Automatic highlighting of formula parameters for limited display devices
First Claim
1. A method for entering a formula for a spreadsheet, comprising:
- determining an input to start an entry of a formula displayed within a formula bar used to enter information into cells of the spreadsheet;
highlighting a first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar;
receiving entry of a new value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that the highlighted first parameter is changed; and
upon receiving entry of the value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, automatically highlighting a second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that when highlighted a new value may be entered in place of the second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, wherein each successive parameter of the formula is automatically highlighted and new values may be entered in placed of each successive parameter when highlighted until each parameter of the formula is highlighted, wherein the highlighting and the successive entry of the values for the first and second parameters of the displayed formula occur in the same formula bar.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A formula bar is used for receiving user input for entry/editing of formulas using touch input and/or a Soft Input Panel (SIP) designed for formula input. In response to a user initiating entry of a formula, a list of formulas is displayed based on the user'"'"'s input. A formula may be selected and displayed within the formula bar with a parameter highlighted. The user may then enter the value for the parameter (e.g. a single value, a range, another formula, and the like) using touch input and/or SIP input. As the user enters the value for each parameter, the next parameter for the formula is automatically highlighted. The formula may be validated to determine if the parameters for the formula have been entered correctly. Tips may also be displayed in/near the display of the formula bar to provide assistance to the user entering the formula.
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Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for entering a formula for a spreadsheet, comprising:
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determining an input to start an entry of a formula displayed within a formula bar used to enter information into cells of the spreadsheet; highlighting a first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar; receiving entry of a new value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that the highlighted first parameter is changed; and upon receiving entry of the value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, automatically highlighting a second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that when highlighted a new value may be entered in place of the second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, wherein each successive parameter of the formula is automatically highlighted and new values may be entered in placed of each successive parameter when highlighted until each parameter of the formula is highlighted, wherein the highlighting and the successive entry of the values for the first and second parameters of the displayed formula occur in the same formula bar. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A computer-readable device not consisting of a communication media having computer-executable instructions for entering a formula for a spreadsheet, comprising:
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in response to receiving input, starting entry of a formula displayed within a formula bar to enter information into cells of the spreadsheet; highlighting a first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar; receiving entry of a new value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that the highlighted first parameter is changed; and upon receiving entry of the value for the first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, automatically highlighting a second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that when highlighted a value may be entered in place of the second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, wherein each successive parameter of the formula is automatically highlighted and a value may be entered in place of each successive parameter when highlighted until each parameter of the formula is highlighted, wherein the highlighting and the successive entry of the values for the first and second parameters of the displayed formula occur in the same formula bar. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17)
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18. A system for entering a formula for a spreadsheet, comprising:
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a display; a touch surface that is configured to receive touch input; a processor and a computer-readable device not including a signal; an operating environment stored on the computer-readable device and executing on the processor; and a formula manager operating under the control of the operating environment and operative to; receive a touch selection of a formula in a displayed list of formulas displayed within a formula bar used to enter information into cells of the spreadsheet; in response to receiving the selection of the formula, highlight a first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar; receive entry of a new value for the highlighted first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, such that the highlighted first parameter is changed; and upon receiving entry of the value for the first parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, automatically highlight a second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar such that when highlighted a value may be entered in place of the second parameter of the displayed formula within the formula bar, wherein each successive parameter of the formula is automatically highlighted and a value may be entered in placed of each successive parameter when highlighted until each parameter of the formula is highlighted, wherein the highlighting and the successive entry of the values for the first and second parameters of the displayed formula occur in the same formula bar. - View Dependent Claims (19, 20)
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Specification