Virtual Queue Reservation Control for Attraction Wait Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Amusement parks face challenges in managing wait times for attractions, leading to negative guest experiences and reduced guest utilization of park capacity due to individual preferences and increased attendance, which existing queuing systems have not adequately addressed.
Innovation Solution
A reservation system with an electronic data server and mobile devices that dynamically manage reservations for attractions, allowing guests to wait virtually and adjust queue times in real-time, using mobile technology for communication and location tracking to optimize guest experiences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional physical queuing systems are used for attractions, then guests can access attractions in order of arrival, but wait times become excessively long and guest satisfaction decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical physical queuing system with an electronic/digital reservation system. Guests use mobile devices to book attraction slots electronically, eliminating the need for physical line-standing. The system processes reservations through software algorithms that optimize timing and distribution, substituting electronic data processing for manual queue management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the physical queue through electronic reservation slots. Instead of physically standing in line, guests reserve their position in the queue digitally through mobile devices. The system manages multiple virtual queue copies simultaneously, allowing guests to wait elsewhere while maintaining their place in line through electronic booking.
2Quantity of substance
If more attractions are added to increase park capacity, then the park can handle more guests, but wait times do not necessarily decrease due to corresponding increase in attendance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic reservation slot allocation that adapts to real-time park conditions. The system continuously adjusts available time slots, queue distribution, and attraction scheduling based on current attendance levels, guest flow patterns, and attraction performance. This dynamic optimization allows the park to maximize capacity utilization without proportionally increasing wait times.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the temporal parameters of attraction access by introducing scheduled time slots and distributed queuing. Instead of continuous first-come-first-served access, the system divides attraction access into discrete time windows and distributes guests across multiple time slots and alternative attractions, thereby reducing peak congestion and optimizing overall park capacity utilization.
3Reliability
If guests are allowed to wait in long physical queues, then attraction access is maintained, but guests lose time and may miss other park experiences
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables guests to perform preliminary actions by booking attraction reservations in advance through mobile devices. Guests can secure their attraction access before arriving at the attraction, allowing them to plan their park visit efficiently. The system processes these preliminary bookings and holds virtual queue positions, so guests don't need to physically wait in line upon arrival.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mobile device-based intermediary system between the guest and the attraction queue. The mobile application serves as a mediator that manages reservations, communicates queue status, and coordinates attraction access timing. This intermediary layer allows guests to maintain attraction access reliability while minimizing direct time spent in physical queues through electronic coordination.
Data Source
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AI summary
A queue management system in accordance with present embodiments may include a data server system including a processor and memory. The queue management system may include an interface system of the data server system configured to receive a reservation request including an indication of a general time period of arrival of a guest to an area. Additionally, the queue management system may include a reservation right allotment system of the data server system configured to correlate a reservation slot for accessing an attraction to identification information for the guest. Further, the queue management system may include a detection system of the data server system configured to determine when a portable identification feature associated with the identification information has arrived to the area, and a reservation assignment system of the data server system configured to establish a reservation to access the attraction at a specific time window.