Spreadsheet error checker
First Claim
1. A method for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors, the method comprising the steps of:
- comparing a value in the cell to a spreadsheet error rule, to determine whether the value matches the spreadsheet error rule;
associating an error indicator with the cell, in response to a determination that the value matches the spreadsheet error rule;
providing a selectable recommended command for modifying the value, so that the value does not match the spreadsheet error rule; and
modifying the value, so that the value does not match the spreadsheet error rule, in response to a selection of the selectable recommended command.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An error checker identifies spreadsheet errors by traversing a spreadsheet cell-by-cell and comparing each cell'"'"'s contents to a list of error rules. When a cell'"'"'s contents satisfy an error rule, then the cell is identified as containing a potential spreadsheet error. The error checker operates in both background and foreground modes. In background mode, the error checker identifies potential spreadsheet errors and marks the cells containing the potential errors with an error indicator. A drop-down menu is provided that includes an element identifying the error rule that was invoked by the cell'"'"'s contents and may include one or more recommended actions to resolve the identified error. The menu can also include selections for referencing a help facility for more information about the identified error, ignoring the error, accessing the cell to edit the cell'"'"'s contents, and accessing a debugging utility for evaluating and modifying a spreadsheet formula. In background mode, the error indicator can be removed when a user disposes of the identified error either through modifying the cell'"'"'s contents or by choosing to ignore the error. Foreground mode is invoked when a user affirmatively chooses to commence error checking, usually by selecting error checking from the main menu of a spreadsheet application. In foreground mode, the error checker traverses the spreadsheet cell-by-cell applying the spreadsheet error rules to each cell. When an error is identified, a dialog box is displayed prompting the user to dispose of the error and providing selectable commands to dispose of the error.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors, the method comprising the steps of:
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comparing a value in the cell to a spreadsheet error rule, to determine whether the value matches the spreadsheet error rule;
associating an error indicator with the cell, in response to a determination that the value matches the spreadsheet error rule;
providing a selectable recommended command for modifying the value, so that the value does not match the spreadsheet error rule; and
modifying the value, so that the value does not match the spreadsheet error rule, in response to a selection of the selectable recommended command. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. An error checker for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors, the error comprising:
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a spreadsheet rules component operative to compare the cell to a plurality of spreadsheet error rules to determine whether a match exists;
a recommended commands component operative to associate at least one recommended command with each spreadsheet error rule for which a match is determined; and
a user interface rendering component operative to associate an error indicator with the cell and to provide a selectable list of commands, the list including the at least one recommended command. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification