System and method for smart virtual queue

Abstract

The system includes a virtual queue controller configured to receive an indication of a reduced capacity event from an amusement park ride, determine the reduction in the ride's capacity, identify each guest with a return time in the virtual queue of the ride affected by the reduced capacity event, remove the guest with the affected return time from the virtual queue, create a re-acceptance time slot for the guest removed from the virtual queue, select two or more updated return times within the re-acceptance time slot for each guest removed from the virtual queue, provide a notice to each guest removed from the virtual queue requesting guest input to select a single updated return time from the two or more updated return times, and return each guest to the virtual queue upon receiving a corresponding selection of a single updated return time.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] Cross-reference regarding related applications

[0002] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 867,634, filed June 27, 2019, under the heading “Systems and Methods for a Smart Virtual Queue,” which is incorporated by reference to this document for all purposes. Background Technology

[0003] The present disclosure generally relates to the amusement park field. Specifically, embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a technique for managing reduced capacity events in a virtual queue.

[0004] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of the art that may be relevant to the various aspects of the present disclosure described below. This discussion is considered beneficial in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements should be read in this context, rather than as an acknowledgment of prior art.

[0005] As theme parks and attractions have become increasingly popular, a variety of rides have been created to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. Guests entering these attractions utilize a virtual queuing system that places them in a virtual queue rather than a physical one, allowing them to enjoy other popular attractions while their spot in the virtual queue advances. However, attraction downtime or partial closures can affect actual loading times, forcing guests to wait in long lines and negating some of the benefits of virtual queuing. Therefore, it can now be recognized that it is desirable to improve virtual queuing systems during reduced capacity events (e.g., park ride downtime or partial closure). An example of relevant background technology is U.S. Patent No. 10,121,170 (published November 6, 2018).

[0006] Some embodiments consistent with the subject matter originally claimed in scope are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but are provided merely to provide a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. In fact, the present disclosure may encompass various forms that may be similar or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] According to an embodiment, the system includes a virtual queue controller having a processor and memory. The processor is configured to execute instructions accessed from memory to cause the virtual queue controller to receive an indication of a reduced capacity event from an amusement park attraction, determine the reduction in capacity of the attraction associated with the reduced capacity event, identify each guest with a return time in the virtual queue of the attraction affected by the reduced capacity event based on the reduction in capacity, remove guests with affected return times from the virtual queue, and create a reaccommodation time slot for guests removed from the virtual queue. The length of the reaccommodation time slot is based on the total number of affected return times of guests removed from the virtual queue. The reaccommodation time slot follows all affected return times. The processor is also configured to execute instructions accessed from memory to cause the virtual queue controller to select two or more updated return times within a re-acceptance time slot for each guest removed from the virtual queue, provide a notification to each guest removed from the virtual queue requesting guest input selecting a single updated return time from the two or more updated return times, and return each guest to the virtual queue upon receiving the corresponding selection of the single updated return time.

[0008] According to an embodiment, the virtual queue system includes an amusement park ride having a capacity based on the number of available guest seats, and a virtual queue controller having a processor and memory. A virtual queue controller outputs a notification to reduce guest admittance from a virtual queue to an amusement park attraction during a reduced capacity event, based at least partially on a reduced capacity event associated with a decrease in the number of available guest seats; identifies a guest in the virtual queue with an affected return time (the affected return time is associated with the return time to the amusement park attraction during the reduced capacity event); removes at least one guest with one of the affected return times from the virtual queue; creates a reaccommodation space within the virtual queue; provides a guest notification to a guest-associated device associated with at least one guest removed from the virtual queue (the guest notification indicates a plurality of new return times corresponding to the removal from the virtual queue and the reaccommodation space); receives a notification of selection of one of the plurality of new return times by the guest via the guest-associated device; and when the selected new return time is presented for entry at or later than the new return time. It is configured to validate. The virtual queue system also includes a sensor assembly placed at the entrance of an amusement park attraction and configured to receive information from a guest-associated device and transmit information from the guest-associated device to the virtual queue controller for validation.

[0009] According to an embodiment, the method comprises the steps of receiving an indication of a reduced capacity event; determining a reduction in guest throughput for an amusement park ride during the reduced capacity event; determining, based on the reduction in guest throughput, a total number of virtual queue return times for guests in a virtual queue affected by the reduced capacity event; identifying each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time; creating a re-acceptance time slot within the virtual queue (the size of the re-acceptance time slot is based on the total number of virtual queue return times for guests in the virtual queue affected by the reduced capacity event); and providing a notification to each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time indicating a plurality of available new return times within the re-acceptance time slot. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0010] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings (whereas similar symbols indicate similar parts throughout the drawings). FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park including a virtual queue system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a virtual queue system according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a virtual queue system technique during a reduced capacity event according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and FIG. 4 is a graph of an embodiment of a virtual queue system for amusement park rides according to an aspect of the present disclosure, and FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for determining the size of an available re-acceptance time slot for a virtual queue system according to an aspect of the present disclosure. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0011] One or more specific embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of actual implementations may be described in the specification. It should be recognized that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, a number of implementation-specific decisions must be made to achieve the developer's specific objectives, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from implementation to implementation. Furthermore, it should be recognized that while such development efforts may be complex and time-consuming, they would nevertheless be routine work of design, fabrication, and manufacturing for a person skilled in the art who benefits from this disclosure.

[0012] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to imply that there is one or more elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and imply that there may be additional elements other than those listed. Additionally, it should be understood that references to “one embodiment” or “one embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also include the cited features.

[0013] As theme parks or amusement park rides have become increasingly popular, various amusement park rides have been created to provide passengers with unique motion and visual experiences. Guests entering various amusement park rides utilize a virtual queuing system that places guests in a virtual queue rather than a physical queue, allowing guests to enjoy other popular attractions at the park while their spot in the virtual queue advances. A designated virtual queuing system provides guests with a return time indicating the time they will arrive at the amusement park ride. Guests are instructed to return to the amusement park ride at the return time to wait in a limited-length physical queue or ride line before entering the amusement park ride (e.g., boarding the ride vehicle). It should also be understood that a ride line may refer to a loading group of guests assembled in a loading area, which may or may not be arranged in a first-in, first-out (FIFO) configuration. Accordingly, a ride line as provided in this document may refer to a limited number of guests gathered in a ride area. Generally, a ride area or a limited-length physical queue or ride line functions as a buffer for an amusement park attraction and has enough guests to ensure a sufficient total amount of guests exists to fill the attraction to full capacity during ride times. However, a limited-length ride line may also be short in length to reduce the amount of time guests need to spend in the line, allowing guests more time to enjoy other aspects of the amusement park (e.g., dining, shopping, and other entertainment areas).The virtual queuing system can allow a predetermined number of guests to arrive at the ride area so that the ride line is short but there are enough guests to fill the ride.

