Queue Management System with Wireless Turn Notifications
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Solution Overview
Problem
In situations where demand for a service exceeds supply, individuals waiting in queues often waste time and money, as they must remain present to maintain their turn, which can be inefficient and unpleasant.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a queue management system with turn-distributing terminals at waiting areas, allowing individuals to request and receive turns via kiosks, Wi-Fi access points, or Bluetooth transceivers, and offering optional warning communications in exchange for payment or advertisement acceptance, enabling them to leave the reception area while still receiving timely notifications of their turn.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a person waits in the queue at the reception area to maintain their turn, then they can ensure they do not lose their turn, but they waste time and cannot do something useful or pleasurable
Solution Approach 1:
The system sends preliminary warning communications to the user before their turn arrives, allowing them to prepare and return to the reception area at the appropriate time. This eliminates the need to wait continuously at the reception area while ensuring the turn is not lost.
Solution Approach 2:
The queue management system acts as an intermediary between the user and the service provider, communicating turn status and warnings to the user via wireless device. This allows the user to leave the reception area while the system monitors and notifies them when to return.
2Loss of time
If a person leaves the reception area to do something useful or pleasurable, then they can utilize their time productively, but they risk losing their turn if not physically present when announced
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides continuous feedback to the user through warning communications, informing them of their turn status and notifying them when to return to the reception area. This feedback mechanism allows the user to leave and return at the appropriate time without losing their turn.
Solution Approach 2:
The system sends preliminary warnings before the turn is announced, giving the user advance notice to return to the reception area. This preliminary action ensures the user is present when needed while allowing them to be away doing other activities during the waiting period.
3Loss of time
If the system transmits warning communications to users, then users can be notified of their approaching turn and utilize waiting time productively, but the system incurs communication costs and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The queue management system integrates multiple functions including turn assignment, wireless communication, and notification delivery into a single system. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by consolidating components rather than adding separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically manages turn tracking and sends warnings without requiring manual intervention. This self-service capability reduces operational complexity and allows the system to handle multiple users simultaneously with minimal human oversight.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are methods and devices for queue management that allow a person waiting in the queue to choose to receive at least one warning communication, for example on a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the person agrees to “buy” the warnings and concomitant free time by agreeing to pay for at least one warning communication and/or by agreeing to accept advertisements.