QUEUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD

Abstract

An automated waiting line transaction management system that provides patrons/users the option of queuing up and waiting in the standard attraction line at a venue or obtaining an ID unit that can be used for purchasing a pass to bypass the normal line. The venue administrator sets pass prices for each attraction on a real-time basis either manually or through a venue algorithm.

Claims

1. A method for skipping a waiting queue at an attraction, comprising: registering an account with a venue, said account having patron monetary credit associated therewith, said account stored, through a network communication, within a venue database; providing one or more user personal identification units associated with said account; crediting said one or more personal identification units with patron monetary funds; activating said personal identification units; determining queue waiting conditions at an attraction; establishing a monetary price to skip said queue, said price being at least partially dependent upon said queue waiting conditions; accessing a user personal identification unit at said attraction to obtain an active and credit status of said personal identification units; verifying, through said network communication, that said personal identification unit is active and has sufficient credit to pay said price; deducting said price from said credit of said personal identification unit; and permitting the user of said personal identification unit to skip said queue.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] The present disclosure will be more fully understood by reference to the following detailed description of one or more preferred embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout the views and in which:

[0024] FIG. 1 is illustrative of a communication network environment in which preferred embodiments of the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure are implemented.

[0025] FIG. 2 is a patron purchase ID flow diagram for the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 3 is a patron administration process for the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 4 is a personal communication device (PCD) screen shot illustrating patron options upon log in.

[0028] FIG. 5 is a PCD screen shot illustrating a listing of venue attractions.

[0029] FIG. 6 is a PCD screen shot illustrating a venue map.

[0030] FIG. 7a is a PCD screen shot illustrating a venue map with an attraction selected.

[0031] FIG. 7b is a PCD screen shot illustrating a venue map with an attraction selected.

[0032] FIG. 8a is a PCD screen shot illustrating an attraction detail.

[0033] FIG. 8b is a PCD screen shot illustrating an attraction detail.

[0034] FIG. 9 is a PCD screen shot illustrating patron administration.

[0035] FIG. 10 is a PCD screen shot illustrating patron ID activation.

[0036] FIG. 11 is a PCD screen shot illustrating an ID detail.

[0037] FIG. 12 is a PCD screen shot illustrating patron crediting of an ID.

[0038] FIG. 13 is an ID flow diagram for use at an attraction utilizing the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure.

[0039] FIG. 14 is a business administration process flow diagram for use of the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure.

[0040] FIG. 15 is a PCD screen shot illustrating business administration options upon log in.

[0041] FIG. 16 is a PCD screen shot illustrating business administration ID activation.

[0042] FIG. 17a is a PCD screen shot illustrating business administration attraction detail.

[0043] FIG. 17b is a PCD screen shot illustrating business administration attraction detail upon ID acceptance.

[0044] FIG. 18 is a PCD screen shot illustrating business administration message sending.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0045] The following description of the preferred embodiments is merely exemplary in nature and is in no way intended to limit the disclosure, its application or use. For example, the venues as discussed herein (i.e. amusement parks and/or ski resorts) are not to be limited thereto as it is envisioned that the concept could be also used for waterparks, restaurants, festivals, concerts, traveling individuals, spring break packages, group excursions, vacations, sporting events, etc. Similarly, the user identifications can be for both public and private use and those discussed herein (i.e. radio-frequency identification bracelets or RFID bracelets) are not to be limited thereto. For example, an RFID subset, the so-called Near Field Communication (or NFC) protocol may also be utilized. As is known, NFC allows for two-way communication and a more limited range than RFID. These exemplars are merely used to better describe the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0046] The present queue and/or admission management system allows patrons at a venue to skip lines and/or purchase goods and/or services by passing their unique identification (ID) across readers located throughout the venue. By way of example, when entering an amusement park, a family or individual purchases a ticket and also has the opportunity to procure RFID wristbands. The wristband will have a unique RFID (for example) and enables the user/holder of the wristband to use it as a virtual credit card at the amusement park. The wristbands also enable both tracking position and monitoring uses throughout the venue. These wristbands may be venue specific or may be able to be used and/or tied to two or more venues.

