Abstract: Cached data is updated by a computing machine coupled to a primary database maintaining original data and to a cache maintaining data corresponding to the data in the primary database. In response to receiving a first database query relating to a first data, the computing machine determines whether to process the first database query by utilizing the cache or based on the primary database. In response to concluding processing the first database query, the computing machine determines whether to update the first data in the cache, and based on the result of the determining, updates the first data in the cache based on original first data in the primary database.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products associated with a flight search engine for searching itineraries between an origin and a destination on a given date, according to a predefined display policy. Available routes may be filtered according to a first set of predefined criteria associated with the routes. The filtered available routes may be ranked according to a second set of predefined criteria. Itineraries may be constructed that are associated with the filtered available routes. The constructed itineraries may be filtered according to a third set of predefined criteria, and the filtered itineraries may be ranked according to a fourth set of predefined criteria. Historical booking data regarding previously booked itineraries for future travels may be received and analyzed, and may be taken into in the ranking of the filtered available routes and the filtered itineraries.

Abstract: A database system includes an original data source storing pieces of original data and a cache source storing pieces of cached data, each associated with an accuracy value. A method of processing queries in the system includes: for each randomly selected client query, retrieving a first piece of cached data matching the query, and retrieving a first piece of original data matching the query; for non-selected client queries, retrieving a second piece of cached data matching the query; evaluating the accuracy value of the second piece of cached data; if the accuracy value is below a given threshold, retrieving a second piece of original data matching the query, and updating the second piece of cached data by the second piece of original data; and adapting a probabilistic model based on the first piece of cached data and the first piece of original data using a machine learning algorithm.

Abstract: Cached data is updated by a computing machine coupled to a primary database maintaining original data and to a cache maintaining data corresponding to the data in the primary database. In response to receiving a first database query relating to a first data, the computing machine determines whether to process the first database query by utilizing the cache or based on the primary database. In response to concluding processing the first database query, the computing machine determines whether to update the first data in the cache, and based on the result of the determining, updates the first data in the cache based on original first data in the primary database.

Abstract: A database system includes an original data source storing pieces of original data and a cache source storing pieces of cached data, each associated with an accuracy value. A method of processing queries in the system includes: for each randomly selected client query, retrieving a first piece of cached data matching the query, and retrieving a first piece of original data matching the query; for non-selected client queries, retrieving a second piece of cached data matching the query; evaluating the accuracy value of the second piece of cached data; if the accuracy value is below a given threshold, retrieving a second piece of original data matching the query, and updating the second piece of cached data by the second piece of original data; and adapting a probabilistic model based on the first piece of cached data and the first piece of original data using a machine learning algorithm.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a computer-implemented fraud method and system for managing fraud screening in response to a requested transaction. The fraud management system checks the efficiency of the fraud screening strategy and predicts the efficiency of new fraud screening strategies based on the total cost of fraud. This calculation is facilitated, because transactions are divided into groups, and the total cost of fraud may be calculated for a representative element of the group, and not for each transaction in the group. Furthermore, if the fraud screening is based on rules that apply an acceptance flow to predetermined conditions, the fraud management can choose the best acceptance flow for these predetermined conditions by minimizing the total cost of fraud. Finally, the fraud management can also flag inefficient rules thanks to an indicator related to the total cost of fraud to highlight rules whose predetermined conditions should be changed.

