Extension of formulas and formatting in an electronic spreadsheet
US6640234B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 31, 1998 |
| Grant date | Oct 28, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Dec 31, 2018 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/18
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Methods for automatically, without user instruction, extending a format and/or a formula to include a cell in an electronic spreadsheet. A previously blank newly edited cell may be determined to be an extension to or within a list of cells. A list of cells may be defined as a number of previous cells having a consistent data type. If a list of cells exists and the previously blank newly edited cell also includes the consistent data type, the previously blank newly edited cell is considered to be an extension of or within a list. The cells in the list are then examined for consistent formatting. If consistent formatting exists in the list, the consistent formatting is applied to the previously blank newly edited cell. Also, the cells in the list are examined for consistent formulas. The rows containing the cells in the list are each examined for a consistent formula having all supporting cells populated. If such a consistent formula is detected, it is applied to the row containing the previously blank newly edited cell. Also, the spreadsheet is scanned for aggregating formulas that reference the cells within the list. If an aggregating formula is discovered, it is updated to include…
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.