[0047] FIG. 1 is a schematic overview diagram of the communication network and computing environment in which the preferred embodiments are implemented. The preferred queue management system 10 includes one or more servers 12, patron personal communication devices (PCDs) 14, user ID units 16 and attraction PCDs 18, linked together using a network 20, such as the internet. The network 20 may be comprised of any network known in the art including TCP/IP based networks (e.g. the Internet, an Internet), LAN, Ethernet, WAN, Token Ring, etc. Alternatively, there may be separate and different networks between components. Further, because the preferred embodiment of the network 20 is the Internet, there can be a huge number of users, including patron (Patron.sub.n), user (ID.sub.n) and attraction (Attraction.sub.n) simultaneously.

[0048] The servers 12 include database and database interface known in the art.

[0049] The server 12, through its database, keeps current, accurate information about the users of the service, e.g., patrons, users and venue attractions. Information is preferably stored in a non-volatile storage system, such as one or more hard disk drives, used by the server 12 for storage. The server may load data from the storage system into volatile memory when processing. It is envisioned that the management system 10 will utilize multiple servers 12 at different physical locations to help ensure safety and security. It is further envisioned that the management system 10 may utilize off-site remote server services, such as a dynamic virtual private server (e.g. cloud server). In any event, the server 12 may comprise one or more separate computer systems to run the different components of the queue management system 10. Accordingly, the server is capable of receiving and transmitting communications with the databases and otherwise.

[0050] Before being able to use the management system 10, patrons will need to procure ID(s). Referring to FIG. 2, the ID procurement process is illustrated. When a patron enters the amusement park and obtains an RFID bracelet 32, he has a number of options 34 by which to credit the ID with funds. The patron can credit the ID through a clerk or kiosk 36 or the patron can credit the ID through a PCD 38 such as a smartphone or the like. If the patron goes to the clerk, the IDs are accepted and the clerk uses an RFID reader on the wristband or manually inputs 40 the ID into the system 10. The system then determines 42 whether the ID is active and unique. If not, it may be re-entered 40 or another wristband may be issued. Once the wristband is determined to be active and unique, the clerk applies the appropriate amount of credit 44 to the ID, and the ID is then active and ready for use 46. If the patron would rather use custom kiosks, the process is similar. The patron is presented with a touch screen at a custom kiosk located throughout the park that provides instructions on how to purchase an ID. The patron can directly add funds to the associated ID with a credit card and links the ID straight to his account. After the transaction is complete, the kiosk encodes the ID and dispenses it to the patron. If the patron would rather use a PCD to apply funds, he first must log onto the mobile queue management system application 38. Login status is determined 48, and once successful, the patron registers the ID(s) 50. The system then determines 52 whether the ID is active and unique. If not, it may ne re-entered 50. Once the wristband is determined to be active and unique, the patron applies the appropriate amount of credit 54 to the ID, and the ID is then active and ready for use 46. It will be understood that whether the patron decides to activate their associated ID through a clerk or through a PCD, there can be multiple associated IDs with each patron.

[0051] The patron PCD will have a login and a password, and will have the ability to record and associate as many as thirty-five (or more) RFID bracelets which the patron will be able to identify the last known location and the time of each use of each programmed RFID bracelet that they wish to track. Long range readers located throughout the venue will be able to capture RFID location up to no less than twenty feet from a reader as the RFID holder passes that particular location. The more locations the venue has readers, the more accurate the tracking of each RFID holder. From the PCD, the patron will be able to log a credit card, or place money on an account that they will be able to designate to a specific RFID bracelet. This money (credit) on the bracelet will be able to be used at multiple locations throughout the venue such as ZOOMLINE queue service enabled attractions, concession stands, gift shops, and the like. The RFID holder merely needs to place their bracelet two inches from the reader at any location for any deduction to take place from the bracelet.

[0052] Once wristbands have been activated and are ready to use, the patron has the ability to add more funds and/or perform other options. Referring now to FIG. 3 and the patron administration process 60, the patron can access the system by logging into their account 62 via a venue kiosk or their PCD. In any event, log in status is determined 64, and once successful, the patron enters the associated view 66 and selects 68 the appropriate action. For example, the patron can add more funds 70 or view other actions 72. If he chooses filters 74, there will be numerous options to choose from, such as view each associated ID via uses on a venue map 76, or view via a purchase listing 78.

[0053] Turning now to the particulars of the patron, user and venue uses of the waiting line transaction management system, a number of representative examples will be shown and described. The following figures will illustrate such uses through the use of so-called smartphones. However, as previously discussed, it will be understood that use of the disclosed system is not limited to smartphones or any other particular personal communication device (PCD).

[0054] Turning now to FIG. 4 and the patron PCD home screen upon login. This home screen 80 could be venue specific, but will typically include options allowing the patron to choose between Attractions 84, Park news 86, Notifications 88 and ZOOMLINE queue services 90. Selecting the Attractions icon will provide the patron with a listing of park attraction screen 92, see FIG. 5. This attractions screen 92 will typically include options allowing the patron to choose an interactive park map view 94 or specific attractions. The listed attractions (96a, 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a) may include attraction detail as well as a prompt (96b, 98b, 100b, 102b, 104b) to obtain further attraction detail. Should the patron select the park map 94, then the venue map screen 106 is presented, see FIG. 6. This interactive map screen 106 may provide the patron with the ability to once again choose from a number of park attractions (96a, 98a, 100a, 102a, 104a) for which to obtain further information.

[0055] If an attraction is selected, for example Corkscrew Hawk Roller Coaster 100a, information related to that attraction may be presented in the form of a pop up window 108, see pop up window screen shot 110 of FIG. 7a. This pop up may further include the further attraction detail prompt (i.e. 100b). FIG. 7b illustrates the same pop up window screen shot 110, but includes a different attraction pop up window 112, and in particular that for Old Manny Mine Ride 98a. Similar to pop up window 108, pop up window 112 presents information related to that particular selected attraction. Information such as current wait time 114 for the attraction queue as well as the current price 116 for the user to skip the waiting line and proceed directly to the attraction. Additionally, further information such as the five last ID user entries 118 may be displayed together with a listing 120 of those users. Finally, the patron has the additional opportunity to obtain even further attraction details via selecting the Details prompt 98b.

[0056] Should the patron select one of the further attraction detail prompts (i.e.

[0057] 96b, 98b, 100b, 102b, 104b) he will be presented with a further attraction detail screen 122, see FIG. 8a. This screen 122 may include a photo 124 or perhaps a flash video or the like of the attraction, and some additional information 126 about the attraction. More specific details regarding the attraction might include the ZOOMLINE queue service option 128, patron information 130 regarding the attraction and an even further informational prompt 132. The ZOOMLINE queue service prompt 128 may include the current real-time price 134 to skip the waiting line, as well as a time 136 by which that price may be locked/held. FIG. 8b illustrates the further attraction detail screen 122 of FIG. 8a with the ZOOMLINE queue service option 128 selected. In particular, the patron having locked in 138 the price by which a user(s) may skip the attraction waiting line.

[0058] Referring back to FIG. 4, if the patron selects the ZOOMLINE queue service option 90, then he will be presented with a patron administration screen 140, see FIG. 9. From this screen 140 the patron has numerous options, including activating wristbands 142, viewing wristband(s) 144 or adding funds 146. This administration screen 140 may further include other patron information, such as, for example, balance remaining 148, total transactions 150 and average price per transaction 152. Wristband activation 142 brings the patron to the patron ID activation screen 154, see FIG. 10. From this activation screen 154, the patron can, among other things, create a user name 156, determine whether he wants to be notified 158 with every user ID use and can choose to activate 160 each particular ID.

[0059] When accessing wristband information from a PCD, the patron must first attach the unique ID, or an identification code, to their account. This is done by either typing in the unique identification number or by passing the ID under a reader (for example). Once the RFID is linked the patron can add funds, or other negotiable credits, using a credit card (for example) or view where the ID holder has been through a GPS (or other positioning means) via the wristband. Parents or groups can link multiple wristbands to their account making it simple to keep track of children or group members. If an account has multiple linked wristbands, then the patron can view a map of the purchases with associated times that each wristband was used, together with overall financial statistics.

[0060] Within the viewing wristband 144 option of the administration screen 140, the patron can choose a particular ID for further viewing. For example, John's and Kyle's wristbands may be viewed by selecting their respective prompts 162, 164. FIG. 11 illustrates a particular ID detail screen 166; in this example John's 162 wristband detail is selected. The detail may include, among other things, recent transactions 168 and the ability to deactivate 170 the ID and perhaps send a message to the ID holder. If the patron wants/needs to send a message, such a message will be displayed at the next reader the user of the ID activates. The number of such messages could be limitless, numbered and/or could be charged to the patron account, depending on the desires of the venue.

[0061] FIG. 12 illustrates the patron crediting of an ID screen 174. This is activated via the add funds options 146 on the patron administration screen. This crediting screen 174 enables the patron to charge/credit/deposit the appropriate funds to the respective ID. The patron can select what type of credit card 176, for example, then inputs the number 178 and any other typically required information and then submits 180 it to the system 10.

[0062] When inside the venue the ID holders can use their RFID wristbands (for example) at any attraction (or location) set up with a reader. These readers consist of, for example, a scanning pad and a small LCD screen with internet connectivity or a specified PCD. The LCD screen will display the cost of the ZOOMLINE queue service pass and if it is currently active. If the pass is active, the ID holder can scan their RFID wristband, and then a request is sent to the system servers to check if the associated account, via its identification code for example, is active and has sufficient funds, and/or negotiable credits, available. If the account is clear, the payment is charged and the transaction recorded. A response is then sent back to the scanner, if successful, the LCD will display the current balance and approve the ID holder and he can pass the waiting line. The ID holder essentially has purchased a priority pass to gain access to the attraction. If there was an error or insufficient funds in the account, the display will deny entry and display the reason.

[0063] These wristbands will stay active until funds are depleted or use/transaction success is canceled by the patron via the system website or through the patron PCD. If a bracelet is lost, the system is capable of shutting off transaction capabilities and removing remaining credit (whether in the form of monetary credit, negotiable credit, reward points, or otherwise) from the bracelet. The patron can reactivate at any time and all transaction information will remain available.

[0064] Some additional features of the system 10 include the capability of being able to lock into a posted price from the venue and assign it to a specific RFID bracelet, of which the ID holder would then have to appear at the location within 20 minutes (for example) to take advantage of the specific posted price. This would give the venue the ability to control traffic patterns within the venue, as well as entice people to certain areas for any particular reason. Screens throughout the venue will be available to post values and wait times on a constant basis for people who do not want to carry around a PCD with them in the park.

[0065] Once the patron has activated an ID, it is ready to be used at a venue attraction and/or to purchase goods and/or services within the venue. FIG. 13 illustrates an ID flow diagram for use at an attraction utilizing the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure. In particular, the flow diagram describes the user line process 182 enabling the ID (i.e. RFID wristband) holder to by-pass the normal waiting line and gain immediate access to the attraction. By way of example, user approaches Roller Coaster ABC and finds that there is a two (2) hour wait. However, Roller Coaster ABC also accepts the ZOOMLINE queue service, and for $7.00, the user can skip the wait and immediately ride the coaster. In order to gain access, the user places his ID near the Roller Coaster ABC reader 184 and the reader retrieves 186 the unique (wristband) ID code, the attraction price is retrieved 188 and determines whether the attraction is still currently accepting 190 a pass. If the attraction is not accepting passes, access is denied 192. If the attraction is accepting passes, the user account status and credit, or indicia indicating a number of negotiable credits associated with the ID code, is verified 194 and it is determined whether the ID has sufficient funds 196 to gain access. If the ID does not have the sufficient amount of funds, access is denied 192. If the ID does have sufficient funds, the price of the pass is subtracted 198 from the ID account balance, the system 10 saves the transaction 200 and access to the attraction is accepted 202.

[0066] The venue administrator can regulate the price they set for skipping the normal waiting line of all their attractions in near real time from the system website or a PCD. After the administrator logs into the administration panel, they have the option of viewing each scanner/reader on a map of their park or from a list. After selecting an attraction the administrator can view sales statistics in a set of time increments or change the price for a pass. Once the price is changed in the administration panel, the price will change in near real time on the attraction scanner/reader. The venue administrators can also view overall financial and usage statistics from the administration panel.

[0067] The amusement park (venue) business administration will now be described as it relates to attraction line pass price setting and other features. Referring first to FIG. 14, a business administration process flow diagram 204 for use of the waiting line transaction management system of the present disclosure is illustrated. The merchant or business administrator logs into the account administration 206, the login account status is determined 208 and upon successful login, the merchant enters the line administration panel 210. From the line administration panel 210, the merchant can select the attraction 212. Upon attraction selection 212 it is determined whether attraction line passing is currently active 214. If line passing is not active then the merchant can activate 216 and then set the price 218 in near real time. If line passing is active, the merchant can select 220 an active pass active 222 such as, for example, update the price 218, deactivate pass 224 for the attraction or view line statistics 226.

[0068] The merchant can access the business administration through numerous options, including a computer, a venue kiosk or a venue PCD. In any event, FIG. 15 illustrates a PCD screen shot 228 upon log in. From this screen 228 the park administrator can select, for example, an attraction 230, send an alert 232, and register an ID 234. If the administrator chooses to register a wristband (234) he is directed to the park administration ID activation screen 236, see FIG. 16. More particularly, the administrator swipes the user IDs under an associated reader/scanner and the wristbands are displayed 238a and 238b and ready for activation 240. This screen may further include other information, such as, for example, initial funds 242 and user email address 244.

[0069] If the administrator selects an attraction from the login screen 228 of FIG. 15, that particular attraction, for example, the Hot Streak roller coaster screen 246 is presented, see FIG. 17a. From the attraction screen 246, the administrator can both view and update the attraction details. The price 248 for skipping the line can either be set manually or automatically through the system algorithm. Such an algorithm may consist of attendance in the venue, and wait time per attraction. By way of example, the increase/decrease counter 250 and/or the sliding toolbar 252 adjusts the length of the line wait 254 and depending upon the system 10 algorithm, may automatically set an appropriate price 248. In any event, once the price is set it can be updated via the price update selector 256. Additional information may be included in the attraction screen 246, see for example, attraction detail 258 of FIG. 17b. Such detail may include the last price 260 for ID acceptance, the last ID user 262 and the amount of credit remaining 264 for the user.

[0070] Finally, the administrator may have selected the send alert 232 option from the login screen 228 of FIG. 15, and accordingly will be directed to the send message screen 266 of FIG. 18. From here, the administrator can enter a message 268 and update 270. The communication capability of the system allows for messages to be sent via PCD or otherwise and received on the scanner/reader when that particular ID is scanned.

[0071] It will be appreciated that a venue account coordinator and/or system host can be a third party and that the account coordinator or system host can receive compensation for acting as the account coordinator or system host. For example, a third party account coordinator or system host can receive a percentage of the priority pass fees, per scan/read fees, other fees and/or can, for example, be permitted to display advertisements in association with any of the interactive screens and thereby derive revenue from acting as an account coordinator or system host. It will further be appreciated that such compensation can be automated so that the account coordinator or system host is automatically compensated upon a fee transaction. Additionally, the compensation system can be configured to provide for alternate formulas for compensating the system host, account coordinator, merchant and/or venue owner. The system can also be configured to reward the user by providing for frequent user discounts and or reward points.

[0072] As previously mentioned, the venue may be a ski resort. In that regard, an RFID bracelet would fit over the skiers glove and the ID holder could use it for bypassing the line at the lift, and enter through the singles line for a premium set by the algorithm established based on wait time. The IDs could be used to track last known location by having readers/antennas at the top and bottom of each lift. As the ID holder passes the antenna, patrons and friends could locate the RFID tag if loaded into their respective PCD. The RFID bracelet could further be used as a debit card in the ski lodge in lieu of cash.

[0073] A venue might be a school trip destination or field trip. The system would then be able to load money into school children's RFID bracelets and track their location.

[0074] The venue might be a sponsored event package for individuals or groups. Exemplars of such include, but are not limited to: spring break vacations, vacations, parties, concerts, sports, games, social gathering and others. If a spring break package, for example, the venue may include multiple merchants each capable of employing the current system with respect to a sponsored event package.

[0075] The RFID bracelets allow the merchants, venue administrators and system administrator the ability to capture all data provided by the patron and their ID users, including, but not limited to name, DOB, address, phone, email, social media connections, gender, race, pictures, etc. All information may be capable of being stored on a secure server and/or may be cloud based. Merchants can use some of this information for individual venue data gathering, real time price adjustment, activation/deactivation of readers and scanners, push notifications, real time statistics on users and (spending) trends set by users, for example.

[0076] The foregoing detailed description has been given for clearness of understanding only and no unnecessary limitations should be understood therefrom. Accordingly, while one or more particular embodiments of the disclosure have been shown and described, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the invention if its broader aspects, and, therefore, the aim in the appended claims is to cover all such changes and modifications as fall within the true spirit and scope of the present disclosure.