Abstract: Systems, methods and computer program products associated with a flight search engine for searching itineraries between an origin and a destination on a given date, according to a predefined display policy. Available routes may be filtered according to a first set of predefined criteria associated with the routes. The filtered available routes may be ranked according to a second set of predefined criteria. Itineraries may be constructed that are associated with the filtered available routes. The constructed itineraries may be filtered according to a third set of predefined criteria, and the filtered itineraries may be ranked according to a fourth set of predefined criteria. Historical booking data regarding previously booked itineraries for future travels may be received and analyzed, and may be taken into in the ranking of the filtered available routes and the filtered itineraries.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for processing search results. Search results are retrieved from a database of travel itineraries based on search criteria provided by a traveler, and a set of recommended travel itineraries selected from the search results based on a probabilistic profile comprising a plurality of value profiles. A set of near-optimal travel itineraries is defined for each of the value profiles. A probability is determined for each travel itinerary of the search results based on a sum of weights of each value profile including the travel itinerary in the corresponding set of near-optimal travel itineraries, and travel itineraries added to the set of recommended travel itineraries based on the probabilities. An online search may be performed to enrich the set of recommended travel itineraries depending on a distance between the probabilistic profile of the traveler and a probabilistic profile used to populate the cache.

Abstract: Methods, apparatuses, and computer program products for processing search results. Search results are retrieved from a database of travel itineraries based on search criteria provided by a traveler, and a set of recommended travel itineraries selected from the search results based on a probabilistic profile comprising a plurality of value profiles. A set of near-optimal travel itineraries is defined for each of the value profiles. A probability is determined for each travel itinerary of the search results based on a sum of weights of each value profile including the travel itinerary in the corresponding set of near-optimal travel itineraries, and travel itineraries added to the set of recommended travel itineraries based on the probabilities. An online search may be performed to enrich the set of recommended travel itineraries depending on a distance between the probabilistic profile of the traveler and a probabilistic profile used to populate the cache.

