Flight Selection Timeline Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for comparing and selecting flight tickets online are cumbersome and inefficient, particularly due to large comparison tables that become difficult to read as air traffic increases, with users often lost in grids of fares and schedules.

Innovation Solution

A method using a computerized device to process flight data and display it in a timeline format, with interactive flight representations and fare indicators arranged in ascending values, allowing for easy selection and purchase of flights, and a web-server to facilitate this process, reducing the complexity of comparing multiple airlines and fare options.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If a comparison table format is used to display flight information, then comprehensive flight data can be presented, but the display becomes difficult to read and navigate as the number of flights increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveamount of flight information displayedVSAvoidease of reading and navigating flight options

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the traditional two-dimensional comparison table into a graphical interface that adds visual dimensions through timelines, bars, and spatial positioning. Flight information is displayed along a horizontal timeline with vertical bars representing different flights, allowing users to visually scan and compare multiple parameters simultaneously without the clutter of a grid-based table.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments flight information into distinct visual components: individual flight bars, fare indicators, connection indicators, and time markers. Each flight is represented as a separate graphical element that can be independently identified and compared, making it easier to process large amounts of data without overwhelming the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Quantity of substance

If traditional comparison tables are used, then all fare options can be listed, but users lose track of column and row labels when scrolling through large tables

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of fare options displayedVSAvoidloss of context labels during scrolling

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the flat two-dimensional table structure with a graphical timeline representation where context is maintained through spatial positioning. The horizontal timeline provides continuous temporal context, while vertical bars maintain flight identity. Users can scroll through the timeline without losing context because the visual anchors (timeline markers, flight bar positions) remain meaningful throughout the display.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple airlines and fare types are included in the comparison, then comprehensive options are available, but the table complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of airlines and fare optionsVSAvoidcomplexity of comparison table structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the complex data set into manageable visual units: each airline's flights are represented by distinct bars, each fare type is indicated by visual markers or color coding, and connections are shown through specific graphical elements. This segmentation allows multiple airlines and fare types to be displayed simultaneously without creating a complex grid structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses color and visual indicators to encode different fare types and airlines. Fare indicators are displayed as visual markers on the flight bars, allowing users to quickly distinguish between different fare categories without adding textual complexity to the table structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If users manually track flight options across multiple airline sites, then comprehensive comparison is possible, but it takes longer and requires more effort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to compare across multiple airlinesVSAvoidtime required for flight comparison

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges data from multiple airline sources into a single unified graphical display. All flights from different airlines are presented together on one timeline with consistent visual encoding, eliminating the need for users to navigate multiple separate airline websites and manually track options. The unified view allows immediate comparison across all providers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8442874B2Flight selection method

Publication Date: 2013.05.14 EXPEDIA AUSTRALIA HLDG PTY LTD

AI summary

The present invention relates to a flight selection method using a computerized device. The method includes the step of processing flight data relating to flights to produce display data. The display data is displayed by a remote computer in accordance with a flight search query. The display data includes flight representations displayed relative to a timeline. At least one flight representation is associated with more than one fare indicator to provide for a more compact display of flight information.