Patent ID: 6057837
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
In a computer system having an input device and a graphical user interface including a display device operable for displaying a spreadsheet application program comprising a range of cells, a method for manipulating primary objects within a spreadsheet application program, that are dependent upon one or more range of cells, the method comprising the steps of:receiving activation information by receiving from the input device an indication that a primary object has been activated;in response to receiving activation information, performing a first sequence comprising the steps of,displaying on the graphical user interface a movable first indicator proximate to a first range of cells that the primary object is dependent upon; anddisplaying on the graphical user interface a symbolic expression that at least partially defines the primary object and comprises a first reference that identifies the first range of cells;receiving first manipulation information by receiving from the input device an indication that at least a portion of the first indicator has been moved so that the first indicator is proximate to and identifies a second range of cells;in response to receiving first manipulation information, making the primary object dependent upon the second range of cells rather than the first range of cells and replacing the first reference in the symbolic expression with a second reference that identifies the second range of cells; andassociating a first visual characteristic with each of the first reference, the second reference, and the first indicator, wherein the first visual characteristic provides a visual cue as to the relationship between the first reference, the first range of cells, the second reference, the second range of cells, and the first indicator.