Method and system for providing travel services

• US 20050234748A1
• Filed: 04/16/2004
• Published: 10/20/2005
• Est. Priority Date: 04/16/2004
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Donald Kaplan
• Original Assignee: Donald Kaplan
• Inventors: Kaplan, Donald
• Granted Patent: US 7,389,244 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/5
• CPC Class Codes: G01S 5/0027 of actual mobile position, i.e. position determined on mobile
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/02 Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising

Abstract

A method and system for providing travel services are disclosed. The method and system include a database of travel information from which information can be selectively obtained based on the traveler'"'"'s circumstances. The method and system also include a system for providing counseling services and an emergency kit containing food, water and other supplies. A mobile communications device is also provided to enable the traveler to transmit his or her location in order to initiate the dispatch of a rescue services provider to transport the traveler to a location of greater safety.

Claims

1. A method for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. providing a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more-geographic locations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains;

b. providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and providing said information to said traveler.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein said database includes identification information for one or more service providers, and further includes weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information and suggested vaccinations.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, banking service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

5. The method of claim 3, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

6. The method of claim 3, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

7. The method of claim 2, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

8. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a phone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said phone number.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing an internet web site, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and wherein said web site is operatively coupled to said database of travel information and configured to display said travel information.

10. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing said traveler with an emergency kit, said emergency kit comprising food and water.

11. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing said traveler with a mobile phone including a button configured to transmit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein in response to a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue services provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

13. The method of claim 12, further comprising providing said traveler with a password, wherein prior to said transporting of said traveler by said rescue service provider, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider.

14. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing said traveler with protective clothing adapted for use in said geographic location.

15. The method of claim 1, further comprising providing a computer network to which said database is operatively coupled.

16. The method of claim 1, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database.

17. The method of claim 9, wherein said website is configured to provide said traveler with access to said database of travel information.

18. The method of claim 1, further comprising a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler and further adapted to play back said messages, said voice mail system being accessible by calling a voice mail system telephone number.

19. The method of claim 1, wherein in response to a request from said traveler, a rescue services provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

107. The method of claim 10, wherein said emergency kit further comprises first aid supplies.

108. The method of claim 10, wherein said emergency kit further comprises at least one tool.

20. A method for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. providing said traveler with a mobile phone, said mobile phone including a button configured to transmit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button;

b. wherein in response to a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue service provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

21. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more geographic locations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains.

22. The method of claim 21, wherein said database includes identification information for one or more service providers, and further includes weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information and suggested vaccinations.

23. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location and providing said selected information to said traveler.

24. The method of claim 23, further comprising providing a phone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said phone number.

25. The method of claim 21, further comprising providing an internet web site, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and wherein said web site is operatively coupled to said database of travel information and configured to display said travel information.

26. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing said traveler with a password, wherein prior to said transporting of said traveler by said rescue service provider, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider.

27. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing said traveler with an emergency kit, said emergency kit comprising food and water.

28. The method of claim 20, further comprising providing said traveler with protective clothing adapted for use in said geographic location.

29. The method of claim 22, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, banking service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

30. The method of claim 29, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

31. The method of claim 29, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

32. The method of claim 29, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

33. The method of claim 21, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer network.

34. The method of claim 22, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

35. The method of claim 21, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database.

36. The method of claim 25, wherein said website is configured to provide said traveler with access to said database of travel information.

37. The method of claim 20, further comprising a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler and further adapted to play back said messages, said voice mail system being accessible by calling a voice mail system telephone number.

38. A system for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more geographic locations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains; and

b. a system for providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and said traveler'"'"'s geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and said traveler'"'"'s geographic location and providing said information to said traveler.

39. The system of claim 38, wherein said database includes identification information for one or more service providers, and further includes weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information and suggested vaccinations.

40. The system of claim 39, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, banking service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

41. The system of claim 40, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

42. The system of claim 40, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

43. The system of claim 40, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

44. The system of claim 38, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer network.

45. The system of claim 38, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

46. The system of claim 38, further comprising a phone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said phone number.

47. The system of claim 38, further comprising an internet web site, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and wherein said web site is operatively coupled to said database of travel information and configured to display said travel information.

