<![CDATA[Latest posts for the thread "Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices."]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/list/54.page JForum - http://www.jforum.net Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://seattle.cbslocal.com/2012/01/06/microsoft-patents-avoid-ghetto-feature-for-gps-devices/

REDMOND, Wash. (CBS Seattle) – 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.
The patent, written in a combination of tech-speak and legalese, was awarded to Microsoft earlier this week. It also described other uses for the new GPS technology.
One section of the patent mentioned that advertisers can use the technology to navigate a user through a newly set up ad campaign.
Microsoft declined to comment to CBS Seattle.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761085.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761085.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761174.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761174.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761198.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761198.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761233.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761233.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761245.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3761245.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764005.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764005.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764079.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764079.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. WTF happened to common sense?!

As for the 'Avoid Ghettos' part, well that could actually be useful. But why, if Microsoft want people too avoid 'Ghetto Areas', would they just not bother putting them on the GPS devices in the first place?

That way, Microsoft could delete places like Croydon and Salford completely and the world would be a better place... ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764121.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764121.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Reminds me of ubersoft:
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764166.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764166.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. lol!


Got some funny looks from the co-workers in my break room but what the hell! ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764180.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764180.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
BaronIveagh wrote:My question is how they decide which 'hood is 'ghetto'? I foresee seriously racist gak on the horizon.


FBI crime data I am assuming. It's public record and can be laid out as datapoints very easily.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764200.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764200.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764210.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764210.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
And so are the trailers.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764213.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764213.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Frazzled wrote:...or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures.”


Avoid volcano?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764345.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764345.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Its going to go off of cold hard facts, crime levels. There are plenty of white ghettos too you know(and mexican ghettos and irish ghettos...)]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764390.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764390.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. DC. You can stumble into the ghetto in a couple minutes of walking.

Wonder how well it works in the rest of the world? It might be hard to define 'Ghetto' in Africa, for instance.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764409.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764409.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Spoiler:

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764442.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764442.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764471.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764471.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764480.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764480.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
I imagine trying to walk into a bank or a store and my app saying they have been accused/convicted of some sorta fraud or shady dealings. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764493.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764493.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
juraigamer wrote:Heh using crime statistics? Are we talking just murders, or all crimes? If it's all crimes, then hell, we can't go anywhere.

I imagine trying to walk into a bank or a store and my app saying they have been accused/convicted of some sorta fraud or shady dealings.


Haha! You really think they will be including corporate crime? ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764506.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764506.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
SilverMK2 wrote:The part that concerned me is that your route can apparently be changed at the whim of anyone who pays microsoft enough money. Not to mention how they chose to interpret 'crime statistics' in their route plotting.


Suddenly, all Apple Stores are the center of criminal activity in their respective locations.

Microsoft has stumbled on the truth, Steve Jobs was Keyser Söze.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764609.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764609.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Easy peasy.

A lot of you guys are getting way too freaked out about this. The methodology behind it is not even remotely new.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764689.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764689.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Grey Templar wrote:Why is it that people immediatly assume this is going to be racist? In a way, assuming its racist is actually being racist yourself.

Its going to go off of cold hard facts, crime levels. There are plenty of white ghettos too you know(and mexican ghettos and irish ghettos...)


Mexicans (is that Hispanic or Latino?) are not 'white' and white-irish are a recognised ethnic group distinct to your standard caucasian.

So yes, it would still be racist to isolate these ghettos along with black neighbourhoods based on these demographics.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764708.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764708.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Howard A Treesong wrote:So yes, it would still be racist to isolate these ghettos along with black neighbourhoods based on these demographics.


No, it would be racist to do it based on race. If you did it based on crime numbers and ended up isolating them, you are at worst accidentally racist. Intent really matters.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764714.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764714.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Rented Tritium wrote:FBI crime statistics are how we allocate law enforcement funding. It's very simple, bad areas have higher than average violent crimes per person per square mile. If you map crimes per person per square mile, you'll have red zones. Avoid the red zones where reasonable using the same algorithm used to avoid construction or avoid toll roads.

Easy peasy.



So they could create an algorithm that factors in the frequency of monster truck ralleys, guys married to their sisters and fewest teeth per square mile...]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764716.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764716.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
CT GAMER wrote:
Rented Tritium wrote:FBI crime statistics are how we allocate law enforcement funding. It's very simple, bad areas have higher than average violent crimes per person per square mile. If you map crimes per person per square mile, you'll have red zones. Avoid the red zones where reasonable using the same algorithm used to avoid construction or avoid toll roads.

Easy peasy.



So they could create an algorithm that factors in the frequency of monster truck ralleys, guys married to their sisters and fewest teeth per square mile...


An algorithm that avoids high crime areas already avoids those things

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764731.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764731.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Rented Tritium wrote:
Howard A Treesong wrote:So yes, it would still be racist to isolate these ghettos along with black neighbourhoods based on these demographics.


No, it would be racist to do it based on race. If you did it based on crime numbers and ended up isolating them, you are at worst accidentally racist. Intent really matters.


