Improvements in queuing systems

Abstract

A queuing apparatus 100 has a server 160 and a queue barrier forming at least part of a path 106 for queuing. The queue barrier comprises a plurality of posts 102. Each post has a sensor to sense the

Description

Technical Field [0001 ] The present application is concerned with improvements in queuing systems. More specifically, the present application is concerned with intelligent queuing systems which monitor users and provide feedback. Background Art

[0002] There is a need in many environments to form queues. Often there is a limited resource which many individuals need to access. For example, in retail environments there are a limited number of checkouts or service personnel, and in busy periods not all customers can be served at the same time. In airports, demand for passport control service points is highly variable (peaking when planes land) and queues are inevitable.

[0003] Queues occur in different environments and may be structured in different ways. Single point queues have a single line of users and a single exit point- for example a shop, queuing for one or more tills. Distributed queues do not require the users to line up- these occur in environments where users take a physical, sequential, numbered ticket and service personnel attend to users in sequence.

[0004] Queuing can be frustrating for users. A major source of frustration is the lack of knowledge about how much longer the queue will last, as well as any feedback in general from the organisation or business operating the queue.

[0005] Attempts have been made to solve this problem by observing queues and estimating the average time to the front at fixed locations ("30 minutes from here"). Although this may work with queues where the capacity of service points is consistent, and the time to be served is consistent, it is otherwise not at all accurate. This approach may work for theme park rides where the service points (e.g. roller coaster seats) and time (time ofthe ride) are constant, but in an environment such as a bankwherethe number of service points (customer service agents available) and time (determined by the nature ofthe query) the approach cannot work. In many environments therefore, the time to the front ofthe queue is highly dynamic and dependent on many factors.

[0006] It is an aim ofthe present invention to overcome or at least mitigate these problems. Summary of Invention

[0007] According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a queuing apparatus comprising: a server; a queue barrier forming at least part of a path for queuing, the queue barrier comprising a plurality of posts, each post comprising: a sensor configured to sense the presence of a person in the path for queuing and to generate sensor data; a communication unit for communication with the server; wherein the queue barrier is configured to send queue data to the server using the communication unit, the queue data comprising or derived from the sensor data; wherein the server is configured to: receive the queue data; analyse the queue data to determine a property of the queue; display the property of the queue on a display unit, broadcast an audio signal, and / or generate an alert based on the property of the queue.

[0008] Advantageously the present invention provides live and dynamic feedback to the queue, thus alleviating the frustrations of queuing. Further, the invention provides feedback to the organisation running the queue, which allows them to adapt provision to manage the queue- for example by increasing the number of service points available.

[0009] Preferably each of the plurality of posts comprises: a foot; an upright portion having a free end; and, a smart queue unit provided at the free end of the upright portion, the unit comprising the sensor and the communication unit.

[0010] Preferably the smart queue unit is a self-contained unit, removably assembled with the upright.

[0011] Preferably the free end defines an opening, and wherein the smart queue unit is received in the opening.

[0012] Preferably at least some of the plurality of posts comprise at least one of: a webbing retractor; and, a connector for receiving a webbing end portion.

[0013] In one embodiment, the post comprises a head defining the at least one of: the webbing retractor; and, the connector for receiving a webbing end portion; wherein the smart queue unit comprises a foot for receiving the head, which foot comprises an opening or slot for access to the webbing of the webbing retractor and the connector for receiving a webbing end portion.

[0014] Preferably the smart queue unit comprises an upper surface in use, the upper surface being sloped.

[0015] Preferably the smart queue unit comprises an upper surface in use, the upper surface being horizontal.

[0016] Preferably the smart queue unit comprises a battery for powering the sensor and communication unit. [001 7] Preferably each of the posts comprise a speaker.

[0018] Preferably the posts each comprise an interactive element readable by a mobile device.

[0019] Preferably the display unit is visible to the queue.

[0020] Preferably the display unit is provided in at least one of the posts. [0021 ] Preferably the property of the queue is the number of people ahead of one of the posts, and wherein the property is displayed on or broadcast from the one of the posts.

[0022] Preferably the property of the queue is an estimated time to the end of the queue from one of the posts, and wherein the property is displayed on or broadcast from the one of the posts.

