Microsoft Technology Licensing, LLC

Jonathan Aroner

Aarti Bharathan

Chien-Wen Danny Su

Adrian Orbita Solis

Aaron N Woo

Jae Pum Park

Sogol Malekzadeh

Michael J Connolly

Theodore Aaron Haberman

Matthias Baer

John D Skovron

Cara Lyn Tyler

Christopher Acker

Monica Gonzalez

Kristina M Voros

Karen G Luk

Karen Luk

A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool uses a destination icon that directs the user towards an end location of a route when the user is close to the end location. For example, the map navigation tool obtains multiple list items of a list of directions. Based at least in part on current location, the tool determines that a destination icon is to be displayed. For example, the tool checks whether the current location is within a threshold distance from or past the end location. The tool then renders the destination icon, which indicates direction towards the end location. The tool can further adjust the destination icon depending on current location, for example, rotating the destination icon or switching between multiple destination icons representing left, right, ahead and behind directions.

Adjustable destination icon in a map navigation tool

A method for exchanging information between two communication devices includes communicating first identity information from a first communication device to a second communication device over a short-range communication link in response to an event. A second identity is received from the second communication device over the short-range communication link. The first identity information identifies a user of the first communication device and the second identity information identifies a user of the second communication device. Based on the first and second identity information, information is obtained specifying at least one attribute of the first and second users that they have in common.

Sharing of information common to two mobile device users over a near-field communication (NFC) link

Disclosed herein are tools and techniques for providing optional re-routing. In one exemplary embodiment disclosed herein, a determination is made that a location of a computing device is not on a predetermined route between a start location and an end location. Based on the determining, a re-route option is provided. Also, while the re-route option is available, a determination is made that a subsequent location of the computing device is on the predetermined route, or a re-route is performed responsive to receiving a touch-anywhere input event on a touchscreen display.

Optional re-routing

A system and methods for aggregating content, displaying the aggregated content to a user for selection, and if more than one of the same file is detected, determining which file to play back to the user. When a request to view a certain type of content is received from the user, personal content themes are identified based on content stored on the user's local network. Remote content providers are searched for content relevant to the personal content themes. The relevant content is displayed to the user based on a total relevance score. The user selects a piece of content displayed in the interface. If more than one media file for the selected piece of content is identified, the optimal media file is selected and played back to the user.

Media aggregation and presentation

A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, a user-driven navigation model simplifies user interaction with the map navigation tool. For example, the map navigation tool identifies an upcoming list item among multiple list items of a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool receives a user input event. For example, the user input event represents a tap on a touchscreen of the computing device, voice input to a microphone of the computing device, or button or keystroke input to the computing device. Responsive to the user input event, the map navigation tool outputs an indication of the upcoming list item.

User-driven navigation in a map navigation tool

Display screen with icon

A map navigation tool presents directions using a map navigation user interface that simplifies navigation in various ways. In particular, the map navigation tool dynamically adjusts presentation of graphics and/or text for directions depending on current location, so as to emphasize upcoming instructions. For example, based on current location, the tool identifies an upcoming list item in a list of directions for a route. The map navigation tool renders a view of at least part of the list of directions, rendering a given list item differently depending on whether it is the upcoming list item, a future list item, or a previous list item. Upon successful completion of navigation for the upcoming list item, the tool outputs an indication of positive feedback, changes the upcoming list item to be the next list item, and renders a new view in which the next list item is emphasized.

Changing emphasis of list items in a map navigation tool

Display screen with an icon

Display screen with graphical user interface

Growing community of inventors

Seattle, WA, United States of America

Jonathan Aroner