WO2002015064A2

WO2002015064A2 - On-line interactive travel booking

Info

Publication number: WO2002015064A2
Application number: PCT/GB2001/003479
Authority: WO
Inventors: Tariq Mohsin Malik
Original assignee: Cyberes Systems Ltd
Priority date: 2000-08-14
Filing date: 2001-08-02
Publication date: 2002-02-21
Also published as: GB0019955D0; WO2002015064A3; AU2001278581A1

Abstract

An on-line travel booking system includes a visual reference data afield, for example a world map. The user can click on destination or departure points, and drill down to more detailed maps. Having selected one or more legs to the journey, the user can access real-time price and availability data and can obtain a display of all alternative travel options, which can be bound by predetermined customer preferences. The system can provide alternative routes and/or automatic route selection as appropriate. In addition the system allows the user to access peripheral information relating to travel between route points or the route points themselves on-line simply by clicking on the relevant point in the visual data reference field.

Description

ON-LINE INTERACTIVE TRAVEL BOOKING

The invention relates to an on-line interactive travel booking system and method, in particular one incorporating an improved user interface and enhanced data access capabilities.

With the growing popularity and use of the Internet, on-line travel services have been introduced making use of the real-time information gathering capabilities on the world-wide web. Systems, for example in which a departure and destination location are selected and a ticket booked in a single web site visit are well known, where payment is made by entering, for example, credit card details on-line. However, in many cases these known systems are tied to a particular carrier, for example an airline or railway line. In addition only limited information relating to the journey is available and the user may need to access other web sites or sources to establish peripheral related information concerning the route. Yet further, the presentation of the journey data is available is unattractive and/or difficult to read.

According to published International patent application No. WO 93/10502 a database contains venue, group member and travel policy and city code information relating to a preselected travel event. A user makes a travel request at a terminal connected to the database which selects an appropriate itinerary. A. particular stated use is for booking travel plans of conference attendees. This system is directed to an arrangement in which the basic trip parameters have been specifically entered, for example the location of a given event such as a conference, together with appropriate additional information on associated services. As a result this system is inflexible and specific to a given pre-defined group of users.

Published International application No WO 95/12175 relates to a computerised travel booking system that is specifically directed to providing a credit or incentive scheme for travel agents using the system.

Known systems also tend to be fairly rigid such that a single travel option only is presented. Further still, known systems can be extremely complex to use for multiple-stop journeys, especially where some flexibility in intermediate legs is desired.

According to the invention there is provided an on-line interactive travel booking system including a server on a network having at least one client terminal wherein a map including a plurality of route locations is displayed to the user at the client terminal, the user identifies at least first and second route locations on the map defining a route leg and the server provides real-time data relating to the route leg for display to the user. As a result an intuitive, simplified travel data manipulation and presentation system is provided.

The invention further provides an on-line interactive travel booking method in which a map including a plurality of destination locations is displayed to a user, the user defines a route leg by selecting first and second route locations on the map and real-time data relating to the route leg is displayed to the user.

The invention yet further provides a computer program configured to implement the system or the method set out above.

According to another aspect of the invention there is further provided an on-line interactive travel booking web site including a map display showing a plurality of route locations and arranged to receive user input identifying first and second route locations defining a route leg, the web site including or having access to a travel data database or search engine such that the web site displays real-time data relating to the route leg selected. As a result the site provides instant relevant information for itinerary management. The invention further provides a server supporting a system and/or a method and/or a computer program and/or a web site as set out above, and/or a computer readable medium comprising instructions for implementing the system, method, program or web site. The invention yet further provides a travel itinerary management system in which a user selects a plurality of route legs and an itinerary management engine constructs a route itinerary.

The invention further provides a computer program configured to implement the system, a computer readable medium comprising instructions for implementing the system, a web-site providing the system, and a server supporting the system. The invention further provides a travel itinerary management system in which a user inputs a user profile and route leg start and end locations, and the system selects route leg travel options based on the user profile. Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the figures of which:

Fig. 1 shows a block diagram of a network and terminal according to the present invention;

Fig. 2 shows a first screen accessed by the user according to the present invention;

Fig. 3 shows a further screen according to the present invention;

Fig. 4 shows a further screen according to the present invention;

Fig. 5 shows a further screen according to the present invention;

Fig. 6 shows a further screen according to the present invention; Fig. 7 shows a further screen according to the present invention;

Fig. 8 is a first flow chart part showing operation of the invention according to the present invention; Fig. 8b is a second flow chart part showing operation according to the present invention; and

Fig. 9 is a further screen according to the present invention.

