Travel value index

• US 20030050846A1
• Filed: 05/25/2001
• Published: 03/13/2003
• Est. Priority Date: 05/25/2001
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Amadeus North America Incorporated (Amadeus Global Travel Distribution S.A.)
• Original Assignee: Amadeus Americas Incorporated (Amadeus Global Travel Distribution S.A.)
• Inventors: Rodon, Lincoln
• Granted Patent: US 7,305,356 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 705/26
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/047 Optimisation of routes or paths, e.g. travelling salesman problem
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 30/0625 Directed, with specific intent or strategy

Abstract

Method and system are disclosed for assigning a relative value to a search result based on the personal preferences of the consumer. A consumer profile may be created for each consumer. The profile may contain the consumer'"'"'s personal preferences for each one of the search criteria. A search value index may be derived for the search results based on the preferences in the consumer profile. The search value index may indicate to the consumer the value of a particular search result relative to other search results. Search results satisfying a consumer defined threshold may be retained, while the rest may be discarded.

Claims

1. A computer system for hosting an on-line travel planning application containing a search value program to facilitate selection of travel itineraries, the computer system comprising:

a central processing unit; and

a storage unit connected to said central processing unit for storing said search value program thereon, wherein said search value program is configured to;

allow a traveler to select a travel criteria and to set traveler preferences therefor in a traveler profile,

derive preference factors including a lowest fare multiplier, an available dates index, a non-stop service index, and an equipment type index for said travel criteria based on said traveler preferences,

initiate a query of at least one travel information database for itineraries matching said selected travel criteria using an on-line search engine,

calculate a travel value index for each itinerary using a travel value algorithm that subtracts preference factors from, or adds preference factors to, or both, an optimal value of said travel value index depending on said criteria matching itineraries, and

return only itineraries where said travel value index thereof satisfies a traveler defined threshold.

2. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said search value program is further configured to cancel before final completion of said query any itineraries that cannot satisfy said traveler defined threshold.

3. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said search value program is a Web based application.

4. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said search value program allows said traveler to select said travel criteria and set said travel preferences via the Internet.

5. The computer system according to claim 1, wherein said travel value algorithm is defined in a manner such that an optimal value for said travel value index is approximately 100 percent.

6. A method for facilitating selection of travel itineraries, comprising:

selecting a travel criteria;

defining a traveler profile containing traveler preferences associated with said travel criteria;

deriving preference factors including a lowest fare multiplier, an available dates index, a non-stop service index, and an equipment type index for said travel criteria based on said traveler preferences,

initiating a query of at least one travel information database for itineraries matching said selected travel criteria using an on-line search engine,

calculating a travel value index for each itinerary using a travel value algorithm that subtracts preference factors from, or adds preference factors to, or both, an optimal value of said travel value index depending on said criteria matching itineraries, and

returning only itineraries where said travel value index thereof satisfies a traveler defined threshold.

7. The method according to claim 6, further comprising canceling before final completion of said query any itineraries that cannot satisfy said traveler defined threshold.

8. The method according to claim 6, wherein said travel value algorithm is defined in a manner such that an optimal value for said travel value index is approximately 100 percent.