48. The system of claim 38, further comprising an emergency kit, said emergency kit comprising food and water.

49. The system of claim 38, further comprising a mobile phone including a button configured to transmit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button.

50. The system of claim 49, wherein in response to a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue services provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

51. The system of claim 38, further comprising a password, wherein prior to said transporting of said traveler by said rescue service provider, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider.

52. The system of claim 38, further comprising protective clothing adapted for use in said geographic location.

53. The system of claim 38, further comprising providing a computer network to which said database is operatively coupled.

54. The system of claim 38, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database.

55. The system of claim 47, wherein said website is configured to provide said traveler with access to said database of travel information.

56. The system of claim 38, further comprising a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler and further adapted to play back said messages, said voice mail system being accessible by calling a voice mail system telephone number.

57. The system of claim 38, wherein in response to a request from said traveler, a rescue services provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

58. A method for providing travel services using a computer network, comprising:

a. providing a computer network;

b. providing a database of travel information operatively coupled to said computer network, said database including identification information for one or more service providers, and further comprising weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information, and suggested vaccinations; and

c. providing said traveler with a means for selectively accessing information pertaining to said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location from said database.

59. The method of claim 58, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, lodging service providers, banking service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

61. The method of claim 59, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

62. The method of claim 59, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

63. The method of claim 58, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

64. The method of claim 58, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises a computer terminal operatively coupled to said database.

65. The method of claim 58, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises an internet website operatively coupled to said database.

66. The method of claim 58, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises a system of providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location and providing said selected information to said traveler.

67. The method of claim 66, further comprising providing a telephone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said telephone number.

68. A method for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. providing a telephone number;

b. providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and providing information adapted to said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and said traveler'"'"'s geographic location, wherein said provided information concerns at least one selected from the group consisting of service provider identification information for one or more service providers, weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information, and suggested vaccinations, and wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said telephone number.

69. The method of claim 68, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

70. The method of claim 69, wherein said transportation service providers comprise rental car service providers, railroad service providers, rescue service providers, airline service providers, bus service providers, taxi service providers, automotive repair service providers, and towing service providers.

71. The method of claim 69, wherein said lodging service providers comprises hotel service providers, motel service providers, and emergency shelter service providers.

72. The method of claim 69, wherein said medical service provider information comprises physician service provider information, hospital service provider information, nursing service provider information, and medical clinic service provider information.

73. The method of claim 68, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

74. A system for providing travel services using a computer network, comprising:

a. a computer network;

b. a database of travel information operatively coupled to said computer network, said database including identification information for one or more service providers, and further comprising weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information, and suggested vaccinations; and

c. a means for selectively accessing information from said database, wherein said means is operatively coupled to said computer network.

75. The system of claim 74, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

76. The system of claim 75, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad service providers, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

77. The system of claim 75, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

78. The system of claim 75, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

79. The system of claim 74, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

80. The system of claim 74, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises a computer terminal operatively coupled to said database.

81. The system of claim 74, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises an internet website operatively coupled to said database.

82. The system of claim 74, wherein said means for selectively accessing information comprises a system of providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location and providing said selected information to said traveler.

83. The system of claim 82, further comprising a telephone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said telephone number.

84. A system for providing travel services to a traveler traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. a mobile phone including a button configured to transmit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button;

b. wherein in response to a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue service provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

85. The system of claim 84, further comprising a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more geographic locations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains.

86. The system of claim 85, wherein said database includes identification information for one or more service providers, and further includes weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information and suggested vaccinations.

87. The system of claim 85, further comprising a system for providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location and providing said selected information to said traveler.

88. The system of claim 87, further comprising a phone number, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said phone number.

89. The system of claim 85, further comprising an internet web site, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and wherein said web site is operatively coupled to said database of travel information and configured to display said travel information.

90. The system of claim 84, further comprising a password assigned to said traveler, wherein prior to said transporting of said traveler by said rescue service provider, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider.

91. The system of claim 84, further comprising an emergency kit, said emergency kit comprising food and water.

92. The system of claim 84, further comprising protective clothing adapted for use in said geographic location.

93. The system of claim 86, wherein said service providers comprise transportation service providers, banking service providers, lodging service providers, medical service providers, and dental service providers.

