Patents Assigned to MapQuest, Inc.
  • Patent number: 9253198
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the authentication or authorization of a mobile device user for enabling access to the resources or functionality associated with an application or service executable at the user's mobile device. The user or user's mobile device may be automatically authenticated or authorized to access application or system resources at the device when the current geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be within a preauthorized zone, e.g., based on a predetermined geo-fence corresponding to the preauthorized zone. A security level or amount of authorization credentials required to authorize a user for data access may be varied according any of a plurality of security levels, when the current or last known geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be outside the preauthorized zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2016
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. Hughes, Jr., Patrick McDevitt, Joseph Barbara
  • Patent number: 9228849
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for determining a route distance based on information for a route, comparing the route distance with a distance threshold, defining a search area when the route distance is less than the distance threshold, the search area including boundaries, calculating, using a processor, a points of interest (POI) density of the search area, comparing the POI density with a first density threshold and a second density threshold, adjusting the boundaries of the search area based on a result of comparing the POI density with the first density threshold and the second density threshold, identifying POIs in the adjusted search area, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, the POI information being associated with one or more POIs identified in the adjusted search area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 11, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2016
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric Beyeler, Tianyu Wang
  • Patent number: 9212918
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for generating and displaying a POI data associated with multiple searches on a single digital map. Searches may be activated from pre-set layers within a layer panel. Searches may also be activated by adding custom layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 15, 2015
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Meghan Newlin, Mark Husson, John O'Dwyer, Austin Brown
  • Publication number: 20150276423
    Abstract: Computer implemented methods are disclosed for providing to a user, geographical mapping information relating to a trip from a start location to a destination location, the method including. The method includes receiving user input data including at least the destination location, determining a distance between the start location and the destination is equal to or above a pre-determined threshold, and generating and displaying a route from the start location to the destination location on an electronic map based on the user input data. The route may include a pin that is movable by the user along the route. The location of the pin may be received and a snap location along the route closest to the drop location may be calculated. The method may include animating movement of the pin from the drop location to snap location, and displaying the geographical mapping information based on the snap location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2014
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Applicant: MAPQUEST, INC.
    Inventors: Elizabeth Ashby McILHANY, George Michael RINGROSE, Lindsey YOUNG
  • Publication number: 20150204685
    Abstract: Computer implemented methods are disclosed for providing to a user geographical mapping information relating to a trip from a start location to a destination location. One method includes receiving user input data including at least the destination location; receiving a location of a point movable by the user along the route from the start location to the destination location on an electronic map; displaying one or more points of interest within a range of the location of the point; receiving a selection by the user of at least one of the one or more points of interest; generating a modified route from the start location to the destination location which includes the selected at least one of the one or more points interest; and displaying the modified route with the selected at least one of the one or more points interest.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Duane GEARHART, Adam H. RISSER, Beth A. WARNER, Marshall B. MATTHEWS, Lindsey YOUNG, Elizabeth McILHANY, Michael RINGROSE
  • Publication number: 20150204688
    Abstract: Computer implemented methods are disclosed. The methods may include identifying a plurality of points of interest (POIs) within a pre-determined travel time from an intersection or highway exit and calculating a travel time and distance from the intersection or highway exit to each of the plurality of POIs. The methods may further include, associating each of the plurality of POIs with the intersection or highway exit, and storing the travel time and distance from the intersection or highway exit to each of the plurality of associated POIs in an electronic database as pre-calculated POI data.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2014
    Publication date: July 23, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: G. Duane GEARHART, Greg KNISELY, David W. NESBITT
  • Publication number: 20150163630
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for communicating virtual messages through a location-based message stream for different mobile device users. A geo-fenced area surrounding a desired geographic location for a virtual message stream is generated based on parameters received from a first user. The parameters include at least one message to be sent to one or more recipients via the message stream. When a mobile device of a second user located within the generated geo-fenced area is detected and the second user is determined to be one of the message recipients, the message from the message stream is transmitted to the detected mobile device of the second user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2013
