Abstract: The subject matter described herein includes methods and systems for providing seamless global assistance to travelers. According to one method, pre-travel services are provided to travelers through client interaction devices. Customized assistance is provided during travel. Post-travel services are also provided to the travelers. The global assistance is provided by seamless transformation of virtual assistance into physical assistance.

Abstract: A method and system for the loading of patrons at multiple attractions at an entertainment environment includes the first-in first-out line and a priority based line. A patron can have an additional priority entry at a time selected by the patron to any one of the multiple attractions in the entertainment environment. There can be an entry selected by the patron to at least one of the multiple attractions in the entertainment environment, such entry being affected on a priority basis as selected by the patron. A patron can have an entry at a second time period selected by the patron to the second attraction in the entertainment environment. The second time period can overlap a first time period. Alternatively the second time period can be substantially close in time to the first time period, whereby the closeness in time under essentially normal conditions would be too close for use on a first attraction in the first time period and subsequent use on a second attraction in that second time period.

Abstract: A baggage tagging system in which a tag used for air travel includes—in addition to data about the air travel—data and information for travel using another mode of transportation, such as, a boat, train, or bus, or a destination other than an airport destination. Information for both the air travel and the second transportation mode are contained on a single baggage tag. Multiple tags are, therefore, not needed.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer readable medium for transferring toll data from a third party operated transport to a user account comprises, performing a verification of the user account, receiving a service request to transfer tolls incurred by the third party operated transport, receiving toll data, and sending information related to the user account if the toll data and the service request match.

Abstract: A system for scheduling a location-specific service appointment, the system comprising a communication network, a target service location, a desired service type, a service provider grouping, and an availability calendar. The communication network interconnects data input devices, data output devices, and a central processing unit (CPU). The CPU unit comprises a precompiled service provider database. The target service location and the desired service type are input into the CPU and the service provider database, comprising a plurality of service provider resumes, is searched. The select service provider grouping is compiled based on matched service location information and service expertise information. At least one service provider resume is selected from the select service provider grouping and the availability calendar is then provided upon a data output device.

Abstract: Image forming devices and methods of assisting with maintenance of image forming device consumables are described. According to one aspect, an image forming device includes: an image engine configured to utilize a consumable to form hard images; an interface adapted to communicate with a network comprising a plurality of network devices external of the image forming device; and processing circuitry coupled with the image engine and configured to forward a search request to the interface for communication to the network, to receive information regarding the consumable from the plurality of network devices via the interface responsive to the search request, to generate a message including information received from at least one of the network devices, and to control communication of the message.

Abstract: In an online search environment, embodiments described herein provide an interface that presents or provides a summary view of a search result for products or services. The summary view summarizes products or services that match search criteria by provider. In particular, the summary view identifies (i) individual providers that offers products or services that match the search criteria, and (ii) aggregates information that is descriptive of all (or many) products or services that match the search criteria of each identified provider. The aggregated information may be presented in visual association with the provider (e.g. tabular form), and may list price ranges and/or counts of the number of products/services of the provider that match the criteria. Other features may be incorporated into the summary view, such as a visual marker that enables the user to view supplemental information without navigating away from the view.

Abstract: An on-line voucher management system which provides a user interface for travel agents, carriers and online customers to create and redeem vouchers is provided. The on-line portal has access to the GDS which stores PNRs. The voucher will be created as a standard PNR containing a fictitious air itinerary and its associated ticket data. Users specify the voucher amount and other required information through the user interface, and a PNR holding that information is created in the GDS. The PNR is then ticketed as for a standard booking process. Then voucher redemption is managed as a typical PNR reissue process.

Abstract: An enterprise resource planning (ERP) based total task integrated destination management system. The system is configured to operate in a Windows based platform comprising a destination management service organizer and a concierge service organizer for rendering hospitality services. The destination management service organizer is operable to receive a plurality of informational components such as an event category, destination of event, mode of travel, arrival and departure details, etc. from group travelers and/or Free Independent Travelers (FITs). The concierge service organizer is operable to receive a plurality of inputs from at least one customer for at least one program event such as, international conferences, ground logistics and hospitality programs, exhibitions, incentive travel programs, and corporate events.

Abstract: Method and system for testing policies to determine cost savings, which in one embodiment comprises receiving identities of a set of one or more persons associated within an organization, the one or more person's travel related expenditures are to be governed by at least a first and second policy; from the set of one or more persons, identifying a first group governed by the first policy and identifying a second group governed by the second policy; identifying the travel costs incurred by the first group and costs incurred by the second group; and following the passage of a predetermined period of time, in view of the respective separate policies, performing a cost analysis on travel costs incurred by the first group during the predetermined period of time and the travel costs incurred by the second group during the predetermined period of time.

