Ross A Hunter

Title: Ross A. Hunter: Spreadsheet and Database Innovations.

Introduction

Ross A. Hunter is an inventor based in Woodinville, Washington. His patent work includes innovations in spreadsheet interaction and database query construction. He is associated with Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC, and holds 5 patents.

Latest Patents

Hunter’s patent, “Method and System for the Direct Manipulation of Cells in an Electronic Spreadsheet Program,” describes a way to move or copy selected spreadsheet cells by dragging their border to a new location. Depending on the user’s input and the destination, the system can offer move-or-copy options, replace existing cells, or insert the selected cells while shifting other content.

His patent, “Method and System for Constructing Queries,” presents a graphical approach to building database queries that modify data. Users select tables and columns, then drag the chosen columns into a query-by-example grid. The system interprets the resulting query and performs the appropriate operation on the selected data.

Career Highlights

Hunter’s inventions address practical challenges in working with digital information. His spreadsheet-related work focuses on direct manipulation, while his database-query invention emphasizes a visual interface for defining operations across stored data.

Collaborations

Hunter’s listed coworkers include Adam Bosworth and Lisa R. James. His association with Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC connects his patent work with the company’s technology licensing activities.

Conclusion

Ross A. Hunter’s patents reflect a focus on making spreadsheet editing and database operations more direct and accessible through user-interface innovations.