Queue Analysis Using Visual Tracking for Crowded Environments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current queue management systems, such as laser-based and Bluetooth signal-tracking systems, are inaccurate and cannot effectively track individual queue members in unrestricted imaging conditions and crowded environments, making it difficult to estimate queuing times accurately.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that analyze images from multiple positions within a queue to identify and track individual queue members, determining their trajectory and queuing time by comparing images over time, allowing for improved estimation of queuing statistics without the need to track all members, using techniques like the Munkres assignment algorithm for visual appearance matching.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If visual sensor based systems are used to track all individuals in a queue, then measurement precision of queue statistics may be improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to the unreasonable and unworkable assumption of tracking every individual in unrestricted imaging conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by tracking only a subset of queue members rather than all individuals. The system selects and tracks representative queue members (e.g., those at specific positions or with distinctive visual features) to infer queue statistics, thereby reducing computational complexity while maintaining acceptable measurement precision for queue management purposes
2Device complexity
If laser-based passenger counting systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision of queue statistics deteriorates because they cannot track specific individuals
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical/laser-based counting systems with visual sensor-based image processing. By using cameras and computer vision algorithms to detect and track queue members through image analysis, the system achieves individual-level tracking precision while maintaining relative system simplicity through software-based solutions rather than complex hardware arrays
3Measurement precision
If Bluetooth signal-tracking is used, then individual tracking capability is improved, but adaptability worsens because it requires passengers to have an active Bluetooth device about their person
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces Bluetooth signal-based tracking with visual sensor-based image processing. This substitution eliminates the requirement for passengers to carry specific electronic devices (Bluetooth devices), making the system universally applicable to all queue members regardless of what they carry, while maintaining individual tracking capability through visual feature detection and matching
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for analyzing a queue comprising: obtaining a first image acquired at a first time of a first position within a queue; obtaining a second image acquired at a second time of a second position within the queue; detecting a queue member within the first image; detecting a queue member with the second image; determining that the queue member detected within the second image is the same as the queue member detected within the first image; and determining a trajectory of the queue member within the queue based on a difference between the first time and the second time.