WO2015149947A1 - Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage - Google Patents

Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2015149947A1
WO2015149947A1 PCT/EP2015/000717 EP2015000717W WO2015149947A1 WO 2015149947 A1 WO2015149947 A1 WO 2015149947A1 EP 2015000717 W EP2015000717 W EP 2015000717W WO 2015149947 A1 WO2015149947 A1 WO 2015149947A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
travel
client
seller
screen
information
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2015/000717
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Nicolas Hauviller
François Montegut
Rudy Daniello
Original Assignee
Amadeus S.A.S.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Priority claimed from EP14305490.6A external-priority patent/EP2927848A1/fr
Priority claimed from US14/244,189 external-priority patent/US9875446B2/en
Application filed by Amadeus S.A.S. filed Critical Amadeus S.A.S.
Publication of WO2015149947A1 publication Critical patent/WO2015149947A1/fr

Links

Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
    • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • G06Q50/00—Systems or methods specially adapted for specific business sectors, e.g. utilities or tourism
    • G06Q50/10—Services
    • G06Q50/14—Travel agencies

Definitions

  • the current invention relates to a computer system for selling travel services.
  • Computer systems for selling travel services are already very known to the person skilled in the art. Such systems are for example operated by a travel seller, for example a travel agent, trying to sell travel services to a travel client in a face-to-face situation, for example a possible future traveller.
  • the known systems comprise a travel database system comprising travel information, a travel seller screen for showing travel information from the travel database system to the travel seller and a screen visualization module for visualizing travel information from the travel database system onto the travel seller screen.
  • the travel seller is retrieving and viewing information for the travel client, more in particular for the travel the travel client is planning.
  • the travel client desires some input from the travel seller, for example when the travel client needs to decide on certain aspects from his travel, for example when the travel client needs to decide which flight, itinerary, hotel, etc. he wants to book for the planned travel.
  • the travel seller turns his screen towards the travel client so as to present him with travel information, for example the available options, so that the client can make his choice based on the information presented.
  • travel information can be any type of information related to travel, for example, but certainly not limited to, information relating to travel services such as for example type of travel service (for example a flight, a hotel, a car rental, a train, etc.) a set of attributes of the travel services (for example: airline name, flight number, equipment type, price per person, departure date and time, arrival date and time, etc.), etc.
  • type of travel service for example a flight, a hotel, a car rental, a train, etc.
  • attributes of the travel services for example: airline name, flight number, equipment type, price per person, departure date and time, arrival date and time, etc.
  • the travel information shown on the travel seller screen often is not at all adapted to the travel client and is merely adapted to the travel seller. For example, it often happens that certain information is provided using abbreviations, acronyms, a specific language or specific jargon from the travel industry which are not easily or even not at all understood by a common travel client.
  • the way the travel information is shown on the travel seller screen is not at all adapted at being shown to a client as, for example, the layout is specifically adapted at conveying and/or inputting information to a travel seller as opposed to a travel client.
  • a command line interface is being used, which is often perceived as commercially very unsuitable to sell travel services to travel clients.
  • confidential information such as for example commissions received for certain travel services, margins, etc., is being shown to the travel client by showing the travel seller screen to the travel client.
  • the computer system further comprises a travel seller selection interface module allowing the travel seller to select client travel information from the travel database system and a travel client screen different from the travel seller screen for showing travel information, preferably the selected client travel information, from the travel database system to the travel client and wherein the screen visualization module is provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system onto the travel client screen.
  • a travel seller selection interface module allowing the travel seller to select client travel information from the travel database system and a travel client screen different from the travel seller screen for showing travel information, preferably the selected client travel information, from the travel database system to the travel client and wherein the screen visualization module is provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system onto the travel client screen.
  • the travel seller can avoid having to turn his screen towards the travel client to show him travel information relevant for the travel planned by the travel client. Instead, relevant travel information is now shown to the travel client on a separate screen and can be specifically formatted for that purpose by the screen visualization module.
  • the travel seller selection interface module allows the travel seller to control what the travel client will see on the travel client screen.
  • the travel seller can select client travel information to be shown on the travel client screen such as to show the relevant travel information to the travel client allowing the travel client to make a choice and provide feedback to the travel seller.
  • the screen visualization module can now format the travel information in a commercially acceptable way.
  • the travel seller and the travel client do no longer need to be physically close to each other and that it is no longer necessary that the seller and the client are in the same travel agency office.
  • the travel seller and the travel client can for example communicate over a distance, for example by voice over for example the telephone, or any other way deemed appropriate such as for example by written text such as for example by chatting, SMS, etc., while the travel seller can show certain travel information at the same time on the travel client screen using the travel seller selection interface module. This allows for example that the travel client no longer has to move to the location of the travel agent to obtain the desired travel information.
  • the computer system comprises a travel client selection interface module.
  • a travel client selection interface module allows the travel client to provide feedback to the travel seller.
  • the travel client selection interface module allows the travel client to select further client travel information, for example from the travel database system or from other sources such as for example from websites available on the internet, for example websites such as, but certainly not limited to, for example travel websites such as for example the TRIPADVISOR travel website and/or other websites such as for example photo sharing websites such as for example the FLICKR photo sharing website, etc.
  • the selected and displayed further client travel information preferably is based on a selection of the travel client from the selected client travel information visualized on the travel client screen, for example by the travel client selecting one of several options shown to him on the travel client screen.
  • the screen visualization module is preferably provided to visualize the selected further client travel information from the travel database system.
  • Such a configuration allows the travel client to for example select one of the options provided to him or her by the travel seller such that more information on that information is shown. This way, it for example becomes possible to present travel information of at least one travel service, preferably a plurality of optional travel services, and to show further travel information on demand by the travel client.