The following discussion of an on-line travel booking service is made with specific reference to the Internet. However, it will be appreciated that any other appropriate network allowing access to the required travel availability data can equally provide a platform for the invention and the invention is not limited to an Internet implementation. Figure 1 represents schematically the basic components of an on-line travel reservation system designated generally 10. The user accesses the system via a terminal 12, for example a PC connected to the Internet. As is well known to the skilled person, the terminal 12 is then connected to the remainder of the network designated generally 14 via a series of nodes 16 which can comprise routers, repeaters and so forth. Connection between the various nodes 16 and between the terminal 12 and the network 14 can be wireless via fibre-optic cables, conventional telephone lines and so forth. A server 18 on the network 14 comprises a computer hosting the computer file to be accessed by the terminal. These are usually accessed in the form of an HTML file representing a web site which is then viewed at the terminal 12. In some instances the web site will be effectively self-contained. However, when additional data sources need to be accessed, for example, to check flight availability or related information, the server 18 is connected to the remainder of the network appropriately and, for example, to additional servers 20,22,24 each again hosting the data files accessible and retrievable by the server 18. The PC 12 includes a physical user interface such as a keyboard 12a and/or a mouse 12b, and a visual user interface such as a screen 12c. The terminal 12 further includes computer processing capabilities sufficient to provide access to and interaction with files on the computer network 14.

To access the on-line travel booking system according to the present invention, the user accesses a web site supporting the system in a conventional manner, effectively dialling up from terminal 12. The user will then proceed to a "home page" and possibly additional initial pages or may progress directly to a screen of a type shown in Fig. 2.

Figure 2 shows the basic features shown on this screen presented in the familiar Windows (™) format although it will be appreciated that any appropriate alternative presentation format may be used. This screen presents two basic data input/output fields, a text data field 30 and a visual reference data field 50. The text data field allows input of text-based data such as the desired departure or destination location in the route reference field 32 (for example where the user is unsure of its geographical location), and a profile reference field 34 where the user can enter, retrieve or amend profile details such as address, credit details, previous trips and/or previously planned but unconfirmed trips, or pre-planned trips designed as special offers.

In addition to these text-input fields additional text fields are provided, for example, to allow the number of passengers to be indicated at the outset. Fields such as this can be based on scrolling menus allowing the desired numbers to be selected and can include options such as the number of adults, the number of children, the number of infants, the number of youth/student fares and the number of pensioners. Of course, any other text input/output capability can be included in the text data field 30, either based on text input or scrolling menus as appropriate. In particular, if there is additional information that is trip invariable, that is, which will remain the same irrespective of the eventual journey, for example basic user details (name, address, accounting information) or number of passengers this can be incorporated here. Other possible trip invariables might include budgetary constraints (ie maximum all round trip fare) and travel preferences (rail only, or no flights for example).

The text data reference field further includes a booking reference field 38 allowing the user to re-display a current booking, for example where a booking reference number has been given, where the booking could be any of for example, an air trip, a road trip, hotel booking and so forth. A further text field 40 can be incorporated allowing the user to enter their post code or zip code such that the system can identify the nearest airport to the user, assuming that they will be departing from home. Alternatively, the nearest departure airport can be based on user profile details, such as user address or postcode.

Moving now to the visual reference data input/output field 50, in the embodiment shown this comprises a map of the world, although it will be appreciated that other visual references can be provided alternatively or in addition to improve the user interface. As will be discussed in more detail below, the visual reference data field 50 is presented consistently throughout subsequent screens and allows the user to identify departure, destination and intermediate route locations, outward and return legs, alternative routings between route location and so forth. As a result, the user can visualise where they are going, places of interest nearby and alternative routes as well as being able to see the individual legs of the route. In addition the user can use a conventional mouse to click on route locations either to create a route leg, enlarge the map portion, find out further destinations relating to the location (places of interest, closest airport and so forth) and any other appropriate route or location-linked data. Associated with the map is button 52 allowing the map to be enlarged simply by clicking the button. This unique map-based system accordingly allows simple intuitive planning of a journey and access to significant amounts of related data in a fully comprehensible and manageable form, even for very complex journeys. In particular the user can select the desired location/routes by positioning an option indicator over the desired point on the map itself. The first time user can enter profile details in a text data input field.

This can either be on a preliminary or additional screen, or in additional fields provided within the text data input/output field 30. The profile may include information of the type set out above and will be based around the user personal and credit details, with a profile reference number allowing easy access subsequently. The system can build and store a detailed personal profile for each user from these details and the details of subsequent trips planned and/or booked on the system, to streamline future use. The user can access and amend their profile at any time. As a result an intelligent system is provided which can, once a profile is built up, identify for example options, fares, routes and modes of travel that, from a personal profile history, the user may prefer.

