Coordination Of Plural Reservations (e.g., Plural Trip Segments; Transportation And Accommodation, Etc.) Patents (Class 705/6)
  • Publication number: 20090157438
    Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for efficiently quantifying the economic impact of retiming flights without the necessity of implementing the traditional airline forecasting system from scratch. A forecast module computes the difference in impact prior to and after the retiming of a flight. A flight grouping module, using the computed difference in impact, generates a new schedule, which is used by the forecast module to generate new changes in impact, until the schedule converges. A flyable module generates a list of retimed flights based on the converged schedule for resolving operational infeasibilities of the latter. The forecast module generates a profit for each of the retimed flights, which is used by a scheduling module to improve the schedule, which is used by the forecast module to revise the economic impacts for the list of all retimed flights. This process continues until no further economic improvement can be made.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2007
    Publication date: June 18, 2009
    Applicant: American Airlines, Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Wai Yin Chu, Su-Hsia Yang, Tze-Yun Lin, Atul Jain
  • Patent number: 7546360
    Abstract: A system is described in which multiple companies can securely collaborate on a design or other project, while one company can still protect certain property, such as source code, from the other collaborating companies. The system includes an inter-company collaboration system that includes a set of resources residing on a set of one or more first utility servers maintained by a first company, an access control mechanism for controlling access to the set of resources, a first data storage mechanism, and a secure network connection between the set of utility servers and a second company. The system further includes an isolated system that includes a second set of servers, a second data storage mechanism that includes a first portion that contains data shared with the collaboration system and a second portion that contains data private to the isolated system, and a second access control mechanism to control access to the second set of servers to only individuals associated with one company.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.
    Inventors: Anatoli G. Chiroglazov, Lawrence A. Drenan
  • Patent number: 7546317
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method and apparatus for providing low-overhead support for task and information management provided to users of computer systems. Before starting to work on a project a user selects the project as active, and lists of resources employed by the user when working on the project are created on the basis of information about the subsequent computer system events generated by user's actions. The user can access lists of resources when he or she selects the project again. According to preferred embodiments, a database containing a project-tagged interaction log is created through means of the computer system, and the user is provided with a number of personal information management (PIM) tools, such a calendar, a to do list, and a notepad. Information entries created with the PIM tools are linked to active projects. Interaction log is utilized to delete irrelevant resources and make more important information more accessible than less important information.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Viktor Kaptelinin
  • Patent number: 7536256
    Abstract: In automotive GPS navigation systems, a traveler's agenda with multiple desired destinations can be entered in a largely automatic fashion by downloading an agenda table created using the agenda replicator system and methods disclosed herein. The replicator system includes computer hardware and software systems, operable by a user, to acquire and store, apart from a vehicle and its GPS navigation system, personal travel agenda information for later transfer to a storage subsystem of the vehicle's GPS navigation system. The hardware system may be implemented as a desktop or laptop computer, or even a personal digital assistant. The software system includes program components for controlling the hardware and providing a data structure in which personal travel information selected by the user is placed in an agenda table. The replicator system includes means for transferring the information from this data structure into a storage subsystem of the vehicle's GPS navigation system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Edward E. Kelley, Tijs Wilbrink
  • Patent number: 7536307
    Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, ticket data (e.g., from an electronic ticket) is collected from a financial transaction account, then a search engine uses said ticket data to find open tickets. Finding open tickets includes setting an aging period and adding it to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2004
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Barnes, Diego Espinosa, Meg Rediess, Lisa Steury
  • Patent number: 7535367
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus, system, and method for providing reservations for lavatory use in airplanes. In one embodiment, a passenger on an airplane may submit a lavatory reservation request to the system. The reservation system assigns an access code to the passenger making the lavatory reservation request. The reservation system reserves a lavatory for a passenger when his or her request can be accommodated according to set of rules; and notifies the passenger when a lavatory has been reserved for him or her. Passengers are required to enter their assigned access code into the reservation system when it is their turn to use a lavatory. An input means is provided at lavatory doors for this purpose. Each lavatory door has a lock with means to restrict access to the lavatory only to authorized passengers with a valid access code; and only when it is a passenger's turn to use the lavatory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
  • Patent number: 7532941
    Abstract: A method and system for the loading of patrons at multiple attractions at an entertainment includes the first-in first-out line and a priority based line. A cellular telephone is used to obtain and claim priority status. In other forms different priorities are established based on where, when and the number of priority spaces required. Different hierarchies are established for computer controlling the different lines for multiple attractions in the entertainment environment. The system and method also provide for moving people from an area of concentration to other locations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2009
    Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventors: Gregory B. Hale, Dale A. Stafford, Andrew Schwalb, Tom Craven, Kenneth W. Schweizer
  • Patent number: 7529681
    Abstract: An automated method and system for facilitating timely use and/or redemption of the unused portion of an electronic ticket are provided. In accordance with the method, an aging period is set and is added to the scheduled departure date of the issued ticket, and a reminder period is set and subtracted from the scheduled date of a ticket. If the scheduled departure date plus the aging date is earlier than the current date, a determination is made as to whether the ticket has been used. If the scheduled date minus the reminder period is earlier than the current date, then a message is communicated to the traveler reminding him to use or redeem the ticket. A residual value of the ticket is calculated and communicated to a client to facilitate redemption of the unused ticket and issuance of appropriate redemption credit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert G. Barnes, Diego Espinosa, Meg Rediess, Lisa Steury, Warren P. Warner
  • Publication number: 20090063208
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a process that includes selecting accommodations during a travel reservation is described. The method includes receiving, at a software application that manages travel reservations, input that customizes configurable attributes of software travel objects representing accommodations used in transportation of passengers. The method also includes receiving criteria from a customer specifying preferences that affect a passenger's experience during travel, ranking the received criteria so that one or more criterion are preferred, selecting one or more of the accommodations using an optimization function to compare the ranked criteria to the customized configurable attributes, and outputting the selected one or more accommodations for use by the customer in selecting a first accommodation for the passenger.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Publication date: March 5, 2009
    Applicant: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES GMBH
    Inventors: Chris Stirlen, Thomas Mehl
  • Patent number: 7499802
    Abstract: A vehicle load control system, in which information on the cargo loading condition of a moving vehicle is obtained through communication between the moving vehicle and a control center via a communication network to provide centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation. A vehicle load control system provides centralized control of efficient cargo loading operation through communication between a moving vehicle (100) and a control center (120) via a communication network (110). The moving vehicle (100) includes a radio section (101) for receiving a load data acquisition request signal and transmitting measured load data determined by at least one distance sensor (105) in the luggage compartment and location data of the vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Assignees: NEC Mobiling, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masahiro Mishima, Akihiro Deguchi
  • Patent number: 7498938
    Abstract: The invention is a method and system for continuously tracking the movement of cargo in domestic and international shipping from point of departure to point of destination and to prevent hijacking of the same. The system uses one or more wireless electronic seals which can communicate with a central computer system, such as by satellite, providing the current location of the cargo at regular intervals or upon demand. The electronic seals are provided with a unique identification number and are activated upon locking of the seal to the closed cargo container. During shipment, the seal transmits its location to the central computer which compares the location of the shipment to a calculated expected route, notifying the parties to the shipment and government authorities in the event that the cargo is found to deviate from the expected route. The electronic seal is also capable of signaling the central computer when the cargo is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2009
    Inventor: Henry B. Ulrich
  • Patent number: 7496520
    Abstract: A method and system to provide optimizing shipping costs that can help arbitrate between a precise solution at an unreasonable cost and a reasonable solution at a very reasonable cost. In one aspect, a method includes: receiving data related to delivering shipments to a set of recipients at separate addresses; generating a first shipping option to deliver shipments to a first sub-set of the recipients within a first time period, and to deliver shipments to a second sub-set of recipients within a second time period that is greater than the first time period, shipments to the second sub-set of recipients being a greater distance than shipments to the first sub-set of recipients, the first shipping option provides a cost of shipping savings relative to shipping to all of the recipients within the first time period; and presenting the first shipping option in a user interface to a user for selection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2009
    Assignee: Rearden Commerce, Inc.
