JP2003524266A - Remote Air Check-in via Global Computer Network - Google Patents

Abstract

  (57) [Summary] A system and method for remote check-in by an air passenger through a computer network in which the air passenger remotely accesses an airline server, wherein the airline server accepts the air passenger's check-in request through the computer network The seat assignment of the flight targeted by the passenger is confirmed according to the check-in request. The server records the confirmed seat assignment in the database of the seat reservation system. The passenger may be located either remotely or at the airport terminal associated with the departure of the flight. In each case, the passenger will make an advance check-in, eliminating the need for traditional check-in at the airport. Remote check-in saves passengers the time required before boarding at the airport terminal. In addition, pre-check-in allows for a well-ordered check-in and boarding procedure.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to the aviation industry, and more particularly to check-in technology for air passengers on departure flights.

[Prior Art] An airline ticket reserves a seat for a passenger on a specific flight. The airline ticket fulfills the reservation function as described above, but the airline does not
: Customers who do not use the flight without requesting cancellation of the flight.)
In consideration of this, we often accept bookings that exceed the capacity of air mail. Therefore, seat allocations are usually not confirmed until the passenger arrives at the airport and checks in. In the check-in procedure, it has been conventionally necessary for passengers to exchange tickets with humans or to interact with boarding gate staff. However, recently
Airlines have introduced automated devices that allow passengers arriving at the airport to check in for self-service. For example, Northwest Airlines in Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA, has an E-ticket ^SM : E-ti.
An example of this is the service of the E service center (E-service Center ^SM : E-service Center is registered as a service mark) that is provided to passengers whose pockets are registered as a service mark. When the passenger checks in, the reservation is confirmed, a seat for the flight is assigned and a boarding pass is issued stating that the seat has been assigned. [Problems to be Solved by the Invention] However, even in the case of the above-mentioned automatic check-in device, it is usually necessary to perform check-in at a specified fixed time period before the departure time of an air flight, as with a person. There is a problem that there is.

[Means for Solving the Problems] The present invention is provided to solve the above-mentioned problems, and
A system and method for remote aviation check-in over a computer network. The present invention is configured to provide passengers with remote access (ie, remote access) to airline servers over a global computer network such as the Internet. The server (eg, web server) can be configured to accept check-in requests from air passengers via the Internet. Such a server confirms the passenger's seat allocation on the subject airmail in response to the above check-in request. In particular, the airline server can also record the seat allocation confirmed as described above in the database of the seat reservation system.

The passenger may be located at a remote location from the airport terminal associated with the departure of the air flight of interest. For example, passengers can be linked to the network via a desktop or portable computer in their home, work, or automobile. Alternatively, the passenger may use the PDA (Pe
You can also access the airline's servers via rsonal Digital Assistants) or a mobile phone with internet connectivity. Further, in another example (especially for hotel guests), it is possible to access the airline's server using an interactive television system, such as that used for hotel checkout, for example. .

In yet another case, the passenger may be located within the airport terminal associated with the departure of the flight of interest. For example, passengers are computers, PDAs
Alternatively, a mobile phone may be carried, or a computer or other network device provided in the terminal for anyone to use may be used. In either case, the airline server may be located anywhere, such as within an airport terminal or in a remote location. And, network communication between the passenger and the airline's server is performed using conventional network protocols such as TCP / IP.

By using such remote check-in, the passenger does not have to wait for confirmation of seat allocation until arriving at the airport. Alternatively, the passenger can complete the check-in procedure from virtually anywhere, in a self-service manner, saving the pre-boarding time required at the airport terminal. Further, it can provide passengers with significant flexibility, such as making seating choices prior to arrival at the airport. In particular, in some embodiments, it is possible for a passenger to complete remote check-in several hours before the boarding time of the flight of interest.

Upon confirmation of the seat allocation, the airline server communicates the confirmed seat allocation to the passenger via the global computer network. As a result, the passenger can print the boarding pass to be presented to the flight attendant of the airline and can also record the electronic boarding pass. In this case, the boarding pass to be printed can include information for verifying its authenticity by visual inspection or optical scanning. On the other hand, the electronic boarding pass can be incorporated as information transmitted from a portable device such as a PDA or a mobile phone carried by a passenger to a receiver operated by a crew member of an airline company.

As a further alternative, the passenger may also carry a programmable smart card containing information indicating confirmation of seat allocation. The smart card can also be incorporated into an electronic device such as a telephone or PDA. As yet another example, the passenger may simply present a cross-referenced identification when confirming the seat allocation recorded on the airline's server. Ultimately, it would be sufficient if the passenger could complete check-in at a remote location and verify the seat assignment confirmation upon arrival at the airport terminal.

If remote check-in is adopted, there is an advantage that check-in and boarding procedures are tidy, and an airline staff member can also enjoy the above-mentioned advantage. In particular, if remote check-in is carried out, a large number of passengers will confirm seat allocation in advance, and the number of passengers who arrive and check-in near the departure time of the flight will decrease. In other words, if the passenger uses the remote check-in procedure, the work and stress associated with the conventional check-in and boarding just before departure can be reduced. Then, if a large number of seat allocation confirmations are accepted in advance, it becomes easier for airline staff members to manage the passenger list and problems caused by overbooking.

On the other hand, an embodiment is possible in which the provision time of the remote check-in service for passengers is limited to a predetermined time zone before the flight departure time. This time period is set, for example, from about 6 hours before the departure time to 90 minutes before the departure time.