Abstract: Systems, methods, and computer program products for processing transactions in a transaction queue. Transactions selected for further review are positioned within the transaction queue based on a priority level. The priority level is determined based on expected reduction in a cost of fraud for reviewing the transaction as compared to accepting the transaction without performing the review. The capacity to review transactions is adjusted to accommodate the expected number of transactions that have a higher reduction in cost of fraud than the opportunity cost of performing the review. To account for cases in which a transaction selected for review cannot be reviewed prior to the capture time, a probability is determined that the transaction will not be reviewed, and the cost of fraud for requesting the review adjusted based thereon.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing database query results. Query results are retrieved from a database of travel itineraries based on search criteria provided by a traveler, and a subset of travel itineraries selected from the search results based on a composite profile. The traveler may identify which travel itineraries of the subset they prefer, and the result of this selection used to update a probabilistic profile of the traveler. The search results may be re-ranked using an updated composite profile, and a new subset of travel itineraries selected based on the re-ranking The traveler may indicate which travel itinerary is preferred from the new subset, and the probabilistic profile updated based thereon. The process of re-ranking search results and updating the probabilistic profile may be repeated until successive sets of ranked results match each other.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for screening a request for a transaction to purchase a travel service. Based on one or more of a probability of fraud for the transaction, a probability distribution for receiving a chargeback with respect to time if the request is accepted, a probability distribution with respect to time for completing a security check, a probability that the travel service will be rebooked if the request is denied, and a bid-price for a travel service, a revenue management system determines a future revenue impact for accepting, denying, or requesting a security check on the request. The future revenue impact is used to adjust a total cost of fraud for the transaction. The revenue management system may then determine whether the request should be accepted, denied, or subjected to the security check based on the expected future revenue impact and the expected cost of fraud.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for screening transactions. Transactions stored in a transaction database may provide a statistical basis for determining a probability of fraud for a pending transaction. The cost of fraud may be determined for each of a plurality of possible actions based on the probability of fraud, and the action that provides the lowest cost of fraud chosen. A cumulative cost of fraud may be determined for a set of transactions in the database. If taking the action with the lowest cost of fraud for the transaction would result in a higher cumulative cost of fraud, an action having the higher cost of fraud for the transaction may be chosen. The transaction may be added to the database, and the probability of fraud adjusted based on an amount of time since acceptance of the transaction. The statistical basis may be optimized based on a cost error.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for automated task handling. A task handling module receives data defining a plurality of tasks relating to resolution of a revenue accounting issue. For each task, the module determines to which of a plurality of inboxes arranged in a hierarchical electronic filing system the task should be dispatched. This determination may be based on matching a user or team profile to data in a task template associated with the task. The module may determine an urgency for each task, and select the order in which tasks are resolved based the urgency. The module may select resolved tasks for validation based on an expected impact of validating the task, and to maintain a broad sample of validated tasks. Historical data relating to resolution and validation of tasks may be stored in a database to provide key performance indicators and to determine validation selection parameters.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for screening transactions. Transactions stored in a transaction database may provide a statistical basis for determining a probability of fraud for a pending transaction. The cost of fraud may be determined for each of a plurality of possible actions based on the probability of fraud, and the action that provides the lowest cost of fraud chosen. A cumulative cost of fraud may be determined for a set of transactions in the database. If taking the action with the lowest cost of fraud for the transaction would result in a higher cumulative cost of fraud, an action having the higher cost of fraud for the transaction may be chosen. The transaction may be added to the database, and the probability of fraud adjusted based on an amount of time since acceptance of the transaction. The statistical basis may be optimized based on a cost error.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for screening transactions. A probability function provides an estimated probability of fraud for a pending transaction based on one or more parameters of the transaction. The estimated probability of fraud is used to determine an estimated cost of fraud for several possible actions that may be taken with regard to the transaction, and the action that provides the lowest expected cost of fraud chosen. To reduce prediction error, the function is adjusted to minimize a “cost error”, which is determined by applying the function to historical transactions stored in a transaction database. The cost error may be determined by comparing estimated probabilities of fraud for accepted transactions to a known probability of fraud based on whether a chargeback was received for the transaction in question. Parameters of the function may be adjusted to minimize a collective cost error across a set of historical transactions.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for preventive auditing of transactions involving the sale of travel products by indirect sellers. A preventive audit module receives data defining a price quoted for the travel product by the indirect seller. The module compares the quoted price to a correct price for the travel product to determine if there is a pricing discrepancy. If a discrepancy exists, the module may generate a warning message for transmission to the seller notifying the seller of the discrepancy. The warning message may include instructions for remedying the discrepancy, and a notification that a penalty may apply if the discrepancy is not remedied. For discrepancies remedied by issuing an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD), a link may be defined between the EMD and the transaction for the sale of the travel product so that an auditing system knows to account for the EMD when auditing the transaction.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing transactions involving sales of tickets by one business entity for a travel product provided by another business entity. An application receives data including a fare basis and a fare charged for a ticket. A plurality of priceable units each consistent with an itinerary of the ticket and each including a fare corresponding to the fare basis is determined. Combinations of these priceable units that conform to the itinerary are defined, and a fare for each combination determined. The fare of each combination is compared to the fare charged for the ticket, and a matching fare selected. The rules used to price the selected combination are compared to the ticket and pricing context of the ticket, and errors in pricing the ticket determined based thereon. An agency debit memo may be defined based on errors in pricing the ticket and audit discrepancies.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for auditing a transaction involving a sale by one business entity of a ticket for a travel product provided by another business entity. An audit module receives a pricing context of the transaction and determines an audit amount therefrom. The audit amount is compared to a price charged for the transaction to determine if an agency debit memo should be generated. If the pricing context for the transaction is not available and a ticketing office that issued the ticket is flagged for enhanced auditing, the audit module may determine one or more pricing context parameters by determining prices for a plurality of combinations of pricing context parameters. These prices may be compared to the price charged for the transaction, and the combination of pricing context parameters having a matching price may be selected. The pricing context parameters may then be used to generate audit related documents.

Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer program products for handling a payment strategy for a payment platform of an airline merchant. One or more alternatives are determined for each category. Each alternative includes at least one of the one or more payment items. Transactions are received for different combinations of the alternatives. Financial impacts are determined for each simulated transaction based on the financial parameters. Based on the financial impacts, one of the combinations of the alternatives is determined to be the payment strategy for the payment platform.