    Inventors: Sean Handel, Rick Hernandez, Mark Orttung, Shantanu Patwardhan
  • Publication number: 20090048879
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for online procurement of hospitality-related benefits. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems, methods, and applications for enabling hospitality employees to request, purchase, reserve, share, and receive benefits in an online environment. According to certain embodiments of the present invention, such methods generally comprise (a) providing a website accessible by a plurality of hospitality vendors and a plurality of hospitality employees; (b) providing a listing portal within the website in which hospitality vendors may register an offer, wherein the offer represents an opportunity to reserve and purchase a hospitality package; and (c) providing a means for enabling a hospitality employee to accept the offer, wherein individuals who are not hospitality employees are unable to accept the offer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2008
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventor: Wasantha Weerasekera
  • Publication number: 20090037234
    Abstract: An inland freight management module for managing inland moves of freight from a plurality of vendor supply locations to port includes a profile maintenance component, a load planning component, and a load routing and booking component. The profile maintenance component is adapted for maintaining an inland planning zone profile including information relating to a plurality of inland planning zones generated according to one or more customs districts. The load planning component is programmed for planning field consolidation of one or more container loads via a multi-stop route between the plurality of vendor supply locations, where the multi-stop route is generated within one of the plurality of inland planning zones.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.
    Inventor: Richard S. Gabrielson
  • Publication number: 20090012824
    Abstract: A computer readable storage medium supplies an aggregated and enhanced itinerary. The computer readable storage medium includes instructions to select an itinerary template based upon disparate itinerary booking events created for a user. The computer readable storage medium further includes instructions to evaluate the itinerary messages and identify logical relationships between travel events. The computer readable storage medium further includes instructions to produce enhanced travel information based on logical relationships identified within the itinerary messages. The computer readable storage medium further includes instructions to populate an itinerary with information from the received itinerary messages and enhanced travel information. Finally, the computer readable storage further includes instructions to deliver the itinerary to a user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2007
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Gregg BROCKWAY, Scott HINTZ, Andrew DENMARK
  • Publication number: 20090006145
    Abstract: Various aspects can be implemented for automated booking of advertising campaigns based on reach and frequency goals In general, one aspect can be a method that includes receiving campaign criteria including target reach and frequency for an advertising campaign. The method also includes allocating advertising spots based on the campaign criteria, and generating projected campaign reach and frequency based, at least in part, on the allocated advertising spots. The method further includes determining whether projected campaign reach and frequency sufficiently match target reach and frequency, and dynamically adjusting the allocation of advertising spots when the projected campaign reach and frequency do not sufficiently match the target reach and frequency. Other implementations of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: GOOGLE INC.
