Virtual queuing system and method

Abstract

A system according to this embodiment includes a plurality of virtual queuing 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 queuing stations (530). The virtual queue control system (502) is configured to receive communications from a plurality of virtual queuing stations (530) and add guests to respective virtual queues based on the communications.

Description

(19) State Intellectual Property Office (12) Invention Patent Application (10) Application Publication Number (43) Application Publication Date (21) Application Number 202610232823.X (22) Application Date 2015.08.19 (30) Priority Data 62 / 039609 2014.08.20 US 14 / 829227 2015.08.18 US (62) Divisional Application Data 201580056961.7 2015.08.19 (71) Applicant Universal City Cinema LLC Address California, USA (72) Inventor J.M. Schwartz (74) Patent Agency China Patent Agency (Hong Kong) Limited 72001 Patent Attorney Huang Tao Liu Chunyuan (51) Int.Cl. G07C 11 / 00 (2006.01) G06Q 10 / 02 (2012.01) (54) Invention Title: Virtual Queuing System and Method (57) Abstract: The system according to this embodiment includes multiple virtual queuing stations (530) associated with corresponding attractions within a theme park, and a virtual queue control system (502) configured to maintain corresponding virtual queues for the corresponding attractions and communicate with the multiple virtual queuing stations (530). The virtual queue control system (502) is configured to receive communications from the multiple virtual queuing stations (530) and add guests to the corresponding virtual queues based on the communications. Claims (2 pages), Description (8 pages), Drawings (4 pages), CN 122223824 A, 2026.06.16, CN 1 22 22 38 24 A. 1. A virtual queue system, comprising: a virtual queue control system configured to maintain a virtual queue at a tourist attraction, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to add guests to the virtual queue; a plurality of wearable devices, including corresponding communicators, wherein the communicator of an individual wearable device among the plurality of wearable devices is configured to transmit a wireless signal, the wireless signal including identification information of a guest associated with the individual wearable device; a plurality of monitoring sensors configured to receive wireless signals from the communicators of the plurality of wearable devices at the tourist attraction, and to transmit data received from the wireless signals to the virtual queue control system, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to send notifications to the communicators of the plurality of wearable devices based on their positions in the virtual queue; receiving the wireless signals from the plurality of monitoring sensors; and determining characteristics of the virtual queue based on the received wireless signals.2. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein a first sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is associated with the attraction's entrance, and a second sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is located at the attraction's exit, and wherein the virtual queue is characterized by the time between the first and second sensors of the individual wearable device. 3. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to provide a report on attraction access to the individual wearable device based on the data. 4. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the virtual queue is characterized by the time between sending a notification to the individual wearable device to return to the attraction based on the individual wearable device's position in the virtual queue and the individual wearable device transmitting a wireless signal as it passes through the attraction's entrance. 5. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the individual wearable device is a mobile device. 6. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of monitoring sensors includes at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. 7. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to send a notification to the individual wearable device to return to the attraction based on the location of the individual wearable device in the virtual queue and the return speed history of guests associated with the individual wearable device. 8. The virtual queue system of claim 7, wherein the individual wearable device includes an indicator that is activated upon receiving the notification. 9. The virtual queue system of claim 1, wherein the attraction is one of a plurality of attractions. 10. The virtual queue system of claim 9, wherein other attractions among the plurality of attractions have corresponding virtual queues, wherein the virtual queue controller receives data from additional monitoring sensors associated with the other attractions. 11. A virtual queue method, comprising: receiving wireless signals from communicators of a plurality of guest devices at a scenic spot at one or more of a plurality of monitoring sensors, wherein the wireless signals include guest identification information; transmitting data based on the wireless signals to a virtual queue control system; maintaining a virtual queue including the guest identification information and related location information, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to send notifications to the communicators of the plurality of guest devices based on updates to the location information; and determining features of the virtual queue based on the received wireless signals.12. The method of claim 11, wherein a first sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is associated with the attraction's entrance, and a second sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is located at the attraction's exit, and wherein the virtual queue is characterized by the time between the first and second sensors for an individual guest device associated with a guest. 13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the queue's characteristics comprises: determining the time when a guest returns to the attraction after a notification is sent, based on communication from a first sensor associated with a wireless signal from an individual wearable device and a notification sent to the individual guest device. 14. The method of claim 11, wherein the virtual queue is characterized by an attraction waiting time. 15. The method of claim 14, comprising displaying the characteristics of the virtual queue on a display. 16. The method of claim 11, wherein the attraction is one of a plurality of attractions. 17. A virtual queue system comprising: a virtual queue control system configured to maintain a virtual queue for an attraction, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to add guests to the virtual queue; a plurality of guest devices, including corresponding communicators, wherein the communicator of an individual guest device among the plurality of guest devices is configured to transmit a wireless signal, the wireless signal including identification information of a guest associated with the individual guest device; a plurality of monitoring sensors configured to receive the wireless signals from the communicators of the plurality of guest devices and to transmit data indicating the wireless signals to the virtual queue control system, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to: receive data from the plurality of monitoring sensors; access the guest location of the guest in the virtual queue based on the data; estimate the return time to the attraction based on the guest location of the guest; and send a notification to the guest device of the guest based on the location of each guest in the virtual queue and the estimated return time. 18. The virtual queue system of claim 17, wherein guests in the virtual queue are assigned to different areas based on guest location. 19. The virtual queue system of claim 17, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to predict future guest locations based on the guest locations. 20. The virtual queue system of claim 17, wherein the virtual queue controller is configured to estimate the waiting time of attractions based on the guest's location. Claims 2 / 2 Page 3 CN 122223824 A Virtual Queuing System and Method

