Importance

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Abstract

A method for selecting records from a displayed database table by generating an SQL SELECT command for filtering the displayed records in accordance with cell values highlighted by user input. A presently selected set of records from a desired table (generally referred to as a record set or record source) are displayed on the user's display screen. The user selects particular values in cells (an intersection of a row and a column of the displayed table) by highlighting the values using the pointer device or keyboard of the computer system. Methods of the present invention then generate an SQL select (filter) command to selectively retrieve those records from the displayed records which match the user's highlighted values. A fully highlighted cell indicates exact equality is desired by the user, a beginning portion highlighted indicates that the user wishes to match records whose corresponding column starts with the highlighted value, and ending portion selection matches the ending portion of qualified records, and a middle portion highlighted matches any record containing the highlighted value. Values highlighted in the same row generate logically AND'd clauses in the SELECT command while the comparison generated for a row are logically OR'd with the comparisons generated for other rows. The user may indicate that the highlighted values are for selection (inclusion of qualified records) or for exclusion selection (exclusion of qualified records). A new select (filter) command may be logically AND'd with the prior filter to permit complex selection criteria to be defined by simple graphical user inputs.

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First Claim