheet-like format. Methods are described for enabling the sharing of program modules by defining standardized interfaces into program modules and existing documents and by centrally locating module definitions. A patchwork mechanism is described requiring only basic spreadsheet editing skills on behalf of the user, enabling a user of the environment to connect external documents and program modules into a new program application. The invention allows complicated programming and simple end-user programming to be achieved within a unified environment and allows the execution of program modules and tracing of variables simultaneously with the writing of a program application.

Abstract: A computing system, method, and computer program product display a plurality of metric values by forming a plurality of cells within a two-dimensional array and generating and displaying, within the plurality of cells, an indication of mutual importance for a set of metric values associated with two entities. The two entities are within one business entity or represent two business entities. The indication of mutual importance is selected from a fixed set of values of relative importance and indicated by one of a set of colors, a set of grey-scale tones, a set of backgrounds, a set of patterns, and a set of cell border styles. The method further identifies at least two metrics values in conflict, creates a diagram wherein conflicting metrics values are arranged in a circular manner, and indicates a relationship between conflicting metric values as a line with a steering direction indicated by an arrowhead.

Abstract: A method is provided for creating a simulated spreadsheet. The method includes receiving information from a simulated spreadsheet template, separating the simulated spreadsheet template from information within the simulated spreadsheet template, storing the simulated spreadsheet template and the corresponding information separately, calculating any calculable information within the information by using spreadsheet formula syntax, and presenting a simulated spreadsheet that includes the calculated information.

Abstract: Systems, methods and machine-readable mediums for defining and executing new commands in a spreadsheet application are provided. A method may include receiving a declaration command in a first spreadsheet cell. The declaration command identifying a command name for the new command and operations performed for the command name based on a plurality of second spreadsheet cells. A system may include a processor programmed to evaluate the declaration command in the first spreadsheet cell according to the instructions stored in a storage device, receive the command name and at least two parameters identifying at least one input spreadsheet cell and at least one output spreadsheet cell of the spreadsheet application, create a new command for the spreadsheet application, and evaluate the new command as identified by the command name in a second spreadsheet cell for execution. The computer readable mediums provide instructions to cause the processor to perform the operations above.

Abstract: A simulation system includes at least one processor configured to execute a computer program product, stored upon a storage medium. The computer program product includes a spreadsheet application, a process simulation application, and an integration tool (e.g., eSim), where the spreadsheet application and the process simulation application are discrete, stand alone products. The process simulation application can simulate chemical processes using at least one flowsheet, which models a general flow of chemical plant processes and equipment. The integration tool can map process simulation application objects and properties to spreadsheet application objects, can convey information between mapped objects, can perform case management functions, and can perform orchestrated calculation functions.

Abstract: A request for differential data relative to a first data element within a group of data elements is received via a user input device. A first differential data value for each of the group of data elements relative to the first data element is calculated. The first differential data value for each of the group of data elements relative to the first data element are displayed on a display in response to the received request. This abstract is not to be considered limiting, since other embodiments may deviate from the features described in this abstract.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to utilize dynamic thresholds and dynamic threshold values when generating variable formatting rules to be applied to a range of cells. Dynamic thresholds include, but are not limited to, “Highest Value,” “Middle Value,” “Lowest Value,” “Number,” “Percent,” “Percentile,” and “Formula.” When using a dynamic threshold, dynamic threshold values are determined based on values contained in a selected range of cells.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is provided for enabling a spreadsheet program with formula support on small devices (like PDAs) while minimizing the amount of memory space used by the program and the accompanying compiled code during transfer of files from the desktop to the small devices. The user can download a spreadsheet file from the desktop to the small device via a conduit. A conduit is any 2-way communication device which connects a desktop to a small device and allows the transfer of data. Conduit software can convert the data to be transferred into a format understandable by both the desktop and PDA programs. The conduit software can also evaluate and parse the formulas and functions needed by the current file before the transfer and generate compiled code for the functions needed by the current file before transfer.

Abstract: A lightweight information user interface is provided for displaying information about a selected text item, data item or other object in an electronic document that minimizes interruption of workflow with the electronic document. Upon selection of an item in an electronic document a quick look-up function may be invoked for retrieving information from a local or remote information source about the selected item. Retrieved information, for example, dictionary definitions, translations, contacts information and research information, is displayed in close proximity to the selected item in a lightweight user interface.