Abstract: A method for processing data in the form of a stream of messages regarding, for example, stock price information, implemented using a computer system wherein the data may arrive at a rate faster than the computer system can process individual messages. Each message is tagged with a phase number as it arrives; only the data in the messages received at the end of a phase are stored in the computer system's database. Periodically, at the end of at least one phase and perhaps at the end of many phases depending on the rate messages are received, the computer queries its database to select information regarding the data. Algorithms, according to the present invention, allow the efficient selection of data by disregarding a portion of the information in some cases, and, in other cases, by finding the phase ranges wherein data messages overlap between phase ranges. In the former, data is lost; it the latter, data processing may be slowed. The selected information is then output.

Abstract: Described are computer-based methods and apparatuses, including computer program products, for use and payment of global transportation and vetting systems and methods.

Abstract: Automated check-in systems for air travel and similar services are described herein. A customer indicates a preference for automatic check-in at some point prior to when check-in is permitted. At the first time that check-in is permitted, the automatic check-in data for customers indicating a preference for automatic check-in is processed. The automatic check-in may be prioritized according to various rules.

Abstract: A route may be created and provided to a client. A stopping point along the route is received, and a search is performed for at least one point of interest according to the stopping point. Further, a route is created and provided to a client, and at least one stopping point associated with the route is identified based on at least one of a distance along the route, an indication of a place on a map, a category search, and a key word search.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system and method for integrating travel and expense management. The present invention enables an entity to integrate not only data that matches exactly, but also determine the likelihood that data that does not match exactly nevertheless corresponds to each other. The system comprises: a network; at least one terminal coupled to the network; and at least one server coupled to the network. The server comprises a program that includes: retrieving travel data records corresponding to travel requests; retrieving expense data records reflecting expense transactions; comparing the expense data records to the travel data records; and determining a likelihood that the expense data records match the travel data records.

Abstract: A template listing one or more associated tasks is distributed to one or more devices, each device having a respective user. A task is selectively designated as either shared or individual. When information indicating that an action associated with a particular task has been performed is received at a first one of the devices, the template is updated at the first device, and optionally at others of the devices to indicate to others of the users that the action has been performed. The associated action of a shared task is performed once for all users, and the associated action of an individual task is performed separately by one or more of the users. Task information is optionally communicated between a template on a particular one of the devices and a personal information manager of the respective user of a particular device.

Abstract: Provided are systems, methods and techniques for establishing a pricing structure for reserving a resource. An option is selected from among a plurality of available options with respect to delivery of a resource at a specified future time, and then the selected option is presented to a customer. Each of the plurality of options includes: (i) a reservation price at which the customer may reserve the resource, and (ii) a compensation amount that must be paid if the resource is not delivered at the specified future time. The specified future time may be either a point in time or an interval of time.

Abstract: Systems and techniques for presenting travel information to a user are described. A code that includes predetermined travel parameters specified by the user is included in a web page. Access to the web page by a user is detected. A travel query is populated with the predetermined travel parameters and a variable parameter based on identification information associated with the user. Cached travel options that are obtained from prior queries and that satisfy the travel query are presented to the user.

Abstract: A multi-user online application network computing configuration maintains application level information at a portal or lobby server, rather than at each individual application server or host machine. Users can therefore learn about and select a desired application, such as an online game, through communication with the lobby server. After appropriate authorization processing, users can contact the associated application server, such as a game host, to begin their participation. The lobby server can therefore reduce the bandwidth requirements and other operating demands on the application server. In addition, cross-application communications in real-time are facilitated through the lobby server concept. The multi-user application environment also provides a common data model for maintaining user information, such as for establishing a ladder ranking system in the online gaming context in which user achievements are recorded and shared among users and among the different game applications.

Abstract: A meeting location availability system determines the meeting locations that are available for use during a specified meeting time and suggests some or all of the available meeting locations as possible locations for conducting a meeting at the specified meeting time. The meeting location availability system maintains meeting location information, such as the preferred meeting locations, for each user. The meeting location availability system may then determine the meeting locations that are available for a meeting between meeting attendees at a specified meeting time by identifying the meeting locations for all of the meeting attendees and, from these meeting locations, identifying the meeting locations that are available for use during the specified meeting time. The meeting location availability system may then suggest some or all of the identified available meeting locations as possible locations for conducting the meeting at the specified meeting time.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are disclosed for automatically matching the profile of unstructured electronic documents to objective sets of criteria. The is accomplished by evaluating text in the documents, comparing it to a set of weighted keyword criteria, generating a rating based on adherence to the criteria, rating and categorizing the results, sorting and viewing the results based on user defined criteria. The rating may be assigned based on the number of keywords present in a document in relation to the average number of keywords present in a group of documents.