Prohibiting check-in before a certain time (eg, 6 hours before departure time) reduces the possibility of excessive no-shows, and makes it easier for airline staff to manage check-in and boarding procedures. become. This is because a passenger who has completed the check-in within 6 hours before the departure time will actually board the flight with a higher probability than the passenger who checked in one day before the departure time.

In particular, the later the check-in time, the more information the passenger has to arrive in time for the departure time of the air flight. Furthermore, the late check-in gives the airline more certainty about which aircraft to use for the flight, which in turn improves the accuracy of seat allocation confirmation.

On the other hand, if check-in is prohibited after a predetermined time (eg, 90 minutes before flight departure time), a competition between a passenger performing remote check-in and an attendant of an airline company performing conventional check-in. Can be avoided. This makes it easier for airline staff to manage check-in and boarding procedures.

Further, for passengers with a small history of no-show, the check-in time period during which the remote check-in procedure can be accessed is expanded, for example, to one day or several days before the departure time of the air flight. Is also possible. In this way, it is possible to set selection items for each customer and apply the check-in procedure individually according to the wishes of each customer. By collecting historical information from past airmail records and using these historical information as flags, it is possible to display passengers with a low risk of no-show. And, for passengers with this flag set, early check-in (early check-in) is allowed, passengers with little history data or no history data, or passengers with frequent no-show history. A normal access time zone can be applied to.

Further, the remote check-in system and method can be configured to handle an abnormal situation (IRROPS: Irregular Operations). In this case, during remote check-in, the airline's server will access the airline's reservation database to determine if the flight has been canceled or delayed, or if there are other changes to the original flight plan. Can be determined. Further, by interacting with a conventional reservation system or a human reservation clerk, the web server may retrieve one or more alternative reservations for the passenger to select.

As a result, the passenger is notified of the occurrence of IRROPS and is presented with alternative travel options. In some cases (especially if the flight has been canceled), the web server will generate a printable web page or other information that represents a certificate of benefits such as hotel accommodations and flight coupons available to the passenger. You may do it.

In one embodiment, the present invention provides a step of receiving a check-in request from an air passenger via a global computer network, and allocating a target flight seat allocation to the passenger according to the check-in request. And a method of checking in for an air passenger having a step of confirming.

In another embodiment, the invention comprises a network client for sending a check-in request from an air passenger over a global computer network,
To provide a check-in system for an air passenger having a network server which receives a check-in request via the above-mentioned global computer network and confirms the seat allocation of the flight targeted by the passenger according to the check-in request. .

In yet another embodiment, the present invention includes the steps of receiving a check-in request via a global computer network, and confirming the seat allocation of the target airmail in response to the check-in request. Generating a boarding pass for the target flight at a location remote from the airport terminal associated with the target flight, and providing a check-in method for an air passenger.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a network client sending a check-in request over a global computer network, and receiving the check-in request over the global computer network,
In response to this check-in request, the network server that confirms the seat allocation of the target flight and the boarding pass of the target flight installed far from the airport terminal related to the target flight An airline passenger check-in system with a generating device.

In a further embodiment, the present invention provides a step of receiving a check-in request via a global computer network, a step of comparing a time when the check-in request is received with an allowable time zone, and the check-in request. And a step of confirming the seat allocation of the target airmail in response to the above check-in request when the time of receipt is within the permissible time zone.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a network client that sends a check-in request over a global computer network, and receives the check-in request over a global computer network,
The time when this check-in request is received is compared with the permissible time zone, and if the time when the above check-in request is received is within the permissible time zone, the seat allocation for the target flight will be assigned according to the above check-in request. Provide an airline passenger check-in system with network server to verify.

In yet another embodiment, the present invention provides a step of accepting a check-in request via a global computer network and whether the flight associated with the check-in request has been delayed or canceled. And checking the seat allocation of another flight in response to the above check-in request if the flight has been delayed or canceled.

Alternatively, in yet another embodiment, the present invention comprises a network client sending a check-in request over a global computer network and receiving the check-in request over the global computer network, Determining whether the target flight associated with the check-in request has been delayed or canceled, and if the flight has been delayed or canceled, another flight will be sent in response to the check-in request. Provide an airline passenger check-in system with network server to confirm seat allocation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a remote aviation check-in system 10 that uses a global computer network such as the World Wide Web 12. Note that, hereinafter, the same components as those described above will be denoted by the same reference numerals. This system 1
0 may be used in performing a method for providing remote check-in for air passengers. Using such a system 10, air passengers can complete check-in procedures for flights from almost any location, eliminating the need to interact with check-in personnel or electronic service centers at airport terminals. In this way, the passenger can, if desired, be confirmed for seat allocation before arriving at the airport terminal. As a result, at least the passenger can save the pre-boarding time required at the airport terminal. Further, by checking in in advance, check-in and boarding procedures before the departure of an air flight will be organized, and both the airline staff and passengers can enjoy the above benefits.

As shown in FIG. 1, system 10 may include a number of passenger devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22 connected to web 12. In the example of FIG. 1, device 14 is in the form of a mobile phone (ie, wireless phone) that supports the Internet. The passenger device 16 is in the form of an interactive television system including a set-top box for accessing the web 12, and the passenger device 18 is a PC (personal computer) or Macintosh type. A desktop computer that supports access to the web 12, such as a computer. Further, the passenger device 20 is in the form of a portable computer such as a laptop personal computer (PC) or a Macintosh computer, and the passenger device 22 is, for example, a Palm.
, Windows CE (or Windows CE), or a personal digital assistant (PDA) based on a similar operating system for small handheld devices. It should be noted that other upcoming Internet devices are also suitable for use with the system 10.