    Inventors: Jagpreet S. Duggal, Yan-David Erlich, Robert D. Gardner, Alexandr Y. Smolyanov, Bozhena Bidyuk
  • Patent number: 7472080
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method for an airline to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented service is operated that delivers to a customer an option to fly on up to n of m selected flights, where m and n are whole numbers and n<m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen flights, whereby after each of the n chosen flights is defined, the customer can fly on said chosen flight. The information pertaining to said defined flights is recorded in a data store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Inventor: Sachin Goel
  • Patent number: 7472074
    Abstract: The present invention is a method and apparatus for effectuating bilateral buyer-driven commerce. The present invention allows prospective buyers of goods and services to communicate a binding purchase offer globally to potential sellers, for sellers conveniently to search for relevant buyer purchase offers, and for sellers potentially to bind a buyer to a contract based on the buyer's purchase offer. In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus of the present invention includes a controller which receives binding purchase offers from prospective buyers. The controller makes purchase offers available globally to potential sellers. Potential sellers then have the option to accept a purchase offer and thus bind the corresponding buyer to a contract. The method and apparatus of the present invention have applications on the Internet as well as conventional communications systems such as voice telephony.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 1998
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Priceline.com Incorporated
    Inventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch
  • Publication number: 20080319808
    Abstract: A Corporate Travel Management & Cost Consolidation system where each member of the Corporation's Travel Management Team, Corporate Executives and each Corporate Traveler uses a single terminal to view, and analyze Travel and Credit Card information from and to conduct travel and card transactions with two or more GDS, Travel Agency and by Credit Card Companies or other comparable ATDSs, alone or in combination with one or more types of electronic travel and card data. Travel and Credit Card information and processes the transactions are placed into a single integrated format. TravelMaster aggregates travel-booking information from each and every GDS, Travel Agency, and Credit Card Company or other vendors utilized by the corporation, including security, PNR identification, and pricing information. Booked travel and ask prices from participating GDS, Travel Agency, and Credit Card Companies may be integrated into the display.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2005
    Publication date: December 25, 2008
    Inventors: Victoria A. Wofford, Ashton R. Adams
  • Patent number: 7464038
    Abstract: A method and system for changing an order for a product where production of the order is currently in progress in a flexible order transaction system and where yield, scrap, and work-in-process (WIP) are calculated for reporting points in the order process and are transferred to the new order for the new product. The transfer from the original order to the new order occurs at several mapped reporting points in the product change action. Unmapped scrap, WIP, and/or component and resource usage may be transferred to the new order at preceding or subsequent mapped reporting points from the original order to the new order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Muhammad M. Alam, Ruediger Meyfarth, Sam S. Hwang, Rama Koti R. Konatham
  • Patent number: 7464039
    Abstract: A method and system for merging an order with a surviving order where production of the order is currently in progress in a flexible order transaction system where yield, scrap, and work-in-process (WIP) are calculated for reporting points in the merging order process and yield, scrap, and work-in-process units are transferred from reporting points in the merging order to reporting points in the surviving order. The transfer from the merging order to the surviving order occurring at several mapped reporting points for the single merge order action. Unmapped scrap, WIP, and/or component and resource usage may be transferred to the surviving order at preceding or subsequent mapped reporting points in the merging order.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 9, 2008
    Assignee: SAP AG
    Inventors: Muhammad M. Alam, Ruediger Meyfarth, Sam S. Hwang, Rama Koti R. Konatham
  • Patent number: 7457761
    Abstract: The method of managing the delivery of an order from at least one supplier to a respective delivery agent, and from the delivery agent to a respective buyer, given a requested order date and the respective buyers address, consisting of the steps including: determining a first potential arrival date of the order at a respective delivery agents location based on the order request date and the buyer's address; calculating the capacity of the delivery agent to ship the order based the first potential arrive date request; and finally, determining when there is sufficient capacity to ship the order to the buyer's address.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2008
    Assignee: General Electric Company
    Inventors: Timothy Jay Smith, Terry Ray Stout, Jeffrey Allen Hume, Gregory Ellington
  • Publication number: 20080243564
    Abstract: In a computing system, an identification of a traveler, a destination, a departure date, and one or more activity indicators is received from a user. One or more predefined tasks to be executed in preparation for travel by the traveler based on the received information are generated. Each of the one or more received activity indicators is used to generate a task. A travel plan that includes the one or more tasks to be executed is displayed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2007
    Publication date: October 2, 2008
    Inventors: Carsten Busch, Veronica Toumanova, Volker Mueller, Ramin Bagheri, Sylke Sattler, Ingrid Reiss, Daniel Beringer
  • Publication number: 20080235108
    Abstract: The electronic Secure Authentication for Exchange Application Interface Device (eSafeAID) invention provides a means for digital communication devices such as: high definition televisions, set-top boxes, television remote control devices, video remote control devices, Personal Computers, Notebook computers, cellular telephones, RFID Readers, Personal Digital Appliances, etc., to conduct ‘eCommerce—electronic digital shopping experiences and purchase transactions’ within a network environment (preferably an authenticated Secure Telecommunication Network) thereby facilitating customers to purchase, order, reserve products, locate products and services, or participate in auctions, or order, schedule, reserve, or purchase services, and or acquire product or service details, incentive offers, service offers, travel information, etc. while viewing media programming.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2008
