Abstract: A surgical instrument, has an end effector that includes an ultrasonic blade, and a clamp arm that moves relative to the ultrasonic blade from an opened position toward an intermediate position and a closed position. The clamp arm is offset from the ultrasonic blade to define a predetermined gap in the intermediate position between the opened position and the closed position. A clamp arm actuator connects to the clamp arm and moves from an opened configuration to a closed configuration to direct the clamp arm from the opened position toward the intermediate position and the closed position. A spacer connects with the clamp arm to inhibit movement of the clamp arm from the intermediate position toward the closed position for maintaining the predetermined gap between the clamp arm and the ultrasonic blade.

Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate inferring probability distributions over the destinations and/or routes of a user, from observations about context and partial trajectories of a trip. Destinations of a trip are based on at least one of a prior and a likelihood based at least in part on the received input data. The destination estimator component can use one or more of a personal destinations prior, time of day and day of week, a ground cover prior, driving efficiency associated with candidate locations, and a trip time likelihood to probabilistically predict the destination. In addition, data gathered from a population about the likelihood of visiting previously unvisited locations and the spatial configuration of such locations may be used to enhance the predictions of destinations and routes.

Abstract: The discussion relates to route safety. One example can obtain crash probabilities for road routes for driving between two points. The example can present multiple individual road routes that reflect both crash probabilities and estimated times between the two points. The example can receive an indication that a user selected an individual one of the multiple individual road routes. The example can provide driving instructions for the selected individual one of the multiple individual road routes.

Abstract: The minimization of the amount of power consumed by an electronic device in acquiring or maintaining network connectivity with a network may extend the battery life of the electronic device. When the electronic device has established a communication connection with a wireless access point, the electronic device cycles a network interface controller of the electronic device between a power on state and a power off state without terminating the communication connection. Accordingly, the electronic device powers on a main processor of the electronic device when the network interface controller detects a beacon during the power on state that indicates the wireless access point has a buffered data frame for the electronic device.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards resolving an uncertain transportation context by suggesting one or more potential diversions. An automated routing system may generate routing information that includes map data as well as a location of a diversion having an expected cost in compliance with the uncertain transportation context. Such a diversion may be a waypoint that satisfies one or more user needs given an unknown/uncertain destination.

Abstract: Described are methods that utilize a geographic location technology (e.g., GPS) to determine user location data, and existing network-based websites (e.g., Internet websites) for searching and accessing data related to the location data such that the user context can be developed and stored. A location component is provided that determines location data of a wireless communications device of a user. A context component is provided that accesses context data based on the location data to define a context in which the device is located. Activities, goals, and overall context of a user can be inferred through statistical fusion of multiple sources of evidence. The context data is presented to the user via the wireless device such that the user can make decisions as to where to go, for example. User preferences can be accessed and applied to filter context data according to what the user desires to see and access.

Abstract: The minimization of the amount of power consumed by an electronic device in acquiring or maintaining network connectivity with a network may extend the battery life of the electronic device. When the electronic device has established a communication connection with a wireless access point, the electronic device cycles a network interface controller of the electronic device between a power on state and a power off state without terminating the communication connection. Accordingly, the electronic device powers on a main processor of the electronic device when the network interface controller detects a beacon during the power on state that indicates the wireless access point has a buffered data frame for the electronic device.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for implementing map matching techniques relating to measured location data. Probabilistic models, including temporal Bayesian network models and Hidden Markov Models, may be used for combining multiple classes of evidence relating to potential locations of points traversed on routes over time. Multiple route segments and overall routes may be maintained under relative uncertainty as candidates. The candidate route segments and overall routes may then be reduced into a smaller number of candidates or a single most likely route as a trip progresses. As the trip progresses, route segments in proximity to each location point are identified and candidate matches are determined. A probability of an entity traversing a candidate match at a given time and a probability of an entity traversing between a first candidate match at a first time and a second candidate match at a second time are determined based on a plurality of factors.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards automatically labeling location-related information such as corresponding to GPS data or the like with a semantic label. A classifier trained with machine learning is provided with feature data corresponding to the location-related information and other features, such as user demographics data of a person associated with location-related information. The semantic label is received from the classifier, and associated with the location-related information. Other features may be used, such as other egocentric features corresponding to a person's particular visit, features from a sequence of visits, and/or features from other user information. The semantic label may be used to trigger an action, label a location on a map or the like, and so on.

Abstract: A suggestive mapping device may predict, suggest, and/or provide potential destinations to a user. Additionally, the device may store historical location data of the user, determine a travel vector of the user, and predict the destination of the user based at least in part on the historical location data and/or the travel vector. Further, the device may provide hands-free maps to destinations when the user does not know the address at least by receiving contextual data of the user and/or contextual data of the user's contacts. Such hands-free, suggestive mapping devices may facilitate more effective navigation.

Abstract: The subject disclosure is directed towards automatically labeling location-related information such as corresponding to GPS data or the like with a semantic label. A classifier trained with machine learning is provided with feature data corresponding to the location-related information and other features, such as user demographics data of a person associated with location-related information. The semantic label is received from the classifier, and associated with the location-related information. Other features may be used, such as other egocentric features corresponding to a person's particular visit, features from a sequence of visits, and/or features from other user information. The semantic label may be used to trigger an action, label a location on a map or the like, and so on.

