Queue Number Sensing for Low-Cost Remote Wait Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing queue management systems face a trade-off between flexibility and cost, with low-cost, simple systems lacking advanced features and high-cost, complex systems requiring significant installation and maintenance, while modern computerized systems are costly to replace and maintain.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that integrates a served number sensor to digitally acquire the queue number from a display, transmitting this data to portable devices via a wireless network, allowing users to monitor their position in the queue remotely and enabling advanced features like real-time notifications and statistics without replacing existing infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple numerical display with incremental pushbutton is used, then the system cost is low and ease of manufacture is improved, but the flexibility and advanced features are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a simple numerical display system with a sensor that optically detects the displayed number and transmits it digitally to portable devices. This merging allows the basic low-cost display to gain advanced digital connectivity and flexibility without replacing the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system serves multiple functions: it detects the served number, transmits it to portable devices, and can integrate with various queue management workflows. This multi-functionality adds versatility to the simple display system without requiring specialized equipment for each function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a computerized dispenser with monitor and printer is used, then the flexibility and additional useful functions are improved, but the installation and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the core functionality of number detection from complex computerized systems and implements it through a simple optical sensor that reads the display. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive computers, printers, and complex software while retaining the essential queue management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical and electronic computerized systems with an optical sensing mechanism that simply reads the display numerically. This substitution uses light detection instead of complex computing hardware, reducing device complexity and maintenance requirements.
3Ease of manufacture
If a simple paper roll and numerical display system is used, then the installation cost is low, but the user experience and real-time information access are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the sensor continuously detects the served number from the display and transmits updates to portable devices in real-time. This feedback mechanism ensures users always have current information about their position in the queue without requiring complex notification systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a digital intermediary (the sensor and transmission system) between the simple display and the user's portable device. This intermediary bridges the gap between the basic display system and modern digital information access, enabling real-time updates without replacing the original low-cost display.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enhances queue management flexibility and user experience by providing advanced features at a lower cost, reducing stress and simplifying management for service providers, while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
a served number sensor (15) intended for the acquisition of a number shown on a display (11) and representing the number served in the queue, the served number sensor (15) being suitable for producing digital data corresponding to such number
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
A system for managing user queues comprises a served number sensor (15) intended for the acquisition of a number shown on a display (11) and representing the number served in the queue. The served number sensor (15) is suitable for producing digital data (18) corresponding to this number and sending it a control unit (19) connected to the sensor and suitable for sending such digital data (18) to portable devices (21) of the users. A method for managing the queues is also described.