| 摘要 |
An improved system and methods for interactively designing and generating electronic reports, especially reports based on stored data. A reporting module is used in conjunction with an electronic spreadsheet program. The reporting module implements replicator functions. In a design mode of operation, the replicator functions present a simplified preview of the subject report. In transitioning to a report mode, each replicator expands the spreadsheet by automatically inserting copies of the replicator range, such a one or more rows or columns, in response to the data being presented in the final report. Thus the spreadsheet automatically "grows" as necessary to accommodate the actual data reflected in the final report, while preserving the general design of the report as previewed in the design mode. In the transition to the report mode, newly inserted elements are tagged for automatic removal during a switch back to the report mode. |