Abstract: A user can be compensated for taking detours from a projected route. Commonly, the reason for the compensation is that the user will be subjected to advertising, the user will pass by an establishment she is likely to visit, or to ease traffic congestion. Analysis of an area takes place and monetization opportunities are determined based upon the results of the analysis. A route between at least about two locations can be altered such that the user is provided a reward, commonly in an optimized manner.

Abstract: Oftentimes individuals have a number of objectives to complete while traveling in a vehicle. The objectives can be arranged automatically and an associated route can be produced such that the objectives can be completed in an effective manner. Data related to the objectives can be collected such as a traffic pattern on paths near a location the objective is to take place. Locations for the objectives to be completed can be determined automatically as well as provided by user. Analysis of the collected data can take place and based on a result of the analysis, an efficient route is produced.

Abstract: A route-planning system is described that leverages a database of observations about routes taken by drivers in a region to generate context and/or preference sensitive routes. Contextual information such as time of day and day of week, along with such findings as the observed velocities on different roads and the efficiency of trips is noted from the database of trips to inform a route generation component. The route-generation component considers velocities, contextual information, and other findings to compute preferred routes for people requesting directions from a first geographical point to a second geographical point. In one usage, properties of a driver's own prior routes are used to generate personalized routes, including routes between previously unobserved starting and ending locations. In another application, sets of observed routes of other drivers are used in a collaborative manner to generate recommended routes for a specific driver based on inferred preferences of the driver.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for implementing map matching techniques relating to measured location data. Probabilistic models, including temporal Bayesian network models and Hidden Markov Models, may be used for combining multiple classes of evidence relating to potential locations of points traversed on routes over time. Multiple route segments and overall routes may be maintained under relative uncertainty as candidates. The candidate route segments and overall routes may then be reduced into a smaller number of candidates or a single most likely route as a trip progresses. As the trip progresses, route segments in proximity to each location point are identified and candidate matches are determined. A probability of an entity traversing a candidate match at a given time and a probability of an entity traversing between a first candidate match at a first time and a second candidate match at a second time are determined based on a plurality of factors.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and devices are described for implementing map matching techniques relating to measured location data. Probabilistic models, including temporal Bayesian network models and Hidden Markov Models, may be used for combining multiple classes of evidence relating to potential locations of points traversed on routes over time. Multiple route segments and overall routes may be maintained under relative uncertainty as candidates. The candidate route segments and overall routes may then be reduced into a smaller number of candidates or a single most likely route as a trip progresses. As the trip progresses, route segments in proximity to each location point are identified and candidate matches are determined. A probability of an entity traversing a candidate match at a given time and a probability of an entity traversing between a first candidate match at a first time and a second candidate match at a second time are determined based on a plurality of factors.

Abstract: Described are methods that utilize a geographic location technology (e.g., GPS) to determine user location data, and existing network-based websites (e.g., Internet websites) for searching and accessing data related to the location data such that the user context can be developed and stored. A location component is provided that determines location data of a wireless communications device of a user. A context component is provided that accesses context data based on the location data to define a context in which the device is located. Activities, goals, and overall context of a user can be inferred through statistical fusion of multiple sources of evidence. The context data is presented to the user via the wireless device such that the user can make decisions as to where to go, for example. User preferences can be accessed and applied to filter context data according to what the user desires to see and access.

Abstract: A mapping application that returns results for a target location as a function of at least one nearby landmark. The one or more nearby landmarks can be selected based on an expected user familiarity with the landmark, a precision of the landmark and/or a spatial relationship of the landmark with respect to the target location. Although landmarks are an integral aspect of navigation, they have rarely been used within electronic navigation devices. Electronic navigation means for a mobile device or other devices can guide the user along a route using photographs of landmarks together with audio and text instructions that reference these landmarks. This can assist older users who often find their mobility hampered by declines in sensory, cognitive and motor abilities.

Abstract: Described are methods that utilize a geographic location technology (e.g., GPS) to determine user location data, and existing network-based websites (e.g., Internet websites) for searching and accessing data related to the location data such that the user context can be developed and stored. A location component is provided that determines location data of a wireless communications device of a user. A context component is provided that accesses context data based on the location data to define a context in which the device is located. Activities, goals, and overall context of a user can be inferred through statistical fusion of multiple sources of evidence. The context data is presented to the user via the wireless device such that the user can make decisions as to where to go, for example. User preferences can be accessed and applied to filter context data according to what the user desires to see and access.

Abstract: A destination analysis module is described which estimates at least one destination of a user given a partial path taken by the user within a geographic area. The destination analysis module operates by detecting a mode of transportation that a user uses to traverse the path (e.g., automobile, public transportation, walking, etc.). The destination analysis module then loads a model associated with the mode of transportation into a destination prediction module and estimates at least one destination based on the path and the model. The model has various components that depend on the mode of transportation, such as routing network information and prior probability information.