  • the travel client selection interface module allows, preferably through a client selection module of the travel client selection interface module, the travel client to select a travel service represented by the client travel information from the travel database system, preferably from the selected client travel information visualized on the travel client screen.
  • the travel client selection interface module is provided to transmit the selected travel service to a booking module of the computer system, allowing the travel seller to book the selected travel service.
  • Such a configuration for example allows the travel seller to present the travel client with several options after which the travel client selects the desired option and the relevant information is sent to a booking component making it, for example, possible for a travel seller to book the desired travel service for the travel client.
  • the booking component for example may comprise a shopping box module, making it possible for the travel seller and/or the travel client to select several travel services before making a final decision.
  • the content of the shopping box could be presented on the travel client screen on request of the travel client and/or the travel seller.
  • the travel seller selection interface module if present is provided to enable or disable the client selection module of the travel client selection interface module.
  • Such a configuration allows the travel seller to enable or disable the possibility that the travel client makes a selection, increasing the control of the travel seller on the information shown to the travel client.
  • the invention also relates to a method for selling travel services by a travel seller to a travel client, wherein a travel seller screen of a computer system shows travel information from a travel database system of the computer system visualized by a screen visualization module of the computer system to a travel seller.
  • a travel seller screen of a computer system shows travel information from a travel database system of the computer system visualized by a screen visualization module of the computer system to a travel seller.
  • the computer system comprises a travel client selection interface module.
  • the travel client selects further client travel information from the travel database system, preferably from the selected client travel information visualized on the travel client screen, through the travel client selection interface module.
  • the screen visualization module visualizes the selected further client travel information from the travel database system.
  • the selected and displayed further client travel information preferably is based on a selection of the travel client from the selected client travel information visualized on the travel client screen, for example by the travel client selecting one of several options shown to him on the travel client screen.
  • the travel client selects a travel service represented by the client travel information from the travel database system, preferably from the selected client travel information visualized on the travel client screen, through the travel client selection interface module.
  • the travel client selection interface module transmits the selected travel service to a booking module of the computer system, for booking of the selected travel service by the travel seller.
  • the travel seller can be any one of travel agent, a travel management company (TMC), a travel company, for example an airline, a train operating company, a bus operating company, a boat operating company, etc.
  • TMC travel management company
  • a travel company for example an airline, a train operating company, a bus operating company, a boat operating company, etc.
  • the travel client can be any one of a leisure travel client or a business travel client.
  • the leisure travel client can for example be a private person, a group of private persons, an organization organizing a leisure travel for one or more of private persons, etc.
  • the business travel client can be for example a private person making a business travel, a group of private persons making a business travel, an organization, for example a company, organizing a business travel for one or more of private persons and/or one or more companies, etc.
  • the travel client screen 6 is part of a travel client computer and the travel seller screen is part of a different travel seller computer, both connected to the travel database system through a computer network.
  • the travel agent can provide information, for example interactively, to the travel client, for example by phone, or any other way, for example through chatting, etc., and can show, for example interactively, travel information on the travel client screen. Therefore, such an embodiment allows the travel client to avoid having to move to the location of the travel agent.
  • the travel client screen could be part of a tablet computer, such as for example the APPLE IPAD, GOOGLE NEXUS, SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB, or part of a wearable computer like a portable computer, such as for example a laptop computer, connected glasses e.g. GOOGLE GLASS, VUZIX M100 or even watches, for example Smart watches e.g. PEEBLE WATCH or SAMSUNG GALAXY GEAR.
  • a tablet computer such as for example the APPLE IPAD, GOOGLE NEXUS, SAMSUNG GALAXY TAB
  • a wearable computer like a portable computer, such as for example a laptop computer, connected glasses e.g. GOOGLE GLASS, VUZIX M100 or even watches, for example Smart watches e.g. PEEBLE WATCH or SAMSUNG GALAXY GEAR.
  • the travel seller screen and the travel client screen are interconnected to the travel database system through a computer network.
  • the travel database system comprises a global distribution system (GDS) and/or a computer reservation system (CRS).
  • GDS global distribution system
  • CRS computer reservation system
  • the travel client screen in addition to information from the travel database system also other sources can be visualized on the travel client screen, such as for example from websites available on the internet, for example websites such as, but certainly not limited to, for example travel websites such as for example the TRIPADVISOR travel website and/or other websites such as for example photo sharing websites such as for example the FLICKR photo sharing website, etc..
  • the screen visualization module comprises a template module for formatting the client travel information.
  • a template module for formatting the client travel information Such configuration has been found to allow the client travel information to be formatted according to predetermined templates making the travel information even more understandable for the travel client.
  • the template to be used by the template module for formatting the client travel information can be selected by the travel seller through the travel seller selection interface module.
  • the screen visualization module is provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system onto the travel client screen based on client profile information so that the selected client travel information can be formatted in a way which is more in correspondence with the expectation of the travel client, for example the screen visualization module can be provided to translate words known to travel agents but usually unknown to travel client to words which are more widely known to travel clients.
  • the screen visualization module for example is provided to visualize the selected client travel information based on client profile information inputted, for example inputted by either the travel seller and/or the travel client, and/or even on information from the travel database system, for example information present in the travel database system on the travel client, such as for example travel services for which a booking request is available, for example from previous travels from the travel client or for travel services which are not yet completed and are, for example, still subject to change.
  • the client profile information can for example be retrieved from a travel client profile database and/or can comprise the selected client travel information, travel client characteristics such as for example the type of client, for example a client looking for, or even booking, a private leisure travel or a client looking for, or even booking, a business travel, preferred language (for example indicated by the travel client itself and/or if applicable by browser settings, IP address (by deduction from location related to the IP address and ultimately language related to that location), etc.
