Apex Standards Claim Construction


Patent: US11334598B2
Filed: 2006-05-18
Issued: 2022-05-17
Patent Holder: (Original Assignee) Surgetech LLC     (Current Assignee) Surge Pricing Patent Holdings LLC ; Surgetech LLC
Inventor(s): Andrew Loch, Helen Johnson, Geoffrey Toogood, Daniel Paul Ruul

Title: Computer-implemented management of bookings for transportation services

Abstract: A computer-implemented method of managing online bookings for transportation services inventory is provided. The computer-implemented method links, via a computerized network, each item in the transportation services inventory with one of a plurality of online distributions channels by allocating the item to the respective online distribution channel. Furthermore, the computer-implemented method receives, from each of a plurality of online distribution channels in real time via the computerized network, sale data pertaining to the online bookings for the items in the transportation services inventory allocated to the respective online distribution channel. The computer-implemented method processes the sale data by carrying out calculations to obtain a performance rating for each of the respective online distribution channels. Additionally, the computer-implemented method queries whether the performance rating of each of the respective online distribution channels is greater than a performance rating of other online distribution channels.

The First Claim: 1. A computer-implemented method of managing online bookings for transportation services inventory, the computer-implemented method comprising: linking, via a computerized network, each item in the transportation services inventory with one of a plurality of online distributions channels by allocating the item to the respective online distribution channel; receiving, from each of the plurality of online distribution channels in real time via the computerized network, sale data pertaining to the online bookings for the items in the transportation services inventory allocated to the respective online distribution channel; processing the sale data by carrying out calculations to obtain a performance rating for each of the respective online distribution channels; querying whether the performance rating of each of the respective online distribution channels is greater than a performance rating of other online distribution channels; and based on the query being answered in the affirmative, carrying out at least one of the following: adjusting, via the computerized network, a price of the items in the transportation services inventory allocated to each of the linked online distribution channels; and modifying, via the computerized network, the linkage of the items in the transportation services inventory to the respective online distribution channels by re-allocating the items in the transportation services inventory to or from said each of the online respective distribution channels from or to the other online distribution channels.


Disclaimer: The promise of Apex Standards Claim Construction (CC) is that it will conduct the Broadest Reasonable, Ordinary, or Customary Interpretation for the claim elements of a target patent or the technical specification languages of an industrial standard. Therefore, a top-down, apriori evaluation is enabled, allowing stakeholders to swiftly and effectively analyze the relevance and scope of terms and phrases under consideration prior to making complex, high-value judgments. CC is intended to alleviate the initial burden of evidence by providing an exhaustive list of contextual semantic understandings that can be used as building blocks in the development of a prosecution-ready, licensing-ready, or litigation-ready work product. Stakeholders can then utilize the CC to revise the original claim or technical languages, as well as to find more relevant arts in order to build strategy and accomplish additional goals.



Reference Claim Element / Subject Matter Feature Meaning Claim Construction & Interpretation
[1] 1 .

