Microsoft Patents Direction-System that Avoids Scary Neighborhoods

January 5th, 2012

I am quite reliant on my Android Navigator, though sometimes, in its attempt to provide the shortest or quickest route, Google sends me through unsavory neighborhoods that I would otherwise avoid, even at the cost of a longer trip. MIcrosoft has patented a system that can void such dangerous detours!

The newly patented system for “pedestrian route production” takes into account conditions that specifically affect your journey on foot. In particular, the system calls out obstacles like crime-ridden neighborhoods and harsh temperatures in big exposed areas. The system would presumably be added to Microsoft’s existing walking directions feature on Bing Maps.

Let’s see if certain neighborhoods object to being deemed crime-ridden…Disparate impact may come into play, methinks.