System and method for determining and displaying queue wait times - Patents.com

Abstract

To provide a system and method for determining and displaying queue wait times that estimates the queue wait times for an amusement park.SOLUTION: A queue wait time estimation and output system for an amusement park causes a processor to: receive a first input via a first queue monitoring mode, where the first input is indicative of a first queue characteristic of at least one queue; receive a second input via a second queue monitoring mode, where the second input is indicative of a second queue characteristic of the at least one queue, and the second queue monitoring mode is different than the first queue monitoring mode; determine, based on the first queue monitoring characteristic and the second queue monitoring characteristic, at least one estimated queue wait time corresponding to the at least one queue; and output, to a display device, the at least one estimated queue wait time.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 8

Description

[Background technology]

[0001] Since the early 20th century, the popularity of amusement parks (or theme parks) has increased greatly. As a result, the demand has increased and the competition for amusement parks has increased accordingly. Therefore, it is desirable to add more fun and interactive attractions to amusement parks. Engaging guests throughout their time at the amusement park is a major priority for amusement park entities. While big attractions such as rides and shows tend to increase traffic at amusement parks, they also need to keep guests engaged, fascinated and intrigued along with other attractions during their visit, making the guest experience more memorable. Furthermore, to improve the guest experience, there is a need to accurately inform guests of their expectations at the amusement park, such as accurately informing guests of the estimated wait times for various attractions. Therefore, it is recognized that improved queue wait time estimation and display techniques are desirable.

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present technology, which are described and / or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. As such, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The following summarizes certain embodiments common in scope to the original claimed subject matter. These embodiments are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, but rather to provide a brief summary of some disclosed embodiments. Indeed, the disclosure may include a variety of forms that may be similar to or different from the embodiments set forth below.

[0004] In one embodiment, an amusement park queue wait time estimation system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive a first input via a first queue monitor mode. The first input is indicative of a first queue monitor characteristic of the at least one queue. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to receive a second input via a second queue monitor mode. The second input is indicative of a second queue monitor characteristic of the at least one queue, the second queue monitor mode being different from the first queue monitor mode. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to determine at least one estimated queue wait time corresponding to the at least one queue based on the first queue monitor characteristic and the second queue monitor characteristic. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to output the at least one estimated queue wait time to a display device.

[0005] In one embodiment, an amusement park queue wait time estimation system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive inputs from a wireless personal area network (PAN) monitor, each input of the input indicating a continuous wireless PAN connection time of a customer interface device (CID) between a start and an end of a queue. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to determine an estimated queue wait time corresponding to the queue based on the input. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to output the estimated queue wait time to a display device.

[0006] In one embodiment, an amusement park queue wait time estimation system includes a memory storing instructions and a processor configured to execute the instructions. Execution of the instructions causes the processor to receive inputs corresponding to a queue monitoring characteristic of the queue and determine a subset of the inputs that exceed a threshold of the queue monitoring characteristic. Execution of the instructions also causes the processor to determine an estimated queue wait time corresponding to the queue based on the first subset of inputs and output the estimated queue wait time on a display device.

[0007] These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present disclosure will be better understood from the following detailed description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like parts are designated with like numerals throughout. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of an overhead view of an amusement park including amusement park attractions and a queue wait time estimation system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a queue wait time estimation system configured to receive various queue wait time characteristics and output queue wait time estimates on various displays, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a top view of a queue with a wireless personal area network (PAN) queue monitoring mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a top view of a queue equipped with camera-based people counting and / or facial recognition monitoring mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a top view of a queue with device, ticket, and / or interactive tap point monitoring modes according to an embodiment of the disclosure. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a top view of a queue with thermal monitoring mode according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a top-down view of a queue with multiple monitoring modes according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating a method for determining and outputting an estimate of queue waiting time according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0009] Reference will now be made in detail to certain embodiments that are illustrated in the accompanying drawings and figures. In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments.

[0010] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. As used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will also be understood that the term "and / or" as used herein refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be further understood that as used herein, "includes," "including," "comprises," and / or "comprising" recite the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Additionally, as used herein, the term "if" may be interpreted to mean "when," "upon," or "upon determining" or "upon detecting."

