Virtual queuing system and method

Abstract

The system according to the present embodiment includes a plurality of virtual queue stations (530) associated with respective attractions within a theme park, and a virtual queue control system (502) configured to maintain respective virtual queues for the respective attractions and to communicate with the plurality of virtual queue stations (530). The virtual queue control system (502) is configured to receive communications from the plurality of virtual queue stations (530) and to add guests to the respective virtual queues based on the communications.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application number 202110215085.5 filed on August 19, 2015, entitled "Virtual Queuing System and Method".

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 039,609 entitled “Virtual Queuing System and Method”, filed August 20, 2014, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. Technical Field

[0004] This disclosure generally relates to the field of amusement parks. More specifically, embodiments of this disclosure relate to methods and equipment for managing amusement park experiences, including queues for attractions. Background Technology

[0005] Since the early 20th century, amusement parks have experienced a dramatic increase in popularity. To meet this growing demand, amusement parks have expanded by adding attractions and spaces. The addition of attractions (such as rides, restaurants, shops, and shows) typically provides the amusement park with additional capacity to handle larger numbers of guests. However, these additional attractions also often provide potential guests with a motivation to visit the amusement park. Therefore, while a particular amusement park may increase its additional capacity, this does not always result in an increased ability for guests to participate in park entertainment (e.g., shopping, watching shows, riding rides) or reduced wait times for attractions. This is because there is usually a corresponding increase in attendance. Furthermore, due to operational efficiency, it is generally desirable to limit the availability of attractions during periods of low attendance. Therefore, queues for attractions that may limit participation in park activities are a perennial problem for amusement parks.

[0006] While guests demand larger, better, and more sophisticated attractions, they also need and expect a positive overall experience. Providing a positive overall experience for amusement park guests requires addressing certain issues related to queuing for attractions. Indeed, it is now generally accepted that negative experiences with queue times can deter park guests from returning to a particular amusement park. Furthermore, the time spent waiting in queues can hinder guests from accessing amusement park commerce (e.g., shops). In fact, in the past, guests have been forced to wait orderly for hours to experience some of the more popular attractions within an amusement park. Moreover, it is now generally accepted that park capacity does not always equal guest utilization due to individual guest preferences for certain attractions compared to others. Therefore, it is now generally accepted that improvements to amusement park queuing systems and methods are desirable. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The following summarizes certain embodiments that are equivalent in scope to the subject matter of the original claims. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but are merely intended to provide a brief overview of some of the disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0008] According to one embodiment, a virtual queuing system is provided. The virtual queuing system includes at least one virtual queuing station associated with a single attraction within a theme park. The virtual queuing system also includes a transceiver for the at least one virtual queuing station, wherein the transceiver is configured to receive wireless signals from a guest-associated device, wherein the wireless signals include identification information for the guest associated with the guest device. The virtual queuing system further includes a virtual queuing control system communicating with the at least one virtual queuing station and an active wearable device, wherein the virtual queuing control system is configured to receive communication including the identification information from the at least one virtual queuing station, and wherein receiving the communication causes the virtual queuing control system to add a wearer to a virtual queue for the single attraction and send a confirmation message to the at least one virtual queuing station or to one or both guest devices indicating that the guest has been added to the virtual queue.

[0009] According to another embodiment, a virtual queuing system is provided. The virtual queuing system includes multiple virtual queuing stations associated with corresponding attractions within a theme park; and a virtual queuing control system configured to maintain corresponding virtual queues for the corresponding attractions and to communicate with the multiple virtual queuing stations, wherein the virtual queuing control system is configured to receive communications from the multiple virtual queuing stations and add guests to the corresponding virtual queues based on the communications.

