Abstract: Users are enabled to navigate a spreadsheet document presented by a web service in a similar fashion to a locally executed spreadsheet application by retrieving blocks of grid data asynchronously in order to display or refresh the area(s) of the spreadsheet currently being viewed by the user as the user navigates the spreadsheet grid or dynamic updates occur. The blocks are laid out in the browser's user interface to fill the user's viewport as well as a predefined buffer around the edge of the viewport. As such, when the user scrolls or updates occur, data associated with blocks are added, updated, or removed in the browser as required to fill the user's viewport.

Abstract: A received reply email document enables some action to be effectuated using data included in the email document responsive to field identifiers associated with the data and corresponding to fields of metadata. The associated field identifiers that correspond to known fields of the metadata provide some expectation as to the semantic meaning and/or syntactic constraints of the data to which the field identifiers are associated. In a described implementation, an actionable email documents module creates an email document having blocks that are mapped to fields of metadata. The email document is transmitted to one or more recipients. Each recipient adds data to the blocks so that the data becomes mapped to the fields of the metadata. The recipients return a reply email document having the field-mapped data. Upon receipt, the module can effectuate some action using the field-mapped data responsive to the mappings.

Abstract: An improved solution for presenting data to a user is provided. In particular, the data can include multiple instances of a dataset, which are displayed in a three-dimensional table. The three-dimensional table allows the user to perform various manipulations on it. For example, the user can rotate the table, scroll through the table, simultaneously view at least two instances of the dataset, and the like. Additionally, the three-dimensional table can enable the user to perform various operations on the data to further customize the presented data.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention provide the ability to utilize dynamic thresholds and dynamic threshold values when generating variable formatting rules to be applied to a range of cells. Dynamic thresholds include, but are not limited to, “Highest Value,” “Middle Value,” “Lowest Value,” “Number,” “Percent,” “Percentile,” and “Formula.” When using a dynamic threshold, dynamic threshold values are determined based on values contained in a selected range of cells.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs stored on computer storage media, for accessing a search interface from a structured presentation. One aspect can be embodied in machine-implemented methods that include the actions of displaying a structured presentation on a display device, receiving data characterizing a user interaction with the displayed structured presentation, the data including a specification of a first instance and a first attribute of the structured presentation, and displaying a formerly concealed search interface on the display device in response to receiving the data.

Abstract: A user programmable deductive spreadsheet is implemented as an add-in to an existing mathematical spreadsheet program and allows the use of a logic programming language such as Prolog via a familiar spreadsheet interface. A syntax is provided whereby a set of multiple values can be stored in a cell and can be operated on recursively by an expression in another cell. Rows and columns can be given user defined names and cells can be referenced by row and column name. Cells can reference cells in other spreadsheets or can reference an entire spreadsheet in one cell. A cell expression can reference itself. Logical, arithmetic, and lifted operators are provided. Spreadsheets can be defined as a transformation of another spreadsheet. When no negative or aggregate operators are used in the cell expressions, the meaning of the spreadsheet is given in terms of least fixed points. Otherwise, the meaning is given in terms of perfect models.

Abstract: An apparatus for interactively displaying and presenting a patent or engineering search. Users for the present invention may include patent searchers/entities, patent attorneys, patent agents, engineering and design firms, research and development entities, examiners, patent portfolio managers, marketers, independent inventors, investors and other professionals involved within the field of intellectual property. Hyperlinks and text are used to create an interactive, efficient search whereby the users may rapidly view and analyze the prior art or competitive product(s). The design process may be tailored upon the results to avoid infringement. The present invention may be used in the patenting process and be presented and managed throughout the life of the patent.

Abstract: Techniques for collaborating on a spreadsheet file by client computers in real time are disclosed herein. In particular, a revision manager module is preferably provided with a host machine which receives updates from the client computers, processes such updates, and then applies them to the spreadsheet file. Additionally, a technique is described for handling updates sent to the revision manager by clients simultaneously or near simultaneously. In this case, the revision manager determines whether the updates to the spreadsheet file are transformable or able to be merged. If so, the updates are combined into the spreadsheet file and applied thereto. If the updates are not transformable, the revision manager confirms that all clients have received all previous updates before applying the non-transformable update to the spreadsheet file.

