Queue Management Using BLE Beacons and Mobile Apps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current queue management techniques are not cost-effective, particularly in venues where customers need to wait for service, as they often rely on manual systems or inefficient notification methods.

Innovation Solution

A queue system utilizing Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) beacons and mobile applications to automatically manage customer positions in a queue by transmitting and receiving messages with queue information, such as wait times and positions, to mobile devices, allowing for real-time updates and incentives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual queue management systems are used, then implementation cost is low, but queue management efficiency and customer experience are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequeue management efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The queue management system is designed to serve multiple functions: automatic queue position assignment, real-time notification delivery, wait time tracking, and customer communication. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated system using mobile devices and notification services, the patent achieves high queue management efficiency without proportionally increasing system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically assigns queue positions and sends notifications without requiring manual intervention from staff. Customers receive automated updates about their queue position and estimated wait times through their mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual queue management while improving efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If traditional notification methods are used, then system cost is low, but information delivery accuracy and timeliness are poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvequeue information delivery accuracyVSAvoidsystem resource consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements a feedback mechanism where queue position updates and wait time estimates are automatically transmitted to customers' mobile devices. This ensures accurate and timely delivery of queue information, with the notification service providing real-time feedback to customers about their queue status without requiring excessive system resources

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical notification methods (such as physical ticket systems or manual announcements) with electronic notification delivery through mobile devices. This substitution improves information delivery accuracy and timeliness while actually reducing resource consumption by eliminating physical materials and manual processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9922297B2Queue techniques

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 NCR VOYIX CORP

AI summary

Queue techniques which use a beacon to detect customers. An example queue method includes receiving a message containing an identifier and contact information from a mobile communication device carried by a customer within communication range of a beacon, establishing a position of the customer in a queue, and sending a reply message to the mobile communication device at the contact information containing queue information.