| Entries |
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| 20080201178 | ON-DEMAND TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SERVICE AND PLATFORM - The present invention contemplates an easy-to-use, cost-efficient, and flexible travel booking service and travel management platform. The travel booking service is a unique, subscription-based service that offers subscribers access to the fullest extent of travel service suppliers and also the lowest possible price. The travel management platform allows users to complete all steps of searching for and booking travel arrangements through the convenience of email. Once booked, travel arrangements are automatically calendared into the user's calendar. Optional plug-ins allow the user to filter search results based on existing calendar commitments, receive notifications when new calendar entries conflict with travel arrangements, and make travel arrangements directly through the user's calendar application rather than email. | 08-21-2008 |
| 20080208641 | Remote customisation module and system comprising said module - A remote customisation module for a logic engine, running upon a server remote from said logic engine, comprises a communication interface arranged to communicate with the logic engine and with an application running upon said server. The module also comprises a logic element arranged to receive an incoming request for data from the logic engine via the communication interface. The logic element is arranged to interrogate the application in order to extract data required to fulfil said request. The logic element is also arranged to process said extracted data to generate response data and to pass said response data to the logic engine. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080208642 | INTERACTIVE OPTICAL CARDS AND OTHER HAND-HELD DEVICES WITH INCREASED CONNECTIVITY - A system for deriving benefits from the reception and processing of composite video signals by a hand-held device, such as a smart card. Video signals are modulated with auxiliary data creating composite video signals. The composite video signals are then transmitted to and received by a hand-held device. The auxiliary data is then detected in the modulated video signal by circuitry of the hand-held device. The user receives benefits resulting from the reception of the auxiliary data. | 08-28-2008 |
| 20080215380 | Passenger Transportation System and Method for Obtaining Tickets in Such a System - A method for obtaining tickets for journeys in a passenger transportation system (VSY) which comprises stations (S | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080215381 | System and Method for Electronic Group Tour Reservation - A method and system for an electronic group tour reservation allows reservation of several components of a tour for an entire group. The method includes receiving hotel reservation request from a user. The method includes receiving activities information from the user. The method includes placing queries to the network of hotels for rates and availabilities. The method includes placing queries to a plurality of activities providers for rates and availabilities. The method includes receiving hotel rates and availabilities from the hotels. The method includes receiving activities availabilities and rates from the activities provider. The method includes presenting hotel rates and availabilities and activities rates and availabilities to the user. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080215382 | RECEIVING A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: receiving a request to reserve a service that is provided by a restaurant. The request to reserve is for a particular time and a particular date and the service comprises at least one of: (i) preparing a consumable good that is consumed at the restaurant's location; (ii) preparing a consumable good that is received at the restaurant's location; or (iii) preparing a consumable good that is delivered to a location external to the restaurant's location. The methods and system also include comparing the particular time requested with a schedule associated with the restaurant. The schedule comprises a list of times that are available for reservation. The methods and system also include determining an availability of the request to reserve; and outputting an indicia that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or denied. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080215383 | AUTOMATED AIRLINE SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer based system and method for automated travel related boarding document booking, retrieval, account creation and purchase account credit system which provides for customer receipt of boarding documents via electronic transmission, including notification of same and of allied services. A method for customers with reservations is included to enable early check in and/or have their boarding documents transmitted to them as well as receive updated information regarding transportation status, local terminal conditions and amenities. The system incorporates methodology relating to the customer's establishment of an automated account, the creation of the automated account, payment of a fee for securing the preferred boarding documents, retrieval of a boarding document and the earning of account purchase credits. Allied automated services include providing the registered passenger with updated transportation information, transit terminal amenities, and electronic commerce links for private commercial transactions. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080215384 | Negotiated Reservation for Vacation Rental Homes - System and method for reserving and booking vacation rental properties. The method may include receiving first user input from a first user to a website requesting reservation of a vacation rental property. The first user input may include contact information. The method may further include providing the first user input to a second user regarding the requested reservation of the vacation rental property. The contact information may be usable to contact the first user. The method may include receiving second user input specifying a reservation of the vacation rental property. The reservation may include reservation dates and a reservation price. The reservation may be provided to the first user, and payment information may be received for the reservation. | 09-04-2008 |
| 20080228532 | GUEST RELATIONSHIP MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method for implementing a guest profiling program that utilizes guest profiles, which are developed and expanded by information gathered from various sources and managed in a central Guest Relationship Management System (GRMS). The GRMS is a web-architected internet application. The primary interface between the GRMS and hotel systems is a connection to each hotel's property management system (PMS). The GRMS extracts data from PMSs. PMS data is updated to the central GRMS for processing. The core application logic includes capabilities to identify reservations with attributes and to match guest reservations extracted from each hotel's PMS with profiled guests. Both automated and user-initiated data manipulation processes utilize the central GRMS profiles and PMS data to generate outputs designed to increase the quality and timeliness of services and to assist marketing efforts. The web-based architecture of GRMS enables consistent data sharing and processing capabilities with a plurality of hotels. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080228533 | MULTI-TIERED FLEET MANAGEMENT CACHE - A method of providing reservation status relating to a group of objects includes providing a database for containing (i) availability data describing availability of at least one of the group of objects, and (ii) reservation data describing allocation of at least one of the group of objects. The availability data and the reservation data are stored in sparse form. The method further includes extracting, from the database, availability data and reservation data corresponding to a predetermined period of time, and combining the extracted availability data and reservation data to form windowed data in a dense format. The method also includes receiving the windowed data and providing the windowed data in a bit-vector view, and sampling the windowed data in the bit-vector view to produce sampled data. The sampled data provides the reservation status as a static view of the windowed data in the bit-vector view. | 09-18-2008 |
| 20080235065 | Methods and Apparatus for Implementing a Flexible Multi-User Advance Reservation System Where Reservation Requests are Specified in Terms of Multiple Options and Where Each Option Has an Associated Business Value - The present invention concerns methods and apparatus for implementing a multi-user advance reservation system where reservations are specified in terms of flexible constraints, inflexible constraints and business values. The specification of reservations in this manner allows an entity managing the reservation system to arbitrate among reservations received from a user population with a view toward maximizing business value across the user population. In methods and apparatus of the present invention, penalties and rewards associated with various reservation outcomes can be specified in reservations to assist in business value maximization. In an example, a reservation having a low business value may be declined when there is a significant possibility that a reservation having a high business would be submitted during the pendency of service delivery to the user issuing the reservation with a low business value. | 09-25-2008 |
| 20080243560 | VIRTUAL CEMETERY WITH CONSECRATION - A method for making an on-line virtual cemetery wherein a customer can construct and display a web site for the departed having bibliographic information, the method having the steps of an online user operating an computer application for selecting a computer-generated environmental setting of the grave site; obtaining consecration of the site by desired clergy; and recording and displaying video messages. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243561 | Electronic mail based travel document check-in system - A system and method for a check-in procedure includes a reservation system, a customer loyalty system, and a self-service check-in system, which are connected to an e-mail capable device, for use by a customer, through an Internet or other public computer network. The self-service check-in system then sends a customer an e-mail notification, to which the customer can perform a check-in procedure by sending a reply e-mail. The self-service check-in system verifies the reply sent by the customer and sends the customer an e-mail confirmation that includes check-in information. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243562 | Web Enabled Business to Business Computer System for Rental Car Services Having a Bidirectional Communication Link with a Repair Facility - 3 - An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner. Utilizing the method and apparatus of the present invention large volumes of rental transactions may be placed, monitored, altered during performance, and closed out with financial accounting and payment being made virtually without human intervention. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080243563 | Web Enabled Business to Business Computer System for Rental Car Services Including Data Display Functionality - 4 - An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner. Utilizing the method and apparatus of the present invention large volumes of rental transactions may be placed, monitored, altered during performance, and closed out with financial accounting and payment being made virtually without human intervention. | 10-02-2008 |
| 20080249813 | System and Method for Providing Consumer Rewards - An automated consumer rewards/incentive program that accepts a registration of a consumer. The registration entitles the consumer to receive the benefits of the incentive program. To track the fulfillment of reward earning criteria established by member businesses, the registration includes information indicative of a credit card of the consumer. The system uses the credit card information to determine when member customers perform a transaction at a member business. When a member customer performs a transaction at a member business using the registered credit card, the system and method examines the credit card transactional information to determine if the consumer fulfilled the requirements of the incentive program for the member business. If the transactional information indicates that the consumer fulfilled the criteria of the rewards program of the member business, the consumer is rewarded in accordance with the benefits of the incentive program. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080249814 | Web Enabled Business to Business Computer System for Rental Car Services - 3 - An Internet enabled, business-to-business computerized transaction system is disclosed in its preferred embodiment for use in providing rental car services for high volume users and comprises an Internet web portal through which the high volume user may access an integrated business computer network for the rental vehicle service provider. The rental vehicle services provider computer network is configured to interconnect a geographically diverse plurality of branch offices, cataloguing their available rental vehicles and schedules for same as well as handling all transactional data relating to its business. The Internet web portal provides ubiquitous connectivity and portability for a multi-level business organization who regularly places high volumes of rental purchases with its business partner. Utilizing the method and apparatus of the present invention large volumes of rental transactions may be placed, monitored, altered during performance, and closed out with financial accounting and payment being made virtually without human intervention. | 10-09-2008 |
| 20080255889 | System and method for ticket selection and transactions - A system and a method for selecting tickets on-line according to one or more parameters by the user. Optionally and preferably, the user is also able to purchase the tickets on-line as well. According to preferred embodiments of the present invention, the user may optionally and preferably search on-line for a ticket according to a plurality of parameters, including but not limited to, price, dates/times, exact show, type of show and/or type of seat. Optionally and preferably the user is able to view available tickets through the secondary market, preferably simultaneously with tickets in the primary market and more preferably while also viewing one or more discounts. More preferably, the original and current ticket prices of a ticket in the secondary market are indicated to the user. The user may also optionally and preferably view at least the available tickets on one or more seating charts and/or maps, which are more preferably interactive. The user may also optionally interact with a theater community. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080255890 | TICKETING SYSTEM - A ticketing system is disclosed and comprises a computing facility. The facility is operable to (i) receive an order, for goods and/or services of a provider, transmitted to the facility by a remote input device; (ii) ascertain if the goods and/or services ordered are available from the provider in sufficient quantities to permit the order to be filled; (iii) transmit to the remote input device, if goods and/or services availability has been ascertained to be insufficient to fill the order, a notification as to non-availability; and (iv) if goods and/or services availability has been ascertained to be sufficient to fill the order, satisfy the order. | 10-16-2008 |
| 20080262878 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCTS FOR GENERATING AND UPDATING A CACHE OF PRICE AND AVAILABILITY INFORMATION FOR TRAVEL PACKAGES AND COMPONENTS - Systems, methods, and computer program products are provided for generating, updating, and managing a cache of price and availability information for a plurality of travel packages and components. The cache of price and availability information may then be searched by an online travel planning service to provide customers with a list of available travel products. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention provide a cascading cache system including a cache of price and availability data related to travel components and a cache of price and availability data related to travel packages. Changes made to the component cache can affect information stored in the package cache, and changes made to the package cache can affect information stored in the component cache. Furthermore, the cache system updates the package and component caches based on information received from a purchase of a package or component, as well as by proactively polling one or more travel reservation systems. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262879 | SHORT-TERM HOUSING RENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - As will be discussed in greater detail herein, a short-term housing rental management system and method provides tools for housing property managers, owners, renters, and others to better facilitate processes involved with offering and renting housing on a short-term basis. The system adds a more dynamic nature to pricing to be adaptive to changing conditions regarding such factors as timing and demand for particular short-term rental properties. Among other things, the system uses yield management to establish proper margins in rental pricing to increase returns from a rental event while seeking to increase occupancies. The system allows for short-term housing inventory to be offered simultaneously under more than one approach. For instance, the system could offer the short-term housing opportunity for a no commission approach, a merchant approach, and an agent approach. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080262880 | OPTIMIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FINDING BEST FARE - The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for processing fare queries to find the best fares. In one embodiment of this invention a query server utilizes a branching and bounding based technique to implicitly enumerate possible solutions to arrive at best fare solutions. | 10-23-2008 |
| 20080275740 | Priority seat management system, priority seat management method, and program storage medium storing program thereof - When a priority passenger detector located at a ticket gate detects priority data transmitted from a priority data storage device | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080275741 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICES SELECTABLE FROM MULTIPLE CATEGORIES - The present invention is a method and system for an online reservation system providing services of multiple categories of service providers. A user may enter the online reservation system by clicking on a button either embedded in a directory services search result for a particular service provider or located on a particular service provider's website. Alternatively, a user may search for service providers through the online reservation system by entering criteria such as category of service, pricing, rating, location, or time and day of availability of the service. Both users and service providers receive electronic confirmation and reminders for the booked appointments. | 11-06-2008 |
| 20080281643 | Competitive Availability Tools - A competitive, availability prediction system for predicting relative, competitive availability of seating on an airline flight is described. The system includes an availability predictor that predicts seating availability on a competitive flight, an availability system that produces an actual availability response for a flight and decision logic that compares the predicted answer from the availability predictor and the potential answer from the availability system to establish a decision with respect to actual availability. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080281644 | Seat selection method for event tickets - A method is provided for assisting users select seats for an event using a user interface to select a seat. The user interface includes at least one of, a price range slider, a number of seat selector, a seat ranking selector, a table of available seats and a venue map. | 11-13-2008 |
| 20080288302 | Method and system for automatically keeping travel data consistent between passenger reservation records and corresponding electronic tickets - A method and a system keeps travel data consistent between a database of airline reservations storing passenger name records (PNR's) including travel segments, and a database of electronic tickets (E-tickets) including travel coupons, this latter database being independently controlled from a ticketing server. Whenever a travel segment is updated or added in one of the PNR's an electronic reconciliation service (ERS) receives images of updated PNR's. Corresponding E-ticket images are requested by ERS and received from the database of E-tickets. Then, ERS establishes a matrix of links between orphan PNR travel segments and orphan E-ticket travel coupons so that E-ticket orphan travel coupons are re-associated with matching PNR orphan travel segments. After E-ticket is updated it is revalidated or reissued. Optionally, a penalty generator calculates penalty fees on the basis of changes brought to the revalidated or reissued E-tickets. The penalty fees are then attached to the updated PNR's. | 11-20-2008 |
| 20080294469 | Travel Service Aggregator - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a system that includes a user interface to receive an electronic status change for an airline flight and an airline reservation system to determine whether at least one ancillary travel service associated with the airline flight should be modified based on the received electronic status change. The system includes a messaging interface to electronically transmit a request to modify the at least one ancillary travel service based on the electronic status change if the determination is made to modify the at least one ancillary travel service. The messaging interface further electronically transmits payment information to the travel service provider for use in crediting or debiting a payment associated with the at least one modified ancillary travel service. The payment information is associated with a customer that reserved the at least one ancillary travel service. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080294470 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PRESENTING RATES FOR TRAVEL SERVICES - 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. | 11-27-2008 |
| 20080300925 | Computer implemented method for managing electronic ticket requests - A ticketing management system and computer implemented method for managing ticket requests is provided including a request management system, configured to receive ticket requests and allocate tickets to purchasers, a back-end office ticketing system, configured to record ticket requests and a fulfillment center configured to receive the ticket requests from the back-end office ticketing system and deliver the tickets to the purchasers. The request management system includes a shopping module. The shopping module is configured to receive at least one primary request for an event and storing the primary request, receive at least one alternate request for an event and storing the alternative request and allocate events to a user based on the primary request and alternative request selections. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080300926 | Method and system for allowing user check-in - A method for changing the state of a pre-booked ticket from a first booked-state to a second check-in state, wherein the method includes a mobile device communicating through an IM communication system with a check-in desk service. The mobile device also comprises an identification instrument for a user, said check-in desk service having access to the pre-booked ticket. The method comprises the steps of connecting the mobile device to an appropriate network in order to communicate with the check-in desk, sending the identification instrument through the IM communication system to the check-in desk in order to access to the pre-booked ticket, requesting to change the pre-booked ticket state from booked to check-in and receiving an electronic boarding pass on the mobile device to access to a boarding gate. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080300927 | System and method for automatically generating an airplane boarding pass for a traveler returning a rental car - The invention provides a system and method for integrating rental vehicle return with airline boarding pass generation. The system includes a rental identification tag located on a rental vehicle and a tag reader located at a rental vehicle return facility for reading and identifying the rental vehicle identification tag when the rental vehicle enters a range of the tag reader. The system additionally includes a database containing information linking a traveler to the rental identification tag and to airline reservation information of the traveler and a computing system communicating with the database and the tag reader to locate the airline reservation information of the traveler based on the identification provided by the tag reader. The system also includes a boarding pass generator for generating a boarding pass based on the airline reservation information upon receiving an instruction from the computing system. | 12-04-2008 |
| 20080306780 | Method for internet supported and completion of travel services - A travel selection and booking system is provided, that facilitates the selection of different travel offerings for the customer, realizes better utilization of capacities and often avoids cancellations and otherwise necessary re-bookings. This is achieved by offering a dynamic, customized internet site to each individual traveler, with pre-defined specifications given by his company or travel agent. In it he defines and arbitrarily changes his travel preferences and actual requests. Processed with an integrated parametric search engine, tour propositions and itineraries can be generated, evaluated and refreshed, so to allow easy research for options and updating or final booking. | 12-11-2008 |
| 20080312976 | ENHANCED TRAVEL RESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - An enhanced travel reservation system and method allows for contribution to reservation offer and selection of a travel reservation provider by a traveler while also allowing for negotiation to occur between the traveler and the travel reservation provider. Before a final booking both the traveler and the travel reservation provider can negotiate over unsettled issues directly with each other. In implementations, the system deducts a fee from an account of the travel reservation provider to enter a final negotiation phase. Depending upon the result of the final negotiation, the traveler will either book a reservation directly or decline. In this manner the traveler is involved with travel reservation offer definition while retaining control over the reservation process so that the traveler can avoid unsatisfactory results. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080312977 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING AVAILABILITY OF AIRLINE SEATS - A computer program product, method and system for producing seat availability information for a mode of travel such as airline travel produce a prediction of availability of a seat in accordance with an availability query. The prediction is used in place of making an actual query to an airline or other travel mode availability system. | 12-18-2008 |
| 20080319803 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BOOKING TRAVEL PRODUCTS ONLINE ON THE BASIS OF UP-TO-DATE AVAILABILITY DATA DISPLAYED ON A MAP-BASED CLIENT INTERFACE - A method for booking or checking or saving travel products from a travel service provider operating over a network and having at least one server running a travel application delivering map-based interface web pages to at least one client applications, the method, includes:
| 12-25-2008 |
| 20080319804 | System and method of global electronic market of educational services in the Internet - A system and a method of global electronic market of educational services in the Internet are provided. The method of operating a global electronic market of educational services for consumers of educational services and educational establishments via the Internet includes registering the consumers of educational services and the educational establishments; providing information regarding offers of the consumers of educational services and the educational establishments to the registered consumers of educational services and educational establishments accordingly; selecting partners in the market of educational services based on the provided information; holding competitions for student's vacancies; conducting contracts between consumers of educational services and educational establishments; providing additional services of the system of global electronic market of educational services. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080319805 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING OPEN BASIS RESERVATION AT LODGING - A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080319806 | Mealtime commerce and publishing in a geo-spatial environment - A method, apparatus and system of mealtime commerce and publishing in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile of the user profiles associated with a specific geographic location, generating meal events, each meal event of the meal events associated with a user profile of the user profiles, associating a first user with a first user profile, generating a first display view to include a three dimensional map view embodied by the community network and representation of a meal event associated with a second user profile of the user profiles represented at a location in the three dimensional map view associated with the specific geographic location of the second user profile of the user profiles, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the second user profile in the three dimensional map view. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20080319807 | Management of Room Cleaning - Systems for management of room cleaning at an accommodation facility such as a hotel. The system records variables related to the occupancy of rooms at the facility and/or operational characteristics of the facility. Daily cleaning times are determined for rooms in accord with the variables. Daily cleaning plans are then determined for the facility in accord with the cleaning times. Cleaning staff carry out the plan and report their progress using conventional means such as the local telephone system or wireless PDAs. | 12-25-2008 |
| 20090006142 | System and Method for Tracking Spending Based on Reservations and Payments - One embodiment provides a method, that may be implemented on a system for obtaining a schedule of bookings made by a user through an electronic service portal; obtaining a schedule of payment transactions to pay for bookings, the payment transactions comprising one or more of a credit card payment, a cash payment, or a payment via a cash card or debit card; and using the schedule of bookings made via the electronic service portal to identify payment transactions reimbursable to the user from a separate entity and generating an expense report of the reimbursable payment transactions. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090006143 | System and Method for Interactive Natural Language Rebooking or Rescheduling of Calendar Activities - One embodiment provides a method, that may be implemented on a system, for receiving from a user a request to reschedule a scheduled itinerary of events, the request received in a natural language format; passing the request through a natural language analyzer; processing results of the natural language analyzer against at least one of a current status of progress into the scheduled itinerary and profile data of the user, the profile comprising previous changes of itineraries and preferences of the user; generating one or more options in response to the user request to modify the scheduled itinerary of events, based on available options and based on the processing of the results of the natural language analyzer against at least one of current scheduled itinerary and profile data of the user; and presenting the one or more options to the user in the natural language format in which the user submitted the request. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090006144 | Ticket Use System and Ticket Use Method - A ticket use system having a high safety and a high operability and suited to be put into practical use. In the ticket use system, a strap tag storing first identification information is given to the user. When reservation of a reserved seat is made through a cellular phone, the reservation content is displayed, and a card tag storing second identification information is given to the user. The strap tag and the card tag are used as tickets. When the user registers seat type information through the cellular phone at the reservation and when the seat type information represents a nonreserved seat, the first identification information is stored as ticket authentication information in a ticket DB. When the seat type information represents a reserved seat, the second identification information is stored as ticket authentication information in the ticket DB. | 01-01-2009 |
| 20090012823 | Configuring Office-Specific Security Parameters Using Office Profiles - In general, techniques for configuring blacklist handling via regional profiles of reservation and departure control system (RDCS) are described herein. More specifically, a RDCS is disclosed for use in creating operational profiles. A global profile may be dynamically defined to determine operational aspects of a transportation carrier that are common to all office of that carrier. Office profiles are dynamically defined to determine operational aspects that are specific to that office location. In this manner, the operation of each office may be tailored to the specific location. Moreover, the operational aspects are not “hard-coded”, but instead are readily selectable by an authorized end user. According to one aspect, local management of blacklists is supported by the profiles. | 01-08-2009 |
| 20090024423 | System and Method for Automated Vehicle Tracking - A system and method for enhancing revenue of vehicle dealerships by increasing both the number of service appointments made by customers at the dealership as well as the number of those appointments which are kept by customers. A computer automated, Internet-based method is provided for supervising the appointment making and the service providing process at vehicle service locations. Service department activity at multiple service locations maintained by a single dealership or by multiple dealerships can be monitored so that material and labor resources can be efficiently allocated and managed between the multiple locations. | 01-22-2009 |
| 20090030741 | CONSUMER BOOKING ENGINE AND METHOD - The present invention provides methods, systems, and articles of manufacture that enable a seller to better maximize its revenue and, more particularly, to methods, systems, and articles of manufacture that enable a seller of a good or service that has multiple categories, classes, and/or price levels to upsell a higher category, class, and/or price level of such a good or service to a customer that has already purchased such a good or service. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030742 | System and Method for Tentative Booking When Service Providers are Temporarily Unavailable - One embodiment provides a method, that may be implemented on a system, for receiving a request from a user to perform at least one of schedule an event or book a transaction; selecting a service provider to schedule the event or book the transaction; contacting the selected service provider to schedule the event or book the transaction; in response to at least one of failure to establish a connection with the selected service provider or failure to receive a response from the selected service provider, notifying the user of the failure and requesting the user submit transaction data to schedule the event or book the transaction with the service provider at a subsequent time; and subsequent to receiving the transaction data from the user, establishing a connection with the selected service provider and using the received transaction data to schedule the event or book the transaction with the selected service provider. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030743 | Intelligent Hotel Reservation System and Method - A computerized system and method for making a hotel reservation. In some embodiments there are post-reservation features, such as the ability to continue searching for better prices after a room has been booked. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030744 | ELECTRONIC-TICKET TRANSFER SYSTEM AND ELECTRONIC-TICKET TRANSFER METHOD - An electronic-ticket transfer system includes a first portable terminal | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030745 | SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PLANS TO EATING AND DRINKING ESTABLISMENTS - A system for providing plans to eating and drinking establishments, having eating and drinking establishment information storage unit; reservation information storage unit; plan acceptance device for receiving information relating to plans set by the eating and drinking establishments from terminals of the eating and drinking establishments. The system stores this information in the eating and drinking establishment information storage plan unit. A plan retrieval device for receiving search conditions for the plans from the user terminals is provided and configured for performing a search in the eating and drinking establishment information storage unit in order to determine whether or not there are plans that agree with the search conditions, and sending the search results to the user terminals. A reservation acceptance device for receiving information relating to reservations for a plan selected by the user from the user terminal is provided, and configured for registering the reservations by storing this information in the reservation information storage unit. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030746 | PERFORMING PREDICTIVE PRICING BASED ON HISTORICAL DATA - Techniques are described for using predictive pricing information for items to assist in evaluating buying and/or selling decisions in various ways, such as on behalf of end-user item acquirers and/or intermediate item providers. The predictive pricing for an item may be based on an analysis of historical pricing information for that item and/or related items, and can be used to make predictions about future pricing information for the item. Such predictions may then be provided to users in various ways to enable comparison of current prices to predicted future prices. In some situations, predictive pricing information is used to assist customers when purchasing airline tickets and/or to assist travel agents when selling airline tickets. This abstract is provided to comply with rules requiring an abstract, and it is submitted with the intention that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030747 | System and Method for Allocating Replacement Vehicle Rental Costs Using a Virtual Bank of Repair Facility Credits - Systems and methods for managing a virtual bank of repair facility credits are disclosed. Various operations for adding and subtracting credits from a repair facility virtual bank account are disclosed. Adjustments to credit totals can be based on repair facility performance with regard to an individual vehicle repair or a plurality of vehicle repairs. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090030748 | INDIVIDUAL SEAT SELECTION TICKETING AND RESERVATION SYSTEM - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 01-29-2009 |
| 20090037233 | INTERACTIVE DEMAND MANAGEMENT - A system and method is disclosed which allows the aggregation of the demands of various buyers, providing an incentive for suppliers to bid to supply those demands in an auction. The system and method operates by scanning a database which contains a listing of goods or services sought by various people or entities. Thereafter, similar goods or services are grouped together and presented to various vendors. The vendors are given the opportunity to bid on the group of similar goods or services. Such a bid may vary from the originally purchased goods or services as long as the bid is within a predetermined range. The vendor which presents the optimum bid within a predetermined period of time is selected as the provider of the goods or services and proceeds to supply the goods or services at the bid upon amount. | 02-05-2009 |
| 20090043616 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE INTERNET EXCHANGE OF GOLF COURSE TEE TIMES - The invention relates to a system and method for the Internet exchange of golf course tee times. According to the invention, system-affiliated golfers with one or more golf course tee times can offer said tee times online on the Internet when, instead of using his/her tee times, the user wishes to hand a tee time over for exchange such that it can be taken by other users of the exchange system. The system users can open as many options as necessary in order to take tee times deposited by other users in the exchange system in accordance with the tee times that he/she has previously handed over, i.e., the user can take one tee time for each tee time that he/she has previously deposited for exchange. | 02-12-2009 |
| 20090048878 | SYSTEM FOR EXPEDITING PROCUREMENT OF DELIVERABLES FROM EXPEDITED SERVICE AREAS - A system for expediting procurement of one or more deliverables by a customer of one or more expedited service areas including one or more designated expedited service areas, the designated expedited service areas associated with, and located at, adjacent to, or in the vicinity of, one or more venues, and the venues providing one or more venue-available deliverables. At least some of the designated expedited service areas include a distinct physical location that scheduled-customers visit separate from non-scheduled customers configured to provide procurance of venue-available deliverables more quickly to scheduled-customers. | 02-19-2009 |
| 20090063204 | Seat Routine Equipment Model - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a process that includes defining software travel objects that are configurable to represent a variety of types of accommodations used in transportation of passengers, associating the software travel objects with configurable properties that specify accommodation attributes that affect a passenger's experience during travel, and receiving, through a user interface, information used to customize the configurable properties during run-time of a software application that manages travel reservations for accommodations. The process also includes outputting the customized configurable properties for use by a user in a selection of one or more of the accommodations during a travel reservation. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090063205 | THEME PARK MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, THEME PARK MANAGEMENT METHOD, THEME PARK MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A theme park management apparatus includes a receiving unit, a detecting unit, a generating unit, a determining unit, and a transmitting unit. The receiving unit receives information concerning a user specified attraction that is among plural attractions provided in a theme park. The detecting unit detects a congestion level for each of the attractions and the generating unit generates reservation information including a reservation time for the specified attraction. Based on the congestion level of each of the attractions, excluding the specified attraction, the determining unit determines a guidance point to which the user is guided and a privilege that becomes effective when the user follows guidance to the guidance point. The transmitting unit that transmits, to a communication terminal of the user, transmission information including the reservation information, the guidance point, and the privilege. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090063206 | System and methods for selecting event tickets - A system is provided that enables customers to search for event tickets for purchase. A computer interacts with the user to allow the user to specify criteria for event tickets the user wishes to purchase. The system presents relevant event ticket results, and provides filters for the user to further refine those search results. The user selects an event, and then selects tickets for that event. Ticket availability is shown, with seat locations indicated directly on an interactive venue map. For purchase, the user is directed to the selling ticket provider. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090063207 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING EVENT TICKETS - A method of exchanging event tickets may comprise determining a monetary value of at least one event ticket offered for redemption by a ticket holder, assigning a number of points equivalent to the monetary value of the at least one event ticket, and offering the number of points to the ticket holder in exchange for the at least one event ticket. A system is also provided for exchanging event tickets. | 03-05-2009 |
| 20090070155 | AUTOMATED METHOD TO MANAGE RENTAL UNITS, HOTEL ROOMS, OR GUEST SUITES - A method to manage a plurality of guest rental units, wherein the method provides a plurality of guest rental units, wherein each guest rental unit comprises one or more bed rooms and a bath room. The method further disposes a different rental kiosk adjacent to, and associated with, each guest rental unit, displays on each rental kiosk a vacancy status for a designated guest rental unit, and accepts a rental payment at each rental kiosk for a designated guest rental unit. In certain embodiments, the method displays upon request the availability of a rental unit in accordance with a previous reservation made by the traveler. The kiosk displays this availability, and upon approval of the travelers credit card, assigns a room or rental unit to the traveler and enables said travelers credit card to also enable a locking device on the room or rental unit to permit entry to the traveler. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070156 | Visitor parking system and method - A method of managing a visitor parking facility available to a plurality of users is described, the visitor parking facility comprising: a plurality of visitor parking bays, and a barrier for controlling the entry to and exit from the visitor parking facility of visitor vehicles. The method of managing the visitor parking facility available to a plurality of users comprising the steps of: registering a plurality of users, and storing user information; for each of the plurality of users limiting the number of visitor parking bays the user can book; receiving a request from a user to book a vehicle parking bay for a vehicle; booking a vehicle parking bay for the requesting user if the request is a valid request; storing the booking; and controlling the barrier to allow entry to and exit from the facility for a vehicle having a booked vehicle parking bay. The method also includes making statistical information on user usage of the visitor parking facility available. A system implement the method is also described. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090070157 | METHOD AND MEANS FOR DELIVERING, HANDLING AND USING CODED INFORMATION - A method and apparatus for delivering coded information using mobile phones with a display. The method is characterized in that the coded information includes element codes, the elements of which are selected from character sets supported by short text messaging systems and disseminated by, but not limited to standard SMS distributed via SMCS. The element codes do not require EMS, MMS or other more complicated communication elements and can therefore be simply and efficiently delivered to practically every mobile phone and be used for ticketing, couponing and access control purposes. Apparatus is provided for performing the method. | 03-12-2009 |
| 20090076862 | AUTOMATED SPLIT TICKETING - An enhanced travel search tool aimed at providing travel opportunities includes a ticket splitter operating from a list of flight connections provided by a front-end flight search engine. The ticket splitter comprises a unit for valuating all ticket partitions generated from the provided list of connection flights and a tree of split criteria updated in a cache for determining the partitions and attributing to each partition a probability value of obtaining a split-ticket solution. The ticket splitter also includes a unit for selecting those of the valuated partitions that have a probability value higher than a defined threshold and provides a sorted list of recommended partitions to a back-end fare search engine to price all the selected partitions including a reference single-ticket solution. Travel search tool offering of travel opportunities is enhanced by automatically including multi-ticket travel solutions. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090076863 | Designated user enabled retailing system - The present invention relates to a user enabled product and service fulfillment system in which a cell phone is used to enter prompts for products and services. The system of the present invention enables users to regularly receive products and or services that are routinely ordered without the necessity of having to re-enter such products or services each time a user connects with the system. The user may also supplement each order with available additional products or service offerings which are not routinely ordered by the user. | 03-19-2009 |
| 20090083080 | Method, apparatus and program product for facilitating transfer of group meeting contracts - A method for facilitating transfer of meeting contracts between parties includes providing a database of records of contracted meetings at hotels that are available for transfer. A search engine is provided for searching the contracted meeting records database according to entered criteria, the search engine operable to identify available contracted meeting records which meet the entered criteria. Access to the search engine is provided via a computer network. Upon execution of a given search including criteria entered by a searching user, the searching user is provided, via the computer network, with contracted meeting records information concerning at least one matching contracted meeting record which meets the entered criteria of the given search, if such a matching contracted meeting record exists. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083081 | CONTENT PROVIDING/OBTAINING SYSTEM - A content providing apparatus previously receives customer identification information and content identification information as customer reservation information via a terminal device, and sends customer desired content data corresponding to the content identification information to a content obtaining apparatus, so as to provide a customer with the customer desired content data via the content obtaining apparatus more easily, thus making it possible to significantly improve the usability of a content obtaining/providing system. In addition, a content providing server sends three-dimensional images to a portable dedicated terminal in response to a preview request sent from the portable dedicated terminal to display it, and then sends commercial data corresponding to a preview request sent according to the display state of the three-dimensional images to reproduce it, so as to make the customer view and preview the content to allow the customer to accurately judge whether the content meets his/her taste, thus making it possible to select content data lightheartedly. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083082 | INDIVIDUAL SEAT SELECTION TICKETING AND RESERVATION SYSTEM - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083083 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAINTAINING COHERENCY OF DATA ENTRIES - The present invention relates to a system and method for maintaining coherency of data entries related to seat information obtained from remote venues. The method handles queries regarding seat status, including information indicating seat availability. Information obtained based on the queries are transmitted to a first general purpose computer for display to a first user. Upon receiving, from the first general purpose computer, selections by the first user, the system or method creates in the database a temporary record based on the selections and requests a confirmation of the selections by the first user. Once the first user sends the confirmation, the system or method locks entries in the database, preventing a second user from selecting any seat confirmed for the first user. The system or method also includes transmitting, to a second general purpose computer, information to be displayed to the second user indicating seats selected by the first. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083084 | DYNAMIC INTERACTIVE USER INTERFACE - The present invention relates to an interactive user interface and method that presents a coherent view of an inventory of seats in a venue. The user interface is dynamically updated based on selections by the users. Embodiments include a method for displaying to users a physical layout of seats and related status that are based on information returned from a database query. The information may include seat availability and updates to the status of each of the seats based on selections made by other users. The method may further include determining a clickable area for each seat that indicates the status of the seat based on a response to the query, and displaying to the user an updated view that indicates the status of each seat including selections made by other users. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083085 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING SETS OF SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving sets of seats in a venue. The system and method transmit information relating to sets of available seats in a venue to an application running on a general purpose computer for display to the end user. The system and method also provide a page that includes an interactive seating map showing information relating to the sets of available seats. Through the interactive seating map the end user can select one or more available seats or sets of seats. The interactive seating map may provide additional information on one or more of the sets of available seats in response to a user interaction with the seating map, for example, when the user places a mouse over one of the sets of available seats. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090083086 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving airline seats. The system or method transmits information relating to available seats on one or more airplanes traveling a flight segment of a trip to an application running on a general purpose computer for display to an end user. The system or method also provides one or more pages that include an interactive seating map showing information relating to the available seats on the one or more airplanes. Through the interactive seating map the end user can select one or more available seats. The interactive seating map may provide additional information on the one or more of available individual seats when triggered by, for example, a mouse placed over one of the available individual seats. | 03-26-2009 |
| 20090089105 | DISPATCHING CAR APPARATUS AND OPERATION METHOD THEREOF - A dispatching apparatus is disclosed. The apparatus comprises a receiving module to receive the necessary car requirements from the passenger, wherein the necessary car requirements includes the condition of car and driver required by the passenger; a dispatching module for receiving the necessary car requirements; a memory unit storing information of cars and drivers of the dispatching companies, the dispatching module can compare the requirement with the information to select at least one car; and a wireless transferring network for broadcasting the necessary car requirements to at least one car and receiving responses from at least one car. | 04-02-2009 |
| 20090094072 | System for golf reservations - A system and method for making reservations, in particular golf tee times, utilizing the Internet is disclosed. The system provides a user with access to a reservation system of a particular location, such as a golf course. The user is able to make and confirm a reservation for an event, such as a tee time, from anywhere. The system can also employ Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable a user to make and confirm a reservation for an event by dialing a local phone number. | 04-09-2009 |
| 20090106055 | COMPUTER NETWORK BASED UNIVERSAL RESERVATION SYSTEM - A computer network based universal reservation system (CNBURS) that enables clients to schedule reservations for services provided by service providers. In one embodiment the CNBURS includes a single universal reservations processing center (URPC), one or more service offering systems (SOSs) and one or more marketplaces. The URPC receives service offers defined by the service offer providers. Each SOS enables service offer providers to define one or more service offers. Each marketplace system receives the service offer(s) from the URPC, presents the clients the service offer(s), receives reservation requests from the clients relating to the service offer(s), and communicates received reservation requests to the URPC. The URPC communicates the service offer(s) from the one or more SOSs to the one or more marketplace systems and processes reservation requests received from the one or more marketplace systems. | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090106056 | UNIVERSAL BUSINESS TO MEDIA RESERVATION SYSTEM - A computer network based universal reservation system (CNBURS) architecture that enables reservations between one or more service providers and one or more customers relating to offers of services by the service providers. In one embodiment, the architecture of the CNBURS includes a scheduling agent system, one or more service offering systems and one or more marketplace systems. The scheduling agent system receives one or more offers of services available for reservation. Each service offering system enables service providers to define the offer(s) of services available for reservation. Each marketplace system receives the offer(s) of services from the scheduling agent system, presents the customers the offer(s) of services, receives reservation requests from the customers, and communicates received reservation requests to the scheduling agent system. The scheduling agent system communicates the offer(s) of services from the service offering system(s) to the marketplace system(s) and processes reservation requests received from the marketplace system(s). | 04-23-2009 |
| 20090112638 | System and Method for Virtual Queuing - A system for virtually queuing at least one passenger onboard a mobile platform is provided. The system includes a source of user input that enables the at least one passenger to request to be placed in a virtual line. The system also includes a queuing control module that generates queue data that includes at least one next passenger in the virtual line from a list of the at least one passenger requested to be placed in the virtual line. The system further includes a notification control module that notifies the at least one next passenger that the at least one passenger is next in the virtual line based on an operating condition associated with the mobile platform. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090112639 | Combined Rewards System and Process Providing Variable Travel Redemption - A loyalty rewards system and process rewards currency, e.g. cash back rebates or rewards points, for credit card and check card purchases and provides rewards, including travel, for a customer's enterprise relationship. The system and process include methodologies for: enrollment into the combined rewards program or the relationship rewards program; showing total combined points or cash earned with points or amount of cash earned parsed into the various accounts and purchases. Customers are informed of currency earned via periodic statements, newsletters, data online and customer service representatives. A mechanism by which to systematically enroll eligible products or services as defined by the enterprise bases eligibility on social security numbers or other unique customer numbers. A variable travel rewards program eliminates the usual restrictions on reward travel, allowing participants to travel anywhere at any time, to combine points with cash to pay for travel and to book their own travel. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090112640 | Method for providing overnight accommodations - A method of renting out one or more rooms by a Provider is disclosed. The Provider acquires a block of one or more rooms from an overnight accommodations operator for a long term basis. The Provider then sets a price for a room in a geographic area at a consistent price. The Provider then rents the room to a Customer, wherein the proceeds from the room rental are payable to the Provider. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090112641 | METHOD FOR PROVIDING OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS - A method of renting out one or more rooms by a Provider is disclosed. The Provider acquires a block of one or more rooms from one or more overnight accommodations operator for a long term basis and enters information on the rooms into a computer database. The Provider then sets a price for a room in a geographic area at a consistent price. Upon the request of a potential Customer, the Provider searches the database for room availability and rents the room to a Customer, wherein the proceeds from the room rental are payable to the Provider. | 04-30-2009 |
| 20090119135 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR REAL TIME GENERATION OF CHARTER FLIGHTS - A computer implemented method, apparatus, and computer program product for managing charter flights. Current status is monitored for a plurality of aircraft including any aircraft currently in-flight. In response to receiving a request from a requester for service from a departure location to an arrival location, a set of flights from the departure location to the arrival location is identified using the current status of the plurality of aircraft to form a set of potential flight choices. A cost analysis is performed on the set of potential flight choices to form a set cost results. A portion of the set of potential flight choices is selected based on the set of cost results to form a set of planned flights. The set of planned flights is presented to the requester. | 05-07-2009 |
| 20090125340 | Booking a Chauffeured Vehicle - A chauffeured vehicle booking service is provided. A user can use a digital mobile phone that has a “Caller Line Identifier” (hereinafter “CLI”) facility in the mobile service ( | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090125341 | Coordinating and managing the rental of parking spaces - An internet-based parking space reservation and transaction method is provided that includes an internet platform having a server to provide a computer program to operate a virtual marketplace for parking transactions. At least one parking space lessor contacts the virtual marketplace to place a parking space in an available state and information including a money account, a space location, available time, and cost. At least one parking space lessee contacts the virtual marketplace to reserve the parking space and information including a money account, desired location, and beginning and ending lease time. A parking space availability list is provided to the lessee, having location and pricing. A lease agreement and fee exchange occurs when the lessee selects a desired the space. A fee to a money account of the marketplace is provided, where the lessor apportions a predetermined amount of the associated fee to the virtual marketplace money account. | 05-14-2009 |
| 20090138291 | Systems, Methods and Devices for Online Reservation Inquiries - The present invention pertains to systems, methods and devices for online reservation inquiries of individual shares of an item. The system has a server that makes available a 3D graphic model of the item as well as reservation statuses of the shares of the item for inquiries, and a client computer for displaying the 3D graphic model on a user screen from an arbitrarily changeable perspective. The 3D graphic model of the item contains a graphic object for each share that is spatially related to this share in the 3D graphic model. The server transmits the 3D graphic model of the item and the reservation statuses of the shares of the item to the client computer in response to respective inquiries. The manner in which each graphic object is displayed in the arbitrarily changeable perspective of the 3D graphic model is defined by the reservation status of the share to which it is related. | 05-28-2009 |
| 20090150193 | Comprehensive Integrated Online Order and Reservation Platform with Instant Notifications and Interactive Communications - An fully integrated online ordering, online reservation and online catering platform, an advanced software system architecture, and a suite of new types of online services designed and suitable for various industries, especially for restaurant industry, providing business owners and Internet users with a comprehensive and reconfigurable sets of options to deliver and respond to online requests automatically and instantly through various means of real time interactive communications. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090150194 | Method to Disable Use of Selected Applications Based on Proximity or User Identification - An application for disabling the use of selected applications is provided. A server receives identification information from a user. The location of the user is determined. If the user is determined to be in a reserved location, the use of one or more applications is disabled, for the user. | 06-11-2009 |
| 20090164259 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BIASING SUGGESTED ROOMS AND/OR RESOURCE SEARCH RESULTS BASED ON USER BEHAVIOR RELATED TO RESCHEDULING AND/OR CANCELLING EXISTING RESERVATIONS - A system for biasing suggested room and/or resource search results based on user behavior related to rescheduling and/or canceling existing resource reservations. The system uses historical data, statistical analysis, and heuristics to generate suggestions as to which users may be willing and/or able to give up their existing resource reservations for a particular time slot. By monitoring which users reschedule and/or cancel existing reservations, and how often they do so, the system is able to provide a user in need of a previously reserved room/resource with a prioritized list indicating which other users with existing resource reservations during the desired time slot are relatively more likely to cancel their reservations, and/or to transfer their reservations to the scheduling user. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090164260 | Air taxi logistics system - An air taxi system comprising means for dynamically optimizing travel by real time assessment of relevant factors between an origination street address and prospective origination airports, between prospective origination airports and prospective destination airports, and between prospective destination airports and a destination street address. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090164261 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REMOTE BAGGAGE CHECK-IN - A computer-based baggage transportation system includes a client computer and an attendant. The client computer is coupled via a network to a server computer and is configured to check in baggage and passengers from a property that is remote from a common carrier departure location. The attendant is cross-utilized with the remote property. That is, the attendant performs remote common carrier check-in services as well as remote property services. The attendant has met federal agency approval standards for common carrier check-in services. | 06-25-2009 |
| 20090171700 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVENT SLOT NEGOTIATION - A method and computer program product for receiving a slot request, from a second respondent having a second seniority level, for an original event slot that was previously reserved by a first respondent having a first seniority level. The second seniority level is compared to the first seniority level. If the second seniority level exceeds the first seniority level: the reservation of the original event slot by the first respondent is cancelled, and the event slot request for the original event slot by the second respondent is accepted. | 07-02-2009 |
| 20090177502 | System for matching drivers with customers seeking to hire a driver - A server computer is programmed or adapted to register drivers and customers. Registered customers log into the system and generate booking inquiries which are received by the system. In response to a booking inquiry, the system searches among registered drivers for available drivers corresponding to the request and presents to the customer a list of available drivers. The system may receive a booking request selecting one of the available drivers for hire. The booking request is added to a booking request list for the selected driver, and a voice message is generated and forwarded to the selected driver indicating receipt of the booking request and alerting the selected driver to log in to the system to review new booking requests. When a driver logs in to the system, a list of pending booking requests is provided, allowing the driver to accept or decline any of the pending booking requests. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090177503 | Scheduling apparatus and computer readable medium storing scheduling program - A scheduling apparatus to arrange a schedule for a new event in accordance with an input includes an input accepting device, a personal schedule information acquisition device, a schedule determination device, and a schedule registration device. The input accepting device accepts new event information. The personal schedule information acquisition device acquires personal schedule information from a personal schedule storage device. The schedule determination device determines a new schedule including a holding date and time and a holding location based on the new event information, the personal schedule information, and at least one of a weather forecast or a travel distance of at least one of the participants to attend the new event. The schedule registration device registers the determined new schedule into the personal schedule storage device. | 07-09-2009 |
| 20090182588 | Market-level inventory control system and method - A system and method for managing inventory on a market basis is disclosed. When employed by a transportation carrier, the system allows for the creation of a market group that includes a limited amount of space that is provided by any one or more of a certain group of physical routes (e.g., airline flights traveling between predetermined departure and destination points flying on selected dates). A qualifying customer or request may book one or more seats to this market group rather than to a specific physical route. The customer is guaranteed a seat on one of the physical routes, but is not informed as to the route on which travel will occur until a time closer to departure when the space allocated to the market group is mapped to the physical routes. In one embodiment, the market groups are defined using programmable business rules of a type interpreted by a rules engine. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090182589 | Communicating Information in a Social Networking Website About Activities from Another Domain - A social networking website logs information about actions taken by members of the website. For a particular member of the website, the website generates socially relevant ads for the member based on the actions logged for other members on the website to whom the member is connected (i.e., the member's online friends). The advertiser associated with the social ad may compensate the social networking website for publishing the ad on the website. When presenting a member with a social ad, the website may optimize advertising revenue by selecting an ad from the received ads that will maximize the expected value of the social ad. The expected value may be computed according to a function that includes the member's affinity for the ad content and the bid amount. The technique is also applied for providing socially relevant information off the social networking website. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090182590 | Market-Level Inventory Control System and Method - A system for managing inventory on a market basis is disclosed. When employed by a transportation carrier, the system allows for the creation of a market group that includes a limited amount of space that is provided by any one or more of a certain group of physical routes (e.g., airline flights traveling between predetermined departure and destination points flying on selected dates). A qualifying customer or request may book one or more seats to this market group rather than to a specific physical route. The customer is guaranteed a seat on one of the physical routes, but is not informed as to the route on which travel will occur until a time closer to departure when the space allocated to the market group is mapped to the physical routes. In one embodiment, the market groups are defined using programmable business rules of a type interpreted by a rules engine. | 07-16-2009 |
| 20090187435 | SECURITY METHODS EMPLOYING DRIVERS LICENSES AND OTHER DOCUMENTS - Driver's licenses and other security documents include one or more machine-readable features, each conveying plural bits of information. These features are used in a variety of ways to increase security, and/or to enhance functionality. In one embodiment, data encoded on a driver's license is used at airport check-in, to link to a state DMV database and obtain information by which the document, and its custodian, can be authenticated. In like fashion, a license can be used to authenticate a bearer and/or his/her age prior to the sale of alcohol or tobacco products. In other embodiments, different elements of a driver's license (e.g., the substrate, photo, text data, and machine-readable data) are logically bound together (e.g., interlinked through payloads conveyed by different machine-readable features) as a deterrent against counterfeiting. Driver's licenses can be similarly logically bound to personal checks and other documents. Many other arrangements are also disclosed. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090187436 | Online Marketplace for Moving and Relocation Services - Methods and systems for operating an online marketplace for the sale of goods and services associated with self-help moving and relocating are described. A customer enters an online marketplace where vendors offer services and goods relating to moving and relocating, specifically in the “do-it-yourself” moving field. The venue for the online marketplace is an Internet web site or a site on a computer network and is operated by a host that determines which vendors will be listed on the site. Once in the marketplace, the customer can view informational content on numerous vendors providing services relating to moving and relocating. Based on the estimates provided by the marketplace as well as reviews, ratings, customer feedback, and background information on the vendors, the customer selects a vendor and “prepays for” the vendor's services on the marketplace. The customer is then provided a confirmation code. The code is given to the vendor upon completion of service or delivery of the good to the customer's satisfaction. The vendor accesses the online marketplace and enters the confirmation code to activate a payment for the service or good. | 07-23-2009 |
| 20090192833 | TICKET REFUNDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method refund a current value of an event ticket to a user. The ticket is purchased from a ticket issuer and out of a pool of tickets. Information associated with the event ticket is obtained from a physical event ticket provided by a user to a kiosk. Ticket information is provided to at least one of: the ticket issuer, an event coordinator, venue owner, a third party or to the Internet via a query. In response, these sources return information associated with the event for which the event ticket was purchased. Subsequently, the kiosk calculates a current value for the event ticket based on at least one of the ticket information and event information. The current value is refunded to the user of the kiosk and the ticket issuer returns the ticket to the pool of available tickets. | 07-30-2009 |
| 20090198528 | System and method providing market mechanisms for trading in forward contracts on heterogeneous goods - System and method for trading in forward contracts exchangeable for tickets to events. A computerized exchange of the box office provides for trading forward contracts exchangeable for tickets to events. Instructions direct a central processing unit to receive bid and ask requests for forward contracts wherein each bid and ask includes a tickets description, match bid records against ask records using a matching criteria including instructions to match multiple asks or unreleased ticket inventory to satisfy one bid by aggregating tickets descriptions from the multiple asks or unreleased ticket inventory to satisfy the tickets description in a bid record, and upon close of the virtual market in forward contracts, delivering from the issuer to a holder of forward contracts, tickets corresponding to each respective forward contract ticket description. | 08-06-2009 |
| 20090204449 | Assigning and Managing Patron Reservations for Distributed Services Using Wireless Personal Communication Devices - A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204450 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING TIME SLOTS FOR AN APPOINTMENT - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving time slots for an appointment. The system or method transmits information relating to a plurality of available individual time slots for an appointment to an application running on a general purpose computer on the wide area network for display to the end user. The system or method also provides a graphical user interface that includes an interactive map showing information relating to the available time slots for the appointment. Through the interactive seating map the end user can select one or more available time slots. The interactive seating map may provide additional information on the one or more of available individual time slots when triggered by, for example, a mouse placed over one of the available individual time slots. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090204451 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING ROOMS AT A VENUE - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving rooms at a venue. The system or method transmits information relating to a plurality of available individual rooms at a venue to an application running on a general purpose computer on the wide area network for display to the end user. The system or method also provides a graphical user interface that includes an interactive map showing information relating to the available rooms at the venue. Through the interactive seating map the end user can select one or more available rooms. The interactive seating map may provide additional information on the one or more of available individual rooms when triggered by, for example, a mouse placed over one of the available individual rooms. | 08-13-2009 |
| 20090210261 | System and Method for Multi-Modal Travel Shopping - One embodiment provides a method, that may be implemented on a system, for obtaining a starting point and a destination point for a traveler; identifying multiple options of transportation modes to travel from the starting point to the destination point, and identifying a costs and travel time associated respectively with each transportation mode to travel from a departure terminal to an arrival terminal; identifying respectively for each transportation mode, a costs and travel time associated with local transportation from the starting point to a departure terminal, and identifying a costs and travel time associated with local transportation from an arrival terminal to the destination point; presenting to the traveler for selection, the multiple options of transportation modes to travel from the starting point to the destination point, including costs and travel time associated respectively with each option of transportation mode, including local transportation from the starting point to the departure terminal, from the departure terminal to the arrival terminal, and local transportation from the arrival terminal to the destination point; receiving a selection of a transportation mode and reserving the transportation associated with the respective transportation mode. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090210262 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR AUTOMATED TRAVEL - Methods and apparatus for arranging travel according to various aspects of the present invention operate in conjunction with one or more computers. The computer may automatically identify appointment data associated with a scheduling application. The computer automatically researches one or more travel arrangements according to the appointment data. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090210263 | GOLF COURSE TIME MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A system is provided for tracking and visually displaying golf reservations in a computer-implemented environment. The system provides a display with a grid or array of times arranged according to golf hole numbers. A reservation designator, by its location on the grid, identifies a start time and start hole, and includes an identifier to identify one or more golfers corresponding to a reservation. The duration of the game associated with reservation designator is estimated based upon golf course parameters. The reservation designator thus visually indicates a predicted location of the players corresponding to a golf game reservation. Additionally, the system may provide for tracking and sales of green fees and merchandise. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090210264 | Conversation Mode Booking System - A system to book events such as trips are discloses. The system provides a conversation mode that allows a booking to be created within retentive storage in a portable format. In one embodiment, this portable format is a string written in eXtensible Markup Language (XML). This format may be stored to a database using a single database access operation. According to another aspect of the system, a user may ignore selectable portions of the booking as the booking is being created such that an entire booking need not be discarded when it is determined that a single service or informational element included in that booking is no longer needed. | 08-20-2009 |
| 20090216568 | GUARANTEED REVENUE AT ELECTRONIC TICKET ISSUANCE AND MODIFICATION - The invention relates to a method for automatically checking revenue in connection with transportation ticket purchases such as airline tickets. A request for issuance or follow-up processing of the ticket is received at an E-ticket server, said request comprising the fare data of the journey. A real time check is then performed so that a fare check status of at least some of the data of the fare data of the ticket is returned. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216569 | COMMUNICATIONS SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SERVING ELECTRONIC CONTENT - A network system for serving digital content to a graphical user interface of a user device is provided. The system includes a database storing user data including user preferences and events in a calendar of a system user; a processor configured to automatically scan the database to determine an event scheduled for a predetermined window of time; to automatically determine the event is associated with travel by the user and access one or more travel services, and to prepare content conveying a travel package customized to the event of the user; and a server to serve the content for presentation by the graphical user interface. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216570 | TRAVEL RESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method to identify Small and Disadvantaged Business (SDB) travel suppliers and account for the SDB expenditures. SDB suppliers submit their information to the system for inclusion in an SDB database. Initially, the suppliers self-certify their status. Status may be subsequently verified by the system operator or a third party. Certified SDB data is supplied to the Global Distribution System (GDS) and/or travel companies and agents. SDB status is used as a search attribute by travelers and travel managers. Reports may be provided to travelers and travel managers regarding spending with SDB businesses. Reports also may be provided to SDB businesses. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216571 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method is presented for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using hazard functional analyses of sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Exponential, power, and Weibull-gamma models are also used to predict demand, depending on what part of the on-sale is involved. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. Demand can be interpolated or extrapolated to individual seats or rows. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090216572 | Conversation Mode Booking Method - A method to book events such as trips are discloses. The method provides a conversation mode that allows a booking to be created within retentive storage in a portable format. In one embodiment, this portable format is a string written in eXtensible Markup Language (XML). This format may be stored to a database using a single database access operation. According to another aspect of the method, a user may ignore selectable portions of the booking as the booking is being created such that an entire booking need not be discarded when it is determined that a single service or informational element included in that booking is no longer needed. | 08-27-2009 |
| 20090234679 | System and a Method for Managing Tickets Sale for Sporting Events - The proposed solution enables a centralized sale of tickets to tournament final games to customers, while ensuring that fans of the finalists' teams are able to purchase the tickets at the prices of the tickets at the time of registration. The disclosed invention provides a computerized web-based service which serves both the sports fans and the organizations authorized to sell the tickets. The service enables fans to secure the option to purchase tickets to the final games of a tournament and to see their favorite team in action, provided that their team has made it through to the final games. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090234680 | SECURITIZATION OF PRE-PAID CONFERENCE AND REGISTRATION FEES IDEA - A method for the securitization of pre-paid fees for an event is presented. The method includes the steps of registering for at least one event through an interactive medium and a non-interactive medium; providing financial and non-financial information relating to the at least one event; submitting a prepaid fee as a payment to register for the at least one event; processing the payment into at least one cash flow; and utilizing the at least one cash flow to create a special purpose vehicle as collateral to issue and sell at least one bond. A method for securitizing cash flows associated with the payment of airline tickets and a method for offsetting event-related attrition based upon financial and non-financial information are also presented. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090234681 | OPTIMIZED SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FINDING BEST FARES - The present invention provides a method, apparatus and system for processing fare queries to find the best fares. In one embodiment of this invention a query server utilizes a branching and bounding based technique to implicitly enumerate possible solutions to arrive at best fare solutions. | 09-17-2009 |
| 20090240536 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving airline seats. The system or method receives first data representing payment information over the network from a general purpose computer. The system or method also transmits second data to an application running on the general purpose computer, the second data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about one or more of the individual seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. In addition, the system or method receives from the general purpose computer third data representing one or more seats selected by one or more mouse clicks. | 09-24-2009 |
| 20090248456 | NOTIFICATIONS AND REPORTS IN A RESERVATION SYSTEM - Computer-implemented methods and systems can provide notifications and reports over a network about lodging associated with an event. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248457 | System and Method for Providing Travel Schedule of Contacts - One embodiment provides a method, that may be implemented on a system, for providing the travel schedule of traveler's contacts. One embodiment of the method comprises receiving a travel itinerary for a traveler; identifying at least one travel segment option corresponding to the travel itinerary of the traveler; identifying from one or more of the traveler's sets of contacts, one or more contacts that have selected the travel segment option identified for the traveler; and presenting for selection the travel segment option for the traveler, and presenting the one or more contacts that have selected the travel segment option identified for the traveler. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090248458 | Method And System To Enable A User Of A Mobile Communication Device To Use A Flight Pass - A method for enabling a user of a mobile communication device to use a flight pass that is associated with a bank of air travel credit applicable to book flights. The method comprises: transmitting data conveying information regarding the flight pass to be presented to the user via a graphical user interface of the mobile communication device; receiving data conveying a request to book a flight using the flight pass made by the user via the graphical user interface of the mobile communication device; and causing a booking of the flight using the flight pass. A system for implementing the method is also disclosed. | 10-01-2009 |
| 20090254382 | Dynamic Rate Management System for Golf Facilities - A method for dynamically pricing rounds of golf utilizing a price matrix based on customizable parameters, whereby the rates may be structured in a way as to incite golfers to reserve tee times in advance and wherein said price matrix displays to a user simultaneously a plurality of different rates and associated rate amounts that are associated with a selected tee time. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254383 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ALLOCATING RESOURCES USING SPOT MARKET AND DERIVATIVE MARKET TECHNIQUES - A method for controlling access to a system of finite resources with excess demand employs a two stage admission process. Subscribers are first admitted based on an initial bid price and resource availability. The market price is determined by the highest bid price among the rejected arrivals in the current batch. Admitted subscribers are then given the option to secure continued access to the resource by accepting a fee-based reservation. The fee for the reservation is determined in a manner which is fair to the reserving subscriber, as well as all other subscribers, in that the reservation fee is priced to provide access at a cost which prevents arbitraging opportunities. If the current market price exceeds a non-reserved subscriber's bid price, that non-reserved subscriber is displaced. If the current market price exceeds a reserved subscriber's bid price, that reserved subscriber's reservation is activated and access to the resource continues. In the case of a communications system having a finite number of access lines, the reservation fee is based on the bid price from the subscriber and the duration of the requested reservation. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254384 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving airline seats. The system or method receives first data representing payment information over the network from a general purpose computer. The system or method also transmits second data to an application running on the general purpose computer, the second data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about selection of seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. In addition, the system or method receives from the general purpose computer third data representing one or more seats selected by one or more mouse clicks. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090254385 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for displaying airline seats. The system or method transmits data to an application running on a general purpose computer, the data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about one or more of the individual seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. | 10-08-2009 |
| 20090259498 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING SEATS USING A TOUCH SCREEN DEVICE - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving seats using a touch screen device. The system or method transmits first data to an application running on a personal computing device, the first data including information descriptive of available individual seats at the venue, the first data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the personal computing device that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats at the venue. The system or method also receives from the personal computing device second data representing one or more seats selected by a touch screen input. In addition, the system or method receives over the network from the personal computing device third data representing payment information. | 10-15-2009 |
| 20090265194 | UNIVERSAL BUSINESS TO MEDIA RESERVATION SYSTEM, PROCESS AND STANDARD - A computer network based universal reservation system (CNBURS) architecture, process and standard that enable reservations between one or more service providers and one or more customers relating to offers of services by the service providers. In one embodiment, the architecture of the CNBURS includes a scheduling agent system, one or more service offering systems and one or more marketplace systems. The scheduling agent system receives one or more offers of services available for reservation. Each service offering system enables service providers to define the offer(s) of services available for reservation. Each marketplace system receives the offer(s) of services from the scheduling agent system, presents the customers the offer(s) of services, receives reservation requests from the customers, and communicates received reservation requests to the scheduling agent system. The scheduling agent system communicates the offer(s) of services from the service offering system(s) to the marketplace system(s) and processes reservation requests received from the marketplace system(s). | 10-22-2009 |
| 20090271225 | Systems, Methods, and Media for Managing Transfers of Existing Reservations - Generally speaking, systems, methods and media for managing transfers of existing reservations are disclosed. Embodiments may include enrolling business members with the reservation manager and receiving and storing indications of reservations to list for sale. Embodiments may also include receiving from a buying user a request to search reservation listings of reservations listed for sale and generating and transmitting search results, the search results including reservation listings offered for sale that satisfy the received request from the buying user and a price associated with each reservation listing. Embodiments may also include receiving a request from the buying user to purchase a particular reservation from its associated selling user. Embodiments may also include transmitting an indication of the purchase of the particular reservation to a business member associated with the particular reservation to facilitate transfer of the particular reservation by the business member from the selling user to the buying user. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090271226 | CACHE POLLER FOR PROVIDING TRAVEL PLANNING INFORMATION - Systems and techniques for travel planning are described. A travel planning system is queried with travel queries specifying parameters of trips. Answers to the queries are received from the travel planning system, and seat availability of flights in the itinerary information in the answers is predicted. Only those answers for which seats are predicted to be available are stored in a cached database for later use in answering user-specified queries. | 10-29-2009 |
| 20090276250 | PROCESS AND SYSTEM TO DETERMINE COMMERCIAL AIRLINE ARRIVALS - An apparatus, a method, a system and a computer program for providing users with early and accurate information relating to a status of a particular flight. Early and accurate information relating to a status of a particular flight is provided to the user. The method includes receiving user data that includes aircraft departure information, determining inbound aircraft data based on the user data, receiving constraint status information, generating update status data based on the inbound aircraft data, outbound aircraft data and constraint status information, and sending an update status message to the user. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276251 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SELECTING AND RESERVING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for selecting and reserving airline seats. The system or method receives first data representing payment information over the network from a general purpose computer. The system or method also transmits second data to an application running on the general purpose computer, the second data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the second data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about selection of seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. In addition, the system or method receives from the general purpose computer third data representing one or more seats selected by one or more mouse clicks. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090276252 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING AIRLINE SEATS - The present invention relates to a system and method for displaying airline seats. The system or method transmits data to an application running on a general purpose computer, the data including information descriptive of available individual seats on one or more airplanes, the data processed by the application to generate a graphical user interface on the general purpose computer that comprises an interactive seating map representing individual seats on the one or more airplanes, the data processed by the application to generate an additional display of information about one or more of the individual seats in response to a user interaction with the graphical user interface, the interaction being triggered when placing a mouse over a portion of the graphical user interface. | 11-05-2009 |
| 20090281843 | CALENDAR SCHEDULING SYSTEMS - Calendar scheduling systems are described. In one embodiment, a client system receives an input, within a calendar application program, to schedule an event, the input specifying at least one of the event, a representation of a location for the event, or metadata of a physical facility at the location, and the client system transmits the input to a calendar server to determine an availability of at least one physical facility at the location and receives and presents data specifying the availability of at least one physical facility at the location. The client system may further cause an invitation to be sent to attendees of the event. Other systems and other methods are also described. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090281844 | Charter Transport Service Information Management System - A machine-implemented technique for supporting interactions between charter transport service providers and service users. The technique utilizes an information management system to establish a real-time information exchange website that allows transport service users to request transport missions and transport service providers to view the mission requests in a pictorial format that assists the providers in offering mission quotations. | 11-12-2009 |
| 20090292566 | Yield Management of Configurable Restaurants - Program products, apparatuses, and methods that manage a reservation yield in a manner accounting for and utilizing the option to dynamically reconfigure resources are disclosed. Application may lead to a more efficient use of the resources and an increase in revenue. For example, the reservation yield of a restaurant and of hotel or lodging establishments may be managed in a manner that accounts for the potential to reconfigure table layout and room layout, respectively. | 11-26-2009 |
| 20090299777 | Hotel reservation system without check-in - A hotel reservation system comprises hotel rooms having combination locks electronically set so as to be openable by any one of a plurality of combination codes whenever the combination code is inputted. A computer system accessible through a telecommunications network allows remote sign-in and reservation of a hotel room for a check-in date under a guest identity by payment and selection of a combination code specific to the hotel room. The computer system, upon electronic notification of a selection of a combination code, automatically electronically may set or schedule the setting of the combination lock controlling entry to the reserved hotel room. The computer system may be programmed to automatically electronically set the combination lock at a set time on the check-in date. The hotel may maintain digital records of the codes for each room and of instances of entry into the room using the code. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090299778 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING TRAVEL SERVICE LISTINGS - A system and method of providing travel service listings is disclosed. In a particular embodiment, the method includes receiving a request for a particular travel related service and searching a database for at least one travel provider that provides the particular travel related service requested. The method further includes generating a travel service listing via a search of the database wherein the database associating at least one particular travel provider of the requested travel related service and identifying an assigned protocol of the at least one particular travel provider. In addition, the assigned protocol contemporaneously indicating an ability of the at least one particular travel provider to satisfy a plurality of predetermined standards. | 12-03-2009 |
| 20090307018 | Systems and Methods to Present Search Results of Business Listings - Systems and methods are provided to facilitate the presentation of listings according to levels of user interest in the listings. For example, statistics generated from tracking user interactions with the listings and/or other parameters can be used to measure or estimate a level of current user interest in a listing. Listings in search results can be presented in an order according to the levels of current user interest in the listings. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090307019 | Method of Booking Hotel Reservations - The present invention is a method for collecting same day hotel room availability based on unsold rooms or same day cancellations, and creating a database containing this information, wherein said database is then accessed over the internet by a website and searched by hotels, corporations or individuals looking to book a room on the same day. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090307020 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD OF MANAGING AN INVENTORY OF SERVICE RESOURCES - In a method of managing an inventory of service resources, a plurality of criteria characterize service resources. The inventory of service resources is divided, based on the criteria, into plural elements, each comprising an exclusive subset of the service resources sharing common criteria. A plurality of groups is also created. Groups aggregate those of the elements that have at least one common criterion value. Groups and elements are offered for sale by the service provider. Elements belong in general to several groups. Service resources are, e.g., travel service or leisure resources such as airplane seats and hotel rooms. Customers or travel agents book in an element or in a group. The invention allows maximizing inventory availability while bookings are done by customers, on the basis of a specific request (in an element) or a more indefinite request (in a group). A specific inventory item is attributed later, i.e., at check-in. | 12-10-2009 |
| 20090313053 | Guest Relationship Management System - A method for implementing a guest profiling program that utilizes guest profiles, which. are developed and expanded by information gathered from various sources and managed in a central Guest Relationship Management System (GRMS). The GRMS is a web-architected internet application. The primary interface between the GRMS and hotel systems is a connection to each hotel's property management system (PMS). The GRMS extracts data from PMSs. PMS data is updated to the central GRMS for processing. The core application logic includes capabilities to identify reservations with attributes and to match guest reservations extracted from each hotel's PMS with profiled guests. Both automated and user-initiated data manipulation processes utilize the central GRMS profiles and PMS data to generate outputs designed to increase the quality and timeliness of services and to assist marketing efforts. The web-based architecture of GRMS enables consistent data sharing and processing capabilities with a plurality of hotels. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090313054 | Graphical Travel System for the Internet - A graphical user interface for a travel system allows the beginning and end points to be selected, and then displays a line indicating the travel, and calculates fares. | 12-17-2009 |
| 20090319304 | EVENT SCHEDULING METHOD AND SYSTEM - A computer implemented method, apparatus and program product automatically schedule events by generating templates of participant pairings based on scheduling stipulations, preferences or other constraints. The generated templates do not typically include any time or location information, which is later combined with the template to form the schedule. Constraints used to generate the template pairings may include secondary match-ups, or pairings, that do not meet a primary preference of a participant. Other constraints may include weighted time slot designators, repeat pairings, crossover games between different leagues, as well as meeting times. The template feature enables constraints to be satisfied before the parings are associated with times. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090319305 | AUTOMATED SERVICE FEES ASSESSMENT METHODS AND SYSTEM - A computer travel system and methods for assessing travel service fees are described. System of the invention communicates, on one end, with a travel agent from a travel front office and, on the other end, with a system administrator who manages a price scheme database containing unitary fees and rules. Travel agent creates and modifies PNRs (passenger name records) from which service fees are assessed by a fee calculator. Fee calculator interfaces with the price scheme database to obtain unitary fees and rules to apply to get PNR service fees. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090319306 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VENUE ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT - A system and method for managing attendance at a venue such as a fair, theme park, state park, and the like, is generally disclosed. The venue may having a plurality of different attractions managed at least in part by a computerized operational venue management system that interacts with one or more patrons having a mobile communications device (e.g., cell phone, PDA, Blackberry®, and the like). The patron may receive show information, for example, and remotely select options including ticket purchases for a show or attraction. Payment may also be authorized remotely, and an electronic ticket(s) may be provided. Moreover, real-time updates may be sent to the mobile communications device to provide ongoing information about the attractions such as show times, available tickets remaining, time to navigate to an attraction, and so forth. | 12-24-2009 |
| 20090326990 | METHOD FOR MANAGING CUSTOMER-BASED AVAILABILITY FOR A TRANSPORTATION CARRIER - A customer-based availability method for a service provider such as a transportation carrier is disclosed. This method provides programmable logic to allow predetermined request types and service types to be defined. Associations are then formed between request types and service types. When a request is received from a potential customer to book a service, it is automatically determined whether the request is included within one of the request types. If so, it is automatically determined whether that request type is associated with a service type that includes the requested service. If this is the case, the request is allowed to book the service regardless of whether the service is considered to be unavailable, or the sale of the service is otherwise restricted. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326991 | GPS AND WIRELESS INTEGRATED FLEET MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A fleet management system has a chauffeur or driver module and a communication and positioning module associated with each fleet vehicle, and a backend monitoring and control system located at a fleet data center in communication with each vehicle. The system monitors each trip automatically and generates time stamps at the start of a trip, a pick up location, a drop off location, and return of the vehicle to a garage at the end of a trip. Vehicle status information is collected and stored along with timestamps. The information is used to generate billing and payroll accounts, and also in monitoring conditions of fleet vehicles and generating alerts as needed. Turn-by-turn route instructions are provided to drivers by voice output on request. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326992 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-ENABLED VENUE BOOKING - Method and system for network-enabled means to book a venue. Via a network, a bidding sub-system is deployed for providing information related to a venue to a subscriber and receiving a bid from the subscriber to book the venue for a future event. Information related to a received bid is posted via electronic means and provided to a venue representative who represents the venue and desires to receive a bid via the network for booking the venue. Through a venue representative control sub-system, the venue representative is able to select a bid to book the venue for a future event hosted by a subscriber who placed the selected bid via the bidding mechanism. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20090326993 | Time Delimited Multiple Admission Method and System - Systems and methods are disclosed for providing a provision of access to services. A time delimited, multiple use ticket/admissions card is provided that controls admission to services offered by participating service providers. The ticket/admissions card is issued to a ticket holder, and the card is valid for a certain amount of uses, where each use should be completed during a certain period of time. The first use of the card, for example, should be completed within a first time period, and if the first use is not completed during this first time period, then the first use expires; the second use of the card should be completed within a second time period, and if the second use is not completed during this second time period, then the second use expires. In this way, the ticket/admissions card provides a time delimited, multiple use scheme to control allowed admittance to authorized services. | 12-31-2009 |
| 20100004958 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTELLIGENTLY REROUTING STRANDED TRAVELERS - A method is disclosed to intelligently reroute stranded travelers. The method includes receiving in a computer, a message from a customer containing preferences for travel services, including willingness to accept alternative travel services, and storing the preferences in a customer database. The method then includes receiving in the computer, a message from the customer containing a trip plan that includes at least one segment with a desired mode of transportation, a desired departure location, a desired time, and a desired destination, and storing the trip plan in the customer database. The method then includes receiving in the computer, a message from at least one travel service, including available scheduling for the at least one segment, and data for alternative times and modes of transportation, and storing the available scheduling and the data. The method then includes receiving in the computer, a message from the customer agreeing to the available scheduling for the at least one segment. The method then includes receiving in the computer, a message from the at least one travel service, that the agreed to scheduling for the at least one segment has become unavailable. The method then includes accessing the preferences and the data. The method then includes determining acceptable alternative times and modes of transportation from the data and the preferences for the at least one segment. The method then includes automatically scheduling one of the acceptable alternative times and modes of transportation for the at least one segment. And finally, the method includes sending a notification to the customer of the automatically scheduled alternative time and mode of transportation for the at least one segment. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100004959 | Methods and system for reserving services from service providers - A method of connecting at least one first user with at least one second user is provided. The method includes connecting at least one consumer and at least one service provider to a web portal, wherein the at least one consumer is seeking a service and the at least one service provider provides the service; establishing a direct communication connection between the at least one consumer and the at least one service provider using the web portal to facilitate providing a platform to conduct business transactions such that the direct communication connection is substantially private, wherein the direct communication connection is relayed through the web portal; and transacting business between the at least one consumer and the at least one service provider using the web portal such that the at least one service provider sells the service to the at least one consumer directly. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100004960 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT OF DEVICES FOR OPERATING AN ELECTRONIC PARCEL POSTBOX - There is provided a system and method for operating at least one electronic parcel compartment facility. The parcel compartment facility comprises several compartments in a number amounting to F, with which mailpieces of at least two user groups A and B having different access rights can be deposited into the compartments of the parcel compartment facility, whereby the parcel compartment facility is in communication with a central data processing unit. The occupation status of the compartments of the parcel compartment facility is transmitted to the data processing unit so that the number Y of different sizes of free compartments of the parcel compartment facility is stored in a memory of the data processing unit. The central data processing unit is also in communication with at least one mail distribution center where destination information about the mailpieces is acquired, whereby the destination information is associated with the parcel compartment facility. An exemplary method comprises specifying a period of time Z between a starting point in time and an ending point in time and storing the period of time Z in a data processing unit of the mail distribution center. The exemplary method also comprises acquiring destination information and sizes of the mailpieces in the mail distribution center using a data acquisition device. The exemplary method additionally comprises determining the X number of mailpieces whose destination information acquired during the period of time Z matches the destination information of the parcel compartment facility by the data processing unit of the mail distribution center and transmitting the number X by the data processing unit of the mail distribution center to the central data processing unit. The exemplary method further comprises comparing the number X to the number Y of free compartments and assigning X free compartments of the parcel compartment facility to a first user group A by the central data processing unit if Y≧X. The exemplary method also comprises transmitting a control command for the reservation of the X free compartments of the parcel compartment facility assigned to the first user group A by the data processing unit to a control unit of the parcel compartment facility, and subtracting the number X of reserved compartments from the number Y of free compartments for purposes of determining the number V of available compartments remaining in the parcel compartment facility. The exemplary method additionally comprises assigning at least some of the remaining available compartments V to a second user group B, if V>1 and transmitting a control command for a reservation of the compartments assigned to the second user group B from the data processing unit to the control unit of the parcel compartment facility. The exemplary method further comprises acquiring user identifications and/or mailing information through a user interface at the parcel compartment facility and associating a user and/or a mailpiece with the user groups A or B on the basis of the acquired user information and/or mailing information. The exemplary method also comprises controlling access to free compartments of the parcel compartment facility on the basis of the reservations made for the two user groups A and B and determining a point in time P by the control unit of the parcel compartment facility. The exemplary method additionally comprises canceling the reservations of compartments for the user groups A and B after the point in time P and releasing access to free compartments of the parcel compartment facility to all user groups. | 01-07-2010 |