[0010] According to another embodiment, a method is provided. The method includes the steps of: providing a wireless signal to a virtual queue station associated with a single attraction within a theme park using a communication circuit of an active wearable device, wherein the wireless signal includes identification information for a guest associated with a guest device; receiving, via the communication circuit, a confirmation message confirming that the guest has been added to the virtual queue of the single attraction; and receiving, via the communication circuit, a status message related to the guest's position in the virtual queue. Attached Figure Description

[0011] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of this disclosure will be better understood when the following detailed description is read with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein the same reference numerals denote the same parts throughout the drawings, wherein:

[0012] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method for using a virtual queue system according to this technology;

[0013] Figure 2This is a schematic diagram of a theme park that includes a virtual queue system based on this technology;

[0014] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of an active wearable device according to the present technology; and

[0015] Figure 4 This is a block diagram of a virtual queue system based on this technology. Detailed Implementation

[0016] The currently disclosed embodiments facilitate virtual queuing within theme parks. Virtual queue control systems, as described herein, manage queues for various attractions within a theme park to minimize or eliminate guest time spent waiting in physical queues. In some embodiments, a given attraction has a single virtual queue, dynamically managed by the control system to add or remove guests, update positions within the queue, and send messages to guests related to their queue positions. The system receives various inputs from attractions and / or guests for dynamically managing the various queues. In some embodiments, queuing is mediated via guest devices such as active wearable devices (e.g., bracelets, wearable tags, necklaces, or badges), carried or associated with guests and interacting with various kiosks or registration points to allow guests to enter the attraction queue. In this way, park guests can enjoy the park without carrying paper tickets, badges, or other credentials. For example, guests at a water park may not want to manage potentially wet paper tickets. Furthermore, since guests wearing swimsuits have limited ability to carry identification items or handheld devices, active wearable devices that are compatible with water activities (e.g., waterproof) may be a more convenient way to manage queue information than mobile devices.

[0017] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a method 10 for virtual queue management according to this embodiment. Method 10 includes receiving or providing park credentials (box 12), entering or facilitating entry into an amusement park or park feature (box 14), determining or providing wait times for one or more attractions (box 16), entering or establishing a location within a virtual queue (box 18), monitoring or waiting within a virtual queue (box 20), initiating or participating in an attraction experience (box 22), and providing or obtaining user data (box 24). Details of various aspects of method 10 will be discussed in more detail below with respect to relevant system features.

[0018] Figure 2This is a schematic representation of a system 100 for facilitating queuing according to this embodiment. System 100 includes a computer system 102, a monitoring sensor 104, a wireless communication system 106, a system display 108, an active wearable device 110 (e.g., a bracelet including data and communication features), and other components that cooperate according to this embodiment, as will be described in detail below. Certain aspects of system 100 will be referenced to them in the context of... Figure 1 This is part of the method 10 illustrated. Specifically, it should be noted that this embodiment facilitates virtual queuing, allowing amusement park guests 120 to obtain a position within a virtual queue and subsequently enter a physical queue of limited length or a backup loading group 122. This embodiment can be used to limit the time spent by guests 120 in physical waiting 122 and encourage participation in other areas of the amusement park, such as dining, shopping, and other entertainment venues (e.g., rides, shows).

[0019] As generally illustrated by box 12 of method 10, when guest 120 arrives at ticketing location 124 (e.g., hotel reception, information desk, customer service counter, park gate), in addition to other items, guest 120 may be provided with access credentials (e.g., tickets or active wearable devices 110), such as park maps, virtual queuing instructions, and convenience facility instructions. Information media (e.g., audio, video) and directional signs may be present at all such ticketing locations 124. In some cases, guest 120 may obtain access credentials before arrival and may skip obtaining such credentials at ticketing location 124.

[0020] As generally shown in box 14 of method 10, guests can enter and be provided with access to the park or park area via entrance 126. Specifically, as Figure 1As shown, entrance 126 can exclude physical ticket gates or similar physical passage counting or control features, which could provide an obstacle to passage through entrance 126 when it is intended to be opened. That is, entrance 126 can be ticket gateless during operation. If guest 120 already has their entry credentials or an identification code or number transferred to an active wearable device (“AW”) 110, guest 120 can essentially be provided with direct access to the park or park area. For example, guest 120 with a properly activated AW 110 can be allowed to walk through entrance 126 without stopping. The credentials associated with the AW 110 held or worn by guest 120 will be detected and provided to gate surveillance facility 128 that can be monitored by park employees (e.g., a security services company). This could include, for example, providing a photograph (e.g., a photograph of the guest’s face) of guest 120 passing through entrance 126. Thus, the photograph can be used for access privilege verification. In other embodiments, other features, such as fingerprints or other identifying aspects (e.g., facial recognition), may be used. While certain embodiments of this disclosure have been described in conjunction with AW 110, it should be understood that the disclosed techniques can be implemented using guest-associated devices configured to wirelessly transmit guest information, such as pocket-carrying devices, handheld devices, or mobile devices. In certain embodiments, the guest-associated device is waterproof.

