Patents by Inventor William N. Gale

William N. Gale has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11151905
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Publication number: 20200005680
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2019
    Publication date: January 2, 2020
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Patent number: 10453361
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2019
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Publication number: 20190088164
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Patent number: 10176729
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Publication number: 20180122270
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 2, 2018
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Patent number: 9892660
    Abstract: Disclosed herein are methods of providing location-based information with respect to a topological map. A method may include (a) receiving a query for location-related information, (b) optionally generating data representing the topological map, (c) accessing the location-related information in a map-to-scale, (d) optionally determining an association between one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale and one or more corresponding points (or links) in a topological map, (e) identifying one or more points (or links) in the map-to-scale that relate to the location-related information and that correspond to one or more points (or links) in the topological map, (f) optionally determining a relative position of the location-related information with respect to the identified one or more map-to-scale points (or links), and (g) displaying the location-related information with respect to the corresponding one or more points (or links) in the topological map.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: HERE Global B.V.
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays, Frank J. Kozak
  • Patent number: 8825387
    Abstract: Open area maps as well as related features, systems, and methods are disclosed. For example, one method comprises translating coordinates associated with an open area map into real-world coordinates. The open area map is positioned within a geographic map as a function of the real-world coordinates. The geographic map represents a real-world area around the open area map. The open area map includes an image of a layout representing a pedestrian walkable area, and the open area map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mays, Peter A. Seegers, William N. Gale, Matei N. Stroila
  • Patent number: 8676623
    Abstract: A navigation system utilizes building directories to aid navigation. A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, captures an image of a building directory. The building directory includes information regarding the names and/or locations of tenants. An image recognition algorithm is performed on the captured image to extract information from the building directory. The extracted information is used to access a map database. The mobile device may display directions or a map to guide the user to a selected destination. In addition, the captured image may be used to build the map database or update the map database. Finally, the captured image may be matched with stored images of the building directory to determine the current location of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays
  • Patent number: 8676480
    Abstract: Traffic flow is viewed in mapping or navigation. A processor generates a two-dimensional map from a perspective view. The perspective view is at an angle, which is not a normal to the map, looking down on the two-dimensional map. At least one road or pathway represented on the two-dimensional map is identified. Traffic flow information is obtained for a plurality of locations along the at least one road or pathway. A line is projected along a third dimension on the two-dimensional map. The line is above the road or pathway from the perspective view. A height of the line is a function of the traffic flow information for the locations such that the height for a first of the locations is greater than for a second of the locations. The map is displayed with the line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: James D. Lynch, William N. Gale
  • Patent number: 8594930
    Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method comprises obtaining an image of a layout. The layout represents a real-world area in which a person moves about. A grid is applied on the image. The grid may include tiles that fill in a ground area of the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the grid. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Peter A. Seegers, Matei N. Stroila
  • Publication number: 20130226442
    Abstract: Traffic flow is viewed in mapping or navigation. A processor generates a two-dimensional map from a perspective view. The perspective view is at an angle, which is not a normal to the map, looking down on the two-dimensional map. At least one road or pathway represented on the two-dimensional map is identified. Traffic flow information is obtained for a plurality of locations along the at least one road or pathway. A line is projected along a third dimension on the two-dimensional map. The line is above the road or pathway from the perspective view. A height of the line is a function of the traffic flow information for the locations such that the height for a first of the locations is greater than for a second of the locations. The map is displayed with the line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Inventors: James D. Lynch, William N. Gale
  • Patent number: 8396257
    Abstract: Systems, devices, applications, and methods for generating an open area map are disclosed. For example, a software application is configured to run on a computing platform of an end user. The end user generates an image of a layout of a walkable area. The software application performs a method of generating an open area map based on the image. The method includes applying an array of uniformly spaced objects on the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the array. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Peter A. Seegers, Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Matei N. Stroila
  • Patent number: 8374780
    Abstract: Open area maps and related systems and methods are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving an image of a layout corresponding to a real-world area in which a person walks about. A restriction associated to a passageway within the image is generated. The image is used to generate a routable map for point-to-point routing. Routing through or around the restriction is based on whether or not criteria for passing the restriction is met.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2013
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Peter A. Seegers, Matei N. Stroila
  • Patent number: 8339417
    Abstract: Systems and methods corresponding to an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method includes receiving an image of a layout corresponding to a real-world area in which a person moves about. The image is in a vector graphics format. A reference region is determined using the image of the layout. A grid is combined with the reference region to generate a routable map. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2012
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Matei N. Stroila, Peter A. Seegers, Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale
  • Publication number: 20120281017
    Abstract: Systems, devices, applications, and methods for generating an open area map are disclosed. For example, a software application is configured to run on a computing platform of an end user. The end user generates an image of a layout of a walkable area. The software application performs a method of generating an open area map based on the image. The method includes applying an array of uniformly spaced objects on the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the array. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2012
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Inventors: Peter A. Seegers, Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Matei N. Stroila
  • Patent number: 8229176
    Abstract: Systems, devices, applications, and methods for generating an open area map are disclosed. For example, a software application is configured to run on a computing platform of an end user. The end user generates an image of a layout of a walkable area. The software application performs a method of generating an open area map based on the image. The method includes applying an array of uniformly spaced objects on the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the array. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2012
    Assignee: Navteq B.V.
    Inventors: Peter A. Seegers, Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Matei N. Stroila
  • Publication number: 20120130762
    Abstract: A navigation system utilizes building directories to aid navigation. A mobile device, such as a mobile phone, captures an image of a building directory. The building directory includes information regarding the names and/or locations of tenants. An image recognition algorithm is performed on the captured image to extract information from the building directory. The extracted information is used to access a map database. The mobile device may display directions or a map to guide the user to a selected destination. In addition, the captured image may be used to build the map database or update the map database. Finally, the captured image may be matched with stored images of the building directory to determine the current location of the mobile device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventors: William N. Gale, Joseph P. Mays
  • Publication number: 20120101727
    Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method comprises obtaining an image of a layout. The layout represents a real-world area in which a person moves about. A grid is applied on the image. The grid may include tiles that fill in a ground area of the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the grid. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2011
    Publication date: April 26, 2012
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Peter A. Seegers, Matei N. Stroila
  • Patent number: 8099237
    Abstract: Systems and methods associated with an open area map are disclosed. For example, one method comprises obtaining an image of a layout. The layout represents a real-world area in which a person moves about. A grid is applied on the image. The grid includes tiles that fill in a ground area of the image. A routable map is generated as a function of the grid. The routable map is configured to provide point-to-point routing within the layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2012
    Assignee: NAVTEQ North America, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph P. Mays, William N. Gale, Peter A. Seegers, Matei N. Stroila