A computer [1]
computer [1] [Meaning 1] machine
[Meaning 2] computing
[Meaning 3] processor
[Meaning 4] compute
[Meaning 5] first computer
[Meaning 6] distributed computer
[Meaning 7] tangible computer
[Meaning 8] computerized network
[Meaning 9] computer system
[Meaning 10] system and computer
[Meaning 11] non transitory computer
[Meaning 12] computerized and computer
[Meaning 13] computer or processor
[Meaning 14] system comprising the computer
[Interpretation 1] system for managing online booking of transportation services inventory comprising at least one processor configured to execute computer executable instructions to perform the computer
[Interpretation 2] method of managing online booking of transportation services inventory for transportation services to be provided by an airline or an airline company the computer
[Interpretation 3] computerized system for managing online booking of transportation services inventory in real time and for managing online distribution channels and claims claims 1a computer
[Interpretation 4] method of managing online booking of transportation services inventory according to claim 10 or claim 11 which is the computer
[Interpretation 5] computing device configured to perform computer program instructions stored on the computing device in order to perform the computer
[Interpretation 6] computing device configured to execute one or more computer programs to perform at least part of the computer
[Interpretation 7] computerized system comprising hardware and software for performing the computer
[2] - implemented (implemented method for managing, based computer system implemented, implement men and computerized, readable medium for implementing the, program product for implementing the, program product for carrying out the, readable medium storing computer instructions implemented) method [2] method [2] [Meaning 1] methods
[Meaning 2] process
[Meaning 3] system
[Meaning 4] methodology
[Meaning 5] computerized method
[Meaning 6] method capable
[Meaning 7] automated method
[Meaning 8] management method
[Meaning 9] methods method
[Meaning 10] method and system
[Meaning 11] system and method
[Meaning 12] transportation management method
[Meaning 13] computer program product method
[Meaning 14] for providing an interface
[Interpretation 1] computer program product for managing online booking of transportation services inventory in real time comprising instructions for carrying out the computer to implemented method
[Interpretation 2] system for managing online booking of transportation services inventory in real time comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method
[Interpretation 3] process for managing online booking of transportation services inventory claims claims of the invention relate to the field
[Interpretation 4] computer program product for use in conjunction with at least one computer system to perform the method
[Interpretation 5] computer program product comprising instructions for carrying out computer implemented method steps
[Interpretation 6] system comprising at least one processor configured to perform the method
[Interpretation 7] program product for carrying out at least part of the method
[Interpretation 8] method for managing online booking distribution channels for the purpose
[3] of managing (improving the performance of, managing the distribution of, opt opt in to, providing performance feedback for, assessing the performance of distributing, managing transportation services inventory based on, monitoring online distribution channels that provide) online bookings [3] bookings [3] [Meaning 1] distribution
[Meaning 2] booking
[Meaning 3] sales
[Meaning 4] reservations
[Meaning 5] booking transactions
[Meaning 6] booked items
[Meaning 7] subscription services
[Meaning 8] allocation data
[Meaning 9] booking of items
[Meaning 10] purchase booking data
[Meaning 11] distribution booking data
[Meaning 12] booking of transportation services
[Meaning 13] and physical booking systems
[Meaning 14] allocation of online booking requests
[Interpretation 1] delivery of transportation services inventory to one or more online distribution channels for sale by one or more users who make online booking requests
[Interpretation 2] booking of transportation services inventory by at least one of the following and by at least one online booking
[Interpretation 3] transportation services inventory distribution channels for distribution of items according to online booking requests
[Interpretation 4] booking of items in transportation services inventory by an entity
[4] for transportation services inventory [4] transportation services inventory [4] [Meaning 1] items
[Meaning 2] transportation
[Meaning 3] goods
[Meaning 4] shipments
[Meaning 5] deliveries
[Meaning 6] transportation services
[Meaning 7] delivery services
[Meaning 8] travel services
[Meaning 9] goods items
[Meaning 10] goods and services
[Meaning 11] logistics services inventory
[Meaning 12] delivery of items
[Meaning 13] the transportation services inventory of items in transportation services
[Interpretation 1] transportation services inventory in an online distribution system for providing transportation services inventory to one or more users via one or more online channels
[Interpretation 2] transportation services inventory in real time via the internet or other network of computer systems that are connected to the internet network
[Interpretation 3] transportation services inventory in real time via an online booking system for booking online transportation services for an event
[Interpretation 4] transportation services inventory in real time by using at least one processor coupled to the computerized network
[Interpretation 5] online transportation services inventory to be provided to one or more users via the online transportation
[5] , the computer [1] - implemented method [2] comprising (comprising the steps of, including the steps of, of managing comprising of, being characterized by the following, of managing online booking comprising) : linking (linking in real time, in real time ass, in real time automatically linking, connecting in real time to, obtaining transportation services inventory and linking, linking in real time or periodically) , via a computerized network [5] network [5] [Meaning 1] system