[0023] Preferably one of the plurality of posts is provided proximate the queue exit, and is used to sense people leaving the queue, and wherein sensor data concerning the people leaving the queue is communicated to the server.

[0024] Preferably a call forward apparatus is provided at the queue exit for calling people at the queue exit to a service point.

[0025] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a queuing apparatus comprising: a post comprising an interactive element readable by a mobile device; a server comprising software which, when run is configured to establish and manage a queue; wherein upon interaction with the interactive element, data identifying the mobile device or a user thereof is added to the queue; wherein the mobile device is in communication with the server such that information about the queue is accessible therefrom.

[0026] Advantageously the present invention provides a multi-point queueing system which keeps users informed of the queue status (something which is difficultto observer in muti point queues).

[0027] Preferably information about the queue is dynamically updated such that live information is accessible from the mobile device.

[0028] Preferably the apparatus is configured to produce an alert on the user device indicative that the mobile device or the userthereof is approaching the front of the queue.

[0029] Preferably the alert is produced when the alert is indicative of the mobile device or the user thereof reaching at least one of: a predetermined time to the front of the queue; and, a predetermined number of other users to the front of the queue.

[0030] Preferably the software is configured to determine the speed of the queue and I or time to the front of the queue based on at least one of: a number of people in the queue; a number of service points available; a time taken to serve at least one person having reached the front of the queue; an average time taken to serve a plurality of people having reached the front of the queue. [0031 ] Preferably the interactive element is a wireless communication device.

[0032] Preferably the interactive element is a near field communication (NFC) device.

[0033] Preferably the interactive element is a camera readable code.

[0034] Preferably each of the plurality of posts comprises: a foot; an upright portion having a free end; and, a smart queue unit provided at the free end of the upright portion, the unit comprising the interactive element.

[0035] Preferably the smart queue unit is a self-contained unit, removably assembled with the upright.

[0036] Preferably the free end defines an opening, and wherein the smart queue unit is received in the opening. Brief Description of Drawings

[0037] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a schematic view of a first queuing system in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 2 is a perspective view of an assembly of the system of Figure 1; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of a part of the assembly of Figure 2; FIGURE 4 is a perspective view of a part of the assembly of Figure 2; FIGURE 5 is a schematic view of the part of Figure 3; FIGURE 6 is a schematic view of a second queuing system in accordance with the present invention; FIGURE 7 is a perspective view of a second assembly in accordance with the present invention, for use in the first or second embodiments; FIGURE 8 is a top view of a part of the assembly of Figure 7; FIGURE 9 is a view of a user device operating software according to the present invention; FIGURES 10 to 12 are perspective views of a fourth embodiment of the present invention. Description of the first embodiment

[0038] A first embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figures 1 to 5. Configuration

[0039] Referring to Figure 1, an in-line queuing system 100 is provided comprising a plurality of post assemblies 1 02 connected by webbing portions 1 04. The connected posts define a serpentine queue path 1 06 extending from an entry 1 08 to an exit 110.

[0040] An example post assembly 102 is shown in Figure 2. Each post assembly 102 comprises a post 112 and a smart queue unit 114. Each post comprises a foot 116 and an upright portion 118. The foot 116 is wider than the upright portion 118 and serves to stabilise it in a generally vertical orientation in use. The upright portion 118 is a hollow cylinder defined by a sidewall 120. The upper end 122 of the upright portion 118 in use is open. The sidewall 120 defines four slots 124 which are equally spaced (at 90 degrees) and extend partially axially along the sidewall 120. Each slot 124 has a rounded end 126. [0041 ] The smart queue unit 114 is shown in Figure 3. It comprises a housing 126 having a mating portion 128 and a protruding portion 130. The mating portion 128 defines a cylindrical outer surface 132 defining four mating protuberances 134. The protuberances 134 each define a mounting formation 136 for a webbing clip (described below). The protuberances 134 are each elongate, axial and terminate at an end 138. The protruding portion 130 of the housing 126 is also generally cylindrical and of larger diameter than the mating portion 128 thus providing a shoulder 140 therebetween. The protruding portion 130 terminates in an end surface 142, which in this embodiment is flat and inclined to the main axis of the unit 114.