[0021] Furthermore, as generally indicated by box 14 of method 10, if guest 120 does not carry their AW 110, or if their AW 110 is not properly activated, they can insert ticket medium 132 into scanner 134. This facilitates the transfer of information to gate surveillance facility 128 (which may include any of a plurality of gate surveillance systems) and notifies park staff that guest 120 is authorized to enter the park or park area. If authorization is granted in this manner, AW 110 can be issued to them, and a photograph of the guest's face can be automatically taken. For example, the photograph can be automatically taken by camera 136 located near entrance 126. The same camera 136 can also be used for surveillance purposes. In other embodiments, the image of guest 120 acquiring their AW 110 can appear in different locations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, guest 120 can appear after advancing through entrance 126 (e.g., Figure 2 (as illustrated in the embodiment) or obtain its AW 110 before advancing through entry 126.

[0022] As generally indicated by box 16 of method 10, wait times can be determined by guests by viewing displays provided at numerous locations throughout the park or park area. At the entrances of some or all attractions, display 108 provides wait times for a specific attraction. For example, water slide 142 includes a dedicated display 144 providing wait times for that attraction. Information for each display can be provided based on information obtained by monitoring the park area (e.g., ride exits and entrances) using tracking AW 110 or otherwise utilizing monitoring sensors 104. Furthermore, at the exits of some or all attractions, displays can be provided to indicate wait times for all attractions (e.g., all attractions in the park or park area). For example, the exit area of ​​water slide 142 includes display 146, which provides wait times for all surrounding attractions (e.g., ride 148). Display 146 can even provide wait times for non-ride attractions, such as wait times for restaurant 150. Display 146 can be limited to displaying wait times for attractions within a specific park area 152 (e.g., a park “village”). Additionally, within each park area 152, one or more wait time boards 154 (e.g., a centrally located display 108) can indicate wait times for all park attractions or attractions within park area 152. Furthermore, wait times can still be determined via a mobile application using a mobile device before guests 120 place their portable devices (e.g., mobile phones) into lockers 160.

[0023] Box 18 generally represents entering or establishing a position within a virtual queue. In one embodiment, guest 120 enters the queue by walking to the attraction entrance and walking through the entrance portal. For example, guest 120 may walk to waterslide 142 and walk through its entrance portal 166. Once guest 120 has walked through portal 166, guest AW 110 will notify him / her (via tone, vibration, lighting) that he / she has been added to the virtual queue. This can be achieved by utilizing monitoring sensor 104 at entrance portal 166 and detecting AW 110 via various aspects of AW 110, which will be discussed further below. In another embodiment, guest 120 enters the virtual queue by walking to queue entry post 168 and engaging post 168 with AW 110, which may indicate the name of the attraction and the current wait time. This may include tapping AW 110 against post 168 or placing it near post 168. Piles 168 may be located at the exit or entrance of each attraction, and in a central location within each park area 152 or village. In one embodiment, a single pile 168 may be associated with only one attraction, such that engaging a pile 168 automatically leads a guest 120 into a virtual queue of the associated attraction, for example, entering the virtual queue at a pile 168 without any guest selection between different attractions, and the tapping or joining of piles is a selection step for choosing an associated attraction.

