QUEUE MANAGEMENT
First Claim
Patent Images
1. A method for queue management for a service provided at a service location, comprising:
- a. positioning at least one turn-distributing terminal at a waiting area;
b. upon request by a person for a turn from a said turn-distributing terminal, assigning the person a turn in a queue;
c. allowing the person to select whether or not to receive at least one warning communication warning of the approach of said turn;
d. subsequent to c, if the person selects to receive said at least one warning communication, accepting a communication route of the person in said waiting area; and
e. subsequent to d and prior to said turn, if the person selects to receive said warning communication, transmitting to said person at least one said warning communication.
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Abstract
Disclosed are methods and devices for queue management that allow a person waiting in the queue to choose to receive at least one warning communication, for example on a wireless communication device such as a cellular telephone. In some embodiments, the person agrees to “buy” the warnings and concomitant free time by agreeing to pay for at least one warning communication and/or by agreeing to accept advertisements.
6 Citations
20 Claims
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1. A method for queue management for a service provided at a service location, comprising:
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a. positioning at least one turn-distributing terminal at a waiting area; b. upon request by a person for a turn from a said turn-distributing terminal, assigning the person a turn in a queue; c. allowing the person to select whether or not to receive at least one warning communication warning of the approach of said turn; d. subsequent to c, if the person selects to receive said at least one warning communication, accepting a communication route of the person in said waiting area; and e. subsequent to d and prior to said turn, if the person selects to receive said warning communication, transmitting to said person at least one said warning communication. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A queue management device configured to manage a queue, comprising a controller functionally associated with at least one turn-distributing terminal configured for positioning in a waiting area of a service location, together configured to:
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a. assign a turn in a queue to a person located in said waiting area and requesting such; b. accepting a communication route from a said person and storing said communication route in association with a said assigned turn in the queue; and c. accepting from a said person a selection as to whether or not the person wishes to receive at least one warning communication, wherein the device is functionally associated with a communications component, and d. prior to a said turn of a said person, if the person selected to receive said at least one warning communication, transmitting a warning communication to said person using said communications component. - View Dependent Claims (16, 17, 18, 19, 20)
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Specification