    Publication date: June 11, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. HUGHES, JR., Simon HILL, Joseph BARBARA
  • Patent number: 9031938
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a computer-implemented method is provided for processing a query for points of interest (POIs) using a hierarchical grid structure representing a geographic area. The method includes receiving a query for POIs; defining a query footprint for the query based on a location corresponding to the query, wherein the query footprint comprises query spatial identifiers for a plurality of levels of the hierarchical grid structure; matching the query spatial identifiers with one or more POI spatial identifiers organized into a plurality of indexes, wherein each one of the plurality of indexes comprises an index of the POI spatial identifiers for one of the plurality of levels; and providing an output specifying one or more POIs corresponding to the matched POI spatial identifiers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2015
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry M. Laurenzo, David William Nesbitt, Eric Beyeler
  • Publication number: 20150120455
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for electronic distribution of electronic content. The method may include receiving, from an advertiser or content provider, a request to transmit electronic content to a plurality of electronic devices of a desired subset of individuals. The electronic content may relate to a target location affiliated with the advertiser or content provider. The method also may include retrieving population density data for the target location and surrounding area, and correlating the subset of individuals with the population density. In addition, the method also may identifying a geographical zone extending from the target location to a perimeter location. The zone may have a size based on the population density correlated with the subset of individuals. The method my further include receiving an indication that the electronic device of a user has entered the geographical zone, and transmitting electronic content to the electronic device of the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Patrick McDEVITT, Joseph HUGHES
  • Publication number: 20150120756
    Abstract: Computerized systems and methods are provided for identifying a character string for a point of interest. In accordance with some embodiments, point of interest information, including a universal resource locator (URL) is received, and a document associated with the URL is retrieved. The document is parsed to identify a set of character strings. A subset of character strings from the set is isolated. A character string is identified from the subset of character strings and associated with the POI information to thereby enable improved processing of queries and POI information retrieval.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Miria Grunick
  • Publication number: 20150121464
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for controlling the authentication or authorization of a mobile device user for enabling access to the resources or functionality associated with an application or service executable at the user's mobile device. The user or user's mobile device may be automatically authenticated or authorized to access application or system resources at the device when the current geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be within a preauthorized zone, e.g., based on a predetermined geo-fence corresponding to the preauthorized zone. A security level or amount of authorization credentials required to authorize a user for data access may be varied according any of a plurality of security levels, when the current or last known geographic location of the user's mobile device is determined to be outside the preauthorized zone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2013
    Publication date: April 30, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph D. HUGHES, JR., Patrick McDEVITT, Joseph BARBARA
  • Publication number: 20150106011
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for inferring a user's intent to stop at a predefined location or breakpoint along a predetermined route, such as an exit along a highway, and to enable users to report back to systems maintaining exit or breakpoint POI data. An application executing on a user's mobile device may infer or query the user's intent upon detecting a deviation away from the route and to use this as a “check-in” at a predefined location corresponding to the point of deviation. Then further check-ins and ratings at amenities/locations associated with the exit can also be used to enhance the rating and popularity of the predefined location (e.g., highway exit) itself. The ratings and popularity of highway exits can then be exposed in applications to provide relevant content related to the highest rated or most popular breakpoints located along their route of travel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2013
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. NESBITT
  • Publication number: 20150095157
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for online distribution of content. The method may include, receiving a request to publish content on the electronic device relating to a target location. The request may include at least one threshold travel parameter to the target location. The method also may include identifying one or more perimeter locations at the at least one threshold travel parameter and generating a zone extending from the one or more locations to the target location and including one or more routes. In addition, the method may include receiving an indication that the electronic device has entered the zone, transmitting content to the user's electronic device relating to the target location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: April 2, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: Patrick McDEVITT
  • Patent number: 8983973
