Importance

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Abstract

Computerized travel reservation information and planning system that generates 'map ticket' output in various media, for guidance and transactions en route. Such print or electronic documents can include bar or alphanumeric codes for automated recognition and/or access. WHERE?, WHO/WHAT?, WHEN? and HOW? menus enable flexible user inquiries accessing selectable geographic, topical, temporal and transactional data records and relational processing. Sub-menus provide further capabilities: e.g. routing, topical searching; searches of events calendars, almanacs, appointment books, related itinerary scheduling; trip budgeting issues, plus travel arrangement availabilities or other goods/services offers. Online communications links access updated or supplemental information on places, times, topics and other provider goods/service offers. Online computer-aided routing system enables input of selectable travel origin, destination, and waypoints to compute travel routes, available transportation services, costs, options, and schedules. A point-of-interest database lets users pick types of attractions or accommodations within a user-selected region around routes of travel. Users engage in an iterative planning process, revising or editing travel plans, previewing travelogs of alternate routes, selecting point of interest parameters, comparing times and costs of transportation options, in order to achieve a satisfactory travel plan. The system provides printed or electronic output that may include any one or more of text itinerary, ordered set of travel maps, customized collection of information on points of interest information and a selected array of valid reservation confirmations, tickets and/or discount coupons coded with elements for automated recognition and processing. Mobile users, including GPS-linked users, can access the system via wireless communication units.

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First Claim