Split-Screen Travel Reservation Interface for Faster GDS Changes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for modifying travel arrangements, such as airline reservations, are inefficient and costly due to the use of legacy command-line interfaces that require extensive training and are prone to errors, leading to increased costs and penalties for users.
Innovation Solution
A graphical user interface is used to modify or cancel travel reservations directly with a global distribution system (GDS), eliminating the need for command-line input and reducing errors through intuitive interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a command-line interface is used to modify travel reservations, then the system can communicate with the global distribution system, but the process becomes time-consuming and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the command-line interface (mechanical text input system) with a graphical user interface that uses visual elements such as buttons, dropdown menus, and form fields. This substitution eliminates the need for agents to manually type complex commands, thereby reducing errors and time required for reservation modifications while maintaining communication with the global distribution system.
Solution Approach 2:
The graphical user interface is designed to guide agents through the reservation modification process with pre-configured options and automatic field population. The system self-corrects common errors by providing validation and preventing invalid inputs, reducing the need for extensive training and minimizing mistakes that would require corrective actions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a command-line interface is used for reservation modification, then the system can access global distribution system functions, but extensive training is required for agents
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface consolidates multiple reservation modification functions into a single unified interface. It provides universal access to change flight details, passenger information, seating arrangements, and other reservation parameters through consistent visual controls, eliminating the need for agents to learn different command syntaxes for different functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The interface applies local quality by providing context-specific controls and options based on the current reservation type and modification needs. Different sections of the interface adapt to display relevant controls for specific reservation scenarios, making the system easier to operate while maintaining comprehensive functionality.
3Productivity
If manual command entry is used to modify reservations, then the system can process changes, but errors increase leading to penalties and debits
Solution Approach 1:
The graphical user interface incorporates real-time feedback mechanisms that validate user inputs, warn of potential errors, and confirm actions before submission. The system provides immediate feedback on whether a modification is valid, showing agents any issues before they commit to erroneous changes, thereby reducing error rates while maintaining fast processing speeds.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary validation and checks before finalizing reservation modifications. It pre-verifies the validity of requested changes, checks for conflicts, and prepares confirmation screens that allow agents to review all modifications before submission, preventing errors from reaching the global distribution system.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments described herein provide apparatus and methods for efficiently modifying existing travel reservations stored in a GDS using a graphical user interface for issuing commands to the GDS. These include commands that would typically require manual entry of commands and arguments using a command-line interface. The graphical user interface can be displayed on a display device of a computer system and used by an agent to modify the reservation by selecting a different flight, to change seating arrangements, to meet basic needs, such as wheelchair assistance and food accommodations, and to help reduce any costs charged to the user as a result of the changes as the modifications can be entered more quickly and with fewer errors.