  • travel client characteristics such as for example the type of client, for example a client looking for, or even booking, a private leisure travel or a client looking for, or even booking, a business travel
  • preferred language for example indicated by the travel client itself and/or if applicable by browser settings
  • IP address by deduction from location related to the IP address and ultimately language related to that location
  • the template module is provided, based on inputted client profile information, to visualize the selected client travel information, by selecting a template and then applying it or suggesting
  • the user interface provided by the screen visualization module has a responsive design, more preferably the screen visualization module is provided to receive information on the travel client screen, for example resolution of the travel client screen, and is provided to format the client travel information in function of the information on the travel client screen, for example formatting the client travel information taking into account the resolution of the travel client screen, the number of supported colors by the travel client screen, transparency possiblities made possible by the travel client screen, etc. It has been found that such a screen visualization module allows an improved visualization of the client travel information on the travel client screen.
  • the travel database system includes a database for storing at least one data field representing travel information.
  • the travel seller selection interface module may generate a reference pointing to the respective data field which represents the selected client travel information.
  • selecting travel information includes generating a reference pointing to this travel information stored in the database.
  • the travel seller selection interface module transmits reference (referencing the selected travel information in the database) to the screen visualization module.
  • the screen visualization module receives only references to the travel information rather than the travel information itself.
  • the references may be considered as a link or pointer pointing to the corresponding data fields representing the referenced travel information.
  • the invention also relates to a software product provided for performing the method according to the current invention.
  • the invention also relates to a data carrier comprising the software product according to the current invention.
  • Figure 1 - 3 show schematic overviews of the system according to the invention.
  • Figure 4a shows an embodiment of travel information shown on the travel seller screen.
  • Fiqure 4b shows a different embodiment of travel information a
  • Figure 5 shows a different embodiment of figure 4.
  • Figure 6 shows an embodiment of client travel information on the travel client screen.
  • Figure 7 shows a different embodiment of figure 6.
  • Figures 8 - 10 show different embodiments illustrating the method according to the present invention.
  • Figure 1 1a shows an overview of the travel seller screen and figure 1 1 b of the travel client screen.
  • Figure 12a shows an overview of the travel seller screen and figure 12b of the travel client screen.
  • the schematic overview of the computer system 1 according to the invention shown in figure 1 shows that the computer system 1 for selling travel services by a travel seller to a travel client, comprises a travel database system 2 comprising travel information.
  • the travel seller can be any one of travel agent, a travel management company (TMC), a travel company, for example an airline, a train operating company, a bus operating company, a boat operating company, etc.
  • TMC travel management company
  • a travel company for example an airline, a train operating company, a bus operating company, a boat operating company, etc.
  • the travel database system 2 shown in figure 1 comprises a global distribution system (GDS) 10 and at least one, more in particular three although more or less are also possible such as for example one, two, four, five, six, seven, eight, nine, ten, etc., computer reservation system (CRS) 11 , 12, 13.
  • GDS global distribution system
  • CRS computer reservation system
  • Such a configuration is however not critical for the current invention and the travel database system 2 could also comprise only one of the GDS 10 and the at least one CRS 1 1 , 12, 13, for example only at least one CRS or for example only one
  • figure 1 shows multiple CRSs 1 1 , 12, 13 and only a single GDS
  • the travel database system 2 could also comprise less or even more CRSs and/or more than one GDS, according to the desired configuration of the computer system 1 .
  • the presence of the GDS 10 or the at least one CRS 1 1 , 12, 13 is not critical for the invention and can be omitted altogether to be replaced by, for example, a specific other database configuration.
  • GDSs and CRSs are often used in travel industry, often such components form part of the travel database system 2.
  • GDS 10 do not need to be physically at the same location or even near each other.
  • These components 10, 1 1 , 12, 13 are, as well-known by the person skilled in the art, often connected through a network, for example an intranet and/or an internet.
  • Figure 1 further shows that the computer system 1 further comprises a travel seller screen 3, here schematically shown in a usual configuration, for showing travel information from the travel database system 2 to the travel seller and a screen visualization module 4 for visualizing travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel seller screen 3.
  • a travel seller screen 3 here schematically shown in a usual configuration, for showing travel information from the travel database system 2 to the travel seller and a screen visualization module 4 for visualizing travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel seller screen 3.
  • Figure 1 shows that the travel seller screen 3 is part of a travel seller computer 16.
  • the travel seller computer 16 shown in figure 1 further comprises a controller 18 and a travel seller selection interface module 5.
  • the seller computer 16 can be any type of computer known to the person skilled in the art, for example a server system, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, etc.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 can be any known type of interface module 5 compatible in the computer, comprising for example a keyboard interface and/or mouse interface and/or a touch interface, for example a touch interface overlaying the seller screen 3 forming a touch screen interface of for example a tablet computer, etc.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 can further comprise any known type of user interface such as for example a command line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • CLI command line interface
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the controller 18 can be any type of controller 18 known to the person skilled in the art and deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art such as for example a central processing unit (CPU).
  • CPU central processing unit
  • the seller computer 16 may comprise the visualization module 4, more in particular the controller 18 can comprise the visualization module 4, as shown in figure 1.
  • the visualization module 4 can also be comprised by other components of the computer system 1 as will be explained later on.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 allows the travel seller to select client travel information from the travel database system 2. Thereto, the travel seller selection interface module 5 is connected to the travel database system 2.
  • Figure 1 shows that the travel seller computer 16 comprising the travel seller selection interface module 5 is connected to the travel database system 2 through the controller 18.
  • the connection for example is a network connection, more in particular an internet connection although an intranet connection also would be possible.
  • Figure 1 shows that particularly, the seller computer 16, through the controller 18, is connected to the GDS 10 of the travel database 2. This however depends on the type of travel database system 2 and, of course, the presence of a GDS 10 in the travel database system 2.
  • the computer system 1 shown in figure 1 further comprises a travel client screen 6, here by way of example schematically shown in a tablet computer configuration, different from the travel seller screen 3 for showing travel information from the travel database system 2 to the travel client.