[0001] This application is a divisional application of application filed on August 19, 2015, with application number 201580056961.7 and entitled "Virtual Queuing System and Method".

[0002] Cross-Reference to Related Applications 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

[0003] 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 queuing for attractions. Background Art

[0004] Since the beginning of the twentieth 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 amusement parks with additional capacity to handle a larger number of guests. However, the additional attractions also typically provide potential guests with an incentive to visit the amusement park. Therefore, while a particular amusement park may increase its additional capacity, this additional capacity does not always result in an increased ability for guests to participate in park entertainment (e.g., shopping, watching shows, riding rides) or a reduced wait time for attractions. This is because there is usually a corresponding increase in attendance. Furthermore, due to operational efficiency, it is generally expected that the availability of attractions will be limited during periods of low attendance. Therefore, queues for attractions that may limit participation in park activities are a perennial problem for amusement parks.

[0005] 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 queues for attractions. Indeed, it is now recognized that a negative experience regarding queue waiting time may prevent park guests from returning to a particular amusement park. In addition, the time spent waiting in queues may hinder guests from accessing amusement park commerce (e.g., shops). Indeed, in the past, guests have been forced to wait orderly for hours to experience some of the more popular attractions in an amusement park. Furthermore, it is now recognized that park capacity does not always equal guest utilization of that capacity due to individual guest preferences for certain attractions compared to others. Therefore, it is now generally accepted that improvements are desired in amusement park queuing systems and methods. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Certain embodiments that are equivalent in scope to the subject matter of the original claims are summarized below. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure, but rather are intended only to provide a brief overview of certain disclosed embodiments. In fact, this disclosure may include various forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0007] According to one embodiment, a virtual queuing system is provided. The virtual queuing system includes at least one virtual queuing station associated with an individual attraction within a theme park.The virtual queue system also includes a transceiver for 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 queue system also includes a virtual queue control system that communicates with at least one virtual queuing station and an active wearable device, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to receive communication including identification information from at least one virtual queuing station, and wherein receiving the communication causes the virtual queue control system to add a wearer to a virtual queue for a specific attraction, and to send a confirmation message to at least one virtual queuing station or to one or both guest devices that the guest has been added to the virtual queue.

[0008] According to another embodiment, a virtual queue system is provided. The virtual queue system includes a plurality of virtual queuing stations associated with corresponding attractions within a theme park; and a virtual queue control system configured to maintain corresponding virtual queues for the corresponding attractions and communicate with the plurality of virtual queuing stations, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to receive communication from the plurality of virtual queuing stations and add guests to the corresponding virtual queues based on the communication.

