Alternative Scenario Management Patents (Class 715/213)
  • Patent number: 8245126
    Abstract: A method and apparatus create a way of controlling alternative values of cell contents of a data flow network. Alternative values are computed from alternative formulas, which may be turned on and off in separate layers. Typically, one formula is provided for each layer for each cell of the data flow network. Layers can be grouped together to model different scenarios and can be added or removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Whitebirch Software, Inc.
    Inventors: J. Craig Cleaveland, Michael Hoffmann
  • Patent number: 8081189
    Abstract: In accordance with a size of a drawing area and a character size, the number of characters arrangeable in the drawing area is calculated. Based on the calculated number of characters, whether a character string in the obtained character size is arranged in the drawing area or the character string in a character size different from the obtained character size is arranged in the drawing area is selected, and the character string is arranged in the drawing area by using the determined character size. The arranged character string is displayed on the display apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Assignees: Nintendo Co., Ltd., Hal Laboratory Inc.
    Inventors: Daiji Imai, Ryoichiro Atono, Fumihiro Narita
  • Patent number: 8060817
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Oracle International Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph H. Goldberg, Luke Kowalski
  • Patent number: 8055246
    Abstract: There is provided an information delivery apparatus including a receiving portion to receive location information of a mobile communication terminal at a given time and acquired date and time of the location information from the terminal, an event information storage portion to store event information including an event place, date and time, a delivery terminal selecting portion to select the mobile communication terminal to which the event information is to be delivered based on the location information and the acquired date and time of the location information and on the event place, date and time, and an event information delivery portion to deliver the event information to the selected mobile communication terminal. The delivery terminal selecting portion selects the mobile communication terminal whose location indicated by location information is within a predetermined range and whose acquired date and time of the location information are before the event date and time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsuru Takehara, Yoichiro Sako, Masamichi Asukai, Taiji Ito, Akinobu Sugino, Akane Sano, Yoshiteru Kamatani, Kazunori Hayashi, Takayasu Kon, Yasunori Kamada
  • Patent number: 8005868
    Abstract: There is disclosed a system and method for executing multiple distinct aggregate queries. In an embodiment, the method comprises: providing at least one Counting Bloom Filter for each distinct column of an input data stream; reviewing count values in the at least one Counting Bloom Filter for the existence of duplicates in each distinct column; and if necessary, using a distinct hash operator to remove duplicates from each distinct column of the input data stream, thereby removing the need for replicating the input data stream and minimizing distinct hash operator processing. Also, the use of Counting Bloom Filters for monitoring data streams allow an early duplicate removal of the input stream of data, resulting in savings in computation time and memory resources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Josep Aguilar Saborit, Miroslaw Adam Flasza, Mokhtar Kandil, Serge Philippe Rielau, David C. Sharpe, Calisto Paul Zuzarte
  • Patent number: 7877678
    Abstract: A method of populating a spreadsheet with financial data, includes, in response to a user's request for financial data, sending a request to a web service for the financial data, receiving a response to the request from the web service, processing the response, retrieving a taxonomy associated with the response and populating the spreadsheet in accordance with the response and the retrieved taxonomy.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2006
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2011
    Assignee: Edgar Online, Inc.
    Inventors: Stefan Chopin, Robert Krugman
  • Patent number: 7814407
    Abstract: A method for displaying and employing data includes: (a) Defining an array of data sites in a first domain. The defining includes establishing procedures for manipulating the data located at the data sites. (b) Importing the data from a data source in a second domain to the array. (c) Installing the data in selected the data sites according to predetermined installation criteria. The employing is effected according to the procedures for manipulating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: Bank of America Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew P. Danner, John D. MacQueen
  • Patent number: 7761782
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: XSB, Inc.