[0024] Once a guest engages in the queue at piling 168, the guest's AW 110 will notify the guest (e.g., via tone, vibration, or lighting) that they have been added to the virtual queue. For example, AW 110 may receive a signal that causes the information displayed on AW 110 to change. Additionally, piling 168 may additionally or alternatively provide a notification of successful addition to the queue. This notification may be generated and / or communicated to AW 110 by a central virtual queue control system. In another embodiment, the notification is generated and / or communicated by the queue entry piling 168. In yet another embodiment, guest 120 may enter the virtual queue by walking to queue information desk 172 (e.g., a single device displaying the names and wait times of all virtual queue attractions for a park or park area). Queue information desk 172 may be located at the entrance or exit of each attraction, and in a central location within each park area 152. Guest 120 selects the queue they wish to join and engages (e.g., disconnects) the information desk with their AW 110. Once guest 120 engages queue information station 172, guest AW 110 will notify guest 120 (e.g., via tone, vibration, or lighting) that they have been added to the virtual queue. For example, AW 110 may receive a signal that causes the information displayed on AW 110 to change. Additionally, information station 172 may additionally or alternatively provide a notification of successful addition to the queue.

[0025] In another embodiment, guest 120 must physically travel to the area of ​​a specific attraction and engage with a designated queue entry stub 168 for that attraction to enter the queue. That is, virtual queue entry is mediated only via designated queue entry stubs (or multiple queue entry stubs) 168 physically located with the attraction. In this way, guests are encouraged to review individual attractions 148 and determine their interest in them before entering the virtual queue. A central queue controller forming stub 168 or information station 172 receives communications and adds guests to the appropriate virtual queue. Addition can be based on timestamps or counters. For example, for attractions with multiple tap-in stubs 168, guests can be added based on individual timestamps of the tap-in event and on a pre-entry basis.

[0026] In each embodiment discussed above, the guest's AW 110 may display an estimated return time. For example, the display on AW 110 may provide a time (e.g., 5:02 PM) before which the guest should return to enter loading group 122. This time may change dynamically depending on operational factors such as current ride capacity, other guests leaving the queue, guests entering the queue with fast (e.g., automatically jumping to the front of the physical and / or virtual queue) or VIP passes, inclement weather, and / or downtime. In some embodiments, once guest 120 has entered a virtual queue (or a limited number of virtual queues), guest 120 cannot enter any other virtual queue unless he / she leaves the current virtual queue by entering a ride or by entering a different virtual queue. For example, in one embodiment, engaging a stake 168 with a ride or attraction will cancel any previously existing position in the virtual queue. In this way, guest 120 can move through the park and, upon noticing a ride that is more interesting or has a shorter wait time, can simply swipe AW 110 to enter a new virtual queue and be automatically removed from the previous virtual queue with a single action. This allows guest 120 to minimize engagement with the queueing equipment and enjoy the park experience.

[0027] Furthermore, if more than one virtual queue is available, the difference between the waiting times for the available virtual queues can be set to allow sufficient time to enter both, taking into account variables such as travel time between them. The system can also artificially space multiple virtual queues to optimize a customer's day and transit time. In one embodiment, if there is no penalty for failing to reach a queued attraction, the system may allow close-to-together times, in addition to not being able to enter an additional queue, but may also take into account a certain predicted percentage of absences. In another embodiment, the virtual queuing system may only be effective if the waiting time for the current attraction is greater than 10 minutes. In yet another embodiment, guest 120 may be allowed to enter two virtual queues simultaneously, but may only enter a single virtual queue at the time associated with an attraction designated as a low-capacity ride. For example, some park rides may have relatively low capacity and therefore may develop longer virtual queues compared to higher-capacity rides that can move a larger number of guests through the ride within a given time period. To control the length of the virtual queues for lower-capacity rides, in some embodiments, such as the virtual queuing system provided herein, a guest 120 may be prevented from simultaneously entering the virtual queues for two lower-capacity rides. For example, when guest 120 has already entered a lower-capacity queue, engaging with a designated stake 168 for the second lower-capacity ride may trigger a warning message displayed on the display of stake 168, such as, “Guests in the queue for Dinosaur Adventure cannot enter the queue for Volcano Rapids. Would you like to leave the queue for Dinosaur Adventure to join the queue for Volcano Rapids?” Stake 168 may then receive a yes or no selection from the guest. If guest 120 selects no, engagement with stake 168 for the second lower-capacity ride ends. If guest 120 selects yes, guest 120 is added to the virtual queue for the second lower-capacity ride and automatically removed from the virtual queue for the first lower-capacity ride.

