Patent ID: 8032821
Filing Date: 2011-10-04
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
1. A computer-implemented method of processing formulas in a spreadsheet application, the method comprising: ordering, by one or more processors, the formulas into a single calculation chain; attempting to evaluate a first formula in the single calculation chain; if the first formula is dependent upon a first supporting formula in the single calculation chain, moving the first dependent formula to a child position of the first supporting formula, wherein the moving the first dependent formula to the child position of the first supporting formula results in a first chain comprising the first dependent formula and the first supporting formula; attempting to evaluate a second formula in the single calculation chain; if the second formula is dependent upon a second supporting formula in the single calculation chain, moving the second dependent formula to a child position of the second supporting formula, wherein the moving the second dependent formula to the child position of the second supporting formula results in a second chain comprising the second dependent formula and the second supporting formula; attempting to evaluate all formulas in the single calculation chain until each dependent formula has been made a child of its respective supporting formula, wherein the attempting to evaluate all formulas comprises attempting to evaluate a third formula in the single calculation chain; if the third formula is dependent upon a third supporting formula: processing, by a first processor, the first chain within the first dependency level, wherein the first processor comprises a first recalculation engine; and processing, by a second processor, the second chain within the first dependency level, wherein the second processor comprises a second recalculation engine.