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System and methods for improved spreadsheet interface with user-familiar objects

DC
  • US 5,664,127 A
  • Filed: 02/28/1996
  • Issued: 09/02/1997
  • Est. Priority Date: 04/08/1992
  • Status: Expired due to Term
First Claim
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1. In a computer system, a method for providing a user access to values of properties of objects appearing on screen, the method comprising:

  • (a) displaying a plurality of objects on screen, at least some of the objects having properties whose values can be set by the user;

    (b) requesting properties of a particular object of interest, by positioning a screen cursor at or near the particular object and requesting inspection of the properties of the particular object;

    (c) in response to the request for properties of the particular object, displaying a property dialog for the particular object, said property dialog including(i) a list of properties corresponding to a plurality of properties for the particular object, and(ii) at least one property pane corresponding to at least one property for the particular object, each property pane including one or morescreen controls for getting and setting values for the corresponding property of the particular object;

    (d) receiving user input for selecting one of said properties from the list; and

    (e) in response to said user input, displaying the property pane that corresponds to the selected property while continuing to display the list of properties.

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