Referring once more to Fig. 2 additional icons and elements are provided on the screen.

An option bar 36 is provided on which additional options are presented such as site searching, shop or additional services. A HELP icon 54 is provided on which the user can click to access on-line/off-line help. This help can, for example, use an existing help system on-line, either resident on the server or externally accessed. Alternatively, it can trigger a call-back or e-mail based help system. The help options can be implemented in voice-over IP allowing an operator to talk directly with the user whilst the user remains on-line, viewing the screen.

One particular advantage of the present system is that it is designed to offer the maximum available seat request currently permitted by the Global Distribution System (GDS), which is currently 9 passengers per booking. For larger groups tagging (Collective PNR grouping) can be used allowing up to three 9-passenger bookings, making a total group request of 27.

In order to use the system, having accessed the first web site page as shown at Figure 2, the user enters the relevant information in the text data field. In practice, this may require no more than entry of the user's profile reference (and even this can be automatically retrieved if the user terminal is dedicated to the user or carries the user's identity, allowing user data to be accessed in that way) and the number of passengers, or additional information that may be required. The user then simply clicks on the location where they wish to start their journey/depart from and where they wish to end, creating a route leg.

Turning now to Figure 3, the user then has the opportunity to plan their route in more detail on an interactive map-based system. The user has selected a departure country 60, for example the UK and a destination country 62, for example Singapore. The route is then represented by a first line between the two route locations 64. This leg is outward and so is preferably shown in a first colour, say red. The user now has as a background on the screen map 50 an indication of the actual physical/geographical leg selected. By clicking on the departure and/or destination countries 60, 62 on the map 50 a larger scale map of surrounding regions can be obtained. Accordingly, a first map 66 shows Europe in more detail allowing the user to click on a destination city. Alternatively, the user can click again on a given country to drill down to it, and can continue to drill down to a level of resolution supported by the system bringing up a further large scale map of a specific country or region. A destination map 68 is similarly displayed, preferably offset from the departure map and again the user can select a city, click on a country for enlargement and so forth. Both maps in addition include arrows 70 comprising active direction arrows allowing the user to scroll across the map more efficiently and accurately than on the main world map. The enlarged maps 66,68 also carry the conventional Windows (™) type minimise/maximise/close buttons. Accordingly, using the mouse, the user can select any city or airport this can be governed by user details to the departure airport. By clicking on the city a further window or information field can be accessed (not shown) displaying basic information for example cities/towns/villages - further clicking provides enlarged displays showing, in greater detail, roads, rail, hotel resort information and so forth. When enough detail is shown the user is able to click on a specific airport icon (if the airport has not been automatically selected) allowing the user to select the departure/destination airport leg by leg providing maxim flexibility and control for the user. The system can link to external databases (see information sources 20, 22, 24 in Figure 1) and/or other service information systems that allow the user to investigate and to book activities, events or venues in each desired location.

For example, to maximise the speed of the process a powerful database link to other information banks allows auto-selection of the nearest airport (based on the user profile/postcode/telephone number) and by optimising the way the booking is made and the design of the call technology, faster responses are guaranteed. A linked information menu offers information on latest deals, airlines, popular pre-defined routes etc.

Accordingly, these floating maps allow the user to obtain information at any level of detail desired through a simple, intuitive, visual reference system. Any number of floating maps can be provided to allow maximum data manipulation by the user. It will be seen that the route can be marked by lines joining various destinations on the floating maps (see line 72). Again, this can assist the user in keeping track of various legs of the journey and how they are inter-related. Because the floating maps can be used to drill down to a country, city or airport, smaller legs within regions can be easily booked as well; Any of the floating maps can be enlarged or diminished as appropriate by clicking or stretching them. Icons identifying areas of specific interest or, for example, representing particular offers, can also be provided on which the user can simply 'click' to find out about the location identified by the icon, for example icon 74. The user is preferably presented with additional icons allowing further options which will vary as appropriate for each screen. For example icon 76 allows the user to proceed to availability/pricing information once the route has been selected. Icon 78 allows the page to be reset so that the routing process can be re-started, and icon 80 allows the user to modify their flight profile such that any changes to the initial information input by the user can be made.