[0011] Amusement parks are becoming increasingly popular, resulting in increased attendance and traffic at amusement parks. Thus, queues are employed to organize guests waiting to participate in the various attractions at the amusement park. Unexpected queue wait times can detract from the guest experience. Therefore, there is a need to accurately inform guests of the estimated queue wait times for the various attractions. Thus, it is now recognized that improved queue wait time estimation and display techniques are desirable.

[0012] In accordance with the present disclosure, a queue wait time estimation and display system may include one or more queue monitor modes and a queue controller configured to monitor one or more queue characteristics of one or more queues. The controller may receive data inputs indicative of the queue characteristics from the queue monitor modes and determine an estimated queue wait time based on the data inputs. The controller may output the estimated queue wait time to various display pipelines or devices. To improve the accuracy and reliability of the estimated queue wait time, the controller may, in some embodiments, select or rely on one of a plurality of queue monitor modes or a particular queue monitor mode for at least one queue based on inputs relatively indicative of improved accuracy or reliability of the one or more particular queue monitor modes and / or corresponding queue monitor characteristics. Additionally, the currently disclosed types of queue monitor modes may improve the accuracy and reliability of the estimate of the queue wait time. Additionally, the currently disclosed calculations, including filtering of inaccurate or unreliable data, may improve the accuracy and reliability of the estimate of the queue wait time. These and other features are described in detail below with reference to the drawings.

[0013] Referring now to the drawings, Figure 1 is a top schematic diagram of an embodiment of an amusement park 10 including amusement park attractions 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 and a queue wait time estimation system 11. The amusement park attractions 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 may include various types of attractions. For example, the amusement park attraction 12 may include a roller coaster and the amusement park attraction 14 may include a water ride. The amusement park attraction 16 may include a show and the amusement park attraction 18 may include a virtual or augmented reality experience. The amusement park attraction 20 may include a drop tower and the amusement park attraction 22 may include a simulator. The amusement park attraction 24 may include a swing and the amusement park attraction 26 may include a food court or food stand. Other attractions are possible.

[0014] Each amusement park attraction 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26 may include a corresponding queue 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27. The queues 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 may be arranged to organize a line of guests waiting to enter the amusement park attraction 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. In some embodiments, each queue 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25 may be divided into multiple queue segments corresponding to different types of queues. For example, queue 13 may include a first queue section dedicated to a single rider line, a second queue section dedicated to a regular queue, a third queue section dedicated to an express queue (e.g., having a short wait time enabled by an express queue ticket), and a fourth queue section dedicated to a virtual queue (e.g., where guests can wait in a digital queue without being physically in line and then physically arrive at the attraction at a predetermined time based on the digital wait time). Other queue options and queue sections are also possible.

[0015] The queue wait time estimation system 11 may be used by the amusement park 10 to monitor queues 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27, estimate queue wait times, and display the estimated queue wait times on various displays 35 (e.g., a customer interface (CID), such as a mobile phone, an online app, a queue-specific display at the amusement park 10, etc.). The queue wait time estimation system 11 may include, for example, a controller 28 having a communication circuitry 29, a processor 30, and a memory 31. The communication circuitry 29 may be used to communicatively couple the controller 28 to input devices and output devices, such as the display 35. The memory 31 may store instructions thereon that, when executed by the processor 30, cause the processor to complete a predetermined action. For example, the instructions, when executed by the processor 30, are configured to receive various inputs 32, determine an estimated queue wait time based on the inputs 32, and communicate an output 34 (e.g., the estimated queue wait time) to the various displays 35.

