Patents by Inventor John C. Krumm

John C. Krumm 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).

  • Publication number: 20130223308
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ranveer Chandra, John C. Krumm, Xia Zhou, Stefan Saroiu
  • Patent number: 8473198
    Abstract: When users travel to an intended destination, a plurality of information can be beneficial to assist their travel. If a person is traveling to a crowded event, then information can be provided such that congested traffic areas can be provided. There can be financial opportunities available in relation to providing information concerning an intended destination. An advertiser can pay money to have information played about the advertiser when it relates to the intended destination. Furthermore, a user can pay money for detailed data concerning an intended location, such as where cheapest parking is located.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Ruston Panabaker, Jeffrey D. Couckuyt, Ivan J. Tashev, Michael Lewis Seltzer, Neil W. Black
  • Patent number: 8428859
    Abstract: A route can be generated through utilization of a conventional manner, such as a portable electronic device accessing a database with roads, traffic information, weather data, and the like. As a user approaches a private area, the route can be augmented with travel information concerning the private area. Artificial intelligence techniques can be used to determine if a route should be augmented, to infer what augmentations to make, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Michael Lews Seltzer, John C. Krumm, Jeffrey D. Couckuyt, Ivan J. Tashev, Ruston Panabaker, Neil W. Black
  • Patent number: 8401771
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides a system and/or a method that facilitates generating a point of interest related to a map. An interface component can collect a portion of annotation data from two or more users, wherein the portion of annotation data is associated with a digital map and includes at least one of a map location and a user specific description of the map location. An annotation aggregator can evaluate annotation data corresponding to the map location on the digital map. The annotation aggregator can create a point of interest (POI) for the map location based upon the evaluation and populates the digital map with at least one of an identified location extracted from two or more users or a universal description extracted from two or more users.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Lakshmi N. Mummidi
  • Publication number: 20130066548
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MICROSOFT CORPORATION
    Inventors: Robert W. Gruen, John C. Krumm
  • Publication number: 20120265433
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul A. Viola, Zhaowei Jiang, John C. Krumm, Matthew Graham Dyor, Eric J. Horvitz, Lili Cheng
  • Patent number: 8244240
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate automatically maintaining a database of base stations. A location component can obtain a query that includes a listing of detected base stations. Additionally, the location component can identify whether the detected base stations are included in a base station database. Further, the location component can generate an estimated location related to the query. Moreover, a database update component can modify the base station database based at least in part upon the query.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Dimitris Achlioptas, John C. Krumm, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Patent number: 8244660
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate generating an inference about events that may not have yet been observed. Open-world modeling can be used to take a history of observation so as to understand trends over time in the revelation of previously unseen events, and to make inferences with subsets of data that new unseen events will be seen. Thus, inaccuracies associated with predictions generated from incomplete data sets can be mitigated. To yield such predictions, open-world submodels and closed-world submodels that do not allow for previously unseen events can be combined via a model mixture methodology, which fuses inferences from the open- and close-world models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 14, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, John C. Krumm, Murugesan S. Subramani
  • Publication number: 20120191336
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2012
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Baudisch, John C. Krumm
  • Patent number: 8155877
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 10, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Patrick M. Baudisch, John C. Krumm
  • Patent number: 8090532
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 3, 2012
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Ivan J. Tashev, Jeffrey D. Couckuyt, Neil W. Black, John C. Krumm, Ruston Panabaker, Michael Lewis Seltzer
  • Publication number: 20110313648
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Paul E. Newson, John C. Krumm, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Publication number: 20110288839
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate generating an inference about events that may not have yet been observed. Open-world modeling can be used to take a history of observation so as to understand trends over time in the revelation of previously unseen events, and to make inferences with subsets of data that new unseen events will be seen. Thus, inaccuracies associated with predictions generated from incomplete data sets can be mitigated. To yield such predictions, open-world submodels and closed-world submodels that do not allow for previously unseen events can be combined via a model mixture methodology, which fuses inferences from the open- and close-world models.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2011
    Publication date: November 24, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, John C. Krumm, Murugesan S. Subramani
  • Publication number: 20110282571
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 25, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Patent number: 8060297
    Abstract: A user can intend to travel between different locations and employ different traveling manners to reach an intended travel destination. At different points, different devices can be employed for disclosing a route. For instance, as a user walks, a route can be integrated into a personal electronic device, such as a cellular telephone. An evaluation can take place that due to specific route details, for example detailed text, a particular device would be superior for presentment over another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey D. Couckuyt, Neil W. Black, John C. Krumm, Ruston Panabaker, Ivan J. Tashev, Michael Lewis Seltzer
  • Patent number: 8024112
    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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Eric J. Horvitz
  • Patent number: 7991718
    Abstract: The claimed subject matter provides systems and/or methods that facilitate generating an inference about events that may not have yet been observed. Open-world modeling can be used to take a history of observation so as to understand trends over time in the revelation of previously unseen events, and to make inferences with subsets of data that new unseen events will be seen. Thus, inaccuracies associated with predictions generated from incomplete data sets can be mitigated. To yield such predictions, open-world submodels and closed-world submodels that do not allow for previously unseen events can be combined via a model mixture methodology, which fuses inferences from the open- and close-world models.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Eric J. Horvitz, John C. Krumm, Murugesan S. Subramani
  • Publication number: 20110161276
    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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Eric J. Horvitz, Ramaswamy Hariharan
  • Patent number: 7936872
    Abstract: A system and method in a wireless network for discovering which resources (e.g., other wireless computing devices) are proximate a user's wireless computing device. Wireless signal strengths with respect to various base stations are compared with the signal strengths of other network devices or resources, to determine which devices are experiencing similar signal strengths. Devices with similar signal strengths are deemed proximate. Each participating computing device may send its signal strength reports to a proximity server, which distributes proximity data to network clients. Each client may receive and process the signal strength data for determining which other clients/resources are proximate, or the server can perform proximity computations and return a list of proximate clients. Once computed, the identities of the proximate clients can be used to query for additional data about the clients, such as the names and other details of their owners, or information about the resource.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: John C. Krumm, Susan D. Woolf, Roland Fernandez, David J. Marsh, Albert D. Jee, Wayne G. King
  • Patent number: 7933612
    Abstract: The subject disclosure pertains to systems and methods for determining locations of mobile devices. In particular, a set of regions is defined based upon the relative strength of signals received from one or more base stations within the region. Each region has associated location information (e.g., latitude and longitude). The location of a mobile device can be determined by analyzing the strength of received signals, identifying base stations and generating an ordered list of base stations based upon signal strength. The ordered list can be compared to the set of regions to determine the region in which the mobile device is located. The location information for the retrieved region can be used to estimate the location of the mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Microsoft Corporation
    Inventors: Scott J. Counts, John C. Krumm, Jordan L. K. Schwartz, Steve C. Glenner