It should be noted that more detailed information can be accessed directly from the main map 50 as well as the floating maps 66,68. For example, as shown, the user has moved the cursor 82 to Singapore bringing up identifier 84. Clicking can bring up a floating map 68. The map 50 can be configured such that major airports are programmed to appear with identifiers corresponding to identifier 84 as the cursor 82 passes over them. Yet a further aspect of the system is that, as the user creates each leg (for example a route line 64,72) information becomes available concerning for example air miles travelled or time in transit and these can be presented subsequently. In addition, as discussed below, costs and availability can be accessed once the route has been settled, based on dates, availability, airline and so on.

Referring now to Figure 4 the steps taken once one or more legs of the journey have been selected can be seen in more detail. In particular, availability, fares and so forth can be checked quickly, easily and in real time using the system shown. The relevant dates can be selected by the user using date box 100 which can be brought up, for example, by clicking on a selected route leg which brings up a list of options, or clicking on an appropriate icon. The date box can show dates in any conventional form such as a grid form, with "forward" and "reverse" buttons allowing the user to scroll to given dates together with simple text input fields as appropriate. As a result the user simply clicks on, say, an outward leg to set the date for this and a corresponding return leg, to set the date for this as well. The system then checks the date details on-line together with other information entered by the user (or found in the user profile) relating to preferred carriers, class of travel and so forth against the GDS (Global Distribution System) that will be well known to the skilled person and which provides full, real time details relating to availability. This can be done on a leg-by-leg basis or once the legs are fundamentally mapped out - the system is flexible and can embrace either possibility. Preferably, however, the system uses intelligent route management such that as the user selects a leg of their trip the system will poll the GDS and customer profile making sure that the route fits within the parameters of costs, time and so forth. In the event that the customer requirements cannot be matched then the system can provide intelligent on-line help for example based on a predetermined option set, according to which the user is offered alternatives to the date, class, cost and so forth. The alternatives can be presented, for example, in a pop-up box or can even be spoken, in either case preferably in grammatical English. For example, a query may be "coach (economy) class on this date is not available, would you like me to search for the next available day?" or "the fares available on the chosen date may affect your costs, would you like to proceed with this leg?". Once the leg is confirmed a PNR (Passenger Name Record) window 102 appears. According to this scheme, the user can construct their preferred journey on a leg-by-leg basis such that each leg is established is viable before the next is booked. Because of the use of on-line access to the GDS, however, this system does not introduce any delay to the user who is able to plan even a very complex journey extremely rapidly without the risk of any one leg being non-viable necessitating revising the entire journey plan.

However, the system further has the flexibility to allow the user to vary legs individually within the journey and can provide intelligent re-routing suggestions for any other legs that are affected as a result. The user selects a route leg, for example, by right clicking on the relevant route line of 106 on the world map 50. Box 104 comprises an option window setting various possibilities including "add a journey leg", "change the date of the leg", "change the class of the leg", "re-route the leg", "change the flight service" or, as discussed in detail below, "open return or open jaw options". As a result the user is given the ability and flexibility to change the intinery and/or reschedule the flight, cancel a leg and so forth. Amendments or additions to the routing can be made at any time up to the point of booking.

Where the booking is carried out on a leg-by-leg basis, once the first leg is confirmed the next leg is chosen and the process is repeated. However, there is no need to perform this task in date or directional order as the system will reorder the legs according to date or geographically automatically. Similarly, if an additional leg is added at a later date, the re-order segment button on the PNR (as discussed below) will place the leg in the correct order. As a result, the user can base the trip around specific route points or legs, the intelligent system ordering the legs automatically either chronologically or geographically. Indeed, based on the customer profile, once a set of desired legs has been selected, even if those legs are disjointed, the intelligent system can automatically select appropriate remaining or additional journey legs to plan the entire trip, for example based on the customer profile details. This flexibility can give rise to cost savings for the user for example where they plan a sub-trip, for example where the user has booked Manchester to Singapore return and wishes to add Singapore to Penang return. This may allow the user to take advantage of special deals available for the composite trip and again the intelligent system can seek out any such deals for the user.

In order to enhance the user interface, as each leg is booked, the status colour of the line changes to a predetermined colour for example, blue, representing confirmation. At this stage box 104 becomes available with options for altering relevant details.

