Spreadsheet error checker
First Claim
1. A computer-implemented method for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors of calculation caused by the spreadsheet and displayed in the cell, the method comprising the steps of:
- comparing a value calculated by the spreadsheet and displayed in the cell to a spreadsheet error rule, to determine whether the displayed value matches the spreadsheet error rule;
associating an error indicator with the cell, in response to a determination that the calculated value matches the spreadsheet error rule, wherein the error indicator is rendered within the cell in addition to any error of calculation displayed in the cell;
providing a selectable recommended command for modifying the calculated value, so that the calculated value does not match the spreadsheet error rule; and
modifying the calculated value, so that the calculated value does not match the spreadsheet error rule, in response to a selection of the selectable recommended command.
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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 rules, then the cell is identified as containing a potential spreadsheet error. 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.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. A computer-implemented method for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors of calculation caused by the spreadsheet and displayed in the cell, the method comprising the steps of:
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comparing a value calculated by the spreadsheet and displayed in the cell to a spreadsheet error rule, to determine whether the displayed value matches the spreadsheet error rule; associating an error indicator with the cell, in response to a determination that the calculated value matches the spreadsheet error rule, wherein the error indicator is rendered within the cell in addition to any error of calculation displayed in the cell; providing a selectable recommended command for modifying the calculated value, so that the calculated value does not match the spreadsheet error rule; and modifying the calculated value, so that the calculated 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. A computer-implemented error checker for checking a cell in a spreadsheet document for errors of calculation caused by the spreadsheet and displayed in the cell, the error checker comprising:
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a spreadsheet rules component operative to compare a value calculated by the spreadsheet and displayed in 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 in addition to any error of calculation in a calculated value displayed in 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