[0009] 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 a virtual queue has been added to the single attraction; and receiving, via the communication circuit, a status message related to a position in the virtual queue. Brief Description of the Drawings

[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, wherein like reference numerals denote like parts throughout the drawings, wherein: FIG1 is a flowchart of a method using a virtual queue system according to the present technology; FIG2 is a schematic diagram of a theme park including a virtual queue system according to the present technology; FIG3 is a block diagram of an active wearable device according to the present technology; and FIG4 is a block diagram of a virtual queue system according to the present technology. Detailed Description

[0011] The embodiments of the presently disclosed embodiment facilitate virtual queuing within theme parks. The virtual queue control system provided herein manages 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, which is dynamically managed by a control system to add or remove guests, update positions in 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), which are carried or associated with guests and interact 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, identification, or other credentials. For example, guests at a water park may not want to manage paper tickets that may get wet. Furthermore, since guests wearing swimwear 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.

[0012] Figure 1 is a flowchart of a virtual queue management method 10 according to this embodiment. Method 10 includes receiving or providing park credentials (box 12), entering or facilitating entry into amusement park or park features (box 14), determining or providing wait times for one or more attractions (box 16), entering or establishing a position in a virtual queue (box 18), monitoring or waiting in 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 the relevant system features.

[0013] FIG2 is a schematic representation of a system 100 for facilitating queuing according to this embodiment. System 100 includes system 102, monitoring sensor 104, wireless communication system 106, system display 108, 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 their role in method 10 illustrated by FIG1. Specifically, it should be noted that this embodiment promotes 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).

[0014] As generally shown by block 12 of method 10, when guests 120 arrive at ticketing locations 124 (e.g., hotel front desk, information desk, customer service counter, park gate), among other things, they can 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 signage can be present at all such ticketing locations 124.In some cases, guest 120 may obtain an entry pass before arrival and may skip obtaining such a pass at ticketing location 124.

[0015] As generally shown in block 14 of method 10, guests may enter and be provided with access to the park or park area via entrance 126. Specifically, as shown in FIG1, entrance 126 may exclude physical ticket gates or similar physical pass-through counting or control features that may provide an obstacle to pass through entrance 126 when it is intended to be opened. That is, entrance 126 may be without ticket gates during operation. If guest 120 already has their entry pass or an identification code or number transferred to an active wearable device (“AW”) 110, guest 120 may essentially be provided with direct access to the park or park area. For example, guest 120 with a properly activated AW 110 may 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, which can be monitored by park employees (e.g., a security services company). This may include, for example, providing a photograph (e.g., a photograph of the guest's face) of guest 120 passing through entrance 126. The photograph can then 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.

[0016] Furthermore, as generally indicated by block 14 of method 10, if guests 120 do not have their AW 110 with them, or if their AW 110 is not properly activated, they may insert ticket media 132 into scanner 134, which 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 the guest 120 is authorized to enter the park or park area. If authorization is granted in this manner, an 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 the guest 120 who has obtained their AW 110 may appear in different locations. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the guest 120 may obtain their AW 110 after proceeding through entrance 126 (as illustrated in the embodiment of FIG2) or before proceeding through entrance 126.

[0017] As generally indicated by block 16 of method 10, waiting 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 waiting times for a specific attraction. For example, water slide 142 includes a display 144 specifically providing waiting 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 waiting 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 can provide waiting times for all surrounding attractions (e.g., ride 148). Display 146 can even provide waiting times for non-ride attractions, such as waiting 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 guest 120 places their portable device (e.g., a mobile phone) into locker 160.

[0018] 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 walks 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 the monitoring sensor 104 at the entrance portal 166 and detecting AW 110 via various aspects, which will be discussed further below. In another embodiment, guest 120 can enter a virtual queue by walking to a queue entry post 168 and engaging the post 168 with AW 110, the queue entry post 168 indicating the name of the attraction and the current wait time. This may include tapping AW 110 onto post 168 or placing it near post 168. Post 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 stake 168 may be associated with only one attraction, such that engaging stake 168 automatically enters the virtual queue of the associated attraction for guest 120, for example, entering the virtual queue at stake 168 without any guest selection between different attractions, and the tapping or engaging of stakes is a selection step for selecting the associated attraction.

[0019] Once a guest engages the queue entry stake 168, the guest's AW 110 will notify the guest (e.g., via tone, vibration, 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. In addition, stake 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 stake 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 he / she wishes to enter and engages the information desk with his / her AW 110 (e.g., taps). Once guest 120 engages queue information desk 172, guest's AW 110 will notify guest 120 (e.g., via tone, vibration, lighting) that he / she has been added to the virtual queue. For example, AW 110 may receive a signal that causes the information displayed on AW 110 to change. In addition, information desk 172 may additionally or alternatively provide notification of successful addition to the queue.

[0020] In another embodiment, guest 120 must physically go to the area of ​​a particular attraction and engage with the designated queue entry stake 168 for that attraction to enter the queue. That is, virtual queue entry is mediated only via the designated queue entry stake (or multiple queue entry stakes) 168 physically located with the attraction. In this way, guests are encouraged to view individual rides 148 and determine their interest in a ride before entering the virtual queue. A central queue controller forming stake 168 or information desk 172 receives communications and adds guests to the appropriate virtual queue. Addition can be based on timestamps or counters. For example, for an attraction with multiple tap-in stakes 168, guests can be added based on individual timestamps of the tap-in events and on a pre-entry basis.

[0021] In each embodiment discussed above, the guest's AW 110 can display an estimated return time.For example, the display on AW 110 may provide a time (e.g., 5:02 PM) before which guests should return to enter the loading group (see page 4 / 8 of the instruction manual, CN 122223824 A 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 remove any previously existing space in the virtual queue. In this way, guest 120 can move through the park and, upon noticing a more interesting ride or one with 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 queuing equipment and enjoy the park experience.

[0022] Furthermore, if more than one virtual queue is available, the difference between the wait times for the available virtual queues can be set to a sufficient amount of time to account for variables such as travel time between them. The system can also artificially space multiple virtual queues to optimize the 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-together time in addition to not being able to enter an additional queue, but may also take into account a certain predicted percentage of absence. In another embodiment, the virtual queuing system may only be effective if the wait time for the current attraction is greater than 10 minutes. In 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 the ride 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 in a given time period. To control the length of the virtual queue for the lower-capacity ride, in some embodiments, such as the virtual queue system provided herein, guest 120 may be prevented from entering two low-capacity ride virtual queues simultaneously.For example, when guest 120 has entered a low-capacity queue, engagement with a designated stake 168 for the second low-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 low-capacity ride ends. If guest 120 selects yes, guest 120 is added to the virtual queue for the second low-capacity ride and is automatically removed from the virtual queue for the first low-capacity ride.

[0023] As generally indicated by block 20 of method 10, this embodiment facilitates monitoring or waiting in a virtual queue. Guest 120 can wait in a 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, drink, or merchandise locations, or simply relaxing (e.g., resting on a deckchair). If the attraction wait time 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 wait 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 illustrated in the descriptions of 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.

[0024] As generally indicated by block 22 of method 10, this embodiment encourages initiating and participating in attraction experiences. In some embodiments, the virtual queuing system 100 notifies guests 120 prior to their scheduled boarding time. To determine the amount of prior notification (see page 5 / 8 of the specification, CN 122223824 A), system 100 utilizes several factors to optimize capacity: the current wait time at the attraction, the current distance of guest 120 from the attraction, the 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 a 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 the attraction's throughput is not severely insufficient, 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 (e.g., a bollard, information desk, etc. located in the exit path of the attraction) as described above.

[0025] 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 verification of access to controlled areas. In some embodiments, as triggered by AW 110, a guest's photo is automatically taken at each attraction. Such a photo can be purchased by 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. The information may include: the attractions visited (including the number and order of visits), the waiting time for each attraction, the time it takes for the guest to return to the attraction once notified, the entry time into the park, the exit time from the park, and the amount of money spent via the cashless system.