    Publication date: September 25, 2008
    Inventors: Michael Kulakowski, Robert Kulakowski
  • Publication number: 20080228534
    Abstract: The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a process for processing travel transactions without tickets. The process includes generating an electronic reservation record for a traveler that includes a reservation for travel along a travel segment and modifying the electronic reservation record to include a virtual ticket value that is unassociated with an electronic or physical ticket. The process also includes digitally transmitting the electronic reservation record having the virtual ticket value to a remote computing system that uses the electronic reservation record as exclusive evidence that the reservation has been confirmed for the traveler by a travel provider. For the process, the use of the electronic reservation record is exclusive of the presence or absence of any electronic or physical tickets.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2008
    Publication date: September 18, 2008
    Inventors: Raelynn A. Sink, Jillian Carpenter, John Coats
  • Patent number: 7424449
    Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method to provide options on products to enhance customers' experience. A computer-implemented system is operated that delivers to a customer an option to utilize up to n of m selected products, where m and n are whole numbers and n is less than or equal to m. Information is recorded in a data store, pertaining to said option. In addition, a system is operated to define each of the n chosen products, whereby after each of the n chosen products is defined, the customer can utilize said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2008
    Inventor: Sachin Goel
  • Publication number: 20080215385
    Abstract: The present invention relates to systems and methods for making reservations for services provided to guests by a host organization through a central reservation system, wherein the central reservation system comprises a video monitor system, a paging system, and a communications network, wherein the central reservation system is connected to the video monitor system and the paging system via the communications network, and wherein the central reservation system maintains reservation data for one or more provided guest services at a host organization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2007
    Publication date: September 4, 2008
    Inventor: Colin S. Veitch
  • Patent number: 7421396
    Abstract: A travel information distribution system includes a distribution center and a wireless terminal of a user who can readily obtaining necessary travel information in traveling places using the wireless terminal such a portable telephone or a portable personal computer. The user visits a travel agency to apply a travel, has a travel schedule table prepared and registers a telephone number of the wireless terminal in a database. The travel agency sends the data of the user to the distribution center, and distribution center receives travel information from information providers. After the departure of the travel, the distribution center transmits necessary travel information to the user at a proper time in a proper place. The user can obtain the necessary updated information in the necessary place and can be free from a heavy weight travel guidebooks. The distribution center can obtain advertisement incomes from travel agencies and advertisement firms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2008
    Assignee: NEC Corporation
    Inventor: Yushi Niwa
  • Publication number: 20080208643
    Abstract: A system and methods for providing comprehensive travel package to attend an event out of a series of scheduled events are disclosed. The system comprises a server engine having means for gathering all sorts of online travel related information from a plurality of specialized websites. It includes means for storing the gathered travel information. A travel time durations and costs calculator operates from the gathered travel information in order to dynamically build the comprehensive travel packages. Sets of comprehensive travel packages are then delivered to a plurality of client websites in response to the submission by their end-users of queries to attend events out of series of scheduled events. End-user queries include home locations along with further preferences that are used to dynamically build the corresponding set of comprehensive travel packages. The most appropriate event date and location is thus selected allowing to deliver the best travel package for the specified end-user home location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: AMADEUS S.A.S
    Inventors: Guglielmo Guastalla, Richard Savornin
  • Patent number: 7418409
    Abstract: A method of dynamically formulating value options that maximize customer satisfaction and company profitability includes identifying a set of demand segments for a company, each demand segment having a satisfaction value. The method further includes identifying a set of demand options falling under each of the demand segments for each product offered by the company, each demand option having a preference value. Whenever a customer demands a product, the method further includes interacting with the customer in a structured manner to determine advanced and ongoing preferences of the customer for the product. The method further includes setting the preference value of each demand option based on the advanced and ongoing preferences of the customer for the product demanded by the customer. The method further includes formulating a set of value options that satisfy the customer demand.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2008
    Inventor: Sachin Goel
  • Patent number: 7415419
    Abstract: A method and system are provided for presenting rates for travel services using dynamic pricing bands. The dynamic pricing bands represent approximate rates for travel services relative to available rates during or close to the proposed dates of travel, or at or near the proposed travel destination. Each dynamic pricing band is keyed to a particular color, intensity, pattern, sound, or other graphical and/or audio characteristic, thereby providing the consumer a sense of the seasonal, regional, day of week, or other variability of rates for travel services without having to compare actual numbers. The dynamic pricing bands are applied to an interactive presentation of rates for travel services to allow the consumer to explore possible rate variations for particular travel services in a manner that provides a birds-eye view, is intuitive and user-friendly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Assignee: Expedia, Inc.
