Multi-Mode Queue Wait Time Estimation for Reliable Display
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement parks face challenges in accurately informing guests of estimated queue wait times for attractions, which can detract from the guest experience.
Innovation Solution
A queue wait time estimation system that employs multiple monitoring modes, including wireless PAN, camera-based, thermal detection, and manual input methods, to gather data on queue characteristics and calculate accurate wait times, which are then displayed to guests.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple monitoring modes are used to gather queue data, then measurement precision of wait times is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides queue monitoring into multiple independent monitoring modes (wireless PAN monitoring, camera-based monitoring, thermal detection, manual input) that can independently measure different queue characteristics. Each mode segments the monitoring task and contributes specific data types to the overall wait time calculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges data from multiple different monitoring modes and sources into a unified queue wait time estimation. By combining wireless connection data, camera count data, thermal sensor data, and manual inputs, the system achieves more accurate and reliable wait time measurements than any single mode could provide alone.
2Reliability
If multiple monitoring modes are implemented, then reliability of queue information is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically processes and integrates data from multiple monitoring modes without requiring manual intervention for data collection or integration. The processor automatically receives inputs from different modes, determines wait times based on combined characteristics, and outputs results, making the system self-sufficient despite its complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors queue characteristics through multiple modes and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust and improve wait time estimates. The multi-mode feedback mechanism ensures reliable information by cross-validating data from different sources and adjusting estimates based on consistent patterns across monitoring modes.
3Loss of information
If multiple queue monitoring characteristics are measured, then information completeness is improved, but loss of time in data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data collection and preprocessing from multiple monitoring modes simultaneously as guests move through the queue. By gathering wireless connection data, camera images, and thermal readings in parallel during the queue experience rather than sequentially after, the system completes information collection without adding processing time delays.
Data Source
AI summary
A queue wait time estimation system includes a processor and a memory having instructions stored thereon. Executing the instructions causes the processor to receive a first input via a first queue monitoring mode, wherein the first input is indicative of a first queue monitoring characteristic of at least one queue, and also causes the processor to receive a second input via a second queue monitoring mode, wherein the second input is indicative of a second queue monitoring characteristic of the at least one queue, and the second queue monitoring mode is different than the first queue monitoring mode. Executing the instructions also causes the processor to determine, based on the first queue monitoring characteristic and the second queue monitoring characteristic, at least one estimated queue wait time corresponding to the at least one queue, and also causes the processor to output the at least one estimated queue wait time.