Appeal No. 2000-0357
Application 08/941,186
table data based on a hidden sort key” and claim 18 calling for computer controlling information
“associating a sort key with cell data of a table so that the sort key is not displayed.”
We agree with appellant that MacGregor discloses a system for sorting cells in a spreadsheet
based on values in a selected row or column and that the row or column selected is the sort key.
MacGregor is silent as to any “hidden” sort keys. Stodghill is not directed to sorting at all but, rather, to
data entry by a user into a database. A hidden object, a data object data attribute (doda), associated
with a widget, is employed by Stodghill to control the format of a data object displayed in the widget.
The doda object is also used to validate the entry of data via a validation program. Thus, appellant is
correct in asserting that the hidden object in Stodghill appears to be used for formatting and validation
purposes, but not for “sorting.”
Stodghill does suggest, at column 3, lines 38-47, that different doda objects will include
different member functions (a member function is an algorithm) and that the “particular member
functions used by each doda object are not limited and may be selected or programmed by the
developer.” However, since Stodghill always appears to mention a member function, or algorithm, in
connection with formatting or validation, there would appear to be no suggestion to the artisan to
extend the hidden object to a sorting function. While MacGregor is directed to a sorting function, we
find no suggestion in either reference, or the combination, for expanding Stodghill’s teaching of a hidden
object to the sorting function of MacGregor.
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