  • a travel client screen 6 here by way of example schematically shown in a tablet computer configuration, different from the travel seller screen 3 for showing travel information from the travel database system 2 to the travel client.
  • Figure 1 shows that the travel client screen 6 is part of a travel client computer 9.
  • the travel client computer 9 shown in figure 1 further comprises a controller 19 and a travel client selection interface module 7.
  • the client computer 9 can be any type of computer known to the person skilled in the art, for example a server system, a workstation, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a tablet computer, a smartphone, or a wearable computer, such as for example a smart watch or connected glasses, etc.
  • the client computer 9 is a tablet computer.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 can be any known type of interface module 7 compatible in the client computer 9 comprising for example a keyboard interface and/or mouse interface and/or a touch interface and/or a gesture based interface and/or a voice controlled interface, for example a touch interface overlaying the client screen 6 forming a touch screen interface of for example a tablet computer, or a touchpad located on a wearable device enabling the user to make a selection, etc.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 can further comprise any known type of user interface such as for example a command line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).
  • CLI command line interface
  • GUI graphical user interface
  • the client selection interface module 7 is not critical for the invention and can be omitted, although no particular example is shown in the figures.
  • the client selection interface module 7 can be omitted when it is intended to only visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6, without offering the possibility to the client to interact with the travel information visualized on the client screen
  • the controller 19 can be any type of controller 19 known to the person skilled in the art and deemed appropriate by the person skilled in the art such as for example a central processing unit (CPU).
  • CPU central processing unit
  • a further visualization module 24 is present in the computer system 1 , more in particular as part of the travel database system 2, further in particular as part of the GDS 10.
  • Such configuration is however not critical for the invention as will be explained later on.
  • the screen visualization module 24 is provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6.
  • the travel client screen 6, and thus preferably also the controller 19 and more preferably thus also the travel client computer 9 and, if present, the travel client selection interface module 7, is connected to the travel database system 2, and if the screen visualization module 24 is part of the travel database system 2, therefore also to the screen visualization module 24.
  • Figure 1 shows that the travel client screen 6 is connected to the travel database system 2 through the controller 19, thus also connecting the travel client computer 9 to the travel database system 2.
  • the connection for example is a network connection, more in particular an internet connection although an intranet connection also would be possible.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 if present as shown in figure 1 , allows the client to interact with the travel information visualized on the client screen 6. Thereto, the travel client selection interface module 7 also is connected to the travel database system 2.
  • Figure 1 shows that the travel client computer 9 comprising the travel client selection interface module 7 is connected to the travel database system 2 through the controller 18.
  • the connection for example is a network connection, more in particular an internet connection although an intranet connection also would be possible.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 for example allows the travel client to select further client travel information from the travel database system 2. More in particular the travel client selection interface module 7 allows the travel client to select further client travel information from the selected client travel information, selected by for example the travel seller, visualized on the travel client screen 6. Furthermore, the screen visualization module 4, 24 is provided to visualize the selected further client travel information from the travel database system 2.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 may also or in stead allow the travel client to select a travel service represented by the client travel information from the travel database system 2, preferably from the selected client travel information, selected by for example the travel seller, visualized on the travel client screen 6.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 can be provided to transmit the selected travel service to a booking module 8 of the computer system 1 , allowing the travel seller to book the selected travel service.
  • the booking module 8 is for example provided to interact with the GDS 10 for booking for example a travel service either selected by the travel seller on his or her travel seller computer 16 or by the travel client on his or her client computer 9.
  • Figure 1 shows that the booking module 8 is part of the seller computer 16. Such an embodiment is however not critical for the invention as will be explained later on.
  • Figure 1 shows that particularly, the client computer 9, through the controller 19, is connected to the GDS 10 of the travel database 2. This however depends on the type of travel database system 2 and, of course, the presence of a GDS 10 in the travel database system 2.
  • the visualization module 24 as shown in figure 1 comprises a template module 15 for formatting the client travel information.
  • the travel information may be formatted differently.
  • the template may take into account the type of travel seller and/or client, changes in function of time, for example taking into account the season when the information is requested, etc.
  • the visualization module 4, although not shown by the figure 1 can also comprise template modules 15 for formatting travel information onto the travel seller screen 3.
  • the travel information may be formatted differently depending on the travel seller and/or the travel client the travel information may be formatted differently.
  • the template may take into account the type of travel seller and/or client, changes in function of time, for example taking into account the season when the information is requested, etc.
  • the at least one visualization module 4, 24 of the computer system 1 for visualizing travel information either on the travel seller screen 3 and/or the travel client screen 6 may interact with the respective screens 3, 6 in different ways depending on, for example, the desired configuration and more in particular, for example, the location of the visualization module 4, 24.
  • the visualization module 4 can for example substantially directly control the output on the seller screen 3 based on the information received from the travel database system 2.
  • the visualization module 24 When, for example, the visualization module 24 is, as shown in figure 1 , remote with respect to the travel seller computer 16 and the travel client computer 9, for example as shown in figure 1 present in, for example the travel database system 2, the visualization module 24 preferably communicates with the screen, in this case the travel client screen 6, on a higher lever.
  • the visualization module 24 might generate hypertext markup language (HTML), if present in concordance with the templates of the template module 15, which is then received and visualized by the client computer 9 onto the travel client screen 6, for example by an application installed on the client computer 9, for example a browser application, such as for example INTERNET EXPLORER, SAFARI, OPERA, CHROME, FIREFOX, etc.
  • HTTP hypertext markup language
  • the computer system 1 shown in figure 2 differs from the computer system 1 shown in figure 1 , for example in that the travel seller computer 16 and the travel client computer 9, of which the screen is now by way of example schematically shown in a smart phone configuration, are not directly connected to the travel database system 2 as discussed above, but are instead connected to an intermediate computer 17.