On the other hand, access to the web 12 is also provided to passengers in the form of using an Internet kiosk 24 or other device designed for use by the general public. Further, business users such as travel agencies, hotels, ground transportation services, etc. may access the web 12 on behalf of passengers via the device 26. The devices 26 used by these business users are similar to passenger devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22 (ie, computers, PDAs, phones, interactive televisions, etc.).
May be The check-in procedure in this case can be regarded as a value-added service provided to the passenger by the business user. For example, when a guest leaves the hotel, a hotel clerk may offer to perform a remote check-in procedure and provide the guest with a boarding pass. Note that existing security systems may need to be modified to allow non-passengers to access the Internet check-in procedures.

Still referring to FIG. 1, the system 10 also includes an airline server (eg, a web server) 28, which, via the web 12, provides passenger devices 14, 16, 18 ,. 20 and 22, Internet Kiosk 24,
And to communicate with the business user device 26. The number of passenger devices, internet kiosks, and business users shown in FIG. 1 for ease of drawing is limited, but within the bandwidth limits of server 28 and web 12. , The actual number is virtually infinite. In addition, a passenger who accesses the system 10 normally makes a reservation on the aviation web server 28 operated by the airline, but the flight information of another airline having a cooperative relationship for sharing or adjusting the reservation database information. It is also possible to have an embodiment in which the check-in procedure is performed by accessing the.

The passenger may be located remotely from the airport terminal, such as at home, at work, or on the move. In particular, with the advent of wireless telephones that support PDAs and the Internet, it is possible to perform high-level check-in while moving. That is, a passenger can perform remote check-in from his / her own mobile device. In addition, the logic executed by the airline's web server 28 may be configured to limit the check-in procedure at certain times.

For example, this time zone is set from about 6 hours before the departure time of the flight to 90 minutes before the departure time of the flight. In this way, if the passenger attempts to check in before the start of this time period, he will be instructed to check in later. On the other hand,
If the passenger attempts to check-in after the end of this time, he or she will be instructed to check-in at the airport, as usual, by interacting with an electronic service center or airline personnel. In the case of so-called night flights, 2 consecutive hours
It may be set to span days.

The system 10 may also include a database server 30 and an airline reservations database 32, a file server 34, and a file archive 36 that stores files organized by the database 32. Is. The database server 30 is located in Atlanta, Georgia (US).
Worldspan (W) operated by Worldspan of Atranta
orldspan ^[R] : Worldspan is registered as a trademark ⁾ -It is possible to communicate with a global reservation system 38 such as a computer reservation system (CRS). On the other hand, the database server 30 is installed in an airport terminal, such as an electronic service center that provides E-service center services to passengers of E-tickets using Northwest Airlines flights. It is also possible to communicate with the electronic service center 40 in which it is located.

Airline Web Server 28, Passenger Devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and 2
2. Communication between the Internet Kiosk 24 and the Business User 26
It is done over the Internet using conventional network protocols such as TCP / IP. Airline web server 28, database server 3
Communication between 0, the airline reservation database 32, and the electronic service center 40 is also performed using TCP / IP. It should be noted that in most embodiments database server 30, airline reservation database 32, and electronic service center 40 are connected to a private local or wide area network maintained by the airline. There is. However, reference numeral 42
The electronic service center is the airline's web server 2 as shown by
An embodiment is also possible in which the database server 30 can be indirectly accessed via the Web server 8 and the Web 12.

It is desirable to provide a firewall as a security means. A firewall isolates the database server 30 and file server 34 from the web server 28 to prevent unauthorized intrusion of information maintained for passengers. Security and confidentiality of database 30 and file archive 36 is a very important issue due to characteristics such as the storage of information about personal accounts and travel plans. On the other hand, in order to enhance the security and confidentiality of the client information, the web server 26 generated by the web server 26 using a public key encryption mechanism such as SSL.
It is also possible to transmit the page to the producers 14, 16, 18 and 20.

A business user, such as a travel agency, can communicate with the airline's web server via the web 12 and device 46. However, the business user device 46 can access and communicate with the global reservation system 38 by dial-up or leased line, as indicated by reference numeral 44. Similarly, the database server 30 can also be accessed by dial-up or leased line and communicate with the global reservation system 38, as indicated by reference numeral 46. The global reservation system 38 may also access the file server 34 by dial-up or leased line connection, as shown at 48.

When operating system 10, web server 28 interacts with database server 30 and file server 34 to assemble content. This content is organized by the airline's reservation database 32 and is filed for access by passengers associated with passenger devices 14, 16, 18, 20, and 22, internet kiosks 23, and business users 26. -Stored in the archive 36. Information about such content, along with textual content and graphic web page content that is relatively unaltered, is stored for individual passengers and generated by the airline's web server 28. Contains passenger record information as it would appear on a particular web page.

When performing the check-in procedure, the web server 28 retrieves passenger record information presented to the passenger. The web server 28 interacts with the database server 30 and the airline reservation database 32,
An example is also possible in which it is confirmed that the target airmail operates as planned.
In particular, the system 10 is an abnormal situation (IRROPS) such as cancellation or delay of airmail
Can be configured to process. In this case, web server 2
8 interacts with conventional booking services, such as those provided internally by airlines such as automated booking software and / or booking agents.

