Method and system for constructing a formula in a spreadsheet
First Claim
1. In association with a computer system, a method for constructing a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet, comprising the steps of:
- displaying a first dialog box that lists selectable functions;
accepting the selection of one of the functions for insertion into the formula;
displaying a second dialog box for the selection of parameters for the selected function;
accepting the selection of parameters; and
inserting the resultant formula into a result cell.
2 Assignments
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Accused Products
Abstract
A method and system for assisting a user in constructing a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet operating on a computer system. A function dialog box is displayed that lists various functions that may be selected by the user to be entered into the formula. By selecting a button in the function dialog box, an insert function dialog box is displayed that lists additional functions by category. When the user selects a function, a parameter dialog box associated with the selected function is displayed. Parameters may include cell addresses as well as numerical or other data entered directly by the user. The parameter dialog box displays the formula as it is being constructed. After the parameters have been entered, a result dialog box is displayed that allows the user to select the result cell in which to place the formula. The user selects the result cell and the result dialog box is removed from the display screen, the formula is entered in the result cell, and the result of the formula is displayed in the result cell.
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Citations
48 Claims
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1. In association with a computer system, a method for constructing a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet, comprising the steps of:
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displaying a first dialog box that lists selectable functions; accepting the selection of one of the functions for insertion into the formula; displaying a second dialog box for the selection of parameters for the selected function; accepting the selection of parameters; and inserting the resultant formula into a result cell. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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17. A computer system, including a program module that displays cells of a spreadsheet on a display, for constructing a formula in a cell of said spreadsheet, comprising:
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means for displaying a first dialog box that lists selectable functions; means for accepting the selection of one of said functions for insertion into said formula; means for displaying a second dialog box for the selection of parameters for said selected function; means for accepting the selection of said parameters; and means for inserting the resultant formula into a result cell. - View Dependent Claims (18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32)
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33. A memory storage device for a computer program, said memory storage device storing a computer program that provides a method for constructing a formula in a cell of a spreadsheet, said method comprising the steps of:
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displaying a first dialog box that lists selectable functions; accepting the selection of one of the functions for insertion into the formula; displaying a second dialog box for the selection of parameters for the selected function; accepting the selection of parameters; and inserting the resultant formula into a result cell. - View Dependent Claims (34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48)
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Specification