Coordination Of Plural Reservations (e.g., Plural Trip Segments; Transportation And Accommodation, Etc.) Patents (Class 705/6)
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Publication number: 20090157438Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 13, 2007Publication date: June 18, 2009Applicant: American Airlines, Inc.Inventors: Ronald Wai Yin Chu, Su-Hsia Yang, Tze-Yun Lin, Atul Jain
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Patent number: 7546360Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 28, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Assignee: Cadence Design Systems, Inc.Inventors: Anatoli G. Chiroglazov, Lawrence A. Drenan
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Patent number: 7546317Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 22, 2003Date of Patent: June 9, 2009Inventor: Viktor Kaptelinin
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Patent number: 7536256Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 31, 2003Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Edward E. Kelley, Tijs Wilbrink
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Patent number: 7536307Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 10, 2004Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Barnes, Diego Espinosa, Meg Rediess, Lisa Steury
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Patent number: 7535367Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2006Date of Patent: May 19, 2009Inventor: Nitesh Ratnakar
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Management of the flow of persons in relation to centers of crowd concentration via wireless control
Patent number: 7532941Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 15, 2003Date of Patent: May 12, 2009Assignee: Disney Enterprises, Inc.Inventors: Gregory B. Hale, Dale A. Stafford, Andrew Schwalb, Tom Craven, Kenneth W. Schweizer -
Patent number: 7529681Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: November 14, 2002Date of Patent: May 5, 2009Assignee: American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.Inventors: Robert G. Barnes, Diego Espinosa, Meg Rediess, Lisa Steury, Warren P. Warner
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Publication number: 20090063208Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: September 4, 2007Publication date: March 5, 2009Applicant: ACCENTURE GLOBAL SERVICES GMBHInventors: Chris Stirlen, Thomas Mehl
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Patent number: 7499802Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 22, 2004Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Assignees: NEC Mobiling, Ltd., Sumitomo Wiring Systems, Ltd.Inventors: Masahiro Mishima, Akihiro Deguchi
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Patent number: 7498938Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 12, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: Henry B. Ulrich
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Patent number: 7496520Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 22, 2005Date of Patent: February 24, 2009Assignee: Rearden Commerce, Inc.Inventors: Sean Handel, Rick Hernandez, Mark Orttung, Shantanu Patwardhan
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Publication number: 20090048879Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 2, 2008Publication date: February 19, 2009Inventor: Wasantha Weerasekera
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Publication number: 20090037234Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 2, 2007Publication date: February 5, 2009Applicant: TARGET BRANDS, INC.Inventor: Richard S. Gabrielson
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Publication number: 20090012824Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 6, 2007Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventors: Gregg BROCKWAY, Scott HINTZ, Andrew DENMARK
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Publication number: 20090006145Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2007Publication date: January 1, 2009Applicant: GOOGLE INC.Inventors: Jagpreet S. Duggal, Yan-David Erlich, Robert D. Gardner, Alexandr Y. Smolyanov, Bozhena Bidyuk
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Patent number: 7472080Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: June 23, 2006Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Inventor: Sachin Goel
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Patent number: 7472074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 13, 1998Date of Patent: December 30, 2008Assignee: Priceline.com IncorporatedInventors: Jay S. Walker, Bruce Schneier, James Jorasch
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Publication number: 20080319808Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 16, 2005Publication date: December 25, 2008Inventors: Victoria A. Wofford, Ashton R. Adams
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Patent number: 7464038Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: SAP AGInventors: Muhammad M. Alam, Ruediger Meyfarth, Sam S. Hwang, Rama Koti R. Konatham
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Patent number: 7464039Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 21, 2004Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: SAP AGInventors: Muhammad M. Alam, Ruediger Meyfarth, Sam S. Hwang, Rama Koti R. Konatham
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Patent number: 7457761Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 30, 1999Date of Patent: November 25, 2008Assignee: General Electric CompanyInventors: Timothy Jay Smith, Terry Ray Stout, Jeffrey Allen Hume, Gregory Ellington
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Publication number: 20080243564Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 30, 2007Publication date: October 2, 2008Inventors: Carsten Busch, Veronica Toumanova, Volker Mueller, Ramin Bagheri, Sylke Sattler, Ingrid Reiss, Daniel Beringer
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Publication number: 20080235108Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 21, 2008Publication date: September 25, 2008Inventors: Michael Kulakowski, Robert Kulakowski
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Publication number: 20080228534Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 5, 2008Publication date: September 18, 2008Inventors: Raelynn A. Sink, Jillian Carpenter, John Coats
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Patent number: 7424449Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 18, 2006Date of Patent: September 9, 2008Inventor: Sachin Goel
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Publication number: 20080215385Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2007Publication date: September 4, 2008Inventor: Colin S. Veitch
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Patent number: 7421396Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: April 12, 2001Date of Patent: September 2, 2008Assignee: NEC CorporationInventor: Yushi Niwa
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Publication number: 20080208643Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 22, 2007Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: AMADEUS S.A.SInventors: Guglielmo Guastalla, Richard Savornin
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Patent number: 7418409Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 25, 2004Date of Patent: August 26, 2008Inventor: Sachin Goel
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Patent number: 7415419Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 23, 2004Date of Patent: August 19, 2008Assignee: Expedia, Inc.Inventors: Sendi Widjaja, Kristin Dahl Acker
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Publication number: 20080195428Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 12, 2008Publication date: August 14, 2008Inventor: Sean O'Sullivan
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Publication number: 20080189148Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 7, 2008Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventors: Jason Diaz, Anthony Bonnano
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Publication number: 20080189147Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 2, 2007Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Daniel H. Bartlett
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Publication number: 20080189146Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 2, 2005Publication date: August 7, 2008Inventor: Houssam Salloum
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Patent number: 7409632Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: September 25, 2001Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: Integrated Claims Systems, LLCInventor: Andrew L DiRienzo
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Patent number: 7409643Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 30, 2003Date of Patent: August 5, 2008Assignee: ITA Software, Inc.Inventor: Rodney S. Daughtrey
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Publication number: 20080183512Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 26, 2007Publication date: July 31, 2008Inventors: Michael A. Benzinger, Lorenzo Laohoo, Jagdeep S. Sandhu, Barry C. Smith, Yanjun Zhang, Faker Zouaoui
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Patent number: 7406429Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 21, 2002Date of Patent: July 29, 2008Assignee: Bookit Oy AjanvarauspalveluInventor: Jukka Salonen
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Patent number: 7401029Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: February 16, 2001Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: TRX, Inc.Inventor: Scott Gillespie
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Patent number: 7401334Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 20, 2002Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: David K. Fussell
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Publication number: 20080167912Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2007Publication date: July 10, 2008Inventor: Carl De Marcken
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Patent number: 7392944Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 22, 2006Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventor: Johnny M. Shieh
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System, methods and computer program products for offering products based on extrapolation of inputs
Patent number: 7395220Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 30, 2005Date of Patent: July 1, 2008Assignee: Travelocity.com LPInventors: Rachel Abrams, Robert Albert, Damon Tassone, Tracey Weber, David Yong -
Publication number: 20080140465Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
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Publication number: 20080140466Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl G. dE Marcken
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Publication number: 20080140464Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
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Publication number: 20080140463Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl G. dE Marcken
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Publication number: 20080140462Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 7, 2006Publication date: June 12, 2008Inventor: Carl G. de Marcken
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Patent number: 7386459Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: January 28, 2002Date of Patent: June 10, 2008Assignee: i2 Technologies US, Inc.Inventor: Jason R. English