DAVID RUSSELL WILLIAMS, JR
Pilots at 24 Pl, Bellevue, WA

6055548, Apr 25, 2000

Jun 3, 1996

8/657353

Ross Comer - Bothell WA
David Russell Williams - Issaquah WA

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

G06F 1721

707503

A computerized spreadsheet automatically calculates a function using a set of selected cells as the cells are selected and immediately displays the result in real-time, without requiring entry of a function into a cell to perform the calculations. The computerized spreadsheet has multiple cells which are selectable by an indicator, such as a pointer or highlight bar. As the author selects one or more cells, an auto-calculator automatically calculates a preset function using the one or more selected cells and displays the result. For example, suppose the function is to sum all the values in a group of cells. As the author selects the cells within the group, the auto-calculator quickly computes the sum of the presently selected cells and displays the result. If the author changes the selection, the calculation is continuously updated and displayed in real-time. In this manner, the author can view intermediate calculations without having to write or embed a formula for them within the spreadsheet.

5845300, Dec 1, 1998

Jun 5, 1996

8/658798

Ross Ward Comer - Bothell WA
Adam Brett Stein - Bellevue WA
David Russell Williams - Issaquah WA

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

G06F 1727

707508

A system for improving the efficiency and reliability of entering data into a database or spreadsheet computer program by providing suggested completions to the data entry operator. The operator invokes an edit mode (200) for a particular data area and a dynamic list of possible completions is generated (210) based on other data items associated with the edited data area. The list of possible completions is dynamic because it changes to reflect the status of the current data within the database or spreadsheet. As the operator enters characters of a data item (220), the list of completed data items is searched for an entry that matches the entered data item (230). If a match is found then the matching item is displayed to the data entry operator as a suggested completion (240). The data entry operator can then elect to accept the suggested completion (250) or to continue entering the data item.