The system flexibility extends to allowing the user flexibility on legs of the journey, for example allowing a "open return" according to which the user keeps the return leg of the journey open. This may comprise purchasing of a ticket that is valid for a given period, although no specific date is booked, or it may simply mean that the booking is a one-way trip. As discussed above, this can be selected using box 104. Again, the system can establish whether an open return is in fact available for the given journey. The PNR box 102,110 appears once a leg has been confirmed such that further details can be assessed, and an itinerary can be maintained in text form. It shows each relevant leg as a real-time booked leg. The itinerary can be printed out either in visual or reference, map form or in written format as appropriate. The details shown include flight number, relevant airport, date, flight times and flight number for each leg. Where an alternative mode of travel is used, the information presented will change as appropriate. The PNR window is one of various options available to the user, each presented as a tab on the PNR view shown. For example, existing bookings can be retrieved or fares can be repositioned. Within the PNR tab shown there are various sub- options including ending or clearing the record, refreshing it and re-ordering the segments of the route, allowing a text-based alternative to the visual reference 5 option provided by the map 50.

At this stage the user can in addition bring up additional useful information for example on visas and health in box 108 as discussed below in relation to Fig. 7.

As additional data and information is added into the system, various of

1.0 the menus will update automatically. For example, as discussed above, once a leg is confirmed then right-clicking on that leg gives a new set of options as set out in box 104, allowing alternation to the route or leg. In addition the HELP icons 76,78,80 can alter as appropriate. In the example shown icon 76 comprises effectively a "confirm journey" option such the user can click on this

15 icon once the details are settled. Clicking on icon 78 allows the user to assess the best price and routing for their key trip. This is one simple option for "automatic ordering" where the user simply wishes to identify departure and destination points and/or a specific leg of a journey such that the intelligent system can offer a full route itinerary identifying possible options based on the

20 customer profile data. Icon 80 remains the same allowing the user to modify their flight profile again allowing full flexibility throughout the process. If the flight profile is modified then the system will automatically re-assess the existing itinerary to see whether any options are not in accordance with the modified profile, or whether the itinerary could be improved to match the

25 revised profile more accurately. For example the user may have increased their budget allowing economy (coach) class legs to be replaced by business class or first class legs. Because of its real time access to a full range of travel-related databases including the Global Distribution System (GDS), the system is able to show a range of potential travel options for any given leg which is entirely unbiased towards any specific allegiances held by the service provider. Options include fares and availability for different carrier alternatives for a given leg as shown in fare box 110 forming part of the PNR 102. Here, in addition to the relevant flight details, the fare associated with each alternative is displayed. Preferably, each alternative is numbered with a control tab in one of the columns allowing a simple clicking system to be introduced for altering or selecting any particular leg, or accessing further data on it. Preferably clicking on a specific leg on the text data field will be mirrored by highlighting of the appropriate leg on the map itself. Accordingly, an automatic route selection can be provided based on cost, time, flexibility of travel and allowing the user to determine market prices by comparing the range of fares available. For example, referring once again to table 110, each row can represent one possible flight (or other transport option). Preferred columns are shown in the arrangement of Figure 5 as including departure airport 112, arrival airport 114, airline 116, return fare 118, one-way fare 120 and valid date range 122. Of course additional options can be shown as well. The user clicks on the preferred option which is then added to the itinerary shown at 102. The arrangement gives instant access to current availability and the ability to compare different classes, prices, routes and rules such that the user may select the optimum available route rather than simply viewing the seat that they are particularly interested in. In addition, this arrangement allows the user to mix "consolidated" fares with IATA fares. Consolidated fares includes special or negotiated fares as a result of which, where available, the user can save on the IATA published fares by accessing the best deals available for the relevant route. This also allows the user to examine market prices between different systems and the system offering each of the fares can also be displayed in the fare box 110.

Once the selected legs are entered at the PNR box 102 pricing appears once all of the dates are entered into the system and availability has been cross- matched against the routing requirements. The user is offered a list of one-way and return fares and/or alternative routes, which again can also be represented visually on the map itself. The journey can be tailored principally towards cost considerations if desired by the user, either by entering this as part of the customer profile, or by virtue of queries during the booking process. If, for some reason, the service provider is unable to offer a suitable fare to the user, the automatic pricing facility will interrogate other competitive search engines/databases and offer this to the user within the same format, such that this level of searching is transparent to the user. Also as shown in Figure 5, the user can establish other information relating to the flight by, for example, right-clicking on the relevant row of table 110, or by highlighting the relevant row in which case an icon can appear. The information display takes the form of a rules window 130 in the present case corresponding to the top-most highlighted row 124. Rules window 130 displays the rules associated with the relevant "product" selected from table 110. The rules box offers information associated with a product, for example whether cancellations are available, and fares for children and infants. Other fares such as youth and pensioner products are displayed on the main fare box or table 110 together with other key information such as validity dates and booking classes.

