Computerized system and method for locating individual members of discrete groups and for electronically registering and holding the ' groups position in waiting lines

• US 5,987,421 A
• Filed: 02/05/1998
• Issued: 11/16/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 02/05/1998
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Morfun Systems, Inc.
• Original Assignee: Morfun Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Chuang, Cliff L.
• Primary Examiner(s): Trammell, Jim
• Assistant Examiner(s): SMITH-STEWART, DEMETRA R
• Application Number:
  US09/018,868
• Time in Patent Office: 649 Days
• Field of Search: 705/1, 705/7, 705/32, 235/376, 340/949, 340/286.09, 340/286.06, 340/825.31, 340/825.44, 340/825.47, 455/31.2, 455/38.3, 455/456, 455/518, 455/519
• US Class Current: 705/7.24
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/02 Reservations, e.g. for tickets, services or events
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/06314 Calendaring for a resource
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/1091 Recording time for administrative or management purposes
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 11/00 Arrangements, systems or apparatus for checking, e.g. the occurrence of a condition, not provided for elsewhere
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/02 related to amusement parks
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 2011/04 related to queuing systems
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 25/016 Personal emergency signalling and security systems emergency non-personal manually actuated alarm activators G08B25/12

Abstract

The present invention is a state of the art technological system composed of computers and local area radio network technologies to allow visitors to an amusement park or similar facility to electronically register for positions within a line for those popular rides, attractions and restaurants thereby eliminating the physically tiring wait in the actual lines. The system also allows park visitors to search for the location, distance and direction within the park boundaries of all other members within the same group at any given time. The invention includes a computer system as a main control, a number of specialized communication modules at appropriate locations and a larger number of movable visitor ID devices operating in a custom designed method to provide the above mentioned services. The system is simple to use and can be fully automated thereby reducing the manpower necessary to otherwise run the park.

Claims

1. A method for electronically registering and holding a person'"'"'s position in a queue comprising:

providing at least one main computer having at least one central processing unit with data storage and retrieval components;

providing a plurality of handheld transceivers each possessing a unique identification code, and each further having a visual display screen, an audio output device, a power source, and a plurality of user selectable input mechanisms wherein at least some of said transceivers are distributed to individual persons;

providing a plurality of registration computers each having at least one central processing unit, data storage and retrieval components, means for detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions, and wherein each of said plurality of registration computers communicate with said main computer and with any number of said plurality of handheld transceivers;

associating one of said plurality of registration computers with a particular attraction;

selecting any one of said particular attractions by manipulating the appropriate user selectable input mechanism on said transceiver;

transmitting a wireless signal from said transceiver to the registration computer associated with said particular attraction;

analyzing data contained within the data storage component of the registration computer to determine the next available time block associated with said attraction which correlates to the period of time remaining until the person is scheduled for the attraction;

calculating the period of time remaining until said time block;

registering said transceiver for said time block by adding the unique identification code associated with said transceiver to said data storage component of the registration computer;

transmitting a wireless signal from said registration computer to the transceiver confirming registration and notifying the person of the period of time remaining until said time block; and

allowing said person access to said attraction when said period of time remaining is less than a predesignated period of time.

2. A method according to claim 1 comprising the additional steps of:

monitoring all transceivers registered to each of said registration computers and continuously updating said period of time remaining for each of said transceivers; and

transmitting a wireless signal from said registration computer to each of said registered transceivers at preselected time intervals to update the person as to the then current period of time remaining until said time block.

3. A method according to claim 1 comprising the additional step of transmitting to said main computer from said registration computer information containing at least said unique identification code associated with said transceiver.

4. A method according to claim 1 comprising the additional step of providing each of said attractions with at least one user accessible station for enabling said person'"'"'s transceiver to be recognized by said registration computer.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein said at least one user accessible station comprises at least one user pass through mechanism, wherein said person who'"'"'s time is less than said predesignated period of time is permitted to pass through said user pass through mechanism.

6. A method according to claim 5 wherein said user pass through mechanism reads said unique identification code associated with said transceiver and communicates said unique identification code to said registration computer to permit only those transceivers who'"'"'s time is less than said predesignated period of time the ability to pass through.

7. A method according to claim 5 wherein said at least one user accessible station further comprises at least one user registration mechanism, through which said person passes whereupon said unique identification code is scanned and transmitted to said registration computer thereby registering said transceiver for said time block.

8. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the additional steps of:

enabling persons to exchange time slots for which they are registered by manipulating the appropriate user selectable input mechanism on that person'"'"'s transceiver;

transmitting that person'"'"'s desire to exchange registrations;

searching said data storage for compatible exchanges;

swapping said unique identification codes associated with said time slot for compatible exchanges thereby exchanging registrations between said persons; and

transmitting confirmation of exchange between said persons.

9. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the additional step of providing at least one automated transceiver distribution mechanism.

10. A method according to claim 9 wherein said automated transceiver distribution mechanism can selectively distribute an appropriate number of said transceivers selectable by the person for distribution to associated parties of said person by appropriately debiting an account maintained by said person, and further transmitting information pertaining to said distribution to said main computer.

11. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the additional step of automatically reregistering said person at least once with said attraction if said person fails to keep said time slot.

12. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the additional steps of:

enabling a first person to locate a second person by the first person manipulating the appropriate user selectable input mechanism on that person'"'"'s transceiver;

transmitting a signal to said second person'"'"'s transceiver;

alerting said second person by means of said audio output that said first person is searching for said second person;

transmitting said second person'"'"'s location to said first person; and

limiting said searching ability between persons who are members of predesignated groups.

13. A method according to claim 1 further comprising the additional step of providing at least one automated transceiver return mechanism.

14. A method according to claim 13 wherein said automated transceiver return mechanism is in communication with said main computer and notifies said main computer of the return of each specific transceiver thereby authorizing said main computer to appropriately credit each person'"'"'s account where applicable.

15. A method according to claim 13 further comprising the additional step of providing at least one automated transceiver testing mechanism for testing returned transceivers, replacing transceiver power sources, and disposing of said transceiver, whichever is appropriate.

16. A method according to claim 1 further wherein selecting any one of said particular attractions further comprises the additional steps of:

depressing one of said user selectable input mechanisms;

scrolling through each registrable attraction displayed upon said visual display screen; and

selecting the appropriate attraction by depressing another of said user selectable input mechanisms.

17. A computerized system adapted for use in theme or amusement parks for electronically registering and holding a position in a queue and for locating individual members of distinct groups comprising:

a plurality of handheld transceivers, each programmed with a unique identification code, and each having a visual display screen, an audio output device, a power source, a plurality of user selectable input mechanisms, and each capable of detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions;

a plurality of electronic registration mechanisms, each associated with one particular attraction, and each capable of detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions;

a plurality of identification code searching mechanisms located at various points throughout said park, each capable of detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions; and

at least one main computer adapted to communicate with any of said electronic registration mechanisms and any of said identification code searching mechanisms, said main computer having at least a memory component to store for subsequent manipulation and retrieval information associated with and provided to said system;

wherein each of said plurality of electronic registration mechanisms further comprise a computer with means for both electronically storing in a particular order and retrieving said unique identification codes within a memory component and further associating each of said identification codes with a time slot correlated to a specific appointment with the attraction to which said electronic registration mechanism is associated, and at least one user accessible site to enable a person access to said attraction upon the occurrence of specific conditions;

wherein each of said plurality of electronic registration mechanisms transmit a signal recognizable to all transceivers, said signal causing one of said transceivers located within some predetermined range from said electronic registration mechanism to transmit its unique identification code to an appropriate receiving mechanism associated with said electronic registration mechanism causing said transceiver to register, access, or otherwise interact with said electronic registration mechanism;

wherein each of said plurality of identification code searching mechanisms receive transmissions from any of said transceivers, said electronic registration mechanisms, any other identification code searching mechanism, and the main computer and wherein said identification code searching mechanism further relays said transmission as required to any of another transceiver, an electronic registration mechanism, another identification code searching mechanism, and the main computer, whichever is appropriate;

wherein said main computer forms a central link between said plurality of electronic registration mechanisms and said plurality of identification code searching mechanisms;

and wherein further said unique identification codes are electronically associated as appropriate only between members of said discrete groups; and

wherein said main computer maintains and controls functionability of the system.

18. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 further comprising at least one automated transceiver distribution mechanism.

19. A computerized system in accordance with claim 18 wherein said automated transceiver distribution mechanism further comprises:

a credit/debit card reading means for reading information contained upon a credit card;

a user selectable input means for selecting an appropriate quantity of transceivers correlated to the number of people in the person'"'"'s group to be debited to said credit/debit card;

a display means responsive to said input means for providing visual information to said person;

at least one transceiver distribution mechanism for providing the appropriate number of transceivers to the person;

storage means for storing a quantity of said transceivers which have not yet been distributed; and

means for communicating with the main computer to relay at least the credit/debit transaction information as well as the transmission of each distributed transceiver'"'"'s identification codes so that said codes can be linked to the discrete group.