  • the intermediate computer 17 could for example be located at the premises of the travel seller, here schematically presented as a dotted lined box 20, forming for example a server, more in particular for example a NAT server connected to the travel seller computer 16 and the client computer 9 over an intranet.
  • the intermediate computer could also be located further away and could be connected to the travel seller computer 16 and the client computer 9 over the internet.
  • the at least one visualization module 4, 24 is not part of the travel seller computer 6 nor of the travel client computer 9. Instead, the at least one visualization module 4, 24 is part of the intermediate computer 17. In such configuration the visualization module 4, 24 is remote with respect to the travel seller computer 16 and the travel client computer 9. Although not shown in the figures, the at least one visualization module 4 can also be located on further different locations such as for example the travel database system 2, the travel seller computer 6, etc.
  • FIG 1 A further difference with figure 2 is that in figure 1 at least two visualization modules 4, 24 are shown, a first visualization module 4 being provided to visualize the travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel seller screen 3 and at least a second visualization module 24 being provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6.
  • Figure 2 instead shows that only a single visualization module 4 may be sufficient to both visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6 and to visualize travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel seller screen 3.
  • This single visualization module 4 can then for example be located on the intermediate computer 17, as shown in figure 2, or can for example be located in the travel database system 2, as shown in figure 1 , or could even for example be located on the travel seller computer 16, all depending on the desired configuration of the computer system 1.
  • the first visualization module 4 being provided to visualize the travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel seller screen 3 can be located on the travel seller computer 16, the intermediate computer 17 or the travel database system 2 whereas the second visualization module 24 being provided to visualize the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6 can be located on the travel client computer 9, the intermediate computer 17 or the travel database system 2.
  • both the first and the at ' least one second visualization module 4, 24 are on the same location, for example on the travel seller computer 16, the intermediate computer 17 or the travel database system 2, for example the GDS 10, depending on the desired configuration of the computer system 1 it could be decided to combine them into a single module 4, as for example shown in figure 2.
  • FIG. 1 A further difference between figure 1 and figure 2 is that in figure 2 the booking module 8 is not located on the travel seller computer 16, as shown in figure 1 , but instead is located on an intermediate computer 17, more in particular the same intermediate computer 17 on which the visualization module 4 is located. Furthermore, the booking module 8 can also be located on, for example, the travel database system 2, depending on the desired configuration of the computer system 1.
  • the travel seller and the travel client do no longer need to be physically close to each other.
  • the travel seller and the travel client can for example communicate by voice over the telephone while the travel seller can show certain travel information at the same time on the travel client computer 9 using his or her own travel seller computer 16.
  • Such an embodiment in other words would allow that the travel client no longer has to move to the location of the travel agent to obtain the desired travel information.
  • Figure 3 shows instead that the travel seller screen 3, the travel client screen 6, the travel seller selection interface module 5 and the travel client interface module 7 are interconnected to a single controller 18 thus forming a single computer 16.
  • the travel client interface module 7 is shown, this is, as explained above, not critical for the invention and the travel client interface module 7 can be omitted.
  • an existing travel seller computer could be adapted such as to become part of the computer system 1 according to the present invention by providing it with an additional screen 6 and the appropriate visualization module 4 on its controller 18.
  • the visualization module 4 as shown in figure 3 could be located on a different location such as for example the travel database system 2, for example on the GDS 10.
  • booking module 8 if present, as shown in figure 3, could be located on a different location such as for example the travel database system 2, for example on the GDS 0.
  • figure 3 requires that the travel client is at the location of the travel seller, the configuration allows to provide the benefits of the computer system of the current invention 1 to the travel agent, without requiring a lot of changes to the existing computers of the travel agent, as described above.
  • the travel client screen 6 is connected to a computer system. Thereto, a session is set up between the computer system and the travel client screen 6.
  • the session can be triggered by for example an action of the travel seller, for example by clicking on a button from his selling interface which starts an information sharing session with a travel client screen 6 physically connected to his own computer, or by the travel client, for example by clicking on a specific URL, scanning a Quick Response (QR) code which launches a specific website to interact with the travel client screen, etc.
  • QR Quick Response
  • the way the session between the computer system and the travel client screen is set up is not critical for the invention and can be further determined by the person skilled in the art.
  • the travel seller screen 3 of the computer system 1 shows travel information from the travel database system 2 of the computer system 1 visualized by the screen visualization module 4, 24 of the computer system 1 to the travel seller.
  • the travel information shown on the travel seller screen can for example be selected by the travel seller from the travel information database 2, for example based on information received from the travel client, for example based on the type of travel desired by the travel client and communicated by the travel client to the travel seller.
  • Figure 4a for example shows an embodiment of travel information shown on the travel seller screen.
  • six items are visualized, each with three related attributes.
  • more or less items are possible and more or less related attributes are possible.
  • the way of visualizing can be different depending on the desired configuration.
  • the travel information visualized by the visualization module 4, 24 of the computer system 1 preferably is adapted to the needs of the travel seller.
  • the travel information can be displayed in very cryptic way, as for example shown in figure 4b, allowing for example much information to be shown on the travel seller screen 3.
  • the travel seller selects client travel information from the travel database system 2 of the computer system 1 , thus making a subset of the travel information, preferably from the travel information shown to the travel seller on his travel seller screen 3, through a travel seller selection interface module 5 of the computer system 1.
  • each of the items is for example visualized with a check-box which can be checked or can be left unchecked or can be unchecked after checking by the travel seller.
  • a check-box which can be checked or can be left unchecked or can be unchecked after checking by the travel seller.
  • the screen visualization module 4, 24 visualizes the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto a travel client screen 6 separate from the travel seller screen 3.
  • the visualization on the travel seller screen 3 can comprise further possibilities for visualizing the selected client travel information from the travel database system 2 onto the travel client screen 6.
  • figure 4a shows several buttons, allowing the travel seller for example to decide when to share the client travel information with the travel client by clicking button, the button being indicated with "Display Mode”.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 can be provided to enable or disable the client selection module of the travel client selection interface module and thereto for example provides a button to the travel seller.