| 20100010839 | ONE-WAY LIKE DISPLAY OF ROUNDTRIP FARES - A method of evaluating outbound and inbound fare amounts out of a plurality of roundtrip fare recommendations is disclosed. Intended to be displayed in a one-way like display, roundtrip fares are first obtained from a fare-driven availability engine receiving inputs from an online user of a travel website. Further recommendations are deduced by combining the above roundtrip fare recommendations in order to obtain a first improved list of recommendations which comprises more outbound and inbound fare combinations. Then, one-way fare amounts are determined for each combination from the first improved list of recommendations. A second improved list of recommendations, comprising outbound and inbound fare amounts evaluated on the basis of the initial roundtrip fare recommendations, is generated. Outbound and inbound fare amounts can thus be shown in a one-way like display of roundtrip fares to the online user of the travel website. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100010840 | METHOD FOR SELECTING A SPATIAL ALLOCATION - A method of displaying a selected spatial allocation is provided. The method includes but is not limited to associating spatial allocation characteristic data stored in a database with corresponding spatial location data representing a location of a spatial allocation on the map. The method also includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the spatial allocation from the map, displaying the corresponding spatial allocation characteristic data from the database, along with the selected spatial allocation on the map, on a display. Additionally, the method includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the corresponding spatial allocation from the database, displaying the map, along with the selected spatial allocation in the map, on the display. | 01-14-2010 |
| 20100017237 | TRAVEL-RELATED METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES - A method for sharing travel-related information over a network includes enabling a user access travel-related information on a data storage device. The data is generated and transmitted by a system hosted any of several different social networking platforms. The method includes retrieving the travel-related data for multiple users over the network and displaying different maps which visually indicate the data. A method for displaying travel options includes displaying a map, enabling a user to designate travel criteria, enabling the user to change the criteria, and updating a visual representation of the search results concurrently with the user's criteria change. A method for searching reviews includes filtering reviews based on a degree of correspondence between a searcher and the personality profiles of the different reviewers. | 01-21-2010 |
| 20100023357 | Conditional Purchase Offer Management System - A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers. | 01-28-2010 |
| 20100030589 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING RATING DATA TAGGED TO EXPENSE REPORT ITEMS - A system and method of processing rating data tagged to expense report items that generates an expense report form including at least one line item expense record to be filled out by a user, the at least one line item expense record including at least one tagged expense information field. Input is received from the user and is entering into corresponding expense fields of the at least one line item expense record. The entered input is stored with the at least one line item expense record, and is later processed with a plurality of line item expense records to generate and output one of report data and at least a portion of a travel itinerary based on a plurality of stored tagged expense information. The tagged expense information fields includes one of a transportation information field and a specific business information field, a rating field, a free form comment field, and a rater identification field. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030590 | CENTRALIZED MULTI-PROPERTY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A multi-location management system for hospitality locations includes a multi-unit building connected to a remote control center as an outsourced operation geographically relatively removed from the multi-unit buildings. The center controls several multi-unit buildings for security, occupancy data, vacancy data, and reservation data. There is control of the status of individual units concerning whether access doors to respective units and common areas are open or closed. A centralized guest registration function, guest registration process for any one of a plurality of hotels, and a centralized guest check-in/check-out function are processed at the remote control center. A personal identification number (PIN) is usable for multiple lodging establishments. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030591 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR RECOMMENDING SIMPLIFIED FARES WITH CONSISTENT BUYACROSS - A system and method of retrieving and displaying travel data receives at a computing apparatus data representing a set of recommended travel itineraries. At least one recommended itinerary has a recommended booking class belonging to a predefined group of booking classes. A computing apparatus identifies a reference booking classes that is associated with the recommended booking class. The apparatus computes a fare value for the recommended itinerary based on a fare value of the associated booking class in the reference group plus a buy-across value. The predefined group may have fewer booking classes than the reference group, and most preferably has a single booking class. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030592 | TRANSMITTING INFORMATION FROM A MOBILE DEVICE TO A POINT OF SALE OR POINT OF USE - A mobile device includes a light source and a light source controller. Data to be transmitted to a point of sale or point of use is obtained by the mobile device, and the light source controller controls the light emitted by the light source to emit light in a blinking pattern that simulates light that would be reflected to a laser scanner when a laser scanner is reading a barcode corresponding to the data to be transmitted. The light, emitted in the blinking pattern, is detected by a laser scanner which then decodes the data represented by the blinking pattern to obtain the data transmitted from the mobile device. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100030593 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ONLINE TRAVEL-RELATED SERVICES COUPLED WITH TARGETED ADVERTISING - A system and method for providing online services for air travelers coupled with providing targeted advertising for online advertisers. More particularly, the invention allows air travelers to select online their seats, seatmates, or both, while at the same time allowing advertisers to target these travelers based on any combination of user attributes made available from their flight information and personal profiles. | 02-04-2010 |
| 20100036687 | MOBILE TRANSPORT SELECTION AND ACQUISITION - A method, system, and computer program product for improving transportation selection and acquisition. A computer transmits historical fare and rating data of one or more public transportation vehicles (PTVs) within range of a user operating a mobile telecommunication device (MTD). The user may, via the MTD, select a PTV based on the provided historical fare or ratings data. Alternatively, the user may select a PTV based on personal preferences. In response to receiving a PTV selection from the MTD, the computer issues instructions to cause the selected PTV to be dispatched to the user's location. The computer may also receive user feedback for the selected PTV from the user in the form of a rating or as a textual comment. Customer feedback and may be used to update historical record information of a corresponding database entry for the selected PTV. This information may then be referenced by future customers. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100036688 | System and method for boarding passangers based on bids - Systems and methods for boarding passengers on flights or other transportation according to bids received from the passengers are provided. Passengers seeking to fly standby on an undersold flight can submit a bid representing the amount the passengers are willing to pay to board the flight. The airline can determine the number of seats available on the flight, and board the highest bidding passengers until the flight is full. Similarly, passengers willing to be bumped from an oversold flight can submit a bid representing the incentive the passengers are willing to accept to be bumped from the flight. The airline can determine the number of passengers that must be bumped from the flight, and bump the lowest bidding passengers (i.e., those willing to accept the least costly incentive) until a sufficient number of passengers have been bumped from the flight. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100036689 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AIRLINE SEAT RESERVATIONS - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 02-11-2010 |
| 20100049556 | INTERNET MEDIATED BOOKING AND DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - The invention relates to a system for providing and pricing travel product inventory contained in external databases not under the control of the operator and additionally comprises ghost databases which are a mirror of the external databases. The system further comprises an information manager adapted to receive search criteria from a user and to apply pricing rules to the search results which determine the final display price quoted to the user. The information manager thereafter filters the priced search results by a productmaster UID to group the same actual travel product inventory as supplied by different suppliers, into a single search result, and then provides the grouped results to the user connected to the system via the communications module. | 02-25-2010 |
| 20100057501 | IN-ROOM GUEST INTERACTIVE SYSTEM - The present invention provides a compelling new guest facing interactive system. Screens displaying a virtual desktop application that sits in rooms allowing guests to interactively browse and book services at leisure. The system carries rich content including video. It can be configured to provide traditional room services and also excursions and activities provided by external providers. It can also be integrated with mobile phone. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057502 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EMERGENCY TRACKING - An emergency tracking system and method is disclosed that determines location information of individuals based upon travel information and financial transaction information, receives crisis information related to a crisis and determines a subset of individuals potentially impacted by the crisis based on the location information. The system may also notify a third party regarding the subset of individuals and send message to the subset of individuals, wherein the message includes alternative arrangements to at least one of minimize or avoid the crisis. The system also allows an employer to enter search criteria to locate certain types of employees and view such employees on a graphical display of a map. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100057503 | SECURE SYSTEM AND METHOD TO PAY FOR A SERVICE PROVIDED AT A RESERVATION - A method and system for allowing the setting of reservations and the pre-authorization of credit to purchase a desired service for which a reservation is made. A customer accesses a reservation system that is integrated with a credit authorization system. The customer may make a reservation and substantially simultaneously become pre-authorized to pay for services to be provided at the reservation by one of any number of credit providers. Pre-authorized credit and reservation information is then supplied to the service provider in advance of services being provided, expediting the overall transaction time and allowing for a secure and cardless transaction procedure. The reservation and preauthorization information are typically stored upon the reservation system and then passed to the point-of-sale systems, but other types of input/output storage devices could be used to perform this function. | 03-04-2010 |
| 20100063854 | System and method for providing location-based data on a wireless portable device - There is provided a wireless portable device for providing location-based data to a user in a defined geographical area including a plurality of points of interest, the wireless portable device comprising a wireless transmitter, a wireless receiver, and a display. The wireless transmitter can transmit location information to a wireless server over a wireless network. The wireless receiver can receive location-based data relating to a point of interest from the wireless server periodically and automatically, based on the location of the wireless portable device. By optimizing map routes and schedules using the location-based data and user preferences including wish lists, the wireless portable device can provide helpful recommendations via the display, enabling the user to plan an efficient schedule of activities in the defined geographical area optimized by walking distance, queue wait times, booking and arriving at reserved events, and/or by other user preferences. | 03-11-2010 |
| 20100070312 | Universal Ticketing and Payment System - A remotely-accessible computer system allows a purchase to establish an account and then purchase admission to live events or venues. The system provides the purchaser with a pass containing data identifying the account established for the purchaser which account contains information about purchased admissions. The pass can be used to gain access multiple events. The purchaser presents the pass at the entrance to the event and a reader reads the identification data and forwards it to the system. The system checks that the purchaser has purchased entry to the particular event and provides a signal to the event indicating whether admission to the event should be allowed or refused. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100070313 | Ticket Distribution System - A system is provided for facilitating the distribution of unused theater tickets. The system includes a central distribution processor to which theater patrons are provided access for determining the availability of theater tickets and purchasing available theater tickets at a discounted rate. The system further includes a plurality of remote ticket offices of distinct theaters linked to the central distribution processor, the remote ticket offices including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant ticket information to the central distribution processor. The interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote ticket offices selectively enter available theater ticket information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by theater patrons. | 03-18-2010 |
| 20100076795 | OFFERING ACQUIRED AIR TRANSPORT RIGHTS AND SHARING RESULTING REVENUES - A private air charter transport sharing platform facilitates an original booking party entering into a transportation agreement with an air charter operator, wherein the original booking party receives rights to air transport covered by the agreement. The original booking party offers a portion of the received rights to potential incremental passengers for a passenger fee. As a result of acceptance of the offering the passenger fee is shared among the air charter operator and the original booking party. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100076796 | System and Method for Baggage Issue - A baggage issuing facility for issuing baggage items to passengers is provided in this case. The baggage issuing facility is e.g. a baggage conveyor belt at an airport. There, provision is made for a locating facility which locates baggage items with reference to a tag that is attached thereto, and passengers with reference to at least one of the identification features assigned to the passenger concerned. The locating facility controls the baggage issuing facility in order to deliver the located baggage item to the associated located passenger. The baggage issuing system offers greater convenience for passengers, since it avoids long waiting times and crowds of people at a baggage conveyor belt. Moreover, it is also possible to make the baggage issue more flexible. In particular, the baggage issuing system is suitable for baggage issue at destination airports and for baggage storage at railway stations. | 03-25-2010 |
| 20100082374 | EVENT TICKET PURCHASING - A method may include aggregating information regarding events, where for each event the aggregated information includes an event name, an event time, and an event venue. The method may further include receiving a request for a list of events or a list of venues from a user device and obtaining, from the user device, a profile of a user of the user device. The method may further include generating, based on the profile and the aggregated information regarding events, the generated list of events or the list of venues and sending, to the user device, the list of events or the list of venues. | 04-01-2010 |
| 20100088126 | REAL TIME DATA DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A computer system configured to provide real time data collection and distribution is described herein. The computer system optionally includes a web proxy system, including a load balancer, and a cache cluster. An interface is configured to receive a user search query. a data store is configured to store information related to resource requests for dynamically valued resources received from remote terminals, including a resource selection, a resource quantity, and a resource value indication. The system is configured to determine and automatically transmit to a remote computer system in substantially real a communication that includes information related to how many resource requests have been received, a resource request rate, which resources have been requested; resource value indications, and after the transmission of the communication, receive and store in computer readable memory an indication as to which distribution channels additional resources are to be allocated. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100088127 | System and Method for Processing Vehicle Transactions - A method and system for processing a transaction request prior to a vehicle arriving at a service station is provided. Upon entering a wireless service area of a back office system associated with a service station, a driver and/or truck may request certain transactions. The back office system may communicate with a carrier information system associated with the driver and/or truck to validate and authorize the transaction. If the transaction is authorized, the back office system may send authorization to the service station. Once the driver and/or truck arrives at the point of sale, they may proceed directly to performing the requested transaction. A receipt may be automatically generated at the point of sale and transmitted to the carrier information system through the back office. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100088128 | Ticket scarcity management for interactive events - Ticket scarcity management system adjusts event promotion and ticketed sales methodologies to maintain optimal sales conditions for an interactive event. | 04-08-2010 |
| 20100094668 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MAKING A RESERVATION ASSOCIATED WITH A CALENDAR APPOINTMENT - According to one embodiment of the invention, a method for making a reservation associated with a calendar appointment is presented. The method includes monitoring a calendar application for reservation type appointments. In response to identifying a reservation type appointment, the method determines whether a network reservation may be made with a service provider associated with the reservation type appointment. If a network reservation may be made with the service provider, the method automatically enters in information for making the network reservation with data retrieved from the reservation type appointment and submitting the network reservation to the service provider. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100094669 | Conditional Purchase Offer Management System - A conditional purchase offer (CPO) management system is disclosed for receiving CPOs from one or more customers, such as airline passengers, and for evaluating the received CPOs against a number of CPO rules defined by a plurality of sellers, such as airlines, to determine whether any seller is willing to accept a given CPO. A CPO is a binding offer containing one or more conditions submitted by a customer for purchase of an item, such as airline travel, at a customer-defined price. A CPO rule is a set of restrictions defined by a given seller, such as an airline, to define a combination of restrictions for which the seller is willing to accept a predefined price. The CPO rules may be securely stored by one or more servers. The CPO management system permits a seller to correct for forecasting errors, if necessary, or other competitive forces which have produced excess capacity, by providing inventory for sale to CPO customers. | 04-15-2010 |
| 20100106534 | CERTIFICATION AND RISK-MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR A RENTAL AGREEMENT - A certification and risk-management system and method for a rental agreement. The present invention provides a mechanism for determining that an individual who would normally be deemed a high-risk for a rental agreement (e.g., vehicle rental) is not a high-risk, guaranteeing such individual, and thereby enabling the individual to participate in the rental agreement more readily. By screening an individual via a multitude of criteria, a guarantee provider can certify to a rental agency that a customer is an acceptable risk for the rental agreement, and in the event the rental agency incurs a cost (e.g., related to the individual's use of a vehicle), the guarantee provider can guarantee that the rental agency will be reimbursed for the cost. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100106535 | BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR A TRANSPORT VEHICLE - A system, process, computer program and a data storage medium with a computer program for handling baggage for a transport vehicle, the baggage container having a predetermined size and shape. Also disclosed is a container for one or more travel items on a transport vehicle, including a hollow receptacle having an aperture through which travel items can be received and stored in the container and a locking device for inhibiting removal of the travel items from the container, the container being of a predetermined size and shape. Also disclosed is an access port for a container including a container engaging member and an access member, wherein the access member inhibits access to the contents of the container through an aperture in the container engaging member. | 04-29-2010 |
| 20100114613 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING AN EVENT - The present invention relates to a method, a system and a physical computer readable medium for distributing payment to a host of an event and a second entity by receiving payment confirmations indicating payment amounts from guests for the event. The payment amounts for all received confirmations are aggregated. Using the aggregated payment amounts, a first payment total and a second payment total are calculated and distributed to the host of the event and a second entity, respectively. The present invention further relates to a method for managing an event. The method involves registering a host, registering an event, and registering guests for the event. In response to receiving notification from at least one guest, status information for the event is provided to the host. The status information includes: the event, the guests, and at least some information based on the received notification. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114614 | Controlling Registration for a Social Event - A system and method for controlling registration for a social event comprising: receiving a request, at a server on a network, from a prospective attendee to register for the social event; determining based upon at least one attribute of the prospective attendee if the number of already registered prospective attendees plus the prospective attendee exceeds a predetermined limit for the at least one attribute, and if so cancelling the prospective attendee's registration; otherwise, determining whether the difference between the number of already registered prospective attendees plus the prospective attendee having the at least one attribute and the number of already registered prospective attendees having at least one other attribute exceeds a predetermined difference limit, wherein: if the difference is less than or equal to the predetermined difference limit, registering the prospective attendee to attend the social event; otherwise, suspending the prospective attendee's registration; notifying the prospective attendee of registration status. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114615 | OPTIMIZED INVENTORY SELECTION - Systems and methods for electronically ranking records of inventory items are provided. Inventory items satisfying search criteria are electronically identified and ranked according to an inventory score calculated from a function comprising inventory attribute values of the inventory items and weighting values corresponding to the inventory attributes. The scored inventory may be further displayed to a user, such as a user that electronically submits the search criteria. The attribute values may include inventory item characteristics perceptible to users of the inventory items. The weighting values may be generated from a discrete choice model employing a conditional logit function fit to training data. The inventory score function may further include a long term function that numerically represents inventory items characteristic that are not perceptible to users of the inventory items. The disclosed embodiments may be applied to inventory including, but not limited to, travel inventory, such as hotels. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100114616 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING A FLEET OF MOTOR VEHICLES ACCESSIBLE VIA A STORAGE KEY AND METHOD FOR MANAGING THE CORRESPONDING FLEET - A system for managing a fleet of motor vehicles, including a central platform that can store data for the management of the fleet and an interface located remotely from the vehicle, enabling communication between a driver and the central platform. Each vehicle of the fleet can be accessed via a storage key that can store data relating to the identification and operation of the vehicle, as well as data relating to the fleet management contract, and which can be used to manage engine start-up/engine immobilization and locking/unlocking functions of the vehicle. Each key can be activated and released by the central platform at the user's request via the remote interface that can communicate with the central platform. | 05-06-2010 |
| 20100121660 | Architecture and system for displaying schedule and route information - An architecture and system generating interactive web-based flight schedule displays is disclosed. In accordance with the embodiments of the invention the interactive web-based flight schedule graphically displays flight schedules using modules that include flight bars positioned along a time-line grid to graphically represent a duration time, a departure time and arrival time of a corresponding scheduled flight. The modules also may include functionalized end points on the flight bars that designate a departure location and an arrival location of the corresponding flight and one or more stop boxes where necessary to indicate a stop-over. The interactive web-based flight schedule displays include any number to function links and controls that allow a viewer to obtain detailed flight information and/or organize flights according to a selectable criteria before purchasing a flight. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121661 | CHARTERED FLIGHT SWAPPING BUSINESS MODEL - The present invention relates to a passenger swapping reservation system and method using a chartered transportation means, and more particularly, to a passenger swapping reservation system and method using a chartered transportation means, wherein a chartered transportation means can be inexpensively and conveniently reserved on-line to meet international flight and/or travel demands without using scheduled routes, such as previously opened flight routes, of traveler transportation means. A passenger swapping reservation system and method using a chartered transportation means of the present invention is a passenger swapping reservation system and method including at least one reservation server connected to a plurality of clients through an on-line network. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100121662 | System and Method of Booking Transportation - A system and method for booking transportation that enables passengers to equally share the cost of the transportation by consolidating their itineraries. Passengers select or create a flight listing that defines the requested air travel, where others can view and join the flight listing. Upon the occurrence of an event, all joined passengers are notified of the cost of traveling the flight listing and given the opportunity to accept or reject the flight listing. If one or more passengers reject the flight listing, the cost per passenger is recalculated and passengers are notified again until all passengers accept or reject the flight listing. The cost for each individual passenger is the total cost of traveling the flight listing divided by the total number of joined passengers. | 05-13-2010 |
| 20100125467 | SYSTEM AND A METHOD FOR COMMUNICATION BETWEEN A TRAVEL PLANNING APPLICATION AND A HOTEL BOOKING PROVIDER - Described herein is a system and a method for communication between a travel planning application and a hotel booking provider, using standard interfaces compliant with OpenTravel Alliance (OTA) specification for electronic exchange of business information among all sectors of the travel industry. The standard interfaces allow the integration of hotel booking providers supporting different booking processes. The interfaces are implemented in an exchange infrastructure (XI), which is a part of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. The communication between the travel planning application and the hotel booking providers is accomplished by extensible markup language (XML) messages exchanged over simple object access protocol (SOAP). | 05-20-2010 |
| 20100138246 | Event management system - An event management system is disclosed. The event management system includes a memory, a computer display, an event creation component, a conversion mapping component that maps passenger data from a user format into an application specific format; a group scheduling component that categorizes passengers into groups, a passenger management component, a vehicle management component, a staff management component, a versioning component, an invoicing component, and a data visualization component. Also disclosed is a computerized method for event planning. | 06-03-2010 |
| 20100145739 | Proxy-Based Reservation Scheduling System - A system is disclosed that features a transport vehicle that carries responsive objects in which the objects are equipped to provide state information about their states when queried. The transport vehicle is outfitted with a proxy that represents the responsive objects. The proxy is configured such that it is better able than the responsive objects to receive state query signals from a querying device. The vehicle is also outfitted with I) sensors that detect the responsive objects and ii) sensors that detect state information of the vehicle, in which both sets of sensors provide information to the proxy. The object sensors are able to detect the state of each responsive object or query the object about its state in the same way as the querying device would query those objects in the prior art. The proxy then responds to the query on behalf of the responsive objects. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145740 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISPLAYING INTERLINING TRAVEL RECOMMENDATIONS - A method for sorting and displaying airline travel recommendations adapted to the display of interlining travel solutions is described. The method is characterized in that it first comprises computing expected airline revenue for each segment operated by a travel carrier involved in the travel recommendation. Then, a weight based on expected airline revenue is determined. This allows sorting the travel recommendations by decreasing order of weights. The interlining travel solutions are displayed accordingly. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145741 | Event management system with grouping feature - A system for organizing ground transportation of airline passengers arriving for an event is disclosed. The event management system includes a memory, a computer display; a data entry component that receives passenger data including names of passengers and flight information and stores the passenger data in an application specific format; and a group scheduling component that allows a user to set parameters including VIP status, time windows, vehicle types, and number of passengers allocated for vehicle type, and provides passenger groupings based on flight information and on user-set parameters. Also disclosed is a computerized method for organizing ground transportation of airline passengers arriving for an event. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145742 | Event management system with manifest synchronizing feature - A system for organizing flight information for passengers attending an event is disclosed. The system includes a memory, a computer display, a synchronization component that maps passenger information from a user format into an application specific format and stores mapped passenger information, and a flight validation component that validates flight information in stored passenger information. The synchronization component scans passenger information in a user format, identifies headers specifying required information, and assign headers to required information that does not have a header. Also disclosed is a computerized method for organizing flight information for passengers attending an event. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145743 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL CURRENCY PURCHASING AND TRACKING - There is a system for carbon offsetting a travel product comprising a system provider server configured to provide one or more user screens to one or more computing devices used by a user of the travel product, a travel provider of the travel product or a carbon offset sponsor of the travel product, allow selection of a travel product by one or more of the computing devices through interaction with one or more user screens of the system provider server, arrive at the environmental currency required by the travel product, receive, from one or more of the computing devices, environmental currency, or value used to purchase environmental currency for the travel product, and add the received or purchased environmental currency to a total of received environmental currency for the travel product. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100145744 | Time-Of-Transaction Foreign Currency Conversion - Providing a time-of-transaction currency conversion from a merchant's local currency to a cardholder's credit card currency uses a conversion rate developed by reference to the particular merchant, acquirer, card association and issuer. After a merchant has generated an authorization request in the merchant's currency for a transaction by a cardholder in a different currency, the transaction amount in the authorization is converted from the merchant's currency to the currency of the cardholder's issuing currency, and optionally modified to include additional fees. The converted authorization request is then transmitted to the appropriate card association and then to the issuing bank for authorization, with a response returned to the merchant. The cardholder sees and approves the transaction in the cardholder's currency, and in an amount identical to the amount for which he will be billed. | 06-10-2010 |
| 20100153142 | GROUP DECISION MAKING FOR TICKET PURCHASES - Disclosed is a group decision-making process. One user (the “control”) is selected to propose a possibility (e.g., a group seating arrangement) to other members of the group. The other members access on-line information to review the proposal and then send their feedback to the control. The proposal is altered as necessary based on the feedback and on any exigencies (e.g., one of the seats in the proposal becomes unavailable to the group). When consensus is reached within the group, the control launches an interaction with the vendor to implement the consensus decision. In this way, every group member has the opportunity to affect the decision based on whatever information, constraints, or preferences seem relevant to that group member. Also, the proposal is always kept up-to-date so that the final decision is not based on “stale” information. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100153143 | AVAILABILITY PROCESSING IN A TRAVEL PLANNING SYSTEM - A travel planning system that implements seat availability determinations is described. The planning system includes a scheduling process for determining a set of instances of transportation that satisfy a user query and a faring process that determines fares valid for at least some of the instances in the set of instances of transportation. The travel planning system also includes an availability process that uses results from a single source of seat availability for a mode of transportation to determine a set of available instances of transportation and determines whether the results from the single source are reliable. | 06-17-2010 |
| 20100169130 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PRIORITIZING AND PROCESSING UPDATED INVENTORY INFORMATION FOR EVENT LISTINGS - A system and methods for prioritizing and processing updated inventory information for event listings are described. In one embodiment, a network-based system may receive updated ticket information from a seller for multiple event listings, categorize the updated ticket information from the seller by event, prioritize event categories comprising updated ticket information in accordance with a prioritization policy, and process a prioritized event category comprising updated ticket information for a particular event listing out-of-order with respect to one or more other event categories comprising previously-received updated ticket information for other event listings. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100169131 | System and Method For Providing Customized Travel Guides and Itineraries Over a Distributed Network - A system and method are disclosed for providing a customized travel guide and customized travel itinerary, combining segments from multiple travel service providers. The system programmatically creates itineraries, checking for time constraints and interferences. Travelers prioritize activities allowing for a traveler to instruct the service to expand or shrink the trip time to include all activities of highest priority, or vice versa. In addition, the service can make recommendations for activities and scheduling based upon the traveler's profile, other traveler's ratings and recommendations, and similar user profiles. Output can be used in an offline mode, or, upon connecting to the online service, take advantage of automatic alarms and updates should the planned activities data change. With the addition of a GPS locating device, or through tracking the dates of travel, the system is able to present the traveler with only the data most relevant to their location while traveling. | 07-01-2010 |
| 20100174567 | MOBILITY ASSISTANCE SYSTEM - Apparatus ( | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100174568 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR VALIDATING OPEN BASIS RESRVATION AT LODGING - A method of doing business, and related system, for a pre-reservation on an open basis, namely for a guaranteed room on a future unspecified date or future unspecified dates at lodging, which belongs to a group of pre-selected lodgings in a designated geographic area, where the open basis reservation can be converted to a guaranteed room on a specified date or dates. The method and system are useful in one or both of a disaster/emergency or absence of a disaster/emergency. | 07-08-2010 |
| 20100185470 | AUTOMATED RESERSVATION SYSTEM WITH TRANSFER OF USER-PREFERENCES FROM HOME TO GUEST ACCOMODATIONS - When a user reserves guest accommodations the user programmable settings of the appliances of the user's home network are transferred to the appliances of the guest accommodations. The settings can be stored in a file on the user's computer system or on an accessible external system such as the internet. Alternatively, or in addition, when the user makes a reservation, the home network can query appliances connected to the home network to determine the user programmable settings of such appliances. | 07-22-2010 |
| 20100191549 | ICAFE PRE-ORDERING - Technology for pre-ordering (e.g., pre-fetching content) at a shared computing premise is described. The technology can enable a user to locate and reserve an available seat at a shared computing premise (e.g., an iCafé). A service can transmit to the user a list of nearby iCafés or available seats that is ranked or ordered based on various criteria. The selected iCafé may pre-fetch content. The iCafé may also provide the pre-fetched content on removable media so that the user does not need to view all the pre-fetched content only at the iCafé. The iCafé may provide a search and/or document notification service and perform searches, download documents, and check for changes to specified documents even when the user is not logged on or using a computer at the iCafé. After the documents are retrieved and stored, the iCafé may send a notification to the user. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191550 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF HANDLING TRAVEL PRODUCTS ONLINE - Systems and methods for searching and distributing online travel products are disclosed. One such method, performed by a travel distributor, includes receiving a search request from a customer describing a travel product of interest to the customer. The method further includes submitting the search request to each of a plurality of travel product providers. Each of the travel product providers have an agreement specifying a revenue split for each travel product offered by the provider to the distributor. The method further includes receiving a search result. The received search result includes at least a portion of the plurality of travel products as a result of the search request. The method further includes selecting one of products in the search result as a best choice for the customer, and selling the selected travel product online to the customer. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191551 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING HOTEL SERVICES USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - This is directed to systems and methods for integrating hotel services in a single application available to a portable electronic device. Using the single application, a user can access and control hotel services before arriving at the hotel, upon arriving at the hotel, in the hotel room, in the local vicinity, and after leaving the hotel. Such services can include, for example, checking-in and checking out, purchasing in-room dining or in-room entertainment, making reservations at local restaurants or local attractions, scheduling hotel guest reminders, and controlling room setting either within the room or outside of the room. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191552 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE TO FACILITATE PROPAGATION OF CURRENT APPOINTMENT AVAILABILITY IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - This disclosure generally relates to networked computing environments, and particularly to propagating current appointment availability of service providers to potential or existing clients of the service providers in a network environment. In some cases, currently available appointment availability of one or more service providers are provided in a manner that includes computer executable instructions that allow potential or existing clients to book one or more of the propagated appointments that are currently available. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100191553 | System and Method for GDS Cryptic Code Interaction with Various Travel Content Sources - Interaction with various travel content sources is supported using any one of various known GDS cryptic code formats. Travel booking requests made in a selected GDS cryptic format are converted for communication with, e.g., a GDS content source, a direct connect content source, and/or a web-based content source and travel booking responses from such travel content sources is converted into a display format of the selected GDS. In this way, users familiar with one GDS cryptic format can continue to use that GDS cryptic format for interaction with GDS content sources of the same or different format, with direct connect content sources in their expected format, and with web-based content sources in their expected format. | 07-29-2010 |
| 20100198625 | METHOD OF DELIVERING AT LEAST ONE PHARMACEUTICAL TO A CLIENT - A method of delivering at least one pharmaceutical to a client, the method comprising the steps of providing a travel itinerary of the client to an order management system, the itinerary including at least one destination; providing a prescription for the at least one pharmaceutical to the order management system; the order management system matching the travel itinerary and the prescription together and then issuing at least one order to at least one pharmaceutical supplier for delivery of the pharmaceutical to the destination before the arrival of the client for collection by the client. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198626 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ACCESSING SHOPPING CENTER SERVICES USING A PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE - This is directed to systems and methods for enhancing a user's experience at a shopping center. In some embodiments, an integrated application available on an electronic device can provide information for promotional and available sales of goods and services, allow a user to browse and search through available content providers of the shopping center, such as parking, restaurants, and clothing stores, to purchase content based on the personal needs of a user. In some embodiments, an application available on an electronic device can check for the availability of particular items and show ratings or reviews for stores carrying the items. In some embodiments, In particular, the integrated application can provide a “heat map” to indicate popular areas of or items in a mall. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100198627 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IMPLEMENTING BIBLE BASED TRAVEL - A system, method and device is provided for enabling Biblical based travel planning, comprising a web portal engine, a Biblical travel server, a Biblical database, a travel database, and a communications network, wherein the Biblical database includes data relating to Biblical sources. | 08-05-2010 |
| 20100205017 | Automated Transportation Call-Taking System - An automated, scalable call-taking system integrates with existing telephony infrastructures and enables, through use of speech recognition, DTMF detection, text-to-speech (TTS), and other related software or hardware, the inputting, access, and retrieval of information to and from multiple back-end dispatch and booking systems without the need for a human operator. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100205018 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING INVENTORY - A system and method for managing inventory data are provided. A travel server obtains inventory data from one or more inventory suppliers and stores the inventory data as SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records. The travel server utilizes the SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records. The travel server utilizes the SKU group, SKU and SKU inventory records to process user requests for available inventory and supplier inventory action requests. | 08-12-2010 |
| 20100211418 | BAGGAGE TAGGING SYSTEM AND METHOD HAVING DATA FROM MULTIPLE SOURCES - 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. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100211419 | Systems and Methods to Present Travel Options - Systems and methods to present travel options in response to a search request. In one aspect, after a computer system receives a search request from a user, the computer system determines a plurality of travel options in response to the search request. The computer system then presents the travel options using a chart having a dimension graphically representing travel times of the travel options, such as in a Gantt chart with a graphical timescale, which may have a representation of an analog clock. | 08-19-2010 |
| 20100217628 | INTERLINE REVENUE SHARE OPTIMIZATION METHOD - A carrier's interline revenue share optimization method in which the carrier is involved in several interline multi-segment journeys with other partner carriers. Each of the involved carriers operate at least one segment of the interline multi-segment journeys and each of these journeys is associated with a fare. The interline revenue share optimization method utilizes a computer system and includes the steps of a) receiving and storing in data structured storing elements of the computer system memory, input data that includes a fixed set of tickets including the journey and the associated fare, a fixed set of prorate factors, a fixed set of partner carriers' interline rules, a set of carrier's interline rules, an interline revenue share determining algorithm and an optimization algorithm, b) defining the variables to optimize, c) splitting the fares of the tickets between the carrier and the partner carriers and calculating an objective function as the carrier's interline revenue share, d) optimizing the objective function and obtaining the optimized set of carrier's interline variables by utilizing a processor of the computer system and e) providing via an output device of the computer system the optimized set of carrier's interline variables. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100217629 | COMPUTER-BASED RIGHT DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - An automated ticket auctioning system receives and evaluates bid information records received from a plurality of remote terminals. Each bid information record corresponds to at least one bid for one or more desired seats at a venue. Each bid information record may also include a plurality of additional bids identified for different seats in the venue. The separate bids in each bid information record are prioritized. The automated ticket auctioning system includes a central controlling computer operable to receive the bid information records and determine, in order of priority, whether any of the bids in a bid information record is accepted. If one bid in a bid information record is accepted, all lower priority bids in that bid information record are dismissed. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100217630 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL - An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle. | 08-26-2010 |
| 20100228576 | NETWORKED BARCODE VERIFICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100228577 | POST-BOOKING TRAVEL ASSISTANCE AND ORGANIZATION - To address post-booking and other issues, an application may be run on a user device, such as a mobile device, to provide improved, real-time travel organization and messaging. Some embodiments may also be configured to create, maintain, update, and delete a trip container to which trip content can be automatically or manually associated. In some instances, a user may be required to pay a fee to download the application and/or be required to pay a periodic subscription fee to facilitate ongoing functionality of the application. In addition to or instead of downloading the application, hardware (e.g., circuitry), firmware and/or other particular machine components can be configured to implement some or all aspects of the application. | 09-09-2010 |
| 20100235201 | Booking System and Method - A method enabling owners of websites to monetize their local listings by implementing online bookings, reservations or orders using an interactive voice recognition (IVR) system. A user of a web-based interface requests a booking or order by entering parameters, for example, name of the restaurant, number of people, date and time. The software of the present invention calls the restaurants telephone using the IVR and confirms or rejects (refuses) the booking. The invention allows for the payment of commissions for originating or facilitation of bookings or orders or the registration of participating restaurants. The booking service is paid by the restaurant for successful bookings. Credit is made for cancelled or no-show bookings. The invention includes a loyalty points system that rewards frequent users of the booking service. | 09-16-2010 |
| 20100241467 | SECURE COMMERCE AND ASSET/SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A Secure Commerce and Asset/Supply Chain Management system and method provides displaying, commerce, asset management, global logistics, Customs declaration and recycling services for any user at anytime, anywhere with available communication network. Wireless sensors/identifier/computer/communicators, 2D graphic identifier, artificial intelligent and pervasive network communication/computing technologies are used to provide a user/friendly space. The user can interact with the system with mobile/wearable devices, or with movements/sounds made by his/her body. Embedded invisible sensing/computing/communication modules and/or holistic 3D virtual computing can be used to enhance user's experience. Major components of the system include an Intelligent Display Unit (IDU, | 09-23-2010 |
| 20100250290 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TOKEN-BASED TRANSACTIONS - A computer system enables creation of tokens and token-based transactions with participating point-of-sale vendors. User information, revenue source information, and reservation information corresponding to a physical property are compiled and processed to generate a token code. The token code uniquely corresponds to the user and is associated with a revenue source and the reservation information. The token code is disposed on a tangible token object to create a token suitable for transaction. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250291 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR THE SALE OF AIRLINE-SPECIFIED FLIGHT TICKETS - An unspecified-time airline ticket representing a purchased seat on a flight to be selected later, by the airlines, for a traveler-specified itinerary (e.g., NY to LA on March 3rd) is disclosed. Various methods and systems for matching an unspecified-time ticket with a flight are also disclosed. An exemplary method includes: (1) making available an unspecified-time ticket; (2) examining a plurality of flights which would fulfill the terms of the unspecified-time ticket to determine which flight to select; and (3) providing notification of the selected flight prior to departure. The disclosed embodiments provide travelers with reduced airfare in return for flight-time flexibility and, in turn, permits airlines to fill seats that would have otherwise gone unbooked. Because of the flexibilities required of the unspecified-time traveler, unspecified-time tickets are likely to attract leisure travelers unwilling to purchase tickets at the available published fares and, at the same time, are likely to “fence out” business travelers unwilling to risk losing a full day at either end of their trip. Moreover, the flexibilities required of the unspecified-time traveler need not be limited to a departure time; the flexibilities may also include the airline, the departing airport, the destination airport, or any other restriction that increases the flexibility afforded the airline in placing the traveler aboard a flight. The disclosed embodiments thus permit airlines to fill otherwise empty seats in a manner that stimulates latent and unfulfilled leisure travel demand while leaving their underlying fare structures intact. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100250292 | System and Method of Providing Travel-Related Tools for Use with Transportation Services - A computer system makes reservations for transportation services. Vendor information for rental resources is stored in a central database. A customer makes a reservation inquiry. The central database is searched to find availability of the rental resources for the reservation inquiry. A rate is calculated for the rental resources based on customer-supplied and vendor-supplied information, as well as public sources. The availability of the rental resources and rates are reported to the customer. The customer selects the desired rental resources. The customer selection is confirmed with the vendor. An estimate of charges is provided initially and then updated following the customer's use of the reserved rental resources. Vendor payments are aggregated for multiple reservations. Travel-related tools are provided for the customer while utilizing the reserved rental resources. If one vendor cannot service a customer, the system transfers the reservation to another affiliated vendor. | 09-30-2010 |
| 20100262440 | AUTOMATED RESERVATION AGENT - In a method consistent with the technology disclosed herein, the system receives a text message from a mobile phone and parses the text message into at least a first data field and a second data field, where the first data field is a start date for the service, and the second data field is an end date for the service. The service is then booked from the start date to the end date. | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100262441 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING THE SALE OF A TRAVEL PRODUCT - A system and method for facilitating the sale of travel products is disclosed. The system receives travel inquiries from requesters for preferred travel products ( | 10-14-2010 |
| 20100268556 | System and Method for Booking a Performance Venue - A system and method for booking a performance venue. The system comprises a booking engine enabling communication between at least two of a performer, a consumer, and a venue agent, the at least two of a performer, a consumer, and a venue agent using at least one client station connected to the booking engine over a communications link. The system also comprises a market module associated with the booking engine for selling performer endorsement entities to at least one consumer and for selecting a particular venue from a group of at least one venue. | 10-21-2010 |
| 20100274595 | Ticket Management System and Method using Pre-Sales Keys - A ticket management system and method drives customer traffic in pre-ticket sales activities by issuing keys to potential ticket purchasers prior to the beginning of ticket sales for an event. Upon reading a key, the present invention provides for the issuance of one or more ticket opportunities to the potential ticket purchaser who has presented the key. Keys can be obtained online or in person at retail establishments, for example. By offering keys for ticket opportunities, retailers and event sponsors can generate foot traffic, Internet traffic and visibility for their commercial offerings. The present invention can be implemented, in one embodiment, with an electronic ticket managing system and a computer such as a retail kiosk, for example. | 10-28-2010 |
| 20100280853 | HOLISTIC MULTIMODAL TRANSPORT APPARATUS AND METHOD - A method and an apparatus for providing a transportation route to a user are provided. Travel information from the user, a plurality of transportation route goals ranked in a specified order by the user, and attribute information of a plurality of transit modes from a transit information system are received by the central system. An optimized transportation route is determined for the user through a correlation of the plurality of ranked transportation route goals and attribute information that corresponds to the received travel information. The transportation route comprises one or more of the plurality of transit modes. The optimized transportation route is transmitted to the user. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100280854 | System And Method For Matching Participants In A Rideshare Program - A method and system for matching participants in a rideshare program is provided. A participant rating is identified in a rideshare environment. A rideshare participation score is generated for the identified participant. The identified participant is assigned to a rideshare transaction with at least one other participant in the rideshare program based on the rideshare participation score. | 11-04-2010 |
| 20100287009 | DISCOUNTED RESTAURANT RESERVATION DISTRIBUTION SYSTEM - A system is provided for marketing restaurant reservations during non-peak periods by offering promotions through a central distribution system. The system includes a central distribution processor to which consumers are provided access for determining the availability of discounted restaurant reservations and purchasing discounted restaurant reservations. The system also includes a plurality of remote restaurants linked to the central distribution processor, the remote restaurants including interface software compatible with the central distribution processor for facilitating the uploading of relevant discounted restaurant reservations to the central distribution processor. The interface software further provides a user interface through which the plurality of remote restaurants selectively enter available discounted restaurant reservation information which is subsequently uploaded to the central distribution processor for access and purchase by consumers. | 11-11-2010 |
| 20100293011 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF BOOKING MANAGEMENT - A method of generating an offer for resources, such as a hotel room, which meets a customer request and satisfies at least one customer preferences to a predetermined extent, the method comprising: receiving a customer request for one or more resources meeting one or more requirements; searching for a set of resources which meet one or more of the requirements; determining one or more customer preferences from a set of business rules; determining an order of importance for the one or more customer preferences; applying the most important customer preference to the set of resources to select the resources which satisfies the most important customer preference to a predetermined extent so as to produce a revised set of resources; and creating an offer for presentation to a customer from the revised set of resources such that the customer may select an offer for purchase. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100293012 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL LOW FARE FOR A TRIP - A method for determining an optimal fare for a trip comprising a departure location, an arrival location, the method comprises the following steps: sending a request for the trip wherein the request comprises a departure location, an arrival location and a corresponding fare for the trip; automatically modifying the request by searching in a predetermined database to determine a set of additional requests wherein each comprises at least one of the departure location, the arrival location or one or more additional locations which may form at least a part of the requested route wherein the predetermined database comprises said additional requests and a corresponding fare for each additional request; selecting one or more additional requests to form one or more alternative requests which include at least on of the departure location or the arrival location as the request; calculating the up to date fares for each alternative request in order to determine a resulting fare for each alternative request; comparing the fare and the resulting fares in order to determine the lowest resulting fare for the trip. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100293013 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING, LOADING AND USING ADMISSION TICKETS - Method and system for ordering, loading and using tickets ordered from a reservation center through transmission of order data that includes a number assigned to a mobile communications terminal. The ordered ticket is received via a mobile radio network at the mobile communications terminal, and the ticket is stored. A reading device receives ticket information contactlessly from the mobile communications terminal, and an authorization of a user of the mobile communications terminal is decided based on the ticket information. | 11-18-2010 |
| 20100299163 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RECOGNIZING CUSTOMER BY HIS MOBILE PHONE - A customer recognition method and system using a mobile phone is provided. When a customer enters a communication area of an access point (AP) of a service provider, the AP communicates with a Bluetooth communication device of the customer's mobile phone, searches for BDA information of the customer, and transmits the BDA information to a local search server. The local search server extracts valid information of the customer and transmits the extracted information to a central server. The central server confirms reservation information on the customer, determines attendant information, creates customer recognition information by linking the customer information and the attendant information, and transmits the customer recognition information to an attendant of the service provider. A terminal of the attendant of the service provider receives the customer recognition information and externally displays the customer information so that the attendant of the service provider may use the customer information. | 11-25-2010 |
| 20100305981 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROVIDING VOUCHER DATA - Methods and systems for providing voucher data for a booked activity are provided. One provided embodiment includes receiving a first request at a server, the first request including a first facility identifier and having been generated using a first device that is located at a facility corresponding to the first facility identifier, which facility is remote from the server, and selecting a first set of data from a database based on the first facility identifier. A first response is generated based on the first set of data and the first request, and the first response is transmitted to the first device. A first purchase confirmation is received at the server, the purchase confirmation being generated based on the first response received at the first device, and first voucher data is provided based on the first purchase confirmation. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100305982 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING, SELECTING AND PURCHASING SERVICES - The system comprises a user interface ( | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100305983 | Providing Travel Information Using Cached Query Answers - 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. | 12-02-2010 |
| 20100312586 | Generation of Travel-Related Offerings - The subject matter of this specification can be embodied in, among other things, a computer-implemented process for providing a travel-related offer for a travel passenger that includes receiving a request for a travel reservation system to initiate a travel reservation for a passenger. The travel reservation system may include passenger name records (PNRs) that each correspond to a passenger and may store reservation information for the passenger. The process may also include transmitting a passenger identifier to a customer feedback module, which may include customer profiles with data related to passengers' satisfaction with past service. The customer feedback module may be used to identify a customer profile associated with the passenger identifier and generate a travel-related offer based on the data related to the passenger's satisfaction with the past service provided to the passenger. The travel-related offer may be presented via an interface. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100312587 | COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED METHOD FOR MANAGING ELECTRONIC TICKET REQUESTS - A ticketing management system and computer implemented method for managing ticket requests is provided including a request management system, configured to receive ticket requests and allocate tickets to purchasers, a back-end office ticketing system, configured to record ticket requests and a fulfillment center configured to receive the ticket requests from the back-end office ticketing system and deliver the tickets to the purchasers. The request management system includes a shopping module. The shopping module is configured to receive at least one primary request for an event and storing the primary request, receive at least one alternate request for an event and storing the alternative request and allocate events to a user based on the primary request and alternative request selections. | 12-09-2010 |
| 20100318384 | METHOD OF PURCHASING A TICKET FOR A JOURNEY ON TRANSPORTATION MEANS - A method of purchasing, paying for and validating a journey wherein the traveler books the journey via a mobile telephone, on the Internet or at a booking terminal of a travel agency. The method includes starting in a superordinate data system including a database an account K that can be billed and a number A. The parameters K and A are stored in the database. An identification unit including an identification number R is transferred to the traveler and is stored in the database coupled to the parameters K and A. The traveller purchases a journey L by connecting his phone to the data system, in which L is stored in the database coupled to the stored identification number R. A validation unit reads the identification number R. A check is carried out in a database to ascertain that a journey L tied to the identification number R has been purchased. A signalling device indicates whether or not a journey L has been bought. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318385 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ASSIGNING SEATS ON BOARD COLLECTIVE MEANS OF TRANSPORT - A method for assigning seats on board a collective means of transport, for example an aircraft belonging to a airline company, includes the step of providing a data bank accessible to the transport company and containing the demographic data of the passengers, accompanied by personal profiles deriving from information supplied by the passengers themselves and indicating their personality, interests, and preferences. The personal profiles, possibly integrated with further contingent information supplied by each passenger in relation to specific needs or wishes correlated to the booking, are processed to determine mutual compatibility of the passengers booked on the same means of transport. The seats on board the means of transport are then assigned according to the mutual compatibility of the passengers thus determined. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318386 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING RESERVATION REQUESTS FOR ONE OR MORE INVENTORY ITEMS - A system and method for managing reservation requests for one or more inventory items are provided. A user reservation request is obtained and processed to identify inventory data matching the reservation request. Reservation transaction, reservation items and reservation inventory records are generated corresponding to the user reservation request. If the transaction can be completed, a confirmation is sent to the user and a notification is sent to a supplier. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100318387 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR THE ELECTRONIC DISTRIBUTION OF TRIP RELATED INFORMATION - Methods for distributing trip related information on board passenger carrier are presented. In some embodiments, a method for distributing passenger trip related information includes storing and updating passenger information, seat information, vehicle timing information, and/or any other travel information in a Departure Control System. Changes to the stored information may be forwarded to a Passenger Information Delivery and Display System Server through a communication network. In some embodiments, a Passenger Information Delivery and Displayer client system may utilize a computer-implemented method for collecting, retrieving, and displaying the information stored the Departure Control System. | 12-16-2010 |
| 20100324946 | TELECONFERENCE SUPPORT SYSTEM - A teleconference support system, establishing a teleconference among conference rooms, includes teleconference apparatuses, and a connection server including a conference venue information storage, a conference start judgment unit, and a teleconference apparatus connection unit. Each teleconference apparatus, disposed in each conference room, is provided with an image taking unit, a sound taking unit, a display unit, and an audio output unit. The connection server connects the teleconference apparatuses to transmit and receive information among the conference rooms. Each teleconference apparatus includes a person identification information acquisition unit to obtain person identification information identifying individual. The conference venue information storage stores conference information including person identification information of expected teleconference participant. The conference start judgment unit determines whether each teleconference satisfies a conference start condition using the person identification information. The teleconference apparatus connection unit connects teleconference apparatuses when the teleconference is determined to satisfy the conference start condition. | 12-23-2010 |
| 20100332267 | System and Method for Preventing Multiple Online Purchases - A method for preventing redundant purchases of limited items includes steps for providing a commerce client to a user, receiving (a) financial information of the user and (b) a device identifier from a device the user is using to run the commerce client, the device identifier being based on one or more of user-configurable and non-user-configurable parameters of the user device, determining whether a previous transaction has been made with the device associated with the received device identifier, and disallowing the device from executing further transactions for a predetermined period of time. The method may be executed by an apparatus such as a computer server or stored as a series of instructions on a computer readable medium. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20100332268 | RESERVATION CHANGING SYSTEM - A reservation changing system provides diverse services. A memory card obtains, via a mobile telephone, a distance from a present location to a boarding station for a train for which a reservation has been made, and judges whether to perform a train reservation change search depending on the relationship between the obtained distance and a time remaining until a departure time of the train. When it is judged that a reservation change search is to be performed, the memory card obtains an expected arrival time at the station from a timetable server apparatus, compares the obtained expected arrival time with the departure time, and when a time margin between the two times is insufficient, the memory card instructs a reservation center apparatus, via the mobile telephone, to change the reservation, and receives and stores reservation information. | 12-30-2010 |
| 20110004496 | System and method for arranging a meeting time for a commuter with a transit system - A system and method for arranging a meeting time for a commuter with a transit system is disclosed. The method includes communicating the commuter's travel path, advance notification time, and contact information to the transit system. The commuter is informed via the commuter's contact information of an estimated arrival time for a transit vehicle in the transit system at a selected stop on the commuter's travel path. This enables the commuter to arrive at the selected stop based on the estimated arrival time. A transit vehicle driver is notified when the commuter has arrived at the transit vehicle on the commuter's travel path. The transit driver can then proceed with the commuter on the transit vehicle. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110004497 | System and Method for Offering, Tracking and Promoting Loyalty Rewards - Data to define a travel rewards promotion is received over a network. The travel rewards promotion comprises traveler eligibility criteria and travel rewards criteria. At least one traveler is selected where the travel itinerary of the respective traveler matches traveler eligibility criteria for the promotion. The traveler is notified that he or she is eligible for the travel rewards promotion, the notification comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. A travel rewards promotion total is then compiled for the traveler and the traveler is notified of his or her respective promotion rewards total. In one embodiment, the traveler's current context is determined and matched to promotion alert criteria. The traveler is then altered, over the network, that a travel rewards promotion is available to the respective traveler in the respective traveler's current context, the alert comprising a representation of the travel rewards criteria. | 01-06-2011 |
| 20110010205 | TRAVEL FARE DETERMINATION AND DISPLAY IN SOCIAL NETWORKS - A travel planning, travel fare determination and travel fare display in social networks is disclosed. A contact information retriever retrieves information associated with one or more contacts in a user's social network, and determines locations of the contacts using the retrieved information. The contact information retriever provides the contacts' locations to a booking engine. The booking engine determines travel fares from the user's location to contacts' locations and provides the travel fares to a user interface generator. The user interface generator generates a user interface that displays the contacts' profiles together with travel fares to their respective locations. The user may then use the user interface to proceed with booking travel to a contact's location. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110010206 | Method, Apparatus, and Program for Pre-Selling Tickets to Effect a Booking of an Event - An apparatus, method, and program for pre-selling tickets to determine whether to book an event or activity, and for facilitating the sale of those tickets. Consumers who pre-purchase a ticket are plainly notified if an event has not yet been booked. They are also shown the progress toward the likely booking of the event. A successful pre-sale of tickets triggers the booking of the event. An unsuccessful pre-sale results in the event not being booked. Consumers who help effect an event booking may be given privileges over those who purchase traditional tickets for the same event after it has already been booked. | 01-13-2011 |
| 20110015953 | Method of providing children's restraint devices at consolidated car rental facilities and public carrier terminals - A system and method are presented for providing a service to travelers to enable them to acquire, at one's destination, essential items that may be checked or carried on an aircraft or available at an alternative mode of transportation, such items including child restraint devices for use in cars, mobility assistance devices. A consumer may initiate a rental of the child's restraint device through either an operating company's website, a car leasing or rental company's website, airline website that would furnish a link to the operating company's site, or at the point of purchase. Upon initiating a reservation, the consumer would initiate data file containing reservation to the operating company's website. The method is responsive to the needs of travelers, airlines, airports, and other public carriers including trains, rental car companies, buses, and cruise ships for providing the consumer convenience, efficiency, reliability and high standard of hygienic inventory in the rental or purchase of children's restraint devices at either the baggage area within an airport terminal, at the car rental companies within the terminal or outside the airport, at CONRACs, or in any nearby area. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015954 | Systems and methods for automated rental management - Systems and methods for automated vacation rental management via a website configured to allow property owners to be able to list their home or unit and information about the home or unit on the site for users to view and book rentals. The system allows the home or unit owners to be able to administer their own pages that are listing their homes, e.g. by editing their profile, rates, etc. Users are able to search by location and book times to stay at the vacation home, without interaction with the owner. The system enables automated management of the vacation property, via online payment of deposits and rental fees, automated updating of booking calendars, and automated communication between renters, cleaners, owners and any other entities associated with the process. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110015955 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING LOYALTY POINTS FOR ACQUISITIONS - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating an acquisition from a merchant, whereby payment for the acquisition is made at least partially through automated redemption of loyalty points from a loyalty account. In particular, information is received at a loyalty point exchange system from the merchant. The information may include loyalty data indicating that the acquisition was paid for using a transaction card account that is to be reimbursed using loyalty points from the loyalty account. The loyalty account is debited by an amount equal to a currency value of the acquisition and the transaction card account is credited the amount charged for the acquisition. Loyalty points may, alternatively, be used to directly pay for purchases without the steps of charging and crediting a transaction card. | 01-20-2011 |
| 20110022422 | VEHICLE KEY SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle key system and method which reduces problems with key management, distribution, and collection. The system includes a computer for completing a vehicle rental transaction involving one of a plurality of different vehicles, for determining an encrypted code associated with a vehicle security system of the one vehicle, and for storing the encrypted code in a reusable programmable key to limit use of the key to operating the one vehicle during a rental period defined by the vehicle rental transaction. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022423 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRANSMITTING ALERTS ON HOTEL DEALS - Disclosed herein are methods and systems for transmitting hotel deal alerts. In one embodiment, a deal alert service receives a request to periodically receive hotel related deals satisfying a specific criteria, such as being from one or more geographic locations. Based on a frequency of the periodic basis, the deal alert service generates a list of hotel deals and sends it to the user during each frequency cycle. The deal alert service transmits the list of hotel deals using a specific transmission mechanism indicated by the user. Additionally, each list item of the list of hotel-deals includes a hyperlink to a primary source offering the hotel and the saving-deal. Upon selecting a list item of the list of hotel-deals, the user is transported to an entity associated with the primary source, through which the user is able to complete a transaction to book a hotel room and receive the posted saving-deal. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022424 | SUCCESSIVE OFFER COMMUNICATIONS WITH AN OFFER RECIPIENT - Successive offer communications are sent to an offer recipient. A first offer communication includes an offer of a merchant and the second offer communication includes an announcement about the offer. The first and second offer communications are each formatted to be rendered by respective communication device, such as a mobile phone of the offer recipient or a Point of Interaction (POI) terminal. The content of the offer communications may be tailored to the offer recipient based on the offer recipient's past transactions within a transaction processing system or a real time geographical location of the offer recipient. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022425 | Automated Internet Based Interactive Travel Planning and Management System - An interactive rapid response Internet accessed air travel management system. The system includes a web-based planning and reservation interface system and an interactive access device. The system responds to details of a member's desired travel, to thereafter act in real time to contact the domains of associated travel service providers to arrange for every aspect of the member's trip, from airline and hotel reservations, ticket issuance, and ground transportation, to restaurant and theater reservations, and any other travel related needs of the member. The system stores identification information to verify access device possession to prohibit unauthorized use of the system and to provide security pre-clearance to system members. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022426 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE BASED AIRLINE TRAVEL PLANNING - Graphical user interface (GUI) based methods and systems to generate and revise travel itineraries, including to permit a user to input or select multiple sequential travel destinations and corresponding dates in a calendar based GUI, to generate a travel itinerary using default itinerary parameters, to display the travel itinerary and user configurable itinerary parameter within the GUI, and to revise the travel itinerary in response to user configured itinerary parameters. An itinerary parameter may be configurable to apply to a selected portion of the itinerary or to the entire itinerary. User selectable options may be displayed in a natural language format. User input may be performed with relatively few actions, and may be performed exclusively or nearly exclusively with a pointing device. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110022427 | System and Method for Determining and Reserving Available Parking - A system and method for locating and reserving parking spaces at a desired location is provided. The system and method can be implemented by a phone application or other software using a GPS device in or otherwise coupled to the application. | 01-27-2011 |
| 20110029333 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING AND CALCULATING TIME OF SERVICE - A system and method for organizing, controlling and managing a queue at a service center are disclosed. The system according to one embodiment comprises a main processing unit to calculate parameters regarding time of service, at least one peripheral processing unit, a customer queue number feed device to provide customers in a service center with an indication of their position in line for a certain service, a service number display means, a line progress display means, and at least one service point, provided with a service point terminal to provide to the peripheral processing unit information regarding the progress of service. The peripheral processing unit may be in active communication with the main processing unit, with at least one service point terminal at each service point, and with the customer queue number feed device, to collect information regarding time of service. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029334 | METHOD FOR FACILITATING PERSONALIZED OR CUSTOMIZED TASKS BASED ON IMAGES CAPTURED VIA A WIRELESS COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Methods are presented for use with a wireless communication device. A digital image of an event venue is captured via a wireless communication device. The digital image of the event venue is displayed to the user. The wireless communication device interacts with the user to select the digital image. At least one task option corresponding to a customized or personalized event task is displayed. The wireless communication device interacts with the user to select the customized event task. The digital image is transmitted to a server system along with data indicating the customized or personalized event task to identify the event venue via the server system, based on the recognition of the event venue in the digital image, and not based on the recognition of an optical code. Event information is received and displayed, based on the recognition of the event venue to facilitate the customized event task. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110029335 | RECEIVING A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: receiving a request to reserve a service that is provided by a restaurant. The request to reserve is for a particular time and a particular date and the service comprises at least one of: (i) preparing a consumable good that is consumed at the restaurant's location; (ii) preparing a consumable good that is received at the restaurant's location; or (iii) preparing a consumable good that is delivered to a location external to the restaurant's location. The methods and system also include comparing the particular time requested with a schedule associated with the restaurant. The schedule comprises a list of times that are available for reservation. The methods and system also include determining an availability of the request to reserve; and outputting an indicia that the request to reserve the service has been accepted or denied. | 02-03-2011 |
| 20110040584 | INTERACTIVE DEMAND MANAGEMENT - A system and method is disclosed which allows the aggregation of the demands of various buyers, providing an incentive for suppliers to bid to supply those demands in an auction. The system and method operates by scanning a database which contains a listing of goods or services sought by various people or entities. Thereafter, similar goods or services are grouped together and presented to various vendors. The vendors are given the opportunity to bid on the group of similar goods or services. Such a bid may vary from the originally purchased goods or services as long as the bid is within a predetermined range. The vendor which presents the optimum bid within a predetermined period of time is selected as the provider of the goods or services and proceeds to supply the goods or services at the bid upon amount. | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110040585 | TICKETING SYSTEM - A system for providing tickets to a user terminal ( | 02-17-2011 |
| 20110046987 | Method and system for virtual inflight reservation of post-flight resources - Methods and systems for virtual inflight reservation and a reservation manager for use therein allow passengers to effectively reserve post-flight resources while in-flight, and without having connectivity to a terrestrial communication network. In exemplary operation, before departure, a flight is allocated certain resources and a temporary hold is placed in a terrestrial reservation system on these resources. While in-flight, passengers reserve desired resources within the temporarily held resources. These reservations are “virtual” since they have not yet been processed by the terrestrial reservation system, although the temporary hold guarantees that the post-flight resource will be available when the reservation is later processed by the terrestrial reservation system. After the flight arrives at its destination, the reservations are processed by the terrestrial reservation system. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046988 | AUTOMATED TAXI DISPATCHING SYSTEM USING TELEPHONE NETWORKS - A vehicle for hire request system and method are provided and operate via a telephone network. A plurality of independent vehicle hire entities (A,B,C,D,E) participates and each has its own plurality of vehicles for hire. A unique telephone number is provided for use by an intending hirer so that when called a request for a vehicle for hire can be processed through a trigger component ( | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110046989 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF PROTECTING PRICES - A method and system for protecting prices is provided. The price protection system increases consumer confidence when making purchases by reducing the risk associated with fluctuating prices. The price protection system receives a purchase specification from a consumer. Next, the price protection system determines the risk that the prices of items matching the purchase specification will change and reports a protected price to the consumer that represents the price that the price protection system will protect based on the determined risk for a protection period. Finally, the price protection system receives a request from the consumer to purchase protection of the protected price. | 02-24-2011 |
| 20110054952 | REMOTE CHECK-IN SYSTEM - An illustrative method for performing a remote check-in service includes receiving accommodation information, where at least a portion of the accommodation information originates from an accommodation provider. The accommodation information includes key information corresponding to an accommodation for a customer. A key is provided to the customer for the accommodation based at least in part on the key information. The key is provided to the customer at a first location of the customer, where the first location is remote from a second location of the accommodation provider. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054953 | Travel Passenger Check-In - This document describes a computer-implemented method for guiding a user through a travel check-in procedure. The method includes receiving passenger identification information associated with a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining a check-in status of the passenger using the passenger identification information. The method also includes generating a check-in workflow based on the check-in status of the passenger. The method further includes providing for display on a user interface a current step in the check-in workflow, the current step corresponding to a current action in the check-in workflow to be completed by a user, and upon request of the user to continue to a next step in the workflow, providing for display on the user interface the next step in the check-in workflow, the next step corresponding to a next action in the check-in workflow to be completed by the user. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054954 | Passenger Check-In Finalization - This document describes a computer-implemented method for facilitating a check-in finalization process for a travel passenger. The method includes receiving one or more check-in parameters related to a check-in procedure for a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining from the received check-in parameters a check-in workflow status corresponding to which of a plurality of steps of the check-in procedure have been completed. The method also includes identifying one or more finalization actions that are available for finalizing the check-in procedure based on the check-in workflow status. The method further includes determining a primary finalization action from the one or more finalization actions, the primary finalization action being the finalization action most likely to be taken to finalize the check-in procedure. The method also includes providing for display on a user interface the available finalization actions, where the primary finalization action is pre-selected on the user interface. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054955 | System and Method for Placing Orders - A system and method for placing orders at restaurants utilizing a customer's personal communication device. The system and method provide for efficient ordering and subsequent payment by the customer. The system and method allows customers to register upon entering a restaurant thus allowing the customers to subsequently place one or more orders for food and drinks via a cellular phone, laptop, or other personal communications device. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054956 | Matching System for Ride Reservation Platforms - The invention relates to a system capable of electronically matching transportation reservations with existing, new, or potential reservations, so that the orders can be combined, the reservation shared between requesting parties, utilization and management of transportation provider inventory and costs can be optimized, and savings opportunities for customers may be provided. Costs may also be divided proportionally based on a combination of distance and/or time traveled, or other cost accrual methods per riding party, and split/billed electronically via the reservation system. The system can operate as a standalone reservation repository or in concert with one or many existing reservation providers. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110054957 | Travel Reservations Using a Common Model - A travel reservation system having a common object model for representing disparate travel products and services. In general, the system may provide efficient integration relationships between the travel reservation system and various third-party travel providers by using a single common model and interface structure, regardless of the type of product or service being offered. The system may include translators for converting travel products and services conforming to the common object model into a corresponding provider-specific model, and vice versa. In some implementations, the use of the common object model may allow the system to provide a set of query results covering multiple different product types in response to a single query input. | 03-03-2011 |
| 20110071861 | Online nationalized & localized ads (text, image and video) self-creation solutions; online nationalized and localized store set up and shop solutions; and online shop together and network solutions - Revolutionary online shopping together; online nationalization and localization commercial text, image and video advertising; online nationalization and localization shopping and others have been invented. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071862 | COLLABORATION AND TRAVEL ECOSYSTEM - Methods, systems and apparatuses related to providing, among other things, a collaboration and travel ecosystem are discussed herein. For example, various tools and functionality may be provided that assist a client in determining the availability of telepresence equipment, the cost to use the telepresence equipment, the potential return on investment for money spent traveling as compared to conducting a telepresence event, among other things. In some embodiments, a user interface may be presented to a client that presents various information associated with, e.g., the telepresence equipment and/or facilitates the booking of the telepresence equipment. One or more backend systems may be used to, for example, coordinate the booking of a telepresence event and/or the booking of traditional travel events. In some embodiments, business rules and/or other types of data may be generated, received, maintained and/or received by the backend system(s). | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110071863 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING AIRLINE SEAT RESERVATIONS - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 03-24-2011 |
| 20110077983 | FLIGHT CHECK-IN VIA A TELECOMMUNICATION NETWORK - Flight check-in systems and associated methods are disclosed. A passenger is able to check in with an airline by initiating a call to a phone number designated for flight check-in. A flight check-in system receives the call initiated by the passenger and identifies a number (e.g., a phone number) based on the call. Based on the number, the flight check-in system identifies a flight reservation associated with the passenger. Subsequently, the flight check-in system generates a virtual boarding pass based on the flight reservation, and sends the virtual boarding pass to a gate at an airport for the passenger to board a flight. | 03-31-2011 |
| 20110082714 | Dynamic Reallocation of Seats in Rail Travel Using RFID Technology - Tickets with RFID devices are issued to train passengers. Once the passengers board the train, the number and location of vacant seats is determined based on signals from the RFID devices detected by RFID readers configured within the passenger compartments of the train. Seating information is displayed on screens fitted in each compartment. This is done at or after the train reaches every major station, facilitating wait-listed passengers to occupy any vacant seats that become available. | 04-07-2011 |
| 20110087506 | Seat allocation to passengers on an aircraft - A customer seating system for allocating seats to a group of customers, adapted to calculate a satisfaction value for each available seat, for each customer characterized in, that said system is further adapted to compute a global satisfaction value for each seat, said global satisfaction value is the sum of the previously calculated satisfaction values for the customers of the group, provide seating arrangements according to one of the predetermined geometrical shapes corresponding to the group, determine the group of seats matching said predetermined shape that gives the maximum average global satisfaction value, assign the corresponding seats to the group of customers. | 04-14-2011 |
| 20110093300 | Method of Processing Travel Ticket Data - The invention relates to a method of processing data from a travel ticket, whereby the data stored in the ticket comprise contract instances, i.e. data relating to the use of a transport service. The inventive method comprising the following steps consisting in: reading a pre-selection file which contains a record of each stored contract instance, each record comprising at least one selection field and a pointer to reference a contract instance; and preparing a pre-selection list from the data read in the pre-selection file, said pre-selection list referencing the stored contract instances by order of preference. In this way, the contract instance data can be read in said order of preference, thereby accelerating processing speed since it is not necessary for all of the contract instance data to be read. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093301 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR NEGOTIATING A SHARED FLIGHT ITINERARY - A system and method whereby an air charter brokerage service enables users with similar or matching travel plans to find each other to directly negotiate a shared flight itinerary using a web-based negotiation software application. The air charter brokerage service further enables users to directly book the shared itinerary using a web-based negotiation software application, whereby the air charter brokerage service provides a charter aircraft for the shared flight itinerary. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093302 | SYSTEM FOR AND METHOD OF ORDERING FROM A CONCESSION DURING AN EVENT - A system for and method of ordering from a concession during an event is presented. The system and method may include receiving customer data associated with a customer during an event ticket purchase transaction, associating the customer data with customer seating data that indicates a location of the customer's seating during an event, providing menu data to a customer system that is associated with the customer, and receiving, from the customer system, order data that indicates a concession order from the customer via a network. | 04-21-2011 |
| 20110093303 | System and method for processing a request for price information - This invention relates to a travel product reservation system comprising central computer system for processing the user requests, comprising means for calculating and returning to the user selling price information relating to travel products, the said central computer system being accessible from at least one user station. According to the invention the reservation system comprises:
| 04-21-2011 |
| 20110099036 | Systems and methods for offering, scheduling, and coordinating follow-up communications regarding test drives of motor vehicles - Systems and methods are provided for electronically offering, scheduling, and/or coordinating follow-up communications regarding test drives of motor vehicles. For example, in some embodiments of the present invention, computer-implemented systems and methods are provided for electronically scheduling a test drive of a motor vehicle for an end-user and facilitating a motor vehicle purchase or lease by the end-user subsequent to the test drive. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110099037 | Location-Based, Time Sensitive Wireless Exchange - A peer-to-peer, proximity based, open marketplace for buyers and sellers of event tickets permits subscribers to use a buyer-seller exchange service via a clearinghouse server to connect with other users to coordinate the sale of tickets and other time sensitive items based on factors such as asking price, availability of tickets, market activity, as well as the physical proximity of the buyer and seller. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110099038 | RESERVATION SYSTEM - In a lodging reservation site, since the number of rooms of respective hotels allotted to each of lodging reservation sites is restricted, when users gather to a specific site, the users cannot reserve vacant rooms in the specific site despite another sites have vacant rooms. Searched objects for vacant rooms in a lodging reservation site server are extended from allotted hotel rooms to web sites managed by the hotels. Situation where reservation is not made even with a vacant room is prevented and it is possible to make reservations based on actual number of remaining rooms of hotels. | 04-28-2011 |
| 20110106573 | AUTOMATED MEETING SCHEDULING - An improved meeting scheduling system that automatically proposes a reduced cost available meeting room for a meeting based on the invited attendees and locations of available meeting rooms. A reduced cost available meeting room may be the meeting room to which the attendees as a whole are presumed to be nearest in distance at the time the meeting begins. In addition to the proximity or distance of each of the attendees to the available meeting rooms, other relevant data concerning the attendees may be factored by the meeting scheduling system such as the hierarchy of an attendee in relation to the other attendees, attendee security access privileges to a particular location, and the distances between attendees. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110106574 | Query Widening for Query Caches for Travel Planning Systems - A query cache for travel planning includes a cache database that stores query results and a cache test mechanism that receives a travel planning query and uses the query to find a result in the cache database and if a result is found returns the result, the result including a set of answers each answer in the set having a flight and a fare useable with the flight. | 05-05-2011 |
| 20110119097 | FACILITY UTILITY ENHANCEMENT SYSTEM - A system and method of use for enhancing the utility of facilities suitable for presentation and viewing of Intellectual Property (IP). The system includes a rights management system for storing and managing information relating to IP having information associated therewith including IP-Owners and terms of use of the IP including royalties; a facility availability database system for storing and managing information relating to the availability of the facility; an audience contacting system for enabling a stakeholder to contact individuals targeted by the stakeholder as the audience for viewing the IP; a booking system enabling the stakeholder to arrange exhibition of the IP at the facility at specific times and terms; an information database for storing information relating to stakeholders and individuals of an audience; and a revenue determination, collection, accounting and royalty distribution system. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110119098 | Ticketing System - In order to expand the area of application of a ticketing system that works based on a virtual ticket, a method for operating a ticketing system is proposed, in which a virtual ticket is generated, a user-dependent access code is allocated to the virtual ticket, the virtual ticket is stored together with the access code, the access code is stored in a separate data memory, and the virtual ticket is accessed by entering the access code stored in the separate data memory at an entry point of the ticketing system provided for this purpose. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110119099 | ASSIGNING AND MANAGING PATRON RESERVATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTED SERVICES USING WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES - A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching. | 05-19-2011 |
| 20110125538 | Apparatus and method for selling a ticket to an event and/or to a portion of an event or venue - A computer-implemented method, including receiving and storing, with a first computer, information regarding an available ticket for a portion of an event prior to a start, completion, or conclusion, of the event or when an individual is leaving a venue of the event or leaving during the event, wherein the individual or another individual initiates or establishes a communication link with the first computer or a second computer using a first communication device, processing information regarding a ticket request or a ticket option request using the information regarding an available ticket, generating a ticket availability message or ticket option availability message, and transmitting the ticket availability message or ticket option availability message to a second communication device associated with a second individual before a completion or a conclusion of the event. | 05-26-2011 |
| 20110131073 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR MANAGING SPECIAL AND PARATRANSIT TRIPS - A computer based method for managing special needs transportation, including receiving, using a processor for at least one specially programmed computer, data from a plurality of agencies having at least one vehicle available for providing transportation for clients with special needs. The data includes manifests for the at least one vehicle. The method uses the processor to: receive a request for transportation for a client; generate a visual representation of how the request affects the scheduling and capacity for agency vehicles; enable access by the agencies to the data, the request, and the visual representations; receive an offer from a respective computer system for an agency from the plurality of agencies to provide a vehicle to provide the transportation requested in the request; modify the data to incorporate changes to the data for the agency due to providing the vehicle; and transmit information regarding the request to the vehicle. | 06-02-2011 |
| 20110137689 | ENHANCED LOCAL AND SOCIAL SERVICES FOR ATM BANKING MACHINES - Automated teller machine in banking has user-interactive interface. The user interface provides both banking functions and social functions. The social functions include interactive information regarding location-based services and events, and include social networking services. Operations of the social functions include making restaurant reservations, purchasing show or game tickets and chatting with other bank customers at a respective ATM. The bank may generate revenue from local area services advertising on ATM's and from supporting customer-user chat sessions. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137690 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING CONTEXT-BASED MOVIE INFORMATION - Systems and methods are provided for generating context-based movie information. For example, a movie application on an electronic device can obtain show times of a movie from multiple movie theaters. In some embodiments, the movie application can combine one or more show times into a single time slot in order to condense the number of show times that are displayed. Furthermore, the movie application can provide slot labels corresponding to each time slot based on one or more context-sensitive factors (e.g., current time of day, current location, one or more upcoming calendar events, and the like). As a result, the movie application can provide a user with a condensed view of the most accessible show times based on current context. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137691 | Method and System for Reducing Carbon Emissions Arising from Vehicle Travel - Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management in a manner such that the carbon emissions produced by vehicle travel are reduced are disclosed. Different vehicle travel modes under consideration for use to satisfy a travel plan are evaluated and selected based at least in part on their relative environmental impacts such that an aggregate reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved via a judicious selection of vehicle travel modes used to carry out a vehicle travel plan. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110137692 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOARDING PASSENGERS BASED ON VALUATION DATA - Systems and methods for boarding passengers on flights or other transportation according to bids and/or locations received from the passengers are provided. Passengers seeking to fly standby on an undersold flight can submit a bid representing the amount they are willing to pay to board the flight. The airline can determine the number of seats available on the flight, and board the highest bidding passengers until the flight is full. Similarly, passengers willing to be bumped from an oversold flight can submit a bid representing the incentive the passengers are willing to accept to be bumped from the flight. The airline can then bump the lowest bidding passengers until a sufficient number of passengers have been bumped from the flight. Airlines also can determine the locations of passengers and transmit offers or counter-offers for standby fares or bump incentives based on the locations. | 06-09-2011 |
