Abstract: A method for exporting-importing the content of input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source multi-dimensional spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination multi-dimensional spreadsheet comprises the steps of: detecting a command for exporting-importing input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination spreadsheet; identifying the source scalable template associated with the source scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the source scalable template; identifying the destination scalable template associated with the destination scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the destination scalable template; copying cell per cell, the content of each input cell of the source scalable template instance in each input cell of the destination

Abstract: A method for exporting-importing the content of input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source multi-dimensional spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination multi-dimensional spreadsheet comprises the steps of: detecting a command for exporting-importing input cells from a source scalable template instance in a source spreadsheet to a destination scalable template instance in a destination spreadsheet; identifying the source scalable template associated with the source scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the source scalable template; identifying the destination scalable template associated with the destination scalable template instance; identifying cells, if there are any, defined as input cells in the element profile of the destination scalable template; copying cell per cell, the content of each input cell of the source scalable template instance in each input cell of the destination

Abstract: A method of automatic data input/output to/from another document format or data file with a high visibility and an easy document format definition operation, even in a document format having a derivative area as a second data description area in a single cell. The method includes performing an item definition for correlating data or a data field with an item name in a document format, and specifying a difference condition as a description condition unique to the derivative area against a main area as a first description area in the same cell, for the data field having the derivative area as a second data area in a single cell. According to the specified item definition and the difference condition, data or a record as a set of data description areas to be simultaneously referenced at the document data input/output is identified for each of the derivative areas.

Abstract: A process for analyzing a sub-model associated with a full system model as often depicted as an influence diagram. The process includes defining the sub-model as a collection of entities where some entities are calculation entities and some are data entities. The process converts the calculation entities in the sub-model that depend on entities in the fall model outside of the sub-model to temporary data entities. Further, the process deletes any data entity in the sub-model from which any converted temporary data entity depends. The process also determines if there are any isolated cycles in the sub-model, and, if so, which of the entities in the isolated cycle will be an output entity.

Abstract: Methods and systems that implement enhanced user interactions with a grid are described. A method may include generating a grid of cells arranged in a number of rows and columns. Each row may correspond to a data record of a database. The grid may be displayed to a user while identifying one or more cells as editable cells. Input data may be received from the user for each of the editable cells. The input data may be validated using predefined criteria to identify incorrect input data and errors associated with the incorrect input data may be displayed to the user. Additional methods and systems are disclosed.

Abstract: Cutting and copying discontiguous selections of cells is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving an indication of a selection of a set of cells that does not include only a continuous grid of selected cells and receiving an indication of a selection of a paste destination in which the set of cells is desired to be pasted, the set of cells is pasted in the paste destination in a manner that preserves a respective relative position of each cell in the set. In some embodiments, if a paste destination is not large enough to accommodate a paste operation, the paste destination is automatically expanding so that it is large enough to accommodate the paste operation.

Abstract: Methods and devices are provided for assigning cell properties based on user-defined metadata in a spreadsheet. In one embodiment, the method may involve receiving at least one row metadata and at least one column metadata. The method may involve associating cells at an intersection of at least one row containing the at least one row metadata and at least one column containing the at least one column metadata into a set. The method may involve assigning at least one property (e.g., formatting attribute and/or content) for the set. In related aspects, the method may further involve, in response to a user changing the at least one property in any cell of the set, applying the changed at least one property to each cell of the set.

Abstract: An improved electronic spreadsheet is provided for applications requiring conditional expression execution behavior. Each cell having an executable expression is cooperative with an implicit conditional execution wrapper. The execution of each cellular expression is implicitly conditioned on the state of an individually assigned logical switch expression. The improved electronic spreadsheet also includes a user interface by which a user can assign logical switch expressions to a cell, or to a range of cells. The improved electronic spreadsheet facilitates the use of spreadsheets for wider range of applications than was possible with conventional electronic spreadsheets.

Abstract: A graphical application developing and managing environment is described capable of representing and editing program modules using multiple display formats, which include embedding source code written in a functional language into a spreadsheet-like format. Methods are described for enabling the sharing of program modules by defining standardized interfaces into program modules and existing documents and by centrally locating module definitions. A patchwork mechanism is described requiring only basic spreadsheet editing skills on behalf of the user, enabling a user of the environment to connect external documents and program modules into a new program application. The invention allows complicated programming and simple end-user programming to be achieved within a unified environment and allows the execution of program modules and tracing of variables simultaneously with the writing of a program application.