Abstract: A method of preparing a certification project plan for certifying compliance for a mobile platform project with pre-defined regulations is provided. The method includes defining the project in a software system and defining a certification plan for the project in the software system. The method also includes selecting authorized representatives based on their delegated authorities from a database to carry out the certification plan. The method can include verifying the completion of the certification plan and generating at least one document to indicate that the mobile platform is in compliance based on the completed certification plan.

Abstract: Promoting efficient communication among users. Uses having a symbol of the same network resource are led to the same virtual space. Specifically, intermediary server 2 converting ID of merchandise icon and ID of virtual space for chat is provided. When user terminal 1 obtained a merchandise icon reports merchandise icon ID to the intermediary server 2, ID of a virtual space corresponding to the merchandise icon is returned to the user terminal 1. A user can share information on each merchandise by participating in this virtual space. Namely, users having a common purpose can chat with each other.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a solution for improving shared space availability by dynamically responding user utilization behavior of shared space. In the system, automated sensors within a shared space can be used to detect when spaces are in use. Sensors such as motion detectors, infrared sensors, cameras, and the like can correlate space usage to a reservation system. When a space is reserved by a user, the system can verify space occupancy according to the reservation. If the space is unoccupied and the reservation time has not expired, the space can be automatically freed. If the excess time before reservation expiration is more than a threshold value (e.g., fifteen minutes) the system can penalize the user. Penalties can be applied for users that do not utilize reservations.

Abstract: Described is a system and method that satisfies offers from customers with quotes from suppliers in a way that increases the likelihood of achieving an acceptable match. The system of the present invention is configured to receive from a customer an offer for a product. The system queries in parallel multiple suppliers for rate quotes on the desired product. Each of the suppliers is ranked according to the lowest rate quoted by each supplier. The supplier quoting the lowest rate is selected as the winner of the offer. The system may then evaluate any other rate quotes provided by the winning provider. The system may satisfy the customer's offer with the winning provider at a higher rate (if one was provided) than the winning rate quoted, up to the customer's offer (perhaps adjusted for a reasonable profit).

Abstract: A method of valuing products based on demand probabilities. Products are designed by identifying product components, and combining the components in various combinations to provide standard and non-standard products. Components are valued using an algorithm that considers demand probability as well as known prices of standard products. The component values are added to determine product values and may be used to make pricing and order fulfillment decisions.

Abstract: The invention is a travel planning system that treats travel planning as a multi-objective optimization problem and allows the one or more users to optimize itineraries through an iterative process of selecting new destinations by a greedy process that encourages the adding of destinations that taken one at a time add minimally to the cost and maximally to the benefit of the itinerary and a competitive process of comparing potential itinerary changes on multiple benefit axes.

Abstract: A travel management system. In one implementation, a state-based desktop client provides a travel planning and management workspace for the user. The user may perform travel planning activities, and log out of the travel workspace without having to repeat travel planning tasks. In another implementation, travel planning tasks may be stored as data feeds that keep up-to-date fare and availability data even when the user is not logged into the travel workspace.

Abstract: A computer-implemented system and method are provided for automatically determining rebate eligibility for purchased products. In one example, the purchased products may be travel-rebated products such as booked air travel itineraries. A database stores purchase information associated with purchased products purchased at corresponding purchase prices. A product administration system having a computer software-based product administration application interacts with the database and purchase information of a first purchased product is compared with purchase information of subsequently purchased products. The product administration application interacts with the database to determine if the first purchased a product matches a subsequently purchased product based on a set of matching criteria.

Abstract: A travel, e.g., honeymoon, planning system comprises a travel planning tool operative to provide a first set of at least one first travel information request to a first user and to receive a first set of at least one first travel information response from the first user; a match tool coupled to the travel planning tool and operative to rate travel properties based upon the first set of at least one first travel information response of the first user; a booking tool coupled to the match tool and operative to enable the first user to book a specific travel property based on the travel property ratings; and an experience planing tool coupled to the booking tool and operative to track travel planning progress.