Abstract: A filtering method for evaluating patents comprises loading each unit of text or figure in a portfolio of patents into digital memory then comparing each unit of text or figure with all other units of text or figures in digital memory using digital data processing. The duplicate units of text or figures are determined and the earliest instance of each duplicate unit of text or figure is identified. The duplicate unit of text or figure, other than earliest instance, are marked as duplicate to create a filtered version of each patent in portfolio. The filtered version of each patent in portfolio is evaluated to determine the uniqueness of the patent specification and the interrelationships between the patents in the portfolio are determined. The interrelationships are illustrated in an electronic workspace for analyzing the portfolio of patents.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention convert data from atomic tuples found in data sources such as spreadsheets (e.g., raw numbers, words, and formatted dates) into semantically enriched schemas and associated tuples. In addition to the data content, visual content, such as font and background color, is also analyzed as a part of the interpretation process. Embodiments of the invention also provide methods of interacting with the raw data via the semantically enriched schema tuples.

Abstract: Free form reports may be generated within a data array system such as a spreadsheet computer application. A user may select dimension members of a data source, such as an online analytical processing (OLAP) data cube. The user may position the dimension members as headers on the data array where multiple dimensions may be represented in one or both axes. Member formulas are generated that are representative of the headers and include identifiers that point to the dimension member location of the data source. Value formulas are generated within the report grid defined by the location of the headers where the value formulas are representative of the actual data values of the report and include identifiers that point to the data value locations of the dimension member locations within the data source.

Abstract: A formatting tool enables “smart” copy and paste functions. The “smart” copy and paste functions can be invoked in a context-sensitive manner, depending on the conditions under which the copy and paste functions are implemented. The present invention will automatically include in a selection a paragraph marker at the end of a selected paragraph, if every other textual character in the paragraph has been selected. The present invention will discard a paragraph mark that is included in pasted text if the pasted text is pasted into the middle of another paragraph, indicating that the user prefers the formatting of the pasted-into paragraph. The present invention also reduces inconsistencies in formatting styles that may exist between source and target documents automatically redefining a style in the target document to conform to a corresponding style in the source document. The present invention also automatically adjusts paragraph spacing, in response to text being pasted into a target document.

Abstract: A method and system for hiding sensitive data in an electronic spreadsheet. A first output equation expresses output data as a function of at least one first input data and at least one first intermediary result. The at least one first and second intermediary result are assigned as content of intermediary cells of the spreadsheet. A second output equation is generated and expresses the output data as a function of a subset of the at least one first and second input data with no functional dependence on the plurality of intermediary results. Generation of the second output equation utilizes the first output equation and the plurality of first intermediary equations. The output data of the second output equation is assigned as content of an output cell of the spreadsheet. The content of the intermediary cells is removed, resulting in the plurality of intermediary results not being identifiable in the spreadsheet.

Abstract: An on-line vehicle management system includes a vehicle group having a plurality of vehicles and an in-vehicle telematics unit in each vehicle. A call center is in selective operative communication with each telematics unit and an Internet-enabled program. The call center receives vehicle data from each vehicle in response to a predetermined trigger, and stores the received data in a database. The Internet-enabled program includes a Gregorian calendar with spreadsheet functionality. The Internet-enabled program automatically receives at least some of the stored data from the call center, and inputs the received data into predetermined calendar cells. The Internet-enabled program is also configured, in response to a predetermined user request, to i) render the received data accessible to an authorized user associated with the vehicle group, ii) generate reports based on the received data, and iii) at least one of derive or calculate information from the received data.

Abstract: A process is set forth for previewing a table attachment on a mobile communication device, and upon identifying table content of interest viewing and/or retrieving the entire table from an attachment server. In one embodiment, a small 4×4 row/column preview is presented on the device of every table found in a document attachment, with the cell content textual information limited to the requesting device display capabilities. This limitation avoids any requirement to download large amounts of individual cell content to the device. Thus, the user is able to quickly identify which tables are of interest and then request a full table download from the attachment server in an on-demand fashion. In this regard, the preview table itself preferably also functions as a link to the full table stored at the server to facilitate easy retrieval to the device for viewing in a spreadsheet view.

Abstract: An object model and a user interface (UI) enable users of a scorecard application to define an order and categorization of elements including header and row components to break out the scorecard data for effective presentation of multidimensional scorecard views combined with data from non-multidimensional sources. Users are provided options to select individual or sets of members, or to provide queries that select sets of metrics for the scorecard view. Header components are defined at predetermined depth of layers enabling the user to view categorized metrics. Additional columns providing attribute information associated with the metrics can also be inserted in selected places within the scorecard matrix using the editing UI.