On the other hand, an embodiment is possible in which the option of travel by another airline is provided by interacting with the global reservation system 38. In this case, the web server 28
Receives one or more alternative reservations that the passenger can select and presents these alternative reservations to the remote passenger. As a result, IRROPS for passengers
Both the occurrence of and the alternative travel option for a given trip will be notified. In some cases (especially in the case of cancellation of airmail), the web server 28 may include a printable web server representing a certificate of benefits such as hotel accommodations and flight coupons available to the passenger.
It is possible to generate pages or other information.

As mentioned above, the devices used by passengers and business users may take the form of personal computers, Macintosh computers, PDAs, interactive televisions, mobile phones, etc., which access the web 12. It is equipped with a communication service for. These devices are either directly connected to the web 12 or via an internet service provider and communicate using a network protocol such as TCP / IP. Each device preferably runs a graphical display application, such as a web browser, to access resources on other computers connected to the web 12. In particular, using a web browser, passengers and business users can browse HTML web pages generated by the web server 26. In addition,
Other interface applications are also useful if the information is presented in a user interactive format when accessing the airline server 28.

Web server 26 is a single web server or multiple web servers connected to database server 30 and file server 34,
Or multiple mirrored servers (Multiple Mirrored Servers
) Can be taken. The web server 26 executes a server page script. This script is for Lotus Notes Form, Active Server Page (ASP)
: Active Server Pages, CGI scripts, Java Servlet (Java Se
rvlets), or other server-side scripting language suitable for building and maintaining database-driven websites. It should be noted that client-side scripts can be run on individual devices 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 if dynamic graphical content is desired. However, the client device 14, 16, 18, 20, 22,
Due to the diversification and low profile of 24 and 26 platforms, it is desirable to provide most of the processing overhead with server-side scripting.

Web server 28 interacts with database server 30 to provide passengers with access to information stored in airline reservation database 30. Web server 26 includes passenger devices 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22.
, The Internet kiosk 24, and the web user that assembles the necessary content into the web pages required by the device 26 and receives the information to be added to the database 32 from these devices. Database server 3
0 is 0 if it is suitable for web-oriented database applications.
It can be any type of database server, such as an LEDB driver or an ODBC driver.

The database server 3 responds to the inquiry from the web server 28.
0 retrieves the appropriate record from the airline's reservation database. Then, the web server 28 sends the information related to the record to the file server 34.
The file archive 36 is retrieved through the
Create the content of the web page to present to individual passengers or business users via 4, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26.

The information retrieved from the airline database 32 is typically limited to records associated with the individual passenger requesting remote check-in. However, in some cases, non-passengers may be authorized to perform remote check-in procedures and the extent of information provided to a particular producer based on relevance or personal interests. For example, a company's travel staff may be authorized to access information for various passengers of the company.

In this case, the airline server 28 can retrieve a plurality of records from the database 32 and generate a web page displaying the content.
The travel staff of the company can then perform remote check-in procedures for multiple passengers and issue boarding passes for them. Similarly, an embodiment in which a travel agency is authorized to perform remote check-in for a plurality of customers is possible. In this case, limit the time for check-in procedures to limit the use of remote check-in by travel agents, and secure time for the boarding pass to be printed and delivered by TA-Q-BIN (registered trademark) or picked up by the passenger. You can also do it. However,
An embodiment of remote check-in that does not require a passenger to carry a paper boarding pass is also possible.

When operating system 10, devices 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 communicate with web pages via one or more URLs to airline web server 28. Access and request access to information stored in database 32. In one embodiment, the passenger accesses specific information by entering the passenger name and / or user number information, such as the so-called "Frequent Flyer" (i.e., frequent flyer) number. In response to the input of the passenger information, the airline's web server 28 presents the current detailed status of the passenger's flight itinerary, reservations, rebookings, mileage status, remote check-in, etc. Can present one or more web pages that offer the option of online services.

Conventional input means such as check boxes, radio dials, and text input boxes can be added to the dialog driven by the web page. In addition, access by a web browser can retain the information that a passenger enters in a text entry box each time they visit a web site. As a result, the passenger does not need to store the information, which is convenient when the passenger accesses the web server 28 from a place away from home or work.

The information provided by the web server 28 can be presented in textual or graphic format, and hypertext links to additional information items can be added. Further, the above information may include, for example, downloadable files that provide additional information such as PDF format. Note that examples of documents that can be provided to passengers as downloadable files include flight receipts and account status reports. On the other hand, when the passenger selects the remote check-in procedure, the airline's web server 28 launches a series of interactive web pages requesting user input. For example, the first web page may require entry of a passenger name and a frequent passenger number.
Subsequent web pages drive the input of the content needed to complete the check-in procedure.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a remote check-in method for air passengers. In particular, FIG. 2 illustrates how a passenger accessing an airline's web server 28 may perform a remote check-in procedure via a series of web pages. It should be noted that the method shown in FIG. 2 is merely representative and many different embodiments are possible. In the example of FIG. 2, the passenger or business user first accesses the airline's home page (NW Webpage), as indicated by block 50. Then, on this home page, the user clicks on the appropriate icon to access the Internet Check-In site. Then, when visiting the Internet CheckInsight, the user will see his name, the city or airport where the target flight departs, a credit card number, a passenger name record, as shown in block 52. ,
Frequent passenger numbers (eg, Northwest Airlines WorldPerks (Worl)
dperks) number).