    Inventors: David S. Warren, Iyer Venkat Ramakrishnan, Coimbatore Rajamani Ramakrishnan
  • Patent number: 7721189
    Abstract: A worksheet overview system comprises an item information handler, an overview element handler, an overview area handler, and an overview synchronizer. The item information handler obtains item information relating to items of a worksheet. The overview element handler manages overview elements based on the item information. Each overview element represents item information of a corresponding item of the worksheet. The overview area handler provides an overview area for containing the overview elements to make the overview elements contained in the overview area accessible by a user. The overview synchronizer synchronizes between each overview element in the overview area and its corresponding item of the worksheet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ilse Breedvelt-Schouten, Gianna Mauro, Lesley Grignon
  • Patent number: 7702997
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Publication number: 20100083086
    Abstract: Heuristic based feature degradation and/or restoration is disclosed. In some embodiments, providing a feature with respect to a set of cells includes determining that a degradation threshold associated with the feature is satisfied with respect to the set of cells and at least partially degrading the feature for the set of cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2008
    Publication date: April 1, 2010
    Inventors: Peter Glen Berger, Yaniv Gur
  • Patent number: 7676738
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Whitebirch Software, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Hoffmann, J. Craig Cleaveland
  • Patent number: 7669115
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating information exchange between individuals and entities interacting on a shared project are provided, and more particularly to a method and system for horizontal. i.e. non-hierarchical, participation in and/or contribution to a spreadsheet-based project. The method and system is Web-based and utilizes conventional browser and spreadsheet technology to achieve collaborative exchanges of information on an enterprise-wide basis. The method and system also facilitate efficacious remote information access and exchange, e.g., over a computer network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, through a caching function that combines individual queries initiated by a spreadsheet program before transmitting across a network to a server for consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: OutlookSoft Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Cho, Perlie E. Voshell
  • Publication number: 20100017698
    Abstract: Methods and systems are disclosed that include consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets includes receiving a selection of a plurality of spreadsheets via a graphical control panel that includes a spreadsheet selection area. The spreadsheet selection area includes a workbook selection area to select workbooks that are not open for inclusion in the selection of the plurality of spreadsheets. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets further includes receiving a selection of portions of data from the plurality of spreadsheets and executing automated consolidation of the portions of data by retrieving the portions of data and generating a final report spreadsheet. Consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets further includes appending the portions of data to the final report spreadsheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2009
    Publication date: January 21, 2010
    Applicant: AT&T INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY I, L.P.
    Inventors: Scott H. Hills, Kurt M. Joseph, Melissa L. Oldenburg, Mark A. Nixon
  • Publication number: 20090327851
    Abstract: A data analysis method is disclosed. The method comprises aggregating related data tables with dissimilar data structures, and combining the tables, and data structures, into a single table that incorporates all the individual data structures. The single table is then analyzed via a pivot table function of a spreadsheet program, such as Microsoft Excel. The method is suited for quickly comparing related but dissimilar sets of data—an important task in virtually every field of human endeavor, from manufacturing to health care to financial services. The present invention provides an improved way to quickly access important strategic information using multiple sources of data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 31, 2009
    Inventor: Steven Raposo
  • Publication number: 20090300474
    Abstract: The present invention comprises a centrally-maintained electronic grid-based calculator and requisite service-oriented architecture to expose the calculator's computational facilities as a service to remote users. Furthermore, the present invention provides a server-side automation architecture of the electronic grid-based calculator which facilitates the distribution of intellectual capital throughout the business enterprise while providing real-time collection, analysis, and reporting of each distributed calculator while facilitating data production, data concurrency, data validation, data security, version control, audit trail, centralized reporting, internal control, quality control, computation, editing and communication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: CentraLytics, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul M. Asplund, Michael A.X. Izatt
  • Patent number: 7617444
    Abstract: File formats, methods, and computer program products are provided for representing a workbook in a modular content framework. The modular content framework may include a file format container associated with modular parts. A file format includes logically separate modular parts that are associated with each other by one or more relationships where each modular part is associated with a relationship type. The modular parts include a workbook part operative as a guide for properties of the workbook and a worksheet part associated with the workbook part and operative to specify a definition of cells within a worksheet associated with the worksheet part. The modular parts may also include a document properties part containing built-in properties associated with the file format and a thumbnail part containing associated thumbnails. Each modular part is capable of being interrogated separately, extracted from the workbook, and/or reused in a different workbook.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Chad B. Rothschillwe, Su-Piao B. Wu
  • Patent number: 7587666
    Abstract: Embodiments consistent with the present invention relate to methods and systems for displaying a plurality of data objects, each of the data objects including an object type of a predefined set of object types, each object type including a set of attributes. In one implementation, a method is provided that comprises displaying a first table including a row for each data object of the plurality of data objects and a column for each attribute of the sets of attributes, selecting one of the data objects by selecting one of the rows in the first table, and displaying a second table including a row for each attribute of the selected data object, wherein the first and second tables are displayed in respective first and second display areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2009
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Julien Delvat, Roman Rapp, Bernd Junginger
  • Patent number: 7581165
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating information exchange between individuals and entities interacting on a shared project are provided, and more particularly to a method and system for horizontal. i.e., non-hierarchical, participation in and/or contribution to a spreadsheet-based project. The method and system is Web-based and utilizes conventional browser and spreadsheet technology to achieve collaborative exchanges of information on an enterprise-wide basis. The method and system also facilitate efficacious remote information access and exchange, e.g., over a computer network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, through a caching function that combines individual queries initiated by a spreadsheet program before transmitting across a network to a server for consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Assignee: OutlookSoft Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Cho, Perlie E. Voshell
  • Patent number: 7576754
    Abstract: A system and method for determining bounds of a geographical area, such as a city, metropolis, region (e.g., state) or country. From a set of coordinates within the area (e.g., latitude/longitude coordinates), a grid of relatively small cells of geographic data is overlaid upon those coordinates and associated with the area. Each initial cell is iteratively replaced with a larger cell that encompasses the initial cell until the replacement cell intersects a cell associated with some other geographical area or some other boundary condition is met (e.g., a threshold number of replacements).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2009
    Assignee: Google Inc.
