Method for creating an embedded database in a spreadsheet
US7155665B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 18, 2001 |
| Grant date | Dec 26, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 31, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F40/18
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Generally described, the invention is a graphical method for creating an embedded database, or List Object, within a spreadsheet program, wherein the List Object is made up of a number of individual records, which in turn are made up of a number of data fields. The method is a multi-step process that uses a graphical interface to create the List Object, also known as a List. In the first step of the process, the user must define where the data for the List is coming from and where the List will be stored in the spreadsheet program. Specifically, the user must identify whether any pre-existing data will be used to populate the List or whether the List will be populated from scratch. Next, the user must define the data fields in the list, which includes naming each field and defining the data type for each field. Finally, in the last step of the process, the List is created in the spreadsheet program in such a manner that each field in each record is logically associated to every other field in the record.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.