    Inventors: Sendi Widjaja, Kristin Dahl Acker
  • Publication number: 20080195428
    Abstract: The network system matches the supply and demand of transportation services by incorporating unused transportation capacity (i.e., empty seats) with a real-time allocation and matching service that enables individuals and goods to conveniently hire that capacity with attractive pricing, rapid responsiveness, better information availability and trusted security. The network system provides an electronic registry of capacity containing an indication of the spare transport capacity and location of a plurality of transport vehicles, an electronic registry of demand containing an indication of the demand for transportation needs of a plurality of individuals and a central processing capability to effect a match of the transport capacity of at least one transport vehicle with the transport demand of at least one individual.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Inventor: Sean O'Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20080189148
    Abstract: The systems and methods disclosed herein provide improved comparison and booking of ground transportation travel purchases addressing taxis, limos, shared rides, parking, and other related travel categories, through a single point of purchase. Using its own application programming interface (“API”) to connect to various ground transportation content providers, an automated multi-transportation mode system may gather ground transportation data from various service providers, and may assist travelers in securing reservations and bookings of all ground travel. The multi-mode ground transportation system described herein may provide integration and sharing of prices, reservations, bookings and other related information provided by disparate ground content providers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2008
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventors: Jason Diaz, Anthony Bonnano
  • Publication number: 20080189147
    Abstract: A system, computer software product and a method for sharing season tickets with multiple owners and managing an individual's season tickets. A server and website manage a group of season ticket owners for the purpose of sharing season tickets. The website has interactive menus and “wizards” that allow individual owners to enter their preferences of games or events and then to rank the games or events in order of importance to them. The website provides an automated drafting system that selects games or events on behalf of individual owners based on their entered preferences and rankings. The website also provides a “live draft” option where an individual owner can actually select individual games or events during the draft. In the case of the “live draft” the website is capable of providing recommendations to the individual user based on the preferences and rankings entered by the user.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Daniel H. Bartlett
  • Publication number: 20080189146
    Abstract: A computerized system for selecting a cargo carrier includes a host computer system (20) having access to data of a cargo carrier. The host computer system (20) is accessed by a user (40) via an internet connection (30). Input means are provided for receiving information from the user (40) into the host computer system (20) concerning cargo to be transported. Output means are provided for sending information to a user (40) of possible cargo transportation options.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2005
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Inventor: Houssam Salloum
  • Patent number: 7409632
    Abstract: An attachment integrated claims (AIC) system includes an e-mail form (with specific fields that must be filled out) that adjusts itself, in both information required and formatting, to meet the demands of the receiving party. It is particularly advantageous for Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) situations where a user must send similar (but not necessarily identical) messages to several organizations. This is particularly important where, once an e-mail is received by those organizations, the information in the message must be digitally integrated into differing legacy information systems. In other words, the AIC system permits transmission of a dynamic claim form and integrated attachment to an insurance carrier via a non-clearinghouse communications channel. An AIC system including several computers connected via a communications channel, an electronic file, and an operating method therefor are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: Integrated Claims Systems, LLC
    Inventor: Andrew L DiRienzo
  • Patent number: 7409643
    Abstract: A graphical user interface for a travel planning system is described. The graphical user interface is implemented as a web page and includes a tabular region of the graphical user interface that displays summarized travel options and comprises a plurality of cells that act as controls. The interface also includes a second region that displays selected travel options resulting from filtering a set of travel options in accordance with a control actuated in the tabular region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2008
    Assignee: ITA Software, Inc.