[Meaning 2] networks
[Meaning 3] channel
[Meaning 4] computer network
[Meaning 5] communication network
[Meaning 6] distribution network
[Meaning 7] network system
[Meaning 8] network of computers
[Meaning 9] or electronic network
[Meaning 10] transportation services network
[Meaning 11] and interconnected network
[Meaning 12] network in real time
[Meaning 13] system in real time
[Meaning 14] online booking management network
[Interpretation 1] database server and via an online booking server in real time via the computerized network and based on the booking data
[Interpretation 2] network and at least one server computer configured to store and retrieve data pertaining to the transportation services inventory
[Interpretation 3] network and by carrying out at least one of the following and by carrying out the following steps
[Interpretation 4] processor of the computer of the computer system in real time via at least one computerized network
[Interpretation 5] database server and an online booking management system in communication with the computerized network
[Interpretation 6] network and by carrying out an online booking for transportation services inventory
[Interpretation 7] network and by carrying out calculations to obtain an allocation matrix
[Interpretation 8] system configured to be in communication with the computerized network
[Interpretation 9] network and by carrying out at least one computer process
[Interpretation 10] computer network and by carrying out at least one calculation
[Interpretation 11] database server and an online booking management and distribution system
[6] , each item in the transportation services inventory [4] with one of a plurality of online distributions channels [6] distributions channels [6] [Meaning 1] channels
[Meaning 2] distribution
[Meaning 3] delivery channels
[Meaning 4] transmission channels
[Meaning 5] channels for distribution thereof
[Meaning 6] distribution channels for the transportation services inventory
[Meaning 7] distributions channels in an online distribution system
[Meaning 8] distribution channels for sale via the computerized network
[Interpretation 1] distribution channels for the transportation services inventory to be online booked for
[Interpretation 2] distributed channels for the online booking of the transportation services inventory
[7] by allocating (assigning an identifier of, acc the price of, all all or releasing, re all all of, sending an online booking for, all all the value of, all all the transportation services of) the item to the respective online distribution channel [7] distribution channel [7] [Meaning 1] channel
[Meaning 2] distribution
[Meaning 3] network
[Meaning 4] distributions channel
[Meaning 5] delivery channel
[Meaning 6] channel of distribution
[Meaning 7] channel in real time
[Meaning 8] channel via the computerized network
[Meaning 9] channel via an online booking process
[Meaning 10] channel from or to other online distribution channels
[Meaning 11] delivery channel in accordance with an allocation rule
[Interpretation 1] channel and by linking the transportation services inventory to the respective online distribution channel via one or more online booking links
[Interpretation 2] delivery channel from or to the other online distribution channels via the computerized network in real time
[Interpretation 3] respective distribution channel from or to said each of the other online distribution channels
[8] ; receiving (at least periodically receiving, periodically or continuously receiving, and receiving and storing, receiving via the computer, con and sour back, collecting via the computerized network, receiving at least in part) , from each of the plurality of online distribution channels [8] distribution channels [8] [Meaning 1] channels
[Meaning 2] distributors
[Meaning 3] retailers
[Meaning 4] sources
[Meaning 5] distributions channels
[Meaning 6] delivery channels
[Meaning 7] channels of distribution and
[Meaning 8] channels of the online distribution channels
[Meaning 9] distribution channels linked with the respective item
[Meaning 10] channels of the transportation services distribution system
[Meaning 11] distributed channels in the transportation services inventory
[Interpretation 1] delivery channels via the computerized network in real time and based on the respective online distribution channel being linked and received
[Interpretation 2] respective distribution channels via the computerized network and in real time via the computerized network and substantially
[Interpretation 3] respective distribution channels linked with the transportation services inventory and substantially
[9] in real time via the computerized network [5] , sale data [9] sale data [9] [Meaning 1] data
[Meaning 2] information
[Meaning 3] metadata
[Meaning 4] date
[Meaning 5] details
[Meaning 6] sales data
[Meaning 7] transaction data
[Meaning 8] price data
[Meaning 9] online sale data
[Meaning 10] respective sale data
[Meaning 11] electronic sale data
[Meaning 12] sale data respectively
[Meaning 13] one or more data
[Meaning 14] sale data comprising information
[Interpretation 1] purchase data for the respective online distribution channel wherein the purchase data comprises information
[Interpretation 2] sale data for the respective online distribution channel and for transportation services sold
[Interpretation 3] sale data for the respective online distribution channel comprising at least data
[10] pertaining (that includes information relating, associated with the sale, related to the sale, indicating sale prices corresponding, comprising at least information relating, from the distribution channel relating, associated with sale transactions related) to the online bookings [3] for the items in the transportation services inventory [4] allocated (that have been allocated, and the items allocated, allocated to or linked, to be allocated online, by all of the items, in the form of sale, and the transportation services inventory allocated) to the respective online distribution channel [7] ; processing (performing statistical analysis on, evaluating the quality of, analyzing the content of, determining performance ratings for, processing the data in, processing at least some of, analyzing at least some of) the sale data [9] by carrying (the computer by carrying, using software to carry, at least partially carrying, computer hardware to carry, means of computer carried, causing the processor to carry, an analytics engine to carry) out calculations [10] calculations [10] [Meaning 1] analytics