[0026] FIG3 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 that perform 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 can operate to receive information from system 100 to provide information to the user (e.g., return time for a ride). Additionally, indicators (e.g., light, vibration mechanisms, or audio features) can provide feedback to guest 120. Specifically, device 402 can communicate with system 100 via communication system 106. In some embodiments, this can 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., the waiting time experienced by user 120 associated with device 402). In some embodiments, AW 110 can be substantially passive, and indications (e.g., confirmation sounds) can be provided by system 100 (e.g., a loudspeaker announcing the nickname of a wearer entering a particular virtual queue).

[0027] Figure 4 is a block diagram of a virtual queue system 500 that can be implemented to manage queues in a theme park. System 500 includes a virtual queue control system 502 that communicates with one or more virtual queue stations 530. Virtual queue stations 530 can be implemented as portals or stakes (e.g., portal 166 or stake 168, see Figure 2), information desks, etc. Each park ride or attraction can be associated with one or more dedicated virtual queue stations 530 from which guests receive queues. That is, in some embodiments, each virtual queue station 530 can facilitate entry into a virtual queue for only one attraction. One or both of the virtual queue control system 502 and the individual virtual queue 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, as described on pages 6 / 8 of this specification (CN 122223824 A), may also include intermediate communication devices such as radio towers. In one embodiment, communication between the virtual queue station 530 and the virtual queue control system 502 is wired.

[0028] 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 perform the methods and control actions described herein. For example, processor 512 can execute instructions for dynamic virtual queue management based on input from virtual queue station 530 and data about guests entering the ride and leaving the park. Additional input 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 the guest's active wearable device or Global Positioning System (GPS) information, or by the guest's last access location to the virtual queue station or other access device.System 500 can store guest locations during a park visit to create an accessible log of guest locations within the park for predicting guest 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 alert or message is sent therein to return within a first timeframe (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, a return alert or message calculates a longer travel time by providing an earlier return time (e.g., “5 minutes before the volcanic rapids”), accounting for the longer walking time to the attraction. In this way, guests at similar locations in a virtual queue but at different locations within the park are estimated to return to the attraction within the same approximate time window.

[0029] 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, the 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).

[0030] The virtual queue station 530 receives signals (e.g., wireless signals, such as RF signals) from the guest AW 540. In one embodiment, the AW 540 may access the virtual queue station (e.g., via hand wave or by placing the AW 540 within the read area of ​​the virtual queue station 530), wherein it transmits signals via NFC and receives and updates signals via NFC. Furthermore, system components (e.g., virtual queuing station 540 and / or AW 540) can actively listen for wireless broadcasts and update the display upon receiving an appropriate broadcast. Alternatively, the virtual queuing station 530 can be a silent / passive system, and the AW 540 can bypass the need for the virtual queuing station 530 or ride entrance / exit stations to read the AW 540 by reading marker locations and sending requests via the wireless network. These signals can then be transmitted to the virtual queue control system 502 to add guests associated with the AW 540 to the virtual queue. The virtual queue system 500 may also include a ride entrance station 550 when the 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. A 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 queue station 530 or the ride entrance station 550.

[0031] 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 the virtual queue load for each attraction, 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 dynamically present ride options to each guest at a central information desk (e.g., queue information desk 172, see Figure 2). That is, while in some embodiments the 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 at 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.

[0032] Although only certain features of this embodiment have been described and illustrated herein, many modifications and changes 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 changes as falling 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.The instruction manual, page 8 / 8, reference number 11, CN 122223824 A, figure 1; the instruction manual's figure, page 1 / 4, reference number 12, CN 122223824 A, figure 2; the instruction manual's figure, page 2 / 4, reference number 13, CN 122223824 A, figure 3; the instruction manual's figure, page 3 / 4, reference number 14, CN 122223824 A, figure 4; the instruction manual's figure, page 4 / 4, reference number 15, CN 122223824 AA system in accordance with present embodiments includes a plurality of virtual queuing 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 in communication with the plurality of virtual queuing stations (530). The virtual queue control system (502) is configured to receive communications from the plurality of virtual queuing stations (530) and add guests to the respective virtual queues based on the communications.