I'm not disagreeing, based on crime stats would be fair (though how you use the crime stats it debatable), but based on labelling areas using demographics like 'irish' and 'mexican' would be.

But why put the emphasis on 'ghettos' rather than 'high crime areas'?

How you use the crime stats is of importance because it can be abused. For instance, would overall crime numbers be of use, or only the violent crimes? Do you take the absolute crime numbers, or a relative number based on the local population size?]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764740.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764740.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764748.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764748.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
dogma wrote:I suspect that the word "ghetto" was journalistic license, and not in the patent itself.


Yes, but they'll have to market it eventually.

I see no problem with the idea of programming GPS to avoid areas of high crime, just a bit wary of how it will be applied.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764757.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764757.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
"No available Path"

Oh. hmmmm.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764762.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3764762.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. patent. Not that anyone sane should be expected to understand how to read patents. But it's really more about using people's preferred walking paths to determine a preferred path. If a lot of people avoid area X, then the app will suggest that you avoid area X.

SilverMK2 wrote:The part that concerned me is that your route can apparently be changed at the whim of anyone who pays microsoft enough money.

Actually the opposite of what you said: "the generation component to produce the direction set based upon the information source that does not have a financial interest in providing the direction set."]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3765134.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3765134.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3765992.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3765992.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766036.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766036.page GMT Re:Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Then the neighborhood will be back on the list of safe places to travel.

Win win win.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766059.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766059.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
biccat wrote:I suspect most people didn't actually read patent. Not that anyone sane should be expected to understand how to read patents. But it's really more about using people's preferred walking paths to determine a preferred path. If a lot of people avoid area X, then the app will suggest that you avoid area X.


So it directs you to the busiest places where you are likely to be pick-pocketed?

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766135.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766135.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Rented Tritium wrote:A lot of you guys are getting way too freaked out about this. The methodology behind it is not even remotely new.


True, but check out some of the complaints about the "crime maps" in the UK.


http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-12330078
The crime maps show Surrey Street in Portsmouth, Hampshire, as having 136 crimes, including burglary, violence and anti-social behaviour in December.

But the street, which is less than 100m long, is only home to a pub, a car park and a block of flats.

Councillor Eleanor Scott, who is responsible for community safety at Portsmouth City Council, said: "If Portsmouth is anything to go by, this website is a complete farce, it's identifying wrong crime epicentres and missing out crimes in other areas so you can't rely on it."

Chief Superintendent Nigel Hindle, commander of Portsmouth police, said the postcode of Surrey Street was used to record incidents of retail crime such as shoplifting from the adjacent commercial centre and violent crime from nearby bars and clubs.


The same kind of thing happens for smaller streets, being lumped into larger areas.


Automatically Appended Next Post:
biccat wrote:Actually the opposite of what you said: "the generation component to produce the direction set based upon the information source that does not have a financial interest in providing the direction set."


True, I didn't read the patent itself, however, the article directly referenced one section of it: "One section of the patent mentioned that advertisers can use the technology to navigate a user through a newly set up ad campaign. "

So, how exactly does that mean that you can't spend money to change the route that the device recommends so that everyone is funneled past, say, your business, or past a rivals horrible smoke spilling factory, or simply just take people miles out of their way to go to whatever the hell you want them to etc.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766248.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766248.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
dogma wrote:
Frazzled wrote:...or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures.”


Avoid volcano?


Preferably like this.

]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766397.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3766397.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
dogma wrote:
Frazzled wrote:...or being in an open area that is subject to harsh temperatures.”


Avoid volcano?


I try to avoid the open maw of a volcano whenever possible. I'm much more of a cold weather guy.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767334.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767334.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
SilverMK2 wrote:True, I didn't read the patent itself, however, the article directly referenced one section of it: "One section of the patent mentioned that advertisers can use the technology to navigate a user through a newly set up ad campaign. "

A patent doesn't describe what a company is going to do or what features it's going to use. It's a document saying "we've invented this new thing, here's how it could be used."

Although, given the claim language, it appears that using it in the manner suggested by the article wouldn't actually infringe the patent.]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767580.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767580.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices. DC, our dad was driving us there he got lost in the Ghetto, so he pulled over to ask several police gathered outside a house.

Turns out the police were doing a drug bust, was pretty funny to see my dad walk up to them and ask directions.

Although it was also pretty funny considering my dad had worked at the Pentagon as Assistant Secretary of the Navy, and worked at the White house, yet he still can't find his way around DC. ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767630.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767630.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
Alexzandvar wrote: it was also pretty funny considering my dad had worked at the Pentagon as Assistant Secretary of the Navy,


Not really. The US military and related seem to have a knack for getting lost in places they have no places being... ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767810.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767810.page GMT Microsoft has been granted a patent for its “avoid ghetto” feature for GPS devices.
CT GAMER wrote:
Alexzandvar wrote: it was also pretty funny considering my dad had worked at the Pentagon as Assistant Secretary of the Navy,


Not really. The US military and related seem to have a knack for getting lost in places they have no places being...


Haha, nice one there friend ]]> http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767816.page http://www.dakkadakka.com/dakkaforum/posts/preList/421584/3767816.page GMT