Abstract: Method for altering service-provision sequence without leaving customers with a sense of unfairness. Question data Q1, Q2 containing question content, priority level, membership number, and other information is transmitted from questioner terminals 2a, b (#2, 5). An alter-sequence request to switch the sequential order of question data Q2 to a higher rank is transmitted from questioner terminal 2b to question administration server 1 (#7). An inquiry with questioner terminal 2a as to changing sequential order according to priority levels for question data Q1 and question data Q2 is conducted (#8). When a notice indicating that a sequence change will be permitted is transmitted from questioner terminal 2a (#9), the sequential orders for question data Q1 and for question data Q2 are interchanged, and question terminal 2b is notified to the effect that the sequence has been changed (#10).

Abstract: A passenger kiosk, comprising a computing arrangement receiving data from a plurality of data feed arrangements, the data including airport operational parameters for an airport facility, a set of advertisements and inventory management rules and a kiosk display displaying one of the advertisements based on one of the airport operational parameters and one of the inventory management rules.

Abstract: A system and method for use by a transportation service provider to process multiple bookings in a single transaction. This single-transaction processing can be initiated to place passengers of multiple bookings on a same flight, to seat passengers of multiple bookings next to one another, or to reserve special services for passengers of multiple bookings. This mechanism is supported by a user interface that allows multiple bookings to be “visually merged”. This provides a display that presents data for multiple bookings as though that data is part of a same booking, and which readily allows a user to initiate processing of the data during a single transaction.

Abstract: A system and method is provided for categorizing airline passengers traveling with and without baggage and unbundling the baggage costs associated with the airfare to encourage separate parcel service use. In one embodiment, based on information from an online booking system, the traveler is allowed to choose from a variety of options addressing modes of baggage handling, and an online routine determines the associated costs for the options chosen, providing travel rates that vary from the typical base airfare.

Abstract: Systems for communication across multiple game applications are provided. In various embodiments, systems of the present invention may include a first application server hosting a first game application, a second application server hosting a second game application that is different from the first game application, a first client device for interaction with the first game application, a second client device for interaction with the second game application, and a universe management server for maintaining information about the first client device and the second client device. The information maintained in the universe management server may include game application interaction information, which allows the universe management server to facilitate real-time communication between a user of the first client device and a user of the second client device. The universe management system may further receive communications from both client devices via the first and second application server.

Abstract: Methods and systems for facilitating the sale, lease, rental, or other monetization of unsold space inventory (e.g., seats, berths, cabins, rooms, etc.) to customers or passengers as guaranteed, empty adjacent space, after the passenger has already purchased a reservation and check-in has commenced. The empty adjacent space (EAS) may be sold as an upgrade when a guest checks-in at an event (e.g., an airline flight, theater performance, train trip, bus trip, hotel stay, day at the beach, parking space lease, etc.) or some time thereafter.

Abstract: A system for automatic proximity-based preloading of relevant information in portable devices pre-loads a portable device such as a mobile telephone, a personal digital assistant (PDA) or portable computer before the occurrence of a trip or event, with information relevant to the user's current or upcoming tasks. The system locates and loads into the portable device only the information required by the user for near term projects, meetings, or trips. The system is generally comprised of an information catalog, a proximity estimator, a relevance estimator, an information retriever, and a device loader. The information catalog contains a list of the information sources and items to which the user has access and from which the system of the invention will retrieve data to be loaded into the mobile device. The proximity estimator determines the proximity of various relevant information items to the user's tasks based on distance, time, and/or association.

Abstract: An availability system used for a travel planning system includes a cache having entries of availability information of seats for a mode of transportation. The system includes a cache manager that manages entry information in the cache so that information in the cache is correct, current, complete or otherwise as useful as possible. The cache manager determines when a stored answer is stale and, if a stored answer is stale, sends an availability query to a source of availability information.

Abstract: A ground-based travel planning portal is provided that is in communication with a counterpart in-transit portal so that the content presented through each portal is consistent to a traveler. The ground-based travel planning portal includes information for both business and leisure travel planning, in addition to other more general information. The traveler is able to identify and store a user-defined profile that includes personal traveling preferences such as airlines, hotels, rental cars, and personal content layout preferences which determines what content of the portal is presented to the traveler. Accordingly, the traveler has discretion to change and modify the content layout throughout the portal. Further, the user-defined profiles are shared across the ground-based portal and a counterpart in-transit portal so that the traveler accesses a common interface regardless of their travel status.