As a result the information of principle general use is shown in the main fare box 110 such that the user only need access the additional peripheral information if particularly relevant to them. The fare box 110 also shows validity dates representing the current agreed fare as available. The auto- selection function extends to allow the user to automatically establish the price for adults, children and infants without additional input. This is especially the case if the customer profile specifies that children and/or infants are travelling (or other special classes of travel) in which case these are automatically displayed on the fare box 110 rather than the user having to access the related rules in box 130.

Figure 6 shows in more detail the flexibility of the route selection process. By clicking on the appropriate icon 140 the user instructs the system to show options for best price and routing for the trip. The system interrogates various databases and offers alternative routes based against flight availability, price and as appropriate customer profile, and highlights the alternative routes 142 in a predetermined alternative colour, for example yellow. By clicking on this alternative route, on the world map, the user is furnished with the price, airline service and so forth for example in an additional window 144. The information is generally presented in the same manner as in the main fare box 110. By right-clicking on the alternative route 142 a more varied range of options can be provided including pricing and availability. The alternative route can be selected from the alternative route window 144 simply by clicking on this or in any other appropriate way. The system will then rearrange the remaining leg and/or calculate alternative potential legs where the route has been changed, as discussed in more detail above.

More experienced users who understand the class/price structure can access an availability box by highlighting an entry on the fare box 110 or the alternative route box 144, which links to the routing selected and the various fares databases. As the user selects a particular class, it becomes active and presents the user with the relevant fare. However, the user has the ability to mix and match various classes and various fares (including the "consolidated" special negotiated fares and the IATA, published fares discussed above). The user also has the ability to compare prices, routes and rules mirroring the traditional airline schedule and can indeed view airline schedules directly if desired (not shown).

Figure 7 shows an additional data window 150 accessible by the user by clicking on button 152 on additional data window 108. This additional information comprises, for example, visa or passport information for the leg highlighted in fare box 110. Various other tabs are provided within the window 108 in addition to the visa tab 154. This tab includes a FOX information bank screen 156, a weather screen tab 158 showing the weather at the selected destination and a health screen tab (which in the present embodiment is combined with the visa tab), showing innoculation details and so forth. Accordingly, all of the information is available for each leg of the journey in a manner simply collected by the user.

In addition to the open returns options discussed above, an "open jaw", or "double open jaw" option is also available. As a result, in addition to allowing the user to leave one or all of their legs of journey un-booked, if the traveller is flying into one city and out of another then they can select the adjoining legs as "open jaw" using car, rail, ferry, or whatever mode of transport. This can be done by right-clicking on the route line with the cursor 82 and then choosing the appropriate option from the box 104. These options are then processed by the system as appropriate, for example the open return is processed in the PNR box 102 whilst the open jaw route is shown by a route line 160 of another colour, for example black.

In the preferred embodiment discussed above the user identifies the route locations on the map by clicking on the map or otherwise manipulating an option indicator on the map - for example needing touch-screen technology. In an alternative system (not shown) however the user types in the requirements using textboxes as discussed above. Once all the destinations are input a route map appears showing various options for example by airline and price and allowing the user to select the options that best suit their needs. As a result the map-based system still appears and allows intuitive journey planning, but can accommodate a lower processing power and data requirement and requires minimal geographic knowledge by the user. Once the map is shown then the clicking system described above for identifying the various routes and options can be followed as before.

As a further alternative, where the user enters in a textbox a departure and destination airport a map is displayed showing, in real time, the positions of various aircraft flying that route for the different airlines. Because of the real time aspect the true position of the aircraft for each airline can be shown in real time using an appropriate icon and, for example, a route line followed by the aircraft or traced by the aircraft can also be shown. The user can then identify the desired route or aircraft by clicking on it and the system then provides trip timings, examples of costs and availability. Once the desired route or carrier is selected then the user can proceed to the booking screen by right clicking or by clicking on another appropriate icon. In this way our particularly intuitive and user-attractive mode of itinerary selection is provided, again based around an interactive map system.

According to yet a further alternative the user enters data indicating their physical location, for example a postcode or address and is presented with a variety of travel services such as car hire, rail or air travel. The user identifies the mode of travel and the destination by entering relevant data into textboxes and/or clicking appropriate travel icons and the results are displayed on an interactive map as the travel plan is developed. For example if the user wishes to hire a car and then fly the user indicates car hire by clicking on the relevant icon and then enters an airport of their choice in a textbox. The user then selects a destination to be flown to from the airport. The interactive map displaying this allows related data to be accessed, for example, the running cost of the trip, distance to travel and timings and so forth.