[0016] The wait time queue estimation system 11 may also include a number of monitoring systems 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 configured to monitor characteristics of the queues 13, 15, 17, 19, 21, 23, 25, 27 of the corresponding attractions 12, 14, 16, 18, 20, 22, 24, 26. Additionally, the monitoring systems 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 may output data indicative of the queue characteristics (e.g., queue throughput, queue length, actual wait times of various guests, etc.) to the controller 28, which receives the data as inputs 32 to the controller 28. It should be noted that the queue characteristics monitored at the amusement park 10 may vary. For example, the queue monitoring system 38 may monitor queue throughput, the queue monitoring system 40 may monitor queue length, the queue monitoring system 42 may monitor actual wait times of various guests, etc. Additionally, a particular monitoring system, such as monitoring system 38 associated with queue 13 of attraction 12, may be switched to monitor different monitoring characteristics at a given time. For example, monitoring system 38 may monitor a characteristic indicative of queue rate (e.g., a characteristic indicative of the number of guests passing the end of queue 13 per unit time) during a first period of time and monitor a characteristic indicative of queue length (e.g., a characteristic indicative of the number of guests in queue 13) during a second period of time different from the first period of time. Additionally, a particular monitoring system, such as monitoring system 38, may monitor multiple queue segments (e.g., single rider queue segment, normal queue segment, express queue, virtual queue segment, etc.) of the corresponding queue 13. Controller 28 may receive various inputs 32, input the inputs to a queue wait time estimation algorithm, and communicate the estimated queue wait time via output 34 to the various displays 35 described above.

[0017] In addition to the above points, different modes of queue monitoring may be used throughout the amusement park 10. For example, FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating an embodiment of the queue wait time estimation system 11 of the amusement park 10 of FIG. 1. As previously mentioned, the controller 28 may receive data indicative of queue characteristics (e.g., queue throughput, queue rate, queue length, actual queue wait time, etc.) from the queue monitoring system 38 via input 32. In some embodiments, the queue monitoring systems 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 may be wired to the controller 28. In other embodiments, an internet system 133 may be utilized to wirelessly transmit data from the queue monitoring systems 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 to the controller 28.

[0018] After receiving various inputs 32 that are data indicative of queue characteristics, the controller 28 can input the inputs 32 to one or more algorithms to determine estimated queue wait times for queues associated with various amusement park attractions. The controller 28 can communicate the estimated queue wait times via outputs 34 to various display pipelines 35, which may include, for example, a mobile application 72, a website 74, one or more in-park displays 76, a smartwatch application 78, a digital assistant 80, and others 82.

[0019] The queue monitoring systems 38, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52 that provide the above inputs 32 to the controller 28 may use different modes of monitoring. The modes may be characterized by the method of monitoring the queues and / or the devices used to monitor the queues.

[0020] For example, a manual input mode 54 may be used whereby an operator inputs data (e.g., queue throughput, queue rate, queue length, actual queues for various guests, etc.) to the controller 28 as one of the inputs 32. The data may be input to an algorithm used by the controller 28 to determine an estimated queue wait time, which is communicated via outputs 34 to various display devices 35.

[0021] Additionally or alternatively, a wireless personal area network (PAN) mode 56 can be used. The wireless personal area network (PAN) mode 56 can include, for example, one or more wireless PAN monitors (e.g., Bluetooth connection monitors) that connect to or monitor the wireless PAN (e.g., Bluetooth) connection of the guest device while the guest is in a queue with the wireless PAN mode 56. For example, the Bluetooth connection monitor can monitor the continuous connection of the guest device while the guest is waiting. The continuous connection can indicate, for example, the actual waiting time of the guest associated with the guest device. In some embodiments, the wireless PAN mode 56 can include a Bluetooth monitor that monitors the waiting time of the guest, which can be inferred or determined based on the strength of the Bluetooth connection, the strength exceeding a threshold strength at a given time. However, it should be noted that other wireless PAN connections besides Bluetooth can also be used.

[0022] Additionally or alternatively, device tap mode 58, ticket tap mode 60, and / or interactive tap point mode 62 may be used. Device tap mode 58 may include device tap stations at the beginning and end of the queue. Guests may tap their customer interface device (CID), such as a cell phone, at the device tap stations at the beginning and end of the line, and based on the time between the beginning tap and the end tap, the guest's actual wait time may be estimated. Ticket tap mode 60 may operate similarly, but may include ticket taps (e.g., scanning a barcode, QR code, etc.) at the beginning and end of the queue. Interactive tap point mode 62 may operate similarly, but may include an interactive tapping scheme whereby guests interact with interactive tap stations in a manner that uniquely identifies the guest at the beginning of the line, the end of the line, and any point in between.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, a camera-based people counting mode 64 and / or facial recognition mode 66 may be used. For example, cameras may be used at the beginning of the queue, the end of the queue, and anywhere in between. The cameras and / or controller 28 may count the number of guests in the queue, or the number of guests passing the end of the queue or other points over a period of time. In some embodiments, facial recognition may be used in conjunction with or separately from the people counting functionality. For example, a facial recognition camera may be installed at the beginning of the queue and an additional facial recognition camera may be installed at the end of the queue. The facial recognition camera or controller 28 may determine the actual wait time of a particular guest by determining when the particular guest entered the queue and when the particular guest left the queue.