[0042] A schematic diagram of the unit 114 is shown in Figure 5. Within the housing 126 there is provided a control module 144 containing a microprocessor and a memory. The control module 144 (and other components) are powered by a battery 146. The control module 144 is connected to a speaker 148 positioned adjacent a grille 150 in the housing 126. The control module 144 is connected to a display 152 visible on the surface 142. The control module 144 is connected to a wireless communication module 154 configured to send and receive data. A near field communication module 1 56 is provided. A sensor 158 is provided which is described in more detail below. The sensor 158 provides input to the control module 144.

[0043] The control module 144 is configured to store software to carry out the functions described in detail below.

[0044] Each of the aforementioned system elements is battery powered- i.e. requires no mains power making it highly adaptable. Assembly

[0045] The system 1 00 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of control modules 144, each of which is assembled with a post 112 as shown in Figure 2. Each module can be inserted into the open end of the post 112 with the mating protuberances 134 engaged in respective slots 124. Once in position, the post assemblies 102 can be connected by webbing portions 1 04 as known in the art.

[0046] In one embodiment, the housing 126 may comprise a webbing retractor and coiled length of webbing as is known in the art. This is not shown in Figure 5. This allows each post to be connected to an adjacent post. It will be noted that this method of forming a barrier is known in the art, the advance of the present invention is to provide a unit (the module 114) that contains the electronics described above to carry out the functions described below.

[0047] The post assemblies 102 are configured to define a queue path such as the path 106 shown in Figure 1. Use

[0048] Each of the units 114 is within a network with a central server 160 connected to a display 1 62. There are various configurations of such networks known to one skilled in the art, but fundamentally the central server 160 is able to communicate with each unit 114 via the wireless communication modules 1 54, and each unit is able to communicate with the server 160.

[0049] The sensors 158 of each unit are configured to detect the presence of one or more persons within a sensor range SR. The sensors may be, for example, visual sensors such as 2D cameras (with appropriate image processing software in the network), 3D cameras, RADAR sensors, LiDAR sensors, other types of light sensors, acoustic sensors and so on. Whatevertechnology is used, the sensor is capable of detecting the passage of one or more people through its sensor range / field of vision. This information (the sensor data) is then passed to the control module 144.

[0050] The control module then undertakes some processing of the sensor data, the level of processing being dependent on the sensor data. For example, image data may be communicated directly to the central server via the wireless module with very little or no processing, where the central server carries out image analysis to determine the passage of people. On the other hand, some sensor data may be fully processed to provide a simple indication to the central server of the number of people who are present in, and / or have passed through the sensor's field of vision.

[0051] Provided with this information across multiple units 114, the central server is provided with software configured to calculate the queue length and speed. By length, we mean both real length (in distance terms) as well as length in terms of the number of people in the queue. For this purpose the units (using sensors 1 58) at the entry and exit count the number of people entering and exiting the queue respectively.

[0052] In the example of Figure 1, the queue exit 11 0 is adjacent a plurality of service points 10. Each service point 10 may be open or closed, depending on staff availability (if staffed) or hardware / software uptime (if automated). This variability, plus an inherent variability in the nature of customers' needs to be addressed, allows for the queue speed to vary dramatically. If all four service points are operable, then the queue speed may be high. If one is closed, and another occupied with a complex enquiry, the speed may be a lot slower.

[0053] Each service point 10, or operator, may be provided with an electronic device allowing them to call forward the next customer. This may be in the form of a simple button (e.g. communicating with the system via Bluetooth (TM) or similar technology) or e.g. a wearable device such as a smartwatch.

[0054] As such, the present invention allows the speed of the queue to be measured in real time. Queue length and speed is displayed on the display 162 (for the use of e.g. management). If the queue length starts to become excessive (above a predetermined threshold) then an alert can be generated. Further, whether or not the length is excessive, slow queue speed can be detected and an alert produced (if the speed is below a predetermined threshold). In this way, long queues can be detected before they are formed, and more service points 1 0 opened.