Claims

1. A virtual queue system, comprising: A virtual queue control system is configured to maintain virtual queues at attractions, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to add guests to the virtual queues; Multiple wearable devices, including corresponding communicators, wherein the communicator of an individual wearable device among the multiple wearable devices is configured to transmit a wireless signal, the wireless signal including identification information of a guest associated with the individual wearable device; Multiple monitoring sensors are configured to receive wireless signals from the communicators of the multiple wearable devices at the scenic spot, and to transmit data received from the wireless signals to the virtual queue control system. The virtual queue control system is configured to send notifications to the communicators of the plurality of wearable devices based on their positions in the virtual queue. Receive the wireless signals from multiple monitoring sensors; and The characteristics of the virtual queue are determined based on the received wireless signals.

2. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The first sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is associated with the entrance to the attraction, and the second sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is located at the exit of the attraction, wherein the virtual queue is characterized by the time between the first and second sensors of the individual wearable device.

3. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The virtual queue control system is configured to provide reports on attraction visits to the individual wearable device based on the data.

4. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The virtual queue is characterized by the time between sending a notification to the individual wearable device to return to the attraction based on the individual wearable device's position in the virtual queue and sending a wireless signal as the individual wearable device passes through the attraction's entrance.

5. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The wearable device in question is a mobile device.

6. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The plurality of monitoring sensors include at least one radio frequency identification (RFID) reader.

7. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The virtual queue control system is configured to send a notification to the individual wearable device to return to the attraction based on the device's position in the virtual queue and the return speed history of guests associated with the individual wearable device.

8. The virtual queue system according to claim 7, wherein, The individual wearable device includes an indicator that is activated upon receiving the notification.

9. The virtual queue system according to claim 1, wherein, The attraction mentioned is one of several attractions.

10. The virtual queue system according to claim 9, wherein, Other attractions among the plurality of attractions have corresponding virtual queues, wherein the virtual queue controller receives data from additional monitoring sensors associated with the other attractions.

11. A virtual queue method, comprising: The wireless signal is received at one or more of a plurality of monitoring sensors from a communicator of a plurality of guest devices at the attraction, wherein the wireless signal includes guest identification information; Data based on the wireless signal is sent to the virtual queue control system; Maintaining a virtual queue including the guest identification information and related location information, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to send notifications to the communicators of the multiple guest devices based on updates to the location information; and The characteristics of the virtual queue are determined based on the received wireless signals.

12. The method according to claim 11, wherein, The first sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is associated with the entrance of the attraction, and the second sensor of the plurality of monitoring sensors is located at the exit of the attraction, wherein the virtual queue is characterized by the time between the first and second sensors for an individual guest device associated with a guest.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein determining the characteristics of the queue comprises: Based on communication from a first sensor associated with a wireless signal from an individual wearable device and a notification sent to the individual guest's device, the time when the guest returns to the attraction after the notification is sent is determined.

14. The method of claim 11, wherein the virtual queue is characterized by attraction waiting time.

15. The method of claim 14, further comprising displaying features of the virtual queue on a display.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the attraction is one of a plurality of attractions.

17. A virtual queue system, comprising: A virtual queue control system is configured to maintain virtual queues at attractions, wherein the virtual queue control system is configured to add guests to the virtual queues; Multiple guest devices, including corresponding communicators, wherein the communicator of an individual guest device among the multiple guest devices is configured to transmit a wireless signal, the wireless signal including identification information of a guest associated with the individual guest device; Multiple monitoring sensors are configured to receive wireless signals from the communicators of the multiple guest devices and to transmit data indicative of the wireless signals to the virtual queue control system. The virtual queue control system is configured as follows: Receive data from the plurality of monitoring sensors; Access the guest's location in the virtual queue based on the data; Estimate the return time to the attraction based on the guest's location; as well as Based on each guest's position in the virtual queue and the estimated return time, a notification is sent to the guest's device.

18. The virtual queue system according to claim 17, wherein, Guests in the virtual queue are assigned to different areas based on their location.

19. The virtual queue system according to claim 17, wherein, The virtual queue controller is configured to predict future guest locations based on the guest's current location.

20. The virtual queue system according to claim 17, wherein, The virtual queue controller is configured to estimate the waiting time at attractions based on the guest's location.

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