Electronic Queue Management System for Wait Time Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional queuing systems waste time and discourage demand transfer due to inefficiencies in managing wait times and lack of information about queue lengths, requiring specialized devices or passes, which are not universally accessible.
Innovation Solution
An electronic queuing system that establishes virtual queues corresponding to actual queues, allowing bi-directional communication between users and queue managers, enabling users to join, leave, and receive updates on wait times via various devices, including cell phones, computers, and kiosks, without the need for specialized hardware or passes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional physical queues are used to manage wait times, then service order is maintained, but customer time is wasted and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual queue system that copies the essential function of physical queues through electronic means. Customers join virtual queues using mobile devices or kiosks, receiving digital queue positions and estimated wait times. This electronic copy eliminates the need for physical line-standing while maintaining service order, allowing customers to use their wait time productively elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical queuing (standing in line, human monitoring) with an electronic/digital system. Automated kiosks and mobile applications handle queue management, replacing human operators and physical infrastructure. This substitution reduces time loss by providing real-time updates and eliminating the need for customers to physically occupy queue space.
2Adaptability or versatility
If queue length information is not provided, then system complexity is reduced, but customers cannot make informed decisions about demand transfer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms that provide customers with real-time queue length information and estimated wait times through mobile devices and kiosks. This feedback enables customers to make informed decisions about whether to join a queue, switch to alternative services, or visit during off-peak hours. The system continuously updates queue status and communicates it back to customers, creating a closed-loop information system.
3Reliability
If specialized portable modules or passes are required for queue management, then queue tracking accuracy is improved, but device complexity and accessibility worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes universally available devices such as mobile phones and public kiosks for queue management, eliminating the need for specialized portable modules or passes. The system leverages the existing functionality of these common devices to provide queue joining, tracking, and notification services. This universal approach maintains reliability through standardized communication protocols while dramatically reducing device complexity and improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables customers to self-manage their queue participation using their own devices. Customers can independently join queues, view their position, receive notifications, and leave queues without requiring specialized hardware or staff assistance. This self-service model reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for specialized issueable passes while maintaining accurate tracking through device-based identification.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes methods and systems of allowing entities to create virtual queues that correspond to actual queue in an electronic queue-managing system, and allowing individuals to join the virtual queues using electronic devices (e.g., cell phone technology, wireless network communication technology). The queue-managing system updates the virtual queues based on information from an entity. The queue-managing system also sends messages and notifications of updated status of the virtual queues to the user periodically, automatically or in response to the user's request.