Method and system for detecting and correcting errors in a spreadsheet formula
First Claim
1. In association with a computer system, a method for detecting and correcting an error in a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet, comprising the steps of:
- creating a token for each character entered in the formula;
adding each token to a formula token stack;
for each token in the formula token stack, parsing the token to determine whether an error exists in the formula; and
if an error exists in the formula that is one of a predetermined type of error;
assigning an error class code based on the type of error; and
applying an error corrector rule to identify a correction to the error.
2 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In association with a computer system, a method and system for detecting and correcting errors in a spreadsheet formula. A token is created corresponding to each entry in the formula. As the formula is constructed, each token is added to the top of a formula token stack. When the formula is completed, a parser parses the formula token stack starting at the bottom of the stack and parsing each subsequent token. By examining the tokens in the formula token stack and their relationship to other tokens, the system determines whether an error exists in the formula. If an error is found to exist in the formula, an error class code is assigned to the error corresponding to the type of error. An error corrector rule corresponding to the error class code is applied and identifies a correction for the error. After a correction for the error is identified, the remainder of the formula token stack is parsed to detect and correct any other errors. When the entire formula token stack has been parsed and all detected errors have been corrected, a dialog box is displayed containing the completely corrected formula.
61 Citations
24 Claims
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1. In association with a computer system, a method for detecting and correcting an error in a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet, comprising the steps of:
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creating a token for each character entered in the formula; adding each token to a formula token stack; for each token in the formula token stack, parsing the token to determine whether an error exists in the formula; and if an error exists in the formula that is one of a predetermined type of error; assigning an error class code based on the type of error; and applying an error corrector rule to identify a correction to the error. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A computer system, including a program module that displays cells of a spreadsheet on a display, for detecting and correcting an error in a formula in a cell of said spreadsheet, comprising:
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means for creating a token for each character entered in the formula; means for adding each token to a formula token stack; means for parsing each token in the formula token stack to determine whether an error exists in the formula; means for storing a list of predetermined types of errors; and means for assigning an error class code based on the type of error, if the error is one of said predetermined types; and means for applying an error corrector rule to identify a correction to the error. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for detecting and correcting an error in a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet by performing steps comprising:
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creating a token for each character entered in the formula; adding each token to a formula token stack; for each token in the formula token stack, parsing the token to determine whether an error exists in the formula; and if an error exists in the formula that is one of a predetermined type of error; assigning an error class code based on the type of error; and applying an error corrector rule to identify a correction to the error. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification