SOCIAL NETWORK FOR TOUR PLANNING

A social networking system server which includes a processor, wherein the processor utilizes computer readable program code to initiate, implement, and conclude, a travel plan. The computer readable program code comprising a series of computer readable program steps to effect coordinating a global, on-line social networking system (“SNS”). The computer readable program code further includes a series of computer readable program steps to effect initiating a travel plan for a first SNS member, purchasing goods on-line, implementing a tour plan, and concluding the tour plan.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 1illustrates an exemplary embodiment of Applicant's social networking system (“SNS”)100. In certain embodiments, Applicant's method utilizes SNS100to initiate a travel plan, revise that travel plan, make purchases need for the travel plan, implement the travel plan, and eventually conclude the travel plan.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1A, a SNS subscriber, such as user108(a) (or108(b) or108(c)), of Applicant's uses an internet-enabled device, such as apparatus110(a), to access SNS server112. In certain embodiments, each SNS subscriber pays a subscription fee. In certain embodiments, the subscription fee is paid monthly. In certain embodiments, a subscription fee is based upon SNS usage and services provided by the SNS to a subscriber.

Apparatus110(a) (or110(b) or110(c)) may be any device capable of accessing a webpage, such as, and without limitation, a personal computer, laptop, tablet PC, cellular telephone, personal digital assistant (PDA), SmartPhone or similar device. An exemplary embodiment of apparatus110(a) is depicted inFIG. 1B.

As can be seen inFIG. 2, apparatus110comprises computing device204, a visual display device202and a data input device, such as for example and without limitation, a keyboard206and/or a mouse208. In certain embodiments, visual display device202may be the same as the data input device, such as is seen with smart phones and tablets wherein the display screen is touch-sensitive. Computing device204comprises controller231comprising a programmable processor210interconnected via communication links with non-transitory computer readable medium220, computer readable program code230encoded in the non-transitory computer readable medium220, optional VOIP module232, and optional “WI-FI” module234. In certain embodiments, computing device204, visual display device202, and data input device are combined into a single hand-held device, such as a tablet PC, laptop computer, cellular telephone, or PDA.

In certain embodiments, visual display device202comprises a liquid crystal display (LCD) display, or a plasma display. In other embodiments, visual display device202comprises a video projector and screen.

In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium220comprises non-volatile memory. In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium220comprises battery backed up RAM, a magnetic hard disk assembly, an optical disk assembly, and/or electronic memory. By “electronic memory,” Applicant means a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SMARTMEDIA, FLASHMEDIA, and the like.

Optional VOIP module232implements a Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). VoIP is a general term for a family of transmission technologies for delivery of voice communications over IP SNSs such as the Internet or other packet-switched SNSs. Internet telephony includes communications services, such as and without limitation voice, facsimile, and/or voice-messaging applications that are transported via the Internet, rather than the public switched telephone SNS (PSTN).

Optional WI-FI module234comprises a wireless SNS communication module comprising a wireless SNS permitting communication with one or more external computers or programmable devices in a SNS or with point-to-point communications. In certain embodiments, WI-FI module234implements one or more of the embodiments of IEEE Specification 802.11 (collectively the “IEEE Specification”). As those skilled in the art will appreciate, the IEEE Specification comprises a family of specifications developed by the IEEE for wireless LAN technology.

The IEEE Specification specifies an over-the-air interface between a wireless client, such as for example apparatus110(a) (FIG. 1), and a server or between two wireless clients. The IEEE accepted the IEEE Specification in 1997. There are several specifications in the 802.11 family, including (i) specification 802.11 which applies to wireless LANs and provides 1 or 2 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band using either frequency hopping spread spectrum (FHSS) or direct sequence spread spectrum (DSSS); (ii) specification 802.11 a which comprises an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANs and provides up to 54 Mbps in the 5 GHz band using an orthogonal frequency division multiplexing encoding scheme rather than FHSS or DSSS; (iii) specification 802.11b, sometimes referred to as 802.11 High Rate or WI-FI, which comprises an extension to 802.11 that applies to wireless LANS and provides up to about 11 Mbps transmission in the 2.4 GHz band; and/or (iv) specification 802.11g which applies to wireless LANs and provides 20+Mbps in the 2.4 GHz band.

