Fare Search System Using Generic User Type Mediation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current search systems for travel agencies require manual intervention and multiple searches across different airlines to find suitable fares for various passenger types, as they lack the ability to automatically identify and compare fares across different Passenger Type Codes (PTCs) and Fare Tariff Codes (FTCs), leading to inefficiencies and complexity in fare comparison.
Innovation Solution
A search system and method that automatically identifies and compares fares across multiple GDS platforms by selecting a generic user type, allowing simultaneous searches across various airlines and reservation systems without requiring specific PTC or FTC codes, optimizing response times and simplifying the search process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the system requires users to specify PTC or FTC codes for fare searches, then the search can be performed with specific fare types, but the system complexity increases and users must have specialized knowledge of different airline coding systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary component that automatically translates generic user type selections into the appropriate airline-specific PTC and FTC codes. This mediator layer handles the complexity of different airline coding systems internally, allowing users to work with simple, universal categories while the system manages the specialized code mappings behind the scenes.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-service by automatically identifying and selecting the appropriate fare codes based on the user's generic type selection, eliminating the need for users to manually specify complex PTC or FTC codes. The system autonomously handles the code translation and fare comparison across multiple airlines.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the system performs individual searches for each airline and PTC combination, then comprehensive fare coverage is achieved, but the search time and number of required operations increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual fare searches into a single consolidated search operation. By combining the search capabilities across different airlines and PTC combinations into one unified query, the system retrieves comprehensive fare information simultaneously, dramatically reducing the time required compared to sequential searches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a universal search mechanism that can query multiple airlines and fare types through a single interface. This multi-functional approach allows the system to handle diverse fare structures and airline-specific codes through one standardized search process, achieving broad fare coverage without requiring multiple separate search operations.
3Reliability
If manual intervention is required to request fare searches, then fare accuracy can be verified, but the automation level decreases and operational efficiency is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated feedback mechanisms that verify fare availability and accuracy through programmatic interactions with airline systems. The automated process receives confirmation responses from airlines, validates fare conditions, and ensures reliability without requiring manual intervention, maintaining verification accuracy while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operations with automated electronic processes. The system uses computerized scripts to automatically request, retrieve, and verify fare information from airline systems, substituting human operators with automated software agents that perform the same verification functions more efficiently and consistently.
4Quantity of substance
If the system stores only the basic fare or private fare of a specific PTC, then the database size is minimized, but the ability to provide personalized fare options is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements a nested data structure where generic fare information serves as the outer layer and airline-specific PTC/FTC details are nested within. This hierarchical organization allows the system to store comprehensive fare information in a compact format, with the ability to expand from generic to specific fare types as needed without duplicating entire fare records for each airline.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A system for searching for a means of transport for making a journey from a departure place to an arrival place, comprising a terminal (8) having a user interface (19) configured to receive identification data of the user or multiple users and a selection of the generic user type among a plurality of predefined generic user types. A processing server (3) configured to: - forward said verification signal (7) to said one or more GDS platforms (5) or to other reservation systems; - identify one or more PTCs and/or FTCs falling within said selected generic user type by means of said verification signal (7); - perform one or more searches for each of the identified PTCs and/or FTCs; - receive one or more response signals (11) from said one or more GDS platforms (5) containing the solutions and fares for the user to make said journey corresponding to each of the identified PTCs and/or FTCs; - send the contents of one or more of said response signals (11) to said terminal (8) to make them visible by means of the user interface (19).