[0055] A further feature of the present embodiment is that live information is sent back to the units 114. The system 110 is programmed with the location within the queue of each unit 114. As such, given the length and speed of the queue the predicted time to the front (exit 11 0) can be determined for each unit 114. Each unit is therefore provided with the time to the front, which is broadcast and / or displayed to the people in the queue via one or both of the speaker 148 and display 152. The form of the message may be, for example "10 minutes to the front of the queue", or "you are 13th in the queue".

[0056] Further messages may be provided from the central server 1 60 to the units 114 for broadcast and / or display. For example "more service points will be open soon", an apology or explanation for any delay. More generic messages may be broadcast, such as "thank you for your patience" "please scan or tap to join our digital experience".

[0057] The units may also be used for other communication purposes. For example, the NF unit 156 may be tapped by a user's mobile device to provide access to any of the following organisation communications: • Advertisements; • Media such as music, videos, games (for example to help pass the time); • Wi-Fi details / login; • Information relating to the service offered, such as reminders or checklists for any information required; • Feedback forms. Variations on the first embodiment

[0058] It will be noted that various features of the above embodiment may be omitted. Not all posts need to be provided with the "smart" units 114 for the invention to operate, although at least two are required.

[0059] The display 152 or speaker 148 may be omitted in favour of the other. If the display is omitted, the top may be made horizontal and may house an induction chargerfor mobile devices and / or the NF tag.

[0060] The NF module 156 is optional. [0061 ] The units 114 may be networked by any wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi (RTM) or Bluetooth (RTM).

[0062] The system 1 00 may be augmented by other information points, such as: • A call forward system at the exit 11 0; • A queue length display to allow people to assess length prior to joining. Description of the second embodiment

[0063] A second embodiment of the present invention is shown in Figure 6. Configuration

[0064] Referring to Figure 6, a distributed queuing system 200 is provided comprising a plurality of post assemblies 202 freely placed. Unlike the first embodiment, the posts do not define a queue path.

[0065] The post assemblies 202 are configured as per the post assemblies 102, although function differently as will be described below. Reference numerals for components of the post assemblies 202 are the same as for post assemblies 1 02.

[0066] The control module 144 is configured to store software to carry out the functions described in detail below. Assembly

[0067] The system 200 according to the present invention comprises a plurality of control modules 144, each of which is assembled with a post 112 as shown in Figure 2. Each module can be inserted into the open end of the post 112 with the mating protuberances 134 engaged in respective slots 124. Unlike the first embodiment, the post assemblies 202 are free standing and are not connected by webbing portions 104 (although this is optionally possible if desired).

[0068] The post assemblies 202 are spaced apart in a region accessible to users 22 wishing to access service points 20. It will be noted that although the service points 20 are shown fixed, they may be distributed as well. Use

[0069] Each of the units 114 is within a network with a central server 260 connected to a display 262. There are various configurations of such networks known to one skilled in the art, but fundamentally the central server 260 is able to communicate with each unit 114 via the wireless communication modules 154, and each unit is able to communicate with the server 260.

[0070] When a user enters the environment (which may be e.g. a retail environment, state facility, or any other environment where queueing is necessary) they use a user device 14 to contact the unit 114, and more specifically in the range of the NF module 156. The user may be prompted to contact the module by information on the screen 1 52 or optionally with passive information such as a label. The user device then establishes communication with the RF module, and retrieves data therefrom. The data may be a URL to a web portal or other address to a website or app where the user 12 has the option of joining a virtual queue. Following this user consent the user is added to a queue by provide them with a queue ID. This may be, for example, a sequential number (for example "12"). The user device then displays (via the accessed web portal or app) both the queue ID and further information about the queue. [0071 ] The queue ID is generated centrally by the server 260, which manages the queue and is in communication with the units 114. The server is also in communication with the service points 20, which are used to provide the server with an indication of when that service point is available. When a service point is available, the server 260 sends a communication to the next user in the queue by means of an update to the web portal or app which may optionally generate an alert on the user's device 14.

[0072] Provided with this information, the central server 260 is provided with software configured to calculate the queue length and speed. By length, we mean length in terms of the number of people in the queue. At least some or all of this information is communicated to the users, for example: • The users queue ID (for example "12"); • The queue ID of the last person called to a service point 20 (for example "1 0"); and, • The estimated wait time based on at least one of: o Average time taken to serve a number of users; o Likely addition / removal of further service points.