While the foregoing description ofFIG. 2has been provided regarding the internet-enabled devices used by users to access Applicant's SNS100, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the description is equally applicable to the internet-enabled devices111(a)-111(c) used by professionals109(a)-109(c) to access SNS100. Furthermore, while internet-enabled device110is depicted inFIG. 2as being a personal computer, one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the description provided is equally applicable to other types of internet-enabled devices such as laptops, smart phones, tablets, PDAs, and the like.

Returning toFIG. 1A, user108(a) uses internet-enabled apparatus110(a) to access communication fabric102. In certain embodiments, fabric102comprises, for example, one or more switches104. In certain embodiments, those one or more switches104include one or more conventional router switches.

In certain embodiments, communication fabric102comprises an intranet. In certain embodiments, communication fabric102comprises a local area network. In certain embodiments, communication fabric comprises a wide area network. In certain embodiments, communication fabric102comprises the Internet.

User108(a) uses internet-enabled apparatus110(a) to communicate with users108(a)-108(c) via communication fabric102, wherein users108(a)-108(c) are subscribers to Applicant's SNS100via SNS server112. In certain embodiments, user108(a) uses internet-enabled apparatus110(a) to access communication fabric101to communicate with users109(a) and109(b), wherein users1109(a) and109(b) are not subscribers to Applicant's SNS100109(a)-109(c) and do not have access to SNS server112. In certain embodiments, information may be transmitted to and from user108(a)'s internet-enabled apparatus110(a), and users108(a)-(c) and109(a), using optional Wi-Fi module234, optional VOIP module232, or any computing device capable of connecting to the internet such as a local-area network (LAN) or wide-area network (WAN).

Applicant's SNS server112comprises a programmable processor114interconnected via a communication link with non-transitory computer readable medium116, and computer readable program code118encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium116. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that whileFIG. 1depicts a single server, in certain embodiments Applicant's SNS may comprise multiple servers without departing from the scope of the present invention.

In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium116comprises non-volatile memory. In certain embodiments, non-transitory computer readable medium116comprises battery backed up RAM, a magnetic hard disk assembly, an optical disk assembly, and/or electronic memory. By “electronic memory,” Applicant means a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, SMARTMEDIA, FLASHMEDIA, and the like.

In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 1, server112further comprises travel / lodging provider database102, subscriber database104, and services database106. Member database104includes the personal information of each subscriber of SNS100including one or more of their name, telephone number, email, address, user type, and the like.

In certain embodiments, the databases resident on SNS server112recite contact information for various providers. Referring toFIG. 1B, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication, via communication fabric102, with a plurality of providers, such as for example and without limitation travel services provider130, lodging services provider140, services provider150, rental vehicle provider160, state agency170, federal agency180and catalog goods provider190. In certain embodiments, each of the plurality of providers pay a services provider subscription fee to Applicant's SNS. In certain embodiments, such a services provider subscription fee is paid on a monthly basis. In certain embodiments, a services provider subscription fee is based upon SNS subscribers usage of services accessed through SNS server112.

The various providers illustrated inFIG. 1Bshould not be taken as limiting. In addition, for the sake of clarity only a single example of travel provider, lodging provider, services provider, rental vehicle provider, state agency, federal agency, and catalog goods provider, are shown inFIG. 1B. The recitation ofFIG. 1Bshould not be taken as limiting. In certain embodiments, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication with a plurality of travel services providers, including without limitation individual airlines, cruise lines, equine service providers, travel agencies, and the like. In certain embodiments, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication with a plurality of lodging services providers, including individual hostelries, regional associations, and world-wide providers.

In certain embodiments, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication with a plurality of rental vehicle providers, including without limitation local providers, regional car rental companies, and world-wide vehicle rental providers. In certain embodiments, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication with a plurality of state agencies, including without limitation parks departments, highway departments, law enforcement agencies and the like. In certain embodiments, Applicant's SNS server112is in communication with a plurality of federal agencies, including without limitation national park services, state departments, immigration services, and the like.