[0024] Additionally or alternatively, a sensor-based (e.g., infrared sensor-based) heat detection mode 68 can be used. In heat detection mode 68, one or more sensors (e.g., infrared sensors) can detect heat sources (e.g., people) and / or a heat distribution of heat sources, which is indicative of, for example, queue length. For example, infrared sensors distributed along the queue can detect the distribution of heat sources between the end of the queue and a predefined point between the end of the queue and the beginning of the queue. The queue length may be based on the length between the end of the queue and a predefined point that is an edge of the distribution of heat sources. Additionally or alternatively, other modes 70 of queue monitoring can be used.

[0025] It should be noted that each queue is not necessarily limited to a single mode of the various modes 54, 56, 58, 60, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, 70. For example, in accordance with the present disclosure, a single queue may include multiple modes of monitoring, such as a wireless PAN mode 56, a people counting and / or face recognition mode 64, 66, etc. In some embodiments, a first mode of monitoring a single queue may be used at a first time point and a second mode of monitoring a single queue may be used at a second time point. Additionally or alternatively, the first and second modes of monitoring may be used simultaneously in cooperation. Furthermore, as previously discussed, a single queue may be divided into multiple segments, including, but not limited to, a single rider segment, a regular queue segment, an express queue segment, a virtual queue segment, or any combination thereof. Each queue segment may include a dedicated queue monitoring mode, all queue segments may include the same queue monitoring mode, or a single queue segment may include multiple queue monitoring modes.

[0026] 3-7 further illustrate the queue monitoring modes described above. FIG. 3 is a top view of an embodiment of a queue 90 monitored by wireless PAN mode 56. In wireless PAN mode 56, Bluetooth receivers 92, 94, 96 (or other wireless PAN receivers) may be distributed along the queue 90. In the illustrated embodiment, a first Bluetooth receiver 92 is located at the beginning of the queue 90, a second Bluetooth receiver 94 is located in the middle of the queue 90, and a third Bluetooth receiver 96 is located at the end or final end of the queue 90. However, any number of receivers may be used. In some embodiments, only a single Bluetooth receiver is used. One or more Bluetooth receivers 92, 94, 96 may be configured to connect to a customer interface device (CID) 98, such as a mobile phone with Bluetooth capabilities. The connection may be continuously monitored while the guest and the corresponding CID 98 are in the queue. It should be noted that other wireless PAN components (e.g., other than Bluetooth components) may be used.

[0027] The connection duration may be communicated to the controller 28 by one or more Bluetooth receivers 92, 94, 96 as one of the inputs 32. In some embodiments, the combined connection duration detected by all Bluetooth receivers 92, 94, 96 may be communicated to the controller 28 as one of the inputs 32 (e.g., to account for connection overlap between independent connection durations detected by Bluetooth receivers 92, 94, 96). The connection duration may be measured as the time that the Bluetooth connection exceeds a threshold connection strength. Additionally, the connection durations at various regions within the queue 90 may be monitored individually to determine blockages or stalls in the queue 90, unexpected latency (e.g., latency earlier than expected), and other characteristics that may be utilized to determine if the data is bad data and should not be used to calculate the estimated queue latency. The controller 28 may calculate the estimated queue latency based on the inputs 32 and communicate the estimated queue latency as output 34 to various display pipelines or devices 35 (e.g., displays).

