Camera-Based Queue Length Estimation for Venue Wait Time Prediction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for estimating wait times in entertainment and event venues are inaccurate and inefficient, particularly for smaller attractions, as they rely on manual calculations that fail to account for fluctuating guest numbers and densities, leading to unpredictable wait times and inefficient resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing cameras to estimate the number of venue guests in queues by processing images and applying weighting based on gradient masks to account for perspective effects, allowing for real-time notification of wait times and queue management through virtual queuing systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual wait time estimation methods are used, then the system complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision and reliability of wait time estimates deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidwait time estimation accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical estimation methods with an automated image processing system that uses cameras and computer vision algorithms to count guests and calculate wait times, eliminating human error and providing continuous accurate measurements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically monitors queue lengths and estimates wait times without requiring manual intervention, allowing the queue management system to self-monitor and provide real-time information to guests

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If manual queue monitoring is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and responsiveness of the system deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring system complexityVSAvoidqueue management efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing system operates continuously to monitor queue lengths in real-time, providing continuous updates on wait times and enabling dynamic queue management responses without interruption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

Manual monitoring is replaced with automated computer vision technology that continuously captures and analyzes queue images, significantly improving response speed and management efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If real-time image processing is implemented, then the measurement precision of queue length improves, but the use of energy and computational resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequeue length estimation accuracyVSAvoidcomputational energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system processes images at strategic key moments when queue length changes are likely to occur (e.g., when guests join or leave the queue) rather than continuously processing every frame, reducing computational energy consumption while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The image processing frequency and intensity are dynamically adjusted based on queue conditions, increasing processing when needed and reducing processing during stable periods to optimize energy consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If manual wait time estimation is provided only for main attractions, then the operational complexity is reduced, but the adaptability and guest experience quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational complexityVSAvoidqueue information availability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The image processing system is universally applied across all attractions and points of interest within the venue, providing standardized queue length and wait time information for every location, not just major attractions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4492339A1Methods of estimating a throughput of a resource, a length of a queue associated with the resource and/or a wait time of the queue

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 ACCESSO TECHNOLOGY GROUP PLC

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AI summary

A method of estimating a length of a queue associated with a resource within a venue is provided. The method comprises receiving, from one or more cameras present in the venue, one or more images of the queue. The method further comprises estimating, by a server, a number of venue guests in the queue, based on the one or more images of the queue. The queue comprises one or more segments. Each of the one or more images corresponds to a segment of the queue. Estimating the number of venue guests in the queue comprises one or more of: for each of a first subset of the one or more images, estimating a number of venue guests in the corresponding segment of the queue by estimating a number of pixels of the image that correspond to venue guests in the queue; and for each of a second subset of the one or more images, estimating a number of venue guests in the corresponding segment of the queue by detecting and counting individual venue guests visible in the image. The method further comprises sending, to one or more of a front-end device and mobile devices corresponding to venue guests, a notification comprising one or more of: the estimated number of venue guests in the queue; an estimated current wait time based on the estimated number of venue guests in the queue; and a time at which a venue guest joining the queue is permitted entry to the resource, based on the estimated number of venue guests in the queue.