Classifications

• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q10/00—Administration; Management
  • G06Q10/02—Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
  • G06Q10/025—Coordination of plural reservations, e.g. plural trip segments, transportation combined with accommodation
• • G—PHYSICS
  • G06—COMPUTING OR CALCULATING; COUNTING
  • G06Q—INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY [ICT] SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES; SYSTEMS OR METHODS SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR ADMINISTRATIVE, COMMERCIAL, FINANCIAL, MANAGERIAL OR SUPERVISORY PURPOSES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
  • G06Q30/00—Commerce
  • G06Q30/02—Marketing; Price estimation or determination; Fundraising
  • G06Q30/0207—Discounts or incentives, e.g. coupons or rebates

Definitions

• the present invention relates to theme or amusement parks. More specifically, the present invention relates to managing queue time in attraction lines.
• the present disclosure describes a system and method for managing theme park ride lines.
• the invention provides a method for managing theme park ride lines comprising providing an identifying device to a guest, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, using the identifying device to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location, and reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location.
• the invention provides a system for managing theme park ride lines comprising a guest identification device, the device configured to uniquely identify the guest, and a processor in communication with the guest identification device and configured to ascertain an amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location, wherein the processor is further configured to reduce the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time the guest spends at the predetermined location.
• Figure 1 is schematic diagram of a line queue management system to which embodiments of the present invention relate.
• Figure 2 is flow chart describing a step-wise method in accordance with a further embodiment of the present invention.
• Like reference characters designate identical or corresponding components and units throughout the several views, which are not to scale unless otherwise indicated.
• One embodiment of the present invention involves a system and method for managing line queues comprising a guest identification device, a device reader and a main processor unit.
• One particular advantage afforded by this invention is ability to provide guests with incentive to visit less popular attractions while decreasing line queues at more popular attractions.
• Specific configurations and arrangements of the claimed invention, discussed below with reference to the accompanying drawings, are for illustrative purposes only. Other configurations and arrangements that are within the purview of a skilled artisan can be made, used, or sold without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims.
• the system may comprise identifying devices 102, device readers 104, a main processor 106, a primary attraction 110 and a secondary attraction 108.
• the identifying devices 102 are given to each guest 114 as they enter the park. Each identifying device 102 may be configured to uniquely identify each guest 114. Automatic identification and data capture (AIDC) devices such as radio frequency identification tags (RFIDs) may be used for example.
• RFIDs radio frequency identification tags
• Other guest identifying devices usable with the present invention may include bar-coded tickets, magnetic strip tickets, pin numbers, cellular phone identifiers, hotel room keys, credit card, etc. Any guest identifying device, or combination of guest identifying devices may have a reciprocal device reader that communicates with the guest identifier to track guest movement and spending.
• guest identification devices comprise handheld electronic devices with display screens.
• an RFID may be used as a guest identification device.
• Each guest may receive a RFID transponder as they enter the park, or they may obtain the transponder at a separate window. Management may choose to give the guest the transponder, or they may choose to allow the guest to rent a transponder.
• the RFID transponder may be configured to communicate with RFID readers that are placed at predetermined locations throughout the park, which may be chosen by park management based on circumstances to be discussed hereinafter.
• a plurality of kiosks tickets or cards may be given to each guest as they enter the park, the ticket being configured to communicate with each of the kiosks placed at predetermined locations throughout the park.
• the kiosks also referred to herein generally as “device readers” may be self-operational, allowing each guest to use a check-in/check-out method in which a guest may enter a predetermined location (e.g., a souvenir shop) in the park and check-in via kiosk. The guest may then check-out at the kiosk when leaving the predetermined location. The time spent at the first location may then be applied to the time spent in a line queue of a next predetermined location, (e.g., a ride), which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to Figure 2.
• a predetermined location e.g., a souvenir shop
• the time spent at the first location may then be applied to the time spent in a line queue of a next predetermined location, (e.g., a ride), which will be discussed in greater detail with reference to Figure 2.
• device readers 104 may be placed at predetermined locations throughout the park. For example, management may choose to place device readers at any number of activity locations 108.
• activity locations is meant to refer to secondary attractions including but not limited to souvenir shops, restaurants, carnival games, entertainment shows, and food stands.
• Management may choose to place readers at the entrance, exit, and/or at the cash register of an activity location.
• the readers placed at the entrance and exits of the activity locations may de configured to track the amount of time the guest spends in the shop.
