Request for Question Clarification by
pafalafa-ga
on
15 Mar 2006 04:31 PST
evc-ga,
The following are all currently-valid patents issued by the US Patent Office:
1 6779151 Storing objects in a spreadsheet
2 6948154 Methodology for testing spreadsheets
3 6766509 Methodology for testing spreadsheet grids
4 5966716 Automatic spreadsheet forms
5 5819293 Automatic Spreadsheet forms
6 6988241 Client side, web-based spreadsheet
7 6490600 Processing continuous data streams in electronic spreadsheets
8 6701485 Binding spreadsheet cells to objects
9 5255356 Method for hiding and showing spreadsheet cells
10 5371675 Spreadsheet program which implements alternative range references
11 5471612 Electronic spreadsheet system and methods for compiling a
formula stored in a spreadsheet into native machine code for execution
by a floating-point unit upon spreadsheet recalculation
12 5604854 System and methods for reformatting multi-dimensional
spreadsheet information
13 5055998 Intermediate spreadsheet structure
14 5317686 Data processing apparatus and method for a reformattable
multidimensional spreadsheet
15 6859907 Large data set storage and display for electronic
spreadsheets applied to machine vision
16 6438565 System and methods for improved scenario management in an
electronic spreadsheet
17 5499180 System and methods for improved scenario management in an
electronic spreadsheet
18 5418902 Electronic spreadsheet system producing generalized answers
including formulas
19 5970506 Spreadsheet-calculating system and method
20 6523167 Spreadsheet recalculation engine version stamp
21 5987481 Method and apparatus for using label references in spreadsheet formulas
22 5598519 Method and system for direct cell formatting in a spreadsheet
23 6055548 Computerized spreadsheet with auto-calculator
24 6282551 System and methods for improved spreadsheet interface with
user-familiar objects
25 6430584 Computerized spreadsheet with auto-calculator
26 6185582 Spreadsheet view enhancement system
27 5590259 System and methods for improved spreadsheet interface with
user-familiar objects
28 6988242 Transforming a portion of a database into a custom spreadsheet
29 5033009 System for generating worksheet files for electronic spreadsheets
30 5603021 Methods for composing formulas in an electronic spreadsheet system
31 6957385 Worldwide number format for a spreadsheet program module
32 5437006 Spreadsheet command/function capability from a dynamic-link library
33 5752253 Process and device for the automatic generation of spreadsheets
34 5381517 Fuzzy spreadsheet data processing system
35 5093907 Graphic file directory and spreadsheet
36 5893123 System and method of integrating a spreadsheet and external
program having output data calculated automatically in response to
input data from the spreadsheet
37 6411313 User interface for creating a spreadsheet pivottable
38 5721847 Method and system for linking controls with cells of a spreadsheet
39 5633998 Methods for compiling formulas stored in an electronic
spreadsheet system
40 5121499 Method for controlling the order of editing cells in a
spreadsheet by evaluating entered next cell attribute of current cell
41 5303146 System and methods for improved scenario management in an
electronic spreadsheet
42 6460059 Visual aid to simplify achieving correct cell
interrelations in spreadsheets
.
.
.
There are hundreds more!
Some of these are patents for the basic functions of spreadsheets,
themselves, but others are clearly 'architectures' for particular
spreadsheet functions, such as #40, "Method for controlling the order
of editing cells in a spreadsheet by evaluating entered next cell
attribute of current cell".
From this list, it would seem that your worksheet has, at least, a
reasonable shot at being patented.
Does this information answer your question? If not, what additional
information would you like to make for a complete answer?
Best of luck,
pafalafa-ga