[0028] 4 is a top view of an embodiment of a queue 100 monitored by a camera-based people counting and / or facial recognition mode 64, 66. In a camera-based people counting and / or facial recognition mode 64, 66, the cameras 102, 104, 106 may be distributed along the queue 100. In the illustrated embodiment, a first camera 102 is located at the beginning of the queue 100, a second camera 104 is located in the middle of the queue 100, and a third camera 106 is located at the end or terminal of the queue 100. However, any number of cameras may be used. In some embodiments, only one camera is used. The cameras 102, 104, 106 may be configured to record the queue 100 as guests are in and pass through the queue 100. In some embodiments, one or more of the cameras 102, 104, 106 may include facial recognition software, or the controller 28 may include facial recognition software. Facial recognition software can be utilized to identify guests at least at the beginning and end or tail of the queue 100. A period of time corresponding to the guest waiting between the beginning and tail can be received as one of the inputs 32 or determined by the controller 28 based on inputs 32 received from one or more of the cameras 102, 104, 106 or an intervening device. When the people counting mode 64 is employed, data from the cameras 102, 104, 106 can be utilized, for example, to determine the number of guests in the queue 100 at a given time, which can be used to infer or determine the queue length. The inputs 32 to the controller 28 are utilized to calculate an estimated queue wait time, which is communicated as an output 34 to various displays 35.

[0029] FIG. 5 is a top view of an embodiment of a queue 100 monitored by device, ticket, and / or interactive tap point modes 58, 60, 62. In each of these modes 58, 60, 62, tap stations 112, 114, 116 can be distributed about the queue 110. Any number of tap stations 112, 114, 116 can be used. The tap stations 112, 114, 116 can be utilized to receive taps from a device (e.g., a customer interface device (CID) such as a mobile phone), a ticket (e.g., by scanning a barcode or QR code), or the guest themselves. In the interactive tap point mode 62, the guest can interact with the various tap stations 112, 114, 116 in a manner that uniquely identifies the guest (e.g., by entering a code or name associated with the guest). Additionally or alternatively, in the interactive tap point mode 62, the aggregate amount of guest taps can be utilized to estimate queue characteristics. The controller 28 receives as one of its inputs 32 tap data indicative of queue characteristics, determines estimated queue latency based on the tap data, and communicates the latency as output 34 to various display pipelines or devices 35.

[0030] 6 is a top view of an embodiment of a queue 120 monitored by a sensor-based thermal monitoring mode 68. In the sensor-based thermal monitoring mode 68, sensors 122, 124, 126 may be distributed along the queue 120. In the illustrated embodiment, a first sensor 122 is located at the beginning of the queue 120, a second sensor 124 is located in the middle of the queue 120, and a third sensor 126 is located at the end or terminal of the queue 120. However, any number of sensors may be used. In some embodiments, only one sensor may be used. The sensors 122, 124, 126 may be, for example, infrared sensors. In general, the sensors 122, 124, 126 may be configured to detect a heat source or a thermal distribution of a heat source. The controller 28 may receive data indicative of a heat source or a thermal distribution of a heat source as one of the inputs 32. The queue length may be determined or estimated based on the data indicative of the heat source or a thermal distribution of the source. For example, the queue length may be determined based on the length between the end or terminal of the queue and a point at the edge of the heat source or distribution of heat sources. The controller 28 may calculate estimated queue wait times based on inputs 32 received from one or more sensors 122, 124, 126 and output the estimated queue wait times to various display pipelines or devices 35.

[0031] As previously discussed, multiple queue monitoring modes may be used with a single queue. For example, Figure 7 illustrates an overhead view of an embodiment of a queue 130 monitored by multiple monitoring modes (e.g., wireless PAN mode 56, camera-based people counting and / or facial recognition modes 64, 66, device, ticket, and / or interactive tap point modes 58, 60, 62, sensor-based heat detection mode 68, or any combination thereof). As illustrated, components of each mode 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 (e.g., Bluetooth or other wireless PAN receivers 92, 94, 96, cameras 102, 104, 106, tap stations 112, 114, 116, and / or heat detection sensors 122, 124, 126) may be distributed about the queue 130. In some embodiments, all or more of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 may be used simultaneously in a coordinated manner, and the controller 28 may determine an estimated queue wait time for the queue 130 based on data received as inputs 32 for all or more of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68. In other embodiments, the controller 28 may select which mode 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 to use at a given time. For example, the controller 28 may receive as one of the inputs 32 data used to determine which mode 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 to use. The data may include, for example, the type of attraction associated with the queue 130, weather related data, data indicative of a blockage or stoppage of the queue, a stoppage or malfunction of one or more of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, etc.