• a guest may be able to check-in at the entrance using his identifying device in conjunction with the device reader. The same guest can then check-out at the exit using the same method.
• the amount of time the guest has spent at the activity location may then be stored in the processor of a guest identifier, the processor of a device reader, and the main processor 106, all of which may be connected via an internal network.
• the device readers 104 may be further placed at a cash register of an activity location. This device reader 104 may be configured to track and store the amount of money a guest spends at the activity location, which may also be applied to the time the guest spends in a line queue of a primary attraction.
• primary attraction is meant to comprise theme park rides and virtual entertainment venues where line queues tend to be particularly long due to high popularity.
• Primary attractions may also be referred to herein simply as “rides”.
• the device readers 104 may be further placed at the entrance of primary attractions 110 (e.g., a ferris wheel). Guests 114 may produce their identifying device 102 for scanning via the device reader (e.g., kiosk, RFID reader, etc.). The device reader may then inform the guest of their status in the line queue, the guests status corresponding to the guests time and money spent at an activity locations throughout the park. The park may then allow the guests to move ahead in the line queue by this predetermined amount corresponding to the guests time and money spent at an activity location.
• primary attractions 110 e.g., a ferris wheel
• Guests 114 may produce their identifying device 102 for scanning via the device reader (e.g., kiosk, RFID reader, etc.).
• the device reader may then inform the guest of their status in the line queue, the guests status corresponding to the guests time and money spent at an activity locations throughout the park.
• the park may then allow the guests to move ahead in the line queue by this predetermined amount corresponding to the guests time and money spent at an activity location.
• management of a park may choose an activity location in the park that has been historically less popular, such as a restaurant, and alert guests that if a guest spends X amount of time or money at this restaurant they will then be able to go a popular ride and spend X amount of time less in line.
• the main processor 106 may be in communication with each of the readers 104 and guest identification devices 106 via a park network system comprising hard-wired LAN networks or wireless communication (e.g., Wi-Fi, BluetoothTM, etc.) as shown by lines 118, 120, and 122.
• the main processor 106 may comprise the main hardware system components (e.g., hard disc storage and networking components) together with main software components for a plurality of execution functions such as data storage and data retrieval. Guest identifying devices together with device readers may act as an interface between park guests and the network.
• the network may be fully automated and comprise a plurality a subsystems such as kiosks as multiple interfaces between guests and the network throughout the park.
• kiosks are used as device readers
• guests may check-in at a kiosk at any predetermined activity location 108 using their identifying device, which may comprise any of bar-coded tickets, magnetic strip tickets, pin numbers, cellular phone identifiers, hotel room keys, or credit cards. If money is spent at the location, they may then use their guest identifier at the register so that the amount of money spent may be stored on the main processor 106 and/or on the guest identifier 102. The guest may then check-out of the secondary activity at kiosk 104.
• their identifying device may comprise any of bar-coded tickets, magnetic strip tickets, pin numbers, cellular phone identifiers, hotel room keys, or credit cards. If money is spent at the location, they may then use their guest identifier at the register so that the amount of money spent may be stored on the main processor 106 and/or on the guest identifier 102. The guest may then check-out of the secondary activity at kiosk 104.
• the guest having knowledge of which rides 110 have been designated as rides which allow guests to move up in line based on their time at secondary locations may then approach the a kiosk at this predetermined ride.
• the guest may place his identification device in the kiosk, and then be placed in line X amount of time ahead of where the guest would have been had he been forced to wait at the back of the line.
• theme park ride lines move at a known rate
• park employees may be able to insert people in line at a location in which the guest will wait a known period of time, e.g., a known place in line being X minutes from entering the ride.
• each line may have an operator to insert a guest in the proper location in line.
• an auxiliary line may be used to insert guests who are using the identification device.
• the present system may provide management with the ability to offer an incentive to guests to enter less popular secondary attractions such as souvenir shops. For example, park management may advertise that for each minute spent at ABC souvenir shop, two minutes of wait time may be deducted from the line at very popular XYZ ride. This heightens the chance that a guest will visit this secondary location because walking around a shop is preferential to standing in line, which will increase guest satisfaction. Also, shop revenue will increase as some of the guests may purchase an item they would not have originally seen. [0030] While the present system may provide incentive for guests to enter less popular secondary attractions, the system may further provide the opportunity for management to offer the guest an incentive to enter more popular secondary attractions as well. For example, a highly popular restaurant will most likely include long wait lines for a table.
• a guest may desire to eat at the restaurant, but be unwilling to spend his or her time waiting in line to eat, when he or she could spend that time waiting in line at a popular ride (and purchase a cheaper meal at a food stand).