| 20110145024 | COMPUTERIZED PLATFORM FOR SELLING TICKETS FOR SPORTING EVENTS THAT TAKE PLACE IN A STADIUM - A system for ordering tickets for sporting events that are taking place in a stadium is provided herein. In an early bird stage, a seat allocation function calculates an amount of seats in the stadium for each fan club and offers it as a service order. Parameters of the seat allocation function are constant and variable for each ticket order. A seat allocation is performed for each specified combination of the sporting event of the team that the fan admires versus other teams. The ticket order is provided as a service order to fans who wish to reserve a seat and to pay official price for the ticket in case the team the fan admires will play in the specified sporting event. A ticket is sold in an official price for every ticket service order, and seats for each fan club are being allocated in separate zones of the stadium. | 06-16-2011 |
| 20110153373 | TWO-LAYER DATA ARCHITECTURE FOR RESERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS - A reservation management system includes at least one processing node that includes a memory and a processor. The at least one processing node further includes a set of reservation processing and transaction modules that manage and process reservation requests and inquiries. At least one general purpose database is communicatively coupled to the at least one processing node. The at least one general purpose database includes a set of pre-allocated tables of fixed length records. At least one persistent storage device is communicatively coupled to the at least one processing node. The general purpose database persistently stores the set of pre-allocated tables of fixed length records on the at least one persistent storage device. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153374 | REWARD TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SOFTWARE AND METHODS - There is disclosed reward travel management software. In an embodiment, reward travel management software includes airline search results by airfare, the airline search results by reward points/miles fare, and a recommendation between the airfare and the reward points/miles fare by a recommendation engine. In another embodiment, reward points/miles management software includes auto rental search results by cash/credit card cost, the auto rental search results by reward points/miles cost, and a recommendation between the cash/credit card cost and the reward points/miles cost by a recommendation engine. In one embodiment, reward points/miles management software comprising product or service search results by cash/credit card cost, the product or service search results by reward points/miles cost, and a recommendation between the cash/credit card cost and the reward points/miles cost by a recommendation engine. Other embodiments are also disclosed. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110153375 | Method and System for Managing Rental Vehicle Reservations with User Authorization Limits - An Internet-enabled rental vehicle reservation management method and system are disclosed. Via the system and method, authorization limits can be assigned to the users who create and manage replacement rental vehicle reservations through the system, where these authorization limits impose financial commitment monetary limits that the users can make on replacement rental vehicle reservations over a specified period of time. In an exemplary embodiment, these authorization limits are customized on a per user basis. | 06-23-2011 |
| 20110161121 | Method, System, and Article for Management of Travel - A method, system, and article for management of travel and travel related matters. Both a source and a designation are selected, together with the associated departure and arrival information and the mode of transportation. A geographic region affected by a health related event is identified, and then employed to determine if a craft in support of the selected travel has been or is intended to be in the identified region. Exposure to the identified health related event may be mitigated by supporting an amendment to the mode of transportation. | 06-30-2011 |
| 20110166897 | PARKING SYSTEM AND METHOD OF EMPLOYING SAME - The present invention is directed to a system and method for pairing lessors and lessees of parking spaces and generating a profit from each transaction. The system and method are employed over computing means and includes an option for charging a municipality an administrative fee for establishing the system within the municipality. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166898 | Method, System and Apparatus for Dual One-Leg Facilitation - The system is configured to aggregate charter travel availability information, as well as process travel search requests from system users. The system may be configured to actively obtain or passively receive charter data objects. The data objects may include information like available charter equipment (e g, aircraft), availability location and/or time information. The system may be configured to process a variety of object formats from a variety of data sources. The system extracts charter flight data indicators and corresponding flight characteristics to create and populate a charter flight data record, which serve as the foundation for charter data management system components. The system implements search functionality identifying charter flight data records with a best match or alternate suggested results. Charter flight records originate from multiple sources that are published/distributed in standardized or non-standardized ways. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110166899 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR BOARDING PASSENGERS BASED ON BIDS - Systems and methods for boarding passengers on flights or other transportation according to bids received from the passengers are provided. Passengers seeking to fly standby on an undersold flight can submit a bid representing the amount the passengers are willing to pay to board the flight. The airline can determine the number of seats available on the flight, and board the highest bidding passengers until the flight is full. Similarly, passengers willing to be bumped from an oversold flight can submit a bid representing the incentive the passengers are willing to accept to be bumped from the flight. The airline can determine the number of passengers that must be bumped from the flight, and bump the lowest bidding passengers (i.e., those willing to accept the least costly incentive) until a sufficient number of passengers have been bumped from the flight. | 07-07-2011 |
| 20110173031 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING AN EVENT - The present invention relates to a method, a system and a physical computer readable medium for distributing payment to a host of an event and a second entity by receiving payment confirmations indicating payment amounts from guests for the event. The payment amounts for all received confirmations are aggregated. Using the aggregated payment amounts, a first payment total and a second payment total are calculated and distributed to the host of the event and a second entity, respectively. The present invention further relates to a method for managing an event. The method involves registering a host, registering an event, and registering guests for the event. In response to receiving notification from at least one guest, status information for the event is provided to the host. The status information includes: the event, the guests, and at least some information based on the received notification. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110173032 | System and methods for selecting event tickets - A system is provided that enables customers to search for event tickets for purchase. A computer interacts with the user to allow the user to specify criteria for event tickets the user wishes to purchase. The system presents relevant event ticket results, and provides filters for the user to further refine those search results. The user selects an event, and then selects tickets for that event. Ticket availability is shown, with seat locations indicated directly on an interactive venue map. For purchase, the user is directed to the selling ticket provider. | 07-14-2011 |
| 20110178827 | System for maximizing profit from public sale of tickets for a ticketed public event - A computer-implemented method for allocating a plurality of tickets to seats in a venue to a plurality of ticket purchasers, comprising the steps of forming a ranking of said seats from most desirable to least desirable, accepting a plurality of bids by one or more bidders for tickets to said seats, forming a ranking by monetary value of said bids from highest to lowest, and matching said seat ranking to said bid ranking, wherein the highest bid is assigned the most desirable seat and the lowest bid is assigned the least desirable seat. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110178828 | SALE DECISION METHOD AND SALE REQUEST EVALUATION METHOD - A sale decision method and a sale request evaluation method are disclosed to increase the revenue by selling available products. The sale decision method is applied in a sale decision system that includes an input module, a database module, a decision computation module, and an output module. The sale decision method comprises a sale request receiving process, a sale decision making process, and a sale decision output process. The input module receives a sale request, the decision computation module produces a sale decision, and the output module outputs the sale decision. In addition, the sale request evaluation method is applied in a sale request evaluation system that includes an input module, a database module, a sale request evaluation module, and an output module to determine the quotation of price for a sale request. | 07-21-2011 |
| 20110184768 | AUTOMATICALLY DETERMINE SUGGESTED MEETING LOCATIONS BASED ON PREVIOUSLY BOOKED CALENDAR EVENTS - A method and system for determining suggested meeting locations based on previously booked calendar events is described. One aspect of the invention involves: receiving a meeting request including one or more participants, determining preferred meeting locations based on previously booked calendar events for at least some of the participants, determining suggested meeting locations based on the preferred meeting locations, and preparing them for presentation. The determining may be based on historical calendar activity or on previously booked calendar events during a time period corresponding to the request. Locations used most often by all the participants, or just one important participant, such as the meeting requestor may be preferred. Sometimes locations near the previously booked calendar events occurring before or after the meeting request time are preferred. Sometimes locations near the participant's base locations are preferred. Sometimes locations used by groups of a similar size are preferred. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110184769 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PLANNING, SCHEDULING AND MANAGING ACTIVITIES - The invention relates to computer based methods and systems for planning, managing and scheduling of the participation of users, be they individual or groups, in an exponential smoothing manner with respect to activities at, e.g., a mega amusement park (“MAP”) or other venue. | 07-28-2011 |
| 20110191126 | EXTERNALLY-MOUNTED APPARATUS AND ASSOCIATED SYSTEMS FOR CONTROLLING VEHICLE ACCESS - A person-to-person vehicle reservation system for providing distributed access control for a plurality of owner-shared vehicles is disclosed. The system uses access codes managed by an electronic system and for electronically providing access to the plurality of vehicles via smart keys. The system comprises a vehicle database for storing a mapping of vehicles to vehicle access codes; a reservation database for storing a mapping of vehicles to availability information for the vehicles; a reservation request module for receiving reservation requests over a network and for assigning vehicle reservations; and an administrative user module for receiving availability information from administrative users having administrative access to at least one vehicle. The reservation request module is operable to securely transmit a vehicle access code to an electronically-programmable smart key, which provides access to a lockbox holding an ignition key of a vehicle assigned by the reservation request module. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110191127 | Competitive Availability Tools - A competitive, availability prediction system for predicting relative, competitive availability of seating on an airline flight is described. The system includes an availability predictor that predicts seating availability on a competitive flight, an availability system that produces an actual availability response for a flight and decision logic that compares the predicted answer from the availability predictor and the potential answer from the availability system to establish a decision with respect to actual availability. | 08-04-2011 |
| 20110196711 | Content personalization system and method - There is provided a system and method of providing personalized content to a user based on the user's interests and the user's geographical location. The method includes receiving media files from a portable device associated with the user and generating a user profile based on the media files. The method also includes receiving a geographical location of the user from a global positioning system (GPS) device. The method also includes receiving content from a service provider based on the user profile and the geographical location. The method also includes providing the content to the user through an infotainment interface included in a vehicle. The content delivered to the user may include media files such as music or audio/visual files that correspond with the user profile. The content may also include messages about events near the user's geographical location that correspond with the user profile. | 08-11-2011 |
| 20110202376 | System For Golf Reservations - A system and method for making reservations, in particular golf tee times, utilizing the Internet is disclosed. The system provides a user with access to a reservation system of a particular location, such as a golf course. The user is able to make and confirm a reservation for an event, such as a tee time, from anywhere. The system can also employ Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) to enable a user to make and confirm a reservation for an event by dialing a local phone number. | 08-18-2011 |
| 20110208551 | Method and System for Reducing Carbon Emissions Arising from Vehicle Travel - Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management in a manner such that the carbon emissions produced by vehicle travel are reduced are disclosed. Different vehicle travel modes under consideration for use to satisfy a travel plan are evaluated and selected based at least in part on their relative environmental impacts such that an aggregate reduction in carbon emissions can be achieved via a judicious selection of vehicle travel modes used to carry out a vehicle travel plan. | 08-25-2011 |
| 20110213629 | CAR SHARING - Among other things, through an online site, owners of assets and borrowers of assets can arrange sharing transactions with respect to the assets. Online confirmation is provided to the owners and the borrowers that the arranged sharing transactions have been covered by insurance. Completion of the arranged sharing transactions is managed using information from electronic devices associated with the assets. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110213630 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING AND CONTROLLING ACCESS TO PRODUCTS AND SERVICES AT A REMOTE LOCATION VIA A COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK - This invention is a method and system for reserving and controlling access to products and services at a remote location via a communications network. In one or more embodiment, a user uses a client computer to select desired products and services. The system returns a price offer for the packaged products and services. Upon acceptance of the price offer, the selection of products and services is forwarded to an operations center for the building of an event regarding the redemption of the products and services. The system allocates a time frame for the redemption of each of the products and services as well as determining the order of redemption, based on polling a plurality of users desiring the same products and services in an event. The information generated by the operation center is then forwarded to a location for the redemption of the products and services. Access to the goods and services is then controlled by using machine readable labels coupled with interrogation devices for the relating of users to information regarding the user's reservation. | 09-01-2011 |
| 20110218830 | BOTTOM-UP OPTIMIZED SEARCH SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system and method for searching for hotel rooms is provided. A pre-compute database comprising real-time availability attributes associated with hotel rooms on a plurality of length of stays may be generated, and a query for at least one hotel for a date range may be received. The availability of each day within the date range on a plurality of length of stays may be calculated by applying business requirements according to the query. Final availability may be created for each day within the date range on the plurality of length of stays by combining the availability from the pre-compute database and the query attributes. A final availability of hotel rooms may be formatted for the at least one hotel for each day within the date range on the plurality of length of stays. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110218831 | Informational Kiosk System and Method of Using Same - An informational kiosk system used to request travel routes and retrieve points of interest. The invention comprises of a kiosk with a central console and an upper display the screen. The central console comprises of a lower display screen used to interact with users through an advanced input system. A user interfaces with an interface software to input requirements for desired points of interest to be transmitted to a central server. Route directions, maps, and coupons are received back from the central server for the user and printed out on a printed map. The interface software comprises of a plurality of interface screens allowing the user to select criteria for points of interest along with routing options. | 09-08-2011 |
| 20110231212 | INTERNET BASED CHECK IN SYSTEM AND BAGGAGE DROP - The present specification describes a check in system for checking a passenger onto a flight. An indication of the airline and a passenger's reservation code is sent from a kiosk to a remote computer system using communications that are sent through the internet. On receipt of these details the remote computer system accesses the airline reservation system and requests a copy of the passenger name record, again using communications that are sent through the internet. The data in the passenger name record is used to check in the passenger at the kiosk. It is also used to assess whether the passenger's baggage is outside the baggage allowance for the ticket. The passenger is able to pay any fees at the kiosk further using communications that are sent through the internet. The specification also describes a baggage drop system using a similar process to issue baggage tags. | 09-22-2011 |
| 20110238454 | Entertainment Event Ticket Purchase and Exchange System - An electronic ticket exchange system has a market-making system by which patrons submit bids over a limited time period for seats of different quality. A trading system provides for a secondary market in which patrons who have purchased tickets for an event can sell them to other patrons. All of the rights associated with a ticket, such as entry into the venue, are stored in electronic form. An electronic venue entry control system verifies that a person owns an electronic ticket property right, and authorizes the privileges associated with the ticket, such as entry to the venue. A seating system is employed to determine an optimal seating configuration based upon patron-specific preferences, after the initial sale of tickets and prior to entry into the venue. | 09-29-2011 |
| 20110246246 | Method and System for Managing Vehicle Travel - Methods and systems for facilitating efficient travel management are disclosed. Exemplary embodiments comprise a processor configured to make selections from among a plurality of vehicle travel modes based on a vehicle travel mode selection rule using, at least in part, received travel plan information. In a preferred embodiment, this selection can be based on any of a number of factors, including monetary costs and carbon emissions associated with different vehicle travel mode options. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246247 | Restaurant inventory management - A system for inventory management comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to receive restaurant reservation information. The processor is further configured to determine a first list of combinations and permutations of possible reservations available for one or more time periods based at least in part on the restaurant table configuration information. The processor is further configured to determine a second list of combinations and permutations of possible reservations available for the one or more time periods, wherein the second list removes combinations and permutations that are not available due to a selection of a reservation from the list. The memory is coupled to the processor and configured to provide the processor with instructions. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110246248 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING TRIP REQUESTS - A system and method for planning trips and for processing trip requests that utilizes a centralized network for facilitating travel reservations and/or services. The system includes multi-purpose point of service terminals that provide a plurality of modules for various travel related applications such as an integrated e-mail booking module, a computer telephony integration module, a super passenger name record database, a customer database, a trip planning module, a customer relationship management module, a workflow module, and a low fare search module. | 10-06-2011 |
| 20110251861 | COMPUTER BASED METHOD OF MANAGING, SAVING FOR, AND ARRANGING TRAVEL - The invention is a computer-based method of saving for and booking travel arrangements. The method includes a full service travel website and computer accessible interest bearing bank account that is set up for the express purpose of saving funds for future travel. The method includes a reward system that allows users to pay for travel with the savings account funds, interest from the account, and the rewards points. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110251862 | Ticket Segmentation - Techniques to segment a ticket into at least two ticket segments for a customizable event experience are disclosed. Events can have natural break points or event segments such as innings, periods, quarters, halves, or acts. In accordance with the claimed subject matter, a ticket can be segmented into a ticket segment for each of the event segments. Event factors, progression, and demand information can be monitored to allow or deny access to a ticket segment, set pricing, filter ticket segments, or adjust ticket segments. Furthermore, as the event progresses, analysis can continue and the ticket segments can be dynamically updated accordingly. | 10-13-2011 |
| 20110258005 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANCILLARY TRAVEL VENDOR FEE EXPENSE MANAGEMENT - A computer-implemented method and system for ancillary travel vendor fee expense management comprising: receiving, by at least one expense management application, travel expense transaction data, said travel expense transaction data further comprising at least one expense transaction attribute; generating, by the at least one expense management application, at least one travel expense transaction record, wherein said at least one travel expense transaction record includes said expense transaction data, and storing said at least one expense transaction record in an expense transaction database; determining, by at least one ancillary fee module which analyzes the at least one expense transaction attribute, whether the at least one expense transaction corresponds to a travel event, a fee for an ancillary good or service offered by a travel vendor, or a fee for an ancillary good or service offered by a travel agency; presenting the at least one expense transaction record on a computerized user interface contained within at least one expense management application, wherein it is indicated whether the at least one expense transaction is at least one ancillary fee; and, adding the at least one expense transaction record to an expense report. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110258006 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ANCILLARY OPTION MANAGEMENT - A computer-implemented method and/or system of ancillary travel option management comprising: receiving, by at least one booking and/or expense management application, travel request data for at least one traveler; retrieving, by the at least one booking and/or expense management application, at least one primary travel product and/or service option, each at least one primary travel product and/or service option from at least two providers meeting at least some of the criteria of the travel request data; determining, by the at least one booking and/or expense management application, at least one ancillary option and at least one price for the at least one ancillary option related to the at least one primary travel product and/or service; and presenting the at least one ancillary option and the at least one price for the at least one ancillary option with the at least one primary travel product and/or service option. | 10-20-2011 |
| 20110264474 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESERVING AND PURCHASING EVENTS - A system and method enables a customer to purchase a package of time-sensitive events over a computer network. Customer requests are received over the network to view a package of events for possible purchase. The customer may be queried to determine when the customer is available to ensure that the events are available to the customer. Events are displayed to the customer in a manner to ensure that selected events do not overlap with one another. Displayed events for purchase may be filtered based on customer preferences. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110264475 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ARBITRATING THE SELECTION AND RESERVING OF AIRLINE SEATS - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 10-27-2011 |
| 20110282700 | WEB APPLICATION FOR A MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE TO PROVIDE LOCATION-BASED UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION - Systems and methods related to providing location-based upcoming event information are described. The location-based upcoming event information may be provided to users of an online secondary ticket marketplace using the web application installed on a mobile computing device of the user. The web application may be configured to communicate with a network-based system that provides online marketplace and ticket fulfillment services and to provide the user with upcoming event information based on the location of the user and other event criteria, such as artists and/or genres of interest to the user. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110282701 | Searching for Airline Travel Based Upon Seat Characteristics - A method for searching for airline travel based upon seat characteristics specified by a traveler is disclosed. Travel information is received indicating an origin, a destination, one or more travel dates and one or more seat characteristics other than class of service, all as specified by a traveler. Seat characteristics may include aisle, middle or window seat, bulkhead, row or seat number, individual view screen, power port access, etc. Flights meeting the origin, destination, and date(s) are identified, and then seat maps providing seat information and availability for the identified flights are retrieved. The seat information and identified flights are correlated to identify available seats having the specified seat characteristics, and pricing for those seats is then calculated. Information about the available seats having the specified seat characteristics and the pricing of those seats is then provided for display to a user to select a flight and seat for booking. | 11-17-2011 |
| 20110288892 | CONFIRMING LAST ROOM AVAILABILITY PRICING - Systems and methods for confirming last room availability pricing for accommodations are disclosed. Search results received in response to a search request for hotel or other accommodations are received. The search results include one or more available room rates for a room type. Upon determining that a room type should be priced at a contracted room rate according to a last room availability agreement, the system compares the contracted room rate to the one or more available room rates in the search results. Upon determining that the contracted room rate for the room type is not present in the one or more available room rates and determining that another room rate for the room type is present in the one or more available room rates, the system provides a pricing alert. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288893 | Virtual Travel, Restaurant and Entertainment Booking Magazine - A reservation, sales, ordering and information system is disclosed. The system includes a front end interface network including a graphical user interface virtual travel, restaurant and entertainment booking magazine operating on multiple consumer computers and a back end network composed of a network of data sources, data input mechanisms and processing mechanisms available via the graphical user interface. The graphical user interface is composed of a virtual travel, restaurant and entertainment booking magazine replicating a travel magazine providing ready access to information. | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110288894 | Method of an a Network Node in a Telecommunications System for Registering a Custody Relation for an Object of Custody - For providing, to a custody service user ( | 11-24-2011 |
| 20110301985 | System and method for operating a service to arrange transport amongst parties through use of mobile devices - A system and method are described for enabling transportation to be arranged for individuals carrying handsets or mobile devices. In some embodiments, a customer can transmit a request for transport from a given customer geographic location. A service may handle the request by selecting a driver for the customer. | 12-08-2011 |
| 20110307279 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING FUTURE PURCHASES OF GOODS AND SERVICES - A method and system for reserving future purchases of goods or services using plural electronic options. The purchased electronic options are automatically exercised upon completion of an electronic purchase transaction for a desired good or service associated with the purchased electronic option and a final purchase price automatically adjusted based on exercising the electronic option. The final purchase price is adjusted based on electronic option terms as well as other factors including reward points, loyalty points, etc. | 12-15-2011 |
| 20110313797 | CONTEXT AWARE OFFICE SPACE LOCATOR - The system and method provide an efficient system for scheduling office space at a site. A request is received to schedule an office space at the site. Communications and/or relationships with the person who requested the office space and other person(s) are identified. A communication can be any type of communication such as emails, voice calls, social network postings, scheduled conference rooms, and the like. A relationship can be any type of relationship such as being in the same group, being on the same project, and the like. A location(s) at the site that is associated with the other person(s) (e.g., another person's office location, a conference room location, etc.) is used to schedule the office space. This way, the office space that is scheduled is more centrally located in regard to those people with whom the requestor of the office space will be meeting/working | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313798 | SHORT-TERM HOUSING RENTAL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - As will be discussed in greater detail herein, a short-term housing rental management system and method provides tools for housing property managers, owners, renters, and others to better facilitate processes involved with offering and renting housing on a short-term basis. The system adds a more dynamic nature to pricing to be adaptive to changing conditions regarding such factors as timing and demand for particular short-term rental properties. Among other things, the system uses yield management to establish proper margins in rental pricing to increase returns from a rental event while seeking to increase occupancies. The system allows for short-term housing inventory to be offered simultaneously under more than one approach. For instance, the system could offer the short-term housing opportunity for a no commission approach, a merchant approach, and an agent approach. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110313799 | DISTRIBUTION SERVICES RESERVATION INTEGRATION - Systems according to embodiments of the present invention include a core adapter module configured to receive reservation information from a reservation system in a first format useable by the reservation system, a web service module configured to identify a provider system based on the reservation information and to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and a distribution module configured to send the reservation information in the second format to the provider system. Methods according to embodiments of the present invention include receiving reservation information from a reservation system in a first format useable by the reservation system, identifying a provider system based on the reservation information, processing the reservation information to place the reservation information into a second format useable by the provider system, and sending the reservation information in the second format to the provider system. | 12-22-2011 |
| 20110320227 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAPPING PRICE AND LOCATION OF TICKETS IN AN EVENT VENUE - A system and methods for mapping price and location of tickets in an event venue are described. An interactive event venue seat map is provided by a network-based system that implements an online marketplace for tickets for upcoming events. The interactive event venue seat map enables sellers to view pricing information and transaction information for both sold and current event listings for any section or zone in an event venue. The interactive event venue seat map allows sellers to browse and click on sections to see sold and listed data for any section and zone in the event venue and to compare a proposed sale price to available pricing information of sold and current event listings in comparable sections. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 12-29-2011 |
| 20120004936 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING ANCILLARY SERVICES - Methods, systems and computer-readable mediums are provided for facilitating ordering ancillary services while implementing various policies and business rules and providing granular reconciliation of data. Travel information associated with a user is received from a computer reservation system. The method requests ancillary service content based upon the travel information. The ancillary service content is associated with the travel information. The system presents travel information and ancillary service content to the user and receives an ancillary service order from the user based upon the ancillary service content. The user receives confirmation of the service order and travel data is matched and associated enable detailed reconciliation and visibility into services ordered. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120004937 | Reservation System with Graphical User Interface - Techniques for providing a reservation system are provided. The techniques include displaying a scalable visualization object, wherein the scalable visualization object comprises an expanded view element of the reservation system depicting information in connection with a selected interval of time and a compressed view element of the reservation system depicting information in connection with one or more additional intervals of time, maintaining a visual context between the expanded view and the compressed view within the visualization object, and enabling a user to switch between the expanded view and the compressed view to facilitate use of the reservation system. | 01-05-2012 |
| 20120010909 | Method and system for enabling on-line travel reservations via connection to customer relationship management system, office software address book, or other electronic sources of contact information - A method and system of allowing a user to make travel reservations online via an interface between a customer relationship management (CRM) or like accessible software program intended to facilitate storage and retrieval of addresses and related information for persons, business, & other entities, such as email and other common office software address books and contact lists, where the method captures potential destination information from the CRM or other address/contact list software and presents the user with reservation options. Said options can be presented either via internet or other data transmittal method within the CRM or other software tool, or may be accomplished by sending departure, destination, and other information to a third system for display and reservation booking, either with or without sign-on to such a system. Once reservations are complete, travel data (including, but not limited to, date, time, air carrier, and traveler details) is then returned to the CRM or other software tool for tracking, travel reminders, or travel reporting purposes. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010910 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE SCHEDULING OF RESOURCES ON AN AIRPLANE - A system and method for enabling passengers to swap seats with other passengers, so that they may obtain seats that appear to be unavailable because they are occupied. Passengers use an interface to specify their desire and/or willingness to switch seats, and the conditions, if any, for switching. A processor runs an algorithm reassigning passenger seats based on the conditions inputted at the interface. Passengers are notified of their new seats, and may be charged or compensated for switching seats. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010911 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE SCHEDULING OF RESOURCES ON AN AIRPLANE - A system and method for enabling passengers to swap seats with other passengers, so that they may obtain seats that appear to be unavailable because they are occupied. Passengers use interfaces to specify their desire and/or willingness to switch seats, including to get better seats, give up their seats for compensation, or sit together and/or sit with other passengers, and the conditions, if any, for switching. A processor runs an algorithm reassigning passenger seats based on the conditions inputted at the interface. Passengers are notified of their new seats, and may be charged or compensated for switching seats. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010912 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING THE SCHEDULING OF RESOURCES ON AN AIRPLANE - A system and method for enabling passengers to swap seats with other passengers, so that they may obtain seats that appear to be unavailable because they are occupied. Passengers use interfaces to specify their desire and/or willingness to switch seats, including to get better seats, give up their seats for compensation, sit together and/or sit with other passengers, sit away from certain types of passengers, sit next to an empty seat, and the conditions, if any, for switching. A processor runs an algorithm reassigning passenger seats based on the conditions inputted at the interface. Passengers are notified of their new seats, and may be charged or compensated for switching seats. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120010913 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING EMPTY SEAT INVENTORY ON AN AIRPLANE - A system and method for managing the inventory and distribution of empty seats to take into account the preferences of customers and the desirability of sitting next to an empty seat, and the desire of the owner of the venue to efficiently exploit empty seats. | 01-12-2012 |
| 20120016696 | Home-based Money Transaction Method - A home-based money transaction method includes steps of asking money transaction by a consumer by inputting a money transaction request to a transaction device, which is located in the customer's address, validating the money transaction request by a sale server, approving the money transaction request by a money transaction entity and transferring money, the amount of which is specified in the money transaction request to a merchant that is specified in the money transaction request. The transaction device provides data for geographic location in which the transaction device is located. In the validating step, the sale server authenticates the identity of the transaction device by comparing the geographic location data of the transaction device with the address of the consumer. The data may be provided with a GPS, IP address, MAC address. A device ID associated with consumer data further provides authentication means. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016697 | CONFIGURATION AND INCENTIVE IN EVENT MANAGEMENT ENVIRONMENT PROVIDING AN AUTOMATED SEGMENTATION OF CONSIDERATION - This disclosure relates to configuration and incentive management in an event management environment providing an automated segmentation of consideration. The method may include incentivizing a set of users to promote a reservation of a ticket associated with an event on a event management server. The method may also include publishing a set of details associated with the ticket on the event management server, and generating a reselling agreement promising a consideration between a first user who may be a seller of the ticket, and a second user who may be a promoter of the event. The method may further include automatically generating a split of a ticket price purchased through a third user to the second user and the first user based on a set of agreed terms of the reselling agreement. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016698 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ALLOCATING INVENTORY - Computer-implemented systems and methods provide use an allocation process for allocating inventory items based on categories and attributes associated with the inventory items. The systems and methods allocate the inventory in accordance with a predefined hierarchy of the categories and attributes so as to effectively balance current reservations while accounting for overbook and/or retention criteria. The systems and methods facilitate the tracking of upgraded inventory reservations relative to non-upgraded inventory reservations. The inventory allocation can occur in real time and/or in accordance with a user-defined schedule. The inventory allocation can be substantially automated. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016699 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - Computer-implemented systems and methods provide for attribute-based inventory management. In the attribute-based inventory management, any one or more discrete attributes of an inventory item can be used to manage the inventory item. Management of the inventory item includes, for example, identifying the availability of the inventory item and identifying a rate to be charged for the inventory item. This attributes-based model for inventory management is highly flexible and scalable. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120016700 | Method And System For Conference Room Scheduling - A method for conference room scheduling includes detecting a user in a first location, obtaining reservation information associated with the first location, determining based on the reservation information whether the first location is reserved and notifying the user whether the first location is reserved. | 01-19-2012 |
| 20120022900 | RETAIL ESTABLISHMENT EXCESS CAPACITY MANAGEMENT AND PRESENTATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system of retail establishment excess capacity management and presentation are disclosed. In one embodiment, a computer implemented method includes creating a search result based on criteria of a patron user using a processor. The search result includes an excess capacity across any number of establishments matching the criteria. The method also includes identifying an establishment when a selection of the patron user is processed responsive to the search result. Further, the method includes confirming a reservation of the patron user at the establishment with a payment authority and the establishment, and adjusting the excess capacity based on the reservation. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022901 | Preference Seating System - Improved techniques and systems for assigning resources in a service industry are described herein. These techniques and systems replace the first-come-first-served model traditionally used in airline seating, restaurant table placement, entertainment venue ticketing, hotel room location, and other industries with a two-part system incorporating virtual tracking of available resources and a rules-based assignment system for allocating the available resources amongst the customers. Such a system allows optimization of the resource allocation from a customer perspective (who can select resources based on personal preferences) and from a service provider perspective (who can monetize certain resources and/or allocate the resources to best meet other business goals, such as loyalty preservation, operational requirements, efficiency, etc.). | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120022902 | ONLINE/OFFLINE EVENT RELATED ACCESS CONTROLLED SYSTEMS WITH EVENT SPECIFIC CLOSED VENUE WIRELESS APPLICATIONS - Systems and methods for off line/online access controlled environments to implement temporal applications in wireless devices via near field communications in closed group venues; e.g., concert halls, race horse betting, and university scheduling, are disclosed. | 01-26-2012 |
| 20120029954 | Method and apparatus using current fares for seating availability determination - A travel reservation system has an interface with system users configured to receive of availability requests from system users. The travel reservation system further includes a reservation system coupled with the interface and an inventory system coupled with the reservation system. The inventory system is configured to respond to a receipt of an availability request to obtain bid prices associated with the availability request and to obtain current fares associated with the availability request from the reservation system. The inventory system is further configured to compare the current fares to the bid prices so as to one of grant or not grant availability based on the result of the comparison. Also disclosed are related methods and computer programs. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120029955 | Fare Rules Summarizer for Travel Planning - A user interface for a fare summary tool is described. The user interface is for display on a monitor and includes a fare evaluation result table that displays fare rule summaries for fares in slices of an itinerary. A method for producing a rule summary is also described. The method retrieves fares and fare rules for a city pair over a specified time period and evaluates the retrieved fares against the retrieve rules to return a status corresponding to pass, fail defer. The method produces a summary of the results of evaluating the rules that indicates the status of the rules for each category of rules and displays the summary on a user output device. | 02-02-2012 |
| 20120035965 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND MACHINE-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA FOR INTERFACING WITH A COMPUTER FLIGHT SYSTEM - Provided herein are systems, methods and machine-readable media for interfacing with computer flight systems. For example, one embodiment is described wherein an unknown and/or changing inventory of aircraft, potentially including aircraft owned or operated by third parties, is managed to provide flight schedules, fare structures, and reservation inventories to computer flight systems. Another embodiment is described wherein aircraft inventory is allocated dynamically and/or adjusted in real-time in response to bookings of seats on aircraft flights in the flight schedule. Another embodiment is described wherein aircraft inventory may be changed by suppliers of aircraft, including changes to costs for using a portion of the inventory (e.g., using an aircraft for a day), and a management system may modify booking class inventories on one or more flights in the flight schedule in response. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120035966 | SYSTEMS, METHODS, AND MACHINE-READABLE STORAGE MEDIA FOR INTERFACING WITH A COMPUTER FLIGHT SYSTEM - Provided herein are systems, methods and machine-readable media for interfacing with computer flight systems. For example, one embodiment is described wherein an unknown and/or changing inventory of aircraft, potentially including aircraft owned or operated by third parties, is managed to provide flight schedules, fare structures, and reservation inventories to computer flight systems. Another embodiment is described wherein aircraft inventory is allocated dynamically and/or adjusted in real-time in response to bookings of seats on aircraft flights in the flight schedule. Another embodiment is described wherein aircraft inventory may be changed by suppliers of aircraft, including changes to costs for using a portion of the inventory (e.g., using an aircraft for a day), and a management system may modify booking class inventories on one or more flights in the flight schedule in response. | 02-09-2012 |
| 20120041792 | CUSTOMIZABLE POPULATION SEGMENT ASSEMBLY - The presently described technology provides a mechanism for allowing custom targeted segments to be defined by parties outside of a content delivery system. Segments include collections of users grouped together based on common characteristics wherein targeted content is provided to a user based on her assignment to a segment. The present technology allows a content provider, as an example, to define a custom segment, thereby creating a grouping of users suited to receive the content provider's content. In some embodiments, a user interface is provided to the content provider, which includes all available characteristics, and value ranges corresponding to the characteristics. The content provider selects from among the characteristics and values corresponding to the characteristics to create a definition of a custom segment. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120041793 | INTERACTIVE ACTIVITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for defining, booking and managing activities or services by a user of digital computer implemented applications and interactive displays based on time, location and theme as related to the user's local environment. | 02-16-2012 |
| 20120046977 | Automated Ticket Selling System Having a Maximum Price Setting - A buyer may submit a listing containing a description of an item desired to be purchased, such as an airline ticket, to an operator of an automated selling system. The automated selling system may be accessible via a computer network. The listing may contain a maximum price at which the buyer is willing to purchase the item. Sellers designate listings for which they submit bids to the operator. The floor price applicable to a given listing may be determined from the highest floor price submitted by the eligible sellers for that listing. If only one seller submits a bid, and the bid is less than or equal to the price submitted by the buyer, that seller is selected to make the sale and provide the item. If there are multiple eligible sellers, the sale is awarded to a seller after applying predefined system rules. | 02-23-2012 |
| 20120066013 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THEME PARK LINE QUEUE MANAGEMENT - The present disclosure describes a method for managing theme park ride lines by providing an identifying device to a guest, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, using the identifying device to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location and reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location. A system for managing theme park ride lines is also provided. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120066014 | Method and Apparatus for Facilitating a Transaction Between a Buyer and One Seller - A seller server receives an offer which specifies a type of product (e.g. a seat on a flight), at least one condition (e.g. destination and date of departure), and an offer price specified by a buyer. The seller server also receives an associated payment identifier that specifies a financial account, such as a credit card account. The payment identifier essentially “guarantees” the offer in that the seller may receive payment from the financial account even if the buyer attempts to renege. The seller determines whether to accept the offer, based on various factors such as the offer price and the availability of appropriate products to satisfy the conditions of the offer. If the offer is accepted, payment is provided to the seller using the payment identifier. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120066015 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICES SELECTABLE FROM MULTIPLE CATEGORIES - The present invention teaches an online reservation system providing services of multiple categories of service providers. A user may enter the online reservation system by clicking on a button either embedded in a directory services search result for a particular service provider or located on a particular service provider's website. Alternatively, a user may search for service providers through the online reservation system by entering criteria such as category of service, pricing, rating, location, or time and day of availability of the service. Both users and service providers receive electronic confirmation and reminders for the booked appointments. Service providers may integrate all of their appointments with a calendar maintained by the online reservation system. The system automatically collects client data and may provide accounting services. | 03-15-2012 |
| 20120072249 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SENDING TRAVEL INFORMATION TO A WIRELESS MOBILE DEVICE - A system registers mobile devices for flight status updates and sends relevant updates to the wireless devices. Flight status updates are processed by the system and evaluated for their usefulness to the end-user. Updates that are above a minimum level of usefulness are sent to the mobile device. The system compensates for missing and/or invalid data in flight status updates. In addition to flight status updates, the system may evaluate and provide status updates for complete travel itineraries including, but not limited to, connecting flights, hotel availability and transportation options. | 03-22-2012 |
| 20120078667 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120078668 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR QUEUING ACCESS TO NETWORK RESOURCES - One embodiment of the present invention provides apparatus and methods for queuing access by large numbers of Internet or other network-based users to networked systems and resources with limited capacity. In one example embodiment, a queuing system provides user access to network resources, such as that of a ticketing system. A ticket queue queues a request received from a client system. A request processing module causes the client system to repeatedly transmit messages to the system during a first period, and in response to determining that the client system has ceased transmitting messages during the first period, the request is remove from the queue and/or cause the request goes unfulfilled. | 03-29-2012 |
| 20120089424 | TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM - An electronic travel booking system is disclosed, wherein the booking system is configured to display locations of interest on an electronic map. An input analysis module | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089425 | Trip monitoring and inferential location based services - Techniques for trip monitoring and inferential location based services are provided. Itineraries for trips of a customer are monitored. As transactions complete in the itineraries, inferences are made to infer the geographical locations for the customer. The inferred geographical locations are used along with preferences for the customer to deliver customized content to the customer and to perform one or more automated actions on behalf of the customer associated with next transactions of the itineraries. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120089426 | Techniques for automated profile-based transaction processing - Techniques for automated profile-based transaction processing are provided. A customer uses a cloud-based service to establish one or more transaction profiles. When that customer subsequently accesses a self-service device to perform a transaction, the cloud-based service is automatically contacted and the transaction is automatically completed on behalf of the customer at the self-service device using a particular one of the customer's transaction profiles. | 04-12-2012 |
| 20120095790 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing On-Street Valet Parking - A computer-implemented system and method for providing basic valet parking through centrally-managed parking services is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors also physically proximate to the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the parking spaces is accepted through the server for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor is sensed during the time period. Availability of each parking space is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator throughout the time period based upon the current time and use by the valet service. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095791 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Merchant And Shopper-Friendly Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through validated parking is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Use of the parking space is validated. The parking space's location and the driver's identity are retrieved at the location of a merchant. Payment for at least part of the use of the parking space from the merchant is provided through the server. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120095792 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Commercial Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for offering commercial parking reservations through flexible loading zones is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a business district are managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are interfaced to the server. Use of the parking spaces as a loading zone is reserved. A reservation request from a business is accepted. The business is confirmed as eligible. The request is granted, provided the requested parking space is available over any other reservations. Use of the loading zone is managed. The parking availability indicator is activated contemporaneous to the reservation period. Occupancy of the requested parking space is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor. An identity of a driver is verified through the nearest smart parking device. The use of the reserved parking space is permitted upon matching the driver's identity to the business. | 04-19-2012 |
| 20120101858 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR TARGETING MESSAGES TO TRAVELERS - A computer-implemented system and method for targeting messages to a traveler, comprising processing information associated with: receiving a request from a device of the traveler for itinerary information; utilizing geographic information, comprising itinerary information, to determine where the traveler is currently and/or is projected to be during a given time period; categorizing the geographic information and traveler information about the traveler from a database of travel and expense activity into a category; matching the category for the geographical information and/or traveler information about the traveler against a category for available targeted messages to determine if there are any matches; and transmitting targeted messages that have a category that matches a category for the geographical information and/or traveler information to the device of the traveler; wherein traveler information from the database of travel and expense activity is utilized to help determine what products and/or services travelers purchase when they travel. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120101859 | ONLINE RESERVATION SOFTWARE - An online reservation system, characterized by a transient reservation status of “pending” having an associated time limit. An inquiry on a specific one of the resources via the user interface triggers the pending status for the specific one of the resources and blocks other users from reserving the specific one of the resources for the associated time limit. The reservation status of the specific one of the resources is updated to “reserved” if payment is effected within the associated time limit. The reservation status of the specific one of the resources is updated to “unreserved” if payment is not effected within the associated time limit. | 04-26-2012 |
| 20120109694 | VEHICLE ASSIGNMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method for dispatching a vehicle receives a reservation request sent from a handheld device by a dispatch system, and confirms an available service vehicle nearest to an original position of the handheld device from a vehicle database in the dispatch system. The method further transmits information of the confirmed vehicle to the handheld device, and information of a user of the handheld device to the confirmed vehicle. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109695 | Travel Kiosk System and Method for Facilitating Travel With and Without Pets - A technologically specialized pet travel kiosk located directly on-site at a travel facility, such as an airport, wherein convenient pet handling, transfer, and care may be offered, and wherein informational data handling and exchange may facilitate delivery of personalized services, characterized by maximized efficiency and quality. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120109696 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERNET-BASED CUSTOMER CHECK-IN - An internet-based system and method allows customers to remotely check-in to a wait list for a no-appointment first listed-first served business. A location associated with a customer is received and an interactive map displays multiple icons with each icon corresponding to a location of the business. A dynamically updated estimated wait time for the wait list at each business location is displayed. A customer selection of a location at which to receive a service from the business is received by a selection of the icon representing the business and the customer is added to the wait list at the location. | 05-03-2012 |
| 20120116825 | METHODS AND SYSTEM MAKING IT POSSIBLE TO PLACE AN INDIVIDUAL PUBLIC VEHICLE AT THE DISPOSAL OF A USER - Method for placing one vehicle of a group of individual public vehicles at the disposal of a user, the said method being characterized in that it comprises the following steps: receiving from each individual public vehicle information including the geographic position of the vehicle, creating a database including the information of the geographic positions of the vehicles, receiving a request to place a vehicle at the disposal of the user in a position, using the database to identify a vehicle available in this position or close to this position, and sending the user the information relating to the actual exact position of the available vehicle. | 05-10-2012 |
| 20120123811 | Interactive live political events - An interactive political event allows clients to provide feedback to political candidates speakers and/or event producers relative to the event being observed. Feedback options include shout outs, emotapplause, and voting. Ticket scarcity management system adjusts event marketing, and/or ticketed sales methodologies, which include free and paid to maintain optimal conditions for an interactive political event. Multiple video/audio streams of an interactive event are simultaneously distributed as part of a broadcast to enable switching between streams by the online audience members and/or users without interruption of the presentation of the event and may include additional data relative to a candidates and/or speakers history and/or position with respect to issues being debated and/or discussed. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123812 | EVALUATING CUSTOMERS - Scarce resources, such as goods and/or services, can be allocated to customers according to score values associated with each customer that is a candidate to receive such resources in order to achieve an optimal allocation of resources, as determined by a business or other entity or organization that provides the goods and/or services. Each score value is generated automatically according to a set of predetermined rules based on profile information associated with the customer, including attributes of the customer, and based on information regarding goods and/or services purchased by the customer. A current context is used to determine an event and/or an event class, and the set of rules associated with the event or event class is used in generating the score value for one or more customers that are implicated by the current context, such as individuals affected by or eligible for the event. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120123813 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for selecting inventory pricing for an event at a venue is disclosed. The method comprising determining a rate at which a first inventory of seats have sold for an event at a venue. The method further comprising calculating a demand for a second inventory of seats as a function of the rate at which the first inventory of seats sold, the seats of the first and second inventories being comparable in quality. provides a user interface to one or more client devices that displays the data. The method further comprising calculating a demand for a second inventory of seats as a function of the rate at which the first inventory of seats sold, the seats of the first and second inventories being comparable in quality. | 05-17-2012 |
| 20120136682 | Engine, System and Method for Maximizing Long-Term Value of Products or Service Items - A software engine, system and method is disclosed for increasing long-term value of at least one item supplied by at least one service provider. The engine, system and method follows a rules set that includes information relating to personal information of potential bidders and bids of the potential bidders. The engine, system and method arrives at a list of recommended bids and reports the list to the service provider. | 05-31-2012 |
| 20120143638 | Making a Recurring Reservation for a Resource - A method for making a recurring reservation for a resource, performed by a resource reservation processing system, the method includes, receiving a request for a recurring reservation of a type of resource, receiving a preference associated with the request, determining an availability of specific resources of the type of resource, displaying a proposed reservation of the specific resources based in part on the preference and the availability. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120143639 | System and Method for Optimizing the Utilization of Space - A system and method for providing a service allowing a user looking for an available space to access a secure network and specify parameters defining the user's requirements for the available space, while allowing other users to broadcast space information regarding spaces they are about to depart from, where space is a three-dimensional volume or position that can be occupied or vacated. Users communicate with the secure network which is comprised of dedicated and/or external data sources and servers, using electronic devices to retrieve and broadcast real-time and future space information so that users may conduct space exchanges either by paying and receiving set amounts for an available parking space or by bidding on an available parking space. Users can also rate the space exchange according to whether or not they were satisfied or dissatisfied with the transaction. | 06-07-2012 |
| 20120150572 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTEGRATED TRAVEL AND EXPENSE MANAGEMENT - A method and system, comprising: 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 comprises: 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. | 06-14-2012 |
| 20120158441 | Air taxi logistics system - An air taxi system comprising means for dynamically optimizing travel by real time assessment of relevant factors between an origination street address and prospective origination airports, between prospective origination airports and prospective destination airports, and between prospective destination airports and a destination street address. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158442 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING A DYNAMIC OPTIMAL TRAVEL SOLUTION - A system and method for generating a dynamic optimal travel solution is disclosed. The method includes receiving an optimal travel solution and receiving consumption data, wherein the consumption data includes an actual market share. The method also includes receiving quality of service index data (QSI), wherein the QSI includes a maximum realistic market share, and generating a dynamic optimal travel solution, in response to the optimal travel solution, the consumption data, and the QSI. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158443 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR TRANSMITTING TICKET INFORMATION IN PORTABLE TERMINAL - A method for transmitting ticket information of a portable terminal includes: receiving the ticket information including common information, one or more individual information, and authentication information corresponding to each of the individual information; displaying the ticket information by using the common information and the individual information when a request for transmitting the received ticket information to another terminal is made; making a request for transmitting an area corresponding to a specific individual information in the displayed ticket information; and generating ticket information in identifiable form including common information, a specific individual information, and authentication information corresponding to the specific individual information to transmit the generated information. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120158444 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE-OF-MANUFACTURE FOR THE CREATION, ISSUANCE, TRADING, AND EXERCISE OF REFUND OPTIONS FOR ATTENDANCE RIGHTS - Computer-related methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to permit/facilitate the creation, marketing, and/or distribution of options to purchase tickets or obtain refunds to a particular future event, particularly an elimination format competition, when the chosen competitor's qualification for such a game is currently uncertain, but where the uncertainty will be resolved prior to the commencement of the particular future event. | 06-21-2012 |
| 20120166230 | DYNAMIC ITEM CREATION AT POINT OF SALE - A network-based system includes one or more servers that transfer to a client computer a user interface that includes a selectable icon relating to available seats for an event at an event venue and a selectable icon relating to gift certificates that are redeemable for purchasing one or more available seats to one or more events at one or more event venues. If a request for a gift certificate is received, the one or more servers receive payment for a selected monetary equivalent value for the requested gift certificate; create a gift certificate having the monetary equivalent value at the time that payment is received but not prior to receipt of the requested gift certificate, where the created gift certificate was not previously stored in any database of the network-based system; and store the created gift certificate in a database of the network-based system. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120166231 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120166232 | Customer managed restaurant information system - A restaurant information system includes a point-of-sale (POS) device constructed and arranged for identifying a customer at a restaurant, an amount owed for food or other items purchased at the restaurant, a financial services provider, and a restaurant customer service of which the customer is a member. A network server is associated with the restaurant customer service, and is configured to access a personal customer file created by the customer. The POS device is configured to prompt and receive a customer entry including a review or other comments concerning the restaurant, and to address the customer entry to the network server for writing in the customer's personal file. The network server may also be configured to compile a searchable database reflecting customer entries made in a number of different customer files. | 06-28-2012 |
| 20120173292 | RESERVABLE ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING GROUPS - An electric vehicle charging network server establishes electric vehicle charging reservation groups. The electric vehicle charging network server is coupled with multiple electric vehicle charging stations that each include one or more charging ports and are owned by a charging station host. The server receives input from the charging station host to configure an electric vehicle charging reservation group. The server configures the electric vehicle charging reservation group according to the received input. The configured electric vehicle charging reservation group includes multiple charging ports and allows a limited number of electric vehicle charging group reservations that are each applicable to all of the charging ports that are part of the configured electric vehicle charging reservation group. | 07-05-2012 |
| 20120179497 | Method for auditing a bag drop in a transportation departure control system - The invention relates to a method and system for auditing a bag drop in a transportation departure control system. The invention enables to check the consistency of information about numbers of dropped bags obtained from a boarding pass and from computerized baggage collection equipment. Security warnings are triggered each time a discrepancy is detected. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120179498 | APPLICATION OF SPATIAL DIMENSION TO CRUISE SEARCH AND CABIN SELECTION - A user interface that improves the cruise line itinerary research and selection process by integrating an interactive geographical display that is able to display multiple cruise line itineraries thereby reducing the number of page reloads during the user interaction with the user interface. Further, the user interface improves the cruise line cabin selection process by integrating spatial dimension data into cabin search results across cabin types and/or categories. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120179499 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN ONLINE RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR SERVICES SELECTABLE FROM MULTIPLE CATEGORIES - The present invention teaches an online reservation system providing services of multiple categories of service providers. A user may enter the online reservation system by clicking on a button either embedded in a directory services search result for a particular service provider or located on a particular service provider's website. Alternatively, a user may search for service providers through the online reservation system by entering criteria such as category of service, pricing, rating, location, or time and day of availability of the service. Both users and service providers receive electronic confirmation and reminders for the booked appointments. Service providers may integrate all of their appointments with a calendar maintained by the online reservation system. The system automatically collects client data and may provide accounting services. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120179500 | SYSTEM FOR CONCURRENT OPTIMIZATION OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND CUSTOMER VALUE - 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 upgrade on up to n of m selected products, where n is less than 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 be upgraded to said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store. | 07-12-2012 |
| 20120185284 | SYSTEM FOR CONCURRENT OPTIMIZATION OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND CUSTOMER VALUE - 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 upgrade on up to n of m selected products, where n is less than 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 be upgraded to said chosen product. The information pertaining to said defined products is recorded in a data store. | 07-19-2012 |
| 20120185285 | SYSTEM FOR CONCURRENT OPTIMIZATION OF BUSINESS ECONOMICS AND CUSTOMER VALUE - 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| 07-19-2012 | |
| 20120191488 | Use of Location Aware Check-In by Visitors to Support Emergency Services - A previously unregistered visitor enters the site. Contact information associated with the visitor, such as the visitor's phone number(s), an email address of the visitor, emergency contacts of the visitor, and the like, are registered. Location information associated with the visitor, such as calendar information, duration of the visit, a check-in at the site, and the like are registered. The registered contact and location information are stored in an emergency database. An emergency, such as a 911 emergency (e.g., fire in the building) is detected. The visitor and/or another contact identified by the contact information are notified based on the location information. This allows entities to be able to provide the same emergency services for visitors as for regular employees. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191489 | GROUP RESERVATION SUPPORT SYSTEM - Provided a framework that allows a user who represents a group and carries out an accommodation reservation procedure to solicit participating members while holding an accommodation. The procedures includes: (1) receiving a tentative reservation application from an organizer, requesting approval from members, receiving responses to the request for approval from the members, and sequentially identifying a tentative reservation number, member and answer; (2) when the identified answer is “approved” (Yes in S | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191490 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF PRESERVING PURCHASED ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION ENTERTAINMENT SERVICES ACROSS DIFFERENT JOURNEY SEGMENTS OR SEPARATE TRIPS - A method and system for allowing the purchaser of an on-demand entertainment session of predetermined time duration to reaccess that portion of the session not used. On-demand passenger entertainment services in airline flights often offer services, such as movies, of a predetermined time duration which time is longer than the time of flight. The method and system disclosed allows purchasers to gain access on another flight to the unused portion of the services, such as, the unseen portion of a movie, terminated at the end of the initial flight. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120191491 | Method and system for providing a public article rental service using a biometric identity card - Disclosed are a method and a system for providing a public facility rental service using a biometric identity card. According to the present invention, an on-site reservation request or an Internet reservation request for a public facility rental service is inputted via an on-site reservation device or via the Internet, an on-site reservation process or an Internet reservation process for the public facility rental service is performed, a request for user identification is inputted, user identification is performed, on-site-reserved or Internet-reserved public facilities are rented out to the authenticated user, and processes for public facility rental fee-charging, returning, theft counteraction, fault counteraction, storage, home delivery and the like are performed through user identification using a biometric identity and a public certificate. Thus, the public facility rental service is provided in a convenient and safe manner through user authentication using a biometric identity. | 07-26-2012 |
| 20120197670 | ONLINE RESTAURANT SYSTEMS FOR FORECASTING BEHAVIORS OF LATE CUSTOMERS - This invention is provided to forecast behaviors of late customers. In one embodiment, a system including a plurality of mobile equipments is provided. In the embodiment, the system includes a mobile equipment of a first customer and a mobile equipment of a second customer. The system also includes an apparatus comprising a computing processing unit configured to process memory units stored to execute instructions by the processing unit. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197671 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING PARTIAL SEATS - A seat reservation system and method in which a first user requests a reservation computer to reserve a first regular seat and a first partial seat for an event. A second user requests the reservation computer to reserve a second regular seat and a second partial seat for the event. The reservation computer then matches the first partial seat reservation request with the second partial seat reservation request to generate a middle seat reservation request for the event. The reservation computer assigns a first seat, a middle seat, and a second seat consecutively in a single row to the first user and the second user in fulfillment of the first user reservation request for the first regular seat and the first partial seat and the second user reservation request for the second regular seat and the second partial seat. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120197672 | System and Method for Improved Rental Vehicle Reservation Management - A method and system are disclosed for managing a rental vehicle reservation based at least in part on automated processing of vehicle repair data corresponding to a disabled vehicle that is related to the rental vehicle reservation. A preferred method and system can also automatically schedule a callback reminder for the rental vehicle reservation based at least in part on the received vehicle repair data. | 08-02-2012 |
| 20120203578 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT TO STORE EVENT INFORMATION AND CORRESPONDING EVENT AVAILABILITY INFORMATION - Methods and systems to store event information and corresponding event availability information. An event record and a corresponding availability count record may be stored together in a hash table, at an index computed from event information. Alternatively, event records may be stored in a first hash table at indexes computed from corresponding event information, and availability count records may be stored in a second hash table, at indexes computed from contents of the availability count records. Event records in the first hash table may include pointers to availability count records in the second hash table. To retrieve an availability count record for an event, the event information may be hashed with the first hash function to determine an index of the first hash table at which the event record and associated pointer are stored. From the pointer, the associated availability count record may be retrieved from the second hash table. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203579 | SYSTEM FOR BOOKING A TIME PERIOD FOR UTILISING A TIME BASED SERVICE OR RESOURCE - A system for booking a time period includes at least one provider arrangement on which a resource/service provider can indicate one or more available time periods within which they are able to provide a resource or service, and a plurality of user portals. Each user portal indicates which time periods of the service or resource provider/s are available to be booked on that portal by a user and facilitates booking of an available time period by a user. A synchronization and communications arrangement facilitates direct communication between the provider arrangement and each user portal in real time over a communication network to communicate the booking of an available time period on a the portal by a user to the provider arrangement and the other portals. This updates the available time periods on the provider arrangement and the user portals and removes each booked time period from the available time periods. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203580 | Method and Apparatus for Tracking Repair Facility Performance for Repairs Relating to Replacement Rental Vehicle Transactions - Systems and methods for tracking repair facility performance in a replacement rental vehicle context are disclosed. Various operations for adding and subtracting credits from a repair facility virtual bank account are disclosed. Adjustments to credit totals can be based on repair facility performance with regard to an individual vehicle repair or a plurality of vehicle repairs. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203581 | System and Method for Improved Rental Vehicle Reservation Management - A method and system are disclosed for managing a rental vehicle reservation based at least in part on automated processing of vehicle repair data corresponding to a disabled vehicle that is related to the rental vehicle reservation. For example, a preferred method and system can automatically compute from the vehicle repair data an amount of time that is likely to be needed by a repair facility to complete repairs to the disabled vehicle, which in turn can drive more accurate management of an authorization period for the rental vehicle reservation. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120203582 | System and Method for Improved Rental Vehicle Reservation Management - A method and system are disclosed for managing a rental vehicle reservation based at least in part on automated processing of vehicle repair data corresponding to a disabled vehicle that is related to the rental vehicle reservation. For example, a preferred method and system can automatically compute from the vehicle repair data an amount of time that is likely to be needed by a repair facility to complete repairs to the disabled vehicle, which in turn can drive more accurate management of an authorization period for the rental vehicle reservation. | 08-09-2012 |
| 20120209636 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING AND ARRANGING AIR TRAVEL - A system to facilitate group travel on non-commercial aircraft is provided having an aircraft operator database on an electronic medium that can have a listing of registered, independent, and non-commercial aircraft; the aircraft operator database can further have a registry of non-commercial aircraft available to accept a group for an identified trip segment; a grouping service can be provided having access to the aircraft operator database via a computer network that can provide formation of the group to travel and communicate the group to the aircraft operator; and the grouping service can transmit a group acceptance of the group by the aircraft operator. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209637 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Customer Direct On-Line Reservation of Rental Vehicles - Disclosed herein is a reservation booking website for rental vehicle reservations wherein the functionality of managing customer profiles/accounts is expanded upon to provide customers with greater control over the profile data stored in their associated personalized accounts/profiles, particularly in connection with the “favorite” or “preferred” branch locations for rental vehicle reservations that are stored in the customer profiles/ accounts. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209638 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Customer Direct On-Line Reservation of Rental Vehicles - Disclosed herein is a reservation booking website wherein customers who plan to travel via general aviation (GA) are provided with a GA reservation creation path that is responsive to their GA travel needs. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209639 | FUNCTION SPACE RESERVATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods to provide an availability and price determination, in response to a request for function space, to a user in real-time. For one embodiment, a request for a function space is received at a digital processing system that contains availability information and a set of pricing rules for one or more function spaces. The request includes a plurality of criteria. An availability of the requested function space is determined based upon the availability information and one or more of the criterion. A price for the requested function space is determined based upon the set of pricing rules and one or more of the criterion. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209640 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENSURING ACCURATE REIMBURSEMENT FOR TRAVEL EXPENSES - An Expense Verification System (EVS) checks for fraud/errors in reimbursement requests. The EVS stores rules for reimbursement in accordance with company policies. The EVS receives travel reservation records for auditing, parses the records to identify a reference number, and then obtains from a trusted source travel record data for a corresponding reference number. Trusted data is compared to company policy-specific rules to determine compliance. In one embodiment, an extracted fare basis identifier is compared to lists of permitted and/or prohibited fare basis codes in the rules to determine compliance. In another embodiment, data is extracted from acknowledgment receipt records from a trusted data source and extracted booking and travel dates are compared to the rules to determine compliance. The EVS issues an alert in the event of non-compliance. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120209641 | EVENT OPERATING SYSTEM USING MULTIFUNCTIONAL CHARACTER SOUVENIR AND EVENT OPERATING METHOD UTILIZING SAME - Disclosed are a system for operating an event using a multi-functional character souvenir and a method for operating the event using the same. The system includes a character souvenir including a Radio Frequency IDentification (RFID) tag device, an information storage chip, a cash charging chip, and an acoustic output device; a composite reader reading and processing data information and cash charging information stored in the character souvenir, and including an information receiver, an information transmitter, and a settlement processor; and an event operator server receiving, storing, and managing the data information read and processed by the composite reader. The method includes an event participation requesting step, a price charge requesting step, an information inputting step, a cash charging step, an event affiliated corporation establishing step, a visitor participation information collecting step, a festival result information processing step, and a post marketing step. | 08-16-2012 |
| 20120215569 | Method, system and computer program to provide fares detection from rules attributes - In one aspect thereof the exemplary embodiments provide a data processing system that includes at least one data processor; at least one memory connected with the data processor and that stores computer software that is executable by the at least one data processor; at least one database storing a plurality of fares and rules establishing conditions under which at least one of the fares can be applied; and an interface to at least one user and configured to receive from the user a fare inquiry. The data processor is configured with the computer software to cause the data processing system to receive a fare inquiry that contains at least one rule attribute, to perform a first search to determine rule data applicable to the at least one rule attribute, and to perform a second search using the rule data to retrieve a list of fares that are applicable to the rule data. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215570 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MATCHING AN OFFER WITH A QUOTE - 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 is configured to receive 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 than the winning rate quoted, up to the customer's offer. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215571 | System and Method for Online Self-Badging - A computer-implemented method for self-registration by an attendee for an event, wherein the attendee accesses via the internet a log-in screen for the event organizer and inputs personal information required for that event. The event organizer provides to the attendee via the internet registration and payment information, and the attendee registers and pays fees for the event. Following confirmation of receipt of payment and registration, the attendee generates a badge electronically. The event organizer generates a document containing the badge; the attendee prints the document, cuts the badge from it and takes the pre-printed badge to the event. The event organizer verifies the badge and mates it with an event-specific badge holder that coordinates with the badge to serve as a credential valid for use at the event. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215572 | STORAGE RESERVATION AND MANAGEMENT - A user interface being configured to display a plurality of icons representing physical items, display a drag region, provide an option for the user to select items for storage in a storage unit by dragging and dropping the icons onto the drag region, display an estimated amount of storage space to store the selected items, display an estimated cost to store the selected items, provide at least one or an option for the user to self-deliver the selected items, provide an option for the user to select options associated with the storage of the selected items, receive identify information from the user, receive payment information from the user, and provide a confirmation to the user. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120215573 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR REDUCING BURST USAGE OF A NETWORKED COMPUTER SYSTEM - Methods and systems for reducing burst usage of a networked computer system are described herein. In an embodiment, resource requesters can request, within a time window, resources over a computer network before the resources are available. The resources can then be allocated in batch mode when the resources are available. Thus, resource requests do not have to be processed in real-time, and resource requests can be received before the resources are available. | 08-23-2012 |
| 20120221362 | System and method for managing group ticket procurement - The present invention is a business method that is a process for coordinating the sale of tickets to groups of people who want to sit together at the event, but pay for their tickets separately. Specifically, the invention is a method of providing group tickets to an event of interest, comprising selecting an event of interest; screening an inventory of seats for the event to create a list of available tickets; choosing from the list, tickets that meet a set of predetermined criteria; and processing the purchase of one or more group tickets by each group member, using information supplied by said group member. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120221363 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DISPLAYING HOTEL INFORMATION - When searching for accommodations, although one or more accommodations may satisfy factors or criteria set by a traveler (e.g., a user), the traveler may desire to locate an accommodation that is also in a convenient area. A convenient area may be an area in which a concentration of points of interest (POIs) is high. For example, a traveler on a leisure trip may desire to stay at a hotel that is in an area with a relatively high concentration of restaurants or tourist attractions, or as a traveler on a business trip may desire to stay at a hotel near an airport or convention hall. Thus, some example embodiments provide accommodation search results to one or more users based on a concentration of points of interest. The accommodation search results may be provided graphically, textually, or any suitable combination thereof. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120221364 | FEE ALLOCATOR SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system is provided for automatically billing a designated account for fees associated with the costs of tickets and other similar services. Passenger Record Number data and similar data is provided through a Computerized Reservation System and an accounting system to a Fee Allocator program which automatically interprets the data, determines appropriate fees based on the data and a user profile, and bills the fees to an appropriate account based on the user profile. Billing data provided to the account also facilitates the process of reconciling the fees to the travel ticket costs. Enhanced descriptive billing statements can be created simplifying the process of reconciling fees to the travel ticket costs. | 08-30-2012 |
| 20120239440 | MANAGING AN EXCHANGE THAT FULFILLS NATURAL LANGUAGE TRAVEL REQUESTS - An exchange that fulfills natural language travel requests is described herein. According to some embodiments, systems for managing an exchange that fulfills natural language travel requests may include a publishing module that receives a plurality of inventory records from a plurality of suppliers, each of the plurality of inventory records pertaining to an available offering, the offering being defined by a set of metadata attributes, and a pattern recognition artificial intelligence engine that generates equivalent phrases for the set of metadata attributes from each inventory record by applying pattern recognition artificial intelligence to the set of metadata attributes, the equivalent phrases representing possible natural language queries to which an inventory record may correspond. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120239441 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING TRAVEL ON A CHARTER TRANSPORT - 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. | 09-20-2012 |
| 20120245966 | PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS AND METHODS - Various arrangements for managing one or more parking facilities using a parking management server are presented. The parking management server may permit day users, lessees, parking facility managers, and group tenants (e.g., entities renting groups of parking spaces) to lease, reserve, and manage parking spaces within parking facilities. User accounts maintained by the parking management server may permit parking fees to be paid remotely by users such that payment is not required to be made at a parking facility. Further, a user's vehicle may be identified using license plate recognition, such that additional hardware does not need to be added to a vehicle for a user account to be established. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120245967 | PREVENTING AN UNAUTHORIZED CARD TRANSACTION - An approach for preventing unauthorized card transactions is presented. An authorization record including an authorized geographic location and an authorized period of time is received from a travel reservation system (TRS) and stored to dynamically update a profile table that stores other authorization records. The authorization record identifies an itinerary specified by travel booking(s) purchased via the TRS using a debit or credit card. The itinerary specifies that the cardholder is scheduled to be in the authorized geographic location for the authorized period of time. In response to receiving a request for an authorization of a card transaction, a location and date associated with the card transaction are retrieved from the request. The card transaction is rejected based on a determination that the retrieved location is not within authorized geographic locations included in the stored authorization records that have authorized time periods that include the retrieved date. | 09-27-2012 |
| 20120253855 | CAPTURING A FUTURE LOCATION OF AN ONLINE USER - A method and a system are provided for capturing a future location of a user. In one example, the system receives user data including plans for one or more future locations of one or more users. The system identifies a particular user who is associated with one or more users who plan to go to a particular future location. The system then provides to a particular user device a suggestion for the particular user to be at the particular future location. The particular user device is presumably operated by the particular user. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120253856 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ITINERARY PLANNING - The present invention relates to a method and system for itinerary planning. The method commences with the receipt of an itinerary-planning request specifying an origin and a destination. A build of network segments extending from the origin is generated. A continuing network segment extending from the build is identified. The continuing network segment is discarded if the continuing network segment is marked as a local network segment and is distant from the origin and from the destination. The continuing network segment is evaluated if the network segment is proximate to one of the origin and the destination. At least one suitable itinerary is determined for the itinerary-planning request. The at least one suitable itinerary is outputted. | 10-04-2012 |
| 20120259667 | RESERVATION METHOD AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED PNR HANDLING - The method and system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows storing and proposing a list of saved quotes, referred to as “Offers”, together with the PNR. These Offers once created can be communicated to the passenger, so he could access them and make his choice in a cross-channel, interactive dialog with the proposing agent. Standard PNR have been enhanced to accommodate quotations/offers on top of firm bookings. As well as making the search efforts of the user persistent and re-usable, the inclusion of quotation in the PNR makes them accessible via all the distribution channels and gives to this invention a full cross-channel dimension. This new functionality represents as well a huge enhancement in the Travel Agent work flow, since the saving of all the pre-booking activity is now automated and traceable, by the agent himself (for follow-up and confirmation purpose) and eligible for sending to commonly used Mid-Office and reporting systems. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120259668 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATING FAN EXPERIENCES USING SMART DEVICE TECHNOLOGY - A holistic and integrated system that utilizes smart phone and similar technology to enhance the experience of a consumer of goods, services, and/or entertainment as it relates to sporting, music, dining, and gambling activities. This solution is the combination of a smart phone device and similar mobile computing device with a connection that facilitates activities digitally that have commonly been executed using other means. Once a consumer enters into the ecosystem, they can participate in a virtual social media playground that allows them to order goods or services as well as participate in a competitive game atmosphere. The consumer will gain recognition and awards based on their frequency of visits, the amount of money spent, their participation in games, as well as other activities. The awards can be traded for virtual or actual goods, merchandise, or services at a later date. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120259669 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF GENERATING INTERACTIVE DIGITAL MAPPING INTEGRATION OF TRAVEL PLANS - A system and process for the selection, distribution, and display of travel information. Flight or other travel data is disseminated from an administrative “back end” system to a mobile personal computing device. Flights and ancillary services such as car rentals and hotel rooms may be booked directly from said mobile computing device. The system and process allows flight data to be selected based upon destination, flight origin, airline, and flight path. An interactive map allows users to quickly and easily plan routes or alter travel plans on the go. | 10-11-2012 |
| 20120265561 | ONLINE MARKETPLACE METHODS FACILITATING LOCAL COMMERCE - A method for online electronic commerce including defining, by a processing unit executing logic, vendor parameters for each at least one of goods and services offered by each vendor, receiving consumer search queries, comparing, with the processing unit executing logic, the vendor parameters with the consumer search queries, and displaying to the consumers for purchase consideration the vendor parameters compatible with the consumer search queries. In some examples, the vendor parameters include a vendor defined product category, a product description, and one or more of local pickup parameters and local delivery parameters. In some examples, the consumer search queries include a consumer desired product category and one or more of local pickup preferences and local delivery preferences. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265562 | De-synchronization monitoring system and method - A method and a system are provided to analyze passenger name records (PNRs) stored in a PNR database (DB). The method includes automatically analyzing each action performed on a PNR stored in the PNR DB. When an action results in an occurrence of a de-synchronization event between the PNR and a corresponding electronic ticket, the method further includes automatically changing a status in the PNR from Established to Orphan. If a final status of the PNR is determined to be Orphan, the method sets a flag in the PNR to enable at least the display of information to an agent, where the displayed information is based on data included in the PNR and is displayed automatically to an agent, and at least indicates the occurrence of the de-synchronization event and a reason for the occurrence of the de-synchronization event. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265563 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMOBILE COLLISION REPAIR - The claimed invention relates to new and improved means for coordinating automobile collision and mechanical repair services. The claimed invention is also adaptable for use with restoration and aftermarket installation services. More specifically, the claimed invention relates to use of a secure website to offer an exclusive, comprehensive and convenient concierge style auto repair solution for modern lifestyle type customers. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265564 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR ASYNCHRONOUSLY SELLING EVENT TICKETS - Systems and methods for a group of people to purchase tickets are described. The group of people does not necessarily have to purchase such tickets at the same time, yet are able to sit together at the event as a group. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120265565 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SEAT RESERVATIONS - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 10-18-2012 |
| 20120271665 | PROVIDING TARGETED CONSIDERATION AND INCENTIVE GENERATION OF A TICKETED ITEM IN A SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT - Systems and methods of tracking a further reservation of a ticketed item to a first user when a second user provides payment of the ticketed item to a payment portal are disclosed. In one or more embodiments, the method also includes automatically generating a discount, a discounted price for the ticketed item and/or a refund of the ticket price to the first user based on a value for a promotional success of the first user. The method further includes analyzing at least one of a number of further reservations achieved through a unique identification data associated with the first user and the number of visits through the unique identification data associated with the first user to calculate the promotional success of the first user. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271666 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING CONTEXTUAL SERVICES - Provided are systems and methods for contextually providing services via a portable computer at a selected location. According to some embodiments, the systems and methods include processes for determining location-specific information about the selected location, determining status information about a user of the portable computer interface, and displaying an available service to the user on a display screen of the portable computer, the available service being selected based on the location-specific information and the status information, configuring a portable computer for transient use by a plurality of guests at a selected location. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271667 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR THE REDEMPTION OF PRODUCTS AND SERVICES - The invention disclosed herein is directed to a system and method of facilitating a user's redemption of goods, services and/or promotional materials comprising a user interface into which the user may input data from a bar code or other data associated with an event admissions ticket. The system and method may then identify the bar code or other data, and allow the user to access the goods, services or promotional materials. The event admissions ticket may be from a concert, sporting event, convention or other activity. Certain embodiments of the invention, after entering the bar code from the event admissions ticket, users of the system and method may download from the Internet or other communications network, or otherwise gain access to product, services or other promotional materials such as audio products, video products, or coupons including, but not limited to, music, music videos, movies, games and/or discount coupons. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120271668 | Open Date Ticketing Method and System - A system and method is disclosed for selling open date ticket packages to selected events of a season of sporting or other events. A package of tickets is purchased in advance of the season with a predetermined number of open date tickets for a selected section or sections of the stadium. The tickets in the package are not date specific and not limited as to how many tickets of the package can be redeemed for attendance at a single event. During a window before each eligible event of the season, open date ticket holders may redeem tickets online for the upcoming event. One or all of the tickets of the package, or any number in between, can be redeemed for any specific event. Each redeemed ticket is assigned a seat and provided with the right to attend the event for which the open date ticket was redeemed. | 10-25-2012 |
| 20120278113 | SYSTEM AND RELATED METHOD FOR EVENT RESERVATION - A computer-based reservation system and method is provided, for event reservation such as bottle service at nightclubs. The system is configured to present to a user via digital communications with a client device, a listing of nightclubs in response to a reservation search received from the user. The reservation search can include location and date. The system provides the listing to include nightclubs within the requested location having availability on the requested date and pricing for bottle service. The system enables the user to select a nightclub from the list to secure a reservation. The system further configured to secure a bottle-service reservation for the user at a selected nightclub based upon terms to include date, price, and a bottle minimum, agreed upon by the user and the selected nightclub, in which reservation details are transmitted to the user and the selected nightclub via digital communications. | 11-01-2012 |
| 20120284062 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR AN IMPROVED RESERVATION SYSTEM OPTIMIZING REPEATED SEARCH REQUESTS - The method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention allows an improved travel request service to end-users who request proposals for a trip from a Global Distribution System (GDS). This uses a new travel request which comprises a wider range for each search parameter than previous travel requests from the prior art. The new travel request includes many different ranges of parameters in the same travel request whereas the prior art travel request has to be repeated for each different requested value for each search parameter. The method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a combination of two modules, a master module and a worker module, to carry out the improved travel request service. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120284063 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING A TRAVEL ECOSYSTEM WITH SHARING OF SOCIAL TRAVEL PREFERENCES - The present invention generally relates to web based travel platforms. Specifically, this invention relates to a system and method for providing a web based travel platform that allows travel agencies, agents, suppliers and vendors to communicate and collaborate within a single global platform and share social travel preferences. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120284064 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION - Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120284065 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONDUCTING SALES - Disclosed are systems, computer-implemented methods, and tangible computer-readable storage media for conducting sales. The method embodiment receives a time agnostic inquiry with at least one parameter from a user associated with a sale of an item, identifies one or more discount items that satisfy the inquiry, identifies comparable items for each discount item at nondiscount rates dynamically using real-time data, presents one or more comparable groups, each comparable group including one discount item and the respective comparable items, and furthers the sales process based on user input responding to the presented one or more comparable groups. Also disclosed is a method further including receiving a request from the user for multiple sub-items associated with the item, and engaging in a dialog with the user to enable payment for each of the sub-items with one of multiple payment types. The user can indicate a set of personalized comparable items. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120284066 | Method and Apparatus for Geographic-Based Communications Service - An apparatus includes memory and a processor. The processor is operable to receive identification information of a user from a portable computing device. The processor is also operable to access the memory to identify a previous trip record based on the identification information of the user and to identify a user preference based on the previous trip record. The processor is further operable to generate reservation information based on the user preference, where the reservation information is associated with a requested trip of the user. | 11-08-2012 |