Abstract: A method and system for assigning screen designation codes is disclosed. A method of assigning screen designation codes includes assigning a first screen designation code to a first spreadsheet object, wherein the first screen designation code is associated with a first display screen of a multi-component display. A second screen designation code is assigned to a second spreadsheet object, wherein the second screen designation code is associated with a second display screen of the multi-component display. The first and second screen designation codes are operable to implement a simultaneous display of the first spreadsheet object on the first display screen and the second spreadsheet object on the second display screen.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and system for amending a display property of a grid element. The method for amending a display property of a grid element comprises: receiving a command to amend the display property of at least one grid element; searching grid elements associated with said grid element; amending the display property of said grid elements and said associated grid elements.

Abstract: A document processing apparatus includes a spreadsheet unit which processes, in a spreadsheet sheet format, a document described in a markup language. The spreadsheet unit includes: a display unit which displays, in a spreadsheet format, data which is contained in a document and which is described in a tag set defined for a spreadsheet; and an editing unit which inserts, into the spreadsheet, data which is contained in the document and which is described in a tag set that differs from the tag set for the spreadsheet.

Abstract: Systems, computer program products, and methods are disclosed for tracking an improvement event. An embodiment includes an event interface configured to receive a plurality of entries related to each of a plurality of improvement events. The plurality of entries includes a project identifier for the improvement event, a creation date, an objective, an action related to reaching the objective, and a first deadline related to the improvement event. A database interface is configured to store the plurality of entries in an event database.

Abstract: Columns and/or rows of a report can be declaratively defined as either dynamic or static. The declarative definition can be represented by any marking. If a column or row is declaratively designated as dynamic, it can be expanded into a plurality of columns or rows. If a column or row is designated as static, it remains as a single column or row to represent only the specified column or row data. Subgroups of columns and rows can also be declaratively defined as dynamic or static. A static column or row may contain no sub-columns/rows, or it may contain a plurality of static columns/rows, a plurality of dynamic columns/rows, or any combination of both. Similarly, a dynamic column or row may also contain the above combinations.

Abstract: A computerized spreadsheet system includes a set of cells and a separate set of logical constraints on the values of cells. The constraints may be many-to-many relationships that permit omni-directional propagation of values between cells. The constraints may be expressed in a language encompassing first-order logic. Cells are dynamically reclassified as base cells or computed cells as a user specifies values for cells. Non-explosive consequences of the base cell values are computed and displayed in computed cells, even when the values in the base cells are inconsistent with the constraints. The spreadsheet system may also include an auto-complete feature that automatically fills in empty cells with values consistent with the logical constraints and an auto-deconflict feature that automatically changes values in cells to reduce conflicts with the logical constraints.

Abstract: A method of automating the generation of network element configurations using a single electronic document is disclosed. A plurality of input statements regarding information relating to hardware, operating system, application and locale for each network element in a network are input to the document. A truth table of permitted hardware and operating system combinations is applied to the input statements. The specific sets of input statements are assembled into configuration skeletons, and a listing is generated of all possible configuration statements for specific hardware-operating system combinations.

Abstract: A system architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into text. The architecture allows insertion of discrete individual fields, referred to as “free floating fields”, inline with normal textual sentences. In an HTML document, for example, the free floating fields are elements constructed along with text elements and rendered together as an integrated document. Once rendered, the free floating fields present contents that resemble normal text consistent with the surrounding text. The free floating fields offer spreadsheet functionality, including the ability to handle complex formulas, reference values in a separate free floating field or table, and automatically recalculate the formulas when a source value changes.

Abstract: Data presented in a hierarchical format is rendered in a form allowing the data to be imported into a spreadsheet document where the data can be modified and new data can be added. A data file containing the hierarchically formatted data is selected for importing. A mapping relating a plurality of elements within the hierarchical data to a plurality of respective locations in the spreadsheet document is accessed. The hierarchical data is rendered in the spreadsheet document according to the mapping. Input is received to modify the hierarchical data rendered in the spreadsheet document. The mapping is updated to include the modifications to the hierarchical data. The modifications to the hierarchical data and the updated mapping are exported for subsequent rendering in a second spreadsheet document according to the updated mapping.

Abstract: Defining spreadsheet function behavior is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving a selection of a parameterized spreadsheet function behavior to be associated with a spreadsheet function, the parameterized spreadsheet function behavior is associated with the spreadsheet function based at least in part on the selection. In some embodiments, the parameterized spreadsheet function behavior is associated with a behavior of the function with respect to one or more arguments of the function.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates to new and improved embodiments of methods and systems for capturing and providing arbitrarily rich data to be stored or manipulated within a spreadsheet. In one embodiment of the present invention, a method for creating spreadsheet metadata comprises receiving an item in a spreadsheet, receiving item metadata about the item, and associating the item metadata with the item to create spreadsheet metadata.