94. The system of claim 93, wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services.

95. The system of claim 93, wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services.

96. The system of claim 93, wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

97. The system of claim 85, further comprising a computer network, wherein said database is operatively coupled to said computer network.

98. The system of claim 86, wherein said identification information comprises name, phone number, and address information.

99. The system of claim 85, wherein said database is operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database.

100. The system of claim 89, wherein said website is configured to provide said traveler with access to said database of travel information.

101. The system of claim 84, further comprising a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler and further adapted to play back said messages, said voice mail system being accessible by calling a voice mail system telephone number.

102. A method of providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. associating with one or more service providers, said services comprising transportation services, banking services, lodging services, medical services, and dental services;

b. providing said traveler with an identification card including the name and address of said traveler and a photograph of said traveler;

c. providing said traveler with a password;

d. providing said traveler with an emergency kit, said emergency kit comprising food and water;

e. providing said traveler with a mobile phone including a button configured to transmit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button;

f. providing a first telephone number;

g. providing said traveler with protective clothing adapted for use in said geographic location;

h. providing a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more geographic locations, said database comprising the names, addresses and phone numbers of said service providers, weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information, and suggested vaccinations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains, and wherein said database is further operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database;

i. providing a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler, and further adapted to play back said messages;

j. providing a second phone number for accessing said messages provided by said traveler;

k. providing an internet web site, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, wherein said web site is operatively coupled to said database of travel information and configured to display said travel information;

l. providing counseling services to said traveler, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s geographic location and circumstances, selecting information from said database based on said traveler'"'"'s geographic location and circumstances, and providing said selected information to said traveler, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by at least one of calling said first telephone number or by transmitting a request for said counseling services via said web site;

m. wherein in response to a request from said traveler or a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue service provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said rescue services provider arrives at said location, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider, and said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety;

n. wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services;

o. wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services; and

p. wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

103. A system for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. a mobile phone including a button configured to transmit to the receiving unit the geographic location of said traveler upon depression of said button;

b. a traveler identification system, comprising a traveler identification card including the name and address of said traveler and a photograph of said traveler;

c. a system of service providers, said services comprising transportation services, banking services, lodging services, medical services, and dental services;

d. a first telephone number;

e. a password assigned to said traveler;

f. a computer network;

g. a database of travel information, said travel information pertaining to one or more geographic locations, said database comprising the names, addresses and phone numbers of said service providers, weather information, traffic information, road construction information, terrorism information, legal information, and suggested vaccinations, wherein said travel information can be selectively retrieved from said database based on the geographic location to which it pertains, and wherein said database is further operatively coupled to a computer terminal adapted to display said travel information from said database;

h. an internet web site operatively coupled said database of travel information, wherein said web site is configured to receive information concerning said traveler'"'"'s circumstances and geographic location, and is further configured display said travel information;

i. a voice mail system adapted to record and store messages provided by said traveler and further adapted to play back said messages, said voice mail system being accessible by calling a second telephone number;

j. a system for providing counseling services, wherein said providing counseling services comprises receiving information regarding said traveler'"'"'s circumstances, selecting information from said database based on said circumstances, and providing said selected information to said traveler, wherein said traveler accesses said counseling services by calling said first phone number or by transmitting a request for said counseling services via said web site;

k. wherein in response to a request from said traveler or a depression of said button of said mobile phone, a rescue service provider is dispatched to said geographic location of said traveler, whereupon said rescue services provider arrives at said location, said traveler provides said password to said rescue service provider, and said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety;

l. wherein said transportation services comprise rental car services, railroad services, rescue services, airline services, bus services, taxi services, automotive repair services, and towing services;

m. wherein said lodging services comprise hotel services, motel services, and emergency shelter services; and

n. wherein said medical services comprise physician services, hospital services, nursing services, and medical clinic services.

104. A method for providing travel services to a person traveling to a geographic location, comprising:

a. providing said traveler with a mobile communication device adapted to transmit the geographic location of said traveler;

b. wherein in response to a transmission of the geographic location of said traveler, a rescue service provider is dispatched to said geographic location, whereupon said traveler is transported by said rescue service provider from said geographic location to a location of greater safety.

105. The method of claim 104, wherein said mobile communication device is a personal computer.

106. The method of claim 104, wherein said mobile communication device is a satellite phone.