• the present system provides management with the ability to allow a guest to apply the time spent waiting on their table to a line queue of a popular ride.
• guest satisfaction is increased because the guest gets to enjoy both the restaurant and the ride, and any time spent in line at the restaurant may be applied to the time spent in line at that particular ride.
• park profits are increased because guests are more willing to wait in line at a restaurant and spend money on more expensive food, rather than simply going to a food stand.
• reducing the amount of time a guest spends in a line queue for a predetermined ride by the amount of time a guest spends at a predetermined location may comprise the use of a Guest Earning Point Table system, as shown in table 1.
• park management ranks different types of restaurants: Rank A being a table service restaurant (e.g., served by a wait staff); Rank B being a self-service restaurant (e.g., buffet style restaurant); and Rank C being a food stand (e.g., carnival-style funnel cake stand). For each restaurant rank, management establishes that a particular amount of money and/or time spent corresponds to a number of particular number of points.
• one dollar spent equals one point for all restaurant ranks
• one minute spent at an A ranked restaurant may also equal one point.
• management may choose to award points for a "service", that is, awarding 20 points for going to and making a purchase at a B ranked restaurant and 10 points for going to and making a purchase at a C ranked restaurant.
• one dollar spent at a retail type shops corresponds to one point earned, and time spent at those attractions does not earn a guest any points.
• a retail type shops e.g., souvenir shops
• a carnival game e.g., balloon-dart game
• Management may rank primary attractions as well.
• the most popular attractions e.g., roller coasters
• receive A ranks moderately popular receive B ranks and least popular receive C ranks.
• a guest may earn 10 points for riding a C rank attraction, as shown in table 1.
• a guest may earn 360 points by becoming a annual pass holder as shown in row 5.
• Table 2
• a guest consuming point table is shown.
• guest earn points as shown in table 1 , they may buy "priority uses" to move ahead in a line queue to a primary attraction with an A or B ranking.
• To move ahead in an A ranked attraction 120 points are required, and to move ahead in a B ranked attraction, 60 points are required.
• priority use is meant that a guest may move ahead in a line queue ahead of guests that did not earn a priority use by earning points at secondary attractions and low ranking primary attractions.
• FIG. 2 there is shown a flow chart to better help illustrate a method for managing theme park ride lines at 200. While the flowchart shows an exemplary step-by-step method, it is to be appreciated that a skilled artisan may rearrange or reorder the steps while maintaining like results.
• the method is split into management functions 202 and guest functions 204. Providing identifying devices to guests 206 may occur at the park entrance and may be free of charge, or optionally, guests may rent the devices for the day which may be provided at any number of stations throughout the park. Guest identifiers may also comprise bar-coded tickets, magnetic strip tickets, pin numbers, cellular phone identifiers, hotel room keys, and credit cards.
• Management may then provide device readers at any number of predetermined activity locations 208 (e.g., souvenir shops, restaurants, carnival games, entertainment shows, food stands) and communicate which locations are chosen locations to the guests via pamphlet, signs or electronic methods such as speaker calls or display devices on the guest identifier.
• Guests may then choose to go to one or more of these predetermined activity locations 210. If they choose to go, they may check-in using their guest identifier at a provided device reader. They may then choose to spend X amount of time and X amount of money at the predetermined location 212. Time may be tracked via the check-in/check-out method, while money spent may be tracked using the guest identifier and a device reader at a cash register.
• Management may provide device readers at any number of predetermined primary attractions (e.g., rides) 214. Management may also provide guests with information about which primary attractions are subject to the shortened line queues with the use of the guest identification system. Guests may then choose to visit a particular primary attraction 216. [0040] Management may then apply the time and money spent to the line queue of the guests choice, and reduce the amount time in the line queue by an amount that corresponds to the advertised amount 218. For example, if advertised that 10 minutes at secondary attraction A is worth 10 minutes of wait time at primary attraction B, and the line at primary attraction B is 1 hour, then the guest may skip ahead in the line queue and only be expected wait approximately 50 minutes before entering the ride 220.
• predetermined primary attractions e.g., rides
• Management may also provide guests with information about which primary attractions are subject to the shortened line queues with the use of the guest identification system. Guests may then choose to visit a particular primary attraction 216.
• Management may then apply the time and money spent to the line queue of the guests choice, and reduce
• guests may be further permitted to purchase line queue time at device readers throughout the park or cash registers throughout the park.
• the time may be applied via any guest identification device.

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• 2008
  • 2008-06-16 US US12/139,724 patent/US8082165B2/en active Active
• 2009
  • 2009-06-16 CN CN2009801043069A patent/CN102007507A/zh active Pending
  • 2009-06-16 KR KR1020107022477A patent/KR101564797B1/ko active Active
  • 2009-06-16 WO PCT/US2009/047525 patent/WO2010005730A2/en not_active Ceased
  • 2009-06-16 SG SG2011091899A patent/SG177204A1/en unknown
  • 2009-06-16 JP JP2011513759A patent/JP5651587B2/ja active Active
• 2011
  • 2011-11-15 US US13/297,098 patent/US8200515B2/en active Active

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