[0028] As generally indicated by box 20 of method 10, this embodiment facilitates monitoring or waiting in a virtual queue. Guest 120 can wait in the virtual queue by experiencing attractions with instantaneous capacity (e.g., wave pool, swimming pool, splash pad, lazy river, rides with no waiting time), accessing food, beverage, or merchandise locations, or simply relaxing (e.g., resting on a deckchair). If the waiting time for an attraction in the virtual queue changes, this information can be provided to AW 110 via communication system 106, which will notify the wearing guest 120 and display the updated waiting time. If guest 120 wishes to leave the current virtual queue for another virtual queue, he / she can do so by simply joining a new virtual queue as described in the various embodiments above. If a guest leaves the park (or, in some cases, the park area) while waiting in a virtual queue, he / she is automatically removed from any virtual queue he / she is currently in. This embodiment can eliminate geographical restrictions within the park while waiting in a virtual queue, and guest 120 is free to go anywhere and perform any task within the park.

[0029] As generally indicated by block 22 of method 10, this embodiment encourages initiation and participation in attraction experiences. In some embodiments, the virtual queuing system 100 notifies guest 120 prior to their ride time. To determine the amount of prior notification time, system 100 utilizes several factors to optimize capacity: the current wait time at the attraction, guest 120's current distance from the attraction, guest's current activity, and the guest's historical arrival speed from previous virtual queues. Once notified, guest 120 proceeds to the attraction entrance and walks to the load platform accommodating a limited backup group 122. These factors or variables are monitored by computer system 102 (e.g., a network of computers 302) via communication with monitoring sensors 104, which includes at least one processor 304 and at least one memory 306. To ensure that attraction throughput is not severely limited, small backup groups 122 (less than 10 minutes) can be formed before the load platform at each attraction. Once a guest arrives at the load platform and enters the ride, he / she is removed from the current virtual queue. After experiencing the attraction, guest 120 can join another virtual queue as described above (e.g., a stake, information desk, etc. located on the exit path of the attraction).

[0030] As generally indicated by block 24 of method 10, this embodiment also facilitates the communication and management of additional data related to park management. For example, AW 110 can also perform functions beyond facilitating queue access. Specifically, AW 110 can operate as an identification device for cashless purchases and for authentication of access to controlled areas. In some embodiments, such as those triggered by AW 110, a guest's photo is automatically taken at each attraction. Such photos can be purchased by the guest 120 via an internet portal (e.g., website, application, information desk). Furthermore, the virtual queuing system 100 can automatically record information for data analysis. This information may include: attractions visited (including the number and order of visits), waiting time for each attraction, time taken for the guest to return to the attraction once notified, entry time into the park, exit time from the park, and the amount of money spent via the cashless system.

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic representation of AW 110 according to this embodiment. In the illustrated embodiment, AW 110 includes a housing 400 in the form of a bracelet. However, in other embodiments, it may include a necklace, headband, ring, or other easily wearable item. Device 402 may be embedded in housing 400. Device 402 may include several separate or unified components performing certain functions. In the illustrated embodiment, device 402 includes a memory / identifier 404, a power module 406, a display 408, an indicator 410, a transmitter 412, and a receiver 414. In some embodiments, these features may be limited. For example, display 408 and transmitter 412 may be excluded. In some embodiments, memory / identifier 404 may include a simple identifier (e.g., an RFID tag) associated with system 100 and guest 120. In operation, device 402 may operate to receive information from system 100 to provide information to the user (e.g., return time for a ride). Furthermore, indicators (e.g., light, vibration mechanisms, or audio features) may provide feedback to guest 120. Specifically, device 402 can communicate with system 100 via communication system 106. In some embodiments, this may include communication from device 402 to system 100. However, in other embodiments, using monitoring sensor 104 to detect device 402 throughout the park area and utilizing system 100 to analyze such data can provide information related to device 402 (e.g., waiting time experienced by user 120 associated with device 402). In some embodiments, AW 110 may be substantially passive, and indications (e.g., confirmation sounds) may be provided by system 100 (e.g., a speaker broadcasting the nickname of a wearer entering a particular virtual queue).