[0014] Unfortunately, reduced capacity events (e.g., amusement park ride interruptions and / or partial ride closures) can prevent amusement park rides from operating at full capacity. During reduced capacity events, more guests may be entering the line than leaving it (e.g., by riding the amusement park ride) (e.g., arriving at or later from the virtual queue at their return time). This can cause delays for guests in the line. Allowing more guests to enter the line than leave causes the line to lengthen, which causes guests to wait for an extended period in the line after returning to the amusement park ride at or after their return time. Waiting in the line for an extended period can inconvenience or disappoint guests and negates some of the benefits of providing a virtual queue.

[0015] Furthermore, extended time in ride lines caused by delays triggered by reduced capacity events can have an additional adverse effect on overall amusement park efficiency. Based on their expected return times, guests anticipate exiting a ride at a specific time and plan accordingly (e.g., planning lunch with family, queuing for the next attraction). However, extended time in lines can delay the expected exit time for guests, which can conflict with their plans. Consequently, line delays can cause guests to arrive late or fail to appear for their virtual return time to the next attraction, resulting in delays and / or reduced efficiency for that ride. Additionally, line delays can cause guests to miss plans for a family meal while waiting in line during a reduced capacity event, which can also inconvenience and / or disappoint them.

[0016] With this in mind, a system and method for managing a virtual queue system during a reduced capacity event, which helps maintain a desirable length of the ride line to prevent or reduce adverse effects associated with the reduced capacity event for both guests and the amusement park, are provided in this document.

[0017] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park (10) including a virtual queue system (12). The virtual queue system (12) includes a computer system (14), a monitoring sensor (16), a wireless communication system (18), a system display (20), a guest association device (22) (e.g., an active wearable guest device, a guest mobile device, etc.), and other components that coordinate the operation of each virtual queue for amusement park attractions (24) within the amusement park (10). As described above, a guest (26) entering various amusement park attractions may utilize the virtual queue system (12) to enter a virtual queue rather than a physical queue for the amusement park attractions (24). In an embodiment, the guest (26) may use the guest association device (22) to submit a virtual queue request to enter a virtual queue for the amusement park attractions (24). In another embodiment, a guest (26) can enter a virtual queue request through a kiosk (28) placed throughout the amusement park (10). In an embodiment, the kiosk (28) is placed near the amusement park ride (24). In another embodiment, the kiosk (28) is placed in a general area of ​​the amusement park (e.g., a dining area (30)).

[0018] A virtual queue request can be received by the virtual queue system (12) through the communication circuit of the wireless communication system (18). Based on the virtual queue request, the virtual queue system (12) can enter a guest (26) into a virtual queue for an amusement park ride (24) and provide the guest (26) with a dynamic position or return time within the virtual queue that advances as the guest enters the ride (24). For example, the virtual queue system (12) may have available time slots for the amusement park ride at 1:45 PM, 2:00 PM, and 2:15 PM. Using a guest association device (22), the guest (26) can send a virtual queue request for a return time of 2:00 PM. In response, the virtual queue system (12) can enter the guest (26) into the virtual queue and provide the guest (26) with a notice to return to the amusement park ride (24) at 2:00 PM.

[0019] In an embodiment, guests may choose from a group of available return times at their discretion, with some guests choosing a later return time based on their itinerary for the day. That is, the virtual queue controller may allow the first guest (36) to choose a return time of 2:00 PM, the second guest (38) to choose a return time of 2:05 PM, and the third guest (40) to choose a return time of 2:10 PM. The available return times for each time slot may be preset at the start of the day and distributed to guests until they are no longer available.

[0020] In an embodiment, the virtual queue system (12) may specify other methods for determining the return time or queue seat and providing it to the guest (26). In an embodiment, the guest returns to the play based on the guest (26)'s seat in the virtual queue. In response to a virtual queue request, the virtual queue system (12) may place the guest (26) in the virtual queue and add the guest (26) to an available seat in the virtual queue in relation to other guests. For example, the first guest (36), the second guest (38), and the third guest (40) may each send their first, second, and third virtual queue requests. The first guest (36) may be assigned to the first seat in the virtual queue, the second guest (38) may be assigned to the second seat in the virtual queue, and the third guest (40) may be assigned to the third seat in the virtual queue. The guest may return to the play when their seat in the virtual queue is at the top of the virtual queue. In an embodiment, the system (12) may provide an estimate of the expected time until a guest reaches the top of a virtual queue, and the estimate may serve as a return time as provided in this document.

[0021] The guest may return to the play area (24) at or after his return time. In an embodiment, the sensor (16) is implemented as a wireless reader, e.g., an NFC reader, and may communicate with the guest association device (22) to validate the guest's return time associated with the guest association device. Based on the communication, an indication of a valid return time (e.g., a valid notification pushed to the guest association device (22), a green light) may be provided based on a determination that the current time is the indicated return time or later. If the guest attempts to enter the play area (24) at a time before the return time, an indication of an invalid return time (e.g., a invalid notification pushed to the guest association device (22), a red light) may be provided. While the sensor (16) may be configured to perform communication with the guest association device (22), the determination of a valid or invalid return time may be performed by a virtual queue controller (42) communicatively coupled to the sensor (16) as provided in this document.

[0022] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an embodiment of a virtual queue system (12). The virtual queue system (12) includes a virtual queue controller (42) configured to manage a virtual queue. The virtual queue controller (42) may be configured to communicate with other components of the virtual queue system (12), including a guest association device (22), an amusement park operator device (44), and an amusement park attraction entrance system (46), or any combination thereof. Each component of the virtual queue system (12) may include a communication circuit section (48a, 48b, 48c, and 48d) that communicates with other components of the virtual queue system (12). For example, the virtual queue controller (42) may include a communication circuit section (48a). The communication circuit may include an antenna, a wireless transceiver circuit, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexer amplifiers), or a combination thereof, and may be configured to communicate over a wireless communication path via InfraRed (IR) wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, UHF, NFC, etc. In one embodiment, the communication circuit (48a, 48b, 48c and 48d) includes a plurality of IR transceivers placed within the environment of an amusement park attraction.

[0023] The virtual queue controller (42) may include a processor (50a) and memory (52a). The processor (50a) may include one or more processing devices, and the memory (52a) may include one or more tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable media. For example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other media that can be used to transmit or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions and can be accessed by the processor (50a) or by another processor-based device (e.g., a mobile device). In an embodiment, the memory (52a) is configured to store instructions executable by the processor (50a) to output various control system signals (54). For example, based on a virtual queue request (58) from a guest association device (22) and a command stored in memory (52a), the processor (50a) can place the guest in the virtual queue and execute a command to output a notification (56) indicating the return time to the guest association device (22) through the communication circuit (48a).

[0024] As described above, the virtual queue controller (42) is configured to output a notification (56) for guests to their respective guest association devices (22). For example, the notification (56) may instruct the guest to return to the amusement park ride at a designated return time. In other examples, the notification (56) may include a delay message. In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller (42) is configured to identify guests in the virtual queue affected by a reduced capacity event for the amusement park ride and to output a delay message to guests with an affected virtual queue return time. The guest association device (22) may be a personal guest device (e.g., a smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc.) or a park queue device provided to the guest (e.g., a smart wristband, active wearable, portable communication device, etc.). The guest association device (22) may have a processor (50b) and memory (52b). Additionally, the guest-associated device (22) may include an operator interface (60b) having a display (62b) (e.g., a screen) and an input device (64b) (e.g., a touch screen, a keypad, a keyboard, etc.). The guest-associated device (22) may be configured to display a notification (56) on the display (62b). In an embodiment, the guest may respond to the notification (56) via the input device (64b). For example, the guest may check the return time via the input device (64b).

[0025] In an embodiment, the notification (56) may instruct the guest to return to the amusement park ride to enter the ride line at their respective return time. At their respective return times, the guest may enter the ride line through the entry portal (66) of the amusement park ride entry system. The entry portal (66) may be configured to detect that the guest has entered the ride line. The amusement park ride entry system (46) may include a processor (50d) and a memory (52d). The processor (52d) may be configured to execute a command to output a counter signal (68) indicating that the guest has entered the ride area, at least partially based on the detection of the guest and a command stored on the memory device, to the virtual queue controller (42) via the communication circuit (48d). In an embodiment, the entry portal (66) is configured to directly output the counter signal (68) to the virtual queue controller (42). In an embodiment, the entrance (66) includes a sensor assembly (70) configured to detect a guest association device (22) (e.g., including a sensor (16)). A virtual queue controller (42) may be configured to determine that a guest has entered the ride line based at least partially on the detection of the guest association device (22) at the entrance (66). In an embodiment, the entrance (66) also verifies that the guest has a valid return time upon entry through the entrance (66). A virtual queue system (12) may determine the number of guests entering the ride line based on a counter signal (68) received from the amusement park attraction entrance system (46) and / or the entrance (66). In an embodiment, the amusement park attraction may include a turnstile (configured to output a counter signal (68) to the amusement park attraction for each guest passing through the turnstile).

[0026] The amusement park ride entry system may also include a loading portal (72) configured to detect guests leaving the ride line (e.g., entering the amusement park ride). The amusement park ride entry system (46) and / or the loading portal (72) may be configured to output a second counter signal (74) indicating the detection of guests leaving the ride line to a virtual queue controller (42). The virtual queue controller (42) may be configured to determine the total number of guests in the ride line based on the second counter signal (74). In an embodiment, the ride line area may include a sensor assembly (70) of the amusement park ride entry system (46). The sensor assembly (70) may have a plurality of sensors configured to detect each guest device in the ride line and output a total guest count signal (76) to the virtual queue controller (42). The virtual queue controller (42) can be configured to determine the total number of passengers in the queue based at least partially on the total passenger count signal (76).

[0027] As provided in this document, a virtual queue controller (42) is configured to manage a virtual queue of a ride and to remove one or more guests from the virtual queue in response to a reduced capacity event. The indication of a reduced capacity event may be based on a signal received from the ride operator, but the virtual queue controller (42) may also be configured to identify a reduced capacity event based on queue information. In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller (42) is configured to determine that the amusement park ride is experiencing a potential reduced capacity event based at least partially on the total number of guests in the queue exceeding a predetermined threshold or tolerance. In response to determining that the amusement park ride is experiencing a potential reduced capacity event, the virtual queue controller (42) may output a reduced capacity notice (78) to the amusement park operator device (44) indicating that the amusement park ride may be experiencing a reduced capacity event. The amusement park operator device (44) may be a computer, smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. The amusement park operator device (44) may have a processor (50c) and memory (52c). Additionally, the amusement park operator device may include an operator interface (60c) having a display (62c) (e.g., a screen) and an input device (64c) (e.g., a touch screen, a keypad, a keyboard, etc.). The amusement park operator device (44) may be configured to display a reduced capacity notice (78) on the display (62c). The reduced capacity notice (78) may indicate to the operator that the amusement park ride is undergoing a potential reduced capacity event. The reduced capacity notice (78) may include data for the operator to determine whether the amusement park ride is undergoing a reduced capacity event and to determine the severity and / or duration of the reduced capacity event.The reduction capacity notification (78) may also include a prompt to input an operator response (80) (e.g., acknowledgment or denial of a reduction capacity event) through an input device (64c). In an embodiment, in response to receiving acknowledgment of a reduction capacity event, the virtual queue controller (42) may send a command request (82) with a prompt requesting the operator to provide operator input (84) related to the severity and / or duration of the reduction capacity event.

[0028] In an embodiment, the operator may manually output a reduced capacity event signal (86) to the virtual queue controller (42) via the operator interface (60c). For example, a ride vehicle of an amusement park attraction may require maintenance. The operator may guide the ride vehicle from the main track of the amusement park attraction to the service track. If the ride vehicle is not on the main track, the amusement park attraction may not have enough ride vehicles to operate at full capacity. The operator may manually output a reduced capacity event signal (86) indicating that the amusement park attraction is operating below full capacity. The reduced capacity event signal (86) may include data indicating the amount of reduced capacity, the expected duration of reduced capacity, etc. In an embodiment, the operator may output the reduced capacity event signal (86) for other reasons including food spills, weather delays, full system maintenance (e.g., shutdown). Furthermore, the operator can manually output a termination reduced capacity event signal (88) indicating that the amusement park ride is operating at full capacity.

[0029] In the embodiments, the reduced capacity may be a function of the total reduced available set per ride cycle, where a ride cycle is the average time of a ride run (e.g., 2 minutes, 5 minutes). For example, if a single ride vehicle with 6 seats is nonoperational, the reduced capacity may be 6 seats per ride cycle. If the ride equipment typically has 120 seats at full capacity across all ride vehicles and operates 10 times per hour on average (1200 passengers per hour), the loss of 6 seats is a 6% reduction in ride capacity or a loss of 72 seats per hour. Similarly, if a single seat on a ride vehicle is nonoperational due to food spills, the reduced capacity may be a single seat per ride cycle.

[0030] In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller (42) is configured to determine that the amusement park ride is experiencing a reduction capacity event based at least partially on the confirmation of a reduction capacity event from the amusement park operator device (44) or the reception of a reduction capacity event signal (86).

[0031] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a virtual queue system during a reduced capacity event (block (90)). The reduced capacity event may include a partial shutdown of an amusement park attraction. For example, the partial shutdown may include shutting down at least one ride vehicle, ride seat, or any combination thereof of the amusement park attraction. During the partial shutdown, the amusement park attraction is configured to operate at a percentage greater than 0% and less than 100% of its full ride capacity. In an embodiment, the virtual controller is configured to output a notice to reduce guest entry from the virtual queue to the amusement park attraction based at least partially on the reduced capacity event. Furthermore, the reduced capacity event may also include a shutdown event for the amusement park attraction. The shutdown event may include a full shutdown of the amusement park attraction so that the operation of the amusement park attraction is suspended during the shutdown event. Specifically, the amusement park is configured to operate at 0% of its total ride capacity during downtime events.

[0032] Based on the percentage reduction in the ride capacity of an amusement park ride during a reduced capacity event, the ride line may begin to increase in length because the total number of guests entering the line is likely to exceed the total number of guests leaving the line (e.g., entering the amusement park ride) due to the reduction in ride capacity. To avoid excessive waiting times in the ride line, a virtual queue system may be configured to reduce the number of guests allowed to enter the ride line of the amusement park ride.

[0033] In an embodiment, to reduce the allowance of customer entry into the boarding line, a virtual queue controller is configured to identify a queue return time affected by a reduced capacity event (block (92)). For example, a customer with a return time during a break-time event will be affected by the reduced capacity event because the customer will hypothetically experience additional time in the boarding line during the break-time event. In another example, a customer with a return time immediately after a reduced capacity event may be affected by the reduced capacity event because the boarding line may be longer than a predetermined length, causing the customer to wait in the boarding line for an excessive period of time.

[0034] In an embodiment in which an estimated return time is provided to a guest as a notification or reminder (e.g., output to a guest association device (22)) based on a specific spot in a virtual queue that dynamically advances as the guest in front enters the play area, the virtual queue controller may be configured to identify an affected spot in the virtual queue (which corresponds to an estimated return time affected by a reduced capacity event). The virtual queue controller may be configured to identify a guest affected by a reduced capacity event based on the affected return time and / or affected spot (and its associated affected estimated return time) in the virtual queue.

[0035] Following some reduced capacity events, the virtual queue controller may determine that no return time is affected by the reduced capacity event. That is, the virtual queue controller may not identify any guests with return times affected by the reduced capacity event. In such cases, the virtual queue controller does not take any additional action in response to the reduced capacity event. However, in some cases, the virtual queue controller may determine that at least one return time is affected by the reduced capacity event (block (94)). Instead of keeping guests with affected return times in the virtual queue in the queue for an extended period, the virtual queue controller may be configured to remove the affected return time or the guest with the affected return time from the virtual queue (block (96)). The virtual queue controller may be configured to store data in a memory device indicating which guest or return time has been removed from the virtual queue.

[0036] In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller (42) has a threshold for the loss of capacity during a reduced capacity event (e.g., greater than 10%) and the existence of a threshold number of return times.

[0037] You can trigger the removal of any affected guest from the virtual queue based on both of the following: (e.g., more than 75 at a given return time, or more than 200 return times that mature within 1 hour). Thus, a given deceleration capacity event may result in the removal of all or only some of the guests from the virtual queue within the time window associated with the deceleration capacity event.

[0038] A virtual queue controller (42) may be configured to achieve a predetermined relationship between boarding capacity and return times for a specific time window. That is, return times that become valid or expire starting at a time within a time window may be considered associated with that time window. In one example, the virtual queue controller (42) may be configured to keep the number of return times that expire or are valid within a specific hour less than a specific percentage of the total capacity for that hour. In one example, the target percentage of return times relative to total capacity is 50% or less, 35% or less, or 25% or less. If a reduction in capacity changes the percentage relationship, the virtual queue controller (42) is configured to remove passengers from the virtual queue during the time window in question until the desired relationship is re-established. For example, for a 50% target, the ride has 1,200 passengers per hour, and the number of return times that expire within a specific hour is approximately 600 passengers. However, if five boarding vehicles are removed from operation for a total of 30 seat reduction capacity per boarding cycle, the total boarding capacity is reduced by 300 seats per hour if 10 boarding cycles occur per hour. In such an example, 600 return times per hour would then indicate more than 50% of the capacity. Therefore, the virtual queue controller (42) can remove guests from the virtual queue for a time window until the 50% relationship is re-established. Additionally, if the system (12) has additional return times in the inventory for the time of the reduction capacity event with an excessive number of expired return times, these return times may be removed from the inventory to prevent additional guests from acquiring return times during the reduction capacity event. In the provided example, at least 100 guests are removed to re-establish the relationship.This group of 100 represents only a subgroup of the total 600 delayed return times. This technique enables more granular adjustments to incoming passengers regarding boarding capacity and more targeted changes to return times that are not visible to the total group of passengers but can be addressed only to the affected passengers. As discussed in this document, removal may also be associated with the provision of available re-acceptance at later times on the same day.

[0039] In another example, if reduced capacity is reduced by 300 seats per hour, but the number of outstanding return times during the hour is only 200, the relationship remains below 50% and the reduced capacity event may not trigger any removal of guests from the virtual queue. However, multiple new return times during the hour, available for additional guests, may be rebalanced or removed from the schedule to account for the reduced capacity event.

[0040] Removing guests from the virtual queue in response to a declining capacity event can be performed on a last-in, first-out basis. That is, guests with the most recently allocated return time may be removed from the virtual queue before guests with a return time selected earlier on the same day. In another example, removing guests from the virtual queue in response to a declining capacity event may consider group size (removing smaller groups while retaining larger groups, or vice versa). In another example, removing guests from the virtual queue in response to a declining capacity event may consider guest status (e.g., VIP status) and avoiding removing guests of higher status. Guest status (e.g., VIP status) may be based at least partially on whether the guest is an Express Pass holder, an annual pass holder, a resort guest, or a multi-park ticket holder. In another example, removing guests from the virtual queue in response to a declining capacity event may consider ride history. Guests who rode an amusement park ride earlier on the same day may be removed. Additionally, priority may be given over other guests to guests who have never ridden an amusement park ride (e.g., a first-time rider). Furthermore, the virtual queue system may consider whether a guest is in a virtual queue for another ride, the type or brand of the guest device (22) associated with the guest, the guest's location within the park (e.g., the guest's distance from the amusement park ride), whether the guest is located within the park, or other factors when determining the removal of a guest from the virtual queue in response to a reduced capacity event. In some embodiments, the virtual queue system may determine the removal of a guest from the virtual queue in response to a reduced capacity event based on one or more of the factors described above.

[0041] The virtual queue controller is configured to generate and / or identify later availability times for guests removed from the virtual queue and to generate a re-acceptance time slot within the virtual queue based on the later availability times for guests removed from the virtual queue (block (98)). The re-acceptance time slot or re-acceptance interval is configured to provide a new return time or option for guests removed from the virtual queue (block (100)). The re-acceptance time slot may be configured to start immediately following the end of a reduced capacity event. For example, a first new return time may be scheduled for 2:00 PM following a reduced capacity event ending at 2:00 PM. In an embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot may start during a reduced capacity event. For example, during an extended partial shutdown (e.g., operating at 80% capacity for several hours), the re-acceptance time slot may start 20 minutes after the start of the extended partial shutdown. In an embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot may include a total of new return times sufficient to accommodate each guest removed from the virtual queue. The re-acceptance time slot may have new return times at different times to allow the guest flexibility in obtaining a new return time compatible with the guest's schedule. For example, the return time slot may have new return times at 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:30 PM, and 2:45 PM.

[0042] A virtual queue controller may be configured to output a delay message to a guest-associated device corresponding to a guest removed from the virtual queue. The delay message may include a message indicating that a reduced capacity event has occurred. The delay message may also indicate to the guest that he / she has been removed from the virtual queue. Additionally, the delay message may be configured to prompt the guest to select a re-entry option (e.g., a new return time) for the virtual queue of the amusement park ride. The re-entry option may correspond to a new return time within a reconfiguration time slot. The guest may select either the return or re-entry option through an input device of the guest-associated device (block (102)). For example, the guest may have an active wearable device. The active wearable device may display the delay message on the active wearable device's display (e.g., a screen). The delay message may provide the guest with re-entry options including a new return time at 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, or 2:30 PM. The guest can use an input device to select a return time of 2:00 PM and confirm the selection of the new return time of 2:00 PM. In other examples, the new return time may not be convenient for the guest. The delay message may further include a reentry option to reject the new return time. If the guest rejects the new return time, the virtual queue system may provide the guest with some form of electronic compensation for removing the guest from the virtual queue (e.g., priority queue placement for another play) (block (104)). Furthermore, the guest association device is configured to output a reentry option (e.g., selection, confirmation, or rejection of the new return time) from the guest association device to the virtual queue controller.In some embodiments, the re-acceptance time slots may or may not have sufficient new return times for each guest removed from the virtual queue. That is, the total number of guests removed from the virtual queue may be greater than the total number of new return times for guests removed from the virtual queue. Therefore, some guests may not be re-accepted. The virtual queue system may provide electronic compensation for guests who are not re-accepted.

[0043] virtual vs. The queue controller is configured to provide a notification to the guest association device indicating a new return time within a re-acceptance interval corresponding to a selected or confirmed new return time (block (106)). The guest association device may provide the notification to the guest through the display of the guest association device. In an embodiment, the notification includes verification (e.g., a code, a scannable token, a signal output, etc.) for the guest to present at the entrance of the amusement park ride. Using the verification, the guest may be permitted to enter the line for the amusement park ride at the new return time (block (108)).

[0044] FIG. 4 is a graph of an embodiment of a virtual queue system for amusement park rides. The graph (110) includes a reduced capacity event and re-acceptance time slots (112, 114, 116). In an embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot (112) is configured to start after the reduced capacity event. In an illustrated embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot (112) starts immediately following the reduced capacity event. The re-acceptance time slot (112) includes new return times within the re-acceptance time slot (112). For example, in an illustrated embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot (112) is configured to start at 2:00 PM and end at 3:00 PM. Therefore, new return times may be at 2:00 PM, 2:15 PM, 2:30 PM, and 2:45 PM. New return times may occur at any suitable increment based on the corresponding amusement park ride.