  • the travel seller could first show some travel information to the travel client and could then continue with allowing the travel client to make a selection out of certain options proposed to the travel client.
  • Figure 4a for example shows that travel seller selection interface module 5 provides a button, for example indicated with "Interaction Mode", allowing such functionality.
  • the template module 15 for formatting the client travel information can be adapted to, depending on the travel seller and/or the travel client, format the travel information differently.
  • Figure 5 thereto shows that the travel seller can input certain template parameters determining which client travel information and how the client travel information can be visualized. If the screen visualization module is provided to visualize the selected client travel information based on client profile information inputted, as discussed above, then even certain template parameters can be suggested to the travel seller based on the client profile information inputted.
  • the template module is adapted to receive the parameters and to format the client travel information according to the template parameters received.
  • FIG 5 shows three template parameters, although more or less template parameters are possible: client type: for example leisure or business, leisure indicating that a leisure travel is being planned while business indicates that a business travel is being planned, although more or less options are possible; language: English, indicating that the client travel information will be in English, German, indicating that the client travel information will be in German, or French, indicating that the client travel information will be in French although more or less options are possible and/or other languages can be provided; Details: high, medium or low, a high level of detail indicating that the created subset of client travel information will be larger than when a subset is created with a low level of detail, although more or less options are possible.
  • client type for example leisure or business, leisure indicating that a leisure travel is being planned while business indicates that a business travel is being planned, although more or less options are possible
  • language English, indicating that the client travel information will be in English, German, indicating that the client travel information will be in German, or French, indicating that the client travel information will be in French although
  • the client travel information visualized by the visualization module 4, 24 of the computer system 1 onto the travel client screen 6 preferably is adapted to the needs of the travel client.
  • the travel information usually will be displayed taking into account the commercial nature of the client travel information displayed, for example the client travel information will include photos, videos, etc.
  • the travel client would have a request, for example the travel client could be interested in a certain destination, but would still be uncertain on how, when, etc. to get to that destination.
  • the travel seller would then search in the travel database system 2 for possibilities to comply with the request of the travel client. Based on the search, travel information will be selected from the travel database system 2 and displayed on the travel seller screen 3, visualized by the screen visualization module 4.
  • the travel seller would then, for example, in a next step select from the visualized travel information, client travel information from the travel database system 2 for showing the client travel information from the travel database system 2 to the travel client on the travel client screen 6 visualized by the visualization module 4, 24.
  • the travel client can then look at the visualized client travel information and, for example, already make a decision by informing the travel seller, for example by communicating with him orally, for example during a face- to-face meeting, a telephone conversation, etc. or any other way, for example by text, for example by chatting, etc.
  • Figure 6 shows an example of visualized client travel information, for example visualized on a tablet, based on the selection by the travel seller as shown in figure 4a.
  • Figure 7 shows a different embodiment in which an example is shown wherein client travel information is visualized on connected glasses, based on the selection by the travel seller as shown in figure 4a.
  • the decision could also be made by the travel client selecting a travel service represented by the client travel information from the travel database system 2 through the travel client selection interface module 7, if present.
  • the travel client selection interface module 7 then for example transmits the selected travel service to a booking module 8 of the computer system 1 , for booking of the selected travel service by the travel seller.
  • the client would be presented with the several options for reaching the requested destination on the travel client screen 6 and would then make a selection of one of the presented options, for example by clicking on, touching, etc. the desired option.
  • Figure 6 for example also requests the travel client to make a selection out of the options presented to him.
  • the travel client in this case Mr.
  • Smith can then select the desired option, for example by clicking, tapping or otherwise selecting the option desired by him.
  • the travel client can also select further client travel information from the travel database system 2 through the travel client selection interface module 7, for example before making a decision.
  • the screen visualization module 4, 24 would then visualize the selected further client travel information from the travel database system 2.
  • the travel client could request further client travel information from the travel database system 2, for example by clinking on, touching, etc. the option for which more client travel information is desired, for example more specific information relating to waiting times, departure times, arrival times, etc.
  • a travel client may need any one or more of transportation, for example airplane, train, boat, etc., accommodation, for example hotel, and more transportation at destination, for example rental car, taxi, etc.
  • the travel seller will for example proceed with suggesting travel products sequentially, i.e. not at the same time.
  • the travel seller can start with the booking of the transportation, for example a flight.
  • the travel seller will retrieve from the travel database system 2 several options for this travel service, for example several flights, for example flight 1 , flight 2, flight 3, and may for example decide to share the full list of flights with the travel client or a subset of the options returned by the travel database system 2, for example flight 1 and flight 3.
  • the travel seller can share the desired client travel information with the travel client. This information could then be shared for information only or for selection by the travel client as discussed above.
  • the travel seller can then proceed with retrieving from the travel database system 2 several options for accommodation, for example several hotels, for example hotel 1 , hotel 2, hotel 3, and may for example decide to share the full list of hotels with the travel client or a subset of the options returned by the travel database system 2, for example hotel 1 and hotel 3.
  • the travel seller can share the desired client travel information with the travel client. This information could then be shared for information only or for selection by the travel client as discussed above.
  • the travel seller can then proceed with retrieving from the travel database system 2 several options for transportation at destination, for example several rental cars, for example car 1 , car 2, car 3, and may for example decide to share the full list of cars with the travel client or a subset of the options returned by the travel database system 2, for example car 1 and car 3.
  • the travel seller can share the desired client travel information with the travel client. This information could then be shared for information only or for selection by the travel client as discussed above.
  • the selected transportation, accommodation and transportation at destination for example collected in a shopping box, can then be shown to the travel client for approval and then after approval can be further treated by the booking module for finally booking the travel.