Upon entering these personal information, as shown in block 54, a web page is presented displaying information about the airport of departure. While web server 28 interacts with database server 30 to retrieve the appropriate passenger name record,
As shown in block 56, a web page may be presented that displays a "please wait" message. The airport information and the message “please wait for a while” can be integrated into one web page. In most embodiments, from a security standpoint, only single party passenger name records may be retrieved, as indicated by line 57. However, it is also possible to retrieve passenger name records for multiple parties, as shown by line 58. This line 58 is indicated by a broken line to indicate that it is an option in the procedure shown in FIG. It should be noted that when retrieving passenger name records for multiple parties, a web page requesting selection of a specific passenger from the passenger name records is generated, as shown in block 59. Searching for a single party passenger name record or selecting a passenger from multiple party passenger name records, block 60
As shown at, the web server 28 generates a web page displaying the appropriate passenger name record.

After displaying the passenger name record, the user may ask security-related questions 1 and 2 (ie, whether the passenger has been in possession of the luggage to be carried on or checked in, and , Whether or not strangers have asked the passenger to carry something). Such operation is indicated by block 62. If the passenger himself goes through the remote check-in procedure (which is the case in most cases) he can answer these questions himself. However, if a travel agency, business user, or other person performs a remote check-in, the security-related questions above may be withheld until the passenger arrives at the airport, or the security confirmation may be otherwise provided. Modify the above procedure to do so. It should be noted that the user may also request that these security related questions be paraphrased, as shown in block 64.

If international travel is involved, the airline's web server 28 may present a web page requesting input of contact and notification information, as shown in block 66. Upon completing the steps shown in blocks 62, 64 and 66, the web server 28 generates a web page presenting disclaimer information relating to the ticket, as shown in block 68. This information may be provided on the page or provided by hypertext link access. The web server 28 then generates a web page displaying instructions for printing the boarding pass, as shown in block 70, and the boarding pass and flight receipt on the printer, as shown in block 72. Instruct to print.

However, if the device 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, and 26 does not have a printer, a smart card may be programmed or seat assignment confirmation may be recorded in the airline reservation database 32. The above procedure is replaced by another procedure such as the setting. In this case, the user presents a smart card, or a device containing a smart card or other medium, to a reading device operated by airline personnel, for example, by optical means, mechanical means, or wireless transmission. Transfer information. Alternatively, the passenger may, for example, drive a license,
Identification cards such as credit cards or frequent passenger cards may be presented to the airline's boarding gate staff at the boarding gate. If the identity is confirmed, an airline agent may assign the seat by means of accessing the airline's database server 30 or other electronic record indicating that a particular passenger has completed check-in. You can verify that the confirmation is done. Finally, block 7
A web page indicating the completion of the remote check-in is presented, as shown at 4, and the user is instructed to return to the airline home page, as shown at block 76.

Upon completion of the remote check-in procedure, the airline's web server 28
Interacts with the database server 30 to update the airline reservation database 32 upon confirmation of appropriate seat allocation. This allows the airline web server 28 to access the database server 30 through a terminal device 49.
Provides seat allocation information for reference by airline personnel operating the. As a result, the clerk of the airline can manually access the operation terminal device 49 when the passenger arrives and verify the confirmation of the seat allocation. Instead of this, seats that are exchanged with a medium carried by a passenger by a reader such as a bar code scanner, a smart card reader, a magnetic stripe reader, and a wireless receiver, and are maintained and managed by the database server 30 or the departure gate. You can interact with the electronic records of confirmations of assignments and quickly confirm that passengers have completed check-in when boarding an air flight. It should be noted that the airline reservation database 32 is selectively duplicated in the global reservation system 38, thereby providing a record of confirmed seat allocations to other airlines and travel agencies.

Various modifications can be made to the procedure shown in FIG. For example, in the procedure of FIG. 2, it may be possible to enable passengers to make reservations for upgrades, change seat allocations, enter passport information, and process changes when an abnormal situation such as flight delay or cancellation occurs. . As yet another example, the web server 2 may apply time zones to limit passenger access to remote check-in procedures as described above.
8 can also be configured. In other words, the access prior to the first predetermined time before the flight departure time and the access after the second predetermined time before the flight departure time are prohibited. . Furthermore, the airline's web server 28 can selectively distinguish passengers and provide different time zones for each passenger.
Can also be configured.

For example, in the case of a passenger with a short history of no-show, the check-in time period may be expanded so that the passenger can access it from an early time. On the other hand, for passengers with frequent no-show history, either by delaying the start time of the check-in time period or shortening the check-in time period, or by adopting both. , Check-in time limits may be tightened. As the standard for providing the early check-in time zone or the late check-in time zone, not only the number of no-shows but also the number of no-shows expressed as a percentage of the number of flights can be used. In addition, in order to increase the reliability of the historical information, the history of the flight of passengers who are entitled to a long check-in period (that is, access to early check-in services is permitted), You may add a limit to the minimum number of times an airmail may be used. This way, only if you fly many times and leave good no-show statistics. Passengers acquire the qualification to be granted the early check-in time zone (early check-in time zone).

For example, a passenger who has boarded 20 times in the previous year and has never had a no-show is allowed to perform a remote check-in procedure several hours or days before the start of a normal time zone. On the other hand, each customer having an acceptable no-show history may be allowed to access the same number of hours before the normal time zone when other passengers can access. Alternatively, the number of hours allowed to be accessed before the normal time zone can be selectively calculated based on the no-show history. In this case, for passengers with an exceptionally good no-show history,
Simply give access to the remote check-in service before passengers with a "good" no-show history, and give the latter access earlier than normal check-in hours. The history information can be collected from past airmail records, and the history information can be used when a flag indicating that the risk of no-show is low is set for the passenger. Passengers flagged as such will be granted early access to check-in services, and passengers with little or no historical data, or passengers with frequent no-show histories will receive normal time. Allow access in the obi.

