Method and apparatus for suggesting completions for a partially entered data item based on previously-entered, associated data items

In a program module responsive to input commands for manipulation of data items presented in a plurality of cells, a method to generate a list of completed data items from a search region of cells that are positionally associated with an active cell, comprising the steps of:

• identifying a list of completed data items from said search region within a spreadsheet comprising a table of contiguous data-containing cells encompassing said active cell and bordered by empty cells;
• generating a sub-list of completed data items from a sub-range of cells that are within said search region encompassing said active cell;
• and
• when said program module is not processing said input commands, expanding said sub-list of completed data items to comprise all of said table of contiguous data-containing cells within said search region.

In a program module responsive to input commands for manipulation of data items presented in a plurality of cells, a method to automatically complete a partial data entry in said active cell comprising the steps of:

• invoking an edit mode for said active cell, said edit mode enabling said active cell to receive said partial data entry and a suggested completion;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within a spreadsheet comprising a table of contiguous data-containing cells encompassing said active cell and bordered by empty cells;
• filtering surplus duplicated completed data items from said list of completed data items to generate a filtered list;
• sorting said filtered list alphabetically to generate a suggestion list of completed data items;
• receiving said partial data entry and displaying said partial data entry in said active cell;
• searching said suggestion list to identify at least one suggested completion comprising said partial data entry;
• in response to identifying only one said suggested completion, replacing said partial data entry in said active cell with said suggested completion;
• receiving a response concerning said suggested completion;
• and
• operating on said suggested completion in accordance with said response.

A method for entering data items in a spreadsheet program, comprising the steps of:

• selecting an active cell within a search region comprising a table of contiguous data-containing cells encompassing said active cell and bordered by empty cells;
• enabling said active cell to receive a partial data entry and a suggested completion;
• entering said partial data item in said active cell;
• receiving said suggested completion selected from said search region;
• and
• accepting said suggested completion.

A computer-readable medium on which is stored a computer program for automatically providing a suggested completion for a partial data entry, said computer program comprising instructions which, when executed by said computer, perform the steps of:

• enabling an active cell to receive said partial data entry, said active cell being selected from a plurality of cells in response to placing a display item into a region occupied by said active cell;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within a spreadsheet comprising a table of contiguous data-containing cells encompassing said active cell and bordered by empty cells;
• receiving said partial data entry and displaying said partial data entry within said active cell;
• searching said list of completed data items to identify said suggested completion comprising said partial data entry;
• and
• in response to identifying said suggested completion, displaying said suggested completion within said active cell.

A computer system for completing a data entry for an active cell of a spreadsheet, comprising:

• a processing unit;
• a memory storage device;
• an input device coupled to said processing unit for receiving data;
• a pixel-based display device coupled to said processing unit for displaying data;
• a program module, stored in said memory storage device for providing instructions to said processing unit;
• said processing unit, responsive to said instructions of said program module, operative to:
• enable an active cell to accept a partial data entry, said active cell being selected from a plurality of cells in response to moving a display item into a region occupied by said active cell;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within a spreadsheet comprising a table of contiguous data-containing cells encompassing said active cell and bordered by empty cells;
• receive a partial data entry from said input device;
• display said partial entry within said active cell on said pixel-based display device;
• search said list of completed data items to identify a suggested completion comprising said partial data entry;
• and
• in response to identifying said suggested completion, display said suggested completion within said active cell on said pixel-based display device.

A method for completing a partial data entry for an active cell of a spreadsheet having a plurality of cells defining a grid of rows and columns, the method comprising:

• invoking an edit mode for the active cell;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within the spreadsheet, said search region including one (1) cells sharing the same column as the active cell, (2) cells sharing the same row as the active cell, (3) cells within the same column as the active cell and within a range of N cells from the active cell, wherein N is an integer greater than zero, and (4) cells within the same row as the active cell and within a range of N cells from the active cell, wherein N is an integer greater than zero;
• defining a partial data entry within the active cell;
• identifying a matching completed data item from within said list of completed data items that corresponds to said partial data entry;
• displaying said matching completed data item as a suggested completion command for said partial data entry;
• receiving an acceptance command in association with said suggested completion;
• and
• in response to said acceptance command, storing said partial data entry with said suggested completion within the active cell.

A method for completing a partial data entry for an active cell of a spreadsheet having a plurality of cells defining a grid of rows and columns, the method comprising:

• invoking an edit mode for the active cell;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within the spreadsheet, said search region including cells within the same column as the active cell;
• defining a partial data entry within the active cell;
• identifying a matching completed data item from within said list of completed data items that corresponds to said partial data entry;
• displaying said matching completed data item as a suggested completion command for said partial data entry;
• receiving an acceptance command in association with said suggested completion;
• and
• in response to said acceptance command, storing said partial data entry with said suggested completion within the active cell.

A method for completing a partial data entry for an active cell of a spreadsheet having a plurality of cells defining a grid of rows and columns, the method comprising:

• invoking an edit mode for the active cell;
• identifying a list of completed data items from a search region within the spreadsheet, said search region including cells within the same row as the active cell;
• defining a partial data entry within the active cell;
• identifying a matching completed data item from within said list of completed data items that corresponds to said partial data entry;
• displaying said matching completed data item as a suggested completion command for said partial data entry;
• receiving an acceptance command in association with said suggested completion;
• and
• in response to said acceptance command, storing said partial data entry with said suggested completion within the active cell.