  • FIG 8 shows a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the invention in which a travel seller initiates a session with a travel client. It can be seen that in case the travel client screen 6 is not yet connected to the computer system of the travel seller, a request is sent to the travel client, for example the travel client screen 6, the travel screen 6 being interconnected remotely with the travel client screen 6 after acceptance of the request by the travel client, the session otherwise ending as indicated.
  • Figure 8 further shows that the screen visualization module 4, 24 is provided to receive information on the travel client screen, for example resolution of the travel client screen, and is provided to format the client travel information in function of the information on the travel client screen, for example formatting the client travel information taking into account the resolution of the travel client screen.
  • the screen visualization module 4, 24 is provided to receive information on the travel client screen, for example resolution of the travel client screen, and is provided to format the client travel information in function of the information on the travel client screen, for example formatting the client travel information taking into account the resolution of the travel client screen.
  • figure 8 shows further steps such as: the travel seller screen 3 showing travel information, the travel seller selecting client travel information and a desired template, for example based on a most suitable template determined by the screen visualization module, after which the selected client travel information is sent to the screen visualization module. Furthermore, figure 8 shows the step of providing the screen visualization module with travel client profile information for an improved visualization of the selected client travel information. As a last step the screen visualization module prepares and ultimately also shows the selected client travel information on the travel client screen 6. Further, indicated by the dotted line in figure 8, this could be the end of the process or, as described above, part of the process could be repeated to show further, possibly different selected client travel information. As is clear from the description above, the shown flowchart is merely an illustration and the flowchart could comprise less or more steps or the steps shown could even be in a different order.
  • Figure 9 shows a flow chart of a different embodiment wherein a travel client initiates a session with a travel seller.
  • the travel client initiates the session and sends a request to the travel seller to initiate a remote connection of the travel client screen 6 and the computer system of the travel seller.
  • Figure 9 also shows the option of providing a booking reference to the travel seller so that an existing booking file can be retrieved from, for example, the travel database system 2 so that, for example, a previously created file can be finished or altered.
  • a request can also be part of a session initiated by the travel seller.
  • Figure 10 shows a flowchart of a preferred embodiment of the screen visualization module 4, 24, especially in relation with the client profile information, more in particular with respect to the language desired by the travel client and whether it is leisure travel or a business travel.
  • the desired language of the travel client is determined, either by knowing the preferred language of the travel client, for example from a previous travel or for example from a travel client profile database, the nationality of the travel client, the language settings of the travel client's browser, if the travel client is connected to the travel seller's computer by browser, or the current location of the travel client, for example determined by analysis of the IP address of the travel client and/or by knowing the travel client's location, for example when the travel client is present with the travel seller in the travel seller's office.
  • the type of travel is determined, either by knowing the type of travel, for example from a previous travel, or by analyzing the details of the passengers of the travel being discussed by the travel client. For example, if children are present among the passengers, it could be argued that the travel is a leisure travel.
  • the type of travel can be determined based on the details of the booked travel, as indeed shown.
  • Figure 1 1 a shows an overview of an example of the travel seller screen in use
  • figure 1 1 1 b shows an overview of the travel client screen while in use, showing client travel information selected by the travel seller based on the information seen on figure 1 1 a. It can be observed that the travel information is specifically being formatted to suit the needs of the travel client.
  • Figure 12a shows an overview of an example of the travel seller screen in use and figure 12b shows an overview of the travel client screen while in use, showing client travel information selected by the travel seller based on the information seen on figure 12a. It can be observed that the travel information is specifically being formatted to suit the needs of the another specific travel client, preferring the use of English in stead as French.
  • the client travel information has been formatted by the screen visualization module to suit the needs of a travel client.
  • the cryptic carrier code and IATA (International Air Transport Association) code indicating the airport station, has been visualized so that a typical travel client not being familiar with that typical language now can understand what is being mentioned, further taking into account the language requirements of the travel client.
  • IATA International Air Transport Association
  • the rather cryptic time and date has been formatted into a more familiar way for the average travel client.
  • the travel database system 2 includes a database 30 storing travel information as illustrated in Fig. 13.
  • a travel information can be any type of information related to travel, for example, but certainly not limited to, information relating to travel services such as for example type of travel service (for example a flight, a hotel, a car rental, a train, etc.) a set of attributes of the travel services (for example: airline name, flight number, equipment type, price per person, departure date and time, arrival date and time, etc.), etc.
  • the database 30 may include database entries 31 representing travel services, wherein a database entry 31 may include data fields 32 representing travel information associated with the travel service. This enables to store travel services in the database 30 as database entries 31 with the corresponding travel information stored in the data fields 32 of the database entry 31.
  • references 33 are provided, wherein a reference 33 may point to certain travel information, i.e. a certain data field 31 of a certain database entry 31. In some examples, still further references may point to a database entry 31. Still further references may indicate a certain type of information, e.g. for referencing multiple or all data fields 32 and/or multiple or all database entries 31 of a certain type by a single reference 33.
  • selecting client travel information may be performed as illustrated by a flowchart shown in Fig. 14.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 may generate a reference 33 to the (desired) client travel information for selecting this travel information as client travel information.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 transmits the generated reference 33 to the screen visualization module 4, 24 (rather than the travel information itself).
  • the screen visualization module 4, 24 sends a request to the database 30 including the reference 33 pointing to the (desired) client travel information.
  • the visualization module may retrieve the requested client travel information.
  • the retrieved client travel information may be visualized onto the travel client screen 6. This enables the travel seller selection interface module 5 to select travel information as client travel information to be displayed to the client without transmitting the selected information itself.
  • the travel seller selection interface module 5 generates references 33 and sends them to the visualization module 4, 24.
  • This enables the visualization module 4, 24 to retrieve the client travel information referenced by the references 33 from the database 30 on its own. Thereby, the amount of data to be transmitted from the travel seller selection module 5 to the visualization module 4, 24 can be reduced.

