Gate Waiting Time Index Control for Line Balancing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for managing waiting lines, such as those described in Patent Document 1, do not effectively address the issue of varying waiting line lengths across multiple entrances to a single area, leading to discontent among users.
Innovation Solution
A control apparatus and method that computes a waiting time index value for each entrance and detects a first and second gate based on a predetermined criterion, allowing the terminal associated with the first gate to output priority use information for the second gate, thereby incentivizing users to use the shorter line.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple entrances are provided to one area, then user access convenience is improved, but waiting line length difference among entrances increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the guidance information based on real-time waiting line conditions at different gates. The guidance information is updated according to the detected waiting time index values, making the gate selection dynamic rather than fixed, thereby balancing the waiting lines across multiple entrances
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects the waiting time index values for each gate and uses this feedback information to generate appropriate guidance messages. The feedback loop continuously monitors waiting line conditions and adjusts guidance accordingly, enabling the system to respond to changing conditions and reduce waiting line differences
2Device complexity
If waiting line information is not provided to users, then system complexity is reduced, but user satisfaction deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables users to make informed decisions about which gate to use by providing them with waiting time information. Users can independently choose the most suitable gate based on the provided guidance, eliminating the need for complex manual intervention while improving satisfaction
Solution Approach 2:
The system computes and utilizes waiting time index values as key parameters to generate guidance information. By changing the parameter representation from raw waiting line data to meaningful index values and guidance messages, the system reduces complexity while maintaining user satisfaction
Data Source
AI summary
A control apparatus (2000) computes a waiting time index value for each of a plurality of gates (20) for entering an area (10). The control apparatus (2000) detects, from among the plurality of gates (20), a first gate (20) and a second gate (20) of which relation between the waiting time index values satisfies a first criterion. Herein, the waiting time index value of the first gate (20) is greater than the waiting time index value of the second gate (20). The control apparatus (2000) causes a terminal (30) associated with the first gate (20) to output priority use information, which allows prioritized use of the second gate (20).