[Meaning 2] analysis
[Meaning 3] modeling
[Meaning 4] regression
[Meaning 5] regression analysis
[Meaning 6] statistical analysis
[Meaning 7] predictive analytics
[Meaning 8] an analytics process
[Meaning 9] machine learning techniques
[Meaning 10] data mining techniques
[Meaning 11] performance rating calculations
[Meaning 12] at least one analysis
[Meaning 13] data mining so as
[Meaning 14] an automated statistical analysis
[Interpretation 1] an analysis of the sale data based on at least one of the following criteria and by using at least one machine learning algorithm
[Interpretation 2] at least one of the following on the sale data and on at least one previously stored performance model
[Interpretation 3] one or more of the following steps of analyzing the sale data in real time so as
[Interpretation 4] one or more statistical analyses on the sale data received from the distribution channels
[Interpretation 5] an automated statistical analysis of the sale data using at least one processor
[Interpretation 6] one or more statistical analyses on the sale data in real time thereby
[Interpretation 7] an analytics analysis on the sale data using an analytics engine
[Interpretation 8] data mining on the sale data using machine learning so as
[11] to obtain (provide an estimate of, generate sales data and, produce sale data comprising, obtain sale data and, determine and to store, determine at least in part, obtain at least part of) a performance rating [11] performance rating [11] [Meaning 1] performance
[Meaning 2] rating
[Meaning 3] score
[Meaning 4] value
[Meaning 5] production rating
[Meaning 6] performances rating
[Meaning 7] quality rating
[Meaning 8] rating performance
[Meaning 9] respective performance rating
[Meaning 10] rating of performance of the channels
[Meaning 11] performance rating of the online booking performed
[Meaning 12] data set that includes the performance rating
[Meaning 13] data set comprising at least one performance rating
[Meaning 14] performance rating of the respective online distribution channel
[Interpretation 1] sale price for each of the respective online distribution channels and by carrying out calculations to obtain performance rating pertaining to the sale price
[Interpretation 2] respective performance rating for each of the respective online distribution channels by comparing the sale data with at least one predefine threshold performance value
[Interpretation 3] data set comprising at least one of the following data elements for each of the respective online distribution channels and performance rating
[Interpretation 4] respective performance rating of the transportation services inventory based on the received sale data
[Interpretation 5] rating of performance of the online booking for the transportation services inventory items
[Interpretation 6] corresponding performance rating based on the sale data and an associated performance metric
[Interpretation 7] data set comprising at least one performance rating of the channel
[Interpretation 8] rating of the performance of the respective online distribution channel
[12] for each of the respective online distribution channels [8] ; querying (responding to the query, receiving an inquiry about, querying via the network, receiving an input query asking, responding to the query by determining, performing an online query to determine, querying via the computerized network on) whether the performance rating [11] of each of the respective online distribution channels [8] is greater than a performance rating [11] of other online distribution channels [8] ; and based on the query being answered (negative or being answered, positive or negative and, made and the result, to the positive or, in the negative or being, negative or on the query, affirmative or the query being) in the affirmative , carrying out at least one of the following (group of actions comprising, sub steps consisting of, computer operations consisting of, steps of the following, following actions or steps, group consisting of the following, set of actions consisting of) : adjusting (modifying or not modifying, automatically or manually adjusting, at least partially reducing, reducing or otherwise modifying, increasing or decrement adjusting, modifying the linking by adjusting, at least one of modifying) , via the computerized network [5] , a price of the items in the transportation services inventory [4] allocated to each of the linked (each of the respective, one or more respective, at least one respective, respective one or more, online distribution channels to other, respective one of the respective, one or more of the) online distribution channels [8] ; and modifying (rein or reset adjusting, adjusting at least one of, re establishing or reestablish establishing, in response to the query adjusting, based on the adjustment automatically changing, if the query is negative adjusting) , via the computerized network [5] , the linkage [12] linkage [12] [Meaning 1] allocation
[Meaning 2] distribution
[Meaning 3] links
[Meaning 4] assignment
[Meaning 5] price
[Meaning 6] respective allocation
[Meaning 7] allocated price
[Meaning 8] linked allocation
[Meaning 9] allocation status
[Meaning 10] link up
[Meaning 11] allocation of each
[Meaning 12] links of each
[Meaning 13] online booking allocation
[Meaning 14] allocated respective prices
[13] of the items in the transportation services inventory [4] to the respective online distribution channels [8] by re-allocating (separating the allocation of, transferring or not transferring, removing or all replacing, removing or adding each of, disconnect or increasing allocation of, different assigning or all assigning) the items in the transportation services inventory [4] to or from said each of the online respective distribution channels [8] from or to the other online distribution channels [8] .