FIG. 3illustrates an overview of one usage of Applicant's SNS. In the illustrated embodiment ofFIG. 3, a SNS subscriber can initiate a Travel Plan at step310, Revise that Travel Plan at step320, make purchases related to the Travel Plan at step330, Implement the Travel Plan at step340, and Conclude the Travel Plan at step350, using Applicant's SNS and method. In certain embodiments, step310comprises the steps recited inFIG. 4. In certain embodiments, step320comprises the steps recited inFIG. 5. In certain embodiments, step330comprises the steps recited inFIG. 6. In certain embodiments, step340comprises the steps recited inFIG. 7. In certain embodiments, step350comprises the steps recited inFIG. 8.

Referring now toFIG. 4, in step405the method determines whether a travel location has been selected. If the method determines in step405that a travel location has not been determined, then the method transitions from step405to step410wherein the method determines whether recommendations from Applicant's SNS are needed. If the method determines in step410that recommendations are needed, then the method transitions from step410to step415wherein the method sets preferred travel dates. In certain embodiments, the preferred travel dates are input from the subscriber initiator of the Tour Plan.

In step420, the method sets a travel budget. In certain embodiments, the travel budget is determined by the subscriber initiator of the Tour Plan.

In step425, the method provides recommended travel locations and a draft events calendar based upon the selected travel dates of step415and the budget of step420.

In step430, the method invoices the subscriber initiator for the SNS recommendations of step425. In step435, the method determines if the invoice of step435has been paid. If the method determines in step435that the invoice has not been paid then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step435that the invoice has been paid, then the method transitions from step435to step440. In certain embodiments, depending on the subscriber initiator's membership level, the method omits steps430and435.

In step440, the method sets draft travel locations, travel dates, and an event calendar. The method transitions from step440to step445wherein the method determines if travel companions have been selected.

If the method determines in step445that travel companions have not been selected, then the method transitions from step445to step450wherein the method determines if recommended travel companions are needed. If the method determines in step450that travel companion recommendations are needed, then the method transitions from step450to step455wherein the method reviews the SNS subscriber database to identify recommended travel companions based upon the travel ternary, event calendar, and budget.

The method transitions from step455to step460wherein the method invoices the subscriber initiator for the SNS recommendations of step455. In step465, the method determines if the invoice of step460has been paid. If the method determines in step465that the invoice has not been paid then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step465that the invoice has been paid, then the method transitions from step465to step485. In certain embodiments, depending on the subscriber initiator's membership level, the method omits steps460and465.

If the method determines in step405that a travel location has been selected, then the method transitions from step405to step445. If the method determines in step445that travel companions have been selected, then the method transitions from step445to step470wherein the method determines if the travel companions are SNS subscribers. If the method determines in step470that the selected travel companions are SNS subscribers, then the method transitions from step470to step485.

If the method determines in step470that the selected travel companions are not SNS subscribers, then the method transitions from step470to step475wherein invoices the subscriber initiator for including non-SNS subscribers are travel companions. In step480, the method determines if the invoice of step475has been paid. If the method determines in step480that the invoice has not been paid then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step475that the invoice has been paid, then the method transitions from step4480to step485. In certain embodiments, depending on the subscriber initiator's membership level, the method omits steps475and480.

In step485, the method finalizes the travel ternary, including the events calendar and the travel companions. In step490, the method provides to the subscriber initiator and to the travel companions information regarding medical issues, inoculations, travel visas, and the like.

In step495, the method arranges private tour groups for the subscriber initiator and companions. In certain embodiments, the method associates the subscriber initiator and companions with third parties, and engages the services of tour operators to provide private tour services to the newly-formed tour group. The method transitions from step4965to step320(FIG. 3).

The method makes provisions for revisions to the Tour Plan of step485. Referring now toFIG. 5, in step505the method sets a communication protocol between the subscriber initiator, selected travel companions, and the SNS server112. In certain embodiments, any mode of communication is available, including without limitation, telephone, cellular telephone, satellite telephone, email, instant messaging, texting, and the like.