[0032] Figure 4This is a block diagram of a virtual queuing system 500 that can be implemented to manage queues in a theme park. System 500 includes a virtual queueing control system 502 that communicates with one or more virtual queuing stations 530. The virtual queuing stations 530 can be implemented as portals or stubs (e.g., portal 166 or stub 168, see below). Figure 2 Information desks, etc. Each park ride or attraction may be associated with one or more dedicated virtual queuing stations 530 that enter from the guest reception queue. That is, in some embodiments, each virtual queuing station 530 may facilitate entry into a virtual queue for only one attraction. One or both of the virtual queue control system 502 and the individual virtual queuing stations 530 may include communication circuitry (e.g., communication circuitry 504 or 506), such as antennas, radio transceiver circuitry, and signal processing hardware and / or software (e.g., hardware or software filters, A / D converters, multiplexer amplifiers) or combinations thereof, and may be configured to communicate via wired or wireless communication paths via IR wireless communication, satellite communication, broadcast radio, microwave radio, Bluetooth, Zigbee, Wi-Fi, UHF, NFC, etc. Such communication may also include intermediate communication devices such as radio towers. In one embodiment, communication between the virtual queuing station 530 and the virtual queue control system 502 is wired.

[0033] Furthermore, one or both of the virtual queue control system 502 and the individual virtual queue stations 530 may include a memory device (e.g., memory device 508 or 510) for storing instructions that can be run by a processor (e.g., processor 512 or 514) to execute the methods and control actions described herein. For example, processor 512 may execute instructions for dynamic virtual queue management based on inputs from virtual queue stations 530 and data regarding guests entering and leaving the park. Additional inputs for dynamic queue management may include guest locations within the park. For example, a return-to-attraction reminder may be determined at least in part based on the guest's location relative to the attraction, such as via wireless signals from a guest's active wearable device or Global Positioning System (GPS) information, or by the guest's last access location to a virtual queue station or other access device. System 500 may store guest locations during a park visit to create an accessible log of guest locations within the park for predicting guests' current and future locations. If a guest is estimated to be within a first distance or a first area relative to the attraction, a return reminder or message is sent within that timeframe to allow them to return as soon as possible (e.g., "20 minutes before the volcanic rapids"), which accounts for the shorter travel time to the attraction. If, instead, the guest is in a more distant second area or a more distant estimated second distance, the return reminder or message calculates a longer travel time by providing an earlier return time (e.g., "5 minutes before the volcanic rapids"), thus accounting for the longer walking time to the attraction. In this way, guests at similar locations in the virtual queue but at different locations within the park are estimated to return to the attraction within the same approximate time window.

[0034] The processor may include one or more processing devices, and the memory may include one or more tangible, non-transitory machine-readable media. By way of example, such machine-readable media may include RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, or optical disc storage, disk storage, or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of machine-executable instructions or data structures and that can be accessed by a processor or by other processor-based devices (e.g., mobile devices). For example, a virtual queue control system 502 or a separate virtual queue station 530 may include an operator interface 520, such as a computer-based workstation or mobile device, and / or may include an input / output interface 510 and a display (e.g., display 532).

[0035] Virtual queuing station 530 receives signals (e.g., wireless signals, such as RF signals) from guest AW 540. In one embodiment, AW 540 may access the virtual queuing station (e.g., via handwave or by placing AW 540 within the reading area of ​​virtual queuing station 530), where it transmits and receives signals and updates via NFC. Furthermore, components of the system (e.g., virtual queuing station 540 and / or AW 540) may actively listen for wireless broadcasts and update the display upon receiving an appropriate broadcast. Another option is where virtual queuing station 530 is a silent / passive system, and AW 540 reads marker locations and sends requests via wireless network, thereby bypassing the need for virtual queuing station 530 or ride entrance / exit stations to read AW 540. These signals can then be transmitted to virtual queue control system 502 to add guests associated with AW 540 to the virtual queue. Virtual queue system 500 may also include ride entrance station 550 when virtual queuing station 530 facilitates guest entry into the virtual queue. A separate ride entrance station 550 can be implemented as an automatic door or reader, such that when AW 540 passes through, AW 540 is automatically read, and the guest associated with AW 540 is instructed to enter the ride and is thus automatically removed from the virtual queue. The separate ride entrance station 550 may include communication circuitry 550, a processor 554, and storage device 556 as provided herein. It should be understood that certain features of the virtual queue control system 502 may be additionally or alternatively implemented locally at the virtual queuing station 530 or the ride entrance station 550.