[0073] As such, the present invention allows the speed of the queue to be measured in real time. Queue length and speed is displayed on the display 262 (for the use of e.g. management). If the queue length starts to become excessive (above a predetermined threshold) then an alert can be generated. Further, whether or not the length is excessive, slow queue speed can be detected and an alert produced (if the speed is below a predetermined threshold). In this way, long queues can be detected before they are formed, and more service points 20 opened.

[0074] Further messages may be provided from the central server 260 to the units 114 for broadcast and / or display if the speaker and / or screen is provided. For example "more service points will be open soon", an apology or explanation for any delay.

[0075] The units may also be used for other communication purposes. For example, the NF unit 1 56 may provide access to any of the following organisation communications: • Advertisements; • Media such as music, videos, games (for example to help pass the time); • Wi-Fi details / login; • Information relating to the service offered, such as reminders or checklists for any information required; • Feedback forms. Variations on the second embodiment

[0076] It will be noted that various features of the above embodiment may be omitted.

[0077] The display 152 and / or speaker 148 may be omitted. If the display is omitted, the top may be made horizontal and may house an induction charger for mobile devices and / or the NF tag.

[0078] The units 114 may be networked by any wireless technology, such as Wi-Fi (RTM) or Bluetooth (RTM).

[0079] The system 1 00 may be augmented by other information points, such as: • A user visible display to provide queue information; • A queue length display to allow people to assess length prior to joining.

[0080] In one embodiment, the system may not need further consent to add the usertothe queue - i.e. the act of "tapping" their device is consent, upon which the user is automatically added to the queue and their queue ID is provided to them. Description of the third embodiment [0081 ] Referring to Figure 7, an assembly 302 is provided which may be used in place of the assemblies 1 02 or 202. Like those assemblies, each post assembly 302 comprises a post 312 and a smart queue unit 314.

[0082] The smart queue unit 314 is much the same as the unit 114, with the exception that it has a flat, planar and horizontal (in use) upper contact surface 380 as shown in Figure 8. An NF module is positioned directly beneath the surface 380 (optionally with an induction charger). As shown in Figure 8, the surface 380 bears an indicator 382 that it can be tapped to access the functionality, and also a QR code 384 to allow a user with a device that is not compatible with the NF technology used to access the relevant portal.

[0083] Figure 9 shows a user device 14 displaying a web I app portal 1 6 in a "tile" format. Queue information 18 is shown in one tile, and other tiles are provided which, when interacted with through the device 14, allow access to other functions. This format can be used with either of the above embodiments. Description of the fourth embodiment

[0084] Referring to Figures 1 0 to 12, an assembly 502 is provided which may be used in place of the assemblies 102, 202 or 302. Like those assemblies, each post assembly 502 comprises a post 512 and a smart queue unit 514.

[0085] The post 512 comprises a foot (not shown) and an upright portion 518. The foot is wider than the upright portion 518 and serves to stabilise it in a generally vertical orientation in use. The upright portion 51 8 is a hollow cylinder defined by a sidewall 520. The upper end 522 of the upright portion 51 8 in use has a head 600. The head 600 comprises three mating protuberances 534 and a retractable length of webbing 602. A retractor is provided within the head 600. The protuberances 534 and exposed webbing 602 are positioned equally (each at 90 degrees) around the perimeter of the head 600.

[0086] The smart queue unit 514 is much the same as the unit 114, with the exception that it has a foot 604 extending from a bottom end in use. The foot has a base 606 and four equally spaced fingers 608 extending axially therefrom, defining a cylindrical receiving opening 610.

[0087] Figure 12 shows the unit 514 engaged with the head 600 of the post 512. The head 600 is received in the opening 610 such that the protuberances 534 and exposed webbing 602 are between the fingers 608, and therefore are exposed. In other words, the foot 604 comprises four openings or slots 612 which provide external access to the protuberances 534 and exposed webbing 602 for attachment and connection of further posts to form a barrier as is known in the art.

