Patent ID: 7788257

Claim:
A system for specifying and modifying reports using a plurality of report design dialogues, the system comprising: at least one processing unit for executing computer executable instructions; and memory storing computer executable instructions that when executed by the at least one processing unit provide: a receiving module for receiving, through the use of a group-level outline panel, report control signals and selections for performing a database grouping, wherein the group-level outline panel is displayed in a first report design dialogue, the group-level outline panel in the first report design dialogue comprising a prompt for selection of a database field on which to group, wherein, following the selection of the prompt, the group-level outline panel is displayed in a second report design dialogue replacing the first report design dialogue, the group-level outline panel in the second report design dialogue comprising a pulldown menu listing database fields by which records may be grouped, wherein, following selection of a first database field, the group-level outline panel is displayed in a third report design dialogue replacing the second report design dialogue, wherein the group-level outline panel in the third report design dialogue is expanded to include a plurality of report controls; a creation module for creating a new group level and setting default values for the new group level; a grouping module for performing the database grouping based on the first database field selected; a sorting module for performing a database sorting; an aggregating module for performing a database aggregation; and a display module for displaying the group-level outline panel, and displaying results of the database grouping.