Waiting Time Estimation Using Exit Frequency and Object Count
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for estimating waiting time in lines lack accuracy, especially when service time is not constant, and often require individual detection of objects entering and exiting the line, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
An information processing apparatus that acquires the number of objects in a waiting line and their exit frequency, using sensors or imaging to estimate waiting time based on these parameters, allowing for more accurate calculations even when service time varies, and simplifying the detection process by using a single system for multiple entry and exit points.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If individual detection of objects entering and exiting the line is performed, then measurement precision of waiting time is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the detection of multiple objects into a single aggregate count rather than tracking each object individually. The acquisition unit obtains the total number of objects in the waiting line as a single value, and the estimation unit uses this aggregate data combined with exit frequency to calculate waiting time, thereby reducing detection system complexity while maintaining estimation accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using exit frequency as a mediating parameter. Instead of directly tracking each object's service time, the system uses the frequency at which objects exit the waiting line as an intermediate metric to infer waiting time, simplifying the detection requirements while preserving measurement precision
2Ease of operation
If average transaction time is used for calculation, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates when service time varies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static average transaction time to a dynamic exit frequency metric. The exit frequency is continuously updated based on actual observed exits from the waiting line, allowing the system to adapt to varying service times in real-time while maintaining ease of calculation through a straightforward frequency-based formula
3Device complexity
If line length and moving time are used for estimation, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameters used for estimation from physical measurements (line length and moving time) to operational metrics (number of objects and exit frequency). This parameter transformation maintains detection system simplicity by using straightforward counting and timing while significantly improving waiting time estimation accuracy through more relevant operational data
Data Source
AI summary
An information processing apparatus that estimates waiting time in a waiting line with improved accuracy includes a first acquisition unit that acquires a number of objects in the waiting line, a second acquisition unit that acquires frequency of an object exiting the waiting line, and an estimation unit that estimates waiting time in the waiting line based on the acquired number of objects in the waiting line and the acquired frequency of an object exiting the waiting line.