Abstract: A reservation registration apparatus, a method of reservation registration and a program storage medium allow reservation registration to be performed by easy operation. A starting time and an ending time can be set and changed by easy operation by displaying on a display screen reservation subject icons representing reservation subjects and a time base display area for performing reservation registration, and when the reservation subject icons are moved onto the time base display area, displaying a reservation time frame display division representing a starting time and an ending time of the reservation subjects according to positions to which they are moved, and changing a starting time or an ending time according to movement of the entire reservation time frame display division or movement of the first end or the second end of the reservation time frame display division.

Abstract: The present invention discloses systems and methods for tracking packages inbound to a user. One embodiment of the invention discloses a process by which shipping information is analyzed to determine the various ways in which shippers have previously identified a consignee location. A consignee alias table is generated that lists the various combinations of consignee name and address used by shippers to identify the consignee location. Package level detail is then received from a carrier and compared against a consignee alias database to identify packages that are inbound to the consignee location, and a consignee location table is updated that monitors the status and anticipated delivery date of all packages inbound to the consignee location.

Abstract: Components are displayed on a customer computer, each component having an attribute. A component is selected on a display by a customer. The information for the attribute for each selected component is manipulated by the customer. The manipulated attribute information for each selected component is transmitted to a server. Available travel packages are calculated, each available travel package including available components representing an inventory manipulated by a seller in real-time. The calculated different travel packages are simultaneously displayed on the customer computer. The available component from each different available travel package is selected on the display. A final travel package is created by assembling the selected available components from each different available travel package. A reservation of the created final travel package is requested by the customer. A confirmation that the final travel package is reserved for the customer is generated and transmitted to the customer computer.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for scheduling travel on a charter transport. The method can include obtaining from a traveler a passenger accommodation request identifying an origin-destination-pair. The method can also include automatically identifying one or more charter transports having an available passenger accommodation. Moreover, the method can include notifying the traveler of the available passenger accommodation.

Abstract: A reservation system includes a database configured to store information identifying customers who have purchased tickets for an event, information about the scheduled time for the event, and information identifying customers who have arrived; a controller configured to operate on the database; and an interrogator in communication with the controller, and an antenna coupled to the interrogator, the interrogator being configured to send wireless commands requesting wireless responses from portable identification devices, the portable identification devices being configured to transmit identifying data in response to receiving a command, the interrogator having a predetermined communications range and being configured to communicate with portable identification devices within the predetermined communications range, the controller being configured to modify the database to indicate that one of the customers who purchased a ticket has arrived, responsive to the interrogator receiving a response from the portable

Abstract: Methods and systems for modeling functional processes in enterprises, and for simulating and valuing the effects of various products and services on those processes, are described herein. The cost of disruptions in service of commercial fleets of transportation vehicles such as aircraft, is assessed. The causes of the disruptions are determined and for each such cause, disruption events are classified according to their duration. The cost factors are established and then accumulated to reflect the cost per cause and severity of disruption. Curves are developed that allow users to identify the disruptions that are most costly.

Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product calculate the cost for a traveler to drive the traveler's personal vehicle on a trip of a defined distance and duration, and compare the cost of driving the traveler's personal vehicle to the cost of other transportation options, such as the cost of renting a vehicle and driving the rental vehicle on the trip. In this regard, a system for comparing a cost of driving a traveler's vehicle to a cost of other transportation options comprises a server capable of calculating a total cost to drive the traveler's vehicle on a trip. The server is further capable of calculating a total cost to drive a rental vehicle on the trip. The server is further capable of comparing the total cost to drive the traveler's vehicle on the trip to the total cost to drive the rental vehicle on the trip.

Abstract: Rating information is maintained that is associated with one or more sources from which a product of interest can be purchased. Search criteria is received from a user that defines a product of interest. A plurality of sources are selected from which the user can transact for a product that satisfies the search criteria based at least in part on the rating information associated with one or more sources in the set. One or more sources can be determined from the rating information that have an acceptable rating value, or alternatively, a higher rating value than other sources in the set. A plurality of links may be displayed that individually locate a corresponding one of the plurality of sources. The plurality of links may be positioned, for example, based on the referral compensation provided by the sources of one or more of the links. The link that identifies the source with the highest or higher rating values may be identified to the user.

Abstract: Providing passengers and other interested parties with dynamic and real-time air travel information. This dynamic and real-time air travel information is shown in various screens on a computer monitor, and includes flight information, passenger information, other general air information, and advertising. The information is presented to passengers in a manner which reduces passenger wait time and allows gate agents to focus on other responsibilities. Information on seat standby status, upgrade standby status, and cleared standby status is provided on the computer monitor.

Abstract: A system and a method for travel related commercial interactions through an aggregating system, such as a website for example. The aggregating system may optionally comprise a social network, such as a social networking web site.