In all of these alternatives the other options supported by the system described in more detail above are of course available. For example the booking system and additional carrier information system described above can be applied as appropriate, route and itinerary leg variations can be accommodated, different legs can be re-ordered as appropriate and so forth, all either via the textboxes or via the interactive map display itself.

Figure 8 shows an example of operation of the on-line interactive booking system according to the present invention. At step 200 the user logs on, for example by dialling up the relevant web site. At step 202 the system then establishes from the user log-on data whether a user profile is already loaded and if not introduces a user profile entry prompt and captures user profile data at step 204. At step 206 the user enters any specific journey data such as number of travellers, date range, cost limit and so forth allowing the system to make some decisions based on this data. This can be captured in basic text format, by using scroll down menus or by using visual icons and a mouse-clicking system. At step 208 the user then begins to enter journey leg data, for example by clicking on or otherwise specifying a first departure and destination point on the world map 50. At this stage the user effectively enters a data capture loop in which various options are available. At step 210 the system displays the various alternative options open to the user for the or each leg, together with price and availability for each leg. If the user wishes to view the rules for any particular leg (for example cancellation terms, infant fares and so forth) then he can, for example, click on the desired leg either on the map or on the text-display (see fare box 110) and the rules are shown at step 212. Turning now to Figure 8b, at step 214 the system allows the user to alter any leg of the journey, and displays alternative routes on user demand. At step 216 the system enables open jaws or double open jaws, open returns or other additional options available to the user. For example an "open jaw" journey might involve flying from Manchester to Cologne, driving from Cologne to Frankfurt and flying back to Manchester from Frankfurt. In addition a "double open jaw" journey is possible, again where available.

At step 218 the user can amend or alter any part of the itinerary or auto- select remaining legs. At step 220 places of interest/things to do are shown and booked based on user determination. At step 222 the data capture loop is closed when the user confirms that the planned itinerary is correct after which the user enters the booking confirmation screen to actually book the flights. At this stage the user is presented with the option to re-visit the itinerary to amend any part of it allowing the user to return to step 208. After this step 224 the transaction is completed at step 226. It will be appreciated that the data capture loop is shown in one possible order although it will entirely depend upon the order in which the user decides to address the various options available, and the invention is not limited to the specific order shown in the Figure.

Referring to Figure 9 a booking confirmation screen is shown. In particular the itinerary is displayed in window 300, and by clicking on an itinerary item the relevant leg of the journey can be highlighted by line 302. The itinerary can be accompanied by print or scroll buttons (not shown) allowing the user to keep a hard copy of the version for example when he is. actually travelling and view the soft copy easily. In addition a final fare calculation box 304 displays the fare to the user and carries appropriate icons for printing, storing and so forth. Any specific leg of the journey can be re- assessed, itemised or changed.

Once more the icons are updated to reflect the nature of this screen. In particular icon 306 allows the user to go to the previous reservation screen to amend the amend the booking. Item 308 allows the user to complete the transaction and in particular confirm and if appropriate pay for the booking or put a deposit on the booking and icon 310 allows the user to modify their flight profile which again may introduce the need for further auto-selection via the intelligent system.

The software and hardware underlying the present invention will be well known to the skilled person. The invention can, for example, be enabled in Java or HTML using basic web site programming and windows techniques and it is not considered necessary to provide a detailed explanation of the implementation of the invention in the present discussion.

Although the system is described operating under WINDOWS (™) any other appropriate user interface or operating system can be used. Where the system is implemented using WINDOWS (™) it will be appreciated that the case of right and left clicking, double clicking and so forth can be used to present a range of options to the user in a manner that will be familiar to the skilled person. Other option indicator systems can be used, for example a touch screen system. The invention described above provides the user with a visual guide to planning a flight or other travel option that speeds up the booking process while simultaneously simplifying and improving the user experience and interface. The system is preferably powered by an "Internet booking engine" but is designed to produce a variety of responses quickly and reliably such that the user is furnished with additional queries, options or responses, for example based on their customer profile, allowing a highly interactive booking process. It will be appreciated that the present invention can be directed to any on-line system and can allow real-time access to any appropriate travel-related database of information. The system can extend to various different modes of travel limited only by the existence of on-line data available. In addition peripheral bookings of accommodation or events can be enabled to the extent that on-line data is available again simply by entering the system accesses or appropriate databases. The system is preferably hosted by an Internet server that is accessible either at the PC or in reduced graphics or limited screen capacity format, for example on a user's hand-held screen, mobile phone or personal digital assistant. It will further be appreciated that the software for implementing the system can be obtained from a computer readable medium, whether that medium be a computer disk, CD ROM, DVD, hard memory or a downloaded datastream. In that instance the user runs the system from the front end terminal, for example at a PC, on-line access to relevant engines and databases being enabled by on-line connection of the PC to an appropriate network, for example the Internet.