FIG. 3 is a flow chart for explaining a method of managing the check-in time zone as a part of the remote check-in procedure. As shown in box 77,
For example, when a passenger's identity is entered, such as a frequent passenger number, credit card number, or passenger name record, the web server 28 interacts with the database server 30 to retrieve the appropriate passenger name record, as shown in block 79. Search for. The web server 28 then causes the current time of access by the passenger to be a predetermined number of hours before departure (X hours or a portion thereof), as indicated by block 81.
Execute logic to determine whether or not it is before. If the current time of access is less than the predetermined number of hours X, the web server 28 denies access to the remote check-in procedure and, as indicated by block 83, of the targeted flight. Inform passengers that it is too early to perform remote check-in.
On the other hand, if the current time of access is not too early, as shown in block 85, the current time of access is a predetermined number of hours before departure Y (Y hours or a part thereof). Is later than. If the current time of access is later than the predetermined number of hours Y, the web server 28 denies access to the remote check-in procedure and, as shown in block 87, remote check the target flight. Inform passengers that it is too late to make an inn.
If the current time of access is not later than the predetermined number of hours Y, then the passenger is allowed to begin check-in, as shown in block 89.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing a selective check-in time slot as a part of a remote check-in procedure. Once the passenger's identity has been entered, as shown in block 91, the web server 28 interacts with the database server 30 to retrieve the appropriate passenger name record, as shown in block 93. The web server 28 then flags the eligible passengers as entitled to access early check-in hours based on no-show historical information or other criteria, as shown in block 93. It is determined whether or not the settings have been made. It should be noted that other criteria for allowing this early time period may include passenger fee payments and mileage-based category membership. Then, if the passenger is not flagged as qualified for check-in at an earlier time zone, the web server 28 makes a time zone determination much like that shown in FIG. . This determination is shown in blocks 97, 99, 101, 103 and 105.

On the other hand, if the passenger is flagged for an early check-in time zone, the web server 28 indicates that the current access for the passenger by the passenger, as indicated by block 107. Predetermined number of hours before departure X + Z (X
+ Z time or a part thereof). This Z time indicates an additional number of hours that is given to the passenger further back than the standard number of hours X before departure of the air flight. Then, if the current time of access is less than the number of hours X + Z, the web server 28 denies access to the remote check-in procedure and, as indicated by block 99, the remote flight for the target flight. Inform passengers that it is too early to check in. On the other hand, if the current time of access is not too early, as shown in block 109, the current time of access is greater than the predetermined number of hours Y (Y hours or a portion thereof) before departure. Is also slow. Then, if the current time of access is later than the predetermined number of hours Y, the web server 28 denies access to the remote check-in procedure and, as indicated by block 103, the target flight. Inform passengers that it is too late to perform a remote check-in. On the other hand, if the current time of access is not later than the predetermined number of hours Y, then the passenger is allowed to initiate check-in, as shown in block 105.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing an abnormal situation dialog as part of a remote check-in procedure. Once the passenger's identity is entered, as shown in block 111, the web server 28 interacts with the database server 30 to retrieve the appropriate passenger name record, as shown in block 113. The web server 28 then parses the passenger name record, as indicated by block 115, to create an abnormal situation (IRROPS) such as cancellation or delay of the flight.
Identify. As a result, if there is no indication of IRROPS, allow the passenger to initiate remote check-in in the normal procedure. On the other hand, if there is an indication of IRROPS, the web server 28 retrieves an alternate itinerary, as shown in block 119. This alternate itinerary can be loaded into the database 32 either automatically or by a booking agent. Then, as shown in block 121, if the passenger replies that the above alternative itinerary is acceptable,
The server 28 sends the information for printing a bonus coupon or other recording, as shown in block 123. By presenting these privilege coupons to the staff of the airline company, passengers can obtain benefits such as prepaid telephone cards and meal tickets.

On the other hand, if the alternate itinerary is unacceptable, the web server 28 queries the database server 30 for another itinerary option, as shown in block 125 of FIG. . Then, as shown in block 127,
If another itinerary option is acceptable, the passenger receives the award coupon and checks in, as shown in blocks 123 and 117, respectively. On the other hand, if another itinerary option is unacceptable, the passenger receives the award coupon, as shown in block 129, but as shown in block 131, an airline such as a reservation clerk or boarding gate clerk. You will be instructed to contact a staff member.

6-14 illustrate various web pages created in a typical remote check-in procedure. Such web pages can be displayed via desktop computers, laptop computers, interactive televisions, PDAs, mobile phones that support the Internet, and other Internet devices. However, for ease of display and to save transmission bandwidth, web
There are also devices that truncate, summarize, format, or otherwise modify the content. For example, FIG. 6 shows a first web browser window presenting a web page 78 that is displayed to an air passenger for personal identification during remote check-in. As shown in FIG. 6, a web page 78 is provided for entering frequent passenger numbers, credit card numbers, or confirmation numbers (ie, passenger name record numbers) along with the family name, first name, and city of departure of the flight. It is possible to arrange the text input box of.