In step510, the method establishes a payment protocol between the subscriber initiator and the travel companions. In certain embodiments, the payment protocol of step510comprises setting a percent payment allocation for the subscriber initiator and each of the travel companions. In certain embodiments, the payment protocol of step510comprises determining the currency, credit card, debit card, bank account, with which each of the subscriber initiator and each travel companions will satisfy his/her payment obligations.

In step515, the method provides the initial Tour Plan to the subscriber initiator and the travel companions. In step520, the method determines if Tour Plan revisions were received. If the method determines in step520that Tour Plan revisions were received and approved by the subscriber initiator and travel companions, then the method transitions from step520to step525wherein the method verifies the availability of services under the Tour Plan revisions. In step530, the method invoices the subscriber initiator and the travel companions, using the payment protocol of step510, for the SNS Tour Plan revisions of step525. In step535, the method determines if the invoice of step530has been paid. If the method determines in step535that the invoice has not been paid then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step535that the invoice has been paid, then the method transitions from step535to step540. In certain embodiments, depending on the subscriber initiator's membership level, the method omits steps530and535.

In step540, the method finalizes/revises the Tour Plan. In step545, the method makes all required reservations at contract-for discounted rates. In certain embodiments, the method negotiates discounted rates for all the service providers recited inFIG. 1B.

In step550, the method invoices the subscriber initiator and the travel companions, using the payment protocol of step510, for all phases of the travel itinerary, as finalized or revised in step540. In step555, the method determines if the invoice of step550has been paid. If the method determines in step555that the invoice has not been paid then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step555that the invoice of step550has been paid, then the method transitions from step555to step560, wherein the method makes payment to the various service vendors in accord with the Tour Plan. In step565, the method provides etickets to the subscriber initiator and travel companions using the communication protocol of step505. The method transitions from step565to step605, or alternatively if the steps ofFIG. 5were accessed from step755, the method transitions to step705.

Applicant's method makes provision for the purchase of supplies both prior to initiating the Tour Plan and after implementing the Tour Plan. Referring now toFIG. 6, in step605the method determines if a request for the purchase of supplies is received from the subscriber initiator or a travel companion.

In step620, the method determines of the requested item is available from a participating vendor. If the method determines in step610that a participating vendor is available, then the method transitions from step610to step615wherein the method invoices the requestor at a regular catalog price, including shipping and handling charges. In certain embodiments, the subscriber initiator and all the traveling companions are invoiced using the payment protocol of step510.

In step640, the method determines if the invoice of step635was paid. If the method determines in step640that the invoice has not been paid, then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step640that the invoice of step635has been paid, then the method transitions from step640to step645wherein the method purchases the requested item of step605from a participating vendor at a negotiated price. In step650, the method instructs the vendor to ship the purchased item directly to the requestor of step605.

In step655the method determines if the Tour Plan is completed. If the method determines in step655that the Tour Plan is completed, then the method transitions from step655to step820. If the method determines in step655that the Tour Plan is not completed, then the method transitions from step655to step660wherein the method determines if the Tour Plan has been initiated. If the method determines in step660that the Tour Plan has been initiated, then the method transitions from step660to step705. Alternatively, if the method determines that the Tour Plan has not been initiated, then the method transition from step660to step605.

If the method determines in step610that the requested item is not available from a Participating vendor, then the method transitions from step610to step625wherein the method invoices the requestor of step605at a catalog price including shipping and handling charges and a SNS service charge, wherein the service charge of step615is greater than the SNS service charge of step635.

In step620, the method determines if the invoice of step615was paid. If the method determines in step620that the invoice has not been paid, then the method provides another invoice. If the method determines in step620that the invoice of step615has been paid, then the method transitions from step620to step625wherein the method purchases the requested item of step605from a non-participating vendor at a negotiated price. In step630, the method instructs the vendor to ship the purchased item directly to the requestor of step605. The method transitions from step630to step655and proceeds as described herein.