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. An on-line interactive travel booking system including a server on a network having at least one client terminal wherein a map including a plurality of route locations is displayed to the user at the client terminal, the user identifies at least first and second route locations on the map defining a route leg and the server provides real-time data relating to the route leg for display to the user.

2. A system as claimed in claim 1 in which the real-time data includes at least one of price, availability and alternative manners of completing the route leg.

3. A system as claimed in claim 1 or 2 in which the user obtains a larger scale map by identifying the relevant region of the map displayed on the client terminal.

4. A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the server, in response to user identification of a specific route location, provides static or real-time information related to the location for display at the client terminal.

5. A system as claimed in claim 4 in which the related information includes at least one of accommodation information, event information and airport information.

6. A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which an itinerary is constructed for display at the client terminal based on the or each route leg selected by the user.

7. A system as claimed in claim 6 in which the itinerary is automatically ordered chronologically and/or geographically.

8. A system as claimed in claim 6 or 7 in which legs missing from the itinerary are automatically completed.

9. A system as claimed in any of claims 6 to 8 in which the user can amend any route leg of the itinerary.

10. A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which the server provides alternative routings between first and second route location on user request.

11. . A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which real-time data is selected based on a user profile.

12. A system as claimed in any preceding claim in which user option identification and selection is carried out by clicking on route location or route legs.

13. An on-line interactive travel booking method in which a map including a plurality of destination locations is displayed to a user, the user defines a route leg by selecting first and second route locations on the map and real-time data relating to the route leg is displayed to the user.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13 in which the user defines a plurality of route legs and in which an itinerary is displayed to the user representing the route.

15. A method as claimed in claim 14 in which the itinerary is automatically ordered chronologically and/or geographically.

16. A method as claimed in claim 14 or 15 in which legs missing from the itinerary are automatically completed based on a user profile.

17. A method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 16 in which additional static or real-time route or route location information is provided to the user on user demand.

18. A computer program configured to implement the system of claims 1 to 12, or the method of claims 13 to 17.

19. An on-line interactive travel booking web site including a map display showing a plurality of route locations and arranged to receive user input identifying first and second route locations defining a route leg, the web site including or having access to a travel data database or search engine such that the web site displays real-time data relating to the route leg selected.

20. A web site as claimed in claim 19 further including text-based data input fields.

21. A web site as claimed in claim 19 or 20 including an on-line help function for the user.

22. A web site as claimed in any of claims 19 to 21 having access to an itinerary management function providing at least one of itinerary display, automatic ordering of selected route legs, automatic addition of missing route legs or display of alternative routes between route locations on a route leg.

23. A web site as claimed in claim 22 in which the itinerary management function is adapted to make decisions based on a user profile.

24. A server supporting a system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12 and/or a method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17 and/or a computer program as claimed in claim 18 and/or a web site as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23.

25. A computer readable medium comprising instructions for implementing a system as claimed in any of claims 1 to 12, a method as claimed in any of claims 13 to 17, a computer program as claimed in claim 18, or a web site as claimed in any of claims 19 to 23.

26. A travel itinerary management system in which a user selects a plurality of route legs and an itinerary management engine constructs a route itinerary.

27. A system as claimed in claim 26 in which the itinerary management engine orders the legs on the itinerary in chronological or geographical order.

28. A system as claimed in claim 26 or 27 in which the itinerary management engine selects additional legs to join any disjointed route legs.

29. A system as claimed in claim 28 in which the itinerary management engine carries out route leg selection based on a user profile.

30. A system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 29 in which the user can identify any route leg in the itinerary for amendment or deletion.

31. A system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 30 in which the itinerary management engine accesses on-line and provides at least one of price, availability and carrier data for each route leg, and/or alternative routings on user demand.

32. A system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31 in which the user selects route legs from a map display provided by the itinerary management engine.

33. A computer program configured to implement a system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31.

34. A computer readable medium comprising instructions for implementing a system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31.

35. A web-site providing a system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31.

36. A server supporting a system as claimed in any of claims 26 to 31, and/or a computer program as claimed in claim 33 and/or a web-site as claimed in claim 35.

37. A travel itinerary management system in which a user inputs a user profile and route leg start and end locations, and the system selects route leg travel options based on the user profile.