Abstract

L'invention concerne un système informatique (1) pour la vente de services de voyage par une agence de voyages à un client voyageur, comprenant un écran d'agence de voyages (3) qui affiche des informations de voyage provenant du système de base de données de voyages (2) pour l'agence de voyages et un module de visualisation d'écran (4, 24) qui permet de visualiser des informations de voyage provenant du système de base de données de voyages (2) sur l'écran de l'agence de voyages (3), le système informatique (1) comprenant en outre un module d'interface de sélection d'agence de voyages (5) permettant à l'agence de voyages de sélectionner des informations concernant le client voyageur dans le système de base de données de voyages (2) et un écran de client voyageur (6), différent de l'écran de l'agence de voyages (3), affichant des informations de voyage provenant du système de base de données de voyages (2) pour le client voyageur, le module de visualisation d'écran (4, 24) permettant de visualiser les informations de voyage sélectionnées du client, provenant du système de base de données de voyages (2), sur l'écran du client voyageur (6).
PCT/EP2015/000717 2014-04-03 2015-04-02 Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage WO2015149947A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (4)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US14/244,189 2014-04-03
EP14305490.6 2014-04-03
EP14305490.6A EP2927848A1 (fr) 2014-04-03 2014-04-03 Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage
US14/244,189 US9875446B2 (en) 2014-04-03 2014-04-03 Travel product information sharing

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2015149947A1 true WO2015149947A1 (fr) 2015-10-08

Family

ID=53005540

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/EP2015/000717 WO2015149947A1 (fr) 2014-04-03 2015-04-02 Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage

Country Status (1)

Country Link
WO (1) WO2015149947A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060002315A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2006-01-05 Citrix Systems, Inc. Selectively sharing screen data
US20060031779A1 (en) 2004-04-15 2006-02-09 Citrix Systems, Inc. Selectively sharing screen data
US20060100914A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2006-05-11 Jafri Vajid H System for, and method of, providing travel-related services
US20130055113A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-02-28 Salesforce.Com, Inc. Methods and systems for screensharing

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20060100914A1 (en) * 2001-12-05 2006-05-11 Jafri Vajid H System for, and method of, providing travel-related services
US20060002315A1 (en) * 2004-04-15 2006-01-05 Citrix Systems, Inc. Selectively sharing screen data
US20060031779A1 (en) 2004-04-15 2006-02-09 Citrix Systems, Inc. Selectively sharing screen data
US20130055113A1 (en) * 2011-08-26 2013-02-28 Salesforce.Com, Inc. Methods and systems for screensharing

Similar Documents

Publication Publication Date Title
JP5667991B2 (ja) 検索要求管理のためのグラフィカルユーザインタフェース
US10466885B2 (en) Transactional conversation-based computing system
US20160180257A1 (en) Automatic conversion of formatted travel information
US10762550B2 (en) Contextual service systems and methods
JP6559469B2 (ja) レコードデータ構造を管理する方法およびシステム
US9875446B2 (en) Travel product information sharing
JP2015228218A (ja) コンテンツアクセス方法およびシステム
EP4071637A1 (fr) Système et procédé de remise de contenu dynamique
US20080319946A1 (en) Method and system for searching availability of an entity for purchase or reservation
US20160371798A1 (en) Travel concierge system and processes for building a travel itinerary by a single search query
EP2927848A1 (fr) Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage
WO2015149947A1 (fr) Système informatique et procédé de vente de services de voyage
JP6351381B2 (ja) 交通手段付き宿泊プランの生成システム、方法、及びコンピュータプログラム
JP7420494B2 (ja) 行動支援プログラム、端末装置及びサーバ装置
JP2010152466A (ja) 旅行商品サーバ装置及び旅行商品提供方法
US11595494B1 (en) Device, system and method controlling operation of a client device via an intermediation server
JP2017501490A (ja) レガシー互換ソフトウェアのための方法およびシステム
US20230206138A1 (en) Device, system and method controlling operation of a client device via an intermediation server
EP4202809A1 (fr) Dispositif, système et procédé de commande du fonctionnement d'un dispositif client par l'intermédiaire d'un serveur d'intermédiation
WO2022103289A1 (fr) Procédé et système de génération automatisée de propositions pour la commande de billets
US20180157996A1 (en) Graphical User Interface to Enable Modification of Multi-Segment Travel Itineraries
JP5693638B2 (ja) Ｘｍｌタグ等の分割・結合機能を備える通信中継システム
US20240078150A1 (en) Device, system and method for resolving errors between a client device, an intermediation server and a provider system
JP7336896B2 (ja) 行動支援プログラム、端末装置及びサーバ装置
US20240135264A1 (en) Device, system and method for generating trained models to generate provider objects

Legal Events

Date Code Title Description
121 Ep: the epo has been informed by wipo that ep was designated in this application

Ref document number: 15718441

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1

NENP Non-entry into the national phase
122 Ep: pct application non-entry in european phase

Ref document number: 15718441

Country of ref document: EP

Kind code of ref document: A1