Abstract: The present invention comprises methods and user interfaces for organizing data displayed within a data application. Specifically, the present invention provides methods and systems for arranging the display of the data by a format applied to one or more portions of the data. The formats comprise different visual characteristics of the displayed data. In exemplary embodiments, the data application organizes the data by the fill color of the cell, the font color of the data within the cell, or the type of icon inserted into the cell. The organizations comprise any type of rearrangement of the data. In exemplary embodiments, the data application sorts or filters the displayed data according to the format.

Abstract: Data cells in a spreadsheet report are collapsed and expanded without disrupting other spreadsheet data. A user may want to drill down on data corresponding to a parent member of the report to display more detailed information about the parent member. Likewise, a user may want to drill up the displayed information corresponding to the parent member to hide detailed information associated with the parent member. Before expanding or collapsing a report, the spreadsheet is scanned for information to determine whether the display of other data in the spreadsheet would be disrupted by the expansion/collapse. The information may include cross-join information associated with the parent member, the number of child members associated with the parent member, the dimension of the report created by the parent member and the associated child members, and other reports that may be linked to the report that includes the parent member.

Abstract: Displaying interrelated changes in a grid may be provided. Grid cells in a document may be modified when either a grid cell is directly changed by a user, or when a grid cell changes due to information residing in another cell changing. The modified grid cells allow the user to perceive how certain changes to data in one grid cell can affect other grid cells.

Abstract: A method, system and computer readable medium for providing for providing a function item, such as a key, button, icon, or menu, tied to a user operation in a computer, whereby a single click on the function item in a window or program on a computer screen, or one single selection in a menu in a program, initiates retrieval of name and addresses and/or other person or company related information, while the user works simultaneously in another program, e.g., a word processor. The click on the function item initiates a program connected to the button to search a database or file available on or through the computer, containing the person, company or address related data, in order to look up data corresponding to what the user types, or partly typed, e.g., name and/or address in the word processor, the correct data from the database, data related to the typed data, e.g.

Abstract: A network mobility server, which includes a target device inventory module, a data collection module, a data management module and a distribution module. The data management module, includes at least one data storage module, in which at least a portion of the data stored therein are identical data items stored in different selected formats suitable for use on mobile computing and telecommunication devices. The network also includes network agents, resident on numbers of the network members.

Abstract: Systems and methods for editing online advertising campaigns from a summary interface. A summary interface can be provided. The summary interfaces shows filed fields associated with one or more advertising campaigns in a view mode. Upon receipt of a request to edit one or more of the fields, the summary interface transitions to an edit mode for editing of the selected fields and editing of hidden fields that are associated with the selected fields and that are not displayed in the view mode.

Abstract: A method for altering data in a first data cell during a navigation between the first cell and a second data cell includes: (a) a user selecting the first cell; (b) the user indicating navigation from the first cell to a second cell; (c) posing a query to the user inquiring whether the user wants to alter a first element in the first cell for transfer to the second cell; (d) if the user desires to alter, providing an opportunity for the user to indicate a desired alteration; (e) the user entering an factor for the alteration; (f) employing the factor for the alteration to generate a first altered element and a second altered element; and (g) before the user effects completion of the navigation, entering the first altered element in the first cell and entering the second altered element in the second cell.

Abstract: A user interface comprises an interactive control and method for quickly changing the amount of text displayed in each item in a list of text items. The control allows the user to choose from a large range of choices for how much text is displayed and provides live updates of the changes. The method saves the user time by eliminating the need to refresh the screen when changing the amount of text displayed.

Abstract: A system for performing a calculation processing for each cell in a sheet by setting a calculation formula to calculate values for the cell. The system includes: an input data selection unit for sequentially selecting, in response to association of a or a plurality of cells in a sheet having a plurality of input data recorded therein with a first cell, the plurality of input data as values for the first cell; a calculation unit for performing, in response to selection of the respective input data as values for the first cell, calculations of a calculation formula set in a cell other than the first cell and referring to the first cell; and a data output unit for outputting calculation results of the calculation formula obtained by the calculation unit for each of the input data as values of a or a plurality of second cells.

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: 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: 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: In a method for identifying cells, line graphics are converted into vectors (12) having a canonical form without vector overlaps or crossings. Connecting vectors (22, 24, 26, 30, 32) are associated, including (i) forking vectors (22) having common starting points, and (ii) meeting vectors (24) having common ending points. A set of vectors is identified including at least two forking vectors and two meeting vectors cooperatively defining a cell.