[0032] In some embodiments, the mode selection input device 131 provides the controller 28 with data utilized by the controller 28 and can be used to select or switch between one or more of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68. For example, the mode selection input device 131 can be a manual operation interface, a weather sensor (e.g., a hygrometer, a solar or cloud cover sensor, etc.), a power sensor configured to detect the outage of one of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, or other input device. In some embodiments, the mode selection input device 131 can be used to explicitly select one or more of the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 and / or can be incorporated as part of the controller 28. The above selection or switching functionality can improve the queue wait time estimation system 11. For example, the ability to select or switch between the various modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 may improve the accuracy of the estimated latency calculated by controller 28 and / or may provide redundancy against failure of one of modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68 due to, for example, a mechanical or electrical failure, a weather-related failure, etc.

[0033] It should also be noted that the queue 130 may be separated into multiple queue segments and an estimated queue wait time may be determined by the controller 28 for each queue segment. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the queue 130 includes a regular queue segment 132 and an express queue segment 134. Other types of queue segments may include single rider segments, virtual queue segments, family queue segments, etc. Each segment 132, 134 may be monitored by one or more of the same modes as the modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, or the segments 132, 134 may be monitored by different modes 56, 58, 60, 62, 64, 66, 68. Indeed, a given segment may be more easily monitored by a particular mode and / or by monitoring a particular queue characteristic (e.g., queue throughput, queue length, queue rate, actual wait time, etc.). For example, a shorter segment (e.g., express queue segment 134) may be more easily and / or more accurately monitored in wireless PAN mode 56, while a longer segment (e.g., regular queue segment 132) may be more easily monitored in heat detection mode 68. As alluded to above, mode switching by controller 28 may also be used with respect to each of queue segments 132, 134.

[0034] 8 is a process flow diagram illustrating an embodiment of a method 150 for determining and displaying queue wait time estimates. Method 150 includes determining a monitoring mode for one or more queues or queue segments (block 151). Available monitoring modes may include, for example, wireless PAN monitoring, device, ticket, or interactive tap point monitoring, camera-based people counting and / or facial recognition monitoring, heat detection monitoring, manual input monitoring, or other types of monitoring. As previously discussed, one or more monitoring modes may be used for a given queue or queue segment. In certain embodiments, the monitoring mode used at a given time or time period may be selected based on input data, such as data indicative of a weather event, a ride type, or an outage status of one of the available modes.

[0035] The method 150 also includes receiving data indicative of queue characteristics from one or more sources (e.g., a queue monitoring system corresponding to the selected queue monitoring mode) (block 152). For example, as previously discussed, the data may indicate queue throughput, queue rate, queue length, or actual wait time for various guests in the queue.

[0036] Method 150 also includes comparing the data indicative of the queue characteristic to a threshold characteristic (block 154). For example, the queue characteristic may be an actual wait time experienced by the guest. The actual wait time experienced by the guest may be compared to an estimate of a certain percentage of a previously determined queue wait time. That is, method 150 may include determining whether the actual wait time experienced by the guest exceeds 75%, 80%, 85%, 90%, or other certain percentage of the previously determined queue wait time. Indeed, for a given queue, guests may be able to cut in line or otherwise bypass a portion of the queue, which cut in or bypass is not available to most guests in most cases. Method 150 may include removing data that does not meet the threshold characteristic (block 156). That is, method 150 may include removing data that corresponds to an abnormal situation where a guest cuts in line or bypasses a portion or queue.

[0037] Method 150 also includes calculating an estimated queue wait time based on the data (e.g., satisfying a threshold characteristic) (block 158). For example, method 150 can include inputting the data into an algorithm that estimates a queue wait time based on the data. In one embodiment, the algorithm can receive data indicative of queue lengths and can include corresponding estimated queue times for various queue lengths or ranges of queue lengths. Additionally or alternatively, the algorithm can receive data indicative of queue rates or queue throughputs and can include corresponding estimated queue wait times for various rates or queue throughputs. Additionally or alternatively, the algorithm can receive data indicative of actual wait times experienced by various guests and can calculate an average (e.g., mean), or median, or other value to be used as the estimated queue wait time. It should be noted that more than one of the above schemes can be used. For example, in some embodiments, more than one of the above calculations can be performed and method 150 can include selecting one of the calculations and / or a weighted average of the calculations as the estimated queue wait time.