[0045] In the embodiment, the duration of the re-acceptance time slot is based on the total number of affected virtual queue return times (114) removed from the virtual queue. That is, the re-acceptance time slot (112) may have a variable size based at least partially on the total number of guests removed from the virtual queue. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the reduced capacity event may have been a partial ride closure event (130) from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM (e.g., one or more ride vehicles of an amusement park ride were moved for maintenance), which reduced ride throughput by 30%. Therefore, at least 30% of guests with return times from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM were affected by the reduced capacity event and removed from the virtual queue. The remaining 70% of guests (e.g., unaffected guests (132)) may maintain their return times within the virtual queue during the reduced capacity event. In this example, the amusement park ride may have a guest throughput of 600 guests per hour. Therefore, the virtual queue controller may remove 180 guests from the virtual queue during a reduced capacity event. In the embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot (112) is configured to accommodate all guests removed from the virtual queue within a time frame immediately following the reduced capacity event. Therefore, the re-acceptance slot may start at 2:00 PM and last until 2:18 PM (e.g., 18 minutes) to accommodate all 180 guests within the re-acceptance time slot (112). However, in the embodiment, the re-acceptance slot (112) occurs on an extended time frame immediately following the reduced capacity event to minimize disruption for guests with a return time from the virtual queue. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the re-acceptance time slot (112) starts at 2:00 PM and lasts until 3:00 PM.

[0046] In an embodiment, at least some guests having a return time during the re-acceptance time slot (112) may be removed from the virtual queue (124) to create a sufficient interval for the re-acceptance time slot (112). These guests are provided with a re-entry option including a new return time within the second re-acceptance time slot (114). Additionally, at least some guests having a return time during the second re-acceptance time slot (114) may also be removed from the virtual queue and provided with a re-entry option including a new return time within the third re-acceptance time slot (116). In another embodiment, the virtual queue system is configured to remove all guests from the virtual queue after a reduced capacity event. Each guest removed from the virtual queue may be provided with a re-entry option. However, guests with an earlier return time may be given priority in selecting a re-entry option before being removed from the virtual queue. For example, a guest with an original return time of 2:00 PM will have priority over a guest with an original return time of 2:30 PM. In the embodiment, the reentry options provided to guests may be limited based on their respective return times before being removed from the virtual queue.

[0047] In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller is configured to determine the total number of predicted no-shows (122) for an amusement park attraction. For example, the virtual queue controller may determine that 9% of guests will not arrive at their respective return times (e.g., predicted no-shows (122)). Therefore, it may be predicted that only 91% of guests will arrive at their respective return times (e.g., predicted arrivals (126)). The virtual queue controller may be configured to determine the total number of predicted no-shows (122) based at least partially on historical data and current virtual queue data. The virtual queue controller may consider the time of day, date, weather patterns, special events, past queue data, current queue data, and other suitable factors when determining the total number of predicted no-shows (122) for an amusement park attraction.

[0048] Generally, a virtual queue controller may be configured to place a number of guests in a virtual queue (124) corresponding to the full ride capacity (120) (e.g., 100% ride capacity) of an amusement park attraction. For example, if the amusement park attraction’s guest throughput is 600 guests per hour, the virtual queue controller may place 600 guests (e.g., 100% ride capacity) in the virtual queue for return times between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. However, as described above, some of the guests will generally not arrive at their return times. Some amusement park attractions include a standby line, separate from the ride line, to fill seats for predicted no-shows (122). However, to reduce the total number of guests affected by a reduced capacity event, the amusement park attraction may close the standby line and fill the seats for predicted no-shows (122) with guests from the re-acceptance time slot. That is, based on the total of predicted no-shows (122), the virtual queue controller may place a total of guests exceeding the guest throughput at the full boarding capacity (120) (e.g., 100%) into the re-acceptance time slot.

[0049] For example, the guest throughput of an amusement park ride at full capacity may be 600 guests per hour. The virtual queue controller may determine that the total of predicted no-shows (122) between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM is about 9% of the guests in the virtual queue. Based on the total of predicted no-shows (122) and the guest throughput at full capacity, the virtual queue controller may place about 660 guests within the re-acceptance time slot (112) between 2:00 PM and 3:00 PM. The virtual ride controller may determine, taking into account the total of predicted no-shows (122), that about 600 guests from the virtual queue will actually arrive at the amusement park ride, so that the amusement park ride operates at full capacity (120) while only allowing guests from the virtual queue (124) to enter. This can temporarily increase the guest throughput from the virtual queue so that the re-acceptance time slot (112) can accommodate guests more quickly. As such, fewer guests with return times immediately following a reduced capacity event may need to be removed from the virtual queue to accommodate the re-acceptance time slot (112).

[0050] In an embodiment, the virtual queue controller may include a predetermined margin of error within the time it manages the virtual queue during a reduced capacity event. The virtual queue controller may place a total of passengers exceeding the passenger throughput at full capacity (120) into the re-acceptance time slot (112) based on the total of predicted no-shows (122) and the predetermined margin of error for the predicted no-shows. Thus, the virtual queue controller may place fewer passengers than the predicted total of no-shows (122) into the virtual queue (124) to prevent the length of the boarding line from potentially exceeding the desired amount if more passengers than expected arrive at their return time based on the total of predicted no-shows (122). For example, the virtual queue controller may determine that the total of predicted no-shows (122) is 40 passengers. The predetermined margin of error for the predicted no-shows (122) may be 25%. Therefore, the virtual queue controller may only allocate 30 guests instead of 40, exceeding the guest throughput at the full boarding capacity (120).

[0051] Additionally, the virtual queue controller is configured to restrict new return times to guests removed from the virtual queue (124) during a reduced capacity event. Thus, the virtual queue controller may be configured not to accept virtual queue requests from new guests for return times during the re-acceptance time slots (112, 114, 116). The virtual queue controller may be configured to output a signal to a guest association device to indicate that the amusement park ride is unavailable during the reduced capacity event and during the re-acceptance time slot (112). Preventing new guests from queuing during the reduced capacity event and the re-acceptance time slot (112) can help maintain the length of the ride line and maintain consistent throughput for the amusement park ride during the reduced capacity event and the re-acceptance time slot (112).

