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Microsoft Patents ‘Avoid Ghetto’ Feature For GPS Devices

spidey07

No Lifer
LOL! While a handy feature how soon will the "that's racial" accusations start happening? Even though it uses crime figures.

http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/microsoft-patents-avoid-ghetto-feature-for-gps-devices/
Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.

A GPS device is used to find shortcuts and avoid traffic, but Microsoft’s patent states that a route can be plotted for pedestrians to avoid an “unsafe neighborhood or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures.”

Created for mobile phones, the technology uses the latest crime statistics and weather data and includes them when calculating a route.
 
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Gotta link to that?

Cause somehow...I just can't see MS calling it the "avoid ghetto" feature.

I have nothing wrong with them figuring crime data into their calculations for a given route. :shrug:
 
It doesn't say anything about Ghetto. That's just something the news is using to sell a headline.

http://patft.uspto.gov/netacgi/nph-...8,090,532.PN.&OS=PN/8,090,532&RS=PN/8,090,532


Pedestrian route production


Abstract
As a pedestrian travels, various difficulties can be encountered, such as traveling through an unsafe neighborhood or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures. A route can be developed for a person taking into account factors that specifically affect a pedestrian. Moreover, the route can alter as a situation of a user changes; for instance, if a user wants to add a stop along a route.



http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/microsoft-patents-avoid-ghetto-feature-for-gps-devices/
 
lol, at tags... seems pretty vague and childish for a patent

Say that your wife's car breaks down at night. Would you feel safer for her if it was in a "ghetto" area or middle class neighborhood? still seem childlish?

It is pretty crappy and unprofessional for CBS to call it 'Avoid Ghetto' feature though....
 
lol, at tags... seems pretty vague and childish for a patent

not childish at all. they are designing a system that incorporates "hazards" based on real life data integrated into their gps program. the process needs to be protected before everyone else does the same. siri doesnt do much more than the android voice search, but i bet thats patented up. you dont see anyone bitching about that.
 
My favorite topic of conversation with someone from a place I've never been to is: What parts of the city that you live in do you avoid? It always amazes me how people open up and expose the rotten underbelly of their hometowns.
 
That's actually a cool feature. My garmin has brought me through some shady areas before in the middle of the night. Not fun when you run out of gas and need a gas station. You definitely draw a lot of attention.
 
poor Gary, Indiana. will that town be supported or will it just have a person avoid that place in its entirety?
 
poor Gary, Indiana. will that town be supported or will it just have a person avoid that place in its entirety?
80/84 bypass is strongly recommend for all traffic.

Pedestrian, vehicular, air and sea
 
More bullshit patents. Nothing new or inventive about routing around hazards and slowdowns.
 
My favorite topic of conversation with someone from a place I've never been to is: What parts of the city that you live in do you avoid? It always amazes me how people open up and expose the rotten underbelly of their hometowns.
Gotta remember that, I'm sure it brings up a lot of interesting info both about the city and possibly the person.
 
What happens if a respected ghetto man accidentally taps this option on his way home using the GPS? Is he to forever circle around the neighborhood?
 
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