| 20120290336 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING EVENT-RELATED INCENTIVES - Systems, methods, and devices for providing event-related incentives are provided. For example, a device for managing an electronic event ticket may include a processor configured to run an electronic ticket management application, a memory device configured to store data associated with the electronic ticket management application, an electronic display configured to display at least a portion of the data associated with the electronic ticket management application, and an input/output interface configured to receive an electronic ticket and the data associated with the electronic ticket for management by the electronic ticket management application. The electronic ticket management application may be configured to enable the electronic device to gain entry to an event and to obtain at least one other event-related benefit after the electronic ticket is received by the input/output interface. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290337 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING DEMAND-RESPONSE DATA - A system and method for sharing demand-response data is provided. The system includes a communications interface and storage. The communications interface enables communication with transit operator systems of transit operators. The storage stores customer profiles from the transit operators for customers thereof, the customer profiles including customer data. Computer-executable instructions are executed by at least one processor of the computer system for synchronizing said customer profiles with said transit operator systems | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290338 | System and Method for Electronic Reservations, Booking, and Payments - The present invention is a system and method for electronic reservations providing the ability to send and confirm bookings directly into a point of sale (POS) terminal. The POS can be either or both internal or external to the system. Additionally, Affiliate programs are included in the system. The system allows both advertising and booking managers to control the advertising and booking of time specific opportunities and services and the user to pay for the services provided by the system. The system also handles the distribution of payments and benefits to the Affiliates, Service Providers and Customers. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290339 | COMPUTER-IMPLEMENTED SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RESOURCE ALLOCATION - Systems and methods are described for processing queue data and for providing queue messaging over a network. An illustrative queuing system includes a first queue configured to hold resource requests from a plurality of users, and program code stored in computer readable memory configured to determine or estimate whether a resource requested by a first resource request submitted by a first requester will be available when the first resource request will be serviced, and to transmit a message over a network to the first requester indicating that the requested resource will not be available when the queued request is serviced if it is estimated or determined that the requested resource will not be available when the first request is serviced. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290340 | METHOD, SYSTEM, AND APPARATUS FOR FACILITATING CONCURRENT PURCHASE OF ANY COMBINATION OF TICKETS, CONCESSIONS AND MERCHANDIZE FOR ENTERTAINMENT AND SPORTING EVENTS LEVERAGING WEB, MOBILE DEVICES AND SOCIAL MEDIA TOOLS - The preferred embodiment of the present invention is directed to a method, system and apparatus to automate the sale and purchase of entertainment tickets along with concessions and/or merchandize, individually or as a package, in the electronic media comprising web, mobile apps and social media channels. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120290341 | Method and Apparatus for Customer Direct On-Line Reservation of Rental Vehicles Including Deep-Linking - A method and apparatus are disclosed for expediting how rental vehicle reservations can be booked by employing deep-link uniform resource locators (URLs) that encode aspects of a rental vehicle reservation transaction to relieve users of a need to enter reservation data themselves when booking a rental vehicle reservation. | 11-15-2012 |
| 20120296678 | Systems and Methods for Reservations of Charging Stations for Electric Vehicles - Systems and methods may enable customers to reserve time slots at charging stations for recharging electric vehicles. The systems and methods may include receiving, from a customer computing device associated with a customer, a reservation inquiry to access a charging station to recharge an electric vehicle; providing, to the customer computing device, a respective cost for accessing the charging station during one or more available time periods; receiving a selection from the customer computing device for at least a portion of the available time periods; and delivering, to the customer computing device, a reservation confirmation for the selected time period. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296679 | WEB INTEGRATED POINT-OF-SALE SYSTEM - A system for synchronizing and integrating the reservation data, order data, and e-commerce data, gift card data, and/or loyalty points data residing in a POS device with that of a merchant's website and synchronizing data residing in a website database to the POS device is disclosed. The system includes a POS device to host a POS application, the POS application having a POS database layer, and a web server to host a website application, the website application including a website database layer. The web server hosts a publically accessible website and the website application processes data inputs in the website into the website database layer, and the POS application communicates with the website application to harmonize the website database layer and the POS database layer via Internet protocols. The system can be used to integrate a restaurant or other merchant's POS reservation, ordering, and e-commerce systems with those provided via the website. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296680 | Provision of Alert Messages to Customers of an Establishment - Customer management for an establishment involves operating a server that hosts system software and interacts with various computing devices over internet and wireless network gateway connections. The server communicates with devices at the establishment and customer computing devices in real-time, providing system performance updates, text messaging communications to the customer regarding table availability and marketing information and synchronizing the information communicated within the system. A computer user interface at the establishment communicates with the server and allows an establishment host to capture and transmit customer information to the server and make of the server processing requests that can include sending text message alert notifications to a customer mobile device informing of an available table and providing marketing messages. A secondary device, operated by a waiter of the establishment, communicates with the computing devices of the system and can receive communications, such as customer attention requests, from the customer mobile device. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120296681 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Listings of Branch Locations for Booking Rental Vehicle Reservations On-Line - Disclosed herein are techniques for permitting users to efficiently identify a desired branch location for a rental vehicle reservation. For example, a user-selectable link can be provided on a website page that, upon user selection, restricts a list of available branch locations in an area to only airport branch locations in that area. | 11-22-2012 |
| 20120303394 | LIMOUSINE DRIVER MANAGEMENT APPLICATION - A program adaptable to be run on a tablet computer or other mobile device, and which includes a microprocessor, random access memory, non-volatile memory, such as a hard drive or flash drive, a keyboard or other input means, a wireless communication means, such as Wi-Fi or 3g or 4g, and a display panel. The system provides a set of work tools for use by a limousine driver or concierge, including a guest greeting sign, calendar for trip planning and contact information, notepad, airport, or other real-time transport information, fleet control, passenger entertainment means, curb-side check-in, and promotional messaging. | 11-29-2012 |
| 20120310680 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR OPTIMIZING REVENUE MANAGEMENT IN A TRAVEL ENVIRONMENT - A method of allocating capacity in a vehicle, such as an airplane, which vehicle has a scheduled departure time and a predetermined starting and finishing location and where the capacity includes an inventory of passenger spaces which can be sold to a user is disclosed. The method includes determining at a predetermined time before the scheduled departure time, the number of currently available passenger spaces. The method further includes determining if any of the available passenger spaces can be made available for alternative uses. The method further includes receiving a request for available capacity in the vehicle from a third party to carry a load of cargo having a measure. The method further includes converting the available passenger spaces into an equivalent load having said measure based on a predetermined conversion factor. The method further includes allocating the equivalent load a required capacity. The method further includes updating the number of available passenger spaces now available in the inventory on the basis of the equivalent load and the conversion factor. | 12-06-2012 |
| 20120316900 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR CREATING A CUSTOM TRACK - A method for creating a custom track is described. A selection of at least one artist, venue, and track of a live musical performance having at least one complete song for selection by the user is provided. A selection by the first user of the at least one artist, venue, and track is received. At least one clip associated with the at least one selected artist, venue, and track is displayed. The first user is allowed to create a first custom track from the at least one clip by selecting at least a portion of the at least one clip to be included in the first custom track and a start time and an end time of the at least a portion of the at least one clip within the first custom track. | 12-13-2012 |
| 20120323612 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323613 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for displaying seat inventory at a venue and facilitating planning of ticket prices for events at the venue is presented. Methods to predict total revenue for an event are described. Also presented are systems and methods for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using the sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120323614 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEM FOR MONITORING AND MANAGING CLIENT INTERFACE FOR AREA-SPECIFIC PROCESS - A method enables a communication between a process client and a wireless process server to carry out an area-specific process in an area. The method includes a step of transmitting it message from a wireless process server to a wireless communication device operated by the process client. The message includes information related to the area-specific process for enabling the process-client to better arrange time before the area-specific process is scheduled to carry out in the area. In a specific embodiment, the wireless communication server sends a message to notify the process client about a location and an estimate time for the process client to carry out the area-specific process. In another preferred embodiment, the communication system enables the process client to employ a wireless communication device owned by the process client. | 12-20-2012 |
| 20120330693 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR A PRE-SHOPPING RESERVATION SYSTEM WITH INCREASED SEARCH EFFICIENCY - The method according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a pre-shopping reservation tool which allows storing entire catalogues of air travels from many providers, while ensuring a high cache accuracy at limited operational costs. The system makes use of the fares knowledge to merge identical travel recommendations coming from different travel providers (airline, travel agencies) when possible, i.e. when fares are public and not negotiated for a specific travel provider. This prevents redundant prices to be stored in the system and improves its cost effectiveness. The system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention relies on several dedicated data analysis engines to optimize the cost of data pre-computations while at the same time maintaining good data accuracy. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330694 | REVENUE INTEGRITY MANAGER - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for monitoring booking data are disclosed. In one aspect, a method includes retrieving booking data from a computer-readable storage device and processing the data using an analyzer of a plurality of analyzers to generate at least one score. In addition, the method includes comparing a value of the at least one score to a threshold value, determining that the value exceeds the threshold value. The method further includes generating an event in response to determining that the value exceeds the threshold value, the event indicating a presence of one or more criteria that generated the data, and transmitting the event to a computing device to be displayed to a user of the computing device. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330695 | Apparatus, System and Method for Purchasing a Product - A system. The system includes a computing device which includes a processor and a ticket module communicably connected to the processor. The ticket module is configured to transmit information regarding a purchased product to a mobile computing device communicably connected to the system. The information includes at least one authentication feature which allows an electronic representation of the purchased product to be authenticated based solely on a visual inspection of the electronic representation. The information also includes control data for controlling the generation of the electronic representation of the purchased product. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330696 | Car Sharing - Among other things, through an online site, owners of assets and borrowers of assets can arrange sharing transactions with respect to the assets. Online confirmation is provided to the owners and the borrowers that the arranged sharing transactions have been covered by insurance. Completion of the arranged sharing transactions is managed using information from electronic devices associated with the assets. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20120330697 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VALIDATING REAL TIME NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS - Methods and systems for managing network communications are described. An example resource management system includes a communications manager configured to access information regarding communication protocols used by corresponding broker systems and to provide message translations based on an origin and/or destination of the message to be transmitted. A message processor is coupled to the communications manager and is configured to serialize incoming and/or outgoing broker messages and to facilitate queuing of incoming and outgoing message traffic with broker systems. A communications configurer is configured to track one or more communication attributes of broker systems and changes thereto to ensure communications between the resource management systems are broker systems are conducted in accordance with the communication attributes of the broker systems. A communications rules provider is configured to determine which broker system is to be communicated with in order to fulfill a resource request. | 12-27-2012 |
| 20130006677 | RECHARGING OF BATTERY ELECTRIC VEHICLES ON A SMART ELECTRICAL GRID SYSTEM - Some example embodiments include a method for recharging a number of battery electric vehicles. The method include receiving (by a control module configured to control an electrical grid system that include a number of recharging stations that are configured to recharge the number of battery electric vehicles and from the number of battery electric vehicles) usage data that comprises a current charge level, a current location, and a planned itinerary that includes a destination. The method includes determining anticipated electrical loads in the number of sectors of the electrical grid system based on the usage data of the number of battery electric vehicles. The method also includes redistributing the electrical supply on the electrical grid system to at least one recharging station of the number of recharging stations based on the anticipated electrical loads, prior to actual usage defined by the usage data by the number of battery electrical vehicles. | 01-03-2013 |
| 20130013349 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELECTING TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES - A method and apparatus for selecting travel related services. The method includes the step of determining a plurality of travel related services that a consumer of such services can select for their own use. Each service has a start and end date. The services are stored in a database from which they are published to consumers. Consumers may then select the services of interest to them. Should a consumer not be able to use the selected service within its start and end date, the consumer may make the service available to other consumers for selection. An associated apparatus is provided to implement the process. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013350 | OFFER BASED RESTAURANT RESERVATIONS - A system for offer based restaurant reservations comprises a processor and a memory. The processor is configured to: receive a request for a reservation including a set of attributes such as a date or date range, a time range, a location, a cuisine, and a party size; determine a set of available reservations based on an actual table availability for the date, time, and the party size; determine one or more offers based on the date, time, and the party size; determine an overlapping subset between the set of available reservations and the one or more offers; and provide an indication of the overlapping subset. The memory is coupled to the processor and is configured to provide the processor with instructions. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013351 | INVENTORY SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - An inventory control system is disclosed. The system comprises: an inventory server for storing inventory parameters defining one or more products; an availability server arranged to receive an availability request for a product; broadcasting means for broadcasting updated inventory parameters from the inventory server to the availability server; wherein the availability server determines the availability of the requested product by comparing one or more product parameters to one or more inventory parameters in response to the availability server receiving an availability request. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013352 | CONDUCTING AN NFC TRANSACTION WITH A MOBILE DEVICE - A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013353 | PEER TO PEER TRANSFER BETWEEN TWO MOBILE DEVICES WITH EMBEDDED NFC - A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013354 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING SEAT RESERVATIONS - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which he wants a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of his choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time he selects is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130013355 | SECURE NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION (NFC) TRANSACTIONS WITH AUTHENTICATION - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 01-10-2013 |
| 20130018679 | 3D version of self-changing a hotel, motel, resort room , a theater, stadium or an arena seat & business solution for their businesses - A revolutionary self-choosing a hotel, motel, resort room, a theater, stadium, or an arena seat online and business solution for their businesses are invented. The customer can check any available rooms on different floors in a hotel, motel or resort and the seats in a theater, stadium or an arena. A hotel, motel, resort, theater, stadium and arena can be any one in a city or out of a city. The e-commerce web application contains two modules. One is for the customer. The other is for the business' internal use. Both of them will be developed by computer language either .net, java or other named language. The web application will be carefully integrated with the current businesses' system. .Net or java or other named language is computer development language. They contain logic rules, packages, procedures, and triggers along with other development tools. The consumer and the hotel, motel, resort, entertainment and sports businesses will take different steps before they can reach the desired results. The results can be a room is reserved, a ticket is bough or the backbone management tasks are taken etc. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018680 | Method and System for Providing and Administering Online Rental Vehicle Reservation Booking Services - A system and method is disclosed herein for customizing pages of a rental vehicle reservation booking website with deep-links for specialized rental vehicle reservations. The specialized rental vehicle reservations may comprise reservations for a division of a customer entity and/or promotional offer reservations. Multi-division and multi-offer pages can also be defined for the website through an administrative tool. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130018681 | System and Method for Boarding Passengers Based on Bids - Systems and methods for boarding passengers on flights or other transportation according to bids received from the passengers are provided. Passengers seeking to fly standby on an undersold flight can submit a bid representing the amount the passengers are willing to pay to board the flight. The airline can determine the number of seats available on the flight, and board the highest bidding passengers until the flight is full. Similarly, passengers willing to be bumped from an oversold flight can submit a bid representing the incentive the passengers are willing to accept to be bumped from the flight. The airline can determine the number of passengers that must be bumped from the flight, and bump the lowest bidding passengers (i.e., those willing to accept the least costly incentive) until a sufficient number of passengers have been bumped from the flight. | 01-17-2013 |
| 20130024216 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXPEDITED EVENT ACCESS - A computer implemented method and apparatus of the present invention relates to the creation of a tangible result in the form of a priority access ticket with identifiable information for providing priority access to artistic performances, concerts, sporting or other cultural events at stadiums or other venues. The method may comprise receiving a request for priority access to a venue for a customer, collecting customer information required to provide priority access to the venue responsive to receipt of the request, verifying availability of priority access for the customer based on the collected customer information, receiving payment for the requested priority access, and providing a visually perceptible priority access ticket responsive to the verification of availability of priority access. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024217 | System and Method for Improving Dynamic Availability Computation - A system to determine an availability of a travel solution includes an interface to receive a request from a travel provider that can provide a travel solution fulfilling the request, the request including an origin, a destination, a date and a time. The system further includes at least one data processor configured with at least one non-transitory memory storing computer program code. Execution of the computer program code causes the at least one data processor to query a first database to determine at least one competing travel provider that that can provide another travel solution fulfilling the request, to query a second database to determine a lowest available fare charged by the identified at least one competing travel provider, and to query a third database to obtain an adjustment factor for use in computing an adjusted yield value for the travel solution of the travel provider | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024218 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR EXPEDITED EVENT ACCESS - A computer implemented method and apparatus of the present invention relates to the creation of a tangible result in the form of a priority access ticket with identifiable information for providing priority access to artistic performances, concerts, sporting or other cultural events at stadiums or other venues. The method may comprise receiving a request for priority access to a venue for a customer, collecting customer information required to provide priority access to the venue responsive to receipt of the request, verifying availability of priority access for the customer based on the collected customer information, receiving payment for the requested priority access, and providing a visually perceptible priority access ticket responsive to the verification of availability of priority access. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024219 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ZONED ADMISSION TO PERFORMANCE EVENTS - A method and a device are disclosed including a software or physical admission certificate configured to allow admission of a spectator to a special admission zone with a view to a performance stage for a predefined duration of time. The special admission zone is usable by multiple spectators in multiple successive time periods during the same performance. In various embodiments, the special admission zone is created by partitioning a general admission zone adjacent to the performance stage. In other embodiments, the special admission zone may be constructed as a “catwalk” around the stage to provide elevated viewing. In still other embodiments, the special admission zone may be formed near indoor or outdoor stages. In various embodiments, the admission certificate may be embodied in a computing device such as a smartphone, while in other embodiments the admission certificate may be in the form of a RFID equipped wristband. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024220 | DATA TRANSFER FROM A NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TERMINAL TO A REMOTE SERVER - A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024221 | TRANSACTIONS USING AN NFC TERMINAL - A method for configuring a mobile communication device to perform transactions using a second communication channel that is different from a first communication channel through which the mobile communication device sends voice data. The method includes attaching a secure element to the mobile communication device. The secure element includes a memory storing an application, a processor configured to execute the application stored in the memory; and a wireless transceiver configured to send transaction data associated with the executed application through the second communication channel to a terminal that is remote from the mobile communication device. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024222 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO ELECTRONIC LOCKS - A reservation system for managing access to access controlled locations by issuing an access code that is valid at a particular lock for a particular time. The reservation system includes a standalone lock that has a processor, clock and memory. The processor of the lock checks an access code entered at a given time against the access codes stored in the memory to determine if they are valid for the given time provided by the clock. The reservation system also include a management module that receives a booking and issues an access code. A user interface is provided for a user to interact with the functions of the management module. The invention also includes a method of booking an access controlled location, a method of monitoring an access controlled location, an a standalone lock for an access controlled location. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130024223 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF ELECTRONIC WALLET DATABASES - A system and method for management of electronic wallet databases is provided. In one embodiment portable electronic devices are deployed having a universal wallet application and a wallet data file associated with the application. The wallet data file is configured to maintain a plurality of different types of wallet artifacts in the form of data records. Dynamic content in association with each data record can be generated as each data record is accessed. | 01-24-2013 |
| 20130030847 | Method and Apparatus for Expedited Rental Vehicle Reservation Creation Following a Previous Reservation - A method and apparatus are disclosed for expediting the ability of a customer to book a new rental vehicle reservation after booking a previous rental vehicle reservation. A link can be provided on a screen such as a confirmation page for a previous rental vehicle reservation that, upon customer selection, causes a new reservation transaction to be automatically loaded with data from the previous rental vehicle reservation. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130030848 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETERMINING AN OPTIMAL LOW FARE FOR A TRIP - A method for determining an optimal fare for a trip comprising a departure location, an arrival location, the method comprises the following steps: sending a request for the trip wherein the request comprises a departure location, an arrival location and a corresponding fare for the trip; automatically modifying the request by searching in a predetermined database to determine a set of additional requests wherein each comprises at least one of the departure location, the arrival location or one or more additional locations which may form at least a part of the requested route wherein the predetermined database comprises said additional requests and a corresponding fare for each additional request; selecting one or more additional requests to form one or more alternative requests which include at least on of the departure location or the arrival location as the request; calculating the up to date fares for each alternative request in order to determine a resulting fare for each alternative request; comparing the fare and the resulting fares in order to determine the lowest resulting fare for the trip. | 01-31-2013 |
| 20130035966 | MANAGEMENT OF ROOM CLEANING - Systems for management of room cleaning at an accommodation facility such as a hotel. The system records variables related to the occupancy of rooms at the facility and/or operational characteristics of the facility. Daily cleaning times are determined for rooms in accord with the variables. Daily cleaning plans are then determined for the facility in accord with the cleaning times. Cleaning staff carry out the plan and report their progress using conventional means such as the local telephone system or wireless PDAs. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035967 | DATA TRANSFER FROM A NEAR FIELD COMMUNICATION TERMINAL TO A REMOTE SERVER WITH PRIOR AUTHENTICATION - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035968 | MOBILE TRANSACTIONS USING A GENERIC NFC SMART STICKER WITH AUTHENTICATION - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035969 | CLOUD BASED TICKETING - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130035970 | MOBILE WALLET PROVIDER BASED NFC TRANSACTIONS - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-07-2013 |
| 20130041696 | TRAVEL DISCOVERY AND RECOMMENDATION METHOD AND SYSTEM - A suggestive intelligent recommendation engine enabling customers to discover new travel and entertainment opportunities tied to value enhanced offers from travel service providers through a static or dynamic bid/offer system internal to a travel reservation system. The customer inputs various travel criteria and preferences, and a computer generates travel predictors. A series of master travel itineraries are generated, which include various travel segments for each master itinerary. Each segment includes a number of options for the customer to review, consider, select and delete, and request revisions. The master itineraries are shuffled on an iterative based on the selections of the customer from the segments of the master itinerary. Prices for each selected option are requested form various travel service providers, which are then discounted prior to presentation to the customer. A proposed itinerary payment solution is generated, which may include a monetary portion and a promotional portion. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041697 | RESERVATION DISPLAY SYSTEM - A reservation display system, comprising a server, a terminal configured to receive reservation data and a plurality of display devices, said server being configured to receive reservation data from the terminal, the reservation data comprising information about the reservation of an object or area in the vicinity of at least one of the display devices, the server being configured to host at least one predetermined web page, said at least one predetermined web page being configured to display said reservation data and wherein each display device is configured to wirelessly access a predetermined web page, such that each display device has its own predetermined webpage, each display device being configured to automatically access and display its predetermined webpage such that each display device displays reservation concerning the reservation of an object or area in the vicinity of each display device, the system being further configured to support a reboot operation, such that said display devices automatically reboot after an elapsed time period and wherein each display device automatically displays its predetermined web-page after rebooting. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041698 | COMPUTER METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR OUTCOME-BASED PRICING OF GOODS AND SERVICES - The present invention provides a system and method that allow sellers to offer goods and services at prices that vary depending on what transpires during the event or service. The final price is determined after the event or service based on the occurrence of certain pre-selected attributes. Candidate attributes are potentially associated with the event or service but the outcome or occurrence of the attribute is not knowable by the buyer and seller with certainty at the time of the original purchase. Using the outcome-based pricing (OBP) and settlement system the seller can set prices to minimize significant deviation from a pre-determined revenue plan, or alternatively build-in an increase or even decrease in gross revenues. The present invention allows for the order, payment and final settlement of the purchase transaction, automatically. The preferred embodiment for the OBP pricing and settlement system is via a computer network that includes the Internet. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041699 | SECURE ELEMENT WITH TERMINAL TRANSMITTING DATA TO SOURCE - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041700 | SERVER NFC TRANSACTIONS - A method for transmitting data between a mobile communication device and a server. The method includes running a mobile application on the mobile communication device. The mobile application is hosted on the mobile communication device through the server as a Software as a Service (SaaS). The method further includes transmitting data associated with the mobile application between the mobile communication device and the server, in which transmission of the data between the mobile communication device and the server is monitored through the server. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130041701 | Remittance Method And System For Services - Tokens containing a unique identification code that allow admission/access to entertainment or personal services are distributed. A seller-distributor node on a computer network affects transactions that exchange tokens for payment. The tokens represent remittance for services provided by service providers. For each token obtained through the seller-distributor node, the system allows a variable rate of redemption at the service providers upon use by the (ticket) holder/user. The ticket holder/user selects which one of the providers to request remittance for services at the respective provider's rates. Different rates exist for a same or equivalent service across at least some of the service providers. Rendering of the token enables remittance for service by the ticket holder/user selected service provider at the selected service provider rate. The token may be in the form of an electronic ticket, bar code, email message, electronic message, code number, or machine readable data/code. | 02-14-2013 |
| 20130046565 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Customer Profiling for Rental Vehicle Reservations - Disclosed herein is a reservation booking website for rental vehicle reservations wherein the customer profiles include “favorite” or “preferred” branch locations for rental vehicle reservations to expedite the customers' rental vehicle reservation booking experiences. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130046566 | METHODS AND APPARATUSES FOR FINANCING AND MARKETING A CREATIVE WORK - The present invention is directed to a system and method for raising financing and/or revenue by artist for a project, where the project may be a creative work of the artist. The method including registering, by at least one artist, with a centralized database, at least one or more projects, offering, by the at least one artist, an entitlement related to the artist in exchange for capital for the project of the artist. The method and system may also include searching, by an interested party, the centralized database, for the least one artist, registering, by the interested party, with the centralized database and accepting the offer by the interested party for the entitlement related to the project. The capital may then be forwarded to the artist and the entitlement provided to the interested party. | 02-21-2013 |
| 20130054277 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PLANNING AND BOOKING TRIPS - A method and system for planning and booking a trip, voyage or other travel service or product by using a social network on a network. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130054278 | Method and System for Reserving and Allocating Vehicle Seating (Skycouch) - A method and system for pricing seats for a flight in which some nominated seats can be made available to passengers, upon request when making a flight reservation, for use as spare seats during the flight, the method comprising: predicting the number of regular seats required to seat the passengers expected on the flight, determining a regular seat price to charge for each of the regular seats, and determining a spare seat price to charge for each nominated seat that can be made available for use as a spare seat, the spare seat price being set as the price of regular seat price for the next available regular seat. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130054279 | Method and System for Reserving and Allocating Vehicle Seating (Skycouch) - A system and method for allocating aircraft seats for a flight reservation for a flight on an aircraft, wherein there is an inventory of seats for the flight, the system comprising a computer system configured to: receive a reservation request for one or more associated passengers for a flight on the aircraft, step | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130054280 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ONLINE RENTAL OF NETWORKED REMOTE DEVICES - An online reservation method and system is described where networked remote devices, such as networked cameras, telescopes, and radio controlled cars, planes, ships, toys, robots are rented to interested renters. Renters use the reservation system to select devices from a group of remote devices offered for rent, reserve the devices for available time slots, and control the reserved devices remotely. Some embodiments provide tools for the users to record remotely operated sessions and to share live or previously recorded sessions with other users. The reservation system also manages auctions for reserving the use of high demand remote devices during certain time slots. Some embodiments allow a user who has reserved a remotely operated device for a time slot to rent it back to other users for a same or a different price that the user originally paid to reserve the use of the device during the time slot. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130054281 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR RIDESHARE - This disclosure relates to a method, article of manufacture, and apparatus for rideshare. In some embodiments, this includes receiving at least one participant data, at least one vehicle data, and at least one trip interest, wherein each of the one participant data comprises a personal communication device identifier associated with a personal communication device, forming a contract for a rideshare trip among participants, wherein the contract includes trip cost payment terms and alternative transportation cost payment terms in case of a plurality of contract transactions, monitoring from a rideshare platform a performance of the rideshare trip, based on the performance, calculating costs associated with the rideshare trip and determining contract transactions according to the contract, performing the contract transactions, and allocating carbon credits in the rideshare trip. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130054282 | FOR-HIRE VEHICLE UTILIZATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - Systems and methods for managing for-hire-vehicle (FHV) services are disclosed. The system can include one or more kiosks in communication with a central computing system. The kiosks may be located or near transportation terminals or entertainment venues, such as airports, hotels, casinos, and entertainment attractions. A passenger may make a reservation for transportation service at a kiosk and receive a voucher that may be collected or validated by the service provider at the time of transport. The voucher may be printed at the kiosk, or it may be sent electronically to the mobile device of the passenger. The voucher can provides a unique serialized voucher number that is associated with the reservation, which may be read or scanned upon redemption of the voucher. The voucher may have promotional materials printed thereon. | 02-28-2013 |
| 20130060585 | Processing Data Using Rules Based Engine - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for performing actions including receiving booking data for one or more customers, receiving profile data for each of the one or more customers, receiving operational data, processing the booking data, the profile data and the operational data based on one or more unit eligibility rules, each unit eligibility rule of the one or more unit eligibility rules including one or more conditions and one or more actions associated with the one or more conditions, generating an eligible unit group index based in the processing, and providing the eligible unit group index as input to a unit selection engine. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130060586 | Dynamic Taxi-Sharing System and Sharing Method Thereof - A dynamic taxi-sharing system and a sharing method thereof. A ride-sharing service provider carries at least one passenger from the first current location to the first travel destination through a route in an area and sends registration information to a service server. A plurality of ride-sharing requests is sent to the service server, and each of the ride-sharing requests comprises the second current location and the second travel destination. The service server divides the area into n by n blocks. A ride-matching module of the service server chooses a destination area in which the first travel destination is a center point and divides the destination area into k by k blocks. According to the registration information and the ride-sharing requests, the ride-matching module matches at least one ride-sharing traveler to the ride-sharing service provider to achieve a goal of fuel-saving and pollution-reducing. | 03-07-2013 |
| 20130066659 | TRAVEL ARRANGEMENT SERVICE AND METHODS OF DETERMINING ALTERNATIVE ROUTES - A method includes receiving flight information relating to a flight of a travel itinerary, querying a flight data system for alternative flight information and obtaining alternative flight information relating to an alternative flight, creating an alternative flight set from the alternative flight information and processing the alternative flight set to create a prioritized list of alternative travel options. At least a part of the prioritized list is sent to a computing device that is accessible to a passenger or the agent of the passenger, and a selection from the prioritized list is received in return. The travel itinerary of the passenger is modified at least in part based on the selection from the prioritized list. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066660 | EVENT RESERVATION SYSTEM - A pre-event admission and purchasing system is disclosed in which a patron, patient or the like enters the required personal information, financial transaction information, and makes advance purchases before admission to a venue, healthcare facility or the like. An RFID wristband having this information stored thereon or linked to a database via a human readable or machine readable code tracks such admissions, purchases, access and the like during the stay. The database or master index for the patrons, patients or other individuals captures pertinent data and links that data needed by the various applications or systems involved in the event. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066661 | USER CONTEXT BASED DISTRIBUTED SELF SERVICE SYSTEM FOR SERVICE ENHANCED RESOURCE DELIVERY - Disclosed is a method and system of providing user context-based services over computer networks, using mechanisms for collecting and specifying one or more user context elements, each element representing a context associated with the current buyer state and having context attributes and attribute values associated therewith, mechanisms for collecting affective (emotive) data to inform the user context, and also an interactive graphical view to gain insight into available services for assisting in understanding available service information and making decisions on purchasing. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130066662 | RESTAURANT YIELD MANAGEMENT PORTAL - A system and method to optimize the yield of a restaurant having perishable inventory is described. Through a card company, a restaurant can market incentives to make reservations during an off-peak time to enrolled card members. Offer marketing is based on stated customer preferences, and conducted via, for example, a website, email, or text message. Reservations are made, for example, via a centralized booking service. The incentive is fulfilled to the card member in a coupon-less manner. The card company receives a commission from the participating restaurant for every such sale. | 03-14-2013 |
| 20130073323 | TRAVEL EXPLORATION METHODS AND APPARATUS - In one aspect, a computer system comprising at least one computer storing a software implemented exploration tool is provided. The exploration tool, when processed by the at least one computer, performs a method comprising providing at least one first interface for display to a user, the at least one first interface allowing the user to provide criteria regarding a trip, receiving, via the at least one first interface, at least one criterion from the user indicating one or more travel preferences, the at least one criterion not including a specific destination, obtaining travel results for a plurality of destinations, each of the travel results meeting the at least one criterion, and providing the travel results for display to the user. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130073324 | Systems and Methods For Booking Live Shows - Systems and methods in accordance with embodiments of the invention enable coordinated booking of live shows among artists, fans and venues. One embodiment includes a coordination server configured to: query for standards required for performance; query for pre buy tickets, where a pre buy ticket indicates that a certain amount of funds have been allocated for charge for the purchase of a ticket to experience a performance by an artist after the artist is booked at a venue; determine whether the standards are met based upon the amount of funds allocated by pre buy tickets; query for bids by venues after the standards are met, where a bid is an offer by a venue for the artist to perform at the venue; and book the artist at a winning venue, where the winning venue is a venue whose offer is accepted. | 03-21-2013 |
| 20130080194 | DISPLAY DEVICE AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE SAME - A display device includes a communication unit for receiving user related data from a mobile device, a memory for storing metadata of content and an advertising message associated with the content, a matching unit for extracting at least one matching element from the user related data and comparing the extracted matching element and at least one matching element included in the metadata of the content to select a content item, a controller for detecting whether or not the mobile device is in a communicable state at intervals of a preset period and controlling the communication unit according to the detection, and controlling the matching unit using the user related data, a display unit for displaying the selected content item, and an advertising message transmitter for transmitting an advertising message associated with the selected content item to the mobile device. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130080195 | Inventory System and Method Therefor - An inventory control method and system is disclosed. The system comprises: a processor, a receiver for receiving an availability request for a leg of a journey between an origin and destination, wherein the availability request comprises one or more attributes defining the leg; and a comparator for comparing the attribute or attributes of the received availability request with data defining a plurality of products. Each product defined by one or more attributes comprising a further attribute which allows a local or non-stop passenger to be distinguished from a connecting passenger. The processor is configured to determine the availability of one of the products in dependence upon the result of the comparison. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130080196 | Computer-Aided Mobility Service - A process is provided for computer-aided operation of a mobility service by which a number of vehicles are made available by a mobility provider to registered users for temporary use. A respective user is registered once in a booking system as a provider and/or a buyer of a mobility service feature. A first user registered as a provider reserves the vehicle for a period of time in the booking system. The first user further clears the use of a mobility service feature for a second user connected with the vehicle booking whereby the mobility service feature for the second user is offered for selection. An accounting of costs for the vehicle booking takes place as a function of whether at least one second user was determined as a buyer of the provided mobility service feature. | 03-28-2013 |
| 20130085790 | Organization of Group Attended Ticketed Event - Computing systems and methods for organizing group attended ticketed events. A computing system includes one or more memory device or storage components adapted to store user information regarding users of the computing system as well as event information regarding upcoming ticketed events, and one or more processors for conducting activities regarding ticketing for group members. Such activities include displaying information regarding a ticketed event, accepting a user input for inviting invitees to the ticketed event, communicating invitations to the invitees based on the input, receiving invitee response information from the invitees regarding interest in attending the ticketed event, and accepting a purchase request for tickets to the ticketed event from the user, wherein the purchase request is based at least in part on the invitee response information. | 04-04-2013 |
| 20130090956 | PROACTIVE DELIVERY OF RELATED TASKS FOR IDENTIFIED ENTITIES - A search engine database is utilized to identify “entities”, or things for which there exists associated discrete, objective information. For hosted information that is independently available, the entity detector independently accesses such information and identifies entities. For information that has defined potential entities, such as entertainment or lifestyle information such defined potential entities are provided to the entity detector to verify, with reference to the search engine database, whether they are entities. Once entities have been identified, a related task generator, with reference to the search engine database, identifies tasks that are related to the identified entities. Such tasks include informational tasks, economic tasks, time-sensitive and location-sensitive tasks. The identified entities and related tasks are provided to applications, with metadata quantifying confidence, relationship, importance, location and time sensitivity, and the like, thereby enabling those applications to proactively provide selects ones of that information to users. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090957 | WAITING LINE TRANSACTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automated waiting line transaction management system that provides customers the option of queuing up and waiting in the standard venue line for goods and/or services or purchasing a pass to bypass the normal line. A merchant sets pass prices, and at the point of purchase, a time sensitive code is sent to the customer for use at the venue to gain priority access thereto. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090958 | MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INTERACTIVE APPLICATION METHOD AND MOBILE ELECTRONIC DEVICE INTERACTIVE APPLICATION SYSTEM - The present invention provides a mobile electronic device interactive application method and a mobile electronic device interactive application system. The mobile electronic device interactive application method comprises: broadcasting at least an information on a display device; utilizing a mobile electronic device to generate at least a signal according to the at least an information, wherein the mobile electronic device at least has a telecommunication function or a wireless network function; and utilizing an interactive device to receive the at least a signal and to perform an interactive operation according to the at least a signal via a network. The mobile electronic device interactive application system comprises: a display device, a mobile electronic device, and an interactive device, wherein the interactive device comprises: a broadcasting module and an interactive module. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130090959 | RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT AND RESERVATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - A system and method for offering and managing reservations for restaurant or other reservation-based services is provided. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving reservation data regarding available reservations for restaurants, and receiving a search request and payment information from the user. A subset of the available reservations matching the search request is determined using the open reservation data. The method further includes receiving a request from a user to make a reservation corresponding to an available reservations matching the search request, storing data indicating that the requested reservation is assigned to the user, and receiving a change in status for the reservation during fulfillment of the reservation. The method also includes receiving data regarding items ordered during fulfillment of the reservation, and providing the data regarding items ordered during fulfillment of the reservation for display to the consumer on a mobile device during fulfillment of the reservation. | 04-11-2013 |
| 20130096961 | System and Method for Electronic Ticket Exchange and Delivery - A system and method are described to electronically exchange seat tickets before or during an event in a way that eliminates the need to print or possess a paper ticket for a new seat while ensuring authenticity of the new electronic seat ticket. The system and method overcome current logistical constraints of upgrading a ticket during an event, and offers event attendees an option for exchanging their previously purchased ticket before or during an event. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096962 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MANAGING PROMOTIONS OF DIFFERENT GOODS OR SERVICES AT LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A system and method of managing promotions of different goods or services at lodging establishments which is directed to reducing distressed inventories of a variety of different goods or services offered at the lodging establishments. An example method includes connecting to different property systems which manage sales of goods or services, obtaining reservation data and guest data from the different property systems, comparing the reservation data to predetermined thresholds to determine distressed inventories of the goods or services of the property systems, obtaining promotions directed to the distressed inventories, determining customers to receive the promotions of the distressed inventories, and sending the promotions to the customers. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096963 | CHECK-IN SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR LODGING ESTABLISHMENTS - A check-in system and method for lodging establishments which facilitates faster check-in. An example method includes creating a record of a reservation for a prospective guest including contact information associated with a mobile communication device of the prospective guest, determining from the record that the first night of the reservation is within a predetermined number of days, sending a message to the mobile communication device of the prospective guest using the contact information, the message including a check-in reminder and a hyperlink to a check-in web page, providing the check-in web page to the mobile communication device in response to selection of the hyperlink by the prospective guest, receiving check-in information entered into the check-in web page by the guest from the mobile communication device, and providing a confirmation web page including confirmation details of the reservation and a confirmation code containing reservation information. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096964 | SEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to a seat management system and method designed to use a wireless communication means for managing seats in a public space, which can perform operations including: a personnel management operation using a radio frequency identification (RFID) system or a barcode system; a seat reservation operation using a multimedia kiosk with internet connection; and an operation of user login and management using at least one control unit. With the aforesaid system, the use rate of devices available for public usage in the public space can be increased while allowing any user to easily reserve a device or acknowledge the device is under usage, so that not only the service quality of the public space can be improved and the work load of the same is relieved and shared by the seat management system, but also the utilization efficiency of the public resource is enhanced. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096965 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR RESERVING FUTURE PURCHASES OF GOODS OR SERVICES - A method and system for reserving future purchases of airline services using electronic options. The electronic options are used to reserve plural different types of airline services including selection of: a desired seat row location, a desired seat location in a desired row location, a plural adjacent seats in a desired row, a plural adjacent seats in a plural desired rows, a desired location in an overhead bin to store carry-on luggage, a priority boarding sequence, a priority exiting sequence, priority pre-flight baggage handling, priority post-flight baggage handling, cancellation and change privileges for a purchased airline ticket, a priority list position in a stand-by list and/or a priority list position for an automatic upgrade to a first class seat, business class seat or other non-economy seat and/or other airline services. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130096966 | PRESENTING POINT OF INTEREST INFORMATION USING A MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - Systems and methods of using a mobile communication device to present information related to a point of interest. A method comprises receiving, at a mobile device, an input relating to a point of interest; receiving, at the mobile device, transmission of data regarding volume of business at the point of interest; and causing the mobile device to present information based on the volume of business at the point of interest. | 04-18-2013 |
| 20130103434 | Global Maximization of Time Limit Revenues by a Travel Provider - The invention relates to a computer-implemented method and system to generate travel booking option related data, including a step of calculating a time limit value for an option to reserve a travel reservation for some period of time, without making a payment to issue a ticket, and also calculating an option fee amount, where the time limit value and the option fee amount are jointly calculated to maximize a revenue gain of the travel provider. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103435 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BOOKING TRAVEL TICKETS - A system for booking travel tickets in an airplane includes an interface, and a client server having a bid receiving unit, an evaluating unit, and a booking unit. The interface is configured to display a set of travel information (corresponding to one or more pre-identified travelers) to one or more users. The bid receiving unit is configured to receive one or more bids from the users for a travel ticket corresponding to the displayed set of travel information. The evaluating unit is in communication with the bid receiving unit, and is configured to identify at least one bid from the bids as a winning bid and a corresponding user as a winning bidder. The booking unit is configured to communicate with one or more of airline servers and the evaluating unit, and to book the travel ticket. Further, disclosed is a method for booking travel tickets in an airplane. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130103436 | MANAGING RELATIONSHIPS AND/OR INTERACTIONS BETWEEN VOTERS AND CANDIDATES - The present disclosure includes systems and methods for providing an application or website that manages relationships and interactions between any of voters, members, candidates, committees, and/or organizations, Voters or members may perform functions such as view volunteer opportunities, apply for volunteer opportunities, contribute to campaigns, purchased tickets to events, respond to polls, upload content, send information to social media outlets, and join and follow candidates, committees, and/or organizations. Campaigns, committees, and/or organizations may perform functions such as sell tickets to events, manage campaign contributions, setup polls, send content to subscribers, and set contribution limits, such as those required by election laws or regulations. | 04-25-2013 |
| 20130110561 | MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICE NETWORK OF MULTI-VENDOR, MULTI-INTERFACE COMPUTERS | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130110562 | FRAUD CONTROL WHEN GRANTING INSTANT CREDIT | 05-02-2013 |
| 20130117052 | System and Method for Reserving Unused Resources in a Controlled Admission Venue - A system and method for a ticketing system to sell seating rights for a venue, wherein the method may include the steps of offering a ticket for sale by a ticketing system to the public; receiving an instruction to purchase a ticket to reserve a first seat in a venue for a specific event from a first customer at the ticketing system; upon receiving the purchasing instruction, the ticketing system offering an option to keep a second seat proximate to the reserved seat vacant in exchange for value from the first customer, in the event that no ticket for the second seat is sold prior to an occurrence of the specific event. | 05-09-2013 |
| 20130124234 | INTELLIGENT SEAT RECOMMENDATION - Ticket recommendations are provided based on user preferences, which can include user-set preferences and preferences based on user history. Preferences are compared with ticket information such as comments by other users of specific seats and areas, price, location near friends of the user, location near venue establishments, etc. After a ticket is purchased, recommendations of areas outside the venue may be provided to the user. In another embodiment, a user is presented with advantages and/or disadvantages of events outside the original event of interest. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124235 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR GENERATING AND USING A PRICE SUMMARY - Systems for managing pricing proposals and associated options in the travel industry with respect to the provision of travel services or products. The system is capable of communicating with a booking engine and a global distribution system (GDS), and is operable by a reservation agent. An itinerary pricing User Interface determines an itinerary for one or more predetermined passenger, segment, and option combinations, sends one or more informative pricing requests to the GDS, and receives as a result of the requests one or more pricing proposals for each predetermined passenger, segment and option combination from the GDS. A pricing summary module and User Interface stores each pricing proposal, such that the one or more pricing proposals are available for subsequent use. The pricing summary User Interface provides an intuitive representation of the one or more pricing proposals in order to compare the pricing proposals. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124236 | ELECTRONIC TICKET SYSTEM - The present invention is an electronic ticket system. A server is provided with a member platform, a member database, a ticket platform and a ticket database. The member database stores account information of a plurality of members and a characteristic code corresponding to each account. The ticket platform provides the functions of sale and verification of each type of tickets. The ticket database stores ticket information of a plurality of tickets and a characteristic code corresponding to each ticket. A ticket checking device is used by each service unit to read a characteristic code in a characteristic code carrier provided by the member, and then send it to the server to be contrasted with the ticket information and characteristic code stored in the ticket database. Moreover, the verification result is displayed on a warner, and thereby whether the service corresponding to the ticket should be provided is determined. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130124237 | EFFICIENT INDEXING AND CACHING INFRASTRUCTURE FOR METASEARCH - Techniques are provided for a metasearch infrastructure. The metasearch infrastructure supports one or more of the following: hotel matching, backend support of user queries, frontend support for user queries, a cache layer that groups or organizes cached data in storage based on hotel location, scoring and ranking on the client side, experiments and rankers, duplicate booking prevention, blacklisting hotels, and indexing that utilizes a document-independent data structure to store index values. | 05-16-2013 |
| 20130132128 | OVERBOOKING, FORECASTING AND OPTIMIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats). Downstream inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132129 | NO-SHOW FORECAST METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats). Downstream inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132130 | DYNAMIC COST ANALYSIS AND OVERBOOKING OPTIMIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats), Downstream inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132131 | OVERBOOKING AND UPGRADE SOLUTION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats). Downstream inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132132 | OVERBOOKING AND COST MINIMIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats). Downstream inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132133 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MOB BOOKING OF HOTEL ROOMS - A computer-implemented method for an online travel agent to book hotel rooms over a computer network may comprise generating at least one collection of hotels and presenting the generated at least one collection of hotels to potential guests over the computer network; accepting, over the computer network, bookings from at least some of the potential guests to a selected one of the presented at least one hotel collection; grouping potential guests having booked a selected collection of hotels and sharing at least one common guest characteristic into a mob; conducting a reverse auction with participating ones of the plurality of hotels of the selected collection of hotels for bookings of the mob, and awarding the bookings of the mob to the participating hotel of the selected collection of hotels having won the reverse auction. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132134 | Worldwide Billboard that includes a worldwide event search engine, a worldwide service search engine, a mechanism for posting and announcing events and services, a mechanism for uploading information regarding services and events, a mechanism for writing comments regarding services and events, a mechanism for making reservation for services and events, a mechanism for giving grades to the services and events - A Worldwide Billboard that includes a worldwide event search engine, a worldwide service search engine, a mechanism for posting and adding events, services, information regarding services and events, comments regarding services and events, a mechanism for making reservation for services and events, a mechanism for grading to the services and events. Basically, this invention functions based on time and location (place). The current invention performs a search for services and events based on their time of occurrence and place of occurrence. This is a search for what is happening in a specified time, and in a specified district, specified country or the world. Users have access to all required information around the world in one website, information such as events, available services, people's comments, and critique's reviews. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132135 | Kennel System - A kennel system to be used commercially at hotels, resorts or during travel of the pet owner. The purpose of the kennel system is to allow pet owners to bring their pets with them to a hotel, hostel, resort or similar place of travel. The kennel system is largely automated and is monitored and controlled by the owner so that the hotel owner would be able to maintain the facility with a minimum of staff involvement. The owner would have total control of the care of the pet, using the automated features of the unit and controlled through a remote computer system. The kennel system includes indoor and outdoor exercise areas and secure physical access to the pet by the owner, who can take the pet out of the unit at any time for additional exercise and play time with the pet. The kennel system can be composed of singular or multiple kennels and includes automated food and water dispensers, and an automated waste cleaning system. The kennel system includes an online booking system for advance booking of a kennel linked to an advance booking system for the owner's lodging. Such online booking system would provide kennel occupancy information and booking options either through an independent online booking system or available through existing commercial sites. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132136 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for displaying seat inventory at a venue and facilitating planning of ticket prices for events at the venue is presented. Methods to predict total revenue for an event are described. Also presented are systems and methods for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using the sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130132137 | Online Registration and Block Tracking for Travel Wholesalers, Agencies and Hotels - A system and method for providing reservation capabilities to a reservation or property management system via a plurality of Internet web sites. Each booking party is directed to a web site containing common content and content specific to the type of booking party, such as a travel agent, wholesaler, or traveler. The system ensures the complete and accurate collection of data regarding a customer and the customer's reservation request through the use of distributed software components and association with customer profiles. Each booking party may create or modify customer profile information to be associated with reservations. The product or service provider may establish and maintain its own set of commission rates, fee amounts and discount values for each type of booking party, thereby allowing the provider to control accuracy and completeness of reservations, as well as revenue flow to the booking parties. | 05-23-2013 |
| 20130144660 | ELECTRONIC MAITRE D' - A device may receive reservation information from a user via a user device. The reservation information includes information identifying a user or a user device and information identifying one or more resources that include a first resource. The device may also select the first resource based on the reservation information, determine whether the user device will take less than a threshold time to arrive at a premises, and notify a device associated with a member at the premises when the device determines that the user device will take less than the threshold time to arrive at the premises. The member is to prepare the first resource. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144661 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AND CONDUCTING PROMOTIONAL PRESENTATIONS AT GEOGRAPHICALLY REMOTE LOCATIONS - A computer program, method, and system for organizing and conducting product or service demonstrations may be implemented with a computer system operated by or for an agent or other person or entity that organizes product or service demonstrations and a plurality of mobile phones or other portable electronic devices operated by event personnel or other persons who staff or otherwise run the product or service demonstrations. Each mobile phone may be provisioned with an event management program that receives information and data from the computer system, provides instructions and other information to an event personnel using the mobile phone, receives inputs from the event personnel while a product or service demonstration is being performed, and transmits information and data back to the computer system. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144662 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR VIEWING AND PURCHASING REMOTELY ACCESSIBLE PURCHASABLE ITEMS IN OR ON DISPLAYS GENERATED BY A HOST APPLICATION - Systems and methods enable users to browse purchasable items and conduct payment and purchasing transactions within the a single UI environment of a host application, without navigating to a separate application to complete the transaction. Purchase of purchasable items can be implemented using a computing device. A first user interface can be generated, including purchasable item listings. The purchasable item listings can be received by the computing device. A single host application displays the first user interface including the purchasable item listings on a display. A second user interface based at least in part on a user selection can be generated including a purchase and/or payment web page. The purchase and/or payment web page can be received by the computing device. The single host application can display the second user interface, as well. A payment transaction can proceed based on purchase information input into the one or more input fields. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144663 | Online and Offline Authentication for Instant Physical or Virtual Access and Purchases - A customer enters his mobile phone number to logon to a third-party website without a username or password. A Short Message Service (SMS) Applications-Programming Interface (API) sends the phone number to a SMS control system that authorizes the logon by sending a SMS text message or secure hypertext transfer protocol (HTTPS) request to the customer's mobile phone or mobile device requiring customer to respond by SMS or HTTPS. When the customer replies to the SMS message with an approval code such as a Personal-Identification-Number (PIN), the SMS control system approves the logon to the third-party website. An admittance gate at an event such as a concert or movie may also get the customer's phone number and use the API to activate the SMS control system to exchange SMS text messages to authorize admittance. A pre-paid ticket in an admittance queue is redeemed in the customer's account. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144664 | METHOD FOR SELLING TICKET BY AUCTION AND SYSTEM THEREOF - Provided are a system and a method for selling a ticket by auction. The system includes: a bidding price input unit which receives the number of tickets sold in the auction and bidding prices from accessed bidders; an auctioned rank calculator which calculates auctioned ranks estimated when the auction is ended, by using the bidding prices of the bidders and calculating an expected lowest successful bidding price which is a bidding price to be input by the bidder so that the bidder is a successful bidder, by using a total number of tickets sold; and an auctioned price calculator which calculates an auctioned price of each successful bidder of the auction when the auction is ended, wherein if the bidder bids at a price lower than the expected lowest successful bidding price, the bidding price input unit does not accept bidding of the bidder. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144665 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144666 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130144667 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR REMOTE VEHICLE RENTAL WITH REMOTE VEHICLE ACCESS - An automated vehicle rental system with individual vehicle transmitting sensors for keeping track of vehicle mileage, fill state of vehicle fuel tank, and localized position status in a rental lot. Sensors are linked to the vehicle odometer reading and to the vehicle fuel tank float sensor with compensation for types of driving and fuel fill-ups which affect float level readings. The sensors are integrated with or are linked with communicating tags operable in a defined site for ultimate communication of stored vehicle related sensor data, vehicle location and type to a central data base for automatically completely effecting check out, charges and state of vehicle readiness for renewed rental. The transmitting sensors are adapted to avoid interference between sensors of other vehicles during multiple transmissions. Also included is an in-vehicle check out and payment device operatively linkable to the transmitting sensor of the vehicle. | 06-06-2013 |
| 20130151289 | System and Method for Providing Enhanced Information at the Inventory - A computer-implemented travel reservation and booking system includes a reservation system and an inventory system coupled to an output of the reservation system to receive notifications from the reservation system. The inventory system has an output coupled with an inventory display system. The reservation system includes at least one data processor operating under control of software instructions stored in at least one memory to receive passenger name records (PNRs) associated with a particular segment and date and, for each received PNR, to determine if the received PNR has been priced or not. If the received PNR has been priced, then considering the actual price. If the received PNR has not been priced then the at least one data processor estimates a price and further operates to prorate the actual price or the estimated price to obtain prorated prices for each segment and date. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151290 | Computer-Implemented Method and System to Respond to an Availability Computation Inquiry - A computer-implemented method to generate travel-related data includes steps of, in response to receiving an inquiry for a multi-segment travel solution at an Inventory System of a reference travel provider, sending a request to an Inventory System of an operating travel provider, the request including Revenue Control data of the reference travel provider; receiving from the operating travel provider a response to the request, the response including Revenue Control data of the operating travel provider and being formulated in accordance with the Revenue Control data of the operating travel provider and the Revenue Control data of the reference travel provider; and formulating a response to the inquiry at the Inventory System of the reference travel provider using at least the Revenue Control data of the reference travel provider, the response received from the operating travel provider and the Revenue Control data received from the operating travel provider. The Revenue Control data is real-time data that includes one or more of Bid Prices, Yields, Fares and Inventory Controls and is conveyed within interactive cascaded messages. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151291 | System and method for building on-demand aviation trip - A method and a system for building an on-demand aviation trip are provided. The system automatically identifies a set of service requirements and clearance requirements for a given trip, and handles tasks involved in arranging service providers for the set of service requirements to allow scheduler to self-build the trip. The system further obtains necessary information to automatically populate necessary forms to obtain the required clearances for the trip. Service requests and confirmation for the service requests are archived with reference to the service requirement of the trip and the parties relevant to the requests and confirmation are provided with real-time notification for receipt of such communications. The system also employees an online auction scheme to promote competition among the service providers to provide the schedulers with higher quality of service at lower price. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151292 | FUNCTIONAL PORTABLE DEVICE FOR EVENT ACCESS AND DELIVERY - The utility of a portable consumer device is extended by allowing account holders the ability to gain entry into access-controlled venues using a portable consumer device that is associated with an account that was used to purchase the admission or tickets to the event at the access-controlled venue. Merchandise or other goods and services may be pre-purchased by the consumer. Pre-purchasing may occur at the time that the price of admission is paid or before entry into the venue. The portable consumer device may be validated at the entrance to the access-controlled venue. After the consumer's entry into the venue, an arrival notification alert may be triggered to provide additional goods or services. For example, when a consumer successfully enters the venue using the consumer portable device, the pre-purchased items may be delivered to the consumer location at a specific time. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151293 | RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS AND METHOD OF USING THE SAME - Some embodiments include a reservation system for electric vehicle charging station and method of using the same as disclosed herein. Other embodiments of related systems and methods are also disclosed. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151294 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151295 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR COMPUTER AIDED EVENT AND VENUE SETUP AND MODELING AND INTERACTIVE MAPS - Described are systems and methods for designing certain aspects of an event venue and for communicating information regarding the event and the event venue to others. Certain embodiments provide a dynamic seat map via which an operator can assign certain characteristics to specific seats and/or seating sections. Certain embodiments generate interactive maps for users, via which information from a plurality of sources may be integrated and visually displayed. The user may specify certain criteria, and the interactive map may identify to the user seats and/or sections that match such criteria. Certain embodiments provide an interactive seat map via which users can select seats and share information. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130151296 | ASSIGNING AND MANAGING PATRON RESERVATIONS FOR DISTRIBUTED SERVICES USING WIRELESS PERSONAL COMMUNICATION DEVICES - A system and method for assigning and managing patron reservations to one or more of a plurality of attractions receive reservation requests at personal communication devices (PCDs). Reservation requests are transmitted to a computer associated with the selected attraction, which determines a proposed reservation time based on information describing the attraction, the patron, previously-made reservations maintained in a virtual queue, and the current state of a physical queue associated with the attraction. Proposed reservation time is transmitted to the PCD for confirmation or rejection by the patron. Confirmed reservations are entered in the virtual queue. Patrons are alerted by the PCD when their reservation time is approaching. | 06-13-2013 |
| 20130159026 | Digital Ticket Issuance, Exchange and Validation Systems and Methods - The invention provides, in some aspects, a digital ticketing system, comprising first and second digital data devices (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, etc.) that are coupled, at least intermittently, with a server via a network. The server responds to a request, e.g., from the first digital data device, by electronically issuing to it a ticket (or option therefor) for use by a holder thereof in gaining a seating (or other selected attendance) at an event. The server responds to a subsequent request, e.g., by the second digital data device, by (re)issuing the ticket (and/or option) to it for use by a holder of that second device in gaining the aforesaid seating (or other selected attendance) at the event in lieu of that by the holder of the first digital data device. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159027 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRAVEL BOOKING AND MANAGEMENT - According to some embodiments, a travel kiosk located at a travel center may receive an identifier associated with a traveler. The travel kiosk may then access travel information associated with the identifier from an application server. The travel kiosk may also receive, via a motion detector, motion information from the traveler. Travel information may then be automatically updated by the travel kiosk based on the received motion information. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159028 | Raising User Satisfaction in an Automated Ride Sharing System - Embodiments of the present invention may provide a various techniques for raising user satisfaction with an automated ride sharing system. In one embodiment, the system may disqualify potential passengers that will force the driver to return to a previously departed area. In another embodiment, the system may consolidate multiple stop locations to reduce the number and frequency of stops in a scheduled ride. In another embodiment, the system may select a best possible ride from a plurality of calculated rides based on user satisfaction factors. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159029 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF USING LOAD NETWORK TO ASSOCIATE PRODUCT OR SERVICE WITH A CONSUMER TOKEN - Systems, devices, apparatuses, and methods for conducting a transaction in which a consumer purchases a product or a service by providing payment to a merchant whom is not the provider of the product or service. The invention permits a consumer to present cash or a payment device (such as a credit card or debit card) to a merchant, where that merchant may be an element of a load network or payment processing network. In a typical load network transaction, the merchant would accept the cash or payment device from the consumer and use the funds provided to “load” or recharge an account of the consumer. However, instead of this use of the network, embodiments of the invention operate to allow the consumer to provide the source of payment to the merchant for a product or service offered by a third party which is accessed by the consumer using a consumer token. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159030 | TICKETING SYSTEMS AND METHODS INCORPORATING INTERACTIVE SEATING CHARTS - Ticketing systems and methods, as well as related computer product programs, provide efficient and user-friendly seat selection by incorporating realistic seating charts. An advantageous ticketing system may include data related to a physical layout of a venue. The ticketing system may generate a three-dimensional model of the venue, from which one or more seating charts may in turn be generated. A user may search the ticketing system for seats based on customized user search parameters, which may include searching across multiple performances. In response to the user search, the ticketing system may provide an interactive three-dimensional seating chart depicting a relatively accurate seat layout based on the venue data. The user may manipulate the seating chart to view the venue from various perspectives, and the user may select seats from the seating chart. Other embodiments of the ticketing system are also disclosed herein. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159031 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for displaying seat inventory at a venue and facilitating planning of ticket prices for events at the venue is presented. Methods to predict total revenue for an event are described. Also presented are systems and methods for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using the sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159032 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for displaying seat inventory at a venue and facilitating planning of ticket prices for events at the venue is presented. Methods to predict total revenue for an event are described. Also presented are systems and methods for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using the sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either repricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130159033 | Extended Web Enabled Multi-Featured Business To Business Computer System For Rental Vehicle Services - A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in connection with managing rental vehicle reservations where the authorization periods for rental vehicle reservations can be automatically extended in response to various conditions being met. In an exemplary embodiment, an authorization period for a rental vehicle reservation for a replacement vehicle corresponding to a disabled vehicle can be automatically extended based on vehicle repair data for the disabled vehicle. In another exemplary embodiment, an authorization period for a rental vehicle reservation for a replacement vehicle corresponding to a disabled vehicle can be automatically extended if an extension request is within certain predetermined limits. | 06-20-2013 |
| 20130166328 | Internal Yield Adjustment Retrieval From Revenue Accounting - Disclosed is a computer-implemented method and system to perform a travel-related Availability Computation. The method includes, at an Inventory System, initiating an Availability Computation by retrieving information relevant to a received availability computation inquiry; determining that portion of a travel solution that corresponds to a reference carrier and a context to be prorated; making a call to a Proration Service and providing the Proration Service with applicable context information; receiving from the Proration Service proration information comprised of a calculated adjusted Yield or a calculated adjustment factor to be applied to the Yield, the Proration Service using proration data that is maintained by a Revenue Accounting System to make the calculation; and completing the Availability Computation using the adjusted Yield or the adjustment factor to be applied to the Yield. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166329 | SOCIAL NETWORK TRAVEL INSPIRATION ENGINE AND METHOD OF SAME - An integrated system of travel inspiration that facilitates the electronic storage, tracking, sharing and updating of a user's travel-related information over social networks. A social network travel inspiration engine and method proactively generates travel destination proposals to a user based on travel destinations and current locations of members of the user's social network. The social network inspiration engine integrates a one click search module, booking share engine, instant traveler alert module, pricing module, opt-in repository, which may interface with a reservation system. This system may interface with booking systems to facilitate the booking of said travel recommendations upon said recommendation. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166330 | SEAMLESS TRAVEL HIVE ENGINE AND METHOD OF SAME - A seamless travel hive engine automatically stores a user's travel-related information in a seamless travel hive repository, and may generate experience marks for displaying and sharing a user's travel-related information. The system provides a continuity of the travel-related user experience through time by storing, updating, aggregating, and sharing information among multiple users and across multiple devices and applications, including social networks. The seamless travel hive engine continuously and dynamically integrates a seamless travel hive repository, travel reservation module, experience mark manager module, comparison module, tagging module, alert module, and consumer travel-related applications, and may provide a platform for a continuous cross-device travel booking flow. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166331 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Control Over On-Line Reservations of Rental Vehicles - Disclosed herein are techniques for improved control over how customers can interact with a rental vehicle reservation booking site, including user interfaces for defining customer accounts and user interfaces for defining promotional offers with respect to rental vehicle reservations. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166332 | MOBILE WALLET STORE AND SERVICE INJECTION PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The MOBILE WALLET STORE AND SERVICE INJECTION PLATFORM APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“SEWI”) transform user goal, trigger, trigger monitoring and paperless electronic ticket entry inputs via SEWI components into triggered monitoring updates, purchase transaction triggers, and goal resolution outputs. In one implementation, the SEWI obtains a consumer item interest indication including a context of the consumer's interest focus. The SEWI ascertains a consumer activity intent assessment from consumer atmospheric activity indicia, wherein the consumer atmospheric activity indicia include a geographic location and the obtained consumer item interest indication. The SEWI determines a dynamic injection virtual wallet component to service the consumer item interest indication, wherein the dynamic injection virtual wallet component may include any of: an augmented reality heads up display overlaying wish list or virtual wallet purchase cart items; a concierge request; and merchant offerings. The SEWI provides the determined dynamic injection virtual wallet component to a consumer's virtual wallet for instantiation. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166333 | MONITORING SYSTEM FOR PARKING SPACE - A monitoring system for a parking space includes a number of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags, a monitor, a data transceiver, and a data center. The monitor corresponds to one of the parking spaces and is positioned in the parking space. When the monitor identifies an RFID tag within the parking space, the monitor records an occupied state of the parking space. When the monitor identifies the RFID tag is no longer within the parking space, the monitor records a vacant state of the parking space. The data center communicates with the monitors using the data transceiver, and stores the vacant state and/or the occupied state of the parking space. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166334 | ELECTRONIC MENU AND ORDERING SYSTEM - Embodiments are directed to providing meal information and event ticketing to a customer via an electronic menu. In one scenario, a computer system provides an electronic menu to a user. The electronic menu includes a user interface that allows users to select different meals provided by a restaurant to obtain information about the meal. The electronic menu further provides an indication of local events that are to take place within a specified time period and within a specified distance from the restaurant. The computer system receives an input from the user selecting at least one of the meals provided by the electronic menu's user interface and, in response to receiving the input, provides meal-related information for the user-selected meal. The meal-related information includes textual information, audio information, pictures and/or video content. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166335 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECALLING A PREVIOUSLY SOLD PRODUCT - In accordance with some embodiments, a unit of product is sold by a seller to a buyer at a first price and subject to a recall upon acceptance of a buyout provision. It is then determined that a buyout condition for outputting to the buyer a buyout notification has been satisfied, the buyout notification based on the buyout provision and the buyout notification is output to the buyer, informing the buyer that the seller is interested in recalling the unit of the product and requesting the buyer to define an amount of value for which the buyer is willing to surrender the unit of product (a recall payment amount). If the seller accepts the recall payment amount, the seller recalls the unit of product in exchange for providing the buyer with the recall payment amount. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130166336 | System for On-site Management of an Event - A system includes a first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case. The first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case includes a router and a switch. The system further includes a computing system connectable to the switch. The computing system includes a first memory for storing first ticket information and a first set of instructions. The computing system further includes a first processor that, upon execution of the first set of instructions, receives a ticket identifier scanned from a ticket. The first processor also compares the ticket identifier to the stored first ticket information. Based on the comparison, the first processor further generates an indication of validity of the ticket. The first processor further transmits the indication of validity of the ticket. | 06-27-2013 |
| 20130173314 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A MARKETPLACE FOR SPACE RENTAL - Systems and methods for providing a space rental marketplace are provided. In some embodiments, space providers list spaces available for rent with a space management system. Each space may be associated with one or more activities to be performed during the rental. Each type of activity may include pre-activity, during-activity, and/or post-activity services that may be scheduled through the space management system at the time of scheduling the rental. Space providers may add new types of activities to the space management system to be associated with their rental space. Recurring rentals may be scheduled. In some embodiments, the space management system automatically ensures that complex scheduling requirements, such as predetermined amounts of certain types of renters, may be fulfilled. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173315 | PORTABLE ELECTRONIC DEVICE WITH PROXIMITY-BASED CONTENT SYNCHRONIZATION - Systems are provided that support millimeter-wave wireless communications between hosts and electronic devices. A host may be formed using a personal computer associated with a user or computing equipment associated with a public establishment. Content can be automatically synchronized between the host and the user's electronic device over a millimeter-wave wireless communications link in a communications band such as a 60 GHz wireless communications band. Synchronization operations may be performed based on user content preferences. Content preference information may be gathered explicitly from a user using on-screen options or may be gathered by monitoring user media playback activities and media rating activities. The content preference information may be transmitted automatically from an electronic device to a host when the electronic device is brought within range of the host. Synchronization operations may be performed automatically when a user is in proximity of a point-of-sale terminal or ticketing equipment. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173316 | Mobile Ticket Application - A method of providing virtual tickets on a mobile communications device running a customized app. The app connects to a central server via a wireless network to purchase a transportation ticket that is valid for travel on a selected route for a selected period of time. The ticket is paid for by an electronic payment. An encrypted copy of the ticket is stored on the mobile device. When used, the app checks if the terms and conditions of the ticket are being complied with before being displayed. If the ticket is compliant, a copy of it is displayed on the mobile devices screen along with a corporate identifier, the selected route and a unique identification string. If the ticket is not compliant, the display is overlaid with a red cross or some other indicator of invalidity. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173317 | EVENT BOOKING SYSTEM - A system and method alleviates a risk of booking an undersold event by facilitating an agreement between a performer and a venue operator, a performer and a promoter, or a venue operator and a promoter on tentative ticket reservations for consumers. If a threshold relating to the tentative ticket reservations is achieved, then the event is booked, each tentative ticket reservation is executed, and the consumer is charged. If the threshold is not achieved, the event is abandoned and each tentative ticket reservation is cancelled. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173318 | Method, Apparatus and System for Perpetual Cyber Value Add Discount Process - Method system, and apparatus for perpetual cyber value add discount process are provided. The method includes: A method for Perpetual Cyber Value Add Discount Process, comprising identifying a number of available tickets for a service provided by an organization which will be unused, selling the available tickets to a customer prior to the start of the service for which the ticket is bought, generating a sale confirmation number to the customer which allows the customer to access the service, and sending the sale confirmation number information to the customer and the organization providing the service. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130173319 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR MAPPING PRICE AND LOCATION OF TICKETS IN AN EVENT VENUE - A system and methods for mapping price and location of tickets in an event venue are described. An interactive event venue seat map is provided by a network-based system that implements an online marketplace for tickets for upcoming events. The interactive event venue seat map enables sellers to view pricing information and transaction information for both sold and current event listings for any section or zone in an event venue. The interactive event venue seat map allows sellers to browse and click on sections to see sold and listed data for any section and zone in the event venue and to compare a proposed sale price to available pricing information of sold and current event listings in comparable sections. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 07-04-2013 |
| 20130179199 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GRANTING ACCESS TO DIGITAL CONTENT USING ELECTRONIC TICKETS AND TICKET TOKENS - Systems and methods for granting access to digital content using electronic tickets and ticket tokens in accordance with embodiments of the invention are disclosed. One embodiment includes a processor, and memory configured to store an electronic ticket, and a ticket token. In addition, the processor is configured to authenticate a merchant server, receive a request for a ticket token for a specific piece of content from the merchant server, generate a ticket token that expires after a predetermined time period, associate the ticket token with an electronic ticket, send the ticket token to the merchant server for delivery to a user device, receive a request to access the identified piece of digital content from the user device, where the request includes the ticket token, send the electronic ticket and access information to the user device, and expire the ticket token. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130179200 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING EXCESS ENTERTAINMENT INVENTORY - A method and system for “papering the house”, i.e., distributing excess entertainment inventory, integrates with the new capabilities of social networking sites and mobile computing. First, a number of units of excess entertainment inventory are apportioned. A first user profile is generated and associated to a first user. A set of Tokens is then allocated to the first user. Next, a subset of Tokens allocated to the first user is selected as eligible to receive a portion of the excess inventory. Finally, records of the first user, the first user profile, the number of units of excess entertainment inventory, and the set of Tokens allocated to the first user are stored in a computer-readable medium. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130179201 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS TO OPTIMIZE MEDIA PRESENTATIONS TO A SEATED AUDIENCE - A computing apparatus is configured to customize media presentation on a display device positioned in the vicinity of a plurality of seats positioned within an access-controlled seating area. The display device is configured to serve media content to users seated in the seats, based on an aggregated spending profile of the users in the seats. The users occupying the seats may be identified via the tickets purchased using account information of the users, via the users checking into the seating area using the account information of the users or the tickets purchased using the account information of the users, and/or via transactions of the users for purchases made by the users within the area or for in-seat purchases. | 07-11-2013 |
| 20130185102 | Mobile eCommerce Ordering and Entertainment Management System and Method - Embodiments of the present invention provide a method for delivering items, comprising: upon a user launching a computer program on a device or visiting a proprietary mobile website using the device, presenting the user with a series of user-selectable events and participating venues on the device; passing menu items specific to the venue to the user's device based on criteria entered by the user; prompting the user to check out and confirm the items selected for purchase; prompting the user to enter credit card information; building a virtual order; splitting the virtual order into two streams including order detail information and credit card information; sending the order detail information to dispatch screens; automatically communicating order status to the user's device; and using the credit card information to process the order for payment. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130185103 | SPORTS AND CONCERT EVENT TICKET PRICING AND VISUALIZATION SYSTEM - A system and method for displaying seat inventory at a venue and facilitating planning of ticket prices for events at the venue is presented. Methods to predict total revenue for an event are described. Also presented are systems and methods for determining at what price and when to release so-called ‘flex’ price tickets during an on-sale using the sales velocity and sales/inquiry ratios. Determining demand of seats from secondary markets is also described with methods to use the demand for either re-pricing the seats in the primary market or presenting ‘best value’ seats to a prospective purchaser. | 07-18-2013 |
| 20130191171 | RESERVATION CONTAINER OBJECT AND REFERENCE THERETO - A system for managing a reservation container associated with a reservation. The system comprising a controller for executing a set of instructions and a controller-readable medium storing the set of instructions which, when executed by the controller, cause the controller to: generate a unique reservation container identifier for enabling subsequent access to the reservation container; set access attributes for the reservation container; and transmit the generated unique reservation container identifier to a service caller. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130191172 | TICKET TRANSFER - A system and method transfers a ticket from one party to another through a ticketing application in a computing device. A purchased ticket may be electronically received by the user and saved to a database accessible by the computing device. The ticket may be assigned a unique fingerprint to prevent fraudulent activity. The ticketing application receives a selection of one or more tickets to be transferred to another party. A transfer recipient (having access to the ticketing application) is identified. In one embodiment, a user may request a payment amount from the transfer recipient for the transferred ticket. Once a user has identified a transfer recipient and payment amount (if applicable), the user may then confirm and/or authorize the transfer. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130191173 | Mobile Ordering - Methods, systems, and computer-readable media with executable instructions stored thereon for mobile ordering. An order for a selected merchant selection can be received. A unique identifier can be associated, by a computing device, to the order. Per a request from the selected merchant, the order associated with the unique identifier can be retrieved. The order can be finalized after the order has been completed. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130191174 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS TO ADVERTISE AND SELL PRODUCTS OR SERVICES VIA A TABLE TABLET COMPUTER - Provided is a table tablet computer for facilitating a process of ordering product items and making mobile device payments. The user may select product items via interface of the table tablet computer and send an order request to a merchant. Upon receipt of an order from the merchant, the user may send a check-out request to transfer payment for the order. Once the check-out request has been received, the merchant may transmit an invoice to the table tablet computer. The invoice may include a barcode, which may be scanned by a mobile device, a barcode scanner, an external device, or any other personal digital device of the user. The barcode may encode data associated with the order. The data associated with the order may include payment data of the merchant, the product items, and a total price of the order. | 07-25-2013 |
| 20130197948 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENDING MESSAGES - A computer-implemented method and system of sending messages, comprising: performing processing for a person associated with receiving a request for location information for the person for an effective time; performing processing associated with receiving any travel information; performing processing associated with receiving any geolocation information; performing processing associated with receiving any expense information; performing processing associated with receiving any home or office location information; performing processing associated with receiving any current schedule/delay information for scheduled travel services; performing processing associated with determining a locations of the person using the travel information; performing processing associated with determining the location of the person using geolocation information, home/office information, expense information, or current schedule/delay information, or any combination thereof; performing processing associated with receiving information related to the location of the person using the travel information; and performing processing associated with sending a message to a device utilized by the person. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130197949 | MOBILE FOOD MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A mobile food management system includes: a controller in communication with a lot owner's user interface and one or more vendor's user interfaces; a food truck lot management application accessible through the lot owner's user interface, the food truck lot management application adapted to receive a customized rule set, the customized rule set including one or more prioritization rules associated with a food truck lot; one or more food truck lot reservation applications accessible through the one or more vendor's user interfaces, the food truck lot reservation application adapted to receive one or more reservation requests; wherein the controller is adapted to receive the customized rule set from the food truck lot management application; receive one or more reservation requests from the one or more food truck lot reservation applications; and apply the customized rule set to the one or more reservation requests to determine a booking plan. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130197950 | TRAVEL INFORMATION SYSTEM - A travel information system which provides travelers with reaccommodation and other information to make travel easier. An example travel information system includes a computer for determining travel change information from a transportation system, for identifying travelers associated with the travel change information, and for notifying the travelers of the travel change information at a point of travel. | 08-01-2013 |
| 20130204647 | TICKETING SOLUTION - A system for use of an electronic ticket, the system comprising: a server arranged to: issue a ticket responsive to a passenger request; issue a bar coded travel document for passengers and segments in a reservation; generate a list of issued tickets for a predetermined vehicle, wherein the list comprises passenger ticketing information; and modify a ticket status during a period in which the vehicle is in motion to indicate use or modification of the issued ticket by a passenger. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130204648 | MANAGEMENT APPARATUS AND MANAGEMENT METHOD - A golf course server manages the reservation status of player openings intended for members by using a reservation file. The management apparatus accesses the reservation file to acquire offer start time information. When an offer start time has come, the management apparatus accesses the reservation file again to acquire availability information, so that the management apparatus releases an offer page generated based on the acquired availability information on the Internet to offer a reservation for use of a service. | 08-08-2013 |
| 20130211862 | AGGREGATED ADVERTISING - A server may receive a first check-in corresponding to at least one person, wherein a check-in is a indication of presence. The server may receive a second check-in to form an aggregation of people. The server may characterize the aggregation based on the cumulative characteristics selected from at least one of the group consisting of age, marital status, and parental status associated with at least one of the first check-in and second check-in to form an aggregated population characteristic. The server may select at least one advertisement based on the aggregated population characteristic. The server may dispatch the at least one advertisement. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130211863 | Method and System of Reverse Bidding for Facilitating the Sale of Travel Services (Auto, Air, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast) - The invention provides a new and unique process for offering and administering an Internet based reverse bidding (nontraditional) auction of travel related services whereby Buyers submit travel desire for services and Sellers of desired services compete to fulfill by bidding to provide said services based on a plurality of options which may or may not include or be limited to the lowest price. This is exactly opposite of how traditional auctions work today where Buyers bid on a Seller's product or service and where the winner is based on the highest bid of the buyer. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130211864 | LUGGAGE PROCESSING STATION - A luggage processing station for registering a passenger's luggage. The station includes an injector for receiving a piece of luggage associated with the passenger. A plurality of sensors are associated with the injector. A weighing machine is also associated with the injector for weighing the luggage while in the injector. The processing station also includes a user interface for receiving various inputs for confirming that a passenger has checked-in and to display information to the passenger during processing the luggage. A controller is associated with the sensors and weighing machine and the user interface. The controller is adapted to accept the luggage if the input received via the passenger's boarding pass or identification indicate that the passenger has checked-in, feedback from the sensors indicates that predetermined criteria are met, and if feedback from the weighing machine indicates that weight of luggage is within a predetermined limit. | 08-15-2013 |