[0052] FIG. 5 is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method for determining the size of a reaccommodation time slot for a virtual queue system. At the beginning of the method, a park ride may experience a reduced capacity event. The method includes the step of receiving an indication of a reduced capacity event (block (140)). The method further includes the step of determining a reduction in guest throughput for the park ride during the reduced capacity event (block (142)). An operator may output the severity of the reduced capacity event through a user interface so that the virtual queue controller can determine a reduction in guest throughput for the park ride during the reduced capacity event.

[0053] The method may include a step of determining the total number of virtual queue return times for guests in a virtual queue affected by a reduced capacity event based on the reduction in guest throughput (block (144)). The method may also include determining the total number of affected virtual queue return times based on the duration of the reduced capacity event. The method may further include a step of identifying each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time (block (146)). A memory device may store individual guest virtual queue data. A virtual queue controller may analyze the virtual queue data to determine which guest has an affected virtual queue return time.

[0054] The method may further include the step of creating a reconfiguration time slot within the virtual queue (block (148)). The size of the reconfiguration time slot may be based on the total number of virtual queue return times for guests in the virtual queue affected by the reduced capacity event (block (148)). The reconfiguration time slot may have a size sufficiently large to accommodate each guest in the virtual queue affected by the reduced capacity event. Furthermore, the method may include the step of providing a notification to each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time indicating a potential new return time within the reconfiguration time slot (block (150)).

[0055] Although only certain features of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described in this document, many modifications and changes will come to mind for those skilled in the art. Accordingly, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to encompass all such modifications and changes that fall within the true spirit of the present disclosure.

[0056] The techniques presented and claimed in this document are referenced and applied to concrete examples and material objects of a substantive nature that expressly improve the art, and are therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Additionally, if any claim appended to the end of this specification includes one or more elements designated as “means for [performing] a [function]” or “steps for [performing] a [function],” such elements are intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112(f). However, for any claim including elements designated in any other way, such elements are not intended to be interpreted under 35 USC 112(f).