Abstract: A system for performing a calculation processing for each cell in a sheet by setting a calculation formula to calculate values for the cell. The system includes: an input data selection unit for sequentially selecting, in response to association of a or a plurality of cells in a sheet having a plurality of input data recorded therein with a first cell, the plurality of input data as values for the first cell; a calculation unit for performing, in response to selection of the respective input data as values for the first cell, calculations of a calculation formula set in a cell other than the first cell and referring to the first cell; and a data output unit for outputting calculation results of the calculation formula obtained by the calculation unit for each of the input data as values of a or a plurality of second cells.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to utilize dynamic thresholds and dynamic threshold values when generating variable formatting rules to be applied to a range of cells. Dynamic thresholds include, but are not limited to, “Highest Value,” “Middle Value,” “Lowest Value,” “Number,” “Percent,” “Percentile,” and “Formula.” When using a dynamic threshold, dynamic threshold values are determined based on values contained in a selected range of cells.

Abstract: A user programmable deductive spreadsheet is implemented as an add-in to an existing mathematical spreadsheet program and allows the use of a logic programming language such as Prolog via a familiar spreadsheet interface. A syntax is provided whereby a set of multiple values can be stored in a cell and can be operated on recursively by an expression in another cell. Rows and columns can be given user defined names and cells can be referenced by row and column name. Cells can reference cells in other spreadsheets or can reference an entire spreadsheet in one cell. A cell expression can reference itself. Logical, arithmetic, and lifted operators are provided. Spreadsheets can be defined as a transformation of another spreadsheet. When no negative or aggregate operators are used in the cell expressions, the meaning of the spreadsheet is given in terms of least fixed points. Otherwise, the meaning is given in terms of perfect models.

Abstract: An information processing method comprises the steps of: inputting an input information of a multi-dimensional array; calculating an accumulated information value corresponding to a position of each element of the input information; and holding the accumulated information value in a buffer having a size of predetermined bits, wherein in the holding step, when an accumulated information value calculated in the calculating step overflows with respect to the size, a part not more than the predetermined bits of the calculated accumulated information value is held as the accumulated information value.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system, method, means, and/or computer program code are provided to facilitate use of a spreadsheet application to access information stored in a multidimensional data source. Some embodiments include receiving, at an analyzer module, a change indication from the spreadsheet application. The change indication may be, for example, associated with a spreadsheet formula of the spreadsheet application entered by a user into a spreadsheet cell. In response to the change indication, the spreadsheet formula may be translated into a multidimensional expression calculation associated with the multidimensional data source. The spreadsheet formula in the spreadsheet cell may then be automatically replaced with information associated with the multidimensional expression calculation.

Abstract: Software is disclosed that creates a way of controlling alterations to cell contents of a data flow network so they can easily be turned on and off as separate layers. These layers can then be grouped as scenarios. Scenarios allow different layers of formula changes to be easily added and removed from the model.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus includes a spreadsheet unit which processes, in a spreadsheet sheet format, a document described in a markup language. The spreadsheet unit includes: a display unit which displays, in a spreadsheet format, data which is contained in a document and which is described in a tag set defined for a spreadsheet; and an editing unit which inserts, into the spreadsheet, data which is contained in the document and which is described in a tag set that differs from the tag set for the spreadsheet.

Abstract: Columns and/or rows of a report can be declaratively defined as either dynamic or static. The declarative definition can be represented by any marking. If a column or row is declaratively designated as dynamic, it can be expanded into a plurality of columns or rows. If a column or row is designated as static, it remains as a single column or row to represent only the specified column or row data. Subgroups of columns and rows can also be declaratively defined as dynamic or static. A static column or row may contain no sub-columns/rows, or it may contain a plurality of static columns/rows, a plurality of dynamic columns/rows, or any combination of both. Similarly, a dynamic column or row may also contain the above combinations.

Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.

Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.

Abstract: Context sensitive computations in a spreadsheet application are disclosed. In some embodiments, semantics with respect to various spreadsheet operations are specified for each of a plurality of number formats in a spreadsheet application. The semantics associated with a particular number format specify behavior for values of that number format with respect to various spreadsheet operations.

Abstract: Input to the system is buffered by the forms manager to determine access to the tile/region and to check entered data. The tile/region will retain various information such as data entered, user, time, changes, etc. To display a form, the forms manager obtains a list of objects to be displayed. This list of objects is then edited to remove objects which are not utilized and to place the remaining objects in a prioritized order. The forms manager then generates the display.