    Inventors: Joshy Joseph, Sridhar Ramaswamy, Mark Rose
  • Publication number: 20090138789
    Abstract: A solution is provided that allows a user to provide an alternate set of metadata for any number of data points within a report, while in a report design environment. They may lay down a grid on the work area and specify the data by placing the relevant dimensional metadata, extracted from the source, in the grid as row headings and column headings. The user may then select either a column or a row from the grid and upon doing so may be provided with a mechanism to define alternate metadata that can describe all data points that are in the column or row in the target system. This allows for a much more user-friendly environment in which to specify metadata mappings between internal sources and external sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2003
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Inventors: Paul Tangen, Sekhar Marasanapalle, Hugh Wallis, Carlos R. Rivas
  • Patent number: 7530012
    Abstract: Computations included in analytics of a multi-dimensional cube are generated by analyzing a spreadsheet corresponding to data downloaded from the multi-dimensional cube so as to automatically convert a formula utilizing the downloaded data contained in the spreadsheet into a language of the multi-dimensional cube so as to provide a converted formula. The converted formula is incorporated into the multi-dimensional cube as a computed member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John A. Medicke, Feng-Wei Chen Russell, Stephen H. Rutledge
  • Patent number: 7506242
    Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2009
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Matthew J. Kotler, Alexander G. Gounares, Oliver G. Fisher, Richard J. Wolf, Vinod Anantharaman, Matthew D. Morgan, Christopher Matthew Franklin
  • Patent number: 7478317
    Abstract: A method, system, and article of manufacture for quickly and easily obtaining information about a list of elements. One embodiment of the invention comprises receiving a selection of at least one desired summary function, generating a configuration file containing the at least one desired summary function, receiving a selection of a list of numbers, copying the list of numbers into a clipboard, parsing the configuration file to extract the least one desired function, calculating the at least one desired summary function using the list of desired numbers to generate summary information, displaying the summary information in a pop-up window, and replacing the selected list of numbers with the summary information. The results window may be a pop-window, a hover-help window, or a clipboard.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Gregory Paul Andrews
  • Publication number: 20080276161
    Abstract: The Spreadsheet Rotating Cell Object provides an improvement to computer software spreadsheets which gives the computer user the ability to invoke the aid of an animated rotating cell object which rotates new data or data representations in and out of the spreadsheet cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2007
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Inventor: James Matthew Slavens
  • Patent number: 7430710
    Abstract: A method and system for facilitating information exchange between individuals and entities interacting on a shared project are provided, and more particularly to a method and system for horizontal. i.e., non-hierarchical, participation in and/or contribution to a spreadsheet-based project. The method and system is Web-based and utilizes conventional browser and spreadsheet technology to achieve collaborative exchanges of information on an enterprise-wide basis. The method and system also facilitate efficacious remote information access and exchange, e.g., over a computer network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, through a caching function that combines individual queries initiated by a spreadsheet program before transmitting across a network to a server for consideration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2008
    Assignee: OutlookSoft Corporation
    Inventors: Charles J. Cho, Perlie E. Voshell
  • Patent number: 7395497
    Abstract: In a storage area network (SAN) management application, large data sets tend to produce unwieldy results upon display attempts. A mechanism for gathering and organizing a large data set into an ordered set of output display entries which does not require main memory storage for the entire large data set, generates a displayable portion without excessive memory consumption. Configurations employ a multiple pass gathering and organization operation. An output criteria specifies a key field and identifies a range of entries by specifying a particular screen for display from among the full range of screens. A parser retrieves and identifies the entries, during a first pass, using only the key field and an index for each of the entries in the large data set, to avoid loading all fields of each entry in entirety. A second pass fetches entries only for the identified entries corresponding to the output criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: EMC Corporation
    Inventors: Christopher A. Chaulk, Udi Bar-On, Xiaohua Cheng