WHATIF ONE-PAGE MULTI-Y AXIS GRAPHING SYSTEM for automated optimization and sensitivity analysis

Abstract

A graphing system (FIG. 2 ) and method ( 200 ) for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph ( 207 ) for analyzing alternate scenarios. The WHATIF SYSTEM can generate a one-page multi-Y axis graph using input from a spreadsheet file ( 208 ). The WHATIF SYSTEM can also generate a one-page multi-Y axis graph using input from one or more sets of financial project profitability measures ( 203 ). The WHATIF SYSTEM allows the user to generate a BASE CASE file ( 201 ) of a projects financial description. The BASE CASE file is simulated by the SIMULATE function ( 202 ) producing a set of profitability measures ( 203 ): Internal Rate of Return on Investment (IRROI) before taxes, IRROI after taxes, Internal Rate of Return on Equity (IRROE) after taxes, payback period, minimum equity, minimum loan, and minimum period required to repay debt. A file named WHATIF ( 204 ) defines percentage adjustments to be automatically applied to the BASE CASE file by the AUTOMATE function ( 205 ). The GRAPH function ( 206 ) generates a one-page multi-Y axis graph ( 207 ) displaying a graph of a spreadsheet file or a graph of financial metrics and profitability measures.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A method comprising:
 a. Storing values in graphable data sets, each data set having a series of independent variable values, each independent variable value having a collection of one or more dependent variable values;   b. Retrieving one or more said graphable data sets;   c. Displaying a one-page multi-Y axis X-Y graph comprising:
 i. One Y-axis for the first said series of independent variable values; 
 ii. One curve drawn for each of the user selected said collection of dependent variable values; 
 iii. One additional Y-axis added to the graph for each of the remaining user selected said series of independent variable values, 
   whereby said graph will display one Y-axis for each said series of independent variable values, and said independent variable values are positioned based on the first drawn said one curve of said dependent variable values.   
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising the financial simulation of a base case project description file and storing results of said simulation in a database. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising creating one or more said graphable data sets by automating changes in a base case project description file, performing financial simulation of the changed base case project description file, and storing profitability measures results of said financial simulation in a database. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising scaling the X-axis consistent with the maximum value such that all X-axis labels are integers. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising scaling the Y-axis to maximize the vertical spread of said independent variable values on said one-page multi-Y axis graph. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising labeling each curve with a label sized to minimize overlap among all labels and curves. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising placing optional tick marks on Y-axis when graphing more than one curve. 
     
     
         8 . A machine for formatting data in a one-page multi-Y axis graph, comprising:
 a. a storage which is able to store values of graphable data sets, each data set having a series of independent variable values, each independent variable value having a collection of one or more dependent variable values;   b. a user input means which a human operator can use to create said graphable data sets;   c. a user input means which a human operator can use to select a plurality of said graphable data sets;   d. a memory which is able to store said independent variable values and said dependent variable values from the selected plurality of said graphable data sets;   e. a processor which is able to process the independent values and the dependent values in said memory into a one-page multi-Y axis graph format; and   f. a display monitor which is able to display a one-page multi-Y axis graph generated by said processor,   whereby said display will display said one-page multi-Y axis graph formatted by said processor using values from said selected plurality of said graphable data sets.   
     
     
         9 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the user input means has means to choose financial simulation as the method to create said graphable data sets. 
     
     
         10 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the user input means has means to create one or more said graphable data sets by automating changes in a base case project description file, performing financial simulation of the changed base case project description file, and storing profitability measures results of said financial simulation in said storage. 
     
     
         11 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the display has means to scale the X-axis consistent with the maximum value such that all X-axis labels are integers. 
     
     
         12 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the display has means to scale the Y-axis to maximize the vertical spread of said independent variable values on said one-page multi-Y axis graph. 
     
     
         13 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the display has means to label each curve with a label sized to minimize overlap among all labels and curves. 
     
     
         14 . The machine of  claim 8 , wherein the display has means to display optional tick marks on Y-axis when graphing more than one curve. 
     
     
         15 . A system for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph from a plurality of graphable data sets, the system comprising:
 a. A storage for storing values of graphable data sets, each data set having a series of independent variable values, each independent variable value having a collection of one or more dependent variable values;   b. An application for creation and manipulation of said graphable data sets; and   c. An application for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph from a plurality of said graphable data sets.   
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said application for creation and manipulation of said graphable data sets has means to choose financial simulation as the method to create said graphable data sets. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said application for creation and manipulation of said graphable data sets has means to create one or more said graphable data sets by automating changes in a base case project description file, performing financial simulation of the changed base case project description file, and storing profitability measures results of said financial simulation in said storage. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said application for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph from a plurality of said graphable data sets has means to scale the X-axis consistent with the maximum value such that all X-axis labels are integers. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said application for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph from a plurality of said graphable data sets has means to scale the Y-axis to maximize the vertical spread of said independent variable values on said one-page multi-Y axis graph. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 15 , wherein said application for generating a one-page multi-Y axis graph from a plurality of said graphable data sets has means to place optional tick marks on Y-axis when graphing more than one curve.