    Inventor: Rodney S. Daughtrey
  • Publication number: 20080183512
    Abstract: A system, method, and computer-readable medium for generating an itinerary in response to a request from a user are provided. For example, the system includes a memory comprising a fare table, wherein the fare table includes a plurality of travel markets each associated with a fare and at least one rule. The system also includes at least one processing element configured to estimate a seat value for at least one itinerary comprising at least one flight in response to a request from a user. Each estimated seat value is based on at least one fare within the fare table that satisfies at least one associated rule within the fare table.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventors: Michael A. Benzinger, Lorenzo Laohoo, Jagdeep S. Sandhu, Barry C. Smith, Yanjun Zhang, Faker Zouaoui
  • Patent number: 7406429
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method and system for booking reservations in a booking system and synchronizing bookings among several booking systems. The system comprises at least one booking system; at least one service provider; a mediator service; a client, and at least one client terminal device that can be a mobile device and that includes a dialogue. The client uses the dialogue to enter information into the system and the mediator receives inquiries and answers from the at least one booking system, the at least one service provider, and the at least one client. The mediator transfers and adapts information between them. The method and system are particularly suited for use with mobile phone users by Small Message Service messages.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Bookit Oy Ajanvarauspalvelu
    Inventor: Jukka Salonen
  • Patent number: 7401029
    Abstract: A airline travel supplier evaluation tool is provided which will allow companies to efficiently evaluate the value of preferred airline supplier scenarios and improve their negotiating position vis-à-vis their airline suppliers. The user of the software tool may choose which, if any, preferred supplier set is best given the user's preferences for such criteria including but not limited to saving money and/or saving travel time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: TRX, Inc.
    Inventor: Scott Gillespie
  • Patent number: 7401334
    Abstract: In one form, a method for managing message flow includes processing messages concurrently by processing nodes in a computer software application. The processing nodes include at least one set of lock acquisition, system resource access and lock release nodes interconnected in a flow path. In such a set, the nodes are interconnected in a flow path and process a respective one of the messages in a sequence defined by the flow path. The processing includes granting access to a system resource exclusively for the set's respective message responsive to the lock acquisition node processing its respective message. The system resource is accessed for the message responsive to the set's system resource node processing the message. The accessing of the resource for the message includes changing a certain system state. The exclusive accessing of the system resource is released responsive to the set's lock release node processing the message.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: David K. Fussell
  • Publication number: 20080167912
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for maintaining a cache database storing cached results for travel planning are described. Results generated at and received from a travel planning system include travel parameters of a plurality of trips. Summary information generated from the results includes a first parameter corresponding to a combination of different parameters of the trips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2007
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Carl De Marcken
  • Patent number: 7392944
    Abstract: In one embodiment, at least one information control device manages the content displayed on multiple separate portable, content adjustable personal identification devices. The information control device automatically selects at least one content specification for transmission to any portable, content adjustable personal identification devices moving either into or out of a particular area delimited by a boundary secured by the information control device. The information control device then transmits the selected content specification for detection by portable, content adjustable personal identification devices, wherein the content specification directs display of identification content on each of the portable, content adjustable personal identification devices.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: Johnny M. Shieh
  • Patent number: 7395220
    Abstract: A computer system for extrapolating from relatively small amounts of information provided by a consumer to generate a wide range of travel options that are still associated with the information provided by the consumer. For example, the system includes processes for generating or finding travel packages with exactly matching travel dates and destinations supplied by the consumer. In addition, the system includes processes for varying the dates of travel by several days, or proximate weekends, and the destination of travel with nearby or regional destinations, so as to generate or find additional travel options. Further, the system can be configured to extract a theme of the consumer requested information and to use this theme to construct or find travel packages with similar or matching themes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Travelocity.com LP
