Queue Waiting Time Estimation Using Dynamic Method Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for estimating waiting time in queues are inaccurate when the queue extends beyond the entrance, as they rely on measuring people entering and exiting, which can lead to reduced accuracy in counting waiting individuals and estimating waiting time.
Innovation Solution
An information processing device and method that uses multiple imaging devices to capture images of the queue, detecting people and calculating waiting time through first and second estimation processes, switching between these processes based on whether the queue's tail end is inside or outside the entrance to maintain accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the queue extension beyond the entrance is measured using queue length, then the method can cope with extended queues, but the waiting time estimation accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between two different estimation methods based on the detected queue state. When the queue extends beyond the entrance, the system selects the queue length-based method; otherwise, it uses the entry/exit counting method. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by selecting the appropriate method for each specific situation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the estimation parameter based on queue conditions. It uses either entry/exit counting or queue length measurement depending on whether the queue extends beyond the entrance. This parameter switching allows the system to maintain accuracy across different queue configurations.
2Ease of operation
If the number of people is measured by observing entrance and exit, then the method can count people in a monitoring area, but the measurement accuracy is reduced when the queue extends beyond the entrance
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses queue length as an intermediary measurement when the direct entrance/exit counting method becomes inaccurate due to queue extension. The queue length measurement serves as a complementary approach that maintains accuracy when the primary method fails.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects between entrance/exit counting and queue length measurement based on the detected queue state. This dynamic method selection ensures accurate people counting regardless of whether the queue extends beyond the entrance.
Data Source
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AI summary
An information processing device that can accurately estimate the waiting time in a queue even if the queue is extended is provided. The information processing device includes a calculating unit that performs a first calculation process for calculating the waiting time of a subject person in the queue on the basis of the time when the subject person detected by a first detecting unit passes through a first line and the time when the subject person detected by a second detecting unit passes through a second line or a second calculation process for calculating the waiting time of a subject person in the queue on the basis of the time when the number of people lined up in the queue including the subject person is acquired by the acquiring unit and the time when the subject person detected by the second detecting unit passes through the second line.