[0038] Once the estimated queuing wait time is determined, the estimated queuing wait time can be used to determine threshold characteristics (block 160) for use in block 154. Further, as previously described, method 150 includes outputting the estimated queuing wait time to one or more display pipelines or devices (block 162). The estimated queuing wait time can be output, for example, to a mobile app, a website, an in-park display, a smartwatch application, a digital assistant, or other display pipeline or device.

[0039] The presently disclosed queue monitoring and queue wait time display features can improve the accuracy and reliability of queue wait time estimates. Greater accuracy and reliability of queue wait time estimates can improve the guest experience due to improved guest expectations.

[0040] The technology presented and claimed herein refers to and is applied to tangible objects and specific examples of a practical nature that clearly improve the art, and is therefore not abstract, intangible, or purely theoretical. Moreover, where any claim appended at the end of this specification contains one or more elements designated as "means for [performing] ... [function]" or "step for [performing] ... [function]," it is intended that such elements be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f). However, for any claim containing an element designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements not be construed pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

1. A queue waiting time estimation and output system for an amusement park, comprising: A memory for storing instructions; a processor configured to execute the instructions; Equipped with The instructions cause the processor to: receiving a queue monitor mode input related to one or more of a plurality of queue monitor modes via a queue monitor mode input sensor; selecting a first queue monitor mode from the plurality of queue monitor modes based on the queue monitor mode input; after selecting the first queue monitor mode based on the queue monitor mode input, receiving a first input via the first queue monitor mode, the first input indicative of a first queue characteristic of at least one queue; receiving a second input via a second queue monitor mode of the plurality of queue monitor modes, the second input indicative of a second queue characteristic of the at least one queue, the second queue monitor mode being different from the first queue monitor mode; determining at least one estimated queue latency corresponding to the at least one queue in response to the first input indicative of the first queue monitor characteristic associated with the first queue monitor mode and the second input indicative of the second queue monitor characteristic associated with the second queue monitor mode; outputting said at least one estimated queue waiting time on a display device; The queue waiting time estimation and output system for an amusement park is as follows:

2. the first queue monitoring characteristic and the second queue monitoring characteristic correspond to only one queue; The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 1.

3. the first queue monitoring characteristic corresponds to a first queue of the at least one queue, and the second queue monitoring characteristic corresponds to a second queue of the at least one queue. The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 1.

4. the processor is configured to execute the instructions; The instructions cause the processor to: receiving a plurality of data points corresponding to the first input and the second input; comparing the plurality of data points to a data threshold; determining a first subset of data points of the plurality of data points that do not satisfy the data threshold and a second subset of data points of the plurality of data points that satisfy the data threshold; removing a first subset of data points of the plurality of data points that do not satisfy the data threshold; determining the at least one estimated queue waiting time corresponding to the at least one queue based on a second subset of the data points; Execute the The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

5. the data threshold comprises a certain percentage of a previously determined estimate of queue waiting time; A queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 4.

6. the first queue monitoring mode includes a wireless personal area network (PAN) mode, and the second queue monitoring mode includes a camera mode; The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

7. The camera mode includes at least a people counting camera mode or a face recognition camera mode. A queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 6.

8. the first queue monitoring mode includes a device tap mode, a ticket tap mode, an interactive tap mode, or any combination thereof; The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

9. the first queue monitoring mode includes an infrared sensor mode; The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

10. a first queue monitoring device configured to respond to the first queue monitoring mode and to output the first input to the processor, the first queue monitoring device including at least a wireless personal area network (PAN) sensor, a camera, a device tap sensor, a ticket tap sensor, an interactive tap device, or an infrared sensor; a second queue monitoring device configured to respond to the second queue monitoring mode and to output the second input to the processor; Equipped with The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

11. at least one Bluetooth sensor corresponding to the first queue monitoring mode; the at least one Bluetooth sensor is configured to continuously monitor a Bluetooth connection between the at least one Bluetooth sensor and a customer interface device (CID) of the at least one queue guest; The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

12. the processor is configured to execute the instructions; The instructions cause the processor to: selecting the first queue monitor mode from the plurality of queue monitor modes based on at least one additional queue monitor mode input corresponding to at least a queue type or an attraction type. The queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 1.