Abstract: Generally described, embodiments of the present invention relate to applying and evaluating conditional formatting rules to a given range of cells. Additionally, multiple conditional formatting rules may be evaluated to TRUE for the same cell contained in a user interface and multiple formats applied to that cell.

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: 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: In some embodiments, text that includes one or more prescribed characters is represented on a pasteboard in a plurality of representations, including an escaped representation that escapes the one or more prescribed characters so that a format of the text can be preserved when the text is pasted into a cell of a spreadsheet application that does not natively support inclusion of the one or more prescribed characters in cell content.

Abstract: A spreadsheet system stores objects and formulas in the cells of the spreadsheet, along with metadata tags. Each cell may contain multiple objects (such as a group of photos). Drag-and-drop user actions automatically change tags associated with the moved objects based on a formula stored in the target cell if a forcing semantics mode is active, or automatically change a formula stored in the target cell if a non-forcing semantics mode is active. A formula in a cell selects a set of objects and may include set operators such as union, intersection, and minus. The formula may also filter sets to select a subset based on specified tag attributes of objects. The display of the spreadsheet adaptively selects a subset of objects to render in a cell and appropriately scales photos for optimal viewing.

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: 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: 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: 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: Metatag identifiers are stored in a spreadsheet, and are made available for use in metatagging various files. Steps may include: identifying the item of data in a document; activating an activation code; providing a listing of metatag choices; selecting a metatag from the listing of metatag choices; identifying the selected metatag with a column in the spreadsheet; and storing at least a portion of the item of data in a cell of the column. The listing is preferably a visually displayed listing, and selection can be made by clicking. Data previously associated with a metatag, and stored in the spreadsheet can be displayed as values. The values for a given metatag can thus be sorted and listed, providing immediate feedback to a user to assist in determining the propriety of a particular metatag.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method for recording an asset survey or installation, comprising storing data received from an electronic database in an independent spreadsheet application operable on a portable electronic device, the data including identifying information for new and/or old assets and an employee listing. At least one field of the independent spreadsheet application is prepopulated with a set of data displayed in a drop down menu when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. A variable is selected from the set of data presented in the drop-down menu associated with the at least one field displayed on the independent spreadsheet when the independent spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database. The selected variable is stored as a record located in a storage worksheet of the independent spreadsheet application when the spreadsheet application is not operably connected to the asset management database.

Abstract: According to some embodiments, a system, method, means, and/or computer program code are provided to facilitate use of a spreadsheet application to access information stored in a multi-dimensional data source. Some embodiments include receiving, at an analyzer module, a change indication from the spreadsheet application, the change indication being associated with an identifier entered by a user into a spreadsheet cell. In response to the change indication, a member associated with the identifier in a multi-dimensional data source may be dynamically determined. Information in the spreadsheet may then be replaced with a formula based at least in part on the determined member.

Abstract: Variable formatting for cells in computer spreadsheets, tables, and other documents is provided. For a selected range of cells, cell formats vary with the value in each cell (or an associated value). Formats can include color-scale backgrounds, in-cell elements (e.g., icons and data bars), and other cell formats that can be varied with a value.

Abstract: File formats, methods, and computer program products are provided for representing a workbook in a modular content framework. The modular content framework may include a file format container associated with modular parts. A file format includes logically separate modular parts that are associated with each other by one or more relationships where each modular part is associated with a relationship type. The modular parts include a workbook part operative as a guide for properties of the workbook and a worksheet part associated with the workbook part and operative to specify a definition of cells within a worksheet associated with the worksheet part. The modular parts may also include a document properties part containing built-in properties associated with the file format and a thumbnail part containing associated thumbnails. Each modular part is capable of being interrogated separately, extracted from the workbook, and/or reused in a different workbook.

Abstract: A method of consolidating data from multiple spreadsheets includes selecting multiple spreadsheets (52). Portions of data from files corresponding to each of the spreadsheets (52) are also selected. Automated consolidation of said portions of data is executed. The consolidation includes retrieval of the portions of data, generation of a final report spreadsheet (124), and appendage of the portions of data to the final report spreadsheet (124).

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: A worldwide number format for use with a spreadsheet program module is disclosed. The worldwide number format includes a locale specifier comprising a number shape, a calendar type and a locale identification (LCID). The worldwide number format also includes a base number format and a value. The LCID is used to categorize different parts of the world. Primarily, the LCID categorizes different parts of the world by language such as English, German, French, Thai, Arabic, etc. The LCID is used to determine what language to display month names, month abbreviations, weekday names, weekday abbreviations, time designations such as AM/PM, etc. The calendar type supports both Gregorian and non-Gregorian calendars. Calendar type is a value to indicate which calendar should be used to calculate the date from the value. The number shape is a value that indicates what shape in which to represent the number.