| 20130218608 | Pre-Fixe.com.TM.- A World Wide Web Industry-Specific Gateway and Venue to Sell Merchant Products and Services Online - This environmentally friendly System Method and software package powered by Pre-Fixe.com is specifically designed to offer an ongoing solution that enables Merchants within specific industries, (starting with the restaurant industry) to sell their goods and services online from a single portal. Through this invention, multiple Merchants are invited to create their own automated Microsites and shopping carts to sell a uniquely designed Suite of E-Products comprised of: E-Gift Certificates, Customized Event and Group Dining Software, Ongoing Pre-Fixe™ Menus and Pre-Fixe™ it Menus, Special Offers, a proprietary All-Inclusive Dining Calculator Software and custom industry search filters. The System Method includes a backend management area called “My Account” for Merchants, Consumers and Pre-Fixe Administration to view and manage historical purchases deduct and issue credits, re-gift and reward loyalty. Printing to redeem credits is not necessary. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218609 | SYSTEM AND APPARATUS FOR TRACKING AND RATING RENTERS - An application for a system of tracking and assessing rentals includes entering renter information regarding a renter and entering rental assessment data regarding at least one rental at a client computer and transferring the renter information and the rental assessment data from the client computer to a server computer system. In the server computer system, an overall assessment is created from the rental assessment data and the renter information, the rental assessment data and the overall assessment is stored in a database record associated with the renter. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218610 | Method and System for Aggregating Travelers to Transact Air Travel Reservations - A method and system for aggregating travelers to transact air travel reservations with air travel suppliers, whereby travelers can purchase seats for private air travel on a per-seat basis and suppliers can solicit travelers on a central forum on a per-plane, per-flight basis. The method and system incorporates at least one database and a reservation engine in the form of one or more computers. The method and system is operable to receive flight information from air travel suppliers and display the information over the internet in the form of one or more Web pages. The method and system is further operable to receive reservation requests from travelers viewing the Web pages, and aggregate the requests to enable travelers to collectively purchase private air travel. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218611 | Computer-Implemented Method for Matching Aggregated Traveler Demand to Aircraft - A computer-implemented method for matching aggregated traveler demand to available charter aircraft resources in a real-time manner without incurring costs for unused resources. The method is executed on one or more exemplary computing devices to ingest user requirements for travel, available asset planes, and by using administrative input values determine the best possible match based on the time of day, distance traveled, and equipment efficiency. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218612 | Universal Ticketing and Payment System - A remotely-accessible computer system allows a purchase to establish an account and then purchase admission to live events or venues. The system provides the purchaser with a pass containing data identifying the account established for the purchaser which account contains information about purchased admissions. The pass can be used to gain access multiple events. The purchaser presents the pass at the entrance to the event and a reader reads the identification data and forwards it to the system. The system checks that the purchaser has purchased entry to the particular event and provides a signal to the event indicating whether admission to the event should be allowed or refused. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218613 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SENDING MESSAGES - A computer-implemented method and system of determining the approximate location of a person for an effective time, comprising: performing processing associated with receiving any travel information; performing processing associated with receiving any geolocation information; performing processing associated with receiving any expense information; performing processing associated with receiving any home or office location information; performing processing associated with receiving any current schedule/delay information for scheduled travel services; performing processing associated with determining a locations of the person using the travel information; performing processing associated with determining the location of the person using geolocation information, home/office information, expense information, or current schedule/delay information, or any combination thereof; performing processing associated with receiving information related to the location of the person using the travel information; and performing processing associated with sending a message to a device utilized by the person. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130218614 | Extended Web enabled Business to Business Computer System for Rental Vehicles Services - An Internet-enabled rental vehicle reservation management method and system are disclosed. Via the system and method, rental vehicle transactions corresponding to replacement rental vehicle reservations can be managed throughout their operational lives over the Internet and through a plurality of graphical user interface screens, whereby teams of users are organized into work groups to share in the management of the reservations. | 08-22-2013 |
| 20130226627 | MOBILE RESERVATION APPLICATION - A method may include receiving, from a user device, a first communication requesting information identifying a site that includes a shower facility and accessing a database storing information associated with a number of sites. The method may also include identifying a site, located within a predetermined distance of the user device, that includes a shower facility, and forwarding, to the user device, a second communication including information identifying the site that includes a shower facility. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226628 | EVENT-CENTRIC MATCHING AND SOCIAL NETWORKING SERVICES - Methods for matching a first user of an online service site to a second user for jointly attending an event of mutual interest are disclosed. A first event query is received from the first user. In response, a first event listing including the event of mutual interest is transmitted to the first computer system. A selection of this event is received, together with an admission matching proposal therefor. A corresponding admission availability entry is added to an event announcement page, which is subsequently transmitted to a second user. If the second user so desires and so selects, then an admission matching offer is received by the online service site. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226629 | SYSTEM FOR MANAGING AN ASSET - A system for managing an asset is having a plurality of defined parties authorized to use the asset is disclosed. The system comprises a communications interface arranged to facilitate network communications with the system from a remote location, and a data storage device arranged to store information indicative of bookings to use the asset by an authorized party to the asset. A corresponding method is also disclosed. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226630 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGEMENT OF EVENT ATTENDANCE PACKAGES AND EVENT ATTENDANCE INVENTORY - Provided herein are systems and methods for management of event attendance packages and event attendance inventory. The systems and methods include instantiation of a plurality of inventory items relating to attendance of an event. One or more event attendance packages may then be built using the instantiated inventory items. Once an event package is approved, actual inventory items may be secured, and the inventory items may be allocated to a given package so that they are not available for use by other packages. The systems and methods herein may utilize various graphical user interfaces that enable building of virtual inventory, event package construction, actual inventory acquisition, and inventory/package allocation. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226631 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - A reservation, where the number of days from a date of reservation to a date of use exceeds the number of days that correspond to a credit period, is accepted as a reservation where settlement by a credit card is designated while maintaining the safety of settlement of usage fee. When a reservation where the number of days from today to a date of use exceeds the number of days of a credit period is requested, an information processing apparatus checks validity of the designated credit card. At this time, if the designated credit card can be confirmed to be valid, the information processing apparatus accepts the reservation and stores information of the designated credit card in a storage means. The information processing apparatus checks the validity of the designated credit card on or after a date on which the number of days from the date to a date of use of a service whose reservation is accepted is the number of the credit days on the basis of the information stored in the storage means. At this time, if the credit card cannot be confirmed to be valid, the information processing apparatus outputs information indicating that a settlement method is changed to a method different from a settlement method performed by using the designated credit card. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226632 | KIOSK FOR ENERGY SECTOR LOGISTICS - An automated kiosk and related apparatus provide check-in and boarding services to energy sector passengers, such as helicopter passengers. Preferably, the kiosk and related apparatus can take and store a picture of the passenger, calculate and/or measure the weight of the passenger and the passenger's luggage, print luggage tags and boarding printouts, check third parties' databases (such as a no-fly list (NFL)) for approval for the passenger's flight and can transmit data to another location (server, third party employer, pilot). | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226633 | Flexible Booking Of A Shared Vehicle - A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing flexible booking of a shared vehicle is presented. An application for a mobile device is provided having an interface to allow a user of the mobile device to make a reservation of a shared vehicle by selecting a date the user desires to reserve the shared vehicle. The user is further able to select a location to locate at least one shared vehicle on the date. The user receives a list of vehicles proximate the location selected by the user, and an indication of available times for each of the vehicles. The user can then make a reservation of a particular shared vehicle for a particular time period on the date. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226634 | RESERVATION SYSTEM - A computerized system for registering participants for a service provided in a plurality of events for which a variable number of participants may be registered and where at least a part of the costs of the event are fixed. The system receives registration data providing a first and a second number of participants to be registered for the event. The system registers the participants for the event and conducts at least two transactions. The first debiting a first account for, at least, the fixed costs; the second crediting the first account by a further amount in dependence on the registration of said second number of participants for the event. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130226635 | PURCHASING TICKETS USING AN NFC ENABLED MOBILE COMMUNICATION DEVICE - A method for using a mobile communication device to purchase a ticket for an event. The method comprises locating an event of interest to a user through the mobile communication device, displaying a seating map of a venue in which the event of interest is being held, the seating map being displayed on the mobile communication device, receiving user input selecting an available seat on the seating map, issuing an electronic ticket to the user for the seat, and storing the electronic ticket on the mobile communication device. | 08-29-2013 |
| 20130231965 | TRANSPORT BOOKING MANAGEMENT - The subject matter disclosed herein includes a system and method of ticket booking management of a passenger transport vehicle that enables online tickets purchasing regardless of the passenger's location or time of ordering the tickets, or the station they wish to board the vehicle, including intermediate stations. The passenger transport vehicle comprises a plurality of places for accommodating passengers; the places can comprise at a given time a combination of booked seats, which are previously booked by respective passengers, and non-booked seats, which are available for passengers who board the vehicle, in the traditional way, without a previously booked seat. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130231966 | Method and Apparatus for Providing Wireless Municipal Multimedia Service - Disclosed are systems, methods and computer-readable media for providing a pass to access multimedia services in a limited geographical area serviced by a fiber-fed, star-topology network (FFSTN). The method comprises receiving pre-registration information from a user to authorize one or more computing devices to obtain access to the fiber-fed, star-topology network covering a limited geographical area for a limited time, presenting the user with a plurality of customizable services each associated with capabilities of the respective one or more computing devices to access the FFSTN, and upon authorization, granting access to requested customized services for each of the one or more computing devices. Mechanisms are provided for handing off one or more devices as they travel from a first FFSTN to a second FFSTN. | 09-05-2013 |
| 20130238370 | EVENT PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A method and system is presented for recommending an event or activity to members of a group. The system and method may access a group profile that includes preference information for each of a plurality of members. The system and method may determine a group preference based on the group profile, where the group preference is based on a preference of at least one of the plurality of members. The system and method may select, from among a plurality of events or activities, an event or activity for the plurality of members of the group to attend or do. The selection may be based on the group preference. The system and method may further create an itinerary of the event or activity and any planned ancillary services, and may facilitate social media and other services for the event. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238371 | SELF-SERVICE APPARATUS FOR HOTEL ROOM SELECTION AND CHECK-IN - An apparatus for hotel room selection and check in includes a database, user interface, room key dispenser, and computer processor. The apparatus stores and displays images and descriptions of a hotel or parts of a hotel to help a person make a room selection. The apparatus includes a touch screen on which touch-sensitive graphical buttons are displayed to allow a person to set selection criteria, which are used by the processor as filter parameters. The filter parameters are applied, by the apparatus or an external system, to a hotel room data set to obtain information about one or more hotel rooms that meet the person's selection criteria. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238372 | TRANSFERRING MOBILE TICKETS TO OTHERS - Software transfers ownership of a mobile ticket from a ticket holder to a recipient. To conduct this transaction, the ticket holder provides a ticketing system with an e-mail address or mobile phone number of the recipient. The ticketing system then contacts the recipient via the e-mail address or mobile phone number and provides the recipient with a web link containing a unique transfer identifier for the transfer request. When the recipient follows the provided web link using a web browser, creates a new account or logs in to an existing account, the ticketing system moves the ticket from the ticket holder's account to the recipient's account. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238373 | Method and Apparatus for Tracking Repair Facility Performance for Repairs Relating to Replacement Rental Vehicle Transactions - Systems and methods for tracking repair facility performance in a replacement rental vehicle context are disclosed. Aggregate data that is indicative of a repair performance quality by the repair facility with respect to a plurality of disabled vehicles that are associated with a plurality of replacement rental vehicle reservations can be computed, and a determination can then be made based on this computed aggregate data as to whether the repair facility has satisfied a benchmark. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130238374 | Systems, Methods, and Machine-Readable Storage Media for Interfacing with a Computer Flight System - Provided herein are systems, methods and machine-readable media for interfacing with computer flight systems. For example, in one embodiment, a method includes: maintaining, via a data processing system, a pool of provisional flights; receiving a bid or a booking; and in response to receiving the bid or the booking, modifying at least one booking class inventory for at least one flight in the pool of provisional flights. | 09-12-2013 |
| 20130246102 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING LATE RETURN DETECTION OF A SHARED VEHICLE - A method, apparatus and computer program product for providing late return detection of a shared vehicle is presented. A computer system determines an end time of a first reservation of a shared vehicle by a first member of a vehicle sharing service. Then a location of the shared vehicle is determined at a first predetermined time before the end time of the first reservation. Based on the end time of the first reservation and the location of the shared vehicle, a potential late return of the shared vehicle is determined. If the shared vehicle return will be late, then at least one of the first member and a representative of the vehicle sharing service are notified so appropriate actions can be taken. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130246103 | PURCHASE HANDOFF IN A TRAVEL SEARCH ENGINE - A method and apparatus are provided for a dynamic information connection engine. User actions are detected on at least one client system. In response, a determination is made whether the user is searching for supported information. When the user is searching for supported information, information is extracted electronically from third party web sites, direct supplier connections, and intermediate databases. Potential information suppliers are automatically selected in response to the detected user search. Queries are formulated from the user search and transferred to each selected supplier over a network coupling. The queries include a request for information. Responses are received from the suppliers, and the responses are used to generate a result list for the user. The result list includes information and query status information. Further, an electronic link may be provided to a web site of each supplier from which the information was derived. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130246104 | Extended Web Enabled Multi-Featured Business To Business Computer System For Rental Vehicle Services - A method and apparatus are disclosed for use in connection with managing rental vehicle reservations where different parties can be empowered to perform various management actions on the reservations. In this way, the workload with respect to reservation management can be spread over multiple parties. In a disclosed embodiment, the different parties can be parties such as insurance companies, repair facilities, assist companies, credit hire companies, lawyers, and fleet management companies. | 09-19-2013 |
| 20130253963 | INTERACTIVE MAPPING SYSTEM AND RELATED METHODS - Embodiments may relate to an interactive mapping system having a server side content management system (CMS) and at least one database for containing point-of-interest (POI) records. Embodiments may further include a client-side graphical user interface (GUI) enabling users to create itineraries and make purchasing decisions. Embodiments further include means for reporting usage data to a customer, the reports including data provided by users. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253964 | RESERVATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM RECORDING PROGRAM FOR RESERVATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE - A reservation management device including a communication unit which receives an e-mail including reservation information regarding a service reservation in a form which is previously determined depending on a source address; a first storage unit which stores recognition procedure information so as to be associated with the source address, the recognition procedure information indicating a procedure for recognizing the reservation information from the e-mail; and a control unit which recognizes the reservation information from the e-mail in a procedure corresponding to the source address of the e-mail received by the communication unit by using the recognition procedure information stored in the first storage unit and stores the reservation information in a second storage unit. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130253965 | TIME DEPENDENT TRANSACTION QUEUE - Embodiments of the invention provide systems and methods for analyzing transaction data for a plurality of transactions to determine an order of priority for reviewing the transactions. A merchant processor server computer receives transaction data related to a plurality of transactions and determines which transactions are fraudulent, which transactions are not fraudulent and which transactions are indeterminate. The merchant processor server computer analyzes the transaction data for indeterminate transactions to determine which transactions have higher priority based on priority rules and reorders the transactions for review based on the priority. | 09-26-2013 |
| 20130262158 | PORTABLE DEVICE FOR HOTEL ROOM SELECTION AND CHECK-IN - An apparatus for hotel room selection and check in includes a database, user interface, room key dispenser, and computer processor. The apparatus stores and displays images and descriptions of a hotel or parts of a hotel to help a person make a room selection. The apparatus includes a touch screen on which touch-sensitive graphical buttons are displayed to allow a person to set selection criteria, which are used by the processor as filter parameters. The filter parameters are applied, by the apparatus or an external system, to a hotel room data set to obtain information about one or more hotel rooms that meet the person's selection criteria. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262159 | Finding Best Seating Selections via Algorithmic Search - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for contiguously seating passengers in a travel conveyance. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a seat request for multiple seats, and, in response to receiving the seat request, calculating factors associated with each seat in a set of eligible seats. The method includes defining an initial set of seats as a subset of the set of eligible seats, defining a set of factors for each seat in the initial set of seats, associating a priority with the multiple factor sets, where the factors include multiple contiguity and vacancy factors, the contiguity factors being of a higher priority than the vacancy factors. The method includes processing the factors based on the priority to identify an anchor seat from the initial set of seats, assigning the multiple seats based on the anchor seat. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262160 | Method for the automated communication of parking spaces - In a method for automatically communicating parking spaces, parking spaces of different car park operators, at different locations provided for utilisation are recorded by a central computer in a data base indicating at least the location, availability and usage terms and provided for the purpose of automatic management and for being queried via a computer-based network. Suitable parking spaces are offered to a customer starting a query for selection including usage terms, wherein during the query destination is indicated. An automatically generated authorisation identification code is electronically communicated to the customer when booking a parking space. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262161 | TICKET PROCESSING METHOD AND PROGRAM OF THE SAME - In the ticket processing system | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262162 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING IMMEDIATE CONFIRMATION FOR SHIPPING SERVICES - A method and related system allow reservations of shipping slots on a vessel. The method includes accepting for pre-allocation from a carrier, slots on a voyage of the vessel, corresponding carrier booking numbers for the slots, and shipping rules for the slots. A booking request from a shipper is accepted to reserve one or more of the pre-allocated slots on the vessel, together with shipping information for the booking request. The shipping information is correlated against the shipping rules for the slots to determine if the booking request can be accepted. If the booking request can be accepted, the carrier booking numbers corresponding to the reserved slots are then provided to the shipper, and the corresponding slots are marked as reserved. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262163 | Method and System for Distributing Electronic Tickets with Visual Display - This invention discloses a novel system and method for distributing electronic ticketing such that the ticket is verified at the entrance to venues by means of an animation or other human perceptible verifying visual object that is selected by the venue for the specific event. This removes the need to use a bar-code scanner on an LCD display of a cell phone or other device and speeds up the rate at which human ticket takers can verify ticket holders. The system also can permit ticket purchase verification in the absence of a network connection during verfication. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130262164 | Providing an Advertisement Based on a Geographic Location of a Wireless Access Point - A method includes receiving, at an information provider, identification information of a portable computing device from a wireless access point. The method includes determining, at the information provider, a service, a product, or both, to be potentially used by a user of the portable computing device. The service, the product, or both, is determined based on a prior user preference of the user. The prior user preference is obtained from a user profile identified based on the identification information. The method includes selecting, at the information provider, an advertisement associated with a business. The advertisement is selected based on the service, the product, or both, to be potentially used by the user and based on a geographic location of the wireless access point. | 10-03-2013 |
| 20130268302 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FACILITATING A SOCIAL TRIP PLANNING EXPERIENCE - A system and machine-implemented method for facilitating a social travel planning environment, including receiving an indication of interest in an trip element being viewed at a remote store by a user participating in a social trip planning session, wherein the remote store is one of an online store or an offline store, wherein the social trip planning session includes one or more participants interested in planning a trip, retrieving, using the one or more computing devices, information regarding the trip element in response to receiving the indication, the information including trip element information corresponding to the trip element and providing the trip element and the retrieved information to be displayed to the one or more participants of the social trip planning session and providing a mechanism for receiving feedback regarding the trip element from the one or more participants. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268303 | METHOD AND SYSTEM TO HOST ELECTRONIC INTERACTIVE PASSENGER BOARDINGS - A method and system for determining, organizing, directing, displaying,and calling out a dynamic real time better boarding order of passengers by their assigned seats. The method includes the interactive participation of boarding passengers with a better boarding machine that hosts and directs the systematic progression of the better boarding order. The system accommodates and adjusts for passenger purchases at the gate, standby passengers and passengers who are late. The system also provides passengers with educational and entrainment videos, promotional videos and advertisements. A system machine for boarding passengers is also disclosed. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268304 | Systems, Methods, and Computer Program Products for Purchasing Transportation Tickets - A system includes a memory storing user account information, wherein the information comprises an account identifier for a user; and one or more processors for determining a transportation station for a user based on a determined location of the user through a user mobile device; determining a direction of travel by the user; presenting a list of destinations to the user mobile device, the list of destinations being associated with a travel schedule corresponding to the transportation station and the direction of travel; receiving a selected destination from the list via the user mobile device; and presenting a ticket to the user mobile device, the ticket corresponding to the selected destination. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130268305 | Social club networking environment - The instant invention is a method of organizing and displaying independent social club and social club events through a social network environment in which social club links and social club events are stored, organized, displayed and linked in such a manner that an individual may investigate a social club and join if desired or a member from one club may investigate and access another social club or another social club event for participation. | 10-10-2013 |
| 20130275162 | MULTI-PARTY TRANSACTION SYSTEM WITH COLLECTIVE RESERVATIONS - Embodiments consistent with the present invention enable multiple users to collectively make reservations for goods or services. One embodiment relates to a method of performing a collective reservation of one or more goods or services by a set of multiple users who are members of a communication context. The communication context may be established by the set of multiple users using instances of a client software application on electronic computing devices and a collective-reservation server. Reservations may be created for multiple sets of items by the multiple users. The reservations may be modified by the multiple users, and the items under a reservation may be purchased by the multiple users. Other embodiments, aspects and features are also disclosed. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275163 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MANAGING A WAITING LIST USING INTERNET-BASED CUSTOMER CHECK-IN - A system can provide for management of a waiting list of customers at a business location for services from a no-appointment, first listed-first served business. A waiting list can be displayed on a user interface that communicates with a processor. The processor can receive customer information from an internet-based customer check-in system through which customer's check-in to the waiting list at a location remote from the business location. The user interface can display the waiting list including information regarding both customers that check-in through the internet-based check-in system and customers that check in manually at the business location giving priority temporal waiting list priority based on a time of check-in for each customer, and can display a dynamically updated calculated estimated wait time for each customer on the waiting list. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275164 | Intelligent Automated Assistant - The intelligent automated assistant system engages with the user in an integrated, conversational manner using natural language dialog, and invokes external services when appropriate to obtain information or perform various actions. The system can be implemented using any of a number of different platforms, such as the web, email, smartphone, and the like, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, the system is based on sets of interrelated domains and tasks, and employs additional functionally powered by external services with which the system can interact. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130275165 | INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, INFORMATION PROVIDING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An information providing apparatus that improves user convenience during a reservation process, by acquiring the remaining numbers of reservation targets matching a user's request, the remaining count increase history of the service matching the user's request, estimating a probability that the remaining numbers of the reservation targets meet or exceed a threshold by an offer period of reservation targets for which the remaining numbers acquired are less than the threshold, among the reservation targets matching the user's request based on the remaining count increase history, and providing information related to the reservation targets matching the user's request, in a display mode matching the estimated probability. | 10-17-2013 |
| 20130282412 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING AND RESERVATIONS USING LOCATION BASED SERVICES - A system and method for providing reservation services to users of mobile devices. The system is implemented in a reservation computer device having computer executable code tangibly embodied on a computer readable medium. The reservation computer device is operable to prioritize a reservation schedule of a service establishment based on a route and projected arrival time of one or more subscribing users such that earlier arriving users and users that have already arrived at the service establishment are given priority in the reservation schedule regardless of prearranged reservations. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130282413 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING CAR SERVICE - A method and system for booking reservations for a car service and delivery of such services, wherein at least one booking system and/or at least one car service provider interact with a mediator/facilitator to arrange for and provide a car for a client using at least one client terminal device that can be a mobile device. In the method, information entered into the system via the client's mobile device is transferred and adapted by the mediator/facilitator to communicate with the at least one booking system, the at least one car service provider. | 10-24-2013 |
| 20130290040 | Method and System for Arranging Taxi and Transportation Services - The invention relates to a method and system to directly link and arrange taxi and transportation services. The method and system allows a user to link directly into the associated taxi dispatch system and order a cab, as well as finding friends and other users through social media applications to interact with, share rides and split payments. A user can join a cab ride already in progress by linking to the other riders that have already booked a cab ride. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130290041 | RESERVATION SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTED MULTICHANNEL TRANSACTIONS - A reservation system for distributed multichannel transactions comprises hardware and software including one or more servers on which a database, such as a relational database, is stored and accessed. A reservation utility is integrated into a company's website seamlessly such that access to the reservation utility by a customer of the company using an input device over a network puts into use the reservation system. The utility automatically accesses the reservation system, accessing the database for availability and pricing information, reporting reservation information to the company and updating inventory information in the database. The utility provides a plurality of services, which may be unrelated services and may be tailored to the particular customer including access, availability and price of such services. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130290042 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Customer Direct On-Line Reservation of Rental Vehicles - Disclosed herein is a reservation booking website wherein customers who plan to travel via general aviation (GA) are provided with a GA reservation creation path that is responsive to their GA travel needs. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130290043 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HANDLING TRANSPORTATION RESERVATION REQUESTS IN A DECENTRALIZED ENVIRONMENT - Methods and systems for handling transportation reservation requests in a decentralized environment are discussed herein. An example decentralized system for handling transportation reservation requests may include a road-side device, a hailing device and/or a vehicle device. In the example decentralized system, the road-side device and/or the hailing device can be configured to communicate with the vehicle device using a vehicular communication channel. In some implementations, the vehicular communication channel can be reserved exclusively for vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure communications. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130290044 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING A MARKETPLACE FOR SPACE RENTAL - Systems and methods for providing a space rental marketplace are provided. In some embodiments, space providers list spaces available for rent with a space management system. Each space may be associated with one or more activities to be performed during the rental. Each type of activity may include pre-activity, during-activity, and/or post-activity services that may be scheduled through the space management system at the time of scheduling the rental. Space providers may add new types of activities to the space management system to be associated with their rental space. Recurring rentals may be scheduled. In some embodiments, the space management system automatically ensures that complex scheduling requirements, such as predetermined amounts of certain types of renters, may be fulfilled. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130290045 | PREDICTING THAT A PARKING SPACE IS ABOUT TO BE VACATED - A method implementable in a mobile device includes determining a driving or walking motion state of the mobile device associated with a user from at least a motion type of sensor on the mobile device and storing a parking location for a vehicle associated with the mobile device, received from a location type of sensor on the mobile device, when the mobile device changes from a driving state to a walking state. | 10-31-2013 |
| 20130297357 | PRODUCT RESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF - This invention discloses a product reservation system and a method thereof. The system comprises a server end and a user end. The system server has a database and a product reservation platform. The database stores a plurality of product data comprising a payment date thereof. The user end is connected to the system server to sign in to the product reservation platform to have access to the plurality of product data. The user end sends a reservation message when at least one product data is selected, and the reservation message includes a user data and the payment date corresponding to at least one product data. Wherein the server end sends a payment notification to the user end which correspond the user data before the payment date or at the payment date, so that the user can confirm the reservation message or cancel the reservation message. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297358 | METHOD FOR INTEGRATED TICKET RESERVATION, AND TERMINAL AND SERVER THEREFOR - An integrated ticket reservation method allows a customer to easily inquire about the entire reservation status of ticket resellers and reserve his/her desired tickets when there are a lot of ticket resellers for one kind of ticket, and a terminal and a server therefor implement the method. The terminal requests servers to provide reservation status information including seat status information, receives the requested reservation status information from the servers, indicates seat status information included in the reservation status information from each of the servers into a full seating chart for the reservation target, and displays the full seating chart on a screen. Upon receiving a request for reservation status information for a reservation target from the terminal, the server searches a reservation database for reservation status information including seat status information indicating remaining seats for the reservation target, and transmits the searched reservation status information to the terminal. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130297359 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING TRAVEL ON A CHARTER TRANSPORT - 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. | 11-07-2013 |
| 20130304521 | Ticket Exchanger - A portable processing device capable of communicating wirelessly with one or more other processing devices is provided. The portable processing device may display information regarding at least one venue within a predetermined distance of a current location of the portable processing device. A user may select a venue and may request and receive, via the portable processing device, information regarding one or more tickets to an event in progress at the selected venue. The portable processing device may obtain and display information regarding available tickets from users of other portable processing devices located within the predetermined distance of the selected venue. The user may offer, via the portable processing device, an amount of money, a ticket swap, or nothing for one or more of the available tickets. The portable processing device may permit the user to rate a second user, who is a party to a finalized deal. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304522 | COMPUTER BASED METHOD OF MANAGING, SAVING FOR, AND ARRANGING TRAVEL - The invention is a computer-based method of saving for and booking travel arrangements. The method generally includes a full service travel website and computer accessible interest bearing bank account that is set up for the express purpose of saving funds for future travel. The method preferably includes a reward system that allows users to pay for travel with the savings account funds, interest from the account, and the rewards points. The method also preferably includes notification mechanisms and gifting mechanisms to allow the transfer of funds between users for the booking of travel. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304523 | System and Method for Allocating Tickets Using a Draft - The present invention is a system and method that enables individuals, partnerships, companies and any other entity to ease the ownership and administration of ticket lots and other properties by alleviating the difficulties mentioned above. The system achieves this by providing a utility to build ticket or time-share member groups by matching compatible users and to allocate to the group's members shares of ticket lots or access to properties by time-share or rental. The system establishes user compatibility and ticket and property allocation based on requirements, preferences and attributes of the group, the ticket or property, and the system users. For example, a website based on the system of the present invention can be used by a holder of a season ticket package in order to connect with website users seeking a share of such tickets, form a member group of such users that are compatible with parameters set by the season ticket holder, and automatically allocate the tickets equitably to group members based on ticket event attributes, requirements and preferences indicated by the members and ticket allocation rules set by the ticket holder. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304524 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR JOINTLY OPTIMIZING PRICING AND SEAT ALLOCATION - A system and method for jointly optimizing pricing and allocation contains a memory and a processor. The processor is configured by the memory to perform the steps of: analyzing raw data to detruncate a demand for bookings and to determine how a change in fares affects a volume of bookings; determining how booking limits censor the demand; determining revenues of all time frames for which seats are available; and determining fares and booking limits maximizing total revenues. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304525 | METHOD FOR DEVELOPING INTERACTIVE PRE-FABRICATED CINEMA VENUES - An interactive digital cinema with at least one pre-fabricated auditorium room with state of the art wall-to-wall screen, a multichannel digital sound system including a sound processor having a digital sound equalization system and a surround sound speaker system; and an online booking system for accepting and processing a general public booking for a featured digital event to be put on in the digital cinema. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304526 | METHODS FOR CROSS-SELLING FLIGHTS AND TRAVEL-RELATED GOODS - One variation of a method for cross-selling flight reservations and travel-related goods includes: receiving a detail of a flight itinerary from a flight reservation interface of an airline; receiving a discounted fare for the flight itinerary; querying a travel-related good inventory system for a standalone price and a discounted price for a travel-related good based on the detail of the flight itinerary; calculating a package rate for the flight itinerary and the travel-related good according to the discounted fare of the flight itinerary and the discounted price of the travel-related good; calculating a savings amount for the package rate over a total standalone rate for the flight itinerary and the standalone price for the travel-related good; and returning a travel package comprising the travel-related good and a flight reservation specified in the flight itinerary, the package rate for the travel package, and the savings amount to the flight reservation interface. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304527 | MOBILE SOCIAL-BUSINESS NETWORK - Systems, methods, machines and platforms are provided which detail a technique for utilizing a mobile social-business platform capable of building and managing a community of people so they can plan, coordinate and manage their lives in an efficient, social and financially beneficial way from a mobile device. Additionally, this application details a technique for building a network of select unique people's who will gain access to incentives from a vast combination of sources within their networks previously unavailable to them. | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130304528 | MANAGEMENT DEVICE AND MANAGEMENT METHOD - A management device provides to members a solicitation page to solicit reservations of a target for use that is jointly used by plural members via the Internet | 11-14-2013 |
| 20130311211 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - Systems, methods, processes, computer readable medium, networks, virtual machines are provided that implement transportation related features and services. For example, a platform is implemented that address the complexity and speed in providing and managing chauffeured for hire ground transportation services. Features related to dispatching, managing business agreements, user interfaces, inter-company billing, inter-company fleet visibility and verification, analytics, and other advancements are also described. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130311212 | Secure Targeted Personal Buying/Selling Method and System - Embodiments described herein include a buying and selling method including receiving a request from a user to book a ticket for an event, determining a time for the event and a venue for the event, detecting when the user is at the venue for the event, and in response, electronically funding a user account with an amount sufficient to buy a ticket for the event. The user is notified that funds are available for the ticket. Embodiments further include, after the end of the event, detecting whether the funds were redeemed and determining whether there is a balance remaining over the funded amount. If the funds were redeemed by the user before the event, event data is collected, including a time of the event, a type of the event, a name of the event, and a location of the venue. The event data is associated with user data. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130311213 | BAGGAGE HANDLING SYSTEM AND PROCESS FOR A TRANSPORT VEHICLE - A baggage handling process for a transport vehicle, including the steps of generating a booking for a passenger for said transport vehicle; and issuing the passenger with a container for his or her baggage, wherein the container is of a predetermined size and shape. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130311214 | NETWORKED BARCODE VERIFICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result. | 11-21-2013 |
| 20130317868 | Inventory Management Platform and Systems and Methods for Using Same - Systems, methods and computer program products that facilitate the sale of perishable inventory such as tickets to a limited capacity event are provided. Through the targeting of fans who are interested in access to the perishable inventory and are within a geographic location that permits them to go to an event location within a limited amount of time, there can be increased attendance at the events. Optionally, a fan's passion level can be considered when determining whether to make an offer. | 11-28-2013 |
| 20130325521 | SHARED VEHICLE RENTAL SYSTEM INCLUDING VEHICLE AVAILABILITY DETERMINATION - Techniques and structures are disclosed relating to the rental of vehicles owned by different owners (i.e., a peer to peer vehicle network). Each owner may have his or her own set of rental criteria associated with a particular vehicle. Prospective drivers may have to meet (or choose from) this criteria to be able to rent a vehicle. Drivers may be able to choose a vehicle for rent based on a distance from one or more vehicles (e.g., closer vehicles are displayed higher in search results), price, or other factors. Messages and alerts may be exchanged between a server that implements a vehicle rental system and owner, driver, and/or vehicle computing devices. Location information about the vehicles is collected at the server, and a driver may be able to see the actual location of a vehicle for an upcoming rental. Vehicles may be remotely unlocked so that a driver can use the vehicle with keyless entry. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325522 | CHARTERING CRAFT INDEPENDENT OF THE LOCATION OF CRAFT OR BUSINESS LOCATION OF A CHARTER OPERATOR - According to a computer-implemented approach for managing and chartering readily transportable watercraft, vessels, vehicles and other charter craft, customers are able to view and specify where they wish to charter such craft independent of where a charter craft might be permanently stored or regularly parked, berthed or moored. According to the approach, customers provide their desired charter location where they would like to charter craft. Customers are then provided in response with a list of matching locations and charter rates for one or more charter craft to be delivered at the desired charter location. After completing charter arrangements, the charter operator delivers to the customer their selection of charter craft to the specified charter location and upon completion of the charter, also retrieves the charter craft from an agreed upon retrieval location. The charter operator may be either centralized or distributed and may be a single or multiple organization(s). | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325523 | AUTHENTICATION SYSTEM OF ELECTRONIC TICKETS AND THE AUTHENTICATION METHOD FOR THE SAME - An authentication system of electronic tickets and the authentication method for the same is disclosed. The authentication system includes a system terminal server, an electronic device, an authentication device, and an authentication reader. The authentication device is electrically coupled to the electronic device via a wired transmission interface, and communicates with an authentication reader via a wireless transmission interface. The user purchases an electronic ticket via the electronic device from the system terminal server. The user receives the ticket data and loads the ticket data in to the authentication device. When the user wants to use the electronic ticket, the authentication reader wirelessly accesses to ticket data in the authentication device via the wireless transmission interfaces such as Near Field Communication (NFC) or Radio Frequency (RF) and user is allowed to use the electronic ticket after passing authentication. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325524 | Dynamic group purchases using barcodes - A movie theatre shows a barcode on an electronic screen separate from the projection screen, on a side wall of the movie room. The barcode lets a patron buy tickets to movies shown in trailers on the projection screen. The patron uses a mobile device, like a cellphone, to image the barcode and decode an URL to a web page. The electronic screen also shows a table of ticket purchases, with thresholds allowing for discounted prices. The purchases are mostly from patrons in the theatre, but could also include from patrons at other theatres seeing the same trailers. This allows dynamic group purchasing of tickets in an interactive feedback loop. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325525 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN INTEGRATED ONLINE PORTAL AND MARKETPLACE FOR EVENT-RELATED ITEMS - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for integration of systems associated with ticketing, advertising, membership, social networking, merchandizing, and/or similar commercially valuable functions. An integrated marketplace system, referred to variously as an integrated system or integrated portal, may comprise or communicate with modules for retail services, social networking, marketing information, ticketing sales, merchandise sales, membership services, or any other type and form of module. In some embodiments, the systems and methods discussed herein allow teams, bands, event operators or other attraction providers to sell tickets direct to consumers or fans, reducing fees and costs due to ticket resellers, while retaining customer information for future targeted marketing. Accordingly, teams, bands, artists, or other attractions may utilize the integrated platform to provide a fan- or consumer-centric experience with ticket sales and merchandise offers made dynamically based on analyzing user behavior, past purchasing behavior, and/or social networking data. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325526 | APPARATUS AND METHODS FOR SEATING MANAGEMENT - A computerized system for seating management is described. The system can be utilized in business establishments offering general admission table service, such as a restaurant. In one embodiment, the system can be deployed as one or more portable electronic devices, such as tablet computers. Via an input/output interface, such as a touch screen display, the system can be used by one or more employees of the establishment to seat groups of customers. The system can include a simple and intuitive interface that prompts a user, such as a restaurant employee, to input information that enables the system to make intelligent seating decisions. Via output of these seating decisions, the system allows employees with minimal experience to handle the important and complex of seating management within a business establishment at a high proficiency level. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130325527 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING MULTIPLE ONLINE PURCHASES - A method for preventing redundant purchases of limited items includes steps for providing a commerce client to a user, receiving (a) financial information of the user and (b) a device identifier from a device the user is using to run the commerce client, the device identifier being based on one or more of user-configurable and non-user-configurable parameters of the user device, determining whether a previous transaction has been made with the device associated with the received device identifier, and disallowing the device from executing further transactions for a predetermined period of time. The method may be executed by an apparatus such as a computer server or stored as a series of instructions on a computer readable medium. | 12-05-2013 |
| 20130332207 | System and method for intelligent management of appointment waiting list - A system and a method for intelligently managing waiting lists and other similar lists for service providers are disclosed. The system is configured for customer to request the scheduling of at least one appointment, to schedule one or more appointments of a customer, to store the information related to the customer in a database, to manage the different intelligent waiting list and to confirm and notify the customer when an appointment is automatically assign. Generally, the system is configured to be used over a communication network such as the Internet to allow a customer to be electronically notified of the scheduling of an appointment. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130332208 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROCESSING ORDERS AND RESERVATIONS USING AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and non-transitory computer-readable storage media for processing reservations at restaurants. A system is described that includes maintaining a wait list for customers waiting to use a physical resource, such as a table at the restaurant. Wait times for customers on the wait list can be dynamically updated depending on the items that are ordered by seated customers. | 12-12-2013 |
| 20130339068 | BOARDING INFORMATION REMINDING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A boarding information reminding system includes a client system applied in an electronic device and a back-end system applied in a back-end host. the client system receives ticket information and reminder information registered by a client. The back-end system queries up-to-date information of a flight according to the ticket information, and transmits the up-to-date information to the client system. When it is departure time, the client system reminds the client to leave for the airport and continuously transmits position information of the client to the back-end system. The back-end system compares the position information of the client with the position information of the boarding gate, compares current time with the boarding time of the flight, to determine if the client can reach the boarding gate in time. If the client cannot reach the boarding gate in time, the back-end system sends alarm information to the client system. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130339069 | Method and a System for Allocating Ticket Inventory on Buyer Side - The present invention provides a method for allocating ticket inventory on a buyer's side. The method includes steps of, loading, the webpage, providing a map, checking compatibility of map, initializing plug-in, and mapping seats. Further, the map is represented with respective tickets with location, quantity and amount on the webpage. Moreover, the ticket list with triggering onInit is generated on the webpage or an existing external tabular ticket list is controlled by the plugin thereby loading the map completely with corresponding ticket inventory matching respective portions on map simultaneously while loading the webpage on the buyer's device thereby enabling the buyer to select desired seating section. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130339070 | DYNAMIC PRICE-MONITOR SCHEDULING SYSTEMS AND METHODS - To dynamically schedule price checks for a previously-purchased travel ticket, an initial travel-ticket-specific price-check interval is determined by modifying a base price-check interval according to two or more price-volatility factors associated with the travel ticket. After the initial travel-ticket-specific price-check interval has passed, at least one price check is performed to determine a current price associated with the travel ticket. Periodically, at least some of the price-volatility factors are re-evaluated to obtain two or more updated price-volatility factors. Periodically, an updated price-check interval is determined based at least in part on the updated price-volatility factors and an un-updated subset of the original price-volatility factors. A subsequent price check is scheduled to occur after the updated price-check interval has passed. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130339071 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR QUEUING ACCESS TO NETWORK RESOURCES - One embodiment of the present invention provides apparatus and methods for queuing access by large numbers of Internet or other network-based users to networked systems and resources with limited capacity. In one example embodiment, a queuing system provides user access to network resources, such as that of a ticketing system. A ticket queue queues a request received from a client system. A request processing module causes the client system to repeatedly transmit messages to the system during a first period, and in response to determining that the client system has ceased transmitting messages during the first period, the request is remove from the queue and/or cause the request goes unfulfilled. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130339072 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGE SCHEDULING METHOD AND CHARGE SCHEDULING DEVICE - A method for battery charge scheduling for an electric vehicle including a position confirming step for confirming a position of the vehicle, a candidate station obtaining step for obtaining information on position of the candidate battery charge station, a waiting time and a battery charge cost, a candidate battery charge station displaying step for displaying the information of the candidate battery charge stations, a candidate battery charge station selecting step for selecting a candidate battery charge station at which a battery charge is desired to be carried out and a battery charge reserving step for reserving the battery charge at the candidate battery charge station through the station control network based on a setting at the candidate battery charge station selecting step through the in-vehicle information device. By this method, user convenience is improved and actual risks and mental anxieties derived from low battery charge can be relieved or removed. | 12-19-2013 |
| 20130346119 | TECHNIQUES FOR BOOKING TRAVEL RESERVATIONS WHILE LEVERAGING TRAVEL WEBSITES - A computer-implemented method is provided for booking a travel reservation in accordance with an organizational travel policy while leveraging search capabilities of travel websites. The method includes: receiving a request for a reservation for a travel service at a travel management service from a person associated with an organization of persons; confirming availability of the requested reservation by interfacing with a reservation system of the travel service provider; evaluating the requested reservation in relation to a travel policy of the organization; and sending a message confirming availability of the reservation to the person | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130346120 | INFORMATION PROVIDING DEVICE AND INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD - An information providing device according to an embodiment includes a user information storing unit that stores, every user, user information and destination information related to a user in association with each other, a determining unit that determines a user corresponding to user information having a specific relation with a cancellation object in the user information storing unit as a user to which the cancellation object is recommended, and a transmitting unit that acquires destination information on the user determined by the determining unit from the user information storing unit, and transmits the information on the cancellation object to a destination according to the destination information. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130346121 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARKING RESERVATION AND PAYMENT - An exemplary embodiment includes a method for providing a parking reservation on a computer system. The parking reservation method is embodied in a computer program product for execution on an instruction processing system, comprising a tangible storage medium readable by the instruction processing system is storing instructions for execution by the instruction processing system. The method comprises enabling a customer to purchases a bar-coded pass online for an event, collecting payment for the bar-coded pass, and issuing the bar-coded pass to the customer. The method further comprises updating a current available parking slots inventory for a selected parking lot in the tangible storage medium, and validating the bar-coded pass by scanning the bar-coded pass to verify that the bar-coded pass is valid. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130346122 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ILLUSTRATING WHERE A TICKET IS LOCATED IN AN EVENT VENUE - A system accepts event criteria for at least one ticket and at least one event; accepts price criteria for the ticket(s) and the event(s); displays an interactive graphics-based event venue map illustrating a location of all sections at a venue with at least one ticket meeting the event and price criteria; accepts section selection criteria, at least one section being selected from the interactive graphics-based event venue map; displays ticket information to allow a user to drill down to a specific ticket, cause a location of the specific ticket to be displayed in the interactive venue map; and enable a capability to utilize the interactive venue map to choose a section of interest, causing corresponding ticket information to be displayed in the web browsing language. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20130346123 | RESERVATION METHOD AND SYSTEM WITH IMPROVED PNR HANDLING - A method and system for storing and proposing a list of saved quotes, referred to as “Offers”, together with the PNR. These Offers once created can be communicated to the passenger, so he could access them and make his choice in a cross-channel, interactive dialog with the proposing agent. Standard PNR have been enhanced to accommodate quotations/offers on top of firm bookings. As well as making the search efforts of the user persistent and re-usable, the inclusion of quotation in the PNR makes them accessible via all the distribution channels and gives to this invention a full cross-channel dimension. This new functionality represents as well a huge enhancement in the Travel Agent work flow, since the saving of all the pre-booking activity is now automated and traceable, by the agent himself (for follow-up and confirmation purpose) and eligible for sending to commonly used Mid-Office and reporting systems. | 12-26-2013 |
| 20140006067 | TRAVEL EXPENSE OPTIMIZER | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140006068 | System for Executing Travel Related Transactions | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140006069 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR INTEGRATING GEOLOCATED SALES WITH SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORMS | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140006070 | Pre-Boarding Auction System for Airline Seat Upgrades | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140006071 | Consolidated Partnership Valuation Platform | 01-02-2014 |
| 20140012608 | Creation, Discovery and Consumption of Group Experiences - Various embodiments provide a self-service tool to facilitate creation, discovery, and consumption of group experiences. Using the self-service tool, an individual can plan a particular experience for their group at a “one-stop” location. Specifically, an individual planning such an experience can create the experience and invite group members so that the group members can discover the experience and learn more about the planned experience. Further, in at least some embodiments, financial arrangements can be made using the self-service tool in a manner that enables each group member to pay their portion of the expenses for the experience. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140012609 | TRANSMISSION OF AUTHORIZATION INFORMATION - The present invention relates to a method for utilizing a mobile station for the transmission of authorization information requiring verification in a telecommunication network comprising the mobile station. In the method, the information to be verified is transmitted to the mobile station, the authorization information transmitted is presented on the display of the mobile station, the authorization information presented is read from the display of the mobile station, and the authenticity of the authorization information thus read is verified. According to the invention, the authorization information is sent in a form comprising information to be presented in a graphic form, and the authorization information is presented on the display of the mobile station using a user-independent function of the mobile station in question for the presentation of graphic information. | 01-09-2014 |
| 20140019172 | User Preferred Venue Seating - Methods and systems are provided for allowing a user to more easily select seats that are desirable to the user at event venues. Seating preferences of the user can be provided by the user or can be determined from historic user ticket purchase information. A ticket server can present the user with a map that shows those seating areas that meet at least some of the user's preferences. The user can use the map to determine which seats the user would like to purchase. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140019173 | ENTERTAINMENT ARRANGEMENT SYSTEM - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs and including a method for matching followers to a performance to be held at a venue by a vendor are provided. The method includes polling followers of a vendor to determine a number of followers interested in committing to attend a performance at a physical venue and receiving pledges from followers to attend the performance. The method further includes identifying matching venues for hosting/sourcing the performance including reviewing venue requirements associated with candidate venues and identifying matching venues based on venue requirements of a respective venue and, for example, a number of pledges received. The method further includes providing a notification of a match to an entity associated with a matching venue, receiving an indication from the entity that the vendor is interested in hosting/sourcing the performance, and providing a notification to the followers including providing a code for attending the performance. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140019174 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING PARKING SPACES - Systems and methods for managing parking spaces. A method is provided that includes receiving parking information for a user that includes a parking structure and an arrival time or departure time of the user at the parking structure. The method further includes comparing the received parking structure and the arrival time or departure time of the user to parking information of another user that includes a parking structure and an arrival time or departure time of the another user at the parking structure. If the parking structure and the arrival time or departure time of the user match up with the parking structure and the arrival time or departure time of the another user, then providing contact information of the another user to the user. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140019175 | Method and system for dynamic profile structure handling and management - Method and system for creating a dynamic profile structure for managing and handling transactions between a travel agent and a customer, where the transactions require a plurality of predefined fields to be entered by a user to instigate a transaction are disclosed. A model of a geographical structure is developed for use with any user, which geographical structure includes a number of levels and nodes. A first profile structure is defined for each node and includes predetermined geographical fields specific to each level or node. A model of a second structure associated with the customer requirements is developed. The second structure includes a number of nodes, such as countries. A second profile structure is defined for each node and includes predetermined second fields specific to each node. A combined profile structure is defined from the geographical fields and the second fields based on a customer defined requirement. | 01-16-2014 |
| 20140025406 | System and Method for Electronic Identification System - The present invention relates to a system and method for an electronic identification system to identify formats of electronic certificate and identification. At least one ticket holder can buy an electronic certificate through a web site certified by the electronic identification system and use the electronic certificate to check-in or for identity confirmation. The electronic identification system can also analyze statistical data, verify the electronic certificate, and notify at least one ticket supplier about current attendance and the consumer information immediately. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140025407 | CUSTOMER RESERVATION AUCTION SYSTEM - In one aspect, there is provided a method. The method may include selecting, by a user equipment, an establishment participating in an auction for a reservation of a table made available by the establishment; receiving, by the user equipment, bid information including at least one of a current bid or a minimum bid for the auction for the reservation of the table, when the auction begins; sending, by the user equipment, a bid to an auction system, the bid sent in response to the receiving bid information; and receiving, by the user equipment, an indication provided by the auction system, the indication representative of whether the user equipment won or lost the auction for the reservation of the table. Related systems, methods, and articles of manufacture are also disclosed. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140025408 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING, LOADING AND USING ADMISSION TICKETS - Method and system for ordering, loading and using tickets ordered from a reservation center through transmission of order data that includes a number assigned to a mobile communications terminal. The ordered ticket is received via a mobile radio network at the mobile communications terminal, and the ticket is stored. A reading device receives ticket information contactlessly from the mobile communications terminal, and an authorization of a user of the mobile communications terminal is decided based on the ticket information. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140025409 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECALLING A PREVIOUSLY SOLD PRODUCT - In accordance with some embodiments, a unit of product is sold by a seller to a buyer at a first price and subject to a recall upon acceptance of a buyout provision. It is then determined that a buyout condition for outputting to the buyer a buyout notification has been satisfied, the buyout notification based on the buyout provision and the buyout notification is output to the buyer, informing the buyer that the seller is interested in recalling the unit of the product and requesting the buyer to define an amount of value for which the buyer is willing to surrender the unit of product (a recall payment amount). If the seller accepts the recall payment amount, the seller recalls the unit of product in exchange for providing the buyer with the recall payment amount. | 01-23-2014 |
| 20140032250 | Interactive Venue Seat Map - Methods and systems provide an interactive venue seat map that shows where a user's contacts or friends are sitting to help the user select seats when purchasing tickets for an event, such as a concert or sporting event. The tickets can be purchased from an online ticket seller, such as StubHub, Inc. Information regarding where the friends are sitting can be obtained from a ticker server of the online ticket seller, a social network, or a list of contacts. The interactive venue map can show the seats or sections where the friends are sitting using photos of the friends. The user can use the map to determine which seats the user would like to purchase. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140032251 | DYNAMIC COST ANALYSIS AND OVERBOOKING OPTIMIZATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS - A computer based system for maximizing revenue by determining an optimal quantity of a product to be sold is disclosed. The system determines the optimal number of seats to be sold for a flight based upon the flight's capacity and forecasted costs associated with the flight. The forecasting is based upon probabilistic distribution models and takes into account passenger itinerary data, passenger and market historical data, whether a passenger has flown on a previous leg of an itinerary, and the ripple denied boarding effect of reaccommodating a denied passenger. The system evaluates the potential effect of double selling a unit of inventory (e.g., seats). Downstreanm inventory control, revenue management and reservations systems may use the optimization data to affect the operation of the airline. | 01-30-2014 |
| 20140039941 | Systems and Methods For An On-Line Sports Wagers Marketplace - Systems and methods provide an on-line sports wagers and intermediary marketplace for exchanging physical tickets related to future sporting events. Registration at a website and maintenance of user information allow the start of on-line transactions utilizing the system. A user interface for selecting and displaying a minimum price and a maximum price for a physical ticket and a communication network for communicating among user terminals, servers, data repositories, and other computers over the Internet control the on-line system to provide a proxy for escrow accounts used in funding the transactions after legitimacy of a ticket has been verified and to complete the on-line transactions when a successful purchase of the ticket has been communicated. In one aspect, a system can deposit a net value, if any, of a ticket to a proper escrow account after outcome of the future sporting event represented by the ticket has been determined. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039942 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREVENTING MULTIPLE REFUNDS AND CHARGEBACKS - A system and a method for determining whether a refund has been issued by at least one of multiple parties having potential responsibility for issuing a refund. Issuance of multiple refunds to a claimant or claimants, or chargebacks to acquirers when a refund has been issued is prevented. The system includes an electronic storage device that has a database of data concerning transactions, including data as to whether a refund has been issued, an access path that allows access to and supplementing of data concerning a transaction, and a processor for assembling the data concerning the transaction so that access is provided to the multiple parties granted selected access to the data. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039943 | DYNAMIC AND HIERARCHICAL GENERIC DATA MAPPING FOR TRAVELER PROFILE PUBLICATION - A method, apparatus, and program product suitable for use in the travel industry utilize a dynamic and hierarchical generic data mapping model to facilitate the publication of traveler profile data from a source system, such as a profile management system, to a plurality of downstream target systems. A generic data mapping model may be utilized to dynamically build a target-specific publication data mapping, e.g., in association with the publication of a traveler profile, such that the traveler profile may be transformed into a target format using the dynamically built publication data mapping. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039944 | METHOD AND SYSTEM PROVIDING INVENTORY OPTIMIZATION FOR DISRUPTED CUSTOMERS - A computer implemented method and system is described to respond to a disruption of airline flights during a flight disruption period. The method includes detecting an occurrence of a flight disruption period and iteratively re-accommodating disrupted passengers to flights leaving after an end of the flight disruption period based on responses of disrupted passengers to re-accommodation proposals communicated to the disrupted passengers. In the method iteratively re-accommodating is performed so as to attempt to minimize a number of no-show disrupted passengers for those flights leaving after the end of the disruption period. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039945 | Customized Check-in for Event Ticket Network Systems - In one embodiment, a method includes a check-in system at an event receiving an electronic ticket from an attendee's mobile client, identifying the attendee based on the electronic ticket, accessing an associated user profile and event profile, determining customized content based on these profiles, and then transmitting the customized content to the attendee's mobile client. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039946 | Reservation system and apparatus for reserving occupancy of a communal item and method of use - A reservation system, apparatus, and method allows a user to reserve occupancy of a communal item. To do so, a reservation device which is connectable to the communal item includes an available state in which the communal item is available for use, and a reserved state in which the communal item is reserved. The reservation device includes a motion sensor which senses when the communal item is occupied. If the user vacates the communal item for a time interval, a timer starts counting off a time period. If the user does not reoccupy the communal item before the time period elapses, the reservation device changes from the reserved state to the available state. The reservation device also allows the user to make service requests. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039947 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR ISSUING TICKETS - Methods and apparatus for issuing tickets for events are disclosed. In an embodiment, a method includes providing a ticket purchaser with both an electronic ticket and a duplicate replica ticket. The replica ticket provides the user a piece of memorabilia, without presenting the issue of having multiple tickets capable of being used for entry. In an additional embodiment, the replica ticket can also be used to gain access to the event. | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140039948 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR RETRIEVING A BOARDING PASS - A system for retrieving and presenting a boarding pass includes a mobile computer apparatus configured to monitor incoming messages for boarding pass information from an entity issuing a boarding pass and send a request for a boarding pass to a remote server in response to detecting boarding pass information. The request includes the detected boarding pass information and a display characteristic of the mobile computer apparatus. The system further includes a remote server configured to use the boarding pass information to retrieve additional boarding pass information from the entity issuing the boarding pass, in response to receiving the request. The remote server is further configured to generate a new boarding pass formatted for presentation via the mobile computer apparatus based on the display characteristic of the mobile computer apparatus and the boarding pass retrieved from the entity issuing the boarding pass; | 02-06-2014 |
| 20140046706 | CALENDAR-BASED SUGGESTION OF A TRAVEL OPTION - Calendar-based suggestion of travel options involves suggesting a travel option based on events stored in a calendar of a user. For example, a user in San Francisco may be scheduled for a business trip to New York, and the user's calendar may show a dinner reservation in San Francisco on Saturday, September 3 and business meeting in New York on Monday, September 5. A suggestion machine accesses calendar data of the user and travel data for several available travel options (e.g., flights from San Francisco to New York). Based on the accessed calendar data and travel data, the suggestion machine determines that one or more travel options (e.g., a flight on Sunday, September 4) are compatible with the dinner reservation and the business meeting on the user's calendar. The suggestion machine presents these compatible travel options to the user. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140046707 | CHARGE RESERVATION SUPPORT SYSTEM, MOBILE TERMINAL DEVICE, CHARGE RESERVATION SUPPORT METHOD AND PROGRAM - An object of the present invention is to provide a management server device constituting a charge reservation support system equipped with a charge reservation database for managing charge reservation statuses that includes an installation location and a reservation time for each mobile phone. When an inquiry for a charge reservation status is received from a mobile phone, the charge reservation database is searched based on the current position of the mobile phone, reservation support information is generated related to a charge reservation from the charge reservation statuses of a plurality of charging stands which are present at locations near the current position and transmitted to the mobile phone of the inquiry source. Accordingly, when making a charge reservation for a mobile terminal device, information can be supplied to reduce a user's burden and enable the user to achieve a suitable charging reservation. | 02-13-2014 |
| 20140052481 | ITINERARY ANALYSIS FOR PASSENGER RE-ACCOMMODATION - Systems, methods, and computer program products for analyzing itineraries to re-accommodate passengers in the event of a flight schedule change. A schedule change is received for an impacted flight and a plurality of original itineraries that include the impacted flight are identified. The computer reservation system is used to simulate application of a default travel solution that replaces the impacted flight in the original itinerary of each passenger to define a replacement itinerary. Each replacement itinerary is assessed for compliance with a plurality of validity conditions. For each replacement itinerary that fails to comply with at least one of the validity conditions, one or more replacement travel solutions are computed each connecting the origin location with the destination location and each subject to satisfying at least one constraint on one or more flights comprising each replacement travel solution. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140052482 | PASSENGER ORIENTED SEATING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A computer-implemented system of passenger oriented seating allocation proposes seats to passengers based on both a passenger and an airline's ranking of seating criteria. The system may assign a numerical weight to each seating criteria based on the passenger and the airline's ranking of the seating criteria, and a seating generation module may generate a seat based on these numerical weights. The system may also generate affinity links between passengers, which may be utilized to integrate personal passenger-oriented and professional information of a passenger to be utilized during the seating allocation process to take into account passengers' preferences in being seated next to people with whom they may be interested. | 02-20-2014 |
| 20140058766 | EVENT CALENDAR INTEGRATION - A method and system to automatically add events to a user's electronic calendar are described. The system may detect that a user has an interest in a particular event by examining user activity outside of an electronic calendar. The system may then automatically, or upon request by the user, add the event to the user's calendar. Additional embodiments are described having various levels of automation in the detection of the user's interest and adding of the event to the user's electronic calendar. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058767 | RESERVATION REALIZATION SCORING SYSTEM AND METHOD - With the subject invention, a method is provided in which real-time information beyond point-of-sale is evaluated to determine a propensity score of a person realizing a reservation, in particular, whether the person shall be a no show or cancellation with respect to a reservation. The subject invention utilizes information obtained through a payment card network, which in the prior art has not been considered in evaluating no show or cancellation rates. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058768 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRIP PLANNING SUGGESTIONS - A trip destination for an individual may be determined. A set of contacts associated with the individual and the trip destination may be identified. A meeting location associated with the trip destination and one or more of the individual and a member of the set of contacts may be identified. A free time slot associated with the individual or a member of the set of contacts may be identified. A suggested calendar appointment associated with the individual, the free time slot, the location, and one or more members of the set of contacts may be provided. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058769 | SOCIAL NETWORK FOR TOUR PLANNING - A social networking system server which includes a processor, wherein the processor utilizes computer readable program code to initiate, implement, and conclude, a travel plan. The computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect coordinating a global, on-line social networking system (“SNS”). The computer readable program code further includes a series of computer readable program steps to effect initiating a travel plan for a first SNS member, purchasing goods on-line, implementing a tour plan, and concluding the tour plan. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058770 | METHOD AND DEVICE FOR ISSUING RESERVATION NUMBER THROUGH SHORT-RANGE WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - Provided is a service information providing method of a user terminal. The method includes: transmitting a service information request including user information of the user terminal to a service providing terminal through short-range wireless communication; receiving service information corresponding to the service information request and additional information according to the user information in the service information request from the service providing terminal; and displaying the received service information and additional information. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140058771 | PASSENGER CHECK-IN FINALIZATION - This document describes a computer-implemented method for facilitating a check-in finalization process for a travel passenger. The method includes receiving one or more check-in parameters related to a check-in procedure for a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining from the received check-in parameters a check-in workflow status corresponding to which of a plurality of steps of the check-in procedure have been completed. The method also includes identifying one or more finalization actions that are available for finalizing the check-in procedure based on the check-in workflow status. The method further includes determining a primary finalization action from the one or more finalization actions, the primary finalization action being the finalization action most likely to be taken to finalize the check-in procedure. The method also includes providing for display on a user interface the available finalization actions, where the primary finalization action is pre-selected on the user interface. | 02-27-2014 |
| 20140067435 | REVENUE DRIVEN SPLITTING OF GROUP TRAVEL REQUESTS INTO MULTIPLE SUBGROUPS - A method, apparatus and program product utilize a revenue driven approach to split a group travel request into multiple subgroups. By doing so, group travel requests that might otherwise be rejected due to lack of availability for a certain quantity of travelers, or that might otherwise present a significant risk of lost revenue due to last minute cancellations that preclude reallocation to individual bookings, may be split into multiple subgroups in a manner that optimizes expected revenue for a travel provider. In addition, a method, apparatus and program product integrate a group quote component or module into an inventory system to facilitate the generation of group quotes based at least in part on a displacement cost for a reference travel provider that is reflective of the displacement of a group quantity from individual bookings. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067436 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR DEMAND RESPONSE PAYMENT OPTIONS - Systems and methods for demand response transit systems using periodic passes as optional payment for transit services. Booking transit services may include determining if the passenger has a periodic pass and whether such periodic pass can be used to fully or partially pay for such booking. Historical costs and use of periodic passes, having certain characteristics, can further be used to set future prices of such periodic passes. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067437 | BOOKING MANAGEMENT METHOD FOR AMUSEMENT PARKS - A booking management method for amusement parks determine if a facility is bookable or not at first. If the facility is bookable, visitors can book the facility via a device in the amusement park, such as a handheld device. Then they can more around anywhere in the amusement park until they obtain an admission message. When the visitor obtains the admission message, the visitor can go to the facility. Therefore, this booking management system is a fantastic way to reduce waiting time and can maximize visitors enjoyment of their visit. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067438 | POST-ACQUISITION CUSTOMIZATION OF BUNDLED PACKAGES FOR FULFILLMENT - The fulfillment of a predetermined package of one or more package items to a customer is disclosed. A unique fulfillment code corresponding to the predetermined package is received from the customer, as the package may have been previously acquired by the customer. Each package item has a defined monetary value range, and for each of the package items, one or more selectable options therefore in the defined monetary value range is retrieved. A form including each of the selectable options is transmitted to the customer, and a selection of one of the options is received thereafter. Each of the received selections is used for delivering a corresponding instrument representative thereof. The instrument is presentable to a vendor for settlement in exchange for provision of the selected option to the customer. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067439 | TRAVEL DATA INGESTION AND SESSIONIZATION IN A MULTI-TENANT CLOUD ARCHITECTURE - A travel sessionizer captures raw event data from a user device, the raw event data representing user shopping behavior, and parses the raw event data into one or more travel sessions. Each of the one or more travel sessions represents shopping behavior for a single user corresponding to a specified date range. The travel sessionizer denormalizes the one or more travel sessions to organize travel session data by individual property days, where each individual property day represents travel session data corresponding to a separate property on a given day. The travel sessionizer then provides the individual property day data to a profit optimization module for further processing. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067440 | Transmitting an Automatic Request Based on Location - A system has a device connected to a network and an access point. The access point is configured to communicate with the portable computing device using a wireless communication protocol. The access point is further configured to receive from the portable computing device identification information of the portable computing device. The access point is further configured to transmit a location of the access point and the identification information to the device. The device determines a service provider based on the location and based on a prior user transaction, the prior user transaction determined based on the identification information, and automatically transmits a request to the service provider. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140067441 | RESERVATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method and system for reserving a time slot to gain access to a resource, such as an attraction, ride, show or event, as may be found in an amusement park. A portable module is used to determine a time when the user is able to access the resource based on reservation requests and throughput, without need for a docking station or continuous communication with a central database of all reservations and queue times. | 03-06-2014 |
| 20140074520 | Rich Service Systems with Customized Content - Systems and methods for providing experiential information to a client in a computer networked environment. Compiling experiential information relating to a plurality of “rentable” objects associated with a service provider, e.g., hotel rooms, restaurant tables, cruise ship vacations, event invitations, or the like is contemplated. Following compilation, clients request the information based on specific reservations and the rich content is provided. Establishing a two-way communication between the service provider and the client, which includes a previous step wherein the client provides contact information to the service provider, is also contemplated. In such a case, the service provider may receive updates from the client regarding the reservation and, in response, send different experiential information to the client. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074521 | ADMISSION SYSTEM - To construct an admission system that raises a limit to the number of sales of tickets such as annual passport relative to an upper limit of on-site guests so as to reduce guests frustrated by inability to buy the tickets and that achieves a high degree of guest satisfaction. An annual passport | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074522 | AUTHENTICATED CHECKIN VIA PASSIVE NFC - The present disclosure involves a method of verifying user check-ins to a venue. The method includes initializing a digital check-in chain for a venue. The method includes expanding, electronically by a processor, the check-in chain with a plurality of check-in entries that each correspond to a visit to the venue by a respective user. Each check-in entry on the check-in chain is generated in response to one or more preceding check-in entries on the check-in chain. The method includes detecting fraudulent check-in entries in response to a split in the check-in chain. The method includes removing the fraudulent check-in entries from the check-in chain. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140074523 | RESERVATION SYSTEMS FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING STATIONS - Disclosed herein are representative embodiments of methods, apparatus, and systems relating to reservation systems to allow for the efficient use of electric vehicle charging stations (“EVCSs”) and electric vehicle supply equipment (“EVSE”) for the purpose of charging electric vehicles. For example, embodiments of the disclosed technology can be used to improve the basic process of charging an electric vehicle by more efficiently using all of the charging time that the electric vehicle charging station has available. In certain embodiments, the system is a reservation system that establishes a queue for use of the stations, allows users to enter the queue, notifies users when it is their turn to use the station, and only allows the next user in the queue to access the station. | 03-13-2014 |
| 20140081677 | Self-Service System and Method for Lodging Establishment Convenience Shops - A self-service system and method for lodging establishment convenience shops to allow a guest to pay for convenience shop items and avoid waiting in line at a front desk. An example method includes obtaining item identification information associated with items selected for purchase by a customer at a convenience shop of the lodging establishment by a self-service terminal, obtaining prices of the items by the self-service terminal, recording customer selection of a charge to room payment option by the self-service terminal, determining whether the customer has registered as a guest of the lodging establishment by the self-service terminal, and charging a total cost of the items to a reservation record by the self-service terminal when the customer has registered. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140081678 | Rate Oscillation Monitoring Hotel Reservation System - A system may include a processor coupled to a memory. The processor is capable of determining a hotel cluster and facilitate a first hotel reservation in response to receiving an indication that a user has selected a first hotel rate. The processor is also capable of monitoring rate oscillation and determining whether a second hotel rate is less than the first hotel rate. The processor is also capable of facilitating the second hotel reservation in response to determining that the second hotel rate is less than the first hotel rate. The processor is further capable of communicating a message to the user in response to facilitating the second hotel reservation. The processor is capable of canceling the first hotel reservation if the user has selected the second hotel reservation and canceling the second hotel reservation if the user has selected the first hotel reservation. | 03-20-2014 |
| 20140089015 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Just-In-Time Loading Zone Parking - A computer-implemented method for system and method for providing just-in-time loading zone parking is provided. A next delivery destination for a delivery driver is determined. A just-in-time parking reservation at the next delivery destination is booked. The just-in-time parking reservation includes a parking location and start time. A time of arrival by the delivery driver at the parking location is estimated. An amount of time between the estimated time of arrival and the start time of the just-in-time parking reservation is determined. Parking in the parking location by other drivers is permitted when the estimated time of departure is sufficiently prior to the start time of the just-in-time parking reservation. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089016 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Managing Interchangeable EV Charging-Capable Parking Spaces - A centralized server-based system and method for managing and reserving parking spaces capable of charging an EV, that is, a plug-in hybrid or fully electric vehicle, treats sets of parking spaces as interchangeable pooled resources. An EV motorist can book a reservation with charging of the EV by specifying parking in a desired location. Parking spaces serve dual uses for parking alone or parking with charging. The parking spaces are handled as a common parking pool, such as on one side of a city block, and each space has equal access to a charging station. The server determines charging capacity availability within a time window and the motorist can choose a parking time up to or beyond, if permitted, the maximum charging time needed to charge the EV. Non-EV motorists can similarly reserve parking within a parking pool with the server ensuring optimal use of charging capacity and parking spaces. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089017 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPERATING AN ENTERTAINMENT CONTROL SYSTEM - Methods and systems are described herein for allocating and assigning seats within a venue, based on user profile information. A cluster of user profiles is selected based on a correlation of values of a common attribute of the user profiles. Seats within the venue are allocated to a first zone based on the correlation, and are assigned to users associated with the user profiles. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089018 | BIDDING FOR A REQUEST TO RESERVE A SERVICE - Methods and corresponding system are provided herewith that, in at least one embodiment, include the act or acts of: determining that a service provided by a restaurant is available for bidding. The service is provided for a particular time and a particular date. The methods and system also include receiving a bid for the service provided by the restaurant, in which the bid is associated with a first amount; storing the bid with a plurality of other bids in a storage device; and comparing the bid with at least one other bid that is submitted for reserving the service. The at least one other bid is associated with a second amount. The methods and system also include determining that the first amount is greater than the second amount; and outputting an indicia that grants the request to reserve the service provided by the restaurant to a highest bidder, in which the first amount submitted by the highest bidder is greater than the second amount. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089019 | System and Method for Vacation Club Management - A system and method for vacation club management. Embodiments can include recording a vacation club ownership interest in a database, receiving details pertaining to the vacation club ownership interest, receiving a first point amount pertaining to the vacation club ownership interest, recording a travel activity, receiving a second point amount of points used for the travel activity, and calculating a remaining point amount based on the first point amount and the second point amount. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089020 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OPTIMIZING MARKETS FOR TEMPORARY LIVING SPACE - A computer implemented method of allocating costs of a rentable unit across two or more users includes the steps of: assigning two or more users to an event; assigning a date range to the event; assigning a rentable unit to the event, wherein the rentable unit includes two or more heterogeneous sleeping areas and a total price for the assigned date range; assigning a sleeping area to each of the users; and allocating a sub-total to each of the users based on relative value of the assigned heterogeneous sleeping area, wherein the sum of the allocated sub-totals equals the total price of the rentable unit for the assigned date range. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140089021 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Multi-Locational Curbside Valet Parking Services - A computer-implemented system and method for providing multi-locational curbside valet parking service is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces are managed by a server. A plurality of smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are interfaced with the server. Use of a plurality of the parking spaces is reserved for a valet service. A reservation request for the use of the plurality of the parking spaces is accepted for use by the valet service for a period of time. Occupancy of the reserved parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the vehicle occupancy sensor. A valet drop-off location of at least one of the parking spaces that is reserved for the use of the valet service and is not occupied by a motor vehicle is identified. The valet drop-off location and a location of a lock box are provided to the motorist through a user interface. | 03-27-2014 |
| 20140095216 | ITINERARY-BASED EVENT RECOMMENDATIONS - Embodiments of the present invention provide a computer system, method, and computer program product for providing event recommendations to a user. User data is aggregated and analyzed to identify one or more user preferences for events. After a travel itinerary is created for the user, the user is notified of one or more events that comport with the user preferences and coincide with the travel itinerary. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095217 | Online Booking System - An online booking system includes a computer connected to a wide-area network, the computer including a processor and a memory configured to store programming and data. An act database includes entertainment records associated with a plurality of entertainers. Programming causes the processor to receive a performance request from a talent buyer over the network, the performance request including performance request data regarding an open performance date desired to be booked. The system determines if the performance request data matches a respective entertainment record in the act database and, if so, notifies a respective entertainer associated with the selected act to contact the buyer. If the act is booked, the processor updates the act and talent buyer itinerary databases. Matching a performance request with entertainment records may include determining if an entertainer is available within a predetermined number of days of the performance date and within a predetermined distance. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095218 | VIRTUAL GIFT CARD GIFTING OR SHARING - Improved techniques and systems to facilitate gifting using items representative of credit, value and/or event admission in a client-server environment are disclosed. A networked device, such as a wireless electronic device, can act as a client. The client can be networked to a server for obtaining, virtualizing, storing, and/or accessing such items. Further, the client-server environment can provide for a user sharing and/or gifting such items with other users. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095219 | Use of Ticket for Purchasing - Methods and systems are provided for facilitating payment for products purchased at events. More particularly, a ticket, rather than cash or credit cards, can be used to purchase products at events. For example, ticket holder can purchase food and drinks at a merchant's concession using the ticket or the ticket holder can purchase souvenirs at a gift shop associated with the event using the ticket. A bar code or the like can be scanned by the merchant and communicated to a payment provider to facilitate the transaction. The purchase can be made anonymously, such that information regarding the user cannot be obtained by merchant and/or sold for use by marketing companies. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095220 | USING UPGRADE OPTIONS TO PROVIDE PRICE DIFFERENTIATION FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates a purchase of a travel product. Upon receiving a commitment to purchase the travel product from a first supplier by a buyer, the system presents the buyer with a first upgrade option of a first premium travel product from a second supplier. If the buyer accepts the first upgrade option, the system processes the purchase with the first premium travel product. If the buyer declines the first upgrade option, the system processes the purchase with the travel product. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095221 | SYSTEMS AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING RECOMMENDATIONS - Methods and Systems for providing a recommendation to a user, comprising: examining characteristics of a travel plan; identifying an opportunity that matches the characteristics; identifying a recommendation that matches the opportunity; and providing the recommendation to the user. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095222 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BUNDLING LODGING RESERVATIONS WITH SECONDARY GOODS OR SERVICES - A method and system are provided for bundling primary goods or services offered by a first entity with secondary goods or services offered by a second entity. Using the system, lodging services (such as in the form of a lodging reservation) may be bundled with food (such as food or meal vouchers), whereby a customer may make a single reservation that includes a room reservation from a lodging provider and a food/meal voucher associated with a food services provider, such as for a single price. The system may access an existing lodging or other reservation system and bundle the secondary goods or services in accordance with specified rules to create bundles which are offered to customers. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095223 | THREE-DIMENSIONAL INTERACTIVE SEAT MAP - Computing systems and methods for facilitating the review and purchase of tickets for ticketed events include memory devices or storage components that store event information regarding upcoming ticketed events and venue information for seating arrangements and views from seats, as well as one or more processors for conducting activities regarding the review and purchase of tickets using a three-dimensional interactive seat map. Activities include providing a display on a computing device including information regarding a venue that is used for ticketed events, accepting on the computing device an input from the user regarding seating arrangements for the venue, determining an attendance location for a ticketed event at the venue based upon the first input, generating a virtual three-dimensional or augmented reality view of a region of interest at the venue from the determined attendance location, and displaying to the user the virtual three-dimensional or augmented reality view. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095224 | REDUCING SELECTON UNCERTAINTY OF OPAQUE SALES OF TRAVEL PRODUCTS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates an opaque purchase that obscures one or more details of a travel product. Upon receiving a commitment to make the opaque purchase of the travel product by a user, the system presents the user with a set of purchase options associated with the opaque purchase, wherein the set of purchase options includes a first purchase option that conforms to one or more terms of the opaque purchase. Next, the system obtains, from the user, a selection of a purchase option from the set of purchase options. Finally, the system processes the opaque purchase with the selection. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095225 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVENT TICKETING UTILIZING AN ARTICLE DISPENSING MACHINE - A system and method of event ticketing utilizing an article dispensing machine is disclosed. A ticket order transaction related to an event is managed at an article dispensing machine by presenting a series of simple and easy to understand interface pages on a user interface. A user interacts with the interface pages to make decisions on aspects of the ticket order transaction. A listing of events available for ticket ordering on the article dispensing machine is curated by reviewing prospective events. The listing is curated based on the location of the article dispensing machine, the priority ranking of the event, the date and time of the productions, the category of the events, the location of the venue relative to the article dispensing machine, and/or other factors. A hyper-local listing of events can be presented so that the events that are most likely relevant to users. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095226 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC BARCODE GENERATION RELATED TO EVENT TICKETING - A system and method of dynamically generating ticket barcodes for ticket orders is disclosed. A ticket order including tickets related to an event may be received from an article dispensing machine or another source. Random barcodes can be generated as the basis for the ticket barcodes. The ticket barcodes can be generated based on barcode attributes unique to a ticket supplier or a venue of the event. Such barcode attributes can include a barcode prefix, a barcode suffix, a barcode total length, and a barcode symbology. When the tickets in a ticket order are ready to be produced, images of the ticket barcodes can be generated and assigned based on the barcode attributes. The user experience for purchasing tickets from disparate ticket suppliers and/or venues can accordingly be simplified and streamlined. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095227 | MOBILE TICKETING - Embodiments of a transit ticket system are provided. The transit ticket system may include a mobile computing device configured to (i) download a mobile ticketing application from a ticket management server, the mobile ticketing application including a graphical data sheet, a ticket dictionary, and ticket strings, (ii) receive ticket rendering instructions from the ticket management server in response to completion of a ticket purchase process via the mobile computing device, and (iii) render for display an active ticket on the mobile computing device with data stored on the mobile computing device based on the ticket rendering instructions, the graphical data sheet, ticket dictionary, and ticket strings in response to an activation input command. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095228 | System and Method for Improved Rental Vehicle Reservation Management - A method and system are disclosed for managing a rental vehicle reservation based at least in part on automated processing of vehicle repair data corresponding to a disabled vehicle that is related to the rental vehicle reservation. For example, a preferred method and system can automatically compute from the vehicle repair data an amount of time that is likely to be needed by a repair facility to complete repairs to the disabled vehicle, which in turn can drive more accurate management of an authorization period for the rental vehicle reservation. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140095229 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR NETWORK-ENABLED VENUE BOOKING - Method and system for network-enabled means to book a venue. Via a network, a bidding sub-system is deployed for providing information related to a venue to a subscriber and receiving a bid from the subscriber to book the venue for a future event. Information related to a received bid is posted via electronic means and provided to a venue representative who represents the venue and desires to receive a bid via the network for booking the venue. Through a venue representative control sub-system, the venue representative is able to select a bid to book the venue for a future event hosted by a subscriber who placed the selected bid via the bidding mechanism. | 04-03-2014 |