Abstract: Whole table referencing without explicit cell ranges is disclosed. In some embodiments, an identifier associated with a table may be employed as a table reference that refers to at least all body cells of the table. In some embodiments, such an identifier remains a valid table reference that refers to at least all body cells of the table through table size variations.

Abstract: Multi-level naming of grouped data is disclosed. In some embodiments, a specification of a plurality of levels of headers with respect to at least one dimension of a group of cells is received, and header cell values of header cells comprising the plurality of levels of headers are enabled to refer to one or more associated cells in the group of cells.

Abstract: In some embodiments, a spreadsheet application provides an option for collectively displaying the formulas associated with a set of cells in a separate view. In some embodiments, the view provides an option to search within the formulas (and/or other content) provided by the view. In some embodiments, a find and replace user interface of a spreadsheet application includes an option to search only in formulas.

Abstract: Enables a computer-assisted management of enterprise-network files of interest, and trouble-free migration of enterprise-wide business data and processes currently built and maintained in two popular tools, spreadsheets (commonly MICROSOFT® EXCEL®) and desktop/departmental databases (commonly MICROSOFT® ACCESS®).

Abstract: In some embodiments, the cell content portion of a table definition of a table of cells is specified in a prescribed order such that cell positions do not have to be explicitly specified with cell definitions in the cell content portion of the table definition. The cells of the table to which one or more entries in the cell content portion correspond to are inferred from the prescribed order in which the entries are specified.

Abstract: In some embodiments, an option to lock one or more associated cells is provided with respect to each different group of cells in a single sheet of a spreadsheet application. One or more locked cells of a group of cells do not scroll out of view at least while a portion of the group of cells is viewable in a given display view.

Abstract: Disclosed services, methods, systems, networks, and software media for facilitating the creation of data structures to enable a pair of enterprises to exchange documents such as business documents may enable a user to specify values for a set of parameters associated with an exchange of a business document between an entity and a trading partner and enable a user to invoke an envelope creation utility (ECU). When the user invokes the ECU, the specified set of parameter values and a set of one or more predefined business processes are accessed to create set of electronic document envelopes suitable for electronic transmission of a business document.

Abstract: A token representation of references and function arguments is disclosed. In some embodiments, an indication that a formula is being entered into a cell is received, and references and/or function arguments in the formula, if any, are represented as tokens. Each token comprises an atomic user interface object. In various embodiments, references are rendered as reference tokens and function arguments are rendered as argument tokens and/or mode tokens.

Abstract: A computer-readable medium has computer-executable instructions for generating a user interface on a display device, the user interface includes a grid having a plurality of cells. The user interface also includes a visual affordance presented on the grid and visually connected to one of the plurality of cells, the visual affordance exposing properties of the one of the plurality of cells to which it is visually connected.

Abstract: Software is disclosed that creates a way of controlling alterations to cell contents of a data flow network so they can easily be turned on and off as separate layers. These layers can then be grouped as scenarios. Scenarios allow different layers of formula changes to be easily added and removed from the model.

Abstract: A method and system includes a server that provides a business management service to multiple independent customers. A template repository provides predefined templates, and a configuration storage stores customer changes to the predefined templates that represent customized templates. A user interface facilitates selection of customized templates as a function of scope of work for fine tuning.

Abstract: An architecture integrates spreadsheet functionality into tables commonly used in word processing programs and HTML documents. The architecture presents a table user interface (UI) that resembles a table when not being edited and adds spreadsheet elements to the table when being edited. Underlying the table UI, the architecture separates data handling functions from presentation functions. The architecture includes a table appearance manager to manage how the table appears in a document including such characteristics as table resizing, selection, cut, copy, paste, split, merge, table formatting and so on. The architecture also has a spreadsheet functionality manager to manage the spreadsheet functions for the table, such as recalculation, formula handling, sorting, referencing, and the like.

Abstract: A method and system of generating an analytical tool for use in assessing a state of an entity is described. The method comprises retrieving source data relating to a state of a community of which the entity forms a part, the source data resulting from a data collecting and analysis mechanism and the source data relating to at least one variable and the, or each, variable comprising a plurality of drivers; performing cluster analysis on the source data to produce an array of reference data; and organising the array of reference data into a form to be used in analysing data collected from the community.

