Virtual Queue Management for Theme Park Attractions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current priority queuing systems for attractions are inefficient and costly, causing guest resentment and increasing complexity and costs due to the need for multiple physical entry points and additional staff, limiting the ability to manage multiple attractions effectively.
Innovation Solution
A queuing system that uses electronic queue management and access control to allocate users to virtual queues based on access keys, allowing immediate access to attractions for certain groups while enforcing a cool-down period to prevent overuse, and reallocating users within queues to manage throughput and capacity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a priority queuing system with multiple physical entry points is used, then priority guests can access attractions faster, but the system complexity and operational costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the queue management function from physical space into the digital domain. Instead of creating separate physical entry points for priority guests, the system uses electronic queue management where all guests join a virtual queue via mobile devices. Priority guests receive digital queue position notifications and can access attractions when their turn is reached, eliminating the need for separate physical priority lanes while maintaining speed advantages.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of physical queues and manual queue management with an electronic/digital system. Mobile devices, RFID tags, and electronic notification systems substitute for physical queue lines and manual queue masters. This substitution reduces operational complexity while maintaining or improving access speed for priority guests through automated queue position tracking and notification.
2Ease of operation
If separate physical entry points are created for priority and standby queues, then priority access is enabled, but additional staff and equipment are required increasing operational costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal queue management system that handles both priority and standby guests through the same electronic platform. The single physical entry point serves all guests, with the electronic system automatically differentiating between priority and standby queue positions. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate physical infrastructure and staff for different queue types, improving operational efficiency while maintaining priority access capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the previously separate priority and standby queue systems into a single integrated electronic queue management system. Both queue types are managed through one unified platform that tracks positions, sends notifications, and controls access. This consolidation eliminates redundant staff and equipment while preserving the ability to provide priority access to guests with paid queue positions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple virtual queues are set up for each attraction, then priority queuing is achieved, but the complexity and costs increase by an order of magnitude when managing multiple attractions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the queue management system into modular attraction-specific modules that can be independently configured and managed. Each attraction has its own virtual queue instance within the unified platform, allowing priority and standby queues to be managed separately for each attraction while sharing common infrastructure. This segmentation enables scalable deployment across multiple attractions without exponentially increasing complexity, as each module follows the same standardized architecture.
4Device complexity
If all waiting users are grouped together in a single queue, then queue management is simplified, but priority differentiation between users is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different queue position qualities to different users within the same physical queue space. The electronic system tracks each user's queue position individually, with priority guests receiving advanced positions or expedited notifications. This allows the system to maintain a single physical entry point while providing differentiated access quality based on paid queue positions, combining simplicity with priority capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for controlling access to one or more attractions is achieved using a number of access keys, each being issued to one or more users. An electronic queue management part manages a virtual queue in respect of each attraction and receives electronic requests for attraction access, each request relating to an access key and being for the users associated with it to access a particular attraction. Receipt of each request causes the respective users to be added to a corresponding virtual queue. A time at which each group of users reaches the front of the virtual queue and can access the attraction is determined. The users access the attractions by presenting an access key to an access control part, in communication with the electronic queue management part. Only a user presenting an access key at the correct time for accessing the attraction is allowed access to the attraction.