Virtual Queue Service Balancing Wait Times
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current virtual queuing systems fail to efficiently manage multiple queues, address punctuality concerns, and utilize modern data analytics to optimize wait times and resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A cloud-based queue service that uses predictive analysis and 'Big Data' to manage and balance individuals across multiple queues, providing periodic updates and incentives for punctuality through a system that includes a processor, memory, and programming instructions for queue management, communication, and authentication.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If traditional physical queues or basic electronic pagers are used, then queue management is simple, but wait times are long and punctuality cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical queue systems (physical lines, paper tickets) with an electronic software-based virtual queue management system. The system uses mobile devices, servers, and software applications to manage queuing, eliminating the need for physical queue infrastructure and enabling remote participation without geographic constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows users to join virtual queues in advance before needing service. Users can register, receive queue positions, and be notified when their turn approaches, enabling them to plan their arrival and reducing on-site waiting time. The system proactively manages queue positions and sends notifications ahead of time.
2Ease of operation
If virtual queuing systems allow flexible participation, then user convenience is improved, but punctuality and no-show management become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements continuous feedback loops through automated notifications sent to users at various queue stages. Users receive updates on their queue position, estimated wait time, and alerts when their turn is approaching. This keeps users informed and accountable, encouraging punctual arrival while maintaining operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts queue management based on real-time conditions. It can modify queue positions, reassign positions to no-show users, and adjust notification timing based on user behavior patterns and current queue status, allowing the system to adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining reliability.
3Productivity
If multiple queues are managed separately, then each queue can be optimized independently, but overall system efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple independent queue management systems into a single unified virtual queue platform. The system manages multiple queues simultaneously through one centralized software platform, allowing efficient resource allocation across all queues and enabling users to be distributed across different queues based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual queue management system is designed as a universal platform that can handle multiple different queue types and scenarios through a single system. It provides multi-functional capabilities including queue creation, user registration, position assignment, notification delivery, and no-show management, all through one integrated system rather than separate specialized systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing virtual queues. A cloud-based queue service manages a plurality of queues hosted by one or more entities. The queue service is in constant communication with the entities providing queue management, queue analysis, and queue recommendations. The queue service is likewise in direct communication with queued persons. Sending periodic updates while also motivating and incentivizing punctuality and minimizing wait times based on predictive analysis. The predictive analysis uses “Big Data” and other available data resources, for which the predictions assist in the balancing of persons across multiple queues for the same event or multiple persons across a sequence of queues for sequential events.