Abstract: A method and system for facilitating information exchange between individuals and entities interacting on a shared project are provided, and more particularly to a method and system for horizontal. i.e. non-hierarchical, participation in and/or contribution to a spreadsheet-based project. The method and system is Web-based and utilizes conventional browser and spreadsheet technology to achieve collaborative exchanges of information on an enterprise-wide basis. The method and system also facilitate efficacious remote information access and exchange, e.g., over a computer network such as the Internet and/or the World Wide Web, through a caching function that combines individual queries initiated by a spreadsheet program before transmitting across a network to a server for consideration.

Abstract: Disclosed is a web-based system for providing reminders to mothers for organizing life events. The system provides cues to mothers in a web based application which may be sent via email. The cues may include various checklists and spreadsheets customized to meet the needs of mothers. The system further includes a method of delivering target advertisements and a web-based community.

Abstract: A spreadsheet package allows a base formula to be copied to at least one adjacent cell to form a referencing array. The package maintains a list of bound arrays, at least one cell of a bound array being referred to from a referencing array formula. If a formula within a referencing array cell includes a reference to a cell outside a bound array, the package indicates an error in the formula.

Abstract: Provided is a system and method for facilitating or creating a gateway to integrate with 3D virtual worlds (e.g., Second Life and Sun Wonderland) and external applications (e.g., data visualization gateways, process modeling systems, artificial intelligences, social networks, and other virtual worlds) for three-dimensional visualization of data in a virtual world. The visualization tool may include, for example, a three-dimensional graph using various colors, dimensions, shapes, and other properties as desired, to represent different data and data values. The avatars in the virtual world, as controlled by the game's players or users in the real world, can point to or otherwise interact with elements in the three-dimensional graph whereupon the base data or other related informational data would be displayed with respect to that given cell or element of the graph.

Abstract: Described is an information sharing method and mechanism used by a layout system to share information across related column and row user interface elements (corresponding to definitions). Definitions of a table or grid are grouped together with respect to sizing via a common group name. Scope values may be used to limit the grouping to selected subtrees of elements. When layout occurs, size sharing information is determined for the group-related definitions via a common size sharing object. Grouped definitions thus may be sized to the largest content to display of any one element. Elements corresponding to definitions may be manually sized by a user, or may be based on the size of a defined master element, such as the width of a header. The scope value of a group may be changed dynamically, such as by user interaction, which may cause groups to merge or split.

Abstract: Systems and methods for automatically decomposing table-structured electronic documents are described. The systems and methods of this invention generally comprise utilizing mathematical relationships, together with textual and positional clues to the mathematical relationships, in a collaborative manner, to derive a mathematical construct of the table-structured document. Embodiments of this invention automatically process a multitude of table-structured documents, thereby eliminating the need for human interaction with such documents in many cases and lowering the costs associated with processing such documents.

Abstract: A method and system for generating output files which represent computer displayable geographically related data related to the oil and gas industries. The method and system provides an approach for representing vast amounts of data related to oil and gas industry assets geographically so that the data may be displayed in two and three-dimensions. The method and system provide a way of inputting raw data and outputting a file that may be processed by a geographic information system software package to visually represent the data geographically on the surface of the earth. The output file may also be in a number of other file formats and readable by other software applications.

Abstract: A data cell included in a document supporting cell structured data is conditionally formatted according to data that is stored in a separate location from the document. A user is allowed to select from a drop-down menu of related data sets a particular data set for conditionally formatting the data cell. The data cell is formatted according to the data set and the condition without requiring that the data set be stored locally in the document.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and articles of manufacture consistent with the present invention enable a user to input data into a document having cells arranged in columns and rows. A first of the cells and a second of the cells each have an original content. The original content of the first cell is overridden with a first user inputted value. The cells are recalculated based on the first user inputted value. After recalculating the cells based on the first user inputted value, the original content of the second cell is overridden with a second user inputted value. The cells are recalculated based on the second user inputted value. The original content of the first cell is automatically restored based on a user input such that the second user inputted value is maintained in the second cell.

Abstract: Input to the system is buffered by the forms manager to determine access to the tile/region and to check entered data. The tile/region will retain various information such as data entered, user, time, changes, etc. To display a form, the forms manager obtains a list of objects to be displayed. This list of objects is then edited to remove objects which are not utilized and to place the remaining objects in a prioritized order. The forms manager then generates the display.