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for ranking points of interest (POIs). According to one implementation, a computer-implemented method may be provided that includes receiving geographic information from a user device, and selecting a plurality of points of interest within the geographic region. The method may also include generating an initial ranking of the selected points of interest based on voting information received from the user device, viral input from a user's social network, and/or additional input based on searches for maps and travel directions for traversing a route. In addition, the method may include calculating a modified ranking of the selected points of interest.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 17, 2015
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Simon Hill, Emilie Laffray, Adam Risser, Brian Quinion
  • Publication number: 20150052124
    Abstract: Computerized systems and methods are provided for generating results of a search query. In accordance with some implementations, data is received that is indicative of a character string related to a location and provided as input by a user. One or more hierarchically organized data trees are retrieved, from a storage device, for administrative areas related to the input character. Thereafter, probable target addresses are determined for the location utilizing the hierarchically organized data trees for each of the administrative areas, and a list of probable target addresses is provided for display to the user based on the hierarchy of the administrative areas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 13, 2013
    Publication date: February 19, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Antony M. PEGG, Stephen K. HESS, Kevin L. MAYHEW
  • Publication number: 20150039602
    Abstract: Systems and methods are provided for providing an ordered list of search results in response to a query. Consistent with certain embodiments, computer-implemented systems and methods may identify content items corresponding to a query. First relevance scores may be determined for the identified content items based on their relevance to the query. Second relevance scores may be determined by modifying at least one of the first relevance scores using a boost value. The boost value may be set to a default boost value when the query does not include an override boost value. The boost value may be set to the override boost value, when the query includes an override boost value. An ordered list of the identified content items may be generated based on the second relevance scores. The ordered list may be displayed on a display device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Miria GRUNICK, Antony Pegg, Sanjay MANSETA
  • Patent number: 8909465
    Abstract: A user may indicate a preference of a route when alternative routes are available between an origin and a destination. The mapping system may enable a user to identify a region, a point or a set of points to help control, guide or otherwise influence the determination of a route favored by the user. While the identified region, point or set of points may be included in the route, the identified region, point or set of points need not necessarily be included in the route.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2005
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2014
    Assignee: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventor: David W. Nesbitt
  • Publication number: 20140278063
    Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for generating an electronic map display. In one implementation, a method is provided for receiving route information associated with a route having an origination point and a destination point, determining a location of a reference point along the route, assigning a spatial identifier to the reference point, searching for points of interest (POIs) in a search area associated with the spatial identifier, ranking, using a processor, the POIs based on distances of POIs from the location of the reference point, and providing POI information for an electronic map display, wherein the POI information is associated with one or more POIs and selected based on the ranking of the POIs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 30, 2014
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Eric BEYELER, Tianyu WANG, G. Duane GEARHART
  • Publication number: 20140280085
    Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for ingesting data, such as point of interest data. According to certain embodiments, a raw data load transmitted over a network is received from a first data source. The raw data load may comprise a plurality of raw data records, which may be stored in a first database. A first plurality of standard data records previously received from the first data source may be accessed and compared to each of the plurality of raw data records to identify at least one added record. The at least one added record may be compared to a second plurality of standard data records received from a second data source to identify a matching record received from the second data source. The at least one added record may be assigned a key from the matching record. Moreover, the updated information may be sent to an update queue, such that applications may be notified of and receive the updates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Bryan C. WESTHAFER, Philip RUSSO, Marshall B. MATTHEWS, Antony M. PEGG
  • Publication number: 20140280285
    Abstract: Computerized systems and methods are provided for analyzing failed and successful search queries. In accordance with some embodiments, search records with character strings that are refinements of character strings of other search records are deemed related as belonging to a same user search. Minimum changed sections between character strings in related search records are determined. Correction pairs are created including the character sequences from the portions of the character strings containing the minimum changed sections. Frequencies of correction pairs in a pool of correction pairs are calculated, and the correction pairs appearing in the pool most frequently are stored in a correction log.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: MapQuest, Inc.
    Inventors: Brian QUINION, Stephen Hess, Antony Pegg