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Method for storing, retrieving, and indicating a plurality of annotations in a data cell

  • US 5,253,362 A
  • Filed: 01/29/1990
  • Issued: 10/12/1993
  • Est. Priority Date: 01/29/1990
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. A method executed by a computer as directed by a computer program for annotating data in a database, a display being coupled to said computer and displaying a spreadsheet comprising a plurality of data cells, said method comprising the steps of:

  • (a) selecting a first data to be annotated;

    (b) annotating said selected first data by entering a first annotation text into said computer;

    (c) storing said first annotation text in said database;

    (d) assigning a first notational designator to said first annotation text;

    (e) assigning a first notational designator in said first selected data cell to indicate that annotation text is associated with said selected first data cell;

    (f) selecting a second data cell to be annotated;

    (g) annotating said selected second data cell by entering a second annotation text into said computer;

    (h) storing said second annotation text in said database;

    (i) comparing said second annotation text with said first annotation text, if said first annotation text is associated with said selected second data cell;

    (j) assigning said first notational designator to said second annotation text if said second annotation text is similar to said first annotation text, otherwise assigning a second notational designator to said second annotation text, said second notational designator indicating the existence of said first annotation text; and

    (k) displaying said second notational designator in said second data cell to indicate that annotation text is available with said selected second data cell.

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