| 20140100894 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR RESERVING A PARKING SPACE IN A DWELLING COMPLEX - Provided is a parking space reservation system for use in a private multi-dwelling complex. Residents of the private multi-dwelling complex can rent their parking spaces to other residents using the reservation system. The parking space reservation system is embodied as a stand-alone device or a networked system interconnected by a communications transport network. The parking space reservation system also provides a means to authorize a guest to park in other resident owned and deeded parking spaces, and also provide security access to the guest during their temporary rental. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100895 | HOTEL BOOKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A hotel booking management system has a member services platform, a hotel information services platform, a guest operation interface and a hotel management interface. The guest operation interface serves for a guest to connect a mobile device thereof to the member services platform in completion of a membership registration. When the registration is completed, a membership registration module of the member services platform transmits a dedicated two-dimensional barcode to the mobile device. When the guest is checking in, the guest only has to provide the 2D barcode for scanning such that the hotel management interface can read corresponding registration information of the guest to rapidly finish the check-in procedure. Using the foregoing technique allows guests to perform fast on-line booking of hotel accommodation, and hotels can transmit information dedicated to guests through the hotel information services platform. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100896 | TICKET VALIDATION AND ELECTRONIC CONVERSION OF TICKETS - Systems and methods for validating physical tickets and for converting physical tickets to electronic tickets are described. Optionally, a physical ticket may be authenticated using information accesses from a ticket issuer database. Optionally, a user may transfer a validated ticket and/or an electronic ticket to another user. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100897 | System for On-site Management of an Event - A system includes a first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case. The first portable, ruggedized, and waterproof case includes a router and a switch. The system further includes a computing system connectable to the switch. The computing system includes a memory for storing first ticket information and a first set of instructions. The computing system further includes a first processor that, upon execution of the first set of instructions, receives a ticket identifier scanned from a ticket. The first processor also compares the ticket identifier to the stored first ticket information. Based on the comparison, the first processor further generates an indication of validity of the ticket. The first processor further transmits the indication of validity of the ticket. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100898 | Order Queue Management in Event Ticket Network Systems - In particular embodiments, a method includes receiving a request to purchase tickets for an event from a user, and associating the request with a queue workflow or a termination workflow based on an application of a probabilistic model, where the inputs to the probabilistic model may include the number of tickets requested by the user, the total number of tickets that other users are requesting to purchase, and the current number of tickets available for the event. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100899 | DYNAMIC GROUP PURCHASES USING BARCODES - A movie theatre shows a barcode on an electronic screen separate from the projection screen, on a side wall of the movie room. The barcode lets a patron buy tickets to movies shown in trailers on the projection screen. The patron uses a mobile device, like a cellphone, to image the barcode and decode an URL to a web page. The electronic screen also shows a table of ticket purchases, with thresholds allowing for discounted prices. The purchases are mostly from patrons in the theatre, but could also include from patrons at other theatres seeing the same trailers. This allows dynamic group purchasing of tickets in an interactive feedback loop. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140100900 | SHORT-TERM RESIDENTIAL SPACES IN A GEO-SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT - Disclosed are a method, a device and a system of short-term residential spaces in a geo-spatial environment. In one embodiment, a method of a short-term listing server comprises validating that a place-to-stay listing data is associated with a verified user of the short-term listing server using a processor and a memory, verifying that a set of geospatial coordinates associated with the place-to-stay listing data are trusted based on a claimed geospatial location of the verified user of the short-term listing server, determining that a time stamp associated with a creation date and a creation time of the place-to-stay listing data is trusted based the claimed geospatial location of the verified user of the short-term listing server, and processing a payment associated with a renter of a space in a private residential home associated with the place-to-stay listing data through the short-term listing server. | 04-10-2014 |
| 20140108064 | Automated Workspace Usage Management Methods and Apparatus - Automated workspace usage management methods and apparatus associate one or more users with membership plans for usage of at least one workspace resource. Workspace usage data is collected from the one or more automated monitoring devices for monitoring workspace resource usage by one or more users. The collected workspace usage data is first measured and then compared against the membership plans associated with the users. A billing- and/or reporting-related action is performed, according to the measurement of collected workspace usage data compared against the membership plan. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108065 | IMPROVEMENTS IN AND RELATING TO METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR OPTIMISING CAPACITY USE IN AN OPERATION - A method for controlling an operation is provided wherein the control method increases demand relative to capacity when demand is normally low and/or increases the amount of time during which demand approaches or is at capacity so as to improve the productivity of the operation. The operation may be the cooking of food, for instance within a restaurant. The method of control includes the consideration of demand against capacity and as a result provides for variation in the incentive given to promote demand where needed. This may be the presence or absence of the incentive and/or the level of the incentive offered. The method may include the use of a booking system through which the incentives are offered and through which at least some of the indications of demand are received. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108066 | TRIP-PLANNING COLLABORATION TOOL - In accordance with at least one example, an apparatus may facilitate planning of a trip using a trip-planning coordination unit that may be configured to designate a trip and identify trip-planning participants; a feedback coordination unit that may be configured to seek relevant input from the trip-planning participants and obtain the relevant input from the trip-planning participants; and an itinerary generator that may be configured to generate an itinerary for the designated trip. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108067 | USING QUALIFICATION EVENTS TO PROVIDE PRICE DIFFERENTIATION FOR TRAVEL PRODUCTS - The disclosed embodiments provide a system that facilitates a purchase of a travel product. Upon detecting a participation of a user in a first qualification event associated with a first market segment, the system associates the user with the first market segment. Next, the system provides the user with a first discount offer on a first travel product associated with the first market segment. Upon obtaining an acceptance of the first discount offer from the user, the system uses the first discount offer to process a purchase of the first travel product by the user. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108068 | System and Method for Scheduling Tee Time - A tee time scheduling system includes a computing server including a processor and memory. The computing server receives information from one or more computing servers, each of which is associated with a golf course, regarding a current and future tee time status, and receives a query from a computing device regarding tee time openings occurring on a select day and in a particular geographical area. The computing server further determines tee time availability and associated golf courses located the particular geographical area based on a comparison between the current and future tee time status and the select day, generates a geographical map having location indicators of the associated golf courses, and forwards to the computing device for display on a display screen of the computing device the geographical map. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140108069 | COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR PREPARING AND CONDUCTING PRODUCT AND SERVICE DEMONSTRATIONS - A computer program, method, and system for organizing and conducting product or service demonstrations may be implemented with a computer system operated by or for an agent or other person or entity that organizes product or service demonstrations and a plurality of mobile phones or other portable electronic devices operated by event personnel or other persons who staff or otherwise run the product or service demonstrations. Each mobile phone may be provisioned with an event management program that receives information and data from the computer system, provides instructions and other information to an event personnel using the mobile phone, receives inputs from the event personnel while a product or service demonstration is being performed, and transmits information and data back to the computer system. | 04-17-2014 |
| 20140114705 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR MAKING TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS - A computer-implemented method for making travel arrangements for a traveler comprises determining a travel schedule of the traveler, and conducting, with the aid of a processor, a search directed to travel options that coincide with the travel schedule and traveler preferences, and storing available travel options in one or more memory locations. Next, one or more travel options from the available travel options are selected. In some situations, the one or more travel options are selected without any involvement from the traveler. The traveler may then be notified about the one or more travel options that were selected. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140114706 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN AUTOMATED CONCIERGE - A concierge system that coordinates incoming message requests between a wireless device and a merchant computer system having various service departments to fulfill a requested action. The concierge server receives incoming message requests for service from the wireless device. A concierge application is resident on the concierge server, and the concierge application is configured to receive an incoming message from the wireless device for a requested service. In response to the incoming message, a reply message is sent back acknowledging receipt of the incoming message to the wireless device. Simultaneously, the merchant computer system is notified of the incoming message request. | 04-24-2014 |
| 20140122136 | SOCIAL INTERACTION SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING DISPLAY OF CURRENT LOCATION OF FRIENDS AND LOCATION OF PREFERRED BUSINESSES - A system that manages communication between a user and a plurality of friends while it also displays current location of local branches of a user's businesses/stores of interest. A friends selection component employs user selections to present the user with a plurality of current location information associated with the plurality of friends wherein the user can express interest in a subset of the plurality of friends based on their current location. A communication management component delivers at least one of a task, a message, a content and a reference to each of the subset of the plurality of friends. A collection of the user's preferred businesses is managed. The system selectively displays a current location of a local branch of each of the user's preferred businesses on a map. | 05-01-2014 |
| 20140129263 | Providing a Virtual Tour - The present invention extends to methods, systems, and computer program products for providing a virtual tour. A computer system comprising one or more displays arranged circularly can provide an interactive tour of an establishment such as a hotel. The one or more displays can provide a panoramic view of the establishment that updates in response to guest input. In some embodiments, a plurality of displays can be arranged circularly to provide the panoramic view in three dimensions. The panoramic view of the establishment can give the appearance that the guest is walking through the establishment as the guest provides input indicating a desired direction to proceed. One or more of the displays can also provide a touch interface that allows the guest to interact with objects being displayed. In this manner, a guest can tour and explore an establishment from the convenience of a single location. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129264 | RESERVATION MANAGEMENT DEVICE, RESERVATION MANAGEMENT METHOD, RESERVATION MANAGEMENT PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM FOR SAME - A reservation management device ( | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129265 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROVIDING SERVICES TO PARTNERS AND THIRD PARTY WEB DEVELOPERS - A system, method, apparatus and computer program product are provided in accordance with an example embodiment in order to provide a collection of services in a cloud environment that may be utilized by partners and web developers to build innovative travel applications. An example method may comprise providing a plurality of application user interfaces (APIs) allowing development of an application, each of the plurality of APIs being classified as at least one of an informational service, a transactional service, or an intelligence service, each informational service comprising static content, each transactional service configured for at least one of booking, shopping, or fulfillment transactions, and each intelligence service comprising contextual performance metrics derived from at least one of shopping data or transactional data. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129266 | SOCIAL INTERACTIVE TICKETING SYSTEM - A cloud-based service is provided for sharing information about an event and obtaining tickets for the event by a user. The server is associated with a social network to identify friends of the user on said network. A user is provided information about an event together with information on whether any friends from the social network are attending the event. The user can select to attend the event on his own, or to attend the event and get tickets near his friends. Conversely, a user can buy or block a number of tickets for the event and then share the tickets with his friends. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140129267 | INTERNET TRAVEL ADVICE - A web portal in which a person requests a proposal for a travel product/service with a quotation and opportunity to accept the proposal. | 05-08-2014 |
| 20140136246 | Method of Stimulating Digital Sales - A method of stimulating digital media sales is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method of stimulating digital sales is provided, comprising selling a ticket to a mass entertainment event to a customer; generating a unique voucher code; coupling the voucher code to the ticket; coupling goods or services to the unique voucher code; and making the goods or services available for redemption via an electronic application. In another embodiment method of stimulating digital sales is provided, comprising selling a ticket to a mass entertainment event to a customer; generating a unique voucher code; coupling the voucher code to the ticket; coupling goods or services to the unique voucher code; making the goods or services available for redemption via an electronic application; and directing the customer to a vendor where the goods or services can be redeemed. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140136247 | USE OF GROUP MATERIALIZATION RATE TO RELEASE INVENTORY SPACE - A method, apparatus and program product utilize a materialization rate of a group booking to reduce the potential underutilization of travel provider inventory due to cancelations associated with the group booking. In particular, a group quantity associated with a group booking for a particular travel segment is distributed to one or more individual booking classes for that travel segment, and the availability of the individual booking classes is thereafter adjusted based on the materialization rate associated with the group booking. As such, the availability of the individual booking classes may effectively be increased to account for the likelihood of cancelations associated with group booking, and thereby open the individual booking classes to additional bookings. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140136248 | TICKET TRANSFER FINGERPRINTING, SECURITY, AND ANTI-FRAUD MEASURES - A method facilitates the purchase of a first ticket by way of a ticketing application. The ticketing application assigns a first fingerprint to the first ticket and stores it on a server. The first ticket is transferred to a recipient, and the first fingerprint is removed from the server. A second ticket with a second assigned fingerprint is issued to the recipient by way of the ticketing application. The second fingerprint is stored on the server. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140136249 | Method and Apparatus for Improved Listings of Branch Locations for Booking Rental Vehicle Reservations On-Line - Disclosed herein are techniques for permitting users to efficiently identify a desired branch location for a rental vehicle reservation. For example, a user-selectable link can be provided on a website page that, upon user selection, restricts a list of available branch locations in an area to only airport branch locations in that area. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140136250 | INFORMATION PROVIDING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROVIDING METHOD, INFORMATION PROVIDING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - An information providing apparatus caches, based on a number of reservation remains which is periodically acquired from a management apparatus managing numbers of reservation remains of services, a number of remains of a reservation target in a cache means for each reservation target identified by a combination of a service and a time of providing the service; estimates, for each of a plurality of reservation targets corresponding to a request of a user, a probability that information related to a reservation target is browsed by the user; acquires the number of remains of a reservation target where the probability is greater than or equal to a threshold value from the management apparatus and acquires the number of remains of a reservation target where the probability is smaller than the threshold value from the cache means; and provides a state of remains of each of the plurality of reservation targets, the state of remains corresponding to the number of remains. | 05-15-2014 |
| 20140142992 | Trip Planning and Budgeting - Methods and systems can facilitate enhanced planning and spending during travel. According to an embodiment, each travel destination of a trip can have one or more payment events or purchases associated therewith. The purchases can be prepaid, such as prior to the trip. Recommendations for the purchases can be made by the system based, at least in part, upon the user's spending history and/or social network indications. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142993 | Talent Booking System and Method - A method of booking talent is provided, comprising: storing a plurality of talent files on a data storage system, each of the talent files being categorized based on select criteria, and wherein each talent file contains talent information associated with one of a plurality of performing artists; searching the data storage system through a processing device operatively coupled to the data storage system for processing requests for the talent files and the talent information; communicating requests for the talent files and the talent information through a user interface operatively coupled to the processing device, and communicating the talent files and talent information to a system user; selecting one or more talent files for possible booking of the corresponding performing artist; making an offer to book one or more of the performing artists for a performance having specified terms; and receiving a response to the offer from the performing artist. Upon agreement, the method further comprises consummating an electronic monetary transaction related to the offer between the system user and the performing artist. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142994 | FRIENDS' EVENTS - A method prompts a user to create a user account on a ticketing application. The application connects the user to a social media application to locate friends who have created accounts on the social media application and the ticketing application, The social media application exports data to the ticketing application in the form of a list of friends. The user selects a friend from the list, views events the user is attending, selects an event, and views details about the event. If the user wishes to attend the same event, the user purchases a ticket. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142995 | TICKET TRANSFER PAYMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A ticket transfer is initiated from a user to a recipient by way of a ticketing application. The user specifies a payment amount for the ticket transfer. The ticketing application receives payment information from the recipient and processes the payment before transferring the ticket to the user. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140142996 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PASSENGERS VEHICLE MANAGEMENT - An exemplary embodiment includes a method and system for providing management of a transportation system on a computer system. The management of a transportation system method is embodied in a computer program product for execution on an instruction processing system, comprising a tangible storage medium readable by the instruction processing system is storing instructions for execution by the instruction processing system. The method comprises loading passenger credential data into a database on a remote device, collecting a passenger identifying media to verify the passenger has a ticket and comparing the passenger identifying media to the passenger credential data in the database on the remote device. The method further comprises allowing the passenger to board the vehicle if the passenger has a valid ticket and following a customer operations policy action if the passenger does not have a valid ticket. | 05-22-2014 |
| 20140149152 | System and Method for Interactive Travel Planning and Funds Management - Systems and methods for interactive travel planning and funds management according to various aspects of the present technology may comprise a planning coordination system accessible over a network that is configured to allow a user to plan and organize travel events. The system may also comprise a funds management system that provides the user with a method of saving for the planned travel event. The funds management system may also be configured to allow the user to pay for travel components relating to the planned travel event. The planning coordination system may provide the user with an estimated budget based on selected parameters relating to the planned travel event, and the funds management system may allow the user to save and allocate funds to pay for the travel event from a specifically created user savings account. The planning coordination system may also provide for collaborative planning by allowing the user to invite others to join a planned travel event. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149153 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DYNAMIC PARKING ALLOCATION IN URBAN SETTINGS - A “smart parking” system and method for an urban environment based on a dynamic resource allocation approach. The system assigns and reserves an optimal resource (parking space) for a discrete user based on the user's objective function that combines proximity to destination with parking cost, while also ensuring that the overall parking capacity is efficiently utilized. The solution of each Mixed Integer Linear Program (MILP) is an optimal allocation based on current state information and subject to random events such as new user requests or parking spaces becoming available. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149154 | Image Capture and Identification System and Process - A digital image of the object is captured and the object is recognized from plurality of objects in a database. An information address corresponding to the object is then used to access information and initiate communication pertinent to the object. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149155 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR TRANSFERRING ITEMS WITH RESTRICTED TRANSFERABILITY - The invention is systems and methods for transferring items with restricted transferability. Initially, the systems and methods wait for a first consumer to make a request to transfer an item after having purchased the item from a provider. The systems and methods then send a request to transfer the item to the provider. This request may indicate inducements to the provider to authorize the transfer. If the transfer is authorized, the systems and methods then present information regarding the item to other consumers. This information may be presented as part of a bidding interface or as part of an advertising interface. Once the second consumer submits a winning bid for the item when the information is presented in a bidding interface, or an acceptable offer when the information is presented in an advertising interface, the transfer of the item can then be completed with or without the assistance of an intermediary. When the transfer is completed without the assistance of an intermediary, the first and second consumer may directly transfer the item and payment to each other. When the transfer is completed with the assistance of an intermediary, the first consumer may send the item to the intermediary and the second consumer may send payment to the intermediary. Once both the item and the payment have been received at the intermediary, the intermediary may send the item to the second consumer and all or part of the payment to the first consumer. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140149156 | Vehicle Rental System and Method - A computerized operation of a vehicle rental system is provided, wherein a number of vehicles is made available to a defined user group for a temporary use period. The vehicles are placed at one or more locations accessible only to the user group, with one or multiple parking spaces reserved for the vehicles in each case. Based on a user input which includes at least one item of data regarding a rental period start and a rental period end of a vehicle, as well as a user ID, a reservation of the vehicle is carried out in a computerized reservation system. A sensor device, which monitors the parking spaces, verifies the presence of the vehicle. The reservation system shows a vehicle, the same being detected by the sensor device as parked in one of the reserved parking spaces prior to the expiration of the rental period end and saved in the reservation system, as available for rental in the reservation system. | 05-29-2014 |
| 20140156317 | Per Flight Cabin Selection - The disclosure generally describes computer-implemented methods, computer-readable media, and systems for selecting a cabin per flight segment associated with a multi-flight-segment air-travel itinerary. One computer-implemented method includes receiving flight-segment data, cabin type data, and price data associated with a multi-flight-segment air-travel itinerary, determining, by operation of a computer, a plurality of interactive informational elements, wherein each interactive informational element of the plurality of interactive informational elements represents an available cabin type for a flight segment associated with the multi-flight-segment air-travel itinerary, designating a determined interactive informational element per cabin type for each flight segment, and initiating a presentation of the plurality of interactive informational elements as part of a single graphical user interface. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156318 | USER INTERFACE FOR ONBOARD TICKET VALIDATION AND COLLECTION - Methods, systems and computer program products for onboard ticket validation and ticket collection for railroad passengers and providing touchscreen interfaces for display of passenger and ticket related information on a mobile communication device. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156319 | WIRELESS COMMUNICATION SYSTEMS AND PROCESSES FOR HOSPITALITY SERVICES - The objective of this invention is to create real-time and time-shifted wireless messaging system that handles devices pairing and notifications between two or multi-line parties (e.g., waiters and customers). The invention facilitates prompt and wireless communication channels between customers and restaurant staff, increases customer satisfaction and improves customer request fulfillment (i.e., responsiveness). The invention also promotes a professional social network and a recruitment system for hospitality servers where they may review their ratings and promote their services. This social medium will also help food servicing stores and hospitality companies o locate highly qualified servers, assess Quality of Service (QOS) and benchmark with other services directly through system analytics and user interactions and feedback. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156320 | PRICING AND MANAGING ACCESS RIGHTS IN A VENUE - In a method and system for managing access rights, a listing for each of a plurality of access rights is received, and a request for a desired access right from a user is received, wherein the request includes a desired time period and a desired resource. A matching access right of the plurality of access rights is determined. Upon determining that an access right is not available, the request is placed on a standby list and a standby notification is sent to the user, including a position on the standby list, wherein the matching access right is reserved for the user when the request is in a top position on the standby list. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140156321 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING RESERVATIONS, RENTAL AND/OR PURCHASE OF SERVICES/GOODS WITHOUT CREDIT CARDS - A method for providing credit-card-free access to an end-user who is renting an item from a provider, which involves registering an end-user with a trusted third party via a trusted-third-party server using an end-user portal; registering a provider with the trusted third party via the trusted-third-party server using a provider portal; and providing the end user with a transaction element usable in connection with said trusted-third-party server, the transaction element configured to provide to the provider, via the trusted-third-party server: verification of the identity the end user; verification of funds available to rent an item for the provider; and a transaction fraud check to confirm, at the time of a transaction, that the end-user is authorized to conduct the transaction. | 06-05-2014 |
| 20140164029 | CHECK-IN APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR DETERMINING VISIT TO SHOP IN REAL TIME AND PROVIDING REWARD - Disclosed herein are a check-in apparatus and method. The apparatus includes a sound wave signal reception unit and an information processing unit. The sound wave signal reception unit receives a sound wave signal from a customer's mobile communication device, and restores an ID from the received sound wave signal. The information processing unit extracts customer information and check-in date and time information from the ID restored by the sound wave signal reception unit, generates check-in information by combining the extracted information with shop information and apparatus information stored in the check-in apparatus, and transmits the generated check-in information to a check-in server. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140164030 | DEVICE FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION, METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION, PROGRAM FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM STORING PROGRAM FOR SAME - An information providing device ( | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140164031 | PAYMENT METHOD AND SYSTEM - A method and system for communicating over a telecommunications network between a service provider and one or more users, wherein the service provider can have access to multiple distinct addresses I the telecommunications network and each user is identified by an address, more specifically, where a first message can be sent over at least a portion of the telecommunications network to a user's address and based on a response from the user determining the message to which the response is a reply. | 06-12-2014 |
| 20140172472 | SECURED PAYMENT TRAVEL RESERVATION SYSTEM - Methods, systems, and computer program products to securely pay for a travel booking. A travel booking may be generated at a reservation system based on booking data received from a reservation device for a customer. Issuance of a ticket for the travel booking may be held pending a confirmation of payment from a payment processor. A customer device of the customer may be interfaced with the payment processor via the reservation system to authenticate payment information for paying for the travel booking, and a payment confirmation may communicated to the reservation system. The ticket may be issued by the reservation system responsive to receiving the payment confirmation. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172473 | VEHICLE MANAGING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A vehicle managing system controlling a number of access controls of a parking lot comprises a storage unit and an assigning unit. The storage unit stores a reservation list and a parking space list. The reservation list registers identifiable information and a reserved parking area comprising at least one parking space. The parking space list registers an occupied state or an empty state of each parking space. The identifiable information is stored in a unique identifier and can be obtained by the access control when the vehicle enters or leaves the parking lot. The assigning unit determines whether there are any available parking spaces in the reserved parking area, and assigns a parking space to the vehicle if there is an empty parking space. A vehicle managing method applied to the vehicle managing system is also provided. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172474 | Methods and Systems for Automatic Registration Using Previously Used Credentials - Methods and systems for providing a user with re-registration for an event by presenting a previously used credential to a preceding occurrence of the event. The method includes: providing a registrant with a credential relating to an authorization for a first event from a microprocessor based computer system; and terminating the credential's ability to authorize the registrant for the first event. The microprocessor based computer system then receives a representation of the credential issues to the registrant and automatically registers the participant for a second event. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140172475 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS USING BADGES - In various embodiments, a system and method for facilitating transactions using a badge are provided. In example embodiments, codes for a badge to be displayed on a web page of a web site are generated. The codes for the badge are embedded in the web page prior to an occurrence of an event external to the web site. In response to an indication of the event, the embedded codes are activated to display the badge on the web page. | 06-19-2014 |
| 20140180732 | System And Method For Arranging Aggregated Unscheduled Transport Service - A method for booking transport on an aggregated transport service comprises receiving an indication of an origin, a destination, and a date of transport for transport on an aggregated transport service, determining a price for the indicated transport, transmitting information relating to the origin, destination, price, and the date of transport, receiving an indication that transport using the origin and destination, for the determined price and on the date of transport has been accepted, in response to receiving the indication that the transport has been accepted, and before a vehicle to provide the indicated transport has been determined, arranging for payment for the transport and transmitting a confirmation of the booking of the indicated transport, before the indicated transport occurs, determining a vehicle to provide the indicated transport, and when the indicated transport is completed, capturing the arranged payment. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180733 | System And Method For Arranging Aggregated Unscheduled Transport Service - A method for booking transport on an aggregated transport service comprises a receiving information relating to an origin, a destination, and a date of transport for transport on an aggregated transport service, determining a price for the indicated transport, in response to receiving an indication that the transport has been accepted, and before a vehicle to provide the indicated transport has been determined, confirming booking of the transport, before the transport occurs, determining a vehicle to provide the transport, and when the transport is completed, capturing payment for the transport. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180734 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR THIRD-PARTY ACCESS TO A NETWORK-BASED SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING LOCATION-BASED UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION - A system and methods for third-party access to a network-based system for providing location-based upcoming event information are described. The location-based upcoming event information may be accessed from the network-based system by a server-side web application implemented by a third party. The server-side web application may be configured to communicate with the network-based system that provides online marketplace and ticket fulfillment services and to generate a query based upon the location of a user and other event criteria. The server-side web application may communicate the query to the network-based system and, in response, receive location-based upcoming event information which may be displayed to a user as a list and/or information on a map. The location-based upcoming event information may comprise an aggregate of ticket inventory available from multiple online marketplaces providing the user with multiple purchasing options. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140180735 | METHOD AND ARRANGEMENT FOR PROVIDING INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL INFORMATION IN PASSENGER TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS - A method and a configuration provide individual travel information in people transportation systems on a mobile appliance associated with a passenger. Passenger-related travel data are provided to the mobile appliance. A data link is set up between the mobile appliance and a first information system in the people transportation system. Current travel information for the passenger-related travel data is output on the mobile appliance of the passenger, with the output of the current travel information of the passenger-related travel data on the mobile appliance of the passenger advantageously being effected preemptively (i.e. in superseding fashion) in respect of further processes taking place on the mobile appliance. | 06-26-2014 |
| 20140188527 | Enhanced Two-Dimensional Seat Map - Computing systems and methods for facilitating the review and purchase of event tickets include storage components that store information regarding ticketed events and venue information for seating arrangements, and also one or more processors that conduct activities regarding the review and purchase of tickets using an enhanced two-dimensional seat map. Actions include providing a display on a computing device including information regarding a venue that is used for ticketed events, accepting on the computing device a user input regarding seating arrangements for the venue, determining an attendance location for a ticketed event at the venue based upon the input, generating a two-dimensional representation or map of a region of interest at the venue from the determined attendance location, and displaying to the user the two-dimensional map. The computing device can be a cellular telephone or other small portable device, and the map can be created using scalable vector graphics and/or HTML5. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188528 | Customized Advertisement for Venue Seat Map - Computing systems and methods for providing customized advertisements on virtual venue seat representations or maps during the review and/or purchase of event tickets by customers include storage components that store information regarding ticketed events and venue information for seating arrangements, and also one or more processors that conduct activities regarding providing the customized advertisements during the review and purchase of tickets. Actions include providing a display on a computing device including information regarding a venue that is used for ticketed events, accepting on the computing device a user input regarding tickets or seating arrangements for the venue, determining an attendance location for a ticketed event at the venue based upon the input, generating a representation or map of a region of interest at the venue from the determined attendance location, creating a customized advertisement for the user, and displaying to the user the customized advertisement within the representation or map. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140188529 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR REDEMPTION AND EXCHANGE OF UNUSED TICKETS - A method of facilitating and performing the redemption and exchange of unused tickets includes steps of determining the availability of unused tickets, calculating a redemption value of an available unused ticket, and updating a status of the unused ticket. The availability is determined by querying a database containing information pertaining to unused tickets. The redemption value is calculated based on the application of validation rules. The status is updated after a decision as to whether to redeem the unused ticket has been made. The redemption value is obtainable by exchanging the unused ticket for a new ticket. The tickets may be for air travel. | 07-03-2014 |
| 20140195276 | TICKET TRANSFER - A system and method transfers a ticket from one party to another through a ticketing application in a computing device. A purchased ticket may be electronically received by the user and saved to a database accessible by the computing device. The ticket may be assigned a unique fingerprint to prevent fraudulent activity. The ticketing application receives a selection of one or more tickets to be transferred to another party. A transfer recipient (having access to the ticketing application) is identified. In one embodiment, a user may request a payment amount from the transfer recipient for the transferred ticket. Once a user has identified a transfer recipient and payment amount (if applicable), the user may then confirm and/or authorize the transfer. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195277 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GENERATING DYNAMIC SEATING CHARTS - This invention relates to systems and methods for creating seating charts in digital form, and more particularly to systems and methods for user-driven creation and visualization of interactive digital seating charts, particularly for ticketing and reservations systems. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195278 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DETERMINING USER LOCATION - Methods and systems of determining the approximate location of a terminal are described herein. In one embodiment, a computer system receives from a first mobile computer terminal and/or from a communication system in communication with the first mobile computer terminal, global positioning satellite and/or cellular network location data, wherein the location data corresponds to the approximate location of the first mobile computer terminal. Based at least in part on the location data, the system determines if the first mobile computer terminal is within a first area, wherein presence in the first area is needed in order to be authorized to access a first service. The system, at least partly in response to failing to determine that the first mobile terminal is in the first area, transmits to the first mobile computer terminal location information regarding at least a first location in the first area. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195279 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Guest Parking Reservations - A computer-implemented system and method for providing guest parking reservations are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Use of one of the parking spaces for a guest of a resident of the area is reserved. A request for a reservation is accepted and that the resident is eligible to reserve the space is confirmed. The request is granted provided the parking space is available over any other reservations in the server. Use of the parking space is managed. Occupancy of the parking space by a vehicle is sensed through the nearest sensor. An identity of a motorist is verified through the nearest parking device. The use of the parking space is denied if not by the guest. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195280 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Facilitating Rental Of Private Parking Space By An Urban Resident - A computer-implemented system and method for facilitating rental of a private parking space by an urban resident are provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a residential area are managed through a server. Smart parking devices that are each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Vehicle occupancy sensors that are also each physically proximate to least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. Parking availability indicators that are each associated with at least one of the parking spaces are interfaced to the server. The parking spaces are supplemented with a private parking space under legitimate control by a resident of the residential area. Use of the private parking space is managed through the server and the smart parking device nearest to the private parking space. Parking availability the parking spaces is indicated through the nearest parking availability indicator. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195281 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Information Through A Display Of Parking Devices - A computer-implemented system and method for providing information through a display of parking devices is provided. A multiplicity of motor vehicle parking spaces is managed through a server. Smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators are associated with at least one of the parking spaces. Use of the parking spaces is managed through the server. The parking availability indicators associated with the parking spaces are activated. Occupancy of at least one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle is sensed through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and the location of the parking space is provided to the server. An identity of the driver of the motor vehicle is determined through the nearest smart parking device and the identity of the driver is provided to the server. Information associated with the identity of the driver is displayed on the smart parking device. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195282 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Customer Priority Parking Reservations - A system and method for offering customer priority parking reservations. Motor vehicle parking spaces are provided through a server. The server respectively interfaces with smart parking devices, vehicle occupancy sensors, and parking availability indicators that are each associated with the parking spaces. The parking spaces are reserved by accepting a request for a customer priority parking reservation from a merchant for a reservation period. Use of the parking space is managed through the server by activating the parking availability indicators associated with the reserved parking spaces, sensing occupancy of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the vehicle occupancy sensor, and retrieving and providing an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device to the server. The use of the parking space is validated from the merchant through the server. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140195283 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Offering Merchant And Shopper-Friendly Parking Reservations Through Tourist Privileges - A computer-implemented system and method for offering merchant and shopper-friendly parking reservations through tourist privileges is provided. Motor vehicle parking spaces located in a tourist area of an urban environment are managed through a server. Smart parking devices and vehicle occupancy sensors are each proximate to at least one of the parking spaces. Tourist parking identification cards are issued to an agency authorized to provide tourist parking privileges, which are then provided to the visitors. The parking identification cards are activated by pairing each identification card with a digital ticket issued to the agency. The parking spaces are managed by sensing occupancy of one of the parking spaces by a motor vehicle through the nearest vehicle occupancy sensor and by determining an identity of the driver of the motor vehicle through the nearest smart parking device. | 07-10-2014 |
| 20140200932 | METHOD AND COMPUTER IMPLEMENTED SYSTEM PROVIDING AUTOMATIC ELECTRONIC MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT RECONCILIATION - Methods, computer program products, and data processing systems for responding to an event that results in a modification of a Passenger Name Record (PNR). Images of a modified PNR and a corresponding Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD) are received, as well as an image a establishing a matrix of links between PNR services and EMD coupons. The PNR, EMD, and an Electronic Ticket (E-Ticket) are reconciled by re-associating orphan PNR services with matching EMD coupons and an EMD coupon with a corresponding E-Ticket coupon. Any unmatched EMD coupons from an associated E-Ticket coupon are disassociated. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200933 | TRAVEL PASSENGER CHECK-IN - This document describes a computer-implemented method for guiding a user through a travel check-in procedure. The method includes receiving passenger identification information associated with a passenger checking in for a travel segment, and determining a check-in status of the passenger using the passenger identification information. The method also includes generating a check-in workflow based on the check-in status of the passenger. The method further includes providing for display on a user interface a current step in the check-in workflow, the current step corresponding to a current action in the check-in workflow to be completed by a user, and upon request of the user to continue to a next step in the workflow, providing for display on the user interface the next step in the check-in workflow, the next step corresponding to a next action in the check-in workflow to be completed by the user. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140200934 | GAME ENTRY - An apparatus for use in a points redemption system in relation to a customer loyalty program includes a data input to receive an input from a user that points are to be redeemed for entry to a game. A request is sent to a server to indicate that a game is to be entered, identifying an associated terminal. Information indicative of the outcome of the game is sent to the user. A server connected to a communications network is configured for handling requests for item promotion reservations. | 07-17-2014 |
| 20140207498 | ELECTRIC VEHICLE RETURN MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE SHARING SERVICE - The disclosure is related to managing an electric vehicle return process based on whether a return condition associated with an electric charging of a returned electric vehicle is satisfied. Furthermore, a benefit or a penalty may be given to a corresponding user according to whether the return condition associated with an electric charging is satisfied. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207499 | CHECK-IN TO A HOTEL ROOM ONLINE - Techniques for allowing prospective hotel guests to check-in online are provided. An online check-in service sends, to a computing device of a prospective guest, an electronic notification that indicates that the prospective user can check-in online instead of having to wait in line at the hotel. A series of pages are presented to the prospective guest, such as a page to allow the prospective guest to specify room preferences and other requests, a page to allow the prospective guest to accept an upgrade offer, a page to confirm payment, and/or a page that shows a room assignment. In this way, a guest does not have to wait in a hotel lobby to be assigned a room. Also, a hotel may be notified when a confirmed guest is approaching the hotel to allow hotel staff to make any arrangements necessary to expedite the process of getting the guest to his/her room. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140207500 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EVENT HOSPITALITY PROGRAM MANAGEMENT - One aspect of the present invention is a method for effectively managing aspects of hospitality for an event. Events may include Olympic (or other) event. An inventory of event hospitality items is acquired for the creation of hospitality program for client groups. Information from client's guest which make up the client group may be collected in order to identify which hospitality inventory items could best fulfill the client's needs and requests during the days of the event. Hospitality inventory items may include tickets, transportation, hotel, food/beverages, and event staff. Hospitality parameters may be established for each client group, wherein the parameters determine how hospitality inventory items should be allocated for the client group. | 07-24-2014 |
| 20140214459 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AUTOMATED DEMAND CHARGE MANAGEMENT - The disclosure relates to a system and method for managing demand charge tariffs for electric power, in particular, providing economic energy management for charging electric vehicles at public charge stations. The system and method may include collecting, by an infrastructure service cloud, information related to electric vehicle charging from a plurality of interested parties and calculating a particularized offer to a customer based on customer's characteristics compared to other possible customers in a same time period. The system and method may also include transmitting the particularized offer to the customer and upon receiving an acceptance of the particularized offer, reserving the charge spot for the driver. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214460 | Zone Oriented Applications, Systems and Methods - Zone management infrastructure systems and methods are presented. A zone comprises a set of boundary conditions, which can include a geographic boundary. Zones further comprise a zone object representing the nature of the zone and the services or applications offered by the zone. Zone objects have intrinsic value based on their boundary conditions as well as the services they offer. Zone owners can allow third parties to offer services for the zone in exchange for a fee. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140214461 | INDEXING TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS IN A NETWORK ENVIRONMENT - A method for evaluating travel accommodations is provided that includes identifying a plurality of hotel properties and assigning a hotel marketability index score to one or more of the properties such that one or more of the properties may be ranked. The hotel marketability index score may be based on a selected one or more characteristics associated with one or more of the hotel properties, the characteristics including rate competitiveness, hotel availability, hotel location within a cluster location, and hotel quality within the cluster location. | 07-31-2014 |
| 20140222472 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR WIDESPREAD LOW COST ORBITAL SATELLITE ACCESS - A satellite support and administration system includes a web based portal to allow widespread user access to advanced satellite technology at extremely low costs. The system supports the sequential launch of increasingly sophisticated satellites having limited life spans. Each satellite is equipped with a powerful array of sensors for space based measurement of scientifically and commercially important phenomena. A ground based platform supports and encourages the development of software and custom applications to operate experiments utilizing the processors and sensor array on the satellite. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222473 | METHOD AND SYSTEM OF DIRECT BIDDING FOR A TRAVEL-RELATED SERVICE VIA AN INTERNET-BASED TRAVEL SYSTEM - In one exemplary embodiment, a customer's search criteria with respect to a travel-related service is received. A database of a travel-service provider and a travel-related service is searched. A travel-related query result relevant to the customer's search criteria is received. The travel-related query result includes a pricing data for the travel-related service. The at least one travel-related query result to a customer's computing device is provided. A customer's bid for the travel-related service is received. The customer's computing device is provided an alternative travel-related service. A success probability value is calculated. The success probability value includes a probability that the customer's bid is accepted by the travel service provider. The alternative travel-related service is provided to the customer's computing device when the probability that the customer's bid is accepted by the travel service provider is below a specified threshold and the travel service provider does not accept the customer's bid. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222474 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR CERTIFYING ATTENDANCE AT A PROMOTIONAL EVENT - In a method for certifying attendance at a healthcare promotional event a computer retrieves data indicative of a healthcare professional's pre-registration for a healthcare promotional event. A computer prompts for a signature, wherein the signature confirms the healthcare professional's attendance at the healthcare promotional event. A computer receives data representative of the signature. A computer prompts for a response to a presented certification statement. A computer certifies the healthcare professional's attendance at the healthcare promotional event responsive to receiving a response to the certification statement and responsive to receiving the data representative of the signature. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140222475 | FLIGHT SAVER SYSTEM - A fare searching system that includes a receiver configured to receive a fare request from a user device, the fare request including at least a source location, a destination location, and a time of departure. A transmitter that is configured to process the fare request and transmit a request for fare information regarding the fare request to an airline fare information system. A processor that is configured to process and compile a first list of fares received from the airline fare information system, wherein the processor is also configured to generate a second list of fares including fares in which an intermediate location is the source location and/or the destination location, and the processor generates a combined list of fares based on the first and second lists. The transmitter transmits the combined list to the user device. | 08-07-2014 |
| 20140236640 | IDENTIFICATION OF MERCHANDISE TO BE SUBSEQUENTLY IDENTIFIED AND DELIVERED BY A MERCHANDISE PROVIDER - Users may identify on an interactive network merchandise that they desire and merchandise providers may access the identified merchandise from time to time so as to provide merchandise that matches the identified merchandise. In one embodiment, merchandise providers may access merchandise requests from time to time and provide the requested merchandise, even if the merchandise had not been available at the time the request was initially posted. Prior to delivery of the merchandise the parties, if desired, may negotiate when and how delivery will occur, what the cost of the merchandise is and the responsibilities of each of the parties pertaining to the merchandise. The requests may be stored local to the user or at one or more central sites. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236641 | System for Facilitating Travel Related Transactions - In a method for executing travel transactions, at least one packet is received at a central server from a remote computer. The travel packet includes a parameter describing a travel-related object and a conditional offer for purchase of the travel-related object made by a user. At a selected time, at least one target criteria for the travel-related object is generated. The conditional offer is compared to the target criteria. A communication of a time-limited offer specifying a time period within which the offer may be accepted, corresponding to the conditional offer, is transmitted to the remote computer via the global computer network only when the conditional offer meets the target criteria. A transaction is executed in which the travel-related object is transferred to the user only when a communication indicating an acceptance by the user is received at the central server computer within the time period. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236642 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR NAVIGATING AND RESERVING BUILDING SPACES - A computer-implemented method executed in a computational device to reserve a room in a building of a campus includes receiving input from a user identifying features associated with a room, retrieving floorplan level mapping information based on the input, retrieving floorplan level security information based on the input, generating a list of potential reservation locations based on the floorplan level mapping information and the floorplan level security information, and rendering at least a portion of the list of potential reservation locations to a screen. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236643 | COMPUTER PROGRAM, METHOD, AND SYSTEM FOR PROPERTY MANAGEMENT - A computer program, method, and system for managing at least one property provide a graphical user interface that contemporaneously displays a calendar and a plurality of room demarcations. The calendar displays a selected portion of time periods via a plurality of calendar demarcations and a numerical indication of occupancy status for each time period. The plurality of room demarcations corresponds to rooms of the property, and each room demarcation contains a plurality of items of room information represented by a coded identifier. Certain statistical information, such as the average daily rate (ADR) of rooms of the property or the revenue per available room (REVPAR), is provided in real time and based on a most recent information stored by the computer program. A property manager can set goals for ADR/REVPAR and use the real time ADR/REVPAR information to modify future ADR/REVPAR values to obtain or reach the set goals. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236644 | MEALTIME COMMERCE AND PUBLISHING IN A GEO-SPATIAL ENVIRONMENT - A method, apparatus and system of mealtime commerce and publishing in a geo-spatial environment are disclosed. In one embodiment, a method includes generating a community network of user profiles, each user profile of the user profiles associated with a specific geographic location, generating meal events, each meal event of the meal events associated with a user profile of the user profiles, associating a first user with a first user profile, generating a first display view to include a map view embodied by the community network and a representation of a meal event associated with a second user profile of the user profiles represented at a location in the map view associated with the specific geographic location of the second user profile of the user profiles, and simultaneously representing other user profiles adjacent to the second user profile in the map view. | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140236645 | Method And System For Remote Reservation Of A Parking Space, And Automated Vehicle Rental Facility - The invention relates to a method for reserving a parking space for a vehicle at a remote site also known as a rental site, in the context of automated vehicle rental, said method including a so-called reservation phase ( | 08-21-2014 |
| 20140244319 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR STORING AND FINDING ACTIVITIES - A method for finding and reserving activities, the method comprises receiving, at a search client, search criteria that comprise a search description, a search location and a search time period; searching, by a search tool, for activities stored in an activity repository based on the search criteria, wherein the activity repository stores, for each of a plurality of activities, an activity title, an activity location, and an activity time period and wherein activities stored in the activity repository have been provided by a plurality of activity managers; providing, using the search tool, the search results to the search client, the search results comprising activity data relating to at least one activity identified by the searching; receiving, at the search client, selection input selecting an activity of the search results; and making, in the event that the selected activity is open for reservation, a reservation for the selected activity. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244320 | SEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR SEAT MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - A related user identifying unit identifies a related user who has a given relation to an assigned user to whom at least one seat has been allocated. A restriction target selecting unit selects, as a restriction target, a seat or a group of seats that is adjacent to the seat allocated to the assigned user and that is not allocated to any user. An allocation restricting unit restricts the allocation of the seat or group of seats selected as the restriction target to any user other than related users for a given restriction period. A second allocation unit allocates, in a case where the request is received from the related user, the seat selected as the restriction target, or at least one seat out of the group of seats selected as the restriction target, to the related user. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244321 | TICKET PROCESSING SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR TICKET PROCESSING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - A first reception unit receives an application for purchasing a physical ticket or an electronic ticket from a user. A purchase processing executing unit executes purchase processing of the ticket in a case where the application for purchasing the ticket is received. A second reception unit receives an application for canceling or transferring the ticket from a purchasing user who has purchased the ticket. An exhibition processing executing unit executes an exhibition processing for putting up the ticket for an auction service in a case where the application for canceling or transferring the ticket is received. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244322 | APPLICATION RECEIVING SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR APPLICATION RECEIVING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - A reception order setting unit sets an order for receiving an application from a first user. A reception standby unit holds start of reception of the application on standby, based on the order. An estimated reception start time and date information obtaining unit obtains estimated reception start time and date information on an estimated time and date at which reception of the application will be started, based on the order. A presentation unit presents to the first user the estimated reception start time and date information. The estimated reception start time and date information obtaining unit updates the estimated reception start time and date information, based on a reception completion state concerning an application from a second user with an earlier order than the order of the first user. The presentation unit is able to present to the first user the estimated reception start time and date information updated. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244323 | APPLICATION RECEIVING SYSTEM, CONTROL METHOD FOR APPLICATION RECEIVING SYSTEM, AND PROGRAM - A determination unit determines whether or not a number of desiring users who want to apply to reserve or buy the same product or service is equal to or smaller than an upper limit number. A reception order setting unit sets a reception order for receiving an application from each of the desiring users. In a case where the number of the desiring users is not equal to or smaller than the upper limit number, a first reception unit selects the number of users equal to or smaller than the upper limit number from among the desiring users, based on the reception order, and receives an application from each of the selected users. Meanwhile, in a case where the number of the desiring users is equal to or smaller than the upper limit number, a second reception unit receives an application from each of the desiring users. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140244324 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MANAGING TABLE AND SEATING USE IN COMMERCIAL ESTABLISHMENTS - Computerized systems and methods are provided for allocating and managing table and seating inventory at commercial establishments, such as restaurants. In one implementation, a computer-implemented method receives a first request to allocate table inventory at a commercial establishment. In some aspects, the first request may include a first party size and a first requested time. Based on a received request, the method may determine a mode of allocation associated with the commercial establishment. The method may identifying one or more first units of table inventory capable of accommodating the first party size at the first requested time. In certain aspects, the identification may be based on at least the determined allocation mode. | 08-28-2014 |
| 20140249866 | QUEUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An automated waiting line transaction management system that provides patrons/users the option of queuing up and waiting in the standard attraction line at a venue or obtaining an ID unit that can be used for purchasing a pass to bypass the normal line. The venue administrator sets pass prices for each attraction on a real time basis either manually or through a venue algorithm. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249867 | USER SPECIFIC LOCATION ASSIGNMENT AND VALUATION - Systems and methods for assigning a user to a physical location. User data that includes characteristics of a user is acquired. The user is matched with an attendee based on the user characteristics and attendee characteristics of the attendee. A physical location is determined based on a location that the attendee matched to the user will occupy. A notification including an identification of the physical location, an identification of the attendee, and the attendee characteristics are sent to the user. Input is received that indicates whether the user wants to obtain a right to occupy the physical location and if the input indicates that the user wants to obtain the right to occupy the physical location, then the right to occupy the physical location is obtained. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249868 | METHOD, APPARATUS AND ARTICLE-OF-MANUFACTURE FOR THE CREATION, ISSUANCE, TRADING, AND EXERCISE OF REFUND OPTIONS FOR ATTENDANCE RIGHTS - Computer-related methods, apparatus, and/or articles of manufacture to permit/facilitate the creation, marketing, and/or distribution of options to purchase tickets or obtain refunds to a particular future event, particularly an elimination format competition, when the chosen competitor's qualification for such a game is currently uncertain, but where the uncertainty will be resolved prior to the commencement of the particular future event. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249869 | Graphical User Interface for Travel Planning System - A user interface for presenting travel itineraries to a user includes a first field to render a representation of a first segment of the itinerary including a location of departure and a location of arrival for the first segment, and a second field to render a text-based alert that includes notification information of the first segment of the itinerary, wherein the text-based alert is emphasized to bring the text-based alert to the attention of the user. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249870 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PRIORITIZING AND PROCESSING UPDATED INVENTORY INFORMATION FOR EVENT LISTINGS - System and methods for prioritizing and processing updated inventory information for event listings are described. In one embodiment, a network-based system may receive updated ticket information from a seller for multiple event listings, categorized the updated ticket information from the seller by event, prioritize event categorizing comprising updated ticket information in accordance with a prioritization policy, and process a prioritized event category comprising updated ticket information for a particular event listing out-of-order with respect to one or more other event categories comprising previously received updated ticket information for other event listings. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140249871 | Method And System For Managing Vehicles Offered For Rental - The invention relates to a method ( | 09-04-2014 |
| 20140257877 | LOCATION SENSITIVE PROCESSING OF RESTAURANT ORDERS - A restaurant portal server receives an order for a menu item on a menu of a restaurant from a computing device via a wide area network. The order is associated with a customer account identity. A geographic location of the computing device or a mobile communication device associated with the customer account identity is determined. A message is sent from the restaurant portal server to an order management system of the restaurant to add the order to an active queue of the order management system to be fulfilled by service personnel of the restaurant. Upon detecting that the geographic location of the customer, the computing device, or the mobile communication device is within a threshold proximity to a target geographic location of the restaurant, a message is provided to instruct service personnel to fulfill the order. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257878 | ROUTING PREFERRED TRAFFIC WITHIN A RESERVATION SYSTEM - A method for managing inbound user traffic to a reservation system. The method includes receiving messages from one or more users and determining, by one or more computer processors, at least one of the one or more users is not a preferred user, based on the messages received. The method further includes sending the messages from the at least one user to a limiting component, wherein the limiting component slows the messages from the at least one of the one or more users to the reservation system. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257879 | Automatic Preference-Based Waitlist and Clearance for Accommodations - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for a reservation system. In one aspect, the reservation system can receive a request to select a preferred accommodation for a customer from a user of the reservation system, identify available first accommodations from a plurality of accommodations, and determine that the preferred accommodation for the customer is not available for selection by the user from the available first accommodations. In response, the system can place the request for the preferred accommodation on a waitlist. In response to receiving an indication of an occurrence of an event, the system can automatically identify one or more available second accommodations from the plurality of accommodations, determine that the preferred accommodation for the customer is available for selection from the one or more available second accommodations, and assign the available preferred accommodation to the customer. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257880 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR LOYALTY REWARD REDEMPTION FOR EVENT TICKETS - A system and method are provided for loyalty reward redemption for event tickets. The computer implemented method includes displaying on a website accessible via the buyer computing device a listing of available event ticket information comprising a plurality of event tickets and associated pricing information, the event ticket information provided by an event server in communication with the loyalty program server to the website; receiving a request on the website to select purchase of a particular live event ticket from the listing in exchange for a pre-defined number of user collected rewards points; processing the request for purchase at the event server to generate a notification message containing details of the request for purchase from the event server to the seller's computing device to request confirmation of availability of the selected ticket; receiving a response at the event server from the seller computing device that the selected ticket is available and providing a confirmation message to the buyer computing device of a completed sale; and settling payment at the event server. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257881 | DEMAND FORECASTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING FARE ADJUSTMENT - A computer based system for fare adjustment is disclosed. For a particular airline fare class, the system evaluates the financial impact of opening or closing the class, for example taking into account both stimulation effects and dilution effects. Via use of an exemplary fare adjustment system, decision-makers may increase revenues (and/or decrease losses) associated with airline fare class openings and closings. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257882 | DEMAND FORECASTING SYSTEMS AND METHODS UTILIZING PRIME CLASS REMAPPING - A computer based system for remapping prime class seat bookings is disclosed. The system remaps prime class bookings a floor class, or if the floor class is closed, into a higher, displacement class. Via remapping, airline systems, such as inventory management systems, revenue management systems, and the like, may better account for the true value of prime class bookings. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257883 | ENTERPRISE RESOURCE SEARCH AND RESERVATION SYSTEM - Exemplary embodiments are directed to reserving physical resources in an enterprise via an electronic reservation environment. An electronic search request for an availability of one or more resources in an enterprise is received from a user through a web page and/or a mobile application and is submitted to a reservation engine. The search request includes one or more resource search parameters received via a graphical user interface associated with the electronic reservation environment. A result identifying resources that satisfy the resource search parameters in the request is received in response to the search request and an electronic metadata request is automatically submitted in response to receipt of the result. The electronic metadata request including resource identifiers corresponding to the resources identified in the result. Metadata corresponding to the resources identified in the result is received and an identity of the resources returned in the result, an availability of the resources, and the metadata associated with the resources is displayed to the user. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257884 | RESERVATION MANAGEMENT FOR ELECTRIC VEHICLE CHARGING - The disclosure is related to managing a charging reservation of an electric vehicle. Particularly, the disclosure relates to managing an electric vehicle charging reservation based on at least one of a requested charging amount and a remaining battery power amount. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257885 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING LOCATION-BASED UPCOMING EVENT INFORMATION USING A CLIENT-SIDE WEB APPLICATION IMPLEMENTED ON A CLIENT DEVICE - System and methods for providing location-based upcoming event information using a client-side web application implemented on a client device are described. The location-based upcoming event information may be provided to users of an online secondary ticket marketplace using a client-side web application implemented as desktop or mobile widget or within a web browser toolbar. The client-side web application may be configured to communicate with a network-based system that provides online marketplace and ticket fulfillment services and generate a query based upon the location of a user and other event criteria. The client-side web application may communicate the query to the network-based system and, in response, receive location-based upcoming event information which may be displayed to a user as a list and/or information on a map. The client-side web application may display an aggregate of ticket inventory available from multiple online marketplaces providing the user with multiple purchasing options. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257886 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR VALIDATING AN ORDER PURCHASED WITH A UNSPECIFIED TERM - The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for validating an order purchased with an unspecified term. The order may comprise an order for an access ticket or admission ticket or access token, an order for goods or services, or any combination of access, goods, and services. Validation may comprise determining the ticket or token is valid and/or allowing access based on a determined data value for an access term unspecified at the time of purchase; or determining that the order is valid and fulfilling the order based on an identified data value for a term unspecified at the time of purchase. A data value may be set for the unspecified term and a hierarchical tree searched for a leaf corresponding to the set value for the unspecified term and one or more terms specified at time of purchase, the existence of the leaf indicating the order is valid. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257887 | Minimize Downtime with Immediate Upgrade of Data in Databases - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for updating data stored within the database. In some implementations, actions include determining a cut-off date, defining a first group of data within a first table based on the cut-off date, defining a second group of data within the first table based on the cut-off date, providing the second group of data in a second table, converting the first group of data from a first data structure to a second data structure to provide converted first data within the first table, making the converted first data available for access over a network, converting the second group of data from the first data structure to the second data structure to provide converted second data in the second table, and making the converted second data available for access over the network. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140257888 | REAL-TIME INVENTORY TRACKING VIA MOBILE DEVICE - A computer-implemented method is disclosed for real-time inventory tracking with a mobile device, including: receiving a communication for a stationary inventory item via a cellular or wireless network from a tracking server that is coupled with the cellular or wireless network; and tracking the stationary inventory item on a registered consumer mobile device in real-time via the cellular or wireless network, wherein tracking comprises: receiving an updated status regarding a quantity and a location related to the stationary inventory item; and displaying the updated status on a screen of the mobile device in real time. | 09-11-2014 |
| 20140278589 | MOBILE DEVICE ESTABLISHMENT SYSTEM - A method and system and may receive an information request from a user device. An establishment list may be transmitted to the user device in response to the information request, wherein the establishment list includes at least one subscribing establishment. An establishment selection may be received and an establishment option associated with the establishment selection may then be transmitted to the user device. An option selection may then be received from the user device and an establishment record may be updated in response to the selected option, wherein the user device and the subscribing establishments have a pre-existing relationship within the establishment record. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278590 | SYSTEM, METHOD AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR PROVIDING A FARE ANALYTIC ENGINE - An exemplary embodiment of a system, method and/or computer program product for creating a fare analytic database, may include: receiving, by at least one processor, fare(s) and fare related data; and creating a graph database of the fare(s) and fare related data; where the creating may include: creating one or more node(s) of the graph database representing at least one component of the fare and fare related data; creating one or more relationship(s) between a plurality of the nodes; and applying at least one property to the node(s) and the relationship(s). A fare analytic engine may further incorporate the database, and the engine may process queries traversing the database for fare and fare related data; and functional programming methods may be used to generate Boolean byte code routines from fare restrictions, according to exemplary embodiments disclosed. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278591 | AUTOMATED DETERMINATION OF BOOKING AVAILABILITY FOR USER SOURCED ACCOMMODATIONS - Methods and systems for updating a calendar entry for an accommodation listing are disclosed. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating an availability model and an acceptance model for an accommodation listing in an accommodation reservation system and determining based on those models the probability that the accommodation listing would be able to be booked. Furthermore, the result of an accommodation search query can be filtered and/or sorted using the determined probability of booking. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278592 | Apparatus and Method for Seat Management in an Audience Venue - A novel mass audience venue seat is disclosed, which seat can be locked and unlocked by one or more of a variety of security tokens. The seat is designed to prevent ticket holders from ‘cheating down’ into more expensive seats thereby annoying fellow customers. By being electronically connected into a seat management inventory system, moviegoers and sports fans are provided with a legitimate way to upgrade their seat (much like a seat upgrade on a commercial airline), also creating a new revenue stream for venue and stadium owners. The instant mass audience venue seat can be embodied in an item of original equipment manufacture or in a less-costly retrofit kit. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278593 | GROUP TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESERVATIONS BASED ON SHARED INTERESTS - A method for making group opportunity recommendations and reservations may include searching, by a processor, for an opportunity based on at least one shared interest of at least two members of a network. The method may also include transmitting, by the processor, the opportunity to the at least two members of the network in response to finding the opportunity based on the at least one shared interest. The method may further include providing, by the processor, a feature associated with the opportunity that allows each of the at least two members to accept the opportunity based on a condition. The condition may include at least one of accepting the opportunity by another of the at least two members, accepting the opportunity by at least one other designated member of the network, and accepting the opportunity by a preset number of the members of the network. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278594 | System and Method for Facilitating Workplace Utilization and Occupancy Management Using Mobile Devices - The present invention provides a system and method for facilitating workplace utilization and occupancy management using mobile devices. The present invention integrates a workplace management component, a sensor or location-based management system and an actual use of space analysis engine to provide significantly enhanced data accuracy regarding use of space, which improves system effectiveness and affects individual behavior. In one embodiment, the location-based management component incorporates global positioning system and/or near-field communication system technologies to determine when a user with a suitable mobile communications device is approaching a real estate resource where a reservation has been made, and in that event, issuing a notification to the user's device prompting action connected to the reservation. By affecting individual behavior, the system produces even greater data accuracy and improved control and management of resources. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278595 | VENUE TICKET BUYBACK WITH SMART PRICING - A venue ticket buyback system may facilitate repurchasing of venue tickets from ticketholders. An option for venue ticket buyback may be presented to a user. A user selection of the option for venue ticket buyback may be processed. An identification reference received from the user for a venue ticket may be processed. The identification reference for the venue ticket may be authenticated with ticket information. The user may be authenticated with authentication information. A buyback price for the venue ticket may be determined at least partially based on a profile of a potential buyer. The venue ticket may be repurchased at the buyback price on behalf of the potential buyer. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278596 | ADAPTIVE RESERVATION PROCESSING - Techniques for adaptive reservation processing are provided. Policies define trigger events when a customer's travel plans are being disrupted in some manner that would warrant an incentive from an enterprise associated with those plans. Custom rules are automatically applied to the circumstances surrounding the disruption and a list of incentives is presented for selection by the customer. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278597 | TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system for managing corporate travel provides a search module in which a traveler may search travel options and receive travel approval in line with the travel policies of an organization. The traveler completes the booking outside the system, by any means, through any supplier or reseller. The completed booking is then reconciled within the system with credit card transaction information and/or expense report information with a reconciliation module. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278598 | CACHING RESERVATION OPTIONS - Caching travel options, in which a first request is received for lowest available fare data and, responsive to the first request, a determination is made that data for the lowest available fare is not included in a cache. Based on the determination, a request is provided to a core system for the data and the data for the lowest available fare is received from the core system. The received data is stored in the cache and used to respond to the first request. After storing, in the cache, the received data, a second request is received for the lowest available fare. Responsive to the second request, a determination is made that the data for the lowest available fare is included in the cache and, based on that determination, the data is accessed from the cache and used to respond to the second request. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278599 | Mobile Device-Enhanced User Selection of Specific Rental Vehicles for a Rental Vehicle Reservation - A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278600 | AUCTION BASED DECENTRALIZED TICKET ALLOTMENT - Described is a method for auction based decentralized ticket allotment. The method includes receiving a ticket indicating a system problem, generating an auction for the ticket, receiving at least one bid, based on the auction, to resolve the system problem from at least one agent, the at least one bid including one of a time to resolution, a hold and a no bid, and allotting the ticket to an agent based on the at least one bid. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278601 | GROUP TRAVEL OPPORTUNITY RECOMMENDATIONS AND RESERVATIONS BASED ON SHARED INTERESTS - A method for making group opportunity recommendations and reservations may include searching, by a processor, for an opportunity based on at least one shared interest of at least two members of a network. The method may also include transmitting, by the processor, the opportunity to the at least two members of the network in response to finding the opportunity based on the at least one shared interest. The method may further include providing, by the processor, a feature associated with the opportunity that allows each of the at least two members to accept the opportunity based on a condition. The condition may include at least one of accepting the opportunity by another of the at least two members, accepting the opportunity by at least one other designated member of the network, and accepting the opportunity by a preset number of the members of the network. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278602 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF RESERVING SPACE ATTENDED DELIVERY/PICKUP LOCATIONS - A system for enabling users to reserve space at attended delivery/pickup locations to at least substantially guarantee that the attended delivery/pickup locations will have capacity to receive parcels requested to be delivered to them. In various embodiments, the system is configured to substantially automatically reserve space in response to receiving a request to delivery one or more parcels to a particular attended delivery/pickup location. In other embodiments, the system is configured to enable users to reserve space at attended delivery/pickup locations. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278603 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS OF LOCATING AND SELLING ITEMS AT ATTENDED DELIVERY/PICKUP LOCATIONS - A system and method for locating nearby attended delivery/pickup locations with a particular item in stock is described. The system receives a request from an individual to purchase a particular item from an on-line retailer. The system receives information associated with attended delivery/pickup locations, including location and inventory information. The system then determines which (if any) attended delivery/pickup locations (e.g., the attended delivery/pickup locations are not the on-line retailer) are near the individual and have the particular item in stock and notifies the individual. In various embodiments, the system enables the user to purchase or reserve the particular item at the particular attended delivery/pickup location. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278604 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR OFFERING PARTIALLY-REFUNDABLE VOUCHERS FOR GOODS AND SERVICES - The present disclosure provides a system for generating a voucher including a voucher value, a refund value, and an expiration date, wherein the voucher value is at least based on information received from a consumer. If the system receives payment information from the consumer for the voucher and the system does not receive confirmation that the purchased voucher was not redeemed by the expiration date, the system will refund the consumer the refund value associated with the voucher. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278605 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF COMPLETING AN ACTIVITY VIA AN AGENT - A system and method of completing an activity via an agent. The agent is embodied as agent software, which facilitates and/or performs activities on behalf of a user. The agent software may have a characteristic persona that it presents to the user in the form of an avatar on a display. The agent software may be part of a computer program stored in a memory and executed by a processor of a smartphone or other computer. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278606 | System and Methods For Exchanging Property, Services and Reservations - A representative exchange system is disclosed herein comprising a plurality of computing devices, a network that interconnects the plurality of computing devices, and an exchange server that is interconnected to the plurality of computing devices by way of the network. The exchange server includes a processing device and memory that includes an exchange manager having instructions that are executed by the processing device. The instructions include the following logics: receive exchange information associated with a property, services, and/or reservations, wherein the exchange information includes a selling price; determine whether the property, services, and/or reservations has been purchased by a first purchaser based on the selling price, and whether the first purchaser has resold the property, services, and/or reservations; and responsive to determining that the property, services, and/or reservations has been resold to a second purchaser, transfer the title of the property, services, and/or reservations from the originator to the second purchaser, thereby bypassing a transfer of title of the property, services, and/or reservations to the first purchaser. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278607 | Mobile Device-Enhanced Pickups for Rental Vehicle Transactions - A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278608 | Mobile Device-Enhanced Rental Vehicle Returns - A number of techniques are disclosed for making it more convenient and efficient for customers to conduct various rental vehicle transactions. As an example, a technique for performing an automated pickup of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for performing an automated return administration of a rental vehicle using a mobile device is disclosed. As another example, a technique for permitting customer to select a particular rental vehicle for a rental vehicle transaction using a mobile device is disclosed. Also disclosed is a technique for permitting a customer to keylessly start a rental vehicle using a machine-sensible item such as his/her mobile device without requiring the customer to possess a smart key. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278609 | Payment System - Disclosed herein are systems and methods to facilitate bill payments with a service provider system by: generating a unique token; providing the unique token to a user; receiving an indication from a retail location that the unique token was used on a first user device in conjunction with a payment associated with the unique token at a point-of-sale; marking the first user device as associated with the first unique token; providing active payment information to the first user device; receiving a request for payment information from a second user device; and providing inactive payment information to the second user device. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278610 | ABUSE TOLERANT TICKETING SYSTEM - Interaction pattern associated mapping schemes are used to classify users of ticket distribution system and, more particularly, to provide unique interaction for the users. Different classes and/or scores may be assigned to users based on their interaction and/or profiles. The interface of the ticket distribution system for one or more classes or classes is modified during the purchase process according to the characterization of the user's interaction and other information. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278611 | RESTAURANT MANAGEMENT - The invention provides systems, methods and devices for automated restaurant management. It is emphasized that this abstract is provided to comply with the rules requiring an abstract that will allow a searcher or other reader to quickly ascertain the subject matter of the technical disclosure. It is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278612 | STAGED TICKET INVENTORY RELEASE USING AFFINITY MESSAGING - A hybrid ticket messaging system is used to release ticket inventory information to subscribers and, more particularly, to integrate ticket inventory information with a third party site. Relevant interests are determined for the user based on a subscription message. Ticket availability is determined according to the relevant interests. An availability message is sent to the user reflecting the availability of the tickets using the third party site. The availability message is sent prior to release of the tickets to other users. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140278613 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM - Vacancy information indicating the number of vacancies which is counted in units of using-persons in a facility that is occupied by persons who use an establishment is stored in a vacancy information storage unit. An information processing apparatus acquires the number of using-persons which is specified by a user. The information processing apparatus searches, on the basis of the vacancy information stored in the vacancy information storage unit, for establishments that can be used by persons of which the number is acquired. At this time, the information processing apparatus includes an establishment, in establishments that can be used, where the degree by which the number of using-persons exceeds the number of vacancies indicated by the vacancy information is smaller than or equal to a reference value. The information processing apparatus causes the found establishments to be presented. | 09-18-2014 |
| 20140288980 | MOBILE SOLUTION FOR VENUES AND TEAMS TO INCREASE THEIR SEAT REVENUE - The field of the invention relates to systems and methods for selling seat upgrade capabilities, upgrading fan experience capabilities, connecting fan engagement activities provided by venues with the fans capabilities, and other services in an event or venue using an application or mobile browser. In an embodiment, during an event, a mobile upgrade and fan engagement system receives login information from a mobile device, retrieves account information based on the login information, receives information of a first purchased ticket, receives one or more upgrade selections from the mobile device, determines availability of one or more upgrades, displays the availability of one or more upgrades at the mobile device, receives one or more upgrade purchases based on availability, from the mobile device, completes payment for the one or more upgrade purchases, displays one or more upgrade electronic tickets at the mobile device, and releases the first purchased ticket for sale. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140288981 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR TRAVEL-BASED INTERACTIONS - Methods and systems comprising: receiving data; converting the data into machine readable data; extracting relevant data from the machine readable data; and populating a field in a report with the relevant data. | 09-25-2014 |
| 20140297337 | COMMUNITY TRAVEL BOOKING - A community travel booking operation includes a collaborative or common portion or phase during which multiple travelers in a community are permitted to collaboratively search for travel recommendations and select a travel recommendation for the community, as well as an individual portion or phase during which travelers in the community individually purchase, book or otherwise complete individual reservations for the community's selected travel recommendation. By separating the booking operation into collaborative and individual portions or phases, travelers are permitted to collaborate on the selection of a travel recommendation, yet each traveler is then able to complete the booking of their own respective reservation without necessarily having to share personal or payment information with the other travelers in the community. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297338 | System and Method for Optimizing Ticket Cost over a Travel Itinerary - A system and method that optimize ticket cost given a travel itinerary. With the information of tourist attractions the user wants to visit, group of people the user is traveling with, and the schedule of the trip, such as the start and end date and time of the trip, the system builds a travel itinerary that optimizes user's budget. The system considers various conditions of the traveler and co-travelers, such as age, status, and trip schedule of the traveler, to find the cheapest ticket combination over multiple tourist attractions the traveler plans to visit. By properly parsing open hours of each tourist attraction and ticket, the system automatically considers availability of each tourist attraction and ticket given the traveler's tour schedule. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140297339 | MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, MANAGEMENT DEVICE, AND MANAGEMENT METHOD - A management system includes a memory storing first information including a user identification and a first reservation time period of an information processing device, and a processor coupled to the memory and configured to activate the first information at a start of the first reservation time period, deactivate the first information at an end of the first reservation time period, receive the first information from the information processing device, and permit an operation of the information processing device based on the first information stored in the memory and the first information sent by the information processing device. | 10-02-2014 |
| 20140304013 | Airport Experience - A system for credit issuance provides for fully automated credit evaluation and card issuing integrated with travel provider ticketing and reservations. The system includes a travel provider processing system under control of travel provider, a credit card authentication and issuance system working under control of a credit card issue in conjunction with a payment transaction service in a banking system, and a plurality of travelers wishing take advantage of flights, promotions and convenient credit card issuance. Once a traveler books a ticket, information collected during the ticketing process is shared by a travel provider with a credit card issuer. With this information a determination is made by the credit card issuer that the traveler is eligible to receive an offer for a credit card. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140304014 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS ASSOCIATED WITH TRAVEL PLANNING - Embodiments described herein are directed towards methods and systems that allow a content providing user to publish journals, blogs, reviews, notes, etc. associated with their travels. Using the content generated by the user, other users may be able to gain from the users traveling experiences. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140304015 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ACCESS TO A RESOURCE - There is provided a resource access management system for managing user access to a resource having a number of resource slots, wherein each resource slot can be used by a user. The resource access management system comprises a standard access configured to allow users to access the resource, and a queue-less access configured to allow users that have a valid authorisation to access the resource. The resource access management system is configured, for each occurrence of the resource, to make a portion of the resource slots available for allocation to users that access the resource using the queue-less access, to make at least the remaining resource slots available for use by users that access the resource using the standard access, and to ensure that a number of authorisations issued for an occurrence of the resource does not exceed the number of allocable resource slots. | 10-09-2014 |
| 20140310029 | System and method for intelligent management of appointment waiting list - A system and a method for intelligently managing waiting lists and other similar lists for service providers are disclosed. The system is configured for customer to request the scheduling of at least one appointment, to schedule one or more appointments of a customer, to store the information related to the customer in a database, to manage the different intelligent waiting list, to prioritize one or more appointments on the different waiting lists and to confirm and notify the customer when an appointment is automatically assign. Generally, the system is configured to be used over a communication network such as the Internet to allow a customer to be electronically notified of the scheduling of an appointment. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310030 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING ESTABLISHMENT RESERVATION - A method and system of making real time reservations at an establishment is provided. The system is GPS based, displaying relevant establishments proximate to the user, and offers the ability to post real time offers and advertising from an establishment to a user computing device. In one configuration, the system includes a server arrangement including at least one server configured to receive communications from a user device configured to enable a user to select an establishment and a remote device configured to receive information from the server arrangement pertaining to a reservation for the establishment and transmit indications to the user confirming the reservation. The server arrangement is configured to interact with an establishment device to determine establishment availability conditions for incoming patrons and convey establishment availability conditions to the user via the user device. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310031 | TRANSFER OF USER PROFILE DATA VIA VEHICLE AGENCY CONTROL - A system to access one or more user profiles that govern one or more vehicle functions. The system cooperates with a processor and verification module which are adapted to verify, using one or more of biometric information, gesture recognition, facial recognition and device identification information, that a user has authority to access the one or more user profiles, where the one or more profiles are stored in one or more of a vehicle, a cloud and a communications device. An edit module is further provided and adapted to allow the user to make one or more edits to the one or more user profiles. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310032 | Seat Routine Processes - 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. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140310033 | AIRLINE TICKETS UPGRADE SYSTEM - An auction server for auctioning airline ticket upgrades is described. The server comprises: an upgrade data gathering module for gathering data relating to available airline ticket upgrades for a specific airline flight; a communication interface for communicating auction information with existing airline ticket holders; the communication interface being arranged to receive at least one bid from at least one ticket holder for an airline ticket upgrade, and a bid analysis module for analysing the at least one bid for an airline ticket upgrade, the bid analysis module being arranged to determine a winning bid and its ticket holder to whom the airline upgrade ticket will be issued. | 10-16-2014 |