Applicant's method provides information to the subscriber initiator throughout the Tour Plan. Referring now toFIG. 7, in step705the method determines if Tour Plan revisions were received. If the method determines in step705that Tour Plan revisions were received, then the method transitions from step705to step540and continues as described herein. If the method determines in step705that Tour Plan revisions were not received, then the method transitions from step705to step710wherein the method determines if the start date for the Tour Plan has arrived. If the method determines in step705that the start date has not arrived, then the method pauses until the start date arrives. Alternatively, if the method determines in step710that the start date has arrived, then the method transitions from step710to step715wherein the method automatically provides reservation confirmations within any applicable or required period of time.

In step720, the method provides travel information such as and without limitation departure gate, departure time, arrival gate, arrival time, and the like. In certain embodiments, the information of step720is provided to the subscriber initiator and each travel companion using the communication protocol of step505.

In step725, the method provides restaurant information in real time for each Tour Plan location, including and without limitation for each departure terminal and each arrival terminal.

In step730, the method arranges “partnering” for taxi cabs and tour buses in real time for each Tour Plan location. In step735, the method receives and stores uploaded content from the subscriber initiator and each travel companion, wherein that content comprises without limitation picture files, video files, audio files, and the like.

In step740, the method provides GPS data in real time for all locations recited in the Tour Plan. In step745, the method provides in real time mapping for all travel through the Tour Plan.

In step750, the method receives and stores written and verbal annotations with associated date and time stamps for content provided by the subscriber initiator and all travel companions.

In step755, the method determines if Tour Plan revisions are needed. In certain embodiments, the Tour Plan revisions of step755are initiated by the subscriber initiator and/or the travel companions. In certain embodiments, the Tour Plan revisions are initiated by the method based upon information provided from third parties, such as and without limitation weather services, airline services, cruise services, road conditions, and the like. If the method determines that Tour Plan revisions are needed, then the method transitions from step755to step520and continues as described herein. If the method determines in step755that Tour Plan revisions are not required, then the method transitions from step755to step760.

In step760, the method determines of the end date for the Tour Plan has arrived. If the method determines that the end date has arrived, then the method transitions from step760to step820. Alternatively, if the method determines that the end date has not arrived, then the method transitions from step760to step765wherein the method determines if supplies are needed during the Tour Plan. If the method determines in step765that supplies are needed, then the method transitions from step765to step605and continues as described herein. Alternatively, if the method determines that supplies are not needed, then the method transitions from step765to step715and continues as described herein.

Applicant's method includes activities that occur after the Tour Plan has been completed. Referring now toFIG. 8, in step810the method determines if the last item on the Tour Plan has been completed. If the method determines in step810that the last item on the Tour Plan has not been completed, then the method pauses until the last item on the Tour Plan has been completed. Alternatively, if the method determines in step810that the last item on the Tour Plan has been completed, then the method transitions from step810to step820wherein the method uploads and saves written, verbal, video, and/or audio visual annotations for one or more events recited on the Tour Plan.

In step830, the method uploads and saves evaluations from the subscriber initiator and/or one or more travel companions directed to one or more events recited on the Tour Plan.

In step840, the method requests authorization to share with third parties written, verbal, video, a audio visual annotations, and/or evaluations provided by the subscriber initiator and/or one or more travel companions.

In step850, the method creates a memoir comprising the Tour Plan, travel and lodging reservations, events calendar, written, verbal, video, audio visual annotations, and/or evaluations received for one or more events recited on the Tour Plan

In certain embodiments, instructions, such as instructions118(FIG. 1), are encoded in non-transitory computer readable medium, such as non-transitory computer readable medium116(FIG. 1), wherein those instructions are executed by a processor, such as processor114(FIG. 1), to perform one or more of the steps recited inFIGS. 3,4,5,6,7, and/or8.

In yet other embodiments, the invention includes instructions residing in any other computer program product, where those instructions are executed by a computer external to, or internal to, a computing system to perform one or more of the steps recited inFIGS. 3,4,5,6,7, and/or8In either case the instructions may be encoded in a non-transitory computer readable medium comprising, for example, a magnetic information storage medium, an optical information storage medium, an electronic information storage medium, and the like. “Electronic storage media,” may mean, for example and without limitation, one or more devices, such as and without limitation, a PROM, EPROM, EEPROM, Flash PROM, CompactFlash, SmartMedia, and the like.