Abstract: In an electronic multidimensional spreadsheet, a method for displaying and/or hiding on a user interface including (A) detecting a command for hiding at least one element in a selected range of cells, the command identifying a display focus level selected among a plurality of ordered display focus levels defined for the selected range of cells; (B) identifying the selected range of cells comprising the element to hide; (C) identifying the selected display focus level; (D) identifying a table associated with the selected range of cells, the table associating each defined display focus level with at least one cell content criteria to apply to the content of the at least one cell; and (E) selectively displaying the element on the user interface based on the relationship of the selected display focus level with the display focus level associated with the element.

Abstract: The invention, in one embodiment, is a method and system for reporting the status of external references, or links, of a spreadsheet workbook. In an Edit Links dialog box, the user may view a list of links and their status. The user may select a Check Status button in the Edit Links dialog box to check the status of the links without updating the links because updating the links may require considerable time. A textual status message is displayed for each link in the Edit Links dialog box. The textual status message indicates to the user whether there is s possible problem with the link. As part of checking the status of a link, an analysis is made to determine whether any problems with the source file exist. For instance, it is determined whether the source file is open and whether it is valid. The results of this analysis determine what is displayed in the status column of the Edit Links dialog box.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and computer program for copying and pasting, in an electronic multidimensional spreadsheet, displayed elements of a source range of cells onto a destination range of cells, the source range of cells including one or more elements displayed on a user interface and one or more hidden elements, the elements being contiguous and aligned along a given spreadsheet dimension. The method includes (A) detecting a command for copying at least one displayed element from a selected source range of cells onto a selected destination range of cells; (B) identifying the selected source range of cells; (C) identifying the at least one displayed element in the selected source range of cells; (D) identifying at least one hidden element in the selected source range of cells; (E) copying the displayed element and hidden element onto a temporary range of cells; and (F) copying the temporary range of cells onto the destination range of cells.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method, system and computer program for copying and pasting, in an electronic multidimensional spreadsheet, displayed elements of a source range of cells onto a destination range of cells, the source range of cells including one or more elements displayed on a user interface and one or more hidden elements, the elements being contiguous and aligned along a given spreadsheet dimension. The method includes (A) detecting a command for copying at least one displayed element from a selected source range of cells onto a selected destination range of cells; (B) identifying the selected source range of cells; (C) identifying the at least one displayed element in the selected source range of cells; (D) identifying at least one hidden element in the selected source range of cells; (E) copying the displayed element and hidden element onto a temporary range of cells; and (F) copying the temporary range of cells onto the destination range of cells.

Abstract: Methods and Systems in accordance with the present invention provide a file format for storing spreadsheets compactly on PDAs. PDAs only contain a limited amount of computer memory due to their small size and processing ability. To reduce memory constraints caused by PDA spreadsheet applications, the present invention reduces memory allocated for file storage by optimizing the compression of individual spreadsheet files within a database record storage system. This method and system in accordance with the present invention uses a collection of records to represent a spreadsheet file.

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: 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: Automatically completing a remainder portion of a name as it is being entered is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving at least a prescribed number of starting characters of a name being entered into a first cell as a reference name to refer to one or more other cells, a set of one or more valid reference names that begin with the received starting characters is determined and provided as auto-completion options. In such cases, a valid reference name is one that identifies using a supported syntax a spreadsheet document or a portion of a spreadsheet document.

Abstract: Cutting and copying discontiguous selections of cells is disclosed. In some embodiments, in response to receiving an indication of a selection of a set of cells that does not include only a continuous grid of selected cells and receiving an indication of a selection of a paste destination in which the set of cells is desired to be pasted, the set of cells is pasted in the paste destination in a manner that preserves a respective relative position of each cell in the set. In some embodiments, if a paste destination is not large enough to accommodate a paste operation, the paste destination is automatically expanding so that it is large enough to accommodate the paste operation.

Abstract: A digital paper-enabled system includes a spreadsheet printed on digital paper and usable with a digital writing instrument, such as a digital pen. A method of using the system includes (1) designing a digital paper-enabled spreadsheet with a spreadsheet integration module; (2) printing the designed spreadsheet to receive writing from a digital pen (3) uploading data from the digital pen to a processing system; (4) reviewing the uploaded data using a display device associated with the processing system; and (5) storing the uploaded data, which may include exporting one or more portions of the uploaded data to another display or processing system.

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.