[0036] In some embodiments, the virtual queue system 500 can manage the total guest experience to ensure that individual guests can experience a minimum number of rides or experiences each day. For example, based on virtual queue loads for individual attractions, the virtual queue system 500 can allow entry into a predetermined number of queues at the start of the day. Alternatively, the virtual queue system 500 can be located at a central information desk (e.g., queue information desk 172, see below). Figure 2 The system dynamically presents ride options to each guest. That is, while in some embodiments a virtual queue control system is implemented without any central queue information desk that allows selection and virtual queue entry into multiple queues at different attractions on a single device and within a single interaction, in other embodiments, one or more central information desks can simultaneously mediate entry into multiple virtual queues.

[0037] While only certain features of this embodiment have been described and illustrated herein, many modifications and alterations will occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, it should be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and alterations that fall within the true spirit of this disclosure. Furthermore, it should be understood that certain elements of the disclosed embodiments can be combined or interchanged with each other.

Claims

1. A virtual queue system, comprising: A wearable device includes a communicator, wherein the communicator is configured to transmit wireless signals, the wireless signals including identification information associated with the wearable device; At least one queue marker is associated with an attraction within the theme park; The transceiver of the at least one queue post is configured to receive a wireless signal including identification information associated with the wearable device from the wearable device, and to receive a second wireless signal from the communication circuit of a second wearable device at the queue post, wherein the second wireless signal includes second identification information of a second guest associated with the second wearable device. Cameras at tourist attractions; A control system that stores instructions, which, when executed, cause the control system to: Based on wireless signals read by sensors at the attraction, the wearable device receives an indication from the attraction that it has entered the attraction; and The camera is triggered to take photos of the scenic spot based on the received instructions; and Based on the determination that the second guest is already in the virtual queue of other low-capacity attractions, the second guest will not be added to the queue of the attraction.

2. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to send the photo to an information desk and receive user input related to the photo at the information desk.

3. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, comprising: A second camera at the entrance and a detector at the entrance, wherein the detector reads the wireless signal from the wearable device as the wearable device passes through the entrance.

4. The virtual queue system of claim 3, wherein the second camera captures a second photograph of a guest passing through the entrance and sends the second photograph and identification information associated with the wearable device to the control system.

5. The virtual queue system of claim 4, wherein the control system determines that the second photograph corresponds to a guest's entry pass.

6. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a mobile device.

7. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein the wearable device is a bracelet.

8. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the sensor is a radio frequency identifier reader.

9. The virtual queue system of claim 3, wherein the control system is configured to send an instruction to the wearable device in response to the detector detecting that the wearable device has passed through the entrance, so as to cause the wearable device to generate a visible or audible indication.

10. A method for virtual queuing, comprising: A first wireless signal is received from the communication circuitry of a first wearable device at a virtual queue station associated with an individual attraction within the theme park, wherein the first wireless signal includes first identification information of a first guest associated with the first wearable device; A confirmation message is sent to the communication circuit to confirm that the individual attraction has been added to the virtual queue, wherein the confirmation message causes the activation of an indicator on the first wearable device; The first monitoring sensor located at the entrance of the individual attraction receives a second wireless signal from the communication circuitry of the first wearable device; and The camera is triggered to capture a photo of the guest based on the receipt of the second wireless signal; A third wireless signal is received from the communication circuitry of a second wearable device at the virtual queuing station, wherein the third wireless signal includes second identification information of a second guest associated with the second wearable device; and Based on the determination that the second guest is already in the virtual queue of another low-capacity attraction, the second guest will not be added to the queue of that attraction.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising: Access to a stored photograph associated with the identification information in response to receiving the second wireless signal; And to verify guests based on a comparison between the photos and stored photos.

12. The method of claim 10, comprising: Verify guests based on features in their photos.

13. The method of claim 10, comprising: The system verifies guests' identities at individual attractions based on their location in the virtual queue of the wearable device.

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