Server-Based Venue Throughput Estimation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for predicting wait times in entertainment and event venues are inaccurate and inefficient, particularly for smaller attractions, as they rely on manual estimates that fail to account for fluctuating guest numbers and event schedules, leading to unpredictable wait times and inefficient resource management.

Innovation Solution

A method that uses a server to estimate resource throughput by analyzing event schedules, historical data, and real-time sensor inputs to provide accurate wait time predictions, allowing for the management of virtual queues and optimized guest access through mobile notifications and map interfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual wait time estimation methods are used by venue staff, then implementation cost is low, but measurement precision and reliability of wait time predictions deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait time prediction accuracyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical estimation methods with an automated electronic system that uses sensors, processors, and communication networks to detect queue lengths and calculate wait times, thereby improving measurement precision while accepting increased system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service by allowing guests to receive automatic wait time information through their mobile devices without requiring manual intervention from venue staff, improving both accuracy and operational efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If staff periodically track single guest traversal time, then implementation effort is low, but reliability of wait time predictions deteriorates due to fluctuating line conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait time prediction reliabilityVSAvoidautomation level

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual tracking of individual guests with automated sensor systems that continuously monitor queue lengths and calculate wait times based on throughput data, significantly improving reliability by eliminating human error and accounting for real-time fluctuations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring queue conditions and adjusting wait time predictions in real-time based on changing line lengths and throughput rates, ensuring reliable predictions even when conditions fluctuate

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Loss of information

If manual wait time estimates are provided only for main attractions, then resource expenditure is low, but loss of information about wait times at smaller attractions increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewait time information availabilityVSAvoidqueuing system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal queuing system that can be deployed across multiple attractions of varying sizes using the same technology platform, eliminating information loss about wait times at smaller attractions while managing complexity through standardized multi-functional hardware and software

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system segments the venue into multiple monitoring zones corresponding to different attractions, allowing independent wait time tracking at each location while using a centralized processing system to manage data from all segments efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Loss of time

If venue staff react to long lines by increasing throughput or capacity, then guest service improves, but loss of time occurs because reaction is after-the-fact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveguest wait timeVSAvoidresource utilization efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary action by calculating and communicating wait time predictions to guests before they join physical queues, allowing guests to make informed decisions about when to visit attractions, thereby reducing actual wait times and improving overall resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides real-time feedback to both guests and venue staff about current and predicted wait times, enabling proactive adjustments to staffing and resource allocation before queues become excessively long, thus reducing guest wait time while maintaining efficient productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS20230162552A1Methods of estimating a throughput of a resource, a length of a queue associated with the resource and/or a wait time of the queue

Publication Date: 2023.05.25 ACCESSO TECHNOLOGY GROUP PLC

AI summary

Aspects of the disclosure describe estimating a throughput of a resource within a venue. A server may determine an operating throughput of the resource. The server may receive event schedule data identifying a plurality of scheduled times corresponding to a plurality of events occurring at one or more of the resource and nearby points of interest, which may cause a throughput of the resource to deviate from the operating throughput of the resource. The server may estimate the throughput of the resource based on the operating throughput and the event schedule data. Based on the estimated throughput, the server may perform one or more actions.