| 20140316826 | WIRELESS CARRIER PLATFORM FOR SERVICE APPLICATIONS - A method for providing customized service applications relating to specific transactions with merchants to users of mobile devices includes: receiving and storing a service application template corresponding to a merchant; receiving a manifest including information relating to a specific transaction between the merchant and a user of a mobile device; extracting the information relating to the specific transaction from the manifest; generating a customized service application for the user based on the service application template and the extracted information; and transmitting the customized service application to the mobile device corresponding to the user. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316827 | Method, System and Program Product for a Linked Dispatch System - A method, system and program product comprises placing a reservation request for a service for a recipient. The reservation request is communicated to a server. The server is configured to be operable to select a provider from a group of providers associated with the recipient. The server is further configured to determine that a selected provider satisfies guidelines of the reservation, communicate the reservation request to a selected provider satisfying the guidelines, select another provider upon rejection of, or a failure to accept, the reservation request by the selected provider, and provide notification of acceptance of the reservation request. The notification is received from the server. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140316828 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR EXCHANGING AN ELECTRONIC TICKET - A computing device exchanges electronic tickets between a first client device and a second client device. The computing device notifies the first client device and the second client device to confirm match success information when first ticket information of the first client device matches second ticket information of the second client device, and second ticket information of the first client device matches first ticket information of the second client device. | 10-23-2014 |
| 20140324486 | TRAVEL OPTION PRESENTATION - A machine may be configured to provide a travel shopping service, not only to direct users of the machine, but also to users of other travel shopping services provided by partner websites whose operators have entered into partnership agreements with an operator of the machine. The machine may provide a common module to one or more partner websites or operators thereof. When a user views a partner website in a browser, the common module configures and causes the browser to obtain and implement a custom module generated or updated specifically for that partner website. The custom module configures and causes the browser to communicate with the machine, for example, in response to fulfillment conditions specified by the operator of the partner website and used as a basis for generating or updating the custom module. Information obtained from the machine may then be presented by the browser to the user. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324487 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND SYSTEM FOR BUSINESS PROCESSING - Various embodiments provide methods, apparatus, and systems for business processing. An exemplary business processing method for a user terminal can be performed by establishing a connection between the user terminal and a first server for providing a third-party service via a second server for providing a public service. A business processing request can be obtained by the user terminal, which can then send the business processing request to the first server for providing the third party service via the second server for providing the public service. The first server for providing the third party service can include a business system server. Corresponding to the business processing request, the user terminal can receive a business processing response returned from the first server for providing the third-party service and forwarded by the second server for providing the public service. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324488 | NO LINE NO WAITING MOBILE SOFTWARE - A new system of managing lines at walk-in venues that allow patrons to enter a line remotely over a cellular network, without having to first travel to the walk-in venue and without having to remain in the walk-in venue. The system can provide confirmation to the walk-in venue that customers or patrons received the next in line notifications. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140324489 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SCHEDULING TRAVEL ON A CHARTER TRANSPORT - 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. | 10-30-2014 |
| 20140330597 | TICKET TRANSACTION AND PRICING SYSTEM - A ticket transfer system includes a ticket analyzer system includes logic adapted to receive an image of a ticket to an event. The ticket analyzer system includes logic adapted to extract information about the ticket from the image. The ticket analyzer includes logic adapted to apply the extracted information to identify a primary market system for the ticket and to verify validity of the ticket with the primary market system. The ticket analyzer system includes logic adapted to apply received signals on weather, time, and crowd conditions for the event to affect a price displayed for the ticket on an online exchange. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330598 | Finding Best Seating Selections via Algorithmic Search - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, are described for contiguously seating passengers in a travel conveyance. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a seat request for multiple seats, and, in response to receiving the seat request, calculating factors associated with each seat in a set of eligible seats. The method includes defining an initial set of seats as a subset of the set of eligible seats, defining a set of factors for each seat in the initial set of seats, associating a priority with the multiple factor sets, where the factors include multiple contiguity and vacancy factors, the contiguity factors being of a higher priority than the vacancy factors. The method includes processing the factors based on the priority to identify an anchor seat from the initial set of seats, assigning the multiple seats based on the anchor seat. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140330599 | Identifying Partial User-Entered Data - There are methods and apparatus, including computer program products, for service improvement techniques for a transportation service provider using mobile devices. In one aspect there is received user-entered data for at least one field present in a provided electronic form. The form includes a link that, when activated, establishes a voice channel between the passenger and a customer representative and provides a unique identifier associated with the user-entered data that enables a customer representative to retrieve the user-entered data. In another aspect, there is a graphical representation that is transmitted to a customer or a driver to facilitate execution of a reservation of a transportation service to be provided to the customer by the driver. In another aspect, there is a location range received from a wireless handheld device associated with a driver and data received from the driver indicative of a more accurate location within the location range. | 11-06-2014 |
| 20140337062 | CARD PRESENT FRAUD PREVENTION METHOD USING AIRLINE PASSENGER DETAIL - A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium configured to process cross-border transactions involving payment cards. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140337063 | Systems and Methods for Minimizing Travel Costs for Multi-Night Stays - A lowest rate on a multi-night lodging stay is achieved by obtaining lodging rate information for a first lodging location from a plurality of lodging rate sources. The information is correlated with a desired multi-night lodging stay to locate a lowest lodging rate for each of the nights of the desired multi-night lodging stay. Then, a plurality of lodging reservations corresponding to the multi-night lodging stay are generated, wherein at least two of the lodging reservations correspond to different nights of the multi-night lodging stay and are placed through different lodging reservation systems. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140337064 | NOSQL ONLINE ANALYTICAL PROCESSING ARCHITECTURE - A breadth-first join module receives, at a runtime, a query for travel data, wherein the travel data is stored in a data store, the data store comprising parent and child data structures arranged in a hierarchy. The breadth-first join module identifies a first child data structure associated with the travel data, the first child data structure comprising a plurality of pointers, wherein each of the plurality of pointers is associated with one of a plurality of first level parent data structures in the data store and queries each of the plurality of first level parent data structures to resolve the plurality of pointers in the first child data structure, wherein the plurality of first level parent data structures comprise travel data objects associated with the plurality of pointers, and wherein at least one of the plurality of first level parent data structures comprises a pointer to a second level parent data structure. The breadth-first join module queries the second level parent data structure to resolve the pointer in the at least one first level parent data structure, wherein all of the plurality of pointers in the first child data structure are resolved prior to querying the second level parent data structure. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140337065 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM FOR INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE - Vacant seat information for specifying the number of vacant seats in a store and store identification information for identifying the store are acquired from a mobile terminal device of a user of the store. The vacant seat information is registered in a storage in association with the store identification information. A search condition including the number of members is acquired from a terminal device of a user who looks for a target store to use. The vacant seat information and the store identification information registered in the storage are collated with the acquired search condition. The collation results are transmitted to the terminal device. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140337066 | LARGE VENUE SECURITY METHOD - A method for reducing violence within crowded venues is provided. The method includes reading license plates of vehicles passing into entry ports of a parking area, and capturing facial images of persons seeking admission to the venue. A computer compares such license plates to a database of vehicle license plates associated with persons with past histories of violence. A computer also compares captured facial images to a database of facial data for persons with past violent histories. Upon detecting a match, the computer creates an alert presented to law enforcement officers to facilitate detention of such persons for investigation. Information recorded on entry tickets is scanned and saved together with the facial image of the ticket holder. If a violent act occurs, cameras within the venue capture facial images of participants. The computer matches such participants to stored identifying data to assist in the identification and apprehension of such persons. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140337067 | Aircraft Seating Systems - A method and apparatus comprising a plurality of seating systems and a frame for use in a passenger aircraft. A first seating system in the plurality of seating systems may have different dimensions from a second seating system in the plurality of seating systems. A frame may be configured to be connected to the plurality of seating systems. | 11-13-2014 |
| 20140343974 | Selecting a Subset of Transit Trips Based on Time and Duration - Systems and methods for filtering an initial set of transit trips between an origin and a destination to identify a subset of reasonable transit trips between the origin and the destination are provided. Once identified, the subset of reasonable transit trips can be further analyzed based on various criteria (e.g. earliest arrival, lowest price, least amount of waking, least number of transfers, etc.) to recommend one or more transit trips to a user. The subset of reasonable transit trips can be identified by obtaining transit trip data suitable for identifying a trip duration (e.g. departure time and arrival time) for each trip in the initial set of transit trips. This transit trip data can be used to filter out trips from the set that do not provide an optimal trip duration at some specific time over a time interval. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343975 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM, AND RECORDING MEDIUM - When an information processing apparatus cannot confirm validity of a designated credit card for a request of a reservation, the information processing apparatus accepts the reservation and stores information of the designated credit card in a storage means. After the reservation is accepted, the information processing apparatus checks the validity of the designated credit card on the basis of the information stored in the storage means. At this time, if the validity can be confirmed, the information processing apparatus outputs information indicating that a settlement method is determined to be a settlement by the designated credit card. On the other hand, if the validity cannot be confirmed, the information processing apparatus outputs information indicating that the settlement method is determined to be a method different from the settlement by the designated credit card. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343976 | Computer-implemented systems and methods for restaurant reservations and food orders - A system and method are provided which allow customers making restaurant reservations to, in addition to the other information required to make a booking, also specify the time they wish their meal, or the various courses therein, to arrive at their table. This information is relayed to the restaurant so that the meal is ready at the desired time. In addition, a system and method are provided which allow customers to make reservations at restaurants which are accessible by other reservation guests through the use of a unique identification code. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343977 | QUEUE REMOTE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - A queue remote management system and a related method are provided, allowing a user to remotely book, receive and manage a ticket for participating to a virtual queue, and finally to receive the call for approaching the counter and the corresponding physical queue, minimizing the time of physical presence at the counter before being provided of the expected service, with integration between conventional ticket machines, operating at different counters and at different entity locations, and a wireless virtual ticket system operated by any user through his personal client terminal, the system comprising: at least one queue management server ( | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140343978 | TECHNIQUES FOR VISUAL INTEGRATION OF MEETING SPACE IN CALENDAR SYSTEMS - Techniques for visual integration of meeting spaces within a calendar system are presented. A meeting room can be viewed via a map and selected for scheduling a meeting. The map depicts the location of the meeting room within a facility of an enterprise. A meeting scheduler visually sees the meeting room within the map and can select the meeting room and acquire details about the meeting room. | 11-20-2014 |
| 20140350974 | ROLL-CALL PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A roll-call processing method is executed by a server. The method records first connection information of a first electronic device and transmits a roll-call interface to the first electronic device when the server receives a request for the roll-call interface from the first electronic device. The method further records second connection information of at least one second electronic device and receives a photo transmitted from the second electronic device. The method transmits the received photo of the second electronic device to the first electronic device to display the received photo on the roll-call interface of the first electronic device. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350975 | Method for facilitating automatic scheduling of a rideshare trip - Methods are provided for facilitating automatic scheduling of a meeting between a driver and a passenger for a rideshare trip. Readiness information of the passenger, readiness information of the driver and original vehicle location are acquired. A meeting location corresponding to the rideshare trip is determined. A pre-meeting driving time corresponding to the original vehicle location and the meeting location is determined using a GIS. A readiness time interval of the passenger corresponding to the readiness information of the passenger and a readiness time interval of the driver corresponding to the readiness information of the driver are determined. Scheduling information corresponding to the rideshare trip is determined based at least in part on a function of at least the readiness time interval of the passenger, the readiness time interval of the driver and the pre-meeting driving time. The methods are performed on one or more computing devices. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350976 | ELECTRONIC SYSTEM FOR MANAGEMENT OF QUEUES - A system that delivers online information for smart phones, personal computers, or other electronic devices, of the counting of the turn number in the waiting list. In one aspect a device that, using internet, cellular web, or another electronic data transfer form, delivers information of a waiting number that appears in the counter together with the estimated time of attention. The system is intended to supermarkets, grocery stores, banks, payment centers, companies customer support, registry office, among others and is especially advantageous for a person that has taken a number from that system, because is it possible to be far away from the place of attention and he/she will be continuously monitoring the status of his/her position in the queue. Additionally the person will be informed when his/her turn is approaching. In this way, the person can perform other activities while his/her turn in the queue is moving. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350977 | ELECTRONIC-TICKET UPDATE DEVICE, ELECTRONIC-TICKET UPDATE METHOD, ELECTRONIC-TICKET UPDATE PROGRAM, AND COMPUTER READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM CONTAINING SAID PROGRAM - Provided is an electronic ticket renewal device according to one embodiment that renews a validity period of an electronic ticket stored in a storage medium storing the electronic ticket and electronic money used for payment when the electronic ticket is not valid, including a specifying unit configured to compare payment information of the electronic money acquired from a storage unit with a service available by the electronic ticket, and specify a payment that would have not been made if the electronic ticket had been valid among payments made during a period from expiration of the validity period of the electronic ticket before renewal to present, and a calculation unit configured to perform processing to reduce at least part of the amount of the payment specified by the specifying unit. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140350978 | METHOD, DEVICE AND STORAGE MEDIUM FOR RESERVATION BASED ON PANORAMIC MAP - This document publishes a method, a device and a storage medium for reservation based on panoramic map. In one embodiment, the method includes the following steps: obtaining and displaying a panoramic map corresponding to a destination, the panoramic map having a plurality of reservations displayed thereon; detecting a navigation operation on the panoramic map by a user; in response to the navigation operation, displaying a part of the panoramic map corresponding to the navigation operation; receiving a selection request for selecting a reservation from the plurality of reservations on the part of the panoramic map; and sending the selection request to a server. According to the method, the device and the storage medium, it is possible to know the actual location and surroundings of various tables in the real world when the user makes reservation, so the intuition and accuracy of reservation is significantly improved. | 11-27-2014 |
| 20140358594 | TECHNIQUES FOR AIRPORT CHECK-IN - Techniques for airline check-in are provided. A passenger checks in for a flight using a government issued form of identification. A visual check-in confirmation is performed by security personnel. No electronic or printed boarding pass is issued to the passenger. The passenger proceeds to the gate for his/her flight and swipes at a kiosk the government issued form of identification to complete the boarding process. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358595 | PARKING RESERVATION THAT ENCOURAGES CAR-POOLING - A method, system, and computer program product for parking reservation that encourages car-pooling are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A processor, at a first mobile data processing system representing an automobile, receives an input to create a reservation for a parking location. A second mobile data processing system is detected, wherein the second mobile data processing system is within a threshold distance of the first mobile data processing system. A determination is made whether a movement of the second mobile data processing system relative to the first mobile data processing system is less than a threshold measure of the movement. Responsive to the determining being affirmative, a qualifier is applied to the reservation to obtain a benefit in the reservation, wherein the qualifier accrues a benefit to the reservation. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358596 | ENVIRONMENTALLY-FRIENDLY PARKING RESERVATION SYSTEM - A method, system, and computer program product for an environmentally-friendly parking reservation system are provided in the illustrative embodiments. A computer receives a request to make a reservation for parking a vehicle in a parking area. A parking location in the parking area is selected in an application, forming a selection. The computer modifies the selection based on a qualifier in the request, the qualifier indicating an environmentally-friendly aspect of the vehicle. The computer generates a response, the response identifying the parking location. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358597 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR DYNAMIC PRICING OF RESERVATION INVENTORY - A method and system for dynamic reservation pricing in a computer-based reservation system. A projected booking curve is defined for an event. Several time-dependent deviations may be defined to indicate a time shift relative to the projected booking curve. Price increases are associated with actual booking performance exceeding defined positive deviations, i.e., the time shift is ahead of the projected booking curve, and price decreases are associated with actual booking performance exceeding defined negative deviations, i.e., the time shift is behind the projected booking curve. When actual booking performance exceeds one of the defined deviations, the price is automatically increased or decreased in accord with the programmed settings for time shifts corresponding to the deviations. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358598 | PRESENTING RATES FOR TRAVEL SERVICES - 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. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140358599 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED ACCESS TO AN ATTRACTION - The present invention is directed towards systems and methods for improved access to an attraction via a computing device of a user. A first computing device of a user records an identification code associated with an attraction. The first computing device transmits, to a second computing device, a request for access to the attraction, the request comprising the identification code. The first computing device receives, from the second computing device, an access authorization comprising an access code. The first computing device presents the access code to an attraction operator for access to the attraction. | 12-04-2014 |
| 20140365249 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING LOCATION BASED SOCIAL DINING MATCHING - The present invention generally relates to computer and web-based dining services. Specifically, this invention relates to systems and methods for matching users for a social dining experience, utilizing location based services and filtering technologies as well as restaurant availability services and other criteria. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365250 | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE RESERVATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - A transportation service reservation method includes receiving a ride request specifying an origin and a destination; with respect to each of vehicles each capable of providing ride options in multiple forms of ride, generating a feasible ride option pertaining to the multiple forms of ride by referring to a storage part storing information indicating schedules assigned to the vehicle and forms of ride of the schedules; calculating a choice probability of each of ride options forming a subset with respect to each of one or more subsets satisfying a predetermined condition among subsets of a group of the generated feasible ride options; and selecting a subset to be offered in response to the ride request from among the one or more subsets satisfying the predetermined condition, based on the calculated choice probabilities. The receiving, generating, calculating, and selecting are executed by a computer. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140365251 | Vacancy Rate Calculation Apparatus, Vacancy Rate Calculation System, Vacancy Rate Calculation Method and a Non-Transitory Computer-Readable Recording Medium - The vacancy rate calculation apparatus is provided with a restaurant information storing part for storing table identification information, the number of customers that can be seated at each table and group information indicating a group of a plurality of tables which can be grouped. The vacancy rate calculation apparatus receives table identification information of a table at which a customer or customers is/are seated and the number of the customer or customers and determines whether or not the number of the customers exceeds the number that can be seated at the table. When it is determined that the number of the customers exceeds, the vacancy rate calculation apparatus determines whether or not another table is vacant which can be combined with the table indicated by the received table identification information. When it is determined that said another table is vacant, the vacancy rate calculation apparatus stores the table identification information of said another table at which a customer is assumed to be seated, along with the received table identification information. | 12-11-2014 |
| 20140372154 | AUTOMATED TRAVEL TRACKING SYSTEM - A system for monitoring travel of users is provided. The system includes a computing arrangement coupled via a communication network to communication devices of the users, the computing arrangement being operable to execute software products stored on machine-readable data storage media. The computing arrangement is operable to store travel itineraries of the users, to send messages to the communication devices of users when implementing their travel itineraries and enable the users to respond to the messages by sending corresponding responses from their communication devices such that the corresponding responses are checked by the computing arrangement against the travel itineraries to determine whether there arises a deviation therefrom. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140372155 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PARKING RESERVATION AND FINDING PARKING SPACE SUITABLE FOR USER'S VEHICLE SIZE - In implementation, a computer-implemented method, a system, and a non-transitory computer readable medium for managing parking space availability in a parking zone is disclosed. The computer-implemented method includes obtaining a request for a parking reservation for a parking space in a parking zone for a vehicle from a client device, wherein the client device is associated with a user, a vehicle, or both the user and the vehicle; determining that a parking space is available in the parking zone for the vehicle; and providing the parking reservation to the client device. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140372156 | Ticket Scalping Prevention Using a Networked System and Re-Usable Auxiliary Devices - A networked server system which can be organized in both a centralized and decentralized fashion that prevents ticket scalping, uses multi-use auxiliary devices instead of tickets allowing tickets to be transferred between individuals and resold within the system, eliminates the need for paper tickets, and provides greater anti-fraud and anti-counterfeiting security. | 12-18-2014 |
| 20140379389 | TRAVEL BOOKING INVENTORY MANAGEMENT - Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing the booking of travel inventory items at an inventory system. A booking request for a type of travel inventory item managed by the inventory system may be received at the inventory system. An expiration time may be determined based at least in part on the booking request, and a travel booking for a travel inventory item of the type may be confirmed based at least in part on the booking request. The inventory system may be updated based on the booked travel inventory item. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379390 | LOCATION-BASED PRESENTATIONS OF TICKET OPPORTUNITIES - Location-based information is used to estimate which tickets are likely to be unused and to provide channels through which such tickets can be reassigned to others capable of attending the appropriate event. Locations of users (e.g., ticket holders or users interested in an event) are tracked (e.g., by tracking a user device or determining whether the user has redeemed other related tickets, such as a parking voucher), and it is estimated whether and/or when the user could arrive at the event. If it is unlikely that a ticket holder will be able to arrive at the event, an electronic offer can be presented to the ticket holder to surrender the ticket (which may result in a partial or full compensation). If the ticket is surrendered, the ticket can be electronically offered to another user selected based on the user's location and/or relationship to the initial ticket provider. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379391 | APPARATUS, METHOD, AND COMPUTER PROGRAM PRODUCT FOR BUS RAPID TRANSIT TICKETING AND THE LIKE - At a remote server, an indication is obtained that a prospective transit rider has come into geographic proximity of a particular transit boarding area. At the remote server, an authorization request is dispatched to an issuer of a payment card account associated with the prospective transit rider, based on the remote server accessing a database based on the indication. At the remote server, a response to the authorization request is obtained from the issuer. If the response is affirmative, dispatch of an electronic ticket to a portable electronic device of the prospective transit rider is initiated. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379392 | FLIGHT-PLAN GENERATING APPARATUS - A flight-plan generating apparatus ( | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379393 | System for On-site Management of an Event - A method includes receiving, by a check-in device associated with the event management system, a ticket information for an attendee of an event, the check-in device comprising an access point, the access point being operable to connect by a wireless signal to one or more mobile devices, transmitting, from the check-in device to a gatekeeper system associated with the event management system, the ticket information for the attendee, wherein the gatekeeper system comprises a router, a switch, and a computing system, and wherein the check-in device is communicably connected to the gatekeeper system, validating, by the gatekeeper system, the ticket information for the attendee, and transmitting, from the gatekeeper system to the check-in device, an indication of validity of the ticket information for the attendee. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20140379394 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR RECALLING A PREVIOUSLY SOLD PRODUCT - In accordance with some embodiments, a plurality of sales by a seller are simultaneously managed by facilitating a first sale a unit of product to a first buyer at a first price, wherein the unit of product is sold subject to at least one buyout condition, such that the first buyer agrees as a term of the sale, and upon purchasing the unit of product, to surrender the unit of product back to the seller if the at least one buyout condition is satisfied in exchange for a payment amount; determining that the at least one buyout condition is satisfied; and facilitating a second sale of the unit of product to a second buyer for a second price after the first buyer surrenders the first unit of product to the seller in exchange for a payment amount. | 12-25-2014 |
| 20150012305 | MOBILE DEVICE FOR MANAGING E-TICKETS AND PAYMENT TRANSACTIONS - A method, performed by a mobile device, for managing electronic tickets, the method comprising receiving an electronic ticket, identifying private information and public information on the ticket, and displaying the ticket on a display of the mobile device to show only the public information of the ticket. A related method entails displaying an electronic ticket, receiving input to provide payment credentials in relation to the electronic ticket, and transmitting the payment credentials via a short-range transceiver on the mobile device. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012306 | EFFICIENT RESALE OF UNUSED EVENT TICKETS - A server device may be configured to receive information regarding one or more tickets to an event. The information may indicate that the one or more tickets have been previously purchased, and may further indicate that the one or more tickets have not been used. The server device may determine, based on a status of the event, and further based on the information indicating that the one or more tickets have been previously purchased and have not been used, that the one or more tickets should be offered for resale; and may offer, based on the determining, the one or more tickets for resale. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012307 | ELECTRONIC RESERVATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - According to various embodiments, the present invention may provide a method for inventorying, reserving, checking into, navigating to, and/or checking out of seats or other occupiable spaces. A tag may be attached to each seat and scanned wirelessly to gather seat data, which may be used to generate an inventory of the seats available for reservation. A user may then view the inventory and select one or more seats for reservation. When the user arrives at the establishment, he or she may check into the reserved seats. A navigation application may help the user locate the reserved seats. Upon departing the establishment, the user may check out of the reserved seats. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012308 | AD HOC GROUPS OF MOBILE DEVICES TO PRESENT VISUAL AND/OR AUDIO EFFECTS IN VENUES - Systems and methods supplement events to allow attendee participation using mobile devices. Individual attendees are generally associated with a location at the event venue, and the corresponding mobile devices of attendees execute instructions based on the location to provide visual and/or aural output according to one or more specified sequences during at least a portion of the event. The operation of mobile devices as ad hoc groups allows for the event to be supplemented with a light and/or sound show produced via the cumulative mobile devices in a venue. Mechanisms for implementing the above systems and methods include mobile applications for mobile devices and authoring and distribution mechanisms for authoring a media show across a venue and distributing control sequences across mobile devices. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012309 | BOOKING AND CANCELLATION METHOD, AND METHOD FOR COLLECTING TOLLS IN A TOLL COLLECTION SYSTEM - According to the invention, in order to book an authorization for the imminent potential use of one out of several alternatively usable traffic areas by a vehicle in sufficient time, first position data of the vehicle are associated with all alternatively usable traffic areas with regard to the imminent potential use thereof, and use authorizations are booked for all of said traffic areas, wherein said use authorizations can be voided, with the exception of the one that was verifiably used, insofar as second position data of the vehicle are associated with the same traffic areas with respect to a verified non-use. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012310 | Taxi Calling System and Method Based on Handheld Mobile Terminals - The taxi calling system and methods based on the handheld mobile terminal aims at resolving passengers' difficulty of calling a taxi, waste of traffic resource and the platform promotion of taxi calling system. This system contains the hand-held mobile terminal of the passengers, information processing server and the handheld mobile server of the driver. The information procession server can receive and save the dynamic geographic location information of the driver's hand-held mobile terminal. The passengers use handheld mobile terminal to send order information that includes location information to the information processing server which will send request information to the driver's handheld mobile terminal within the relevant area of the passenger. After the drivers receive the request information, they can grab the request, contact the passenger through voice or symbol communication under the coordination of information processing server, confirm the request affairs and finally provide carrying for the passenger. This system and method is convenient for passengers to lower empty rate of taxis and is easy to promote. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012311 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROCESSING PREFERENTIAL ADMISSION OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS TO PHYSICAL VENUES - A method for facilitating preferred admission transactions between venues and customers, comprises: receiving a request for preferential admission at a server from a customer device, the request identifying the venue to which the request applies; delivering a notification of request for preferential admission to a remote venue device; receiving a response at the server from the remote venue device, the response indicating either acceptance or rejection of the request for preferential admission; delivering notification of acceptance of the preferential admission request to the customer device; and charging the customer for the preferred admission service. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150012312 | METHOD FOR SELECTING A SPATIAL ALLOCATION - A method of displaying a selected spatial allocation is provided. The method includes but is not limited to associating spatial allocation characteristic data stored in a database with corresponding spatial location data representing a location of a spatial allocation on the map. The method also includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the spatial allocation from the map, displaying the corresponding spatial allocation characteristic data from the database, along with the selected spatial allocation on the map, on a display. Additionally, the method includes but is not limited to, upon selection of the corresponding spatial allocation from the database, displaying the map, along with the selected spatial allocation in the map, on the display. | 01-08-2015 |
| 20150019271 | ESTIMATING WAIT TIME FOR AN ESTABLISHMENT - A computer collects resource reservation history for a resource for a plurality of reservation time blocks. The computer collects resource reservation wait time history for the resource for each reservation time block. The computer determines a number of patrons that utilized the resource during each reservation time block and creates a resource reservation wait time model. The computer receives a request for a resource reservation wait time estimate for a first reservation time block and collects a first plurality of social media content. The computer determines an estimated number of patrons that intend to utilize the resource during the first reservation time block based on at least the first plurality of social media content. The computer determines a first estimated wait time for the first reservation time block by comparing at least the estimated number of patrons to the resource reservation wait time model. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019272 | ONLINE VACATION RENTAL BOOKING SYSTEM - The present invention provides, in at least one embodiment, an online vacation rental booking system having a plurality of cells comprising rows and columns, the rows having a number of bedrooms and the columns having a period of time. In one embodiment, a first cell is tied to a particular number of bedrooms for the vacation rental and tied to a particular month. The first cell illustrates the number of vacation rentals available and the average nightly price of the available vacation rentals. Embodiments provide significant help to the vacation rental traveler in deciding which month to travel, which city to travel to, and how to easily find a number of bedrooms large enough for the traveler's family. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019273 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR CREATING AND MANAGING GROUP ACTIVITIES OVER A DATA NETWORK - Disclosed herein are systems, methods, and apparatus for automatically aggregating a plurality of system users into participants for a group activity having a plurality of assigned spaces, the participants automatically grouped into a plurality of subgroups based on desired attributes of each member of the subgroup. In some embodiments, the method comprises generating a personal profile of each system user; generating one or more preference profiles of a desired participant for a respective group activity; identifying the personal profiles of the system users that meet the one or more preference profiles; comparing information in the personal profiles to determine a strength-of-match between system users populating the group activity; grouping of the participants into the plurality of subgroups according to the strength-of-match between each member of the subgroup; and assigning the participants of the group activity, grouped into the subgroups, to the plurality of spaces in the group activity. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150019274 | METHOD FOR REDUCING THE OPERATIONAL WEIGHT OF A MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION - A method for reducing the operational weight of a means of transportation is provided. The method includes: providing a list of possible food selections to passengers of the means of transportation before the journey; collecting food selections of passengers before the journey; and supplying the means of transportation with food based on the food selection of the passengers. | 01-15-2015 |
| 20150025918 | FORECASTING AND MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD CONCERNING TICKET TRANSACTIONS IN MULTIPLE MARKETS - System and methods of managing ticket inventory multiple ticket exchanges receive a selection of listing data relating to a set of tickets in a user's ticket inventory; identify, based on the listing data and one or more predefined user preferences, a set of available ticket listings listed on a ticket exchange representing a relative market with which to compare the listing data; determine a current market price and a future market price for the relative market; assess whether the future market price exceeds the current market price; and set a listing price based on the assessing step. The listing price is set relative to a reference price when the future market price does not exceed the current market price. The reference price is monitored for changes; and the listing price is dynamically adjusted as required to remain priced relative to the reference price. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025919 | Notification System - A notification system and method that allows a user to be placed on a waiting list, disclosing only the personal information the user chooses to disclose, and receive updates or other information relating to his status on the waiting list through a personal communication device. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025920 | CHECK-IN REDUCED CARRY ON BAGGAGE SYSTEM AND OTHER BOARDING PROCESS ENHANCEMENTS - A method for improving boarding of passengers and baggage onto a flight, comprises, at a predetermined time before the scheduled departure of the flight, determining an eligible carry-on baggage items count of carry-on baggage items eligible for treatment as checked baggage items. The eligible carry-on baggage items count is based on predetermined criteria comprising at least one of an aircraft type for the flight, a passenger load factor for the flight and carrier historical data relevant to the flight. If the eligible carry-on items count is greater than zero, then an offer to a passenger on the flight to have the passenger's carry-on baggage item treated as a checked baggage item is communicated, and the passenger's communication in response to the offer is received. For each accepted offer, decrementing the eligible carry-on items count. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025921 | ON-VEHICLE TICKETING AND VALIDATION - Enabling a passenger of a vehicle to enter or board the vehicle without necessarily having previously purchased a ticket or fare, and then to perfect a ticket purchase using their handheld device while on-board the vehicle. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025922 | DISTRIBUTIVE ON-DEMAND ADMINISTRATIVE TASKING APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS - The DISTRIBUTIVE ON-DEMAND ADMINISTRATIVE TASKING APPARATUSES, METHODS AND SYSTEMS (“DODAT™ embodiments”), in many embodiments, transform ticket and user inputs via DODAT™ components into payment and work product outputs. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150025923 | APPARATUS, METHOD AND ARTICLE FOR PROVIDING TO A USER DEVICE INFORMATION REGARDING AVAILABILITY OF PORTABLE ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICES AT A PORTABLE ELECTRICAL ENERGY STORAGE DEVICE COLLECTION, CHARGING AND DISTRIBUTION MACHINE - A network of collection, charging and distribution machines collect, charge and distribute portable electrical energy storage devices (e.g., batteries, supercapacitors or ultracapacitors). Availability of charged portable electrical energy storage devices available at a collection, charging and distribution machine are communicated to or acquired by a mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle. Once the mobile device of a user or a user's vehicle comes within close proximity of the collection, charging and distribution machine or within a particular area surrounding the collection, charging and distribution machine, the collection, charging and distribution machine or a collection, charging and distribution machine management system communicates an alert (e.g., over a cellular network, short range wireless signal or wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi) network) to the mobile device or vehicle indicating how many portable electrical energy storage devices are available at the distribution machine. | 01-22-2015 |
| 20150032484 | METHOD FOR MAKING RESERVATIONS - The concept of this invention centers around the “one click” method of initiating action. In particular, the single action being performed is clicking an icon or electronic button or even a voice command. For example, on the screen of the user's personal electronic device when the electronic calendar appears next to each meeting, there is an icon or electronic button for “one click” travel arrangements. By clicking that icon or button, the travel arrangements procedure is started with no further user action. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032485 | Digital method For Providing Transportation Services - A method for providing airline patrons with a car service reservation system which allows for the facilitation of car service usage and an efficient pricing system for customers to work with each car service on a flat fee, non-metered basis. The transportation service provider system described in this patent allows patrons to rate the transportation service they receive upon arrival to their respective final destination. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032486 | PROCESSING INFORMATION QUERIES IN A DISTRIBUTED INFORMATION PROCESSING ENVIRONMENT - Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for handling or managing delayed answers to shopping requests directed to travel content provider platforms. A query processing server of a travel reservation system receives a multi-provider shopping request from an inquiring entity, such as a travel agency, and directs it to a content provider platform, such a platform of a rental car agency. If the content provider platform responds within a given time limit, the query processing server forwards the response to the inquiring entity and updates cache data based upon the response. If the content provider platform does not respond within the given time limit, the query processing server forwards a cache-based response to the inquiring entity. If the content provider platform responds after the given time limit has exceeded, the query processing server updates the cached data to reflect to the belated response from the content provider platform. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150032487 | Method and Apparatus for Real-time Qualification of Rental Customers - A method and system for real-time qualification of rental customers allows a rental company to quickly qualify a customer making an online reservation of a rental vehicle, such as a car share rental, without requiring the customer to be a member or have a membership or to be pre-qualified. The system includes: a database operative to store account information associated with a customer for a rental transaction; an input component operative to receive from the customer an uploaded image of the customer's driver's license and an uploaded second image of the customer; and a processor operative with the database to use the uploaded driver's license image, the uploaded second image and information associated with the uploaded second image to qualify the customer for a rental transaction. The system can compare the customer's driver's license image to the uploaded second image of the customer and qualify the customer for the rental transaction if the second image is uploaded within a pre-defined time before the rental time period begins. The information associated with the second uploaded image of the customer can include a timestamp associated with the second uploaded image and/or a GPS location associated with the uploaded image. | 01-29-2015 |
| 20150039354 | SELF-SERVICE SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TAGGING BAGGAGE - A self-service system and method of tagging baggage which reduces passenger wait time. An example method includes establishing an on-line session to facilitate check-in of a passenger, providing passenger identifying information during the on-line session, providing passenger baggage information during the on-line session, receiving, during the on-line session, an image of a baggage tag, and printing the image of the baggage tag for attachment by the passenger to baggage of the passenger. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039355 | CONTRACT NUMBER ALLOCATION FOR TRAVEL INDUSTRY TRANSACTIONS - Methods, systems, and computer program products for defining subcategories and associated contract number ranges within a standard issuance context category for a travel product. A stock allocation module includes a stock index table having a plurality of stock indexes each associated with an issuance context and at least one range of numbers. In response to a traveler purchasing a travel product, an issuance platform sends an allocation request to the stock allocation module. In response to receiving the allocation request, the stock allocation module identifies a stock index matching the issuance context of the pending transaction. The matching stock index is then used to identify the range of numbers corresponding to the issuance context. An available number is selected from the identified range of contract numbers and used to define a contract number. The contract number is then returned to the issuance platform. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039356 | JOURNEY DATA RE-EVALUATION - Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing a transaction request associated with a travel record, where the travel record includes at least one previously-booked segment. The transaction request may be received at an inventory system, where the transaction request identifies at least one requested segment for the travel record. The inventory system analyzes the at least one previously-booked segment of the travel record and the at least one requested segment of the transaction request to identify at least one particular previously-booked segment as a candidate for re-evaluation segment based at least in part on whether the at least one particular previously-booked segment and the at least one requested segment correspond to a particular journey. Availability may be computed for the at least one requested segment and the at least one candidate for re-evaluation segment, and a sell decision may be generated based at least partially on the computed availability. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150039357 | Systems and Methods for Providing on Demand Business Resources - Techniques for on demand business resource management are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for on demand business resource management including receiving, from a requester, a request via a network for a business resource. The method may further include authenticating the requestor, determining, using at least one computer processor, whether one or more available business resources match the request, providing an interactive graphical user interface indicating available business resources, wherein the interactive graphical user interface is configured to update the interactive graphical user interface to indicate available business resources meeting the business resource criteria, and displaying via the graphical user interface indications of one or more people associated with the available business resources. The method may also include receiving from the requester a reservation request for at least one of the available business resources, reserving the at least one available business resource. | 02-05-2015 |
| 20150046198 | Computer Network Platform for Consolidated Transport Services - A consolidated transport booking network platform is disclosed. This system offers the options of combined services of multiple cross-sectional carriers in one booking. The system also offers automatic payment process and real-time service pricing that takes into account of profit margin and commissions. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150046199 | COMPUTER BASED GUEST MONITORING AND IDENTIFICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD - A guest monitoring and identification system is shown. The system comprises an RFID carried by a guest and includes therein programmed predetermined data identifying a guest. An activating transmitter transmits a monitoring signal over a designated area to be traversed by a guest having the RFID. A receiver receives from the RFID a transmitted data signal containing the programmed predetermined data identifying the guest. A guest identification and service information processor receives the transmitted data signal. The processor interprets the programmed predetermined data identifying a guest and generates data/information signals providing the name and service profile for an identified guest. A communication device communicates to service staff the name and service profile for an identified guest. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150046200 | CHARGER RESERVATION SYSTEM, CHARGER RESERVATION APPARATUS, CHARGER RESERVATION METHOD, AND PROGRAM - The charger reservation system has: a reservation processing unit that receives a use reservation registration for a charger and manages reservation information containing a use starting date/time and a temporary use ending date/time; and a charge required time calculation unit that calculates a time required for charging when a user starts using the charger based on the use reservation registration, wherein the reservation processing unit calculates a new use ending date/time based on the time required for charging and updates the temporary use ending date/time to the new use ending date/time. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150046201 | Travel Booking Platform - A method for guaranteeing a price of an itinerary is disclosed herein. The method comprises receiving travel attributes from a customer. Based on the travel attributes, one or more itineraries can be generated. The itineraries can be provided to the customer along with options to lock the price of the itineraries for a predetermined time in consideration of a payment. The payment for locking the price for a selected itinerary may be received from the customer. Upon making the payment, the customer may be able to purchase the itinerary at the price within the predetermined time. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150046202 | Universal Ticketing and Payment System - A remotely-accessible computer system allows a purchase to establish an account and then purchase admission to live events or venues. The system provides the purchaser with a pass containing data identifying the account established for the purchaser which account contains information about purchased admissions. The pass can be used to gain access multiple events. The purchaser presents the pass at the entrance to the event and a reader reads the identification data and forwards it to the system. The system checks that the purchaser has purchased entry to the particular event and provides a signal to the event indicating whether admission to the event should be allowed or refused. | 02-12-2015 |
| 20150051925 | Open Date Ticketing Method and System - A method and system for selling seat tickets to one or more events in an event series, such as a season of home sporting games or concert series. The method includes setting aside groups of assignable seats to the events, offering open date ticket packages comprising open date tickets redeemable for tickets to the assignable seats, and accepting payment from purchasers in exchange for the ticket packages. The method further includes establishing a redemption deadline for an elected event before which a selected number of open date tickets in a ticket packages may be redeemed for a selected number of tickets to assigned seats chosen from the assignable seats at the elected event, with the selected number ranging between one ticket and all remaining open date tickets in the ticket package, and redeeming the selected number of open date tickets for the selected number of assigned seat tickets. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051926 | Method And System For Managing Parking Spaces In The Context Of Automated Vehicle Rental, And Vehicle Rental Facility - The invention relates to a method ( | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051927 | DYNAMIC IN FLIGHT SEAT MANAGEMENT - A system and a method for dynamic in flight seat management of an aircraft are provided. The system comprises an on board memory unit for storing the current booking status of the seats of the aircraft. Furthermore, the system comprises an output unit for providing the current booking status to a user and an input unit for receiving requests from a user to change the booking status. Therein, the system is adapted to change the booking status in real-time during the flight. In this way, passengers can book a time-limited upgrade during the flight. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150051928 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR VARIABLE DISTRIBUTION AND ACCESS CONTROL FOR PURCHASED EVENT TICKETS - A system and methods for providing variable distribution and access control for purchased event tickets are described. In one embodiment, a network-based system receives an order for electronic tickets purchased by a buyer, receives one or more recipients other than the buyer for one or more of the electronic tickets, receives delivery options for the recipients from the buyer, receives delivery information for the recipients from the buyer, and delivers electronic ticket information to the recipients. Other embodiments are described and claimed. | 02-19-2015 |
| 20150058048 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING PASSENGERS AND CHAUFFEURS - A method and system for identification of a passenger by a personal chauffeur in a transportation center, the system including a server configured to receive input passenger data and generate a serial number assigned thereto, the server also configured to receive chauffeur contact information, an electronic display coupled to the server for displaying generated serial numbers, a plurality of visual identification objects, a dispensing device, coupled to the server, for dispensing one of the visual identification objects in response to input of the serial number by a passenger, and communication elements in the server for communicating information relating to a dispensed visual identification object to the personal chauffeur using the chauffeur contact information. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150058049 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IDENTIFYING AND ANALYZING A CUSTOMER QUEUE - An image from a camera may be received and location coordinates of customers in the image may be identified. A line may be calculated based on the location coordinates and a join zone may be defined on the line. A location on the image corresponding to the join zone may be monitored. If a customer stands in the join zone for an amount of time, then the customer may be determined to have joined the customer queue. In response to the customer joining the customer queue, a new line may be calculated based on location coordinates of the first, second, and third customers in the image. Furthermore, a new join zone may be defined on the new line and a location on the image or video corresponding to the new join zone may be monitored for a subsequent customer joining the customer queue. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150058050 | CONTEXTUALIZED TRAVEL OFFERS - Methods, systems, and computer program products for generating contextualized travel-related offers for a traveler. A reservation system monitors travel activity for the traveler to detect travel events. The reservation system determines event parameters for a particular travel event responsive to detecting the particular travel event. Contextual data based at least in part on a user profile associated with the traveler and one or more booking initiators associated with a corresponding travel reservation is determined by the reservation system, and one or more contextualized travel-related offers based at least in part on the event parameters and the contextual data may be generated by the reservation system. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150058051 | PROPERTY SHARING PLATFORM - Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide a property sharing platform. The platform may be configured to create, based on data received from an owner, a listing for a parking space and publish the listing. Then, the platform may receive search parameters from requestors seeking to temporary share the parking space. The platform may filter a plurality of published listings based on the search parameters and display the filtered plurality of listings to requestor. When a requester selects a listing, the platform may display data associated with the selected listing. The platform may further enable the requestor to bid on the parking space. The owner of the parking space may receive the bid and choose to accept the bid. The platform may then be configured facilitate a financial transaction between the requestor, the owner, and, in some instances, a charity of the owner's choice. | 02-26-2015 |
| 20150066545 | MOBILE PARKING SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING REAL-TIME PARKING GUIDANCE - Parking guidance is provided to a user of a mobile device requesting information on parking spots at a requested location for a requested time. In response to receiving a parking information request, parking spots having locations proximate to the requested location and having availability at the requested time are identified in a database of parking spot information of a parking management server. A notification of the identified parking spots is transmitted to the user device from which the information request was received. In response to receiving a reservation request identifying a parking spot to be reserved from the user device, the database is updated to identify the identified parking spot as being unavailable at the requested time. Additionally, a notification of the reservation request is transmitted to a parking manager associated with the identified parking spot, the notification identifying the particular parking spot and the requested time. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066546 | BIASED TICKET OFFERS FOR ACTORS IDENTIFIED USING DYNAMIC ASSESSMENTS OF ACTORS' ATTRIBUTES - Techniques herein attempt to provide actors with more flexible and satisfactory experiences regarding obtaining tickets for an event. A learning model may identify attributes indicative of whether a particular actor (e.g., attempting to purchase tickets to an event) possesses a desirable characteristic (e.g., is likely to attend the event). Each actor can then be evaluated to estimate whether she is a good actor (possesses the characteristic). If so, favored opportunities may be made available, such as the opportunity to buy high-demand tickets. An actor may further have the opportunity to hold or reserve tickets for a period time, during which other actors cannot purchase them. A fee for holding or reserving tickets (and/or maintaining the hold or reserve) can be dynamically set based on market factors. Opportunities to modify seat assignments to allow a group of friends to sit together may also be provided. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150066547 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY PROCESSING EVENTS BASED ON AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF TIME CONFLICTS - A scheduling apparatus, system, and article including a machine-accessible medium, along with a method of dynamically processing events, are disclosed. The apparatus may include a receiving module capable of receiving information associated with an event. The information may include an event name and event time. The apparatus may also include a memory capable of storing the information associated with the event, and being communicatively coupled with the receiving module. The memory may be used to store a plurality of schedule items, at least one of which may be associated with an item time. The method may include selecting an event associated with a transaction and event time, determining whether a conflict exists, and adjusting the set of events stored in the memory to include the information associated with the event if no conflict is found. | 03-05-2015 |
| 20150073839 | METHOD, APPARATUS, AND PROGRAM FOR AUTOMATING TRAVEL AGENCY - An apparatus, method, and program for automating a Travel Agency which facilitates the end user to book and issue the tickets in commercial travel engagement by the user himself without delay and errors, in turn reduces the total operating cost of travel agency by reducing/avoiding the intervention of agents in the process. The invention makes use of the document reader to read the international travel documents and a thermal printer to print the compact size of the ticket in addition to the touch screen monitor that allow the users to interact with the system. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073840 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, PROGRAM AND ELECTRONIC RECEIPT SYSTEM - According to one embodiment, an information processing device includes a member association unit configured to maintain a code of a consumer, a reception unit configured to receive electronic receipt information and additional information corresponding to the code maintained by the member association unit from an electronic receipt management server, which associates the code of each consumer with the electronic receipt information and other information collected for a plurality of companies, the electronic receipt information including information concerning payments made by the consumer to each of the plurality of companies, and the additional information added to the electronic receipt information, and a display unit configured to display the electronic receipt information and the additional information, which are received by the reception unit. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073841 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING VACATION PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT - The invention provides a method and system for facilitating vacation planning and management. The method includes enabling planning of a vacation based on one or more of a user input, a user profile and a travel history associated with the user profile. The method also includes enabling booking of vacation and providing in-travel support. The in-travel support comprises providing one or more of a concierge service and a crisis management service during travel. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150073842 | Seat Reassignment Method for Transport Vehicles - A passenger reassignment method is provided, in which a substantially automated system is employed to reassign passenger seat assignments from one transport vehicle to another without requiring staff to manually reassign seats, distribute updated boarding passes, or permit free-boarding on the new vehicle. In the commercial airline scenario, when one aircraft is downed because of a maintenance issue, the present method analyzes passenger data from the original flight, locates available substitute flights to the same location or general direction, reassigns the original passenger list to the new aircraft or several aircraft, and displays the updated boarding information on a common display or via individualized displays within the aircraft. The method reassigns seats despite desperate interior arrangements or aircraft types between original and substitute aircraft, and optimizes seat usage on alternative flights to maximize seat usage. Overall, the system improves efficiency in the event of a downed aircraft and vehicle substitution. | 03-12-2015 |
| 20150081346 | EVENT TICKET SHARING VIA NETWORKED MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES - A method on a web server for facilitating sharing of tickets over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes storing ticket records for tickets purchased by a user for an event venue, generating electronic tickets corresponding to the ticket records, wherein each electronic ticket is configured for redemption at an event venue. The method further includes transmitting the electronic tickets to the user, and receiving a unique identifier for a friend of the user. The method further includes accessing a ticket record corresponding to one of the electronic tickets and replacing the unique identifier for the user with the unique identifier for the friend. The method further includes transmitting the electronic ticket corresponding to the ticket record to the mobile computing device of the friend via the communications network. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081347 | PERSONAL MEDIA DEVICES WITH WIRELESS COMMUNICATION - Systems and methods are provided for personal media devices having the ability to communicate wirelessly, and in particular, communicate wirelessly using a short-range communications protocol (e.g., Wi-Fi and Bluetooth). Such communication provides users of personal media devices with access to several Wi-Fi oriented applications. For example, in one embodiment a personal media device may wirelessly download subscription assets (e.g., podcast) as they become available. In another embodiment, content specific or local to a merchant may be provided to personal media devices that are in wireless communication with a wireless router affiliated with the merchant. For example, if the merchant is a restaurant, the merchant may provide a menu to the personal media device and the user may place an order on his or her media device by selecting items on the menu. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081348 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS USING CROWD SOURCED WAIT TIME INFORMATION - A system and method of providing crowdsourced wait time information for a venue includes receiving wait time information for a venue from first user, receiving a query about the venue from a second user, determining wait time for the venue based at least in part on the wait time information from the first user, and sending the determined wait time for the venue to the second user. The system and method can also include providing a promotional offer to one or more of the first user, the second user, or the venue. The system and method can also include providing wait time for a second venue in response to the query about the first venue. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081349 | Systems and Methods to Provide Location Indication in Transaction Data - A computing apparatus configured to: receive an authorization request for a payment transaction initiated in a transaction terminal; determine whether a location of the transaction terminal is in a travel region of the user in accordance with travel information of the user; and provide an indicator in the authorization request transmitted to an issuer processor in accordance with a result of the determination of whether the location of the transaction terminal is in the travel region of the user. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081350 | MOBILE ONLINE VACATION RENTAL BOOKING SYSTEM - A mobile online vacation rental booking system, having a mobile application with a selectable user interface, coupled to a mobile device display, and configured to transmit vacation data to the mobile device and receive vacation data from the mobile device. An aggregator search engine is coupled to receive vacation data from the mobile device and to transmit vacation data to the mobile device. Remote partner databases are coupled with the engine to exchange the vacation data. The engine is configured to cause the vacation data to be shown on the display. A method of booking an online vacation rental uses a mobile device to: select a geospatial region; access partner databases with the mobile device to find a vacation rental properties; identify vacation rental properties; explore attractions close to the vacation rental properties; display a property detail of the vacation rental properties; and select one of the vacation rental properties. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081351 | NETWORKED BARCODE VERIFICATION SYSTEM - Systems and methods are described for barcode verification. Optionally, a barcode scanner/imager is coupled to a verification system over a network. The verification system receives over the network barcode data associated with an item, such as a ticket, and associated information. The verification system uses the barcode data and associated information to determine if the barcode is valid and corresponds to an identified event. The verification system transmits a verification result. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150081352 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR VALIDATING REAL TIME NETWORK COMMUNICATIONS - Methods and systems for managing network communications are described. An example resource management system includes a communications manager configured to access information regarding communication protocols used by corresponding broker systems and to provide message translations based on an origin and/or destination of the message to be transmitted. A message processor is coupled to the communications manager and is configured to serialize incoming and/or outgoing broker messages and to facilitate queuing of incoming and outgoing message traffic with broker systems. A communications configurer is configured to track one or more communication attributes of broker systems and changes thereto to ensure communications between the resource management systems are broker systems are conducted in accordance with the communication attributes of the broker systems. A communications rules provider is configured to determine which broker system is to be communicated with in order to fulfill a resource request. | 03-19-2015 |
| 20150088561 | REMOTE GIFTING AT EVENT VENUES VIA NETWORKED MOBILE COMPUTING DEVICES - A method on a web server for facilitating gifting of goods or services over a communications network is disclosed. The method includes receiving a message including a unique ticket identifier from an event venue, responsive to scanning of a first user's ticket at the event venue, accessing a ticket record in an attached database, transmitting a message to one or more other users, wherein the message identifies the first user and the event venue, and wherein the message includes a link that, when activated, provides a graphical user interface that allows another user to purchase a product or service for pick-up by the first user at the event venue. The method further includes processing electronic payment information of the other user, generating an electronic coupon for redemption of the product or service at the event venue, and transmitting the electronic coupon to the first user. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088562 | RESTAURANT SELECTION, WAIT TIME AND ATTENDANCE MANAGEMENT - Techniques are provided for use, for example, in restaurant selection, wait time and attendance management, such as by an individual or group planning to attend a restaurant. At a Web site, a user may select a restaurant and be provided with the current wait time or estimated current wait time at the restaurant. The user may choose, via the Web site, to have a party added to the wait list for the restaurant, on condition that the party, or a specified portion of the party, must arrive at the restaurant a specified amount of time prior to expiry of the current wait time or current estimated wait time to avoid being removed from the wait list. The Web site may have arrangements with restaurants which may cooperate with the foregoing, including providing wait times to the Web site and adding online users to wait lists on conditions. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150088563 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DISTRIBUTING ELECTRONIC TICKETS WITH DATA INTEGRITY CHECKING - This invention discloses a novel system and method for distributing electronic ticketing to mobile devices such that the ticket stored on the device is checked for its integrity from tampering and the device periodically reports on ticket usage with a central server. | 03-26-2015 |
| 20150100354 | TICKET INVENTORY CONTROL - Systems and methods dynamically group seats in a venue to provide for discretized ticket pricing. Data and information (e.g., historical sales data, venue data, etc.) are used to compute a grouping metric for seats in a venue that is reflective of a desirability of the seat. An inventory manager sets a parameter, which influences how the seats are grouped into sections. For example, the manager can slide a marker across a sliding bar to identify a number of unique sections. Metric ranges are set accordingly, and seats are appropriately assigned to sections based on which range their metrics fall within. An interactive seat map presents an indication as to which seats are assigned to which sections (e.g., via coloring, the indication further indicating a number of unique groups) while an inventory manager adjusts the parameter. | 04-09-2015 |
| 20150106134 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR GROUPED SEAT SELECTION - Computing systems and methods for facilitating the selection and purchase of tickets for grouped seats for an event at a venue are provided. The grouped seats may include groups of seats in a piggyback configuration. The piggyback configuration may include at least one seat in each of multiple adjacent seat rows. The system may provide a user with a seat group filter option and receive a request for piggyback seats through the provided seat group filter option. The system may display a map and a list of available tickets for the event. The map may be updated in response to a user request for piggyback-only seat options. The updated map may highlight sections of seats that include available seats that match the requested piggyback configuration. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150106135 | BOOKING DECISION METHOD FOR TRANSPORTATION INDUSTRY BY SAMPLING OPTIMAL REVENUE - In a booking decision method for transportation industry by sampling optimal revenues, a random sample scenario of a scenario index is generated. A first optimal revenue is generated under a condition of rejecting the current arrival booking request, and a second optimal revenue is generated under a condition of accepting the current arrival booking request. The scenario index is increased by 1 if the sample scenario index is smaller than a total number of sample scenarios; otherwise, a first average revenue of the first optimal revenue and a second average revenue of the second optimal revenue are calculated, and the marginal profit is calculated according to the first average revenue and the second average revenue. If the price of a current arrival request is greater than or equal to the marginal profit, the current arrival booking request is accepted; otherwise, the current arrival booking request is rejected. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150106136 | INDIVIDUAL SEAT SELECTION TICKETING AND RESERVATION SYSTEM - This invention relates to an electronic means by which people can select the exact seat or seats they want for any type of event or reserve an appointment for any activity such as a doctor or dentist appointment or even an appointment to have their car lubed. More specifically, a customer or a ticket re-seller or a venue operator can go, for example, to the internet and select the event or activity for which they want a ticket or tickets or reserve a time and reserve and order the exact seat or seats or the time of their choosing directly online. The seat or seats or reserved time they select is then removed from the inventory for that activity or event and made not available for any other buyer and such is so indicated by a graphical representation or other such indicator on the online map or picture representing availability of seating or time for that event. For an appointment reservation, the user connects to the internet or other wide area network, such as a bulletin board, from his home of office computer and connects to a page that displays a reservation calendar where he can interact such as to reserve a specific time period for himself. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150106137 | Enhanced Content Delivery Systems and Methods - A method of distributing an offer to a user, the method being implemented on a processor, and the method comprising: receiving information associated with the user; receiving information associated with travel plans of the user; determining an offer from a database comprising a plurality of offers, wherein each of the plurality of offers comprises an offer identifier, and wherein the offer is determined based on the information associated with the user and the information associated with the travel plans; providing the offer identifier associated with the determined offer to the user. | 04-16-2015 |
| 20150112736 | Systems and Methods for Third Party Satellite Radio Activation and Management - System and methods for management of third party satellite radio activation/deactivation by a vehicle rental service company, wherein satellite radio services may be provided in a rental car when requested by a customer. The systems and methods will enable activation of a satellite radio shortly before or at the start of the rental period, and activation may be altered by the vehicle rental service company in the event that the rental period is shortened or extended, or if the vehicle is exchanged. The systems and methods deactivate the satellite radio service at the end of the rental period. The systems and methods may also be used to activate or deactivate other equipment or services made available via a vehicle rental service company in response to a customer request. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150112737 | ENTERPRISE ACCESS TO SURVEY TOOLS - A system includes an enterprise repository configured to store at least one list of users associated with an organization and at least one list of surveys associated with the organization, an invitation module configured to allow an inviting user associated with the organization to designate at least one invitee to become associated with the organization and monitor acceptance by the invitee, a management module configured to associate the invitee with the organization in the list of users upon invitation acceptance, the management module to monitor the list of users to ensure a number of users on the list does not exceed a predetermined number of granted licenses, and a data repository, the data repository configured to store data received from the surveys generated by the users associated with the organization, wherein at least one user associated with the data repository has access rights to the data received through surveys. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150112738 | RESERVING VENUE FOR CALENDAR EVENT - Provided is a system for reserving a venue for a calendar event. The system may comprise a processor and a database. The processor may be configured to receive an invitation to the calendar event from an event organizer, gather data about the event, and define event requirements based on the data. Based on the event requirements and a permission of the organizer, the processor determines suitable venues. The suitable venues are ranked based on information on the organizer, invitees, event data, and venue data, and optimal venues are identified. A predefined number of optimal venues is sent to the organizer. The organizer selects a venue from the presented options and provides payment information. The processor reserves the selected venue and collects a payment using the payment information. The database stores at least available venues, the data about the calendar event, event requirements, suitable venues, optimal venues, and the selected venue. | 04-23-2015 |
| 20150120340 | DYNAMIC SEAT RESERVATIONS - A seating system for selectively reserving seats during an event includes a seating control system configured to place a plurality of seats in an open position, such that a patron is able to sit in the seats, receive reservation data identifying reserved seats from the plurality of seats, and place each reserved seat into a closed position, such that a patron is not able to sit in the reserved seat, based on the reservation data. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120341 | TIERED OVERSUBSCRIPTION - Techniques are described for allocating and distributing tickets to an event at a venue. The tickets are distributed in a multi-step process in which first pre-issue tickets are allocated and distributed. Expected attendance for an event is calculated and pre-issue tickets are allocated and distributed based on the expected attendance. Seats are assigned at a later time when the user enters the venue or checks in for the event. When a user's ticket is part of a group of tickets, seats are assigned for the entire group rather than merely assigning a ticket for the user. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120342 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SELF-PORTRAIT EVENT CHECK-IN - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating ticket redemption or check-in for an event using a self-portrait electronic ticket. One method includes presenting information related to the ticket, determining that a redemption or check-in function associated with the ticket is available, receiving an indication from the user that redemption or check-in should be initiated, capturing an image of the user, and presenting an electronic ticket derived in part from the captured image. The user may then present the electronic ticket on the mobile device to redeem the ticket for a service or product, or obtain efficient entry, and, if needed, reentry, to an event. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120343 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SOCIALLY CONTINGENT EVENT ADMISSION PURCHASE - A system and method are provided for socially contingent purchase of tickets. The method includes receiving a contingent purchase request from a first buyer, receiving information regarding the identity of a second buyer, providing a notification to the second buyer, and executing the purchase for the first buyer upon execution of a purchase by the second buyer. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120344 | APPORTIONING SHARED FINANCIAL EXPENSES - A determination can be made that a first user is available for a card-less payment transaction with a merchant restaurant. Data describing a booking for a shared financial expense to be incurred at the merchant restaurant can be obtained. The data can describe a second user participating in the group transaction. A total amount due for the shared financial expense can be obtained. A determination can be made that the second user is contributing to the shared financial expense. A respective electronic bill for the first and second users can be generated. Each respective electronic bill can be for an apportioned amount due for the shared financial expense. Data describing the respective electronic bill for the apportioned amount due for the shared financial expense can be sent to the first and second users. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150120345 | APPORTIONING SHARED FINANCIAL EXPENSES - A payment system can accept an electronic reservation for a merchant restaurant in response to a reservation request received from a user. The payment system can detect that the user is present at a location associated with the merchant restaurant based at least in part on an indication received from a mobile device associated with the user. The payment system can determine a completion of a service associated with the electronic reservation. The payment system can provide an electronic bill for the service to be displayed on the mobile device of the user. Based on receiving an authorization of the electronic bill from the mobile device of the user, the payment system can charge, through a card-less payment transaction, the user for at least an amount disclosed in the electronic bill. | 04-30-2015 |
| 20150127391 | COMPREHENSIVE CARBON FOOTPRINT DETERMINATION AND OFFSET FOR MULTI-POINT, MULTI-MODAL, MIXED ACTIVITY TRAVEL - There is much concern about global warming of the Earth caused by increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases produced by human activities such as the burning of fossil fuels and deforestation. There is also concern water and air pollution that are a byproduct of human activities. The invention comprises a method and system that quantifies and provides feedback regarding an environmental impact of all planned or completed activities associated with an entire trip including the impact of transportation, hotel, restaurants, and recreational activities. It further allows the traveler to offset the negative environmental impact by paying a corresponding amount of money to an organization associated with improving the environment. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127392 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR TICKETED EVENT NOTIFICATIONS - Computing systems and methods for automatically providing event-related notifications to users are provided. Purchased-ticket events can be identified by scraping user emails. Ticket information such as dates and locations of events can also be gathered. User friends such as contacts in the user's social networks that have purchased tickets for the identified events may be identified. For future events, the user can be notified of friends that are attending the event, event-related vendor offers, ticket resale alerts, and event-time alerts. For past events, the user can be notified of shared comments or photos from friends or others. Consumers in a common geographical area with the user that have purchased tickets for the same events can also be identified. The user can be notified of identified neighbors attending the event or a community chat webpagc for the event can be provided. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127393 | MONETIZING EMPTY LEGS ON TRANSPORTATION MODES - Methods and systems for upgrading passengers from commercial airline flights to private aircraft flights are disclosed. The problem of having a return flight of a private aircraft without revenue generating passengers is solved by selecting a commercial airline flight which best overlaps the return flight of the private aircraft, and offering commercial airline passengers booked on the selected commercial airline flight an opportunity to upgrade to the private aircraft flight. Commercial airline passengers willing to upgrade pay an incremental fee which may be used to offset the cost of the return flight of the private aircraft. Commercial airline passengers may be selected based on their participation in commercial airline marketing programs such as those based on total accumulated miles flown. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150127394 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR EXPRESS DIGITAL PAYMENTS IN RESTAURANTS - A method for making an enhanced restaurant reservation includes: storing at least one payment profile, wherein each of the at least one payment profile includes data related to a payment account including at least a payment account number corresponding to the related payment account; displaying a list of a plurality of restaurants; receiving an indication of a specific restaurant of the plurality of restaurants; identifying a plurality of enhanced reservation options associated with the specific restaurant; displaying, by the display device, the identified plurality of enhanced reservation options; receiving at least a reservation time and/or date and at least one user reservation option corresponding to the identified plurality of enhanced reservation options; and transmitting at least a reservation identifier, the received reservation time and/or date, and the received at least one user reservation option. | 05-07-2015 |
| 20150134371 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AUTOMATIC SCRAPBOOK GENERATION - Computing systems and methods for facilitating automatic generation and maintenance of an online scrapbook are provided. The online scrapbook may be a repository of ticketed-event information and associated photos, comments or other mementos associated with the ticketed events. The scrapbook may include a timeline of future and past purchased-ticket events and associated links for inviting others to future events, reselling tickets to future events, sharing events with others through social networking, displaying photos of past events, or commenting on past or future events. Events for the webpage may be identified through a user account on a ticket server or by scraping a user's email account for event-related emails. The photos may be gathered from social networking sites associated with the user and sorted by event based on the time, location, or content of the photo. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134372 | INTEGRATION OF ONLINE SELF-BOOKING TOOL AND THIRD PARTY SYSTEM SEARCH RESULTS - Methods, systems, and computer program products for providing functionality of an online self-booking tool to a user who is booking travel offerings through a website of a third party provider. A travel-related search query by the user generates parallel searches in each of a website of a third party provider and a database including travel offerings having negotiated rates. The results of the parallel searches may be captured and combined in a data siphon tool. The data siphon tool may reconcile the combined search results by eliminating duplicate search results and identifying search results that are in conflict with corporate travel policies. The reconciled search results may then be formatted based on display data obtained from the third party website and displayed to the user. Search results conflicting with corporate travel policies may be deleted, or displayed with an indication of the conflict. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134373 | LOW COST TRAVEL TICKETING - Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing low cost carrier travel inventory items. A booking request for a travel record is received at a reservation system. Responsive to determining that the booking request corresponds to a travel inventory item of a low cost carrier, a light ticketing document number is generated for the travel inventory item based at least in part on the low cost carrier and a type of the travel inventory item. A transaction request including form of payment information and contact information is communicated to a low cost carrier inventory system for the travel inventory item. Responsive to a transaction response received from the low cost carrier inventory system indicating successful booking and successful payment for the travel inventory item, the travel record is updated to include a confirmed booking for the travel inventory item including the light ticketing document number. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134374 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MULTIPLE SERVICE CHECK-IN THROUGH A SINGLE SERVICE CENTER CHECK-IN - There are provided systems and method for multiple service check-in through a single service center check-in. A user may utilize a user device to check-in to a service center, such as a mall, airport, or hotel, offering a plurality of services. As the user moves throughout the service center, the user device may connect to beacons, such as Bluetooth Low Energy beacons. The user device may be previously checked-in with these beacons, or may be quickly checked-in when in proximity to the beacons without the user checking-in to each beacon manually. Thus, if the user is in proximity to a service, the user device may receive advertisements, information, etc. for the service. Additionally, since the user will already be checked-in to the service, the merchant and/or service center may complete transactions for the user with the service. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134375 | DISPLAY METHOD - A display method including: performing (S | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134376 | INFORMATION MANAGEMENT APPARATUS, TERMINAL, AND INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - A center server includes an application identification information creating unit that allocates, on the basis of communication with a mobile terminal, identification information to an application that is set in the mobile terminal | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150134377 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SCHEDULING AND RESERVING SEATS OR SPACES AT GAMING ESTABLISHMENTS - The disclosure provides systems and methods for planning and reserving spaces at gaming establishments via one or more communications networks. In various embodiments, the user uses network-capable device to provide data specifying search criteria for a desired gaming session, which may include location, time, and game type desired. The system may serve matching, similar, sponsored, or other results to the user, allowing the user to choose or exclude establishments that match location, time, game type, table stakes, or other criteria of the game. Based on the user's selections, the user may pay to make a reservation, or provide a means of payment to secure the reservation. The system generates a receipt for the user, which may be in any of several forms, including a file or image to print or an electronic receipt for display on a network-capable mobile device. | 05-14-2015 |
| 20150142481 | APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MANAGING ACCESS TO A RESOURCE - A resource access management system and method for managing user access to a resource having a number of resource slots. Each resource slot can be used by a user. The resource access management system is provided with a primary access configured to allow a user to access the resource, the primary access having a first entry point and a first exit point. A secondary access is also provided that is configured to allow users to access the resource. The resource access management system is configured to determine an apparent wait time based on a number of users entering the primary access and the secondary access, and a predetermined resource time associated with the resource. The resource access management system is further configured to periodically determine an actual wait time of a selected user between entering the first entry point and exiting first exit point, and can then calculate a wait time for the primary access using both the apparent wait time and the actual wait time. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142482 | SEARCH ENGINE FOR IDENTIFYING BUSINESS TRAVEL PROPOSALS - Systems, methods, and computer program products for ranking and selecting travel-related search results for display to a traveler. The system may receive data identifying a preferred travel proposal from each of a plurality of travelers, and analyze the data to determine a value utility function. The value utility function may then be used to assign a relative utility to travel proposals identified in response to a search query from a traveler. Additional data relating to a pricing sensitivity of a payer may be received from an entity paying for travel, such as a corporation or other business entity. The system may analyze the pricing sensitivity data to define a price utility function that quantifies the price of each travel proposal. A composite utility function that is a weighted sum of the value and price utility functions may be used to select search results for display to the traveler. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150142483 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ELECTRONIC TICKET VALIDATION USING PROXIMITY DETECTION - This invention discloses a novel system and method for automated protocols between a mobile device and an electronic ticketing verification system, where proximity detection is used to automatically display the verification or to automatically control entry gates or turnstiles when the mobile device is verified has holding a valid ticket and being located in a specific location associated with the ticket. | 05-21-2015 |
| 20150149220 | Methods and Procedures for a Travel Assistance Platform - A system and method for providing travel assistance and travel event processing. Travel events may include, for example, a cancellation associated with a travel reservation, a delay associated with a travel reservation, a timing change associated with a travel reservation, a travel reservation transaction, an environmental change potentially affecting travel, a location tracking event, and a service offer. By way of example, a travel reservation may include a reservation for an airline, railway, bus company, watercraft company, hotel or other-types of room accommodations, business events, such as, for example, a seminar, a conference, and/or a dining reservation, and/or recreational events, such as, for example, a tour, a concert, a show, a sporting event, an exploration outing, dining reservations, and/or other type of reserved recreational event. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150149221 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CHARGING ELECTRIC VEHICLES - A charging service for electric vehicles is provided. The charging service may allow electric vehicles to be charged when certain conditions are met (e.g., at certain times, when certain battery charge levels are reached, when located at certain sites, etc.), without users of these electric vehicles having to charge the vehicles themselves. Other features pertaining to charging of electric vehicles are also provided, such as an application for estimating a driving range (e.g., distance and/or time) available with a current battery charge level of an electric vehicle. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150149222 | BOOKING METHOD AND SYSTEM - 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. | 05-28-2015 |
| 20150294234 | AGGREGATION RECORD FOR MANAGING ANCILLARY TRAVEL SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing an Electronic Miscellaneous Document (EMD). In response to receiving a request for an ancillary service, an aggregation module generates an aggregation record. The aggregation module may obtain passenger and segment data from a plurality of Passenger Name Records (PNRs), and add this data to the aggregation record. The aggregation record may thereby provide a database object including passenger and segment data from multiple PNRs associated with an itinerary. The aggregation record may be associated with an EMD, and may be configured so that a single EMD can be issued to a traveler for an ancillary service provided across an itinerary comprising multiple PNRs. A mapping record may also be generated that links the EMD, aggregation record, and PNRs. The mapping record may thereby provide an index that enables a database to quickly identify relationships between EMDs, aggregation records, and PNRs. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294235 | ELECTRONIC MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT HANDLING IN RESPONSE TO INVOLUNTARY MODIFICATIONS OF ANCILLARY SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer program products for handling electronic miscellaneous documents in response to involuntary modifications of services. A request, which includes first data for a passenger name record, is received for a change to an airline reservation. Second data for an electronic miscellaneous document that is linked to the first data for the passenger name record is also received. A determination is made as to whether the electronic miscellaneous document can be exchanged by applying at least one exchange eligibility rule to the first data for the passenger name record and the second data for the electronic miscellaneous document. If the electronic miscellaneous document can be exchanged, an exchange of the electronic miscellaneous document is automatically processed. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294236 | ELECTRONIC MISCELLANEOUS DOCUMENT HANDLING IN RESPONSE TO VOLUNTARY MODIFICATIONS OF ANCILLARY SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer program products for handling electronic miscellaneous documents in response to voluntary modifications of services. A request, which includes first data for a passenger name record, is received for the airline reservation change. Second data for a first electronic miscellaneous document, which is linked to the first data for the passenger name record, is also received. A determination is made as to whether the first electronic miscellaneous document can be exchanged by applying at least one exchange eligibility rule to the first and second data. If the first electronic miscellaneous document can be exchanged, a fare for a service associated with the first electronic miscellaneous document is obtained from a pricing engine associated with the first electronic miscellaneous document. In response to receiving the fare for the service, the passenger name record is updated with a second electronic miscellaneous document including the fare for the service. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294237 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR SIMULTANEOUSLY DISPLAYING NON-SCHEDULED AND SCHEDULED AIR TRAVEL SERVICES FOR BOOKING FLIGHTS - A system and method for providing the ability to request scheduled and non-scheduled flight information and display the information on a user-interface has been developed. By displaying both the schedule and non-scheduled flight information, a simple comparison of both travel services can be made and a request for a flight for a traveler can be performed. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150294264 | THRESHOLD REVENUE MANAGEMENT WITH LIMITED FORECASTING - Techniques are disclosed for adjusting inventory allocations assigned to system elements published to a reservation and booking system. In particular, inventory allocations assigned to a system element may be adjusted based on deviations from a target utilization level assigned to that element. For example, in the context of an airline pricing and reservation system, a threshold revenue management (RM) system may adjust fare class level (FCL) allocations for a published flight. As disclosed, the threshold RM system may make across-run adjustments when a flight is published in a booking system and across-DCP adjustments after the flight is published. Doing so may both improve revenue as well as help ensure a flight realizes an assigned load factor target at departure. | 10-15-2015 |
| 20150302320 | System, Process and Method of Booking Musicians and Artists - A system for booking a live performance by a performer using the Internet comprising the steps of: providing a booking link on the promotional website of the performer, and wherein the booking link is connected to a booking website; booking hyperlink directs a performance seeker to a webpage displaying information relating to a performer profile on the booking website, wherein performer profile includes information pertaining to performer details; the performance seeker logins into booking website using a performance seeker profile, and wherein the performance seeker profile has been verified by the website as having available funding to make offers to performer, offer is made by performance seeker to performer on a confidential chat forum on booking website, and wherein the performer and performance seeker may view each other's respective profile; performance seeker and performer agree to an electronic contract for a live performance by a performer; and performance seeker or performer records comments about the other respective party in their respective profile. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302321 | UNIT-BASED LICENSING FOR EVENT AND DIGITAL CONTENT ACCESS - A method and apparatus for unit-based licensing for event and digital content access are provided. Unit-based licensing for event and digital content access may include receiving a request for access to an event, the request for access indicating a customer account, determining a cardinality of assigned units for the event, identifying a cardinality of available licensing units allocated to the customer account, determining whether the cardinality of the assigned units is within the cardinality of the available licensing units, and outputting a response. Outputting the response may include indicating that the request is granted, on a condition that the cardinality of the assigned units is within the cardinality of the available licensing units, and indicating that the request is denied, on a condition that the cardinality of the assigned units exceeds the cardinality of the available licensing units. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150302322 | CLUSTER MEMBERSHIP PLATFORM FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION - Methods and systems for air transportation using a cluster membership platform are described herein. A method may include determining a minimum number of passengers for a cluster membership to cover a flight cost. After receiving requests for tickets from two or more passengers, it can be determined that a number of requests is sufficient to provide the two or more passengers with a cluster membership. The two or more passengers may be provided with the cluster membership. Each of the two or more passengers may be provided with the tickets according to the received one or more requests based on a cluster membership policy. The cluster membership policy may include one or more of a ticket price, a membership fee, a flying time cost, and a membership type. | 10-22-2015 |
| 20150310355 | INTEGRATING EVENT-PLANNING SERVICES INTO A PAYMENT SYSTEM - A method of managing events is disclosed. It is determined that a user is present at a particular location within an event venue. It is determined that the user has reserved the event venue for a particular time period. A selection is received from the user of a particular merchant that is committed to providing services at the event during the particular time period. The particular location within the event is associated with the particular merchant. A notification of the association of the particular location within the event venue with the particular merchant is generated for communication to the particular merchant. | 10-29-2015 |
| 20150317568 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR FLEXIBLE CARPOOLING IN A WORK CONTEXT - A computer implemented method of forming carpools. Lists of participants in a rideshare environment are maintained. The participants are members of a private group and have privileges based on membership. A location of a participant is automatically determined based on a location detection method. A driver from the list of participants is automatically identified based on a current location of the driver. The driver proposes a trip comprising an approximate start time, approximate start location, end location, and number of available seats. Requests for transportation are received from passengers who are participants on the list of participants. For each available seat, the requests for transportation are automatically matched with the trip based on the approximate start time, the approximate start location, or the end location. Only certain passengers are matched with certain drivers. The matching identifies proposed riders. A finalized start time and finalized start location are negotiated between the proposed riders and the driver. The driver publishes the finalized start time and finalized start location. The proposed riders are automatically notified of the finalized start time, and the finalized start location. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317569 | VISUAL BOOKING SYSTEM - A method, apparatus, and program product implement visual booking operations to search for travel products and/or present travel recommendations associated with travel products to users based upon visual elements in one or more digital images captured by a wearable or mobile device. Visual elements may be extracted and inferred to identify one or more travel destination locations that are geographically remote from a current location of a user, and the identified travel destination locations may be used to search a travel database to identify at least one travel product for travel from a travel origination location to a travel destination location. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317570 | SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT DEVICE, SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT METHOD, AND SCHEDULE ADJUSTMENT PROGRAM - A schedule adjustment device is a device for assisting an organizer holding an event by inviting participants to decide a slot for holding the event, the slot at least containing information about date and time, which includes a notification means to, when a plurality of candidate slots for holding an event set by an organizer terminal used by the organizer satisfy predetermined unavailability conditions, notify the organizer terminal of that fact. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317611 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROVIDING PARTICIPATION VALIDATIONS - A method for providing a participation validation of a first client for participation in at least one event of a plurality of events to a second client and providing event information on the at least one event to the first client, the method comprising steps being performed by a server computer. The steps are accessing at least one first database comprising data associated with the first client, classifying the data whether it is related to participation in the event or not, parsing the data that is related to participation in the event, providing, to the second client, a participation validation at a predetermined time before the at least one event occurs, accessing at least one second database comprising data associated with the plurality of events, obtaining event information associated with the at least one event based on the parsed data, and providing, to the first client, the event information on the at least one event at a predetermined time before the at least one event occurs, in a format that is independent of the accessed at least one second database and the second client. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150317702 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR MOVING POSITIONS IN A WAITING LIST - A method of changing positions in a waiting list in exchange for a donation to charity includes receiving information regarding a mobile device and a user of the mobile device at a database server to reserve a position in a waiting list at a business establishment, sending a message to the mobile device, determining whether the link displayed on the mobile device is selected, providing a web page to the mobile device enabling the user to make an electronic payment to a charity, determining whether confirmation of a payment for the donation to charity has been received from a payment server, updating the user's current position to a new position in the waiting list when confirmation of a payment has been received from a payment server, and notifying the business establishment and the user of the updated user's current position as the new position. | 11-05-2015 |