13. A queue waiting time estimation and output system for an amusement park, comprising: A memory for storing instructions; a processor configured to execute the instructions; Equipped with The instructions cause the processor to: receiving at least one queue monitor mode input associated with one or more queue monitors from at least one queue monitor mode input sensor; selecting a first queue monitoring mode from a plurality of queue monitoring modes in response to the at least one queue monitoring mode input, the first queue monitoring mode including a wireless personal area network (PAN) monitor among the one or more queue monitors; receiving a plurality of inputs from the wireless PAN monitor after selecting the wireless PAN monitor, each input of the plurality of inputs indicative of a continuous wireless PAN connection time of a respective customer interface device (CID) between a start and an end of a queue and indicative of a first queue monitoring characteristic of the queue; receiving a second input via a second queue monitor mode of the plurality of queue monitor modes, the second input indicative of a second queue characteristic of the queue, the second queue monitor mode being different from the first queue monitor mode; determining an estimated queue waiting time corresponding to the queue in response to the plurality of inputs indicative of a first queue monitor characteristic associated with the first queue monitor mode and the second input indicative of a second queue monitor characteristic associated with the second queue monitor mode; outputting the estimated queuing waiting time on a display device; Execute the An amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system.

14. the processor is configured to execute the instructions; The instructions cause the processor to: receiving a plurality of additional inputs from a monitor having a different mode type than the wireless PAN monitor, each additional input of the plurality of additional inputs indicating a queue monitoring characteristic of the queue; determining the estimated queue waiting time corresponding to the queue based on the plurality of inputs and the plurality of additional inputs; Execute the The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 13.

15. the processor is configured to execute the instructions; The instructions cause the processor to: determining a request to calculate an additional estimated queue waiting time in place of the estimated queue waiting time; receiving a plurality of additional inputs from a monitor having a different mode type than the wireless PAN monitor, each additional input of the plurality of additional inputs indicating a queue monitoring characteristic of the queue; determining the additional estimated queue waiting time corresponding to the queue based on the plurality of additional inputs; outputting said additional estimated queuing waiting time on said display device; Execute the The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 13.

16. A memory for storing instructions; a processor configured to execute the instructions; Equipped with The instructions cause the processor to: receiving a queue monitor mode input related to one or more of a plurality of queue monitor modes via a queue monitor mode input sensor; selecting a first queue monitor mode from the plurality of queue monitor modes in response to receiving the queue monitor mode input; receiving a plurality of inputs from the first queue monitor mode corresponding to a first queue monitor characteristic of the queue; determining a subset of inputs of the plurality of inputs that exceed a threshold of the first queue monitoring characteristic; receiving a second input from a second queue monitor mode of the plurality of queue monitor modes, the second queue monitor mode being different from the first queue monitor mode, the second input being indicative of a second queue characteristic of the queue; determining an estimated queue latency corresponding to the queue based on the subset of inputs corresponding to the first queue monitor characteristic associated with the first queue monitor mode and the second input indicative of the second queue monitor characteristic of the queue associated with the second queue monitor mode; outputting the estimated queuing waiting time on a display device; Execute the An amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system.

17. the first queue monitoring characteristic corresponds to an actual waiting time; each input of the plurality of inputs corresponds to an actual wait time of a guest; The threshold comprises a certain percentage of a previously determined estimate of queue waiting time. The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 16.

18. The queue monitoring mode input sensor includes: a power sensor configured to detect a deactivation of the one or more queue monitor modes of the plurality of queue monitor modes; or a weather sensor configured to detect a weather-related characteristic associated with the queue monitor mode input related to the one or more queue monitor modes of the plurality of queue monitor modes. Including, The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 1.

19. The at least one queue monitor mode input sensor includes: a power sensor configured to detect a deactivation of the one or more queue monitoring modes; or a weather sensor configured to detect a weather-related characteristic associated with the at least one queue monitor mode input related to the one or more queue monitor modes; Including, The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system according to claim 13.

20. The queue monitoring mode input sensor includes: a power sensor configured to detect a deactivation of the one or more queue monitor modes of the plurality of queue monitor modes; or a weather sensor configured to detect a weather-related characteristic associated with the queue monitor mode input related to the one or more queue monitor modes of the plurality of queue monitor modes. Including, The amusement park queue waiting time estimation and output system of claim 16.

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