Claims

Claim 1 A virtual queue system comprises a virtual queue controller including a processor and memory, wherein the processor causes the virtual queue controller to receive an indication of a reduced capacity event from an amusement park attraction, determine a reduction in the capacity of the attraction associated with the reduced capacity event, identify each guest with a return time in the virtual queue of the attraction that is affected by the reduced capacity event based on the reduction in capacity, remove the guest with the affected return time from the virtual queue, and create a reaccommodation time slot for the guest removed from the virtual queue—the length of the reaccommodation time slot is based on the total number of affected return times of the guest removed from the virtual queue, and the reaccommodation time slot is temporally later than all of the affected return times—and for each guest removed from the virtual queue, two or more updated return times within the reaccommodation time slot A virtual queue system configured to execute an instruction accessed from memory to select a time, provide a notification to each guest removed from the virtual queue requesting guest input to select a single updated return time from two or more updated return times, and return each guest to the virtual queue upon receiving a corresponding selection of the single updated return time. Claim 2 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the reduced capacity event includes a downtime event for the plaything. Claim 3 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the reduced capacity event includes a partial shutdown, wherein at least one ride vehicle, ride seat, or any combination thereof is taken out of operation during the partial shutdown. Claim 4 In paragraph 3, the reduction capacity event includes the removal of at least one boarding vehicle from the ride, and the number of affected return times is based on the number of seats in the boarding vehicle, a virtual queue system. Claim 5 In paragraph 4, the virtual queue system wherein the affected return time comprises a subset of all return times scheduled during the reduced capacity event. Claim 6 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual queue controller comprises a communication circuit configured to communicate the notification to each guest-associated device of each guest removed from the virtual queue. Claim 7 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the re-acceptance time slot is temporally later than the estimated end of the reduction capacity event. Claim 8 In claim 1, the re-acceptance time slot is a virtual queue system concurrent with the reduction capacity event. Claim 9 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to estimate the total of no-show return times for the amusement park ride based at least partially on historical data and current virtual queue data, and wherein at least a portion of the re-acceptance time slots includes excess capacity return times configured to fill the predicted no-show return times after the reduction capacity event has ended. Claim 10 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to determine the reduced capacity of the play associated with the reduced capacity event and to identify the affected return time by determining that the relationship between the reduced capacity and the existing return time within the time window is outside the desired tolerance. Claim 11 A virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the number of affected return times within a time window is based on reducing the existing return times within a time window such that the relationship between the reduced capacity and the existing return times within the time window is within a desired tolerance after the reduction of the existing return times within the time window. Claim 12 A virtual queue system comprising a park ride including a capacity based on the number of available guest seats, a virtual queue controller including a processor and memory, and a sensor assembly, wherein the virtual queue controller outputs a notice to reduce guest admittance from the virtual queue to the park ride during a reduced capacity event based at least partially on a reduced capacity event associated with a decrease in the number of available guest seats, identifies a guest having an affected return time in the virtual queue—the affected return time is associated with a return time to the park ride during the reduced capacity event—removes at least one guest having one of the affected return times from the virtual queue, creates a reaccommodation space within the virtual queue, and provides a guest notice to a guest associated device associated with the at least one guest removed from the virtual queue—the guest notice indicates a plurality of new return times corresponding to removal from the virtual queue and the reaccommodation space—and the guest A virtual queue system configured to receive a notification of selection of one of the plurality of new return times by the guest through an associated device, and to validate the selected new return time when presented for entry at or later than the new return time, wherein the sensor assembly is positioned at the entrance of the amusement park ride and configured to receive information from the guest associated device and transmit the information from the guest associated device to the virtual queue controller for validation. Claim 13 In paragraph 12, the virtual queue system, wherein the plurality of new return times are scheduled as times following the reduction capacity event. Claim 14 In paragraph 12, the above-mentioned reduced capacity event is a virtual queue system including the loss of available passenger seats in a single-ride vehicle. Claim 15 In paragraph 12, the virtual queue system comprises a subset of a group of guests having the same time, wherein the at least one guest removed from the virtual queue includes some guests having the same return time, such that only some guests having the same return time are removed from the virtual queue. Claim 16 In paragraph 12, the re-acceptance interval is based at least partially on the total number of guests removed from the virtual queue, in a virtual queue system. Claim 17 A method performed by a processor comprising: receiving an indication of a reduced capacity event; determining a reduction in guest throughput for an amusement park attraction during said reduced capacity event; determining a total number of virtual queue return times for guests in a virtual queue affected by said reduced capacity event based on said reduction in guest throughput; identifying each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time; creating a re-acceptance time slot in said virtual queue—the size of said re-acceptance time slot is based on said total number of virtual queue return times for guests in said virtual queue affected by said reduced capacity event—and providing each individual guest with an affected virtual queue return time with a notification indicating a plurality of available new return times within said re-acceptance time slot. Claim 18 A method according to claim 17, comprising the steps of: outputting a delay message—the delay message including a request for confirmation from an individual guest for selecting and confirming the new return time—and providing a notification to the individual guest indicating the new return time in response to receiving confirmation from the individual guest. Claim 19 In paragraph 17, the method comprises the type of the above-mentioned reduced capacity event including suspending the operation of the above-mentioned amusement park ride. Claim 20 In paragraph 17, the above-mentioned reduced capacity event includes a partial shutdown, wherein at least one of the ride carriers of the amusement park ride, the ride seats of the amusement park ride, or any combination thereof are not operated during the partial shutdown. Claim 21 As a virtual queue system, a ride vehicle for the attraction;A boarding vehicle controller—the boarding vehicle controller is configured to receive a maintenance signal and drive the operation of the boarding vehicle from a first track to a maintenance track based on the maintenance signal—and a virtual queue controller comprising a processor and memory, wherein the processor causes the virtual queue controller to receive a signal indicating the maintenance signal, generate an indication of a reduced capacity event of the ride based on the maintenance signal, and determine a percentage reduction in the capacity of the ride in response to the indication of the reduced capacity event—the reduced capacity event includes removing the capacity of the boarding vehicle from the total capacity—identify affected guests among guests having a return time in the virtual queue of the ride affected by the reduced capacity event based on the percentage reduction in capacity, remove affected guests from the virtual queue to maintain a predetermined relationship between the return time of the ride and the capacity of the ride—the capacity of the ride is updated in response to the percentage reduction in capacity—and re-accept the affected guests removed from the virtual queue A virtual queue system configured to generate time slots—wherein the controller progressively adjusts the length of the reacceptance time slot as guests are removed from the virtual queue, wherein the reacceptance time slot is chronologically later than all affected return times of the affected guests—for each guest removed from the virtual queue, select two or more updated return times within the reacceptance time slot, generate and transmit a notice requesting guest input to select a single updated return time from the two or more updated return times, and, upon receiving the corresponding selection of the single updated return time, execute an instruction accessed from the memory to return each guest to the virtual queue. Claim 22 In paragraph 21, the maintenance signal is a virtual queue system including a maintenance duration for the vehicle. Claim 23 In paragraph 22, the indication of the above-mentioned reduced capacity event is a virtual queue system based on the above-mentioned duration. Claim 24 In paragraph 23, the virtual queue system, wherein the re-acceptance time slot is after the expected end of the reduction capacity event based on the duration. Claim 25 In paragraph 21, the number of affected returns is based on the number of seats in the vehicle, in a virtual queue system. Claim 26 In paragraph 24, the virtual queue system, wherein the affected return time includes a subset of all return times scheduled during the reduced capacity event. Claim 27 A virtual queue system according to claim 21, wherein the virtual queue controller comprises a communication circuit configured to transmit the notification to each guest's respective guest-related device for each guest removed from the virtual queue. Claim 28 In paragraph 21, the re-acceptance time slot is a virtual queue system that occurs simultaneously with the reduction capacity event. Claim 29 A virtual queue system according to claim 21, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to estimate the amount of no-show return time for the play based at least partially on historical data and current virtual queue data, and at least a portion of the re-acceptance time slots include an excess capacity return time configured to fill the expected no-show return time after the reduced capacity event ends. Claim 30 A virtual queue system according to claim 21, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to determine the reduced capacity of the play associated with the reduced capacity event and to identify the affected return time by determining that the relationship between the current return time in the time window and the capacity deviates from an acceptable error. Claim 31 A method performed by a processor, comprising: a step of instructing a ride vehicle to enter a maintenance track; a step of generating an indication of a reduced capacity event based on said instruction, said indication relating to said ride vehicle rather than part of the capacity for the ride; a step of determining a percentage reduction in guest throughput for said ride based on the number of seats in said ride vehicle; a step of identifying an affected guest among said guests having a return time in the virtual queue of said ride affected by said reduced capacity event based on said percentage reduction in capacity; a step of removing the affected guest from said virtual queue to maintain a predetermined relationship between the return time of the ride and the capacity of said ride, said capacity of said ride is updated in response to said percentage reduction in capacity; and a step of generating a re-acceptance time slot for said affected guest removed from said virtual queue by progressively adjusting the length of the re-acceptance time slot as the guest is removed from said virtual queue, said re-acceptance time slot is after all affected return times of said affected guest; and, in said virtual queue A method comprising the steps of: selecting two or more updated return times within the re-acceptance time slot for each of the removed guests; sending a notification to each of the guests removed from the virtual queue and requesting input from the guests to select one updated return time from the two or more updated return times; and receiving the corresponding selection of the single updated return time, returning each guest to the virtual queue. Claim 32 A method according to claim 31, comprising the step of receiving an additional indication that the vehicle on board has returned to the play area from the maintenance track. Claim 33 A method comprising the step of updating the capacity based on the additional indication in paragraph 32. Claim 34 A method according to claim 31, wherein the reduced capacity event includes a further reduction in capacity based on additional vehicles being directed to enter the maintenance track. Claim 35 A method according to claim 31, comprising the step of outputting a delay message including a request for confirmation to select and confirm the updated return time from at least one of the individual guests, and providing a notification to the individual guest indicating the updated return time in response to receiving confirmation from the individual guest. Claim 36 In paragraph 31, the transmitting step comprises a step of communicating with one or more electronic devices. Claim 37 In paragraph 31, the above indication is a method of wirelessly communicating from an operator device. Claim 38 In paragraph 31, the method, wherein the capacity includes the total number of available seats in the vehicle of the amusement ride. Claim 39 A method comprising the step of generating a termination reduction capacity signal in paragraph 31. Claim 40 A method according to claim 39, comprising the step of terminating the reduction capacity event based on the termination reduction capacity signal.

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