    Inventors: Rachel Abrams, Robert Albert, Damon Tassone, Tracey Weber, David Yong
  • Publication number: 20080140465
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a travel solution comprised of multiple travel units are disclosed. The techniques include sending a travel planning query having a partition specification to a travel planning system. The travel planning system processes the travel query to produce solutions based on partitions. Possible partitions can include passenger name records (PNRs), tickets or sales channels for the returned solutions. Processing can involve relaxing constraints, rules, or regulations on solutions and re-pricing solutions, as multiple tickets, by partitioning the solutions by a partition. Tickets can be produced for different portions of the multiple travel units from the travel solution using different selling methods or points of sale channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
  • Publication number: 20080140466
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a travel solution comprised of multiple travel units are disclosed. The techniques include sending a travel planning query having a partition specification to a travel planning system. The travel planning system processes the travel query to produce solutions based on partitions. Possible partitions can include passenger name records (PNRs), tickets or sales channels for the returned solutions. Processing can involve relaxing constraints, rules or regulations on solutions and re-pricing solutions, as multiple tickets, by partitioning the solutions by a partition. Tickets can be produced for different portions of the multiple travel units from the travel solution using different selling methods or points of sale channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carl G. dE Marcken
  • Publication number: 20080140464
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a travel solution comprised of multiple travel units are disclosed. The techniques include sending a travel planning query having a partition specification to a travel planning system. The travel planning system processes the travel query to produce solutions based on partitions. Possible partitions can include passenger name records (PNRs), tickets or sales channels for the returned solutions. Processing can involve relaxing constraints, rules or regulations on solutions and re-pricing solutions, as multiple tickets, by partitioning the solutions by a partition. Tickets can be produced for different portions of the multiple travel units from the travel solution using different selling methods or points of sale channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
  • Publication number: 20080140463
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a travel solution comprised of multiple travel units are disclosed. The techniques include sending a travel planning query having a partition specification to a travel planning system. The travel planning system processes the travel query to produce solutions based on partitions. Possible partitions can include passenger name records (PNRs), tickets or sales channels for the returned solutions. Processing can involve relaxing constraints, rules, or regulations on solutions and re-pricing solutions, as multiple tickets, by partitioning the solutions by a partition. Tickets can be produced for different portions of the multiple travel units from the travel solution using different selling methods or points of sale channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carl G. dE Marcken
  • Publication number: 20080140462
    Abstract: Techniques for producing a travel solution comprised of multiple travel units are disclosed. The techniques include sending a travel planning query having a partition specification to a travel planning system. The travel planning system processes the travel query to produce solutions based on partitions. Possible partitions can include passenger name records (PNRs), tickets or sales channels for the returned solutions. Processing can involve relaxing constraints, rules or regulations on solutions and re-pricing solutions, as multiple tickets, by partitioning the solutions by a partition. Tickets can be produced for different portions of the multiple travel units from the travel solution using different selling methods or points of sale channels.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
  • Patent number: 7386459
    Abstract: A method for filtered peer-to-peer business communication in a distributed computer environment includes accessing offers associated with one or more offerors and requests associated with one or more requestors, each offer and each request including a set of filter components. Filter components of offers are compared with corresponding filter components of requests to determine whether one or more offers match one or more requests. A match is determined between an offer and a request if the filter components of the offer match the corresponding filter components of the request. In response, at least a matching portion of the offer and request is replicated and communicated to both the offeror associated with the offer and the requestor associated with the request to provide filtered peer-to-peer communication between the offeror and requestor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: i2 Technologies US, Inc.
    Inventor: Jason R. English