FIG. 7 shows a web browser window for displaying a web page 80 presenting the search status of a booking record to an air passenger during remote check-in. The web page 80 indicates that the reservation is being searched, and an information message can be selected and displayed if necessary.
FIG. 8 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 82 for an air passenger to select a desired passenger during remote check-in. For example, if multiple passenger name records are retrieved, the user selects the correct passenger from a list of such multiple passengers, for example, using the checkbox input means displayed on the web page. However, in the example of FIG. 8, a single party passenger name record is retrieved. This check box is checked with an input means such as a mouse, a trackball, a stylus pen, a keyboard, etc. to confirm that the passenger name displayed for check-in is correct.

FIG. 9 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 84 for an air passenger to confirm an itinerary during remote check-in. As shown in FIG. 9, depending on the passenger selection, the web page 84 displays appropriate passenger itinerary information including departure city, arrival city, flight number, departure and arrival times, travel dates, etc. To do. The itinerary information displayed in this manner allows the passenger to confirm that the correct frequent passenger number has been added to the record. After confirming the itinerary, the passenger clicks the "Next" button to perform the check-in procedure.

Further, as shown in FIG. 9, seat allocation is displayed for each flight.
This seat allocation can be done automatically by the booking application software, or can be manually entered by the booking agent or travel agent. In either case, the web server 28 can be configured to generate additional web pages that allow the customer to change the assigned seats. Embodiments are possible where the web server 28 generates a web page that provides a textual list of available seats, a graphical representation of the available seat positions on the aircraft, or a combination thereof.

FIG. 10 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 86 for the air passenger to confirm security during remote check-in. For example, web page 86 asks the customer, "Did you know that you asked someone to carry something on this flight?" And "From baggage to baggage Did you let go? " Passengers can use the checkboxes on the web page to answer Yes or Yes to these questions.
Answer "No". Please note that the content of these questions is in compliance with applicable government regulations and may change over time and may vary by region.

FIG. 11 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 88 for notifying air passengers of contact information requirements for an international trip during remote check-in. The web page 88 simply informs the passengers that they need to fill in such information when they arrive at the airport. Alternatively, the above information can be entered online from web page 88.

FIG. 12 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 90 for notifying airline passengers of a disclaimer regarding an airline ticket during remote check-in. As shown in FIG. 12, web page 90 may provide hypertext links to other pages of information.

FIG. 13 shows a web browser window that displays a web page 92 for notifying air passengers of boarding pass printing procedures during remote check-in. When the user clicks the "Next" button, a web page showing boarding pass information is displayed. If the user device is equipped with a printer, the user can print a hard copy of the boarding pass to be taken to the airport by simply clicking on the print icon in the toolbar of the web browser.

FIG. 14 shows a web browser window displaying a web page 94 presented to an air passenger when remote check-in is complete.
Web page 94 indicates that the procedure is complete and is provided with a "Next" link to return to the airline's home page.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a remote aviation check-in system via a global computer network.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining a remote check-in method for air passengers.

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a method for managing a check-in time zone as part of a remote check-in procedure.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing a selective check-in time slot as part of a remote check-in procedure.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing an abnormal situation dialog as part of a remote check-in procedure.

FIG. 6 illustrates a first web browser window displaying a web page for an air passenger to enter identity information during remote check-in.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a web browser window displaying a web page for presenting the search status of a booking record to a passenger during remote check-in.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a web browser window displaying a web page for an air passenger to select a target passenger during remote check-in.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing a web browser window displaying a web page for an air passenger to confirm an itinerary during remote check-in.

FIG. 10 illustrates a web browser window displaying a web page for an air passenger to confirm security during remote check-in.

FIG. 11 illustrates a web browser window displaying a web page for notifying air passengers of contact information requirements during remote check-in.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a web browser window that displays a web page for notifying an air passenger of a disclaimer regarding an airline ticket during remote check-in.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing a web browser window displaying a web page for notifying an airline passenger of a boarding pass printing procedure during remote check-in.

Figure 14: Web presented to air passengers upon completion of remote check-in
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a web browser window displaying a page.

[Procedure amendment]

[Submission date] September 4, 2002 (2002.9.4)

[Procedure Amendment 1]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be amended] Claims

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[Claims]

[Procedure Amendment 2]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0034

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

[0034]   Business users, such as travel agencies, use the Web 12 and devices.TwoAviation Society through 6
Can communicate with the company's web server. However, business user equipment Two 6 for the global reservation system 38, as indicated by reference numeral 44.
You can access and communicate by dial-up or leased line. As well
In addition, the database server 30 is also dialed up as indicated by reference numeral 46.
Access via private or leased line to communicate with the global reservation system 38
You can Then, from the global reservation system 38 to the file server 34
Access is also dial-up or leased line connection, as indicated by reference numeral 48.
You can go by.

[Procedure 3]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Correction target item name] 0039

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

The Web server 2 8, a single web server or web server connected to the database server 30 and file server 34,
Or multiple mirrored servers (Multiple Mirrored Servers
) Can be taken. Web server 2 8 according to run the server page script (Server Page Script). This script is for Lotus Notes Form, Active Server Page (ASP)
: Active Server Pages, CGI scripts, Java Servlet (Java Se
rvlets), or other server-side scripting language suitable for building and maintaining database-driven websites. It should be noted that client-side scripts can be run on individual devices 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24 and 26 if dynamic graphical content is desired. However, the client device 14, 16, 18, 20, 22,
Due to the diversification and low profile of 24 and 26 platforms, it is desirable to provide most of the processing overhead with server-side scripting.