| 20150324708 | ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION - A user is detected in a vicinity of a shared transportation vehicle by identifying a user device and determining a location of the user device. Parameters are determined for user travel of a route of the shared transportation vehicle. A message is targeted to a device of the detected user based on a location of the detected user. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150324709 | Computer-Implemented System And Method For Providing Available Parking Spaces En Route - A computer-implemented system and method for providing available parking spaces en route is provided. Each of a plurality of parking spaces are associated with a hold time during which other vehicles are prevented from parking within that parking space while available and prior to commencement of a reservation. A request for an available parking space is received from a user. One or more of the parking spaces are identified as available. A duration of time for arrival by the user to each of the available parking spaces is determined. The hold time for each available parking space is applied to the arrival time duration for that available parking space. At least one of the available parking spaces for which the user's arrival time duration is less than the hold time is selected and provided to the user. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150324710 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMMUNICATION DEVICE, METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - A method causes a computer of a communication device to: acquire appointment available dates and times at a specialized institution; determine candidate appointment dates and times at the specialized institution by excluding each date and time, on which a plan of a user is stored in the communication device, from the acquired appointment available dates and times; display each display representing each candidate appointment time based on the determined candidate appointment dates and times, in each region corresponding to each day represented in calendar data; and display an appointment screen on a display when selection of one region is detected, the one region corresponding to one day represented in the calendar data and representing one candidate appointment time, the appointment screen being used for setting the one candidate appointment date and time corresponding to the selected one region as an appointment date and time at the specialized institution. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150324887 | SYSTEM FOR ENHANCING THE RESTAURANT EXPERIENCE FOR PERSONS WITH FOOD SENSITIVITIES/PREFERENCES - A method and apparatus for providing an individualized menu to a patron of a restaurant. The method includes providing, from a computing device, a set of food sensitivity and preference queries to the patron, receiving a set of food sensitivity and preference query responses from the patron, determining a patron specific menu for the restaurant based on a current menu for the restaurant, acceptable alterations to the current menu as determined by personnel associated with the restaurant, and the set of food sensitivity and preference query responses from the patron, and providing the patron specific menu for the restaurant to the patron. Determining the patron specific menu includes removing at least one food item from the current menu of the restaurant, and wherein possible alterations to the current menu include changes to the current menu approved by personnel associated with the restaurant. | 11-12-2015 |
| 20150332174 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ENHANCED VEHICLE PARKING SPACE UTILIZATION - A method for facilitating utilization of a vehicle parking space. The method includes causing a computing device to graphically display a location of a personal parking space in geographic vicinity of a vehicle as being available for parking, wherein availability of said personal parking space is designated based on an input from an interest holder in the personal parking space. The method further includes receiving user selection of the available personal parking space, receiving user selection of parking time during which the vehicle will occupy the selected personal parking space, and designating the personal parking space as unavailable during the parking time selected by the user. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332175 | INFORMATION PROVISION DEVICE, INFORMATION PROVISION METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROVISION PROGRAM - An information provision device according to one embodiment includes a receiving unit, an extraction unit, a setting unit and a presentation unit. The receiving unit receives search criteria. The extraction unit extracts reservation acceptance information of the target facility corresponding to a past determination target period based on the search criteria by referring to a storage unit storing reservation acceptance information of a facility. The setting unit calculates a rate of decrease from an initial number of vacancies in the target facility during the past determination target period based on the extracted reservation acceptance information, and when there is a date of change when the number of vacancies has changed to be less than a specified threshold during the determination target period, sets an estimated date for a reservation request. The presentation unit outputs the value set-as estimate information for reservation request. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332176 | TRAVEL COMFORT INDEX - A travel booking system calculates the comfort level of a traveller for a trip by including factors for each sector of a trip, such as an aircraft seat pitch and seat width, the flight time of a flight sector, the travel distance at any airport transits en route, the confusion level at an airport, the facilities available at a hotel, the cost of the trip, the corporate travel requirements, the travellers own preferences, and factoring these together by a process as shown to arrive at an overall comfort level. From this alternative travel routes can be compared to allow a choice of a trip route which will be as comfortable as possible and meet a required cost level. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332177 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ORDERING, LOADING AND USING ADMISSION TICKETS - Method and system for ordering, loading and using tickets ordered from a reservation center through transmission of order data that includes a number assigned to a mobile communications terminal. The ordered ticket is received via a mobile radio network at the mobile communications terminal, and the ticket is stored. A reading device receives ticket information contactlessly from the mobile communications terminal, and an authorization of a user of the mobile communications terminal is decided based on the ticket information. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150332363 | System and Methods for Exchanging Property, Services and Reservations - A representative exchange system is disclosed herein comprising a plurality of computing devices, a network that interconnects the plurality of computing devices, and an exchange server that is interconnected to the plurality of computing devices by way of the network. The exchange server includes a processing device and memory that includes an exchange manager having instructions that are executed by the processing device. The instructions include the following logics: receive exchange information associated with a property, services, and/or reservations, wherein the exchange information includes a selling price; determine whether the property, services, and/or reservations has been purchased by a first purchaser based on the selling price, and whether the first purchaser has resold the property, services, and/or reservations; and responsive to determining that the property, services, and/or reservations has been resold to a second purchaser, transfer the title of the property, services, and/or reservations from the originator to the second purchaser, thereby bypassing a transfer of title of the property, services, and/or reservations to the first purchaser. | 11-19-2015 |
| 20150339594 | EVENT MANAGEMENT FOR A SENSOR BASED DETECTON SYSTEM - Provided is a method including receiving data associated with at least one radiation detection sensor reading. The method also includes in response to the received data satisfying a certain condition, generating an event ticket; and assigning the event ticket to a first entity for processing. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339595 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR BALANCING RENTAL FLEET OF MOVABLE ASSET - A method and a system for balancing rental fleet of movable assets are provided. In one aspect, the method is executed by a processor and comprises receiving, at a booking time, a booking request for an asset, the booking request including a pickup location and a pickup time; in response to the booking request, calculating a predicted quantity of assets at the pickup location and the pickup time based at least in part on current asset location information and future booking data, and calculating a target quantity of assets at the pickup location and the pickup time based on past booking data; calculating a discount parameter in accordance with said predicted quantity of assets and said target quantity of assets; and generating a booking price in accordance with the discount parameter. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339596 | Apparatus and Methods of Recommending Multiple Options to a Group of Remote Users and Forming an Agreement - Methods and apparatus for a system providing group recommendations, event scheduling, and forming consensus agreements among a group of disparately located users are provided by the present principles. Communication among the disparately located users may be achieved through social media tools, online polling, chatting, and texting. The methods and apparatus allow a user profile to be constructed based on ratings that a user provides to items in a database. The items may comprise such things as restaurants, movie theaters, or other entertainment and group activities. The items may comprise feature vectors including attributes of the individual items. With user profiles constructed, the methods and apparatus may allow prediction of a rating that an individual with a particular user profile may give to a similar item in a database. The system may be used to predict the best choice for a group activity by considering the ratings of all users within a group. Individual ratings may be weighted to give higher or lower priority to some users. The system may also recommend activities based on the users participating in the group, or allow the users to select other activities to be considered. In one exemplary embodiment, the system selects recommendations for the users, comprising elements such as movie title, theater location, seating, and prices. The system sends notifications to the users, collects preferences from the users, and determines a choice based on the collected preferences. The users are notified of the choice and given an opportunity to purchase tickets electronically. If so, they may receive electronic tickets, coupons, promotions, or offers. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339597 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MOBILE CHECK-IN AND CLOUD SYSTEM THEREOF - A system and method of mobile check-in are provided. The system includes a cloud composed of a database, a server, and a push gateway. The server generates a check-in request and sends the check-in request in the form of a push notification to a specific mobile communication device through the push gateway and an external push server. All executable functions of the mobile communication device enabled with an organization ID are locked until a check-in operation is completed. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150339598 | AUTOMATED BEST RATE GUARANTEE - The method and system permits for searching of rates offered by travel accommodation providers and comparing the retrieved rates. The methodology searches both the host site and third party sites to obtain a result listing. Based on this listing, the rates between that of the host site and the third party site are compared for discrepancies between the same or similar listings. If a discrepancy is found that makes the offering on the third party site less expensive than is offered on the host site for the same or similar accommodations, a best rate guarantee methodology is triggered. This takes into account the accommodations and pricing of each listing and based on predetermined constraints enables automatic price matching, incentives, discounts, and so forth to encourage a user to select the host site's accommodation. | 11-26-2015 |
| 20150347928 | SEAT ASSIGNMENT - Methods, systems, and computer program products for assigning seats of passenger-transport vehicles to passengers. The passengers are subdivided into a plurality of groups. The passengers included in each group are connected by social-network relations and have less than a maximum number of social-network relations to other passengers outside of the group. Breaks of the social-network relations between the passengers are minimized when the passengers are subdivided into the groups. In response to one of the passengers being excluded from the groups, one of the groups is determined that includes at least one included passenger with at least one of the social-network relations to the excluded passenger to thereby increase the size of the group by adding the excluded passenger. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150347929 | CONTENT EXCHANGE WITH A TRAVEL MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - Methods, apparatus, and computer program products for exchanging content with a content management system comprising an extended record data structure. A plurality of records are maintained at the travel management system in an extended record data structure that includes first data containers containing standard data elements and second data containers containing non-standard data elements. Each non-standard data element is associated with a respective structure description file defining a structure of the attributes of the non-standard data element. A first data exchange message is generated at the travel management system and includes the structure description file of one of the non-standard data elements and a set of values corresponding to values of the attributes of the one of the non-standard data elements. The first data exchange message is transmitted according to a first data exchange format from the travel management system to the client device. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150347930 | Mobile Application Data Identification Method And Apparatus - Applicant's Smartphone application provides ticket-holding patrons an alternative, digital means of verifying personal identification at entry to a venue or event. The Smartphone application periodically generates a unique QR code (barcode) that contains a unique identifier (i.e., mobile device ID) which prompts the venue/event entry system to recognize the patron. No barcode (serving as a ticket, or authentication/verification, or otherwise) is downloaded from the system server to the Smartphone/mobile device client in contrast to prior art systems. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150347931 | Method and system for distributing electronic tickets with visual display for verification - This invention discloses a novel system and method for distributing electronic ticketing such that the ticket is verified at the entrance to venues by means of an animation or other human perceptible verifying visual object that is selected by the venue for the specific event. This removes the need to use a bar-code scanner on an LCD display of a cell phone or other device and speeds up the rate at which human ticket takers can verify ticket holders. The system also can permit ticket purchase verification in the absence of a network connection during verification. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150347963 | DYNAMICALLY GENERATING AND MANAGING FLIGHT ROUTINGS USING A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may generate routes dynamically without the overhead of any pre-defined specifications of airport to connect between origin and destination airports. Further, the LMS's route construction function may take into account all the available flights segments, the shipment characteristics such as bulk/pallet/container, shipment product codes, and/or minimum connection times. A method may include receiving a request to create an allotment reservation having an origin and a destination. The method may also include receiving and assigning at least one route generation attribute; receiving available routes that have the same origin and destination as the reservation request; and sorting routes based upon at least one sort order. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348049 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR HOSPITALITY SERVICES USING BEACONS - Systems and methods are provided for facilitating hotel services using beacons. Communications between a mobile device of a hotel guest and one or more beacons in or around the hotel may be used to determine the location of the hotel guest. Hotel services may be provided to the hotel guest based on the determined location and/or other information such as user preferences or calendar information. Hotel services may include hotel check-in or checkout, valet, housekeeping, purchasing, discounts, rewards, incentives, amenities adjustments, concierge, bell staff, or other services associated with hotel guests. Providing hotel services to hotel guests using locations determined using beacons may help improve a hotel guest experience by streamlining interactions with hotel staff and amenities and reducing the risk of inconveniences commonly experienced by hotel guests. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348121 | EVENT SEATING FOR TICKET BUYERS - A method includes receiving, from a user, a request for seating at an event. The method further includes fulfilling the request for seating, based at least in part on spending habit information for the user, where the spending habit information is derived from data indicative of payment card account transactions by the user. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150348179 | VEHICLE RENTAL ADMINISTRATION SYSTEM, VEHICLE RENTAL ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM, VEHICLE RENTAL CUSTOMER TERMINAL, AND VEHICLE RENTAL CUSTOMER TERMINAL PROGRAM - A database includes usage condition data showing information about at which future time each of multiple parking sites prepared as rental sites and return sites for vehicles can be used for vehicle return. A control system specifies a reserved return site and a reserved return time relating to the new return reservation and sets a return reservation determining the specified reserved return site and reserved return time by ascertaining which parking site among multiple parking sites at which future time can be used, in response to a new return reservation request received from a first terminal among mobile terminals and/or vehicle-mounted terminals with reference to the usage condition data. | 12-03-2015 |
| 20150356465 | VIRTUAL REALITY APPLICATIONS - This specification describes technologies relating to virtual reality applications. In general, one aspect of the subject matter described in this specification can be embodied in methods that include detecting, by circuitry included in a ticket carrier for carrying a public transportation system access ticket, an interaction between the ticket and an access point of the public transportation system at a first time point. The method also includes storing, on a storage device, a record of the interaction, and providing to a computing device, the stored record at a second time point different from the first time point. The executed operations of the computing device produce a virtual environment that partially represents the public transportation system and position a character within the virtual environment based upon the stored record. Other embodiments of this aspect include corresponding systems, apparatus, and computer program products. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356466 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR USING AND INSPECTING E-TICKETS ON A USER TERMINAL - A method for inspecting an e-ticket on a mobile communication device of a user, including rendering the e-ticket on a display of the mobile communication device, wherein the e-ticket includes a ticket information area for displaying user related information, and a ticket validation area for displaying inspection related information when at least one predefined condition is met, enabling a ticket inspector to execute a checking gesture in the ticket validation area when the ticket inspector ascertains one or more predefined identifiers in the ticket validation area, displaying a confirmation code in the ticket validation area, upon execution of the checking gesture, enabling the ticket inspector to execute a confirmation gesture in the ticket validation area when the displayed confirmation code matches a predefined confirmation code, and marking the e-ticket as used upon execution of the confirmation gesture. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356467 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROMPTING SEAT SELECTION - A method for a device to prompt seat selection is provided. The method includes: receiving a viewing site identification (ID); determining a seat ID associated with the viewing site ID and one or more seat parameters corresponding to the seat ID based on a database; calculating an angle between a line segment and a plane of a viewed area based on the seat parameters, wherein the line segment connects a seat corresponding to the seat ID to a preset position of the viewed area; selecting the seat ID as a target seat ID if the calculated angle is in a preset range; and outputting the target seat ID. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356468 | MOBILE CHAT SYSTEMS FOR REAL TIME POLLING, RATING AND RSVP'ING - The present disclosure provides methods for real time polling, rating, or requesting reservations to events, comprising receiving, on a mobile electronic device of a first user, a query from an electronic device of a second user. The query can be a polling query, rating query, or a request for a reservation to a given event. Next, the query is presented on a user interface (UI) of a chat application on the mobile electronic device of the first user. A response to the query is then received from the first user on the UI, and transmitted from the mobile electronic device of the first user to the electronic device of the second user. The response is then displayed on a user interface of the electronic device of the second user. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356470 | SYSTEM FOR FACILITATING RIDE-SHARING TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN TRAVELERS WILLING TO DIRECTLY SHARE EXPENSES - A method is disclosed that matches travelers for ride sharing according to personal preferences, such as smoking, music, allergies, drive sharing, expense sharing, number of riders, and gender, as well as basic trip details. In preferred embodiments the method is accessed via a website, and trips can be over any distance and/or by any land, air, or water vehicle. Embodiments require traveler verification by a payment and/or other means, and/or require travelers to supply identifying information. Matches can take into account ratings of travelers by other travelers. Confirmations, reminders, and ride sharing advice can be sent to riders before scheduled rides, and information about a shared ride can be sent to a non-rider. Fees can be charged, and credited if no match is accepted. Communications can be secure and requesting and/or accepting matches can be logged. Origin and/or destination radii can be automatically enlarged to provide more matches. Expenses are directly shared. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150356669 | DESIGNING NAIL WRAPS WITH AN ELECTRONIC DEVICE - A portable device that is able to capture images and provide the functionality for editing, scaling and/or cropping images such that a modified image is suitable to be reproduced on a nail wrap is disclosed. Software running on the portable device can provide users with the ability to order and/or purchase nail wraps that they have created. A user may have nail wraps delivered from a nail wrap provider to their home or place of business, or they may have their nail wraps sent directly to a salon. The electronic device may implement augmented reality to show a user how their nail wraps will appear when applied. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150358414 | Inference Based Event Notifications - Inference based event notification techniques are described. In one or more implementations, user preferences are inferred based on monitored interaction of the user with at least one computing device. One or more events are located that correspond to the inferred user preferences and are likely to be available to the user based on an examination of a calendar of the user that is performed automatically and without user intervention. An option is output in a user interface that is selectable by a user to obtain credentials to attend the located one or more events. | 12-10-2015 |
| 20150363751 | Methods For Matchmaking - A method is provided for matching a plurality of users of a matchmaking system. The method has a step of providing a matchmaking system with a collection portal for collecting characteristic information from a first and second user of the system. The system further has an aggregator in communication with the collection portal. The aggregator is for creating an aggregated database comprising the characteristic information of the first user and the characteristic information of the second user. The method has another step of collecting characteristic information from the first user and the second user through the collection portal. The method has another step of creating an aggregated comprising the characteristic information. The method further has the step of verifying attendance information for at least one of the first and second users at an event. The method has a step of updating the aggregated database based on the attendance information. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150363860 | SYSTEM AND METHODS FOR CONTINUOUSLY IDENTIFYING INDIVIDUAL FOOD PREFERENCES AND AUTOMATICALLY CREATING PERSONALIZED FOOD SERVICES - A system and methods for continuously identifying individual food preferences and automatically creating personalized food services are disclosed. The system includes a data collection unit configured to collect, extract and structure raw data of user from a multiplicity of information sources. The system further includes a data processing and analytics unit comprising a multiplicity of specialized units configured to identify one or more user preferences and create preferable products for the user based on the structured data provided by the data collection unit; as well as user interface, presentation, and device access units configured to optimize a layout of application-specific information and user interfaces for specific types of web-enabled devices of the user. | 12-17-2015 |
| 20150371152 | DYNAMIC AVAILABILITY LOCALIZATION FOR TRAVEL SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer program products for dynamically computing availability for travel inventory items managed by an inventory system. An inventory request is received for a type of travel inventory item managed by the inventory system. One or more types of geographical location data corresponding to the inventory request are determined. At least one of the types of geographical location data is selected to use to compute the availability. At least one geographical inventory control associated with each type of travel inventory item for each geographical location indicated by the selected types of geographical location data is determined. The availability for the inventory request is determined based at least in part on the at least one geographical inventory control determined for each indicated geographical location. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371153 | Vehicle Sharing System Supporting Nested Vehicle Sharing Within A Loan Period For A Primary Vehicle Borrower - A system and method are described for managing nested sharing of vehicles. A shared vehicle server registers, in a shared vehicle database, a primary reservation by a primary borrower for a shared vehicle, that specifies a primary time period. The server receives an indication that the shared vehicle is to be made available for nested sharing during a portion of the primary time period. The server creates a nested sharing availability record, for the shared vehicle, that specifies a sub-period of the primary time period. The shared vehicle server matches the nested sharing availability record to a shared vehicle request for a secondary borrower. The shared vehicle server registers, in the vehicle database, a secondary reservation by the secondary borrower for the shared vehicle that specifies a secondary time period within the sub-period. The server tracks status of the shared vehicle during the secondary time period. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371154 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR SHARING SURPLUS PERSONAL RESOURCE FOR TRAVEL CONVENIENCE - A method and system for sharing a surplus personal resource for travel convenience includes connecting a provider of a resource for travel convenience who provides his or her surplus resources as travel resources, and a user of a resource for travel convenience who needs the travel resources; discussing conditions for sharing the travel resource between the provider of the resource for travel convenience and the user of the resource for travel convenience to reach an agreement for the sharing conditions; and creating agreement information according to the sharing conditions and establishing sharing of the surplus personal resource for travel convenience between the provider of the resource for travel convenience and the user of the resource for travel convenience, thereby enabling an individual having surplus resources such as surplus time, space, transportation means, or the like to share it with a traveler who needs the surplus resources. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371155 | METHOD, COMPUPTER PROGRAM, AND SYSTEM FOR PLANNING, RESERVING, AND PURCHASING TRAVEL ACCOMMODATIONS FROM CALENDAR EVENTS - The present invention is directed to a method, computer program, and system for automating the planning, reserving, and purchasing of travel accommodations based on calendar events of a user. A user's event list is created on an application server, which may comprise synchronizing a calendar in at least one embodiment, and a user's booking request is received at the application server for a selected event in the event list. Additional information is then retrieved by an event booking component, and along with the received user's booking request, allows the event booking component to generate at least one travel plan for the user. The travel plan is then reviewed and selected by the user, and then fulfilled by the application server. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371156 | RESERVATION EXCHANGE SERVER SYSTEM - Embodiments of the invention include a system for managing inventory transactions within an online marketplace including a reservation server to mediate inventory exchange from a buyer to a seller via an online network. The reservation server includes a memory and a processor coupled to the online network. The memory includes computer-executable instructions that when executed by the processor, establishes a sales channel between the seller and buyer. The sales channel includes a direct sales channel, an indirect sales channel, and resale channel. The online network includes a marketplace server including an inventory that can be reserved, sold, or resold through the sales channel mediated by the reservation server based on the reservation server receiving an inventory reservation request from the seller or buyer. Further, the inventory includes a set price, and the buyer can purchase, repurchase, reserve, option, or swap at least one inventory. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150371204 | RIDESHARING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A method of organizing and confirming aircraft transportation for a user may comprise the steps of transmitting flight information for display on a user device, receiving location information indicating a location of the user from a GPS device comprised by the user device, determining a location verification defined as whether the location of the user indicated by the location information is within a range of a location associated with the flight information, and billing the user for transportation on the flight associated with the flight information responsive to the location verification. | 12-24-2015 |
| 20150379434 | Virtual Queue for a Line at a Retail Store - A computer-implemented process can be operated for entering and holding a place for a first customer in a queue while the first customer is waiting to be served at a retail store. The process includes, within a computerized processor, establishing a place in the queue for the first customer, wherein the queue operates to establish among a plurality of customers a customer currently being served by a store employee and an order in which other customers of the plurality will be served. The process further includes displaying upon a portable computerized device of the first customer an indication of a status of the first customer within the queue. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379435 | METHODS AND DEVICES FOR PROVIDING OPTIMIZED MONETIZATION OF SPACES, GOODS AND SERVICES VIA A WEB-BASED SERVICE - The invention discloses devices and methods for connecting people who have spaces, goods, and services for temporary use with those who may be looking for the same. In some embodiments, the present invention allows for the advertisement of a space with predetermined possible uses; interested parties may rent and/or bid to receive the space for said predetermined possible uses at predetermined times. The instant invention allows for monetization of unused spaces, goods, and services that would otherwise remain unused and not bring in capital. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379436 | INFORMATION PROVISION METHOD AND INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD - An information providing method includes: transmitting, in response to a user's access using a display terminal, first display data, including multiple check items to be used by the user who is choosing a service provider to be allowed to use a target device's log information to check the reliability of that service provider, to a display terminal; receiving selection information representing a set of selected check items including at least one check item selected from the check items included in the first display data using the display terminal; transmitting second display data representing a set of reference check items including, among multiple check items received from other users' terminals, check items which are either similar to, or the same as, check items included in the set of selected check items represented by the selection information, to the display terminal; afterward receiving editing information representing an edited set of check items obtained by editing the set of selected check items, from the display terminal after that; and providing the log information to a computer of the service provider who has been chosen based on the edited set of check items. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379437 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR ON-DEMAND TRANSPORTATION SERVICES - Data relating to travel of a plurality of users, including destinations of the plurality of users and flight arrival delay data, are received. The plurality of users are assigned to a plurality of groups based on the data. An on-demand transport shareable by a selected group is identified based at least in part on the data, The on-demand transport is initiated for the selected group. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379438 | Reservation of Lock Box Facilities - A method to operate at least one electronic lock box facility that includes detection of information about at least one lock box unit of a lock box facility of at least one lock box facility in which a shipment associated with a party is to be deposited, by a computing unit, based on a reservation for this lock box facility associated with a party, whereby the reservation information contains lock box type related information that comprises the number of dynamically reserved lock box units of a lock box type, the section of a lock box unit of at least one lock box unit based on the determined, provided information; acquisition of an identifier associated with the shipment to be deposited in the lock box facility by means of detection; and linking of the acquired identifier of the shipment with the selected lock box unit. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20150379446 | FORCE-BASED ASSIGNMENTS - A method for assigning locations to persons of a group of persons may include determining, for each person in the group, a number of communications between the person and each other person in the group. A plurality of reservations from reserving persons of the group may be received. A first force-directed graph having a node for each reserving person may be generated. The generating of the graph may include establishing an edge between one or more pairs of reserving persons, and assigning a first weight to the one or more edges that is derived from the number of communications between respective pairs of reserving persons. Each reserving person may be assigned to a location in the area using the first force-directed graph. A resource for a location not assigned to a reserving person may be controlled based on the assigning of reserving persons to locations. | 12-31-2015 |
| 20160005012 | CONSOLIDATED PLATFORM FOR SELLING TICKETS - A host server can cause data characterizing a plurality of digital ticket offerings for sale to be displayed on a graphical user interface of a client device. The digital ticket offerings each can have a respective registered owner and can be used by such registered owner in connection with an event. An issuer server can provide the host server with transfer parameters that must be met for the digital ticket offerings and the host server can display each digital ticket offerings upon verification that the transfer parameters for the digital ticket offering is met. The host server can receive data that includes a request to purchase one of the displayed digital ticket offerings from the client. The host server can change the registered owner of the digital ticket offering specified in the request to the purchaser upon confirmation of receipt of payment for such digital ticket offering. | 01-07-2016 |
| 20160012353 | AUTOMATED FLIGHT EXCHANGE FOR LOW COST CARRIERS | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012354 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012355 | SYSTEM FOR ON-SITE MANAGEMENT OF AN EVENT | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012461 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR PROVIDING TRANSPORTATION DISCOUNTS IN SHARED RIDES | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160012521 | System and Method for Online Bidding | 01-14-2016 |
| 20160019472 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR ORGANIZING A GROUP ACTIVITY FOR MULTIPLE PAYING PARTIES - Disclosed is a computer implemented system and method for organizing a group activity for multiple paying parties. Venues can offer group activities and participation in the events may be organized by a host user according to terms defined by the host. The terms may include a fee splitting arrangement dividing the cost of the group activity between proposed participants. The terms may be communicated to invitees who can agree to the fee splitting arrangement. An activity may be reserved with the venue when all parties have agreed to the fee splitting arrangement and the fee has been collected. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160019474 | Determining Descriptive Attributes for Listing Locations - Listings and reviews of listings can be processed to identify descriptive attributes for locations associated with the listings. To do this, a corpus of words is generated for various locations based on listings in the locations and reviews of those listings. An expected frequency, and per-location frequency for each word is determined. These numbers are in turn used to determine a number of high frequency listing locations, and a number of below expected frequency listing locations for each word. Based on a comparison of the number of high frequency listing locations and the number of below expected frequency listing locations of a word with an attribute reference number, the word can be identified either as an attribute that is likely descriptive of the location, or not. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160019669 | ONLINE PEOPLE DEPUTATION SYSTEM - A method and system of deputizing people for transportation needs in a social networking model through an online people deputation system comprising of updating a calendar entry of people for person, package and project travel services listing, balancing the supply of desirable travelers with the demand by other users to serve them in transportation needs, delegating travelers for transporting people and packages from one place to another place and/or for performing tasks in a remote location and paying for services based on peoples' availability, request and response mechanism. Furthermore, the method also embodies real-time travel booking, location based searching, filtering and sorting people along with service reviews, ratings and comments for each. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160019728 | Public Booking and Payment System - A method and a system are disclosed that facilitate booking and payment for taxi cabs and other forms of transport. The system comprises a locator process arranged to obtain the location of a vehicle for hire and an order process arranged to receive a booking order from a customer device. The order process provides a request for acceptance of the booking to a vehicle device of a located vehicle. The locator process enables payment for a customer trip in the vehicle. Payment is enabled when the customer device and vehicle device are determined by the locator process to be within a predetermined proximity of each other. | 01-21-2016 |
| 20160026934 | MOBILE APPLICATION FOR FACILITATING TRANSACTIONS BETWEEN PEOPLE IN PHYSICAL QUEUES - The invention is concerned, generally, with enabling individuals to connect and interact with one another in a physical line. In one embodiment, the mobile application offers the person with limited time an opportunity to exchange their location with another person in an advanced position in the same line who is willing to exchange time for money. The application renders a medium for safely and efficiently exchanging a physical location in a line of people waiting for a good or service. In another embodiment, individuals can connect with others in line based on in-person identification and interest, such as for dating. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160026935 | MULTIPLE INDIVIDUAL TRAVEL SCHEDULING - Travel planning is provided for a plurality of individuals vying for the use of shared transportation vehicles. A set of travel event requests for the plurality of individuals are accessed as are a set of travel preferences for the plurality of individuals and the travel event requests. Schedules are generated that specify the use of the shared transportation vehicles and that are based upon the set of travel event requests and a tradeoff factor that is derived from scheduling compromises relative to the set of travel preferences. Conflicts are identified, within the schedule and relative to at least one of the shared transportation vehicles, and then presented to at least two individuals. A conflict decision is received from the at least two individuals and the tradeoff factor is modified based upon the conflict decision. The schedule is updated based upon the conflict decision and the tradeoff factor as modified. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160026936 | EVENT-BASED RIDESHARING - Exemplary methods, apparatuses, and systems present, to a first user of a network service, a description of an event, a selectable option for the first user to indicate an intention to attend the event, and an indication of users of the network service that intend to attend the event. An indication that the first user intends to attend the event and a set of one or more users the first user is willing to take as passengers to the event are received. An indication that a second user of the network service intends to attend the event is also received. The first user is presented as a potential driver to the second user in response to receiving the indication that the second user intends to attend the event and determining the second user is within the set of one or more users. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160026937 | PORTABLE COMMUNICATION DEVICE AND SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A portable device for storing a token for providing a product or service to a user is disclosed. The device comprises a memory for storing one or more tokens, means for detecting a tag associated with the product or service and for receiving data from the tag. In response to detecting the tag, the device receives data from the tag, determines a provider code of the product or service based on the received data, determines a location code associated with a region in which the device is located; and identifies a token stored within the storage means based on the determined provider code and location code. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160026938 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF MOBILE CHECK-IN AND CLOUD SYSTEM THEREOF - A system and method of mobile check-in are provided. The system includes a cloud composed of a database, a server, and a push gateway. The server generates a check-in request and sends the check-in request in the form of a push notification to a specific mobile communication device through the push gateway and an external push server. All executable functions of the mobile communication device are locked until a check-in operation is completed. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160027031 | Methods and Systems for Managing Social Media Contents - Methods and systems are provided for managing social media contents. The methods and systems involve automatically distributing social media contents to certain social media accounts. An example method involves receiving a subscription request from a subscribing user requesting for social media contents, tracking an interaction with interfaces displaying the relevant social media contents, and generating an interaction tool in response to an event caused by the interaction. The interaction tool can be a form component or a transaction component for receiving inputs from a visitor to the interfaces. Another example method involves receiving a distribution authorization from a secondary user that authorizes a primary user to distribute social media content on his/her behalf. Any transaction resulting from the social media content being distributed to the secondary user's account will be attributed to the secondary user. | 01-28-2016 |
| 20160034826 | GLOBAL SEAT ALLOCATOR - Systems, apparatus, and computer program products provide real-time access to seating/work station information, including seat allocations/assignments and seat availability. Users are provided the ability to request a seat for allocation and to receive confirmation of the seat allocation/assignment in real-time. The automated nature of the present invention eliminates seat request/allocation duplication caused by multiple managers individually requesting seats manually and, in doing so, eliminates the resulting rework associated with duplicate requests/allocations. Moreover, the real-time functionality of the present invention reduces or eliminates the need to consolidate allocation requests and updates. In addition, the real-time view of seat allocations provides for instantaneous and up-to-the-minute analysis, data and reporting, which results in more timely decisions regarding seat allocations. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160034827 | AUTOMATED DIARY POPULATION II - The invention relates to a user device configured to automatically populate a user diary. The device includes a user interface configured to present the user with a window associated with a selection icon for selecting into the window one of a plurality of groups of connected events, each group constituting a layer. A processor is configured to execute a program which receives the user selection and generates a layer request. The layer request is transmitted to an event database from which the processor is configured to receive a response, including a group of connected events associated with the layer in the layer request. The user interface is operable to display to the user a calendar view wherein any date on the calendar on which an event in the group of connected events takes place includes a marker, preferably unique to the layer in the layer request. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160034828 | DETERMINING AND PROVIDING PREDETERMINED LOCATION DATA POINTS TO SERVICE PROVIDERS - A system and method for arranging a transport service is described. A system can receive a request for transport service from a user device. The request can include a requested pickup location data point. The system determines a predetermined location data point associated with the requested pickup location data point. The first predetermined location data point can be different from the requested pickup location data point. The system selects a driver to perform a transport service for the user based, at least in part, on the requested pickup location data point, and transmits the predetermined location data point to a driver device of the selected driver. | 02-04-2016 |
| 20160042300 | SUPPORT OF MULTIPLE BOOKING PARTNER SPECIFICATIONS IN THE SAME FLIGHT AND TRAVEL SEARCH QUERY - Computer-implemented methods, software, and systems efficiently process a travel search query that includes multiple partner specifications. One computer-implemented method includes receiving a travel search query for a journey, retrieving multiple booking partner specifications associated with the received travel search query, retrieving other data applicable to the received travel search query from a data store, creating a computation record for each travel-search-query-associated computation determined to require data associated with a particular booking partner specification of the multiple booking partner specifications, for each computation record repeating the associated travel-search-query-associated computation for data similar to the required data associated with each applicable booking partner specification to generate fares, tagging each generated fare with the accessed data for which it is valid to generate tagged generated fares, and returning the tagged generated fares for use in generating a travel search query pricing solution in a response to the received travel search query. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042301 | SUPPORT OF MULTIPLE PASSENGER COUNTS IN A SINGLE TRAVEL SEARCH QUERY - Computer-implemented methods, software, and systems compute flight prices for several passenger counts simultaneously in one travel search query. One computer-implemented method includes receiving a travel search query, retrieving data from a data store applicable to the received travel search query, generating a plurality of itineraries from the retrieved data, generating one or more availability lines associated with each itinerary of the plurality of itineraries, each availability line indicating a number of seats available for travel for each of a plurality of booking codes for one or more flights associated with each availability line and a booking code condition, constructing a plurality of generated fares from the generated itineraries, the generated availability lines, and fare data, constructing generated fare combinations using the generated fares, generating possible pricing solutions from the constructed generated fare combinations, and storing the generated possible pricing solutions into a pricing graph. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042302 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND INFORMATION PROCESSING PROGRAM - The information providing server retrieves piece of first posted information, posted by user, on a base plan provided by a facility that requests a recommended plan, and also retrieves piece of second posted information, posted by the user, on reference plan different from the base plan. The information providing server identifies first popular element popular with the user, who posted the piece of first posted information, and also identifies second popular element that are popular with the user and different from the first popular element. Then, the information providing server determines the identified first popular element and second popular element as plan elements included in a new recommended plan to be recommended for the facility that requests the recommended plan. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042303 | DISPATCH SYSTEM AND METHOD OF DISPATCHING VEHICLES - Provided are a fully automated dispatch system and method of dispatching vehicles that requires no direct communication between a dispatch person and the driver or passenger. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160042445 | System and Method for Recurrent Rental Vehicle Location and Rate Selection Using Network Based Data - Disclosed is a system and service for rental vehicles by providing an improved and streamlined booking experience. A user interfaces with the central system through a website or mobile application where the user's location is provided to the system. The system then uses such information to identify rental companies within a specified geographic location relative to the user's location and rental preferences. A user is then presented with rental choices located in the geographical area where the user may then select and reserve a particular rental. The central system may also provide rental information to car vendors, rate management companies, and third party transportation providers. Other travel related services may use data from the central system. The system may also use geo location services from an outside provider to provide mapping services and other geographical information. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160044203 | Electronic Ticket Transfer - A method to electronically capture, digitize, mobilize and transfer a paper ticket for use as an entry to a venue over a computer network. | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160044472 | MOBILE ENTRY FOR HOTEL GUEST ROOMS - The invention provides systems, methods and devices that allow a hotel guest room management system to manage the activation and opening of hotel locks, as well as for managing the data associated with those locks. When implemented as a software application (or “App(s)”), the Apps, typically proprietary to individual hotel companies or hotel management companies, use the invention implemented as a system and preferably enabled as a Software Development Kit (“SDK”). | 02-11-2016 |
| 20160048775 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INTERACTING WITH PATRONS - The present invention relates to a system and method for interacting with patrons of a service provider. In particular, the present invention relates to a system and method for identifying, tracking, and assigning seating to walk-in patrons of an establishment without previously receiving information from the patron. Specifically, the system and method identifies, tracks, and assigns seating to the walk-in patrons without previously making a reservation or providing their name to be placed on a waitlist for the service provider. The walk-in patrons can enter the establishment, have the establishment be automatically alerted as to who the patron is, and be instantly enabled to assign a seating or table location for that patron in a manner that multiple devices associated with the establishment are provided with the patron information and their seating or table location. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048776 | RESERVATION SYSTEM - Provided is a reservation system more convenient than conventional ones. In a reservation system, a store terminal ( | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160048932 | METHOD FOR PARTITIONING SOCIAL MEDIA ENVIRONMENTS AND INTEGRATING COLLABORATION APPLICATIONS - Disclosed herein is a social media platform that enables a user with one account to access multiple social environments partitioned for various aspects of their lives. The partitioned platform creates environments for a user's personal life and professional life and also connected and partitioned to the user's enterprise life, which is privately controlled by an organization such as a business. Methods for shared computing devices are disclosed for use with the social media platform in physical locations such as corporate meeting rooms and hotel rooms. Further a method in presented for suggesting, navigating, selecting and engaging one of numerous disconnected collaboration applications. Further several methods for increasing social media adoption are disclosed as well as integration of the platform with a property management system. | 02-18-2016 |
| 20160055428 | SECURE SHORT-DISTANCE-BASED COMMUNICATION AND ENFORCEMENT SYSTEM - A secure short-distance-based communication and enforcement system validates users in a validation and enforcement area and can check if users in the validation and enforcement area have been validated. Run-time IDs and keys that may be location-specific and device-specific may be generated and utilized for secure communication between mobile devices and zone computers and enforcement computers that execute validation and inspection. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055429 | VIRTUAL QUEUING SYSTEM AND METHOD - A system in accordance with present embodiments includes a plurality of virtual queuing stations associated with respective attractions within a theme park and a virtual queue control system configured to maintain respective virtual queues for the respective attractions and in communication with the plurality of virtual queuing stations. The virtual queue control system is configured to receive communications from the plurality of virtual queuing stations and add guests to the respective virtual queues based on the communications. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055430 | Social Networking Enhanced System for Review and Sale of Music and Venue-Related Products and Services - A software enabled system and method for subscriber social networking, review input, and purchases is provided allowing subscribers to input identification information, interests, and contact information for friends. Ticket purchases for future events from subscribers are communicated to identified friends who may purchase tickets to the same event. Reviews of events and venues are provided to subscribers and may only be input by subscribers verified as having attended the event or venue. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160055505 | PRICE ELASTICITY TESTING - An elasticity tester to initiate a price elasticity experiment during an experiment period, the price elasticity experiment to test a price elasticity for bookings made during the experiment period for a travel property for a day of arrival and adjusts a recommended price to an adjusted price for the travel property during the experiment period according to user-defined test configuration parameters. The elasticity tester further measures actual bookings made during the experiment period for the travel property for the day of arrival at the adjusted price and compares the actual bookings made at the adjusted price to forecasted bookings for the travel property at the recommended price. | 02-25-2016 |
| 20160063399 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR IMPROVED PROCESSING OF MESSAGE QUERIES - A method of processing messages executes at a computing device having one or more processors and memory. The memory stores one or more programs configured for execution by the one or more processors. A first message for a user is analyzed for a structured content element. When found, content from a data source distinct from the message is obtained by executing an associated action. A first message display state is formed for the message comprising a message notification and the content. A messaging application user interface, comprising an electronic message list with a plurality of objects, is updated. Responsive to selection of a first object of the plurality of objects, the first object representing the first message, the user is enabled to toggle the first message display state between first and second display states, the second display state differing from the first by providing direct access to the first message. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160063400 | ONLINE OBJECT RESERVATION SYSTEM AND ONLINE OBJECT RESERVATION METHOD - An online object reservation system includes a database and an object reservation server. The database stores multiple objects associated with individual selection status. The object reservation server establishes a continuous connection with a client to provide a reservation page and receive reservation requirements from the client. The object reservation server automatically selects connection objects according to the reservation requirements. The object reservation server also establishes other connections with other clients. Whenever the selection status of any of the objects is altered, the object reservation server sends a refresh notification to the client to update contents rendered on the reservation page. | 03-03-2016 |
| 20160071028 | UPDATING TRAVEL DATA IN A SERVER DATABASE OF A CENTRALIZED MID-BACK OFFICE SYSTEM - Methods, systems, and computer program products for updating a server database of a centralized mid-back office system for travel agencies with travel data received from a remotely generated input data file. An input data file is received that includes travel fare data and travel reservation data related to a travel reservation. At least one rule is selected from a rules database for processing the travel fare data based at least in part on the travel reservation data. Travel fare values are determined from the travel fare data associated with the fare data fields based at least in part on the at least one rule. The travel fare data fields in the server database are updated with the travel fare data, and the travel reservation data fields in the server database are updated with the travel reservation data. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071029 | TRAVEL SERVICE INFORMATION DISPLAY SYSTEM, TRAVEL SERVICE INFORMATION DISPLAY METHOD, TRAVEL SERVICE INFORMATION DISPLAY PROGRAM, AND INFORMATION RECORDING MEDIUM - To provide a travel service information display system for controlling a display manner for displaying travel service information in consideration of subjective evaluation by a user having used the travel service. A travel service information display system ( | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071030 | PARKING SPACE RESERVATION - The present invention includes systems and methods for providing parking space reservation. One or more cameras may provide parking lot information for one or more parking lots. Parking lot information may be processed for delivery to one or more user devices. Each of the one or more user devices may be provided with an application for download. Parking lot information may be delivered to the application based on parameters provided by an application user. The application user may reserve one or more parking spaces using the application. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160071116 | USER PROFILING SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREFOR - A user profiling system and method are described. The system comprises a receiver for receiving event trigger data in response to a user interacting with an environment; a processor configured to: uniquely determine user identifier data associated with the event trigger data; and to associate the event trigger data with a user profile associated with the unique user identifier. | 03-10-2016 |
| 20160078370 | CONTROLLED ACCESS QUEUE-BASED GATING BASED ON COOPERATIVE DETECTION OF VIABLE REGISTRATION - Before tickets for an event go onsale, users are allowed to register for the event. The registration requires completion of verification steps useful for discriminating between human and robot users. Due to the complexity of the first verification step, it can be estimated that registered users are more likely than other users to be human. Registered users are allowed to electronically submit requests for tickets for the event prior to the tickets going on sale. Unregistered users must wait to request tickets until a later time (e.g., when the tickets are onsale) and may—at that time—complete similar or simpler verification steps, further delaying receipt of their requests. Requests from registered users may further be preferentially served simply due to the registrations. Thus, tickets can be preferentially provided to users estimated to be more likely to be human. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078371 | Computer-Implemented Meetings Distribution System and Method - Systems and methods for providing a meeting distribution system are provided. A venue can provide a listing of available space. A system user can search the available space in real time. The system user can be matched with a venue suited to the system user's needs. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078372 | SYSTEM AND METHOD OF TRIAL OCCUPANCY OF REAL ESTATE - A system and method to allow a buyer to reserve a trial occupancy of a residence listed for sale. The buyer submitting a letter of intent to purchase the residence at an offer price and agreeing to seller's trial occupancy conditions in order to reserve the residence. Optionally, the buyer requesting a trial occupancy as a contingent condition to purchase during contract negotiations. The buyer utilizing either a security deposit or insurance policy, or both, to cover damage to residence during the trial occupancy or seller's remedy for stay over tenancy. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078373 | METHOD FOR CONTROLLING COMMUNICATION DEVICE, METHOD FOR PROVIDING INFORMATION IN INFORMATION MANAGEMENT SYSTEM, AND COMPUTER-READABLE RECORDING MEDIUM - A method causes a computer of a communication device to: determine candidate reservation dates and times of a ticket by excluding each date and time, on which a plan of the user is stored in a memory, from acquired available reservation dates and times of the ticket; display each display representing each candidate reservation time, and when an interval between one acquired available reservation date and time and a date and time on which the plan is stored in the memory is shorter than a predetermined value, the one acquired available reservation date and time being excluded from the determined candidate reservation dates and times; and display a reservation screen when selection of one region is detected in the calendar data, the reservation screen being used for setting one candidate reservation date and time corresponding to the selected one region as a reservation date and time of the ticket. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078374 | GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACE FOR HOTEL SEARCH SYSTEMS - Using a graphical user interface for identifying and presenting travel search results includes a system to receive a user request for information for a particular hotel for a particular date range from a graphical user interface on a user device. The system determines a collection of candidate alternative hotels for the particular date range. The system ranks the candidate alternative hotels based on the actual prices and the historical average prices of the hotels. The system generates a hotel place page for the particular hotel, presents the hotel place page for the particular hotel in a first region of the graphical user interface. The system generates a summary window for each of the candidate alternative hotels and presents the summary window for each of the candidate alternative hotels in a second region of the graphical user interface. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160078501 | QUEUE MANAGEMENT - Disclosed are methods and devices for queue management that allow a person waiting in the queue to choose to receive at least one warning communication, for example on a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the person agrees to “buy” the warnings and concomitant free time by agreeing to pay for at least one warning communication and/or by agreeing to accept advertisements. | 03-17-2016 |
| 20160086101 | SYSTEM AND METHOD TO AUTOMATE LIVERY VEHICLE SCHEDULING FROM AIRLINE ITINERARY DATA - A system, method, and computer-readable storage medium to automate livery vehicle scheduling from airline itinerary data retrieved from cardholder spending. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086102 | CORPORATE RECOGNITION FOR TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES - Methods, systems, and computer program products for managing inventory availability for travel inventory items associated with travel services. An inventory request is received at an inventory system for at least one travel inventory item that includes a corporate identifier and corporate value data associated with a passenger name record from a reservation system. Availability for the at least one travel inventory item is determined. The availability is determined by determining an effective yield for the at least one travel inventory item based on the corporate value data, where the availability is based at least in part on the effective yield. An availability response is communicated to the reservation system that includes the determined availability for the at least one travel item. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086103 | CORPORATE RECOGNITION FOR TRAVEL RELATED SERVICES - Methods, systems and computer program products for processing a travel request. A travel request is received at a reservation system that identifies a travel inventory item and a passenger name record. Whether the passenger name record includes a corporate identifier is determined. If the passenger name record includes a corporate identifier, corporate value data is determined, and an availability request that includes the corporate identifier and the corporate value data is communicated to at least one inventory system associated with the at least one travel inventory item. An availability response is received that indicates a determined availability for the at least one travel inventory item, where the determined availability is based at least in part on the corporate identifier and corporate value data. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086104 | FACILITATING INTELLIGENT GATHERING OF DATA AND DYNAMIC SETTING OF EVENT EXPECTATIONS FOR EVENT INVITEES ON COMPUTING DEVICES - A mechanism is described for facilitating data gathering and expectations setting according to one embodiment. A method of embodiments, as described herein, includes detecting an invitation relating to an event, where the invitation may include an invitation to an invitee to attend the event. The method may further include obtaining data relating to the event from a plurality of sources, where the data further relates to other invitees of the event. The method may further include interpreting the obtained data based on one or more of filtering factors and relevancy factors, generating recommendations based on the interpreted data, where the recommendations may include expectations relating to the event. The method may further include facilitating communication of the recommendations to set the expectations for the invitee in anticipation of the event. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086105 | INFORMATION PROCESSING DEVICE, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD AND NON-TRANSITORY COMPUTER READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A storage unit configured to store shop information regarding a predetermined item for each shop, an extracting unit (control unit) configured to extract a recommended shop satisfying a predetermined approximation condition based on the shop information of a selected shop selected by a user and the shop information of a shop other than the selected shop stored in the storage unit, and a recommending unit (control unit) configured to recommend the recommended shop extracted by the extracting unit to the user are provided. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160086293 | HUMAN-COMPUTER COLLABORATION FOR TRAVEL PLANNING - Human computer collaboration may be used to generate an optimal travel plan. The collaboration may include receiving a user input that includes a travel plan at a computing device. A knowledge base is further queried based at least on a query that includes the user input. A plurality of seeds comprising a high level sketch of a candidate travel plan is then generated. Multiple seeds of the plurality of seeds that satisfy the query are selected. The multiple selected seeds are further ranked to generate multiple ranked seeds. The multiple ranked seeds are optimized to generate multiple optimized seeds, which are ranked such that at least one of the multiple optimized seeds is surfaced as a travel plan. | 03-24-2016 |
| 20160092795 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CONFIGURING RESERVATION SPACE OF VENUES - Novel methods and systems for venue space reservation and configuration are disclosed. A venue can provide a list of options of space for use, while an organizer can provide constraints. An optimization is then carried out to find a suitable selection within the constraints and configure the space to meet the constraints of the organizer. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160092796 | TICKETING SYSTEM WITH INTEGRATED PERSONALIZED DATA - Methods, systems, and computer program products for personalizing a ticket for a travel-related service by associating functional data entered by the traveler with electronic ticket files defining an electronic ticket for the travel-related service. A system for shopping for and booking travel services may receive functional data specified by a traveler to personalize a reservation associated with the trip. The functional data may be entered through a user interface and stored in or linked to a Passenger Name Record (PNR) associated with the itinerary. Functional data may be stored in a functional information database and linked to the PNR by a functional element stored in the PNR that identifies a location of the functional data in the functional information database. The functional data may be integrated with the electronic ticket so that both the functional data and technical data are provided to the traveler by the ticket. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160092797 | ACCESS TO ATTRACTIONS - Methods and systems for improving access to an attraction are described. A user pays for a purchase using a service provider. The service provider generates a pass to an attraction associated with the purchase. The pass can designate a future time and an access code for accessing the attraction. When the user returns at the assigned future time, the right of the user to the attraction at the assigned time is validated with the pass, and the user is granted immediate access to the attraction. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160092798 | ONLINE MARKETPLACE FOR PURCHASING SHARED OR EXCLUSIVE HOTEL RESERVATIONS - The present invention relates to generally to an online marketplace. More specifically, the invention relates to an online marketplace where individuals are able to list bookings or shared accommodation and accept offers at the listing individual's discretion. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160092901 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR CALCULATING AND PROVIDING HOTEL RATE INFORMATION - A method for determining a hotel rate can include providing a predetermined number of hotel rooms for a predetermined number of nights, and providing a base rate for each of the predetermined rooms. The predetermined number of rooms is multiplied by the predetermined number of nights to yield a room night product, on which a discount is based. The discount is applied to the base rate to determine the hotel rate. Another method of determining a hotel rate can include selecting at least one hotel room for date(s) occurring within a particular week period (week 1) subject to a first base rate, and additional date(s) occurring within another particular week period (week 2) that is subject to a different base rate. The first and second base rates are added together, and the discount is applied to the sum to determine the hotel rate. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160092944 | PROXIMITY ALERTS FOR SERVICE RESOURCE AVAILABILITY - Provided are a system and method of electronic notification of an availability of a service resource. A signal is received from a sensor indicating that a customer has entered a region proximate to a store. The customer is determined to be a candidate for a service. A service resource is determined to be available at or near the store for performing the service. A notification is sent to a display of the availability of the service resource. | 03-31-2016 |
| 20160098649 | DETERMINING HOST PREFERENCES FOR ACCOMMODATION LISTINGS - Methods and systems for determining the preferences of hosts offering accommodations are disclosed. In one embodiment, an online booking system models the preferences of hosts based on statistical relationships between features of previously received accommodation reservation requests and the acceptance of those reservation requests by the hosts. In particular, the system classifies reservation requests based on several features—a reservation request either possesses a feature or does not possess a feature. The preference of a host for a particular request feature is modeled based on the relationship between the reservation requests that possess the feature and the reservation requests that are accepted by the host. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160098650 | System for Real-Time Optimal Matching of Ride Sharing Requests - System for optimal matching of ride sharing requests. A trip request manager receives trip requests from patrons and a shareability network is established. The system checks to see whether certain parameters related to ride-sharing delays are less than or equal to other parameters to decide whether trips are shareable. | 04-07-2016 |
| 20160104078 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR GENERATING EVENT LISTINGS WITH AN ASSOCIATED VIDEO PLAYLIST - Providing media relating to an event ticket marketplace is described. A method to provide media related to an event list can include maintaining or identifying a user profile and associating the user profile with a request of the user to access an event ticket marketplace. The method can include determining an event list including information associated with one or more events based on the user profile, which may include, for example, a media consumption history and current location, as permitted by the user. The method can include determining a media playlist including one or more media files (e.g., videos) associated with the identified events. A media file from the media playlist is selected, and a graphical user interface (GUI) is generated and presented which includes the event list, the playlist and the selected media file. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104079 | CREATING AND DELIVERING A DIGITAL TRAVEL COMPANION OF A WRAPPED PACKAGE OF CARDS - Creating and delivering a digital travel companion for a traveler that is an adjunct to a ticket for travel, a reservation and/or a hospitality rental. The digital travel companion is electronically delivered to the traveler and/or customer in the form of a wrapped package of cards. The cards in the wrap are selectively authored to include (i) an itinerary card, (ii) media content and (iii) a palette of application functionality and/or e-commerce related services. In addition, the cards are arranged into one or more linear sequences. Thus, as the wrap package is consumed, the user experience is analogous to the turning of the pages of a book. In non-exclusive embodiments, the media content of the cards can further be authored to convey a narrative. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104080 | CREATING AND DELIVERING A WRAPPED PACKAGE OF CARDS AS A DIGITAL COMPANION TO A MOVIE RELEASE - Creating and delivering a wrap package of cards as a digital companion to the release of a movie. When the wrapped package is created, the cards are preferably authored to include (i) one or more linear sequences intended to convey a book-like narrative including preferably a wide variety of multimedia content related to the movie and (ii) a palette of application functionality and/or e-commerce services. As a result, during consumption, the viewer experiences the unfolding of the narrative as the cards are sequentially browsed. With the application functionality and e-commerce services interwoven within the narrative, the wrap package has the unique ability to deliver multimedia content, interactively engage viewers, and enable the viewers to immediate participate in e-commerce, such as by purchasing tickets and other movie-related merchandise, all while consuming the wrap. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160104121 | Digital Flyer Service - The instant application discloses, among other things, a Digital Flyer Service. In one embodiment, it may comprise a software application for a mobile device which may allow a user to search for and view digital images of flyers around the world. The search may be based on various filters such as location, hashtags or event categories, for example. Digital Flyer Service may also allow users to take a photo of a flyer and have the photo and details, such as event information, for example, uploaded to a searchable database. The database may be accessible through an application on a mobile device, for example. Users may also integrate the flyers and details with their personal calendars and online social networks, for example. | 04-14-2016 |
| 20160110658 | IMAGE FORMING SYSTEM AND IMAGE FORMING APPARATUS - In an image forming apparatus, a cooperation processing unit performs a cooperation process according to an instruction from the travel expense reporting application of a terminal apparatus. The travel expense reporting application communicates with a travel expense reporting system that receives an electronic applying of a travel expense report. The cooperation processing unit (a) reads usage history data of public transportation from an IC card in accordance with an instruction received from the travel expense reporting application and transmits the usage history data to the travel expense reporting application, (b) scans an image of the original of a receipt in accordance with an instruction received from the travel expense reporting application, and (c) prints a document for a paper applying of a travel expense report that includes (c1) a usage history to be reported and (c2) the image of the original of the receipt. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110659 | AUTOMATED, CONDITIONAL EVENT TICKETING AND RESERVATION TECHNIQUES IMPLEMENTED OVER A COMPUTER NETWORK - Various techniques are described herein for providing ticketing reservation and purchasing functionality for enabling and/or facilitating users in performing activities/operations relating to group ticket reservations and/or automated conditional ticket purchases for various types of events which are scheduled to occur at one or more different venues. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110660 | User Interface for Travel Planning - A computer-implemented method and system provides an interactive interface for displaying results of flexible travel planning queries is described. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160110781 | CONCESSION PREORDERING FOR PICKUP OR DELIVERY DURING AN EVENT - There is provided systems and method for concession preordering for pickup or delivery during an event. A user may attend an event at a venue and have purchased admission for the event. Prior to attending the event, the user may establish a preorder for concessions available at the venue, such as popcorn for a movie or drinks at a concert or sports game. Once the user arrives at the venue, the preorder may be loaded to the concessions device so that a merchant viewing the preorder may fulfill the preorder by preparing the items in the preorder. The user may be detected at the venue through the user's communication device or when the user scans their ticket for entry to the venue. The user may be alerted when the order is prepared and instructed to visit a location or request the items to be delivered. | 04-21-2016 |
| 20160117610 | TRANSPORTATION SERVICE RESERVATION METHOD, TRANSPORTATION SERVICE RESERVATION APPARATUS, AND COMPUTER-READABLE STORAGE MEDIUM - A transportation service reservation method executes, by a computer, a process including receiving a ride request specifying an origin and a destination, generating feasible products having service types, by referring to a storage unit that stores information indicating a schedule allocated to each vehicle and the service types of the schedule, for each vehicle capable of providing products having the service types, computing a choice probability of each product forming an assortment of the feasible products, for each of assortments satisfying a predetermined condition amongst the subsets of the feasible product set that are generated, computing an expected value of a number of future ride requests, and selecting an assortment to be presented with respect to the ride request, from the assortment satisfying the predetermined condition, based on the choice probability and the expected value. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117611 | CREATING AND DELIVERING A WRAPPED PACKAGE OF CARDS AS A DIGITAL COMPANION ACCOMPANYING THE PURCHASE OF TICKET(S) FOR AN EVENT - Creating and delivering an e-ticket digital companion wrap package in response to the sale or distribution of e-ticket(s) for an event. With e-ticket wrap packages, the cards are selectively authored to include (i) the e-ticket(s), (ii) media content, (iii) application functionality and/or (iv) e-commerce related services. In addition, the cards are authored in one or more linear sequences. With e-ticket digital companion wrap packages, the user experience when browsing is largely dictated by the author/ticket seller, not the ticket purchaser/holder. As a result, digital companion wrap packages have the unique ability to present to the viewer a palette of services, functions and experiences, related to the event and/or performance that the ticket holder will be attending. Further, in certain non-exclusive embodiments, the media of the cards can authored to provide a “story-book” like experience that unfolds as the individual cards are browsed in the one or more sequences. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117612 | INVENTORY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD - An inventory management system for administering matches between user requests and provider inventory and methods for manufacturing and using same. The inventory management system includes a concierge system for communicating with one or more prequalified providers and maintaining a user profile for a user. Upon receiving a user request, the concierge system can make intelligent provider recommendations based on the user profile and/or provide the request to at least one selected provider that evaluates the request by using a demand-side inventory system. If the selected provider accepts the request, the request is fulfilled in a personalized manner and accordance with the request terms. The concierge system handles payment arrangements; whereas, the provider and user rate the transaction. In restaurant environments, for example, the inventory management system advantageously matches reservation requests with available table inventory in a manner that maximizes the dining experience while optimizing table utilization for the restaurant. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117613 | PRESENTING A TRAVEL OPTION - Presentation of travel options may involve presenting a travel option based on an event stored in a calendar of a user. A suggestion machine may access calendar data of the user and travel data for a travel option (e.g., a flight from San Francisco to New York). Based on the accessed calendar data and travel data, the suggestion machine may present one or more travel options to the user. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117614 | METHODS AND APPARATUS FOR DYNAMICALLY PROCESSING EVENTS BASED ON AUTOMATIC DETECTION OF TIME CONFLICTS - Methods and apparatus for dynamically processing events based on automatic detection of time conflicts are disclosed. An example method includes accessing first time and date information from a user schedule, the user schedule including a scheduled item represented by the first time and date information; identifying second time and date information associated with a first event associated with a desired transaction; determining that the first event conflicts with the scheduled item by comparing the second time and date information with the first time and date information; identifying third time and date information associated with an alternate event in association with the desired transaction; determining that the alternate event does not conflict with the scheduled item by comparing the third time and date information with the first time and date information; and facilitating completion of the transaction based on the alternate event and the third time and date information. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117615 | Online Registration and Block Tracking for Travel Wholesalers, Agencies and Hotels - A system and method for providing reservation capabilities to a reservation or property management system via a plurality of Internet web sites. Each booking party is directed to a web site containing common content and content specific to the type of booking party, such as a travel agent, wholesaler, or traveler. The system ensures the complete and accurate collection of data regarding a customer and the customer's reservation request through the use of distributed software components and association with customer profiles. Each booking party may create or modify customer profile information to be associated with reservations. The product or service provider may establish and maintain its own set of commission rates, fee amounts and discount values for each type of booking party, thereby allowing the provider to control accuracy and completeness of reservations, as well as revenue flow to the booking parties. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160117866 | SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR AN INTEGRATED PARKING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM - The present invention relates to an integrated parking management system for automated parking identification, parking fee payment and parking status monitoring comprising: an in-vehicle unit configured to determine a geographic position of a vehicle; a parking management server configured to determine an available parking space and corresponding parking fee based on the geographic position data received from the in-vehicle unit. The system further comprises a handheld unit configured to determine validity of a parking status of the vehicle, and report to the parking management server. The functions of the In Vehicle Unit can also be realized in a software only implementation for integration and execution on alternative platforms. | 04-28-2016 |
| 20160125319 | BEACON DEVICE CONFIGURATION AND MONITORING - Various embodiments each include at least one of systems, methods, devices, and software for beacon device configuration and monitoring, such as with regard to BLUETOOTH® beacon devices. One example embodiment is a method that includes receiving, by a mobile device transceiver from a beacon device, a radio signal including encoded beacon device identifying data. The method then determines, on the mobile device within a mobile device app, whether the beacon device is configured in a backend system for a facility at which the beacon device is deployed. When the beacon device has not been configured, the method includes presenting a beacon device configuration interface within which configuration options are presented and configuration input is received to form configuration data that is stored to the backend system. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125320 | GROUPING FLIGHT SEARCH RESULTS - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for information retrieval. In one aspect, a method includes receiving a flight search query, the flight search query identifying a plurality of flight parameters including a departure location, a destination location, and at least one date; obtaining a plurality of flight search results that satisfy the flight search query; grouping the plurality of flight search results into groups based at least in part on calculated similarity between flight search results of the plurality of flight search results, wherein the similarity is based on a combination of a plurality of features of the respective flight itineraries of the flight search results; and providing the plurality of flight search results for display in a flight search results interface including providing at least one group result of the generated groups of flight search results. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125321 | SEGMENTED AVAILABILITY CACHE - Methods, systems, and computer program products for processing requests for travel objects. A cache stores data for travel objects, where the data is segmented for possible contexts and/or possible geographical identifiers. A request identifying at least one travel object is received at a processing system. The requested travel object has a departure point, an arrival point, and a context. The requested travel object may also be associated with at least one travel solution that has a geographical identifier. Data associated with the at least one requested travel object is determined by querying the cache based on the departure point, arrival point, context, and/or geographical identifier. A reply that indicates an availability for the at least one requested travel object is generated based at least in part on the retrieved data. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125322 | DETERMINING A STATUS TO SECURE AN EVENT TICKET - There is provided systems and methods for securing an event ticket. A processing module of a server device may access a first data packet associated with a first account and a second data packet associated with a second account. A status module of the server device may determines from the first data packet a first status of the first account attempting to secure an event ticket. The status module may further determine from the second data packet a second status of the second account attempting to secure the event ticket. A device module of the server device may determine from the first data packet an identification of a client device accessing the first account. A communication module of the server device may transmit the second status of the second account to the client device. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125323 | ELECTRONIC TICKET SYSTEM AND PROGRAM - Provided is an electronic ticket system enabling easy confirmation and tracking of use statuses. Provided is a service information providing system including: a user terminal for displaying an electronic ticket on the displaying means, having displaying means for displaying information, and having a touch panel, provided overlaying the displaying means, having inputting means wherein respective contact positions of simultaneous contacting of a plurality of positions are detectable; and a stamp having a plurality of pressing portions for which simultaneous contacts to the inputting means are detectable; wherein: when, in the user terminal, there are simultaneous contacts by pressing portions of the stamp, in a state wherein an electronic ticket is displayed on the displaying means, a plurality of contact positions are detected by the inputting means, and when the detected contact positions satisfy predetermined conditions, an image is drawn indicating that the electronic ticket has been used. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125324 | INFORMATION PROCESSING APPARATUS, INFORMATION PROCESSING METHOD, AND PROGRAM - The present technology relates to an information processing apparatus, an information processing method, and a program that improve a user's degree of satisfaction in a seat or area for viewing an event. In step S | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125325 | SEARCH RECOMMENDATION METHOD AND APPARATUS - Provided are a method and a device for search recommendations, the method comprising: reception of a search term inputted by a user, acquisition of a plurality of search results related to the search term, and further acquisition of at least one merchant order form interface related to said search term; provision of a search page whereupon are further provided a plurality of search results and order form pages generated according to the order form interfaces. The search and recommendation method provided in the embodiments of the present invention obtain, on the basis of received user-inputted search terms and subsequent search, a plurality of search results related to the search terms and at least one merchant order form interface related to such search terms, thus providing users with swift and convenient order-form services, satisfying user requirements and improving user experience. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125326 | THROTTLING SOLUTIONS INTO A LEGACY INVENTORY SYSTEM DURING A SERVICE DISRUPTION - A method for improved management of an airline inventory during a service disruption is described. The method comprises receiving, at a mirror of a legacy inventory system, one or more updates from a re-accommodation system. The mirror is populated with the one or more updates. The method proceeds with communicating the one or more updates to the legacy inventory system at a controlled rate. The one or more updates communicated to the legacy inventory system are flagged as pending update. A confirmation that the one or more records are updated in the legacy inventory system is received. The confirmation indicates synchronization of the mirror and legacy inventory system. In response to the confirmation, the one or more updates are unflagged in the mirror. Statistical evaluation of the inventory is provided based on the one or more updates in the mirror. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160125475 | ADJUSTING ADVERTISER BIDS BASED ON SERVICE AVAILABILITY - An advertising system receives, from a merchant system, marketing information, bidding preferences for auctions for advertising spaces, and a merchant system reservation calendar comprising an availability for the merchant system. The advertising system receives a notice of an auction for an advertising space from an advertising platform. The advertising system determines a first bid for the auction based on the availability of the merchant system, the marketing information, and the merchant system's bidding preferences and transmits the first bid to the advertising platform. The advertising system receives a notice of an incomplete auction from the advertising platform. The advertising system receives, from the merchant system, an updated merchant system reservation calendar comprising an updated availability and determines a second bid for the advertising space auction. The advertising system transmits the second bid to the advertising platform. The advertising system receives a notice of a completed auction from the advertising platform. | 05-05-2016 |
| 20160132790 | ACTUALS CACHE FOR REVENUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM ANALYTICS ENGINE - At a data ingestion time, a travel sessionizer captures raw event data representing a plurality of bookings made by a plurality of users for a given day, identifies a plurality of cache entries corresponding to a travel property for the given day, wherein at least one of the plurality of bookings from the raw event data is for the travel property, and updates the plurality of cache entries corresponding to the travel property for the given data to reflect the at least one booking from the raw event data. At a runtime, the travel sessionizer receives a travel analytic query corresponding to the travel property, accesses at least one of the plurality of cache entries corresponding to the travel property for the given day, and executes the travel analytic query using travel data from the at least one of the plurality of cache entries. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160132791 | METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR DISTRIBUTED GRAPHICAL FLIGHT SEARCH - Methods and systems for real-time graphical search for airline flight itineraries that satisfy predetermined criteria (e.g., place and time) using a distributed graph processing system are disclosed. The advantages of the graphical method include: computational work is easily split across multiple processors for parallel processing; the resulting speed is appropriate for real-time personalized search; the method naturally supports multi-segment routes up to any user-specified maximum; the method easily handles constraints or freedoms on connections between flights, such as connection time or transferring to another airport in the same metropolis; and the method is efficient due to focusing only on viable flight segments. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160132792 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR FACILITATING TRANSPORTATION TRANSACTIONS - Systems and methods for facilitating transportation transactions are described. The techniques describe herein may enable users to participate in ride-sharing. Applications may be provide that present graphical user interfaces that enable a user to complete ride-sharing transactions. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160132793 | Reservation System and Method - A reservation system for travel, accommodation, venue ticketing and other purposes may be accessed on-line, for example via a social networking website. A user enters their social networking identification into the reservation system, which is stored for future use. When a subsequent user makes a reservation, they also enter their social networking ID and the system retrieves a list of associated parties from the social networking website, which may be a friends or contacts list, and searches for reservations made by any of those parties which have an overlapping criterion, such as date and destination. It then sends the subsequent user the social networking ID of the overlapping party. The overlap may be used to identify parties who will be at the same destination at the same time as the subsequent user, and/or are travelling on the same flight or journey. The list of associated parties may also be used to identify parties who are listing as living at the destination to which the subsequent user is travelling and those parties social networking IDs may be sent to the subsequent user. On check-in, the system may use the list of associated parties to notify the party checking-in that one of their friends or contacts has also check-in. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160132794 | Reservation System and Method - A reservation system for travel, accommodation, venue ticketing and other purposes may be accessed on-line, for example via a social networking website. A user enters their social networking identification into the reservation system, which is stored for future use. When a subsequent user makes a reservation, they also enter their social networking ID and the system retrieves a list of associated parties from the social networking website, which may be a friends or contacts list, and searches for reservations made by any of those parties which have an overlapping criterion, such as date and destination. It then sends the subsequent user the social networking ID of the overlapping party. The overlap may be used to identify parties who will be at the same destination at the same time as the subsequent user, and/or are travelling on the same flight or journey. The list of associated parties may also be used to identify parties who are listing as living at the destination to which the subsequent user is travelling and those parties social networking IDs may be sent to the subsequent user. On check-in, the system may use the list of associated parties to notify the party checking-in that one of their friends or contacts has also check-in. | 05-12-2016 |
| 20160139736 | Graphical User Interface Comprising Multiple, Interrelated, Automatically-Adjusting Components - Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on a computer storage medium, for presenting graphical user interfaces comprising multiple components interrelated such that inputs received in one component of a graphical user interface render automatic and corresponding updates for another component of the graphical user interface. In one aspect, a method includes the actions of presenting a graphical user interface; and receiving user input of one or more parameters, the graphical user interface including a calendar portion and an associated graphical portion, the calendar portion comprising a date box for each date in a range of dates, and the graphical portion specifying non-date parameters for trips beginning on each date of the range of dates. A change in the calendar portion of the graphical user interface automatically renders a corresponding change in the graphical portion of the graphical user interface. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140455 | METHOD OF SELECTING A CONTRACT FOR A BOOKING USING A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving, at a server, a reservation request from a requestor for a booking on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route; receiving, at a server, a selected agreement for assignment to the booking corresponding to a campaign; assigning, by the server, the terms of the selected agreement to the booking according to the campaign; and generating, by the server, a price quote for the requested booking based, at least in part, upon the terms of the selected agreement. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140456 | GENERATING PRICE QUOTES PASSING DYNAMIC HURDLE RATES WITH REAL-TIME CAPACITY USING A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving, at a server, a reservation request from a requestor for a booking on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route; generating, by the server, a price quote for the booking based, at least in part, upon the designated route and booking characteristics; and receiving a hurdle rate for the route; and comparing the price quote to the hurdle rate to determine whether to confirm the booking to ship the cargo. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140457 | WORKING MULTIPLE BOOKINGS OFF A QUEUE IN ONE STEP - The present invention provides apparatuses and methods for filtering queued booking and air waybills in a centralized system. Various embodiments of the invention may reserve bookings from multiple sources and generate air waybills associated with the bookings. The bookings and air waybills may be aggregated in a centralized system and filtered according to several attributes. The integration of a centralized system may allow filtered bookings may be worked on by a user of any facility at any time. As a result, workloads may be distributed between several facilities, thus providing an efficient means for managing bookings and air waybills in a timely manner. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140458 | KIOSK FOR ENERGY SECTOR LOGISTICS - An automated kiosk and related apparatus provide check-in and boarding services to energy sector passengers, such as helicopter passengers. Preferably, the kiosk and related apparatus can take and store a picture of the passenger, calculate and/or measure the weight of the passenger and the passenger's luggage, print luggage tags and boarding printouts, check third parties' databases (such as a no-fly list (NFL)) for approval for the passenger's flight and can transmit data to another location (server, third party employer, pilot). | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140459 | DIGITAL TICKET ISSUANCE, EXCHANGE AND VALIDATION SYSTEMS AND METHODS - The invention provides, in some aspects, a digital ticketing system, comprising first and second digital data devices (e.g., cell phones, PDAs, etc.) that are coupled, at least intermittently, with a server via a network. The server responds to a request, e.g., from the first digital data device, by electronically issuing to it a ticket (or option therefor) for use by a holder thereof in gaining a seating (or other selected attendance) at an event. The server responds to a subsequent request, e.g., by the second digital data device, by (re)issuing the ticket (and/or option) to it for use by a holder of that second device in gaining the aforesaid seating (or other selected attendance) at the event in lieu of that by the holder of the first digital data device. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140460 | SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR AN INTEGRATED ONLINE PORTAL AND MARKETPLACE FOR EVENT-RELATED ITEMS - The present disclosure is directed to systems and methods for integration of systems associated with ticketing, advertising, membership, social networking, merchandizing, and/or similar commercially valuable functions. An integrated marketplace system, referred to variously as an integrated system or integrated portal, may comprise or communicate with modules for retail services, social networking, marketing information, ticketing sales, merchandise sales, membership services, or any other type and form of module. In some embodiments, the systems and methods discussed herein allow teams, bands, event operators or other attraction providers to sell tickets direct to consumers or fans, reducing fees and costs due to ticket resellers, while retaining customer information for future targeted marketing. Accordingly, teams, bands, artists, or other attractions may utilize the integrated platform to provide a fan- or consumer-centric experience with ticket sales and merchandise offers made dynamically based on analyzing user behavior, past purchasing behavior, and/or social networking data. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140483 | PRESERVING THE HIGHEST SHIPPING PRICE USING A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving, at a server, a request from a requestor to amend a booking on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route; amending, by the server, at least one of a group consisting of a routing, a weight, a volume, a special handling codes, a product, an allotment, a flight, a container type, and a change of responsible participant for charges of the booking based on the received request; and assigning, by the server, a new price for the booking based on the amendment unless a total price for the amended booking and a rate for the amended booking are both lower than an original total price and an original rate for the booking created at a time of the booking. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140484 | METHOD OF ASSESSING A PENALTY FEE FOR AMENDING OR CANCELLING BOOKING USING A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving a request from a requestor to change a booking on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route; assessing a penalty fee upon the requestor for changing the booking. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140498 | PRICE QUOTING OF ALLOTMENTS BASED UPON SELECT CATEGORIES IN A LOGISTICS MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (LMS) - A logistics management system (LMS) may include receiving, at a server, a reservation request from a requestor for an allotment on an air carrier's cargo hold for a designated route and date range; assigning, by the server, an allotment category for the requested allotment; generating, by the server, an allotment rate for the requested allotment based, at least in part, upon the designated route and the allotment category; and communicating, from the server to the requestor, the generated allotment rate. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140591 | TEMPORARY WORKSPACE ASSIGNMENT - There are provided a system, a method and a computer program product for assigning a workspace. The system receives one or more reservation request for the workspace, associated with one or more facilities including one or more workspace areas. Each workspace area includes one or more workspaces. The system receives inputs including one or more of: weather condition data, occupancy rates data, and date data, associated with the one or more facilities. The system predicts an energy cost for each workspace area. The system determines a user desirability value for the each workspace area. The system determines a minimum cost for operating the one or more facilities, which satisfies the received reservation request. The system selects one or more workspace area in the one or more facilities according to the determined minimum cost and the received reservation request. The selected workspace area has maximum user desirability values. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160140647 | ACTIVE RECEIPT WRAPPED PACKAGES ACCOMPANYING THE SALE OF PRODUCTS AND/OR SERVICES - A wrap package of cards including an “active receipt” accompanying the sale of a product and/or service. The active receipt wrap package includes a receipt detailing the purchase of a product and/or service, web and/or application like functionality for facilitating e-commerce related to the purchased product and/or service while the wrap package is being consumed and media content related to the purchased product and/or service, the media content conveying a story-book like experience related to the purchased product and/or service that unfolds as the cards are browsed by a viewer in the one or more linear sequences respectively. | 05-19-2016 |
| 20160145853 | METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR URBAN ROOM STRUCTURES - Some embodiments include a structural building that supports attachment of modular rooms. The structural building can include one or more anchoring structures fixated to its building frame. A moveable modular room can be adapted to be detachably connectable to at least one of the anchoring structures. The modular room can be adapted with fixture features for a customized application to use the modular room. The anchoring structures can be adapted to enable |
