Christopher Matthew Graves

US Patent:

20090199185, Aug 6, 2009

Filed:

Feb 5, 2008

Appl. No.:

12/026523

Inventors:

Dean A. Slawson - Beijing, CN
Neema M. Moraveji - Rockville MD, US
Filipe Fortes - Seattle WA, US
David Zhang - Sydney, AU
Janine Michelle Perret - Seattle WA, US
Christopher Edward Graves - Seattle WA, US

Assignee:

Microsoft Corporation - Redmond WA

International Classification:

G06F 9/46

US Classification:

718100

Abstract:

Microwork customers may create microtasks and publish them with a microwork broker. Microwork providers may discover published microtasks and complete them in exchange for specified compensation. Microtask creation, publication, discovery and workflow facilities may be integrated into document editors, productivity tools, and the like. To facilitate trust and efficiency, particularly in the context of large public microwork brokers, public reputations may be maintained for microwork participants by the microwork broker. Distinct reputations may be maintained with respect to particular microwork categories. Discovery of microtasks, access to microtasks, selection of providers, and even compensation may be based on reputation. Microwork confidentially mechanisms, such as controlled access to specified portions of a microtask, or anonymization of portions of a workpiece not salient to a particular microtask, may be employed to protect potentially sensitive information while still taking advantage of the services of public microwork providers.