[Procedure amendment 4]

[Document name to be amended] Statement

[Name of item to be corrected] 0057

[Correction method] Change

[Contents of correction]

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a method of managing a selective check-in time slot as a part of a remote check-in procedure. Once the passenger's identity has been entered, as shown in block 91, the web server 28 interacts with the database server 30 to retrieve the appropriate passenger name record, as shown in block 93. Then, the web server 28, as shown in block 9 5, based on the history information or other criteria of no-show, as a qualified person passenger is entitled to access to early check-in time zone of interest It is determined whether or not the flag is set. It should be noted that other criteria for allowing this early time period may include passenger fee payments and mileage-based category membership. Then, if the passenger is not flagged as qualified for check-in at an earlier time zone, the web server 28 makes a time zone determination much like that shown in FIG. . This determination is shown in blocks 97, 99, 101, 103 and 105.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continued front page    (81) Designated countries EP (AT, BE, CH, CY, DE, DK, ES, FI, FR, GB, GR, IE, I T, LU, MC, NL, PT, SE, TR), OA (BF , BJ, CF, CG, CI, CM, GA, GN, GW, ML, MR, NE, SN, TD, TG), AP (GH, G M, KE, LS, MW, MZ, SD, SL, SZ, TZ , UG, ZW), EA (AM, AZ, BY, KG, KZ, MD, RU, TJ, TM), AE, AG, AL, AM, AT, AU, AZ, BA, BB, BG, BR, BY, B Z, CA, CH, CN, CR, CU, CZ, DE, DK , DM, DZ, EE, ES, FI, GB, GD, GE, GH, GM, HR, HU, ID, IL, IN, IS, J P, KE, KG, KP, KR, KZ, LC, LK, LR , LS, LT, LU, LV, MA, MD, MG, MK, MN, MW, MX, MZ, NO, NZ, PL, PT, R O, RU, SD, SE, SG, SI, SK, SL, TJ , TM, TR, TT, TZ, UA, UG, US, UZ, VN, YU, ZA, ZW (72) Inventor Astelford Jacqueline K.             Ray, United States, Minnesota 55044             Kubiru, Two Hundred Force             Treat Northwest 9469 (72) Inventor Doring, Thomas A.             Minnesota 55318, Cha, United States             Ska Falls Falls 1165 (72) Inventor Mu, Todd E.             United States, Minnesota 55372, Pula             Ear Lake, Ridgewood Court             17414

Claims (16)

[Claims] 1. A step of receiving a check-in request from an air passenger via a computer network, a step of comparing a time when the check-in request is received with an allowable time zone, and a step of receiving a time when the check-in request is received. A check-in method for an air passenger according to the check-in request, when the time is within the permissible time zone. 2. The check-in method for air passengers further comprises: before the first predetermined time before the departure of the target flight, or the second before the departure of the target flight. 2. The method of claim 1 including the step of rejecting confirmation of seat allocation if the check-in request is received after a predetermined time of. 3. The method of claim 1, wherein the method of checking in an air passenger further comprises the step of designating different time slots for different air passengers. 4. The check-in method for air passengers further comprises the step of designating different permitted time zones for different air passengers based on the past no-show history of each air passenger. the method of. 5. The air passenger is located far away from the airport terminal associated with the departure of the subject air flight, and the method of checking in the air passenger is further away from the air passenger. The method of claim 1, including the step of accepting the check-in request by a server located at a remote location. 6. The method of checking in an air passenger further comprises: determining whether a target flight associated with the check-in request has been delayed or canceled; Confirming a seat allocation for another flight in response to the check-in request if the cancellation has been made. 7. The method of checking in an air passenger further comprises the step of accepting the check-in request by a server located far away from an airport terminal associated with departure of the subject air flight. The method according to item 1. 8. The computer network is the Internet, and the method of checking in an airline passenger further comprises the step of accepting the check-in request by a web server connected to the World Wide Web. the method of. 9. A step of recording the confirmed seat allocation, a step of changing a database of a seat reservation system so as to indicate the confirmed seat allocation, and the confirmed seat allocation in the computer network. The method of claim 1 including communicating to the passenger via. 10. A printer associated with the passenger prints information indicating the confirmed seat allocation, and security along with the printed information to verify the authenticity of the confirmed seat allocation. Printing the indicia of claim 1. 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the air passenger sends the check-in request by any one of a desktop computer, a portable computer, a PDA, a mobile phone, or an interactive television. 12. A system for executing the check-in method for an air passenger according to claim 1, wherein the network client sends a check-in request from the air passenger via a computer network. And receiving the check-in request via the computer network, comparing the time when the check-in request is received with the allowable time zone, and the time when the check-in request is received is within the allowable time zone. In this case, a system comprising: a network server that confirms seat allocation of an air flight targeted by the air passenger in response to the check-in request. 13. A computer readable medium for storing a program code for causing one or more programmable processors to carry out the method when performing the method according to any one of claims 1 to 11. Medium. 14. A step of accepting a check-in request via a computer network, a step of determining whether or not a target flight associated with the check-in request has been delayed or canceled, and A step of confirming a seat allocation of another flight in response to the check-in request when the check-in request has been delayed or canceled. 15. A system for performing the check-in method for an air passenger according to claim 14, wherein the network client sends the check-in request via the computer network, and the check-in via the computer network. Receiving a request, determining whether the target flight associated with the check-in request has been delayed or canceled, and if the flight has been delayed or canceled,
A system comprising: a network server that confirms a seat allocation of another flight according to the check-in request. 16. A computer-readable medium storing program code for causing one or more programmable processors to perform the method when performing the method.