Jon Garrett Simmons

Title: **Innovator Spotlight: Jon Garrett Simmons**

Introduction

Jon Garrett Simmons is an innovative inventor based in Sammamish, Washington, known for his contributions in the realm of technology. With a repertoire of three patents, Simmons has made notable advancements, particularly in integrating web gadgets with spreadsheet functionalities.

Latest Patents

One of Simmons' significant patents focuses on the interaction between web gadgets and spreadsheets. This innovation allows gadgets to seamlessly integrate with spreadsheets and the spreadsheet calculation engine. A gadget can be bound to a specific range of cells within a spreadsheet. When any of the cells within this bound range are accessed—whether selected, hovered over, edited, deleted, or added—the gadget receives a notification. This feature enables the gadget to update its display or perform other actions based on the cell activity.

The patent also outlines the use of an Application Programming Interface (API) to establish the binding, enabling smooth communication between the gadget and the spreadsheet. The gadget is recognized as a Named Item object, allowing it to be displayed distinctly from other objects within the spreadsheet. Furthermore, the design anticipates the detection and prevention of outdated requests, ensuring the gadget operates on the most current data.

Career Highlights

Simmons is currently associated with Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, where he continues to push the boundaries of innovation in technology. His work contributes significantly to enhancing user interaction within digital environments, particularly in how users leverage spreadsheet applications.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, Jon Simmons has collaborated with eminent professionals, including Lawrence Fubini Waldman and Daniel C Battagin. These collaborations have facilitated the exchange of ideas and the development of cutting-edge technologies, further enhancing the effectiveness and usability of spreadsheet integrations.

Conclusion

Jon Garrett Simmons stands out as a remarkable inventor in the field of technology, specifically in the integration of gadgets with spreadsheets. Through his patents and collaborations at Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, Simmons is shaping the future of interactive technology, making it more accessible and user-friendly. His innovative spirit and contributions continue to inspire advancements in the industry.