Claims

1. A queuing apparatus comprising:a server;a queue barrier forming at least part of a path for queuing, the queue barrier comprising a plurality of posts, each post comprising:a sensor configured to sense the presence of a person in the path for queuing and to generate sensor data;a communication unit for communication with the server;wherein the queue barrier is configured to send queue data to the server using the communication unit, the queue data comprising or derived from the sensor data;wherein the server is configured to:receive the queue data;analyse the queue data to determine a property of the queue;display the property of the queue on a display unit, broadcast an audio signal, and / or generate an alert based on the property of the queue.

2. A queuing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of posts comprises:a foot;an upright portion having a free end; and,a smart queue unit provided at the free end of the upright portion, the unit comprising the sensor and the communication unit.

3. A queuing apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the smart queue unit is a self-contained unit, removably assembled with the upright.

4. A queuing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the free end defines an opening, and wherein the smart queue unit is received in the opening.

5. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein at least some of the plurality of posts comprise at least one of:a webbing retractor; and,a connector for receiving a webbing end portion.

6. A queuing apparatus according to claim 5, wherein the post comprises a head defining the at least one of:the webbing retractor; and,the connector for receiving a webbing end portion;wherein the smart queue unit comprises a foot for receiving the head, which foot comprises an opening or slot for access to the webbing of the webbing retractor and the connector for receiving a webbing end portion.

7. A queuing apparatus according to an of claims 2 to 6, wherein the smart queue unitcomprises an upper surface in use, the upper surface being sloped.

8. A queuing apparatus according to any of claims 2 to 6, wherein the smart queue unit comprises an upper surface in use, the upper surface being horizontal.

9. A queuing apparatus according to any of any of claims 2 to 8, wherein the smart queue unit comprises a battery for powering the sensor and communication unit.

10. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein each of the posts comprise a speaker.

11. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the posts each comprise an interactive element readable by a mobile device.

12. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the display unit is visible to the queue.

13. A queuing apparatus according to claim 12, wherein the display unit is provided in at least one of the posts.

14. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the property of the queue is the number of people ahead of one of the posts, and wherein the property is displayed on or broadcast from the one of the posts.

15. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein the property of the queue is an estimated time to the end of the queue from one of the posts, and wherein the property is displayed on or broadcast from the one of the posts.

16. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, wherein one of the plurality of posts is provided proximate the queue exit, and is used to sense people leaving the queue, and wherein sensor data concerning the people leaving the queue is communicated to the server.1 7. A queuing apparatus according to any preceding claim, comprising a call forward apparatus at the queue exit for calling people at the queue exit to a service point.

18. A queuing apparatus comprising:a post comprising an interactive element readable by a mobile device;a server comprising software which, when run is configured to establish and manage a queue;wherein upon interaction with the interactive element, data identifying the mobile device or a user thereof is added to the queue;wherein the mobile device is in communication with the serversuch that information about the queue is accessible therefrom.

19. A queuing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein information about the queue is dynamically updated such that live information is accessible from the mobile device.

20. A queuing apparatus according to claim 18 or 19, configured to produce an alert on the user device indicative that the mobile device or the user thereof is approaching the front of the queue.

21. A queuing apparatus according to claim 20, wherein the alert is produced when the alert is indicative of the mobile device or the user thereof reaching at least one of:a predetermined time to the front of the queue; and,a predetermined number of other users to the front of the queue.

22. A queuing apparatus according to any of claims 1 8 to 21, wherein the software is configured to determine the speed of the queue and / or time to the front of the queue based on at least one of:a number of people in the queue;a number of service points available;a time taken to serve at least one person having reached the front of the queue;an average time taken to serve a plurality of people having reached the front of the queue.

23. A queuing apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the interactive element is a wireless communication device.

24. A queuing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the interactive element is a near field communication (NFC) device.

25. A queuing apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 22, wherein the interactive element is a camera readable code.

26. A queuing apparatus according to any of claims 18 to 25, wherein each of the plurality of posts comprises:a foot;an upright portion having a free end; and,a smart queue unit provided at the free end of the upright portion, the unit comprising the interactive element.

27. A queuing apparatus according to claim 26, wherein the smart queue unit is a self-contained unit, removably assembled with the upright.

28. A queuing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the free end defines an opening, and wherein the smart queue unit is received in the opening.s

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