20. A computerized system in accordance with claim 18 further comprising at least one automated transceiver return mechanism.

21. A computerized system in accordance with claim 20 wherein said automated transceiver return mechanism further comprises:

a short range, narrow directional transceiving mechanism which communicates via wireless signal with said transceiver should said transceiver enter a predesignated area thereby causing said transceiver to emit at least one format of audible sound;

at least one audio output device which emits at least one audible sound for the purpose of alerting and instructing persons regarding their retention of one of said transceivers;

a transceiver repository within which said transceivers are returned, said repository serves to silence the audible sounds of each of said transceiver and said transceiver return mechanism by deactivating said wireless signal; and

a means for communicating with said main computer that said transceiver has been returned and an appropriate credit should be restored to said credit/debit card if applicable.

22. A computerized system in accordance with claim 20 further comprising at least one automated transceiver testing mechanism for testing returned transceivers, replacing transceiver power sources, and disposing of said transceivers, whichever is appropriate.

23. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 further comprising at least one automated transceiver return mechanism.

24. A computerized system in accordance with claim 23 wherein said automated transceiver return mechanism further comprises:

a short range, narrow directional transceiving mechanism which communicates via wireless signal with said transceiver should said transceiver enter a predesignated area thereby causing said transceiver to emit at least one format of audible sound;

at least one audio output device which emits at least one audible sound for the purpose of alerting and instructing persons regarding their retention of one of said transceivers;

a transceiver repository within which said transceivers are returned, said repository serves to silence the audible sounds of each of said transceiver and said transceiver return mechanism by deactivating said wireless signal; and

a means for communicating with said main computer that said transceiver has been returned and an appropriate credit should be restored to said credit/debit card if applicable.

25. A computerized system in accordance with claim 23 further comprising at least one automated transceiver testing mechanism for testing returned transceivers, replacing transceiver power sources, and disposing of said transceivers, whichever is appropriate.

26. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 wherein at least one user accessible site associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms further comprises at least one user pass through mechanism, wherein each person having some predesignated period of time remaining until the onset of said time slot is permitted to pass through said user pass through mechanism to access the attraction.

27. A computerized system in accordance with claim 26 wherein said user pass through mechanism reads said unique identification code associated with said transceiver and communicates said unique identification code to said electronic registration mechanisms to permit only those transceivers who'"'"'s time is less than said predesignated period of time the ability to pass through.

28. A computerized system in accordance with claim 26 wherein at least one user accessible site associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms further comprises at least one user registration mechanism, through which said person passes whereupon said unique identification code is scanned and transmitted to said electronic registration mechanism thereby registering said transceiver for said time block.

29. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 wherein at least one user accessible site associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms further comprises at least one user registration mechanism, through which said person passes whereupon said unique identification code is scanned and transmitted to said electronic registration mechanism thereby registering said transceiver for said time block.

30. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said electronic registration mechanism automatically reregisters every transceiver at least once with said attraction if the person associated with said transceiver fails to keep said time slot.

31. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said plurality of user selectable input mechanisms associated with each transceiver further comprise:

scrolling means for scrolling through each registrable attraction;

scrolling means for scrolling through a selection corresponding to each individual member of said person'"'"'s group;

selection means for specifying a desired selection; and

an audio output silencing means.

32. A computerized system in accordance with claim 31 wherein said scrolling means and said selection means comprise push buttons.

33. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 further comprising an adult transceiver and a child transceiver, wherein said child transceiver selectable input mechanisms comprise a speaker activated when an adult transceiver from the same group attempts to locate said child transceiver.

34. A computerized system in accordance with claim 17 wherein said transceivers further comprise two power levels, a first power level for near searches and a second power level for farther searches.

35. A computerized system for electronically registering and holding a position in a queue comprising:

a plurality of handheld transceivers, each programmed with a unique identification code, and each having a visual display screen, an audio output device, a power source, a plurality of user selectable input mechanisms, and each capable of detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions;

a plurality of electronic registration mechanisms, each associated with a particular attraction, and each capable of detecting, receiving, and transmitting wireless transmissions; and

at least one main computer adapted to communicate with any of said electronic registration mechanisms, said main computer having at least a memory component to store for subsequent manipulation and retrieval information associated with and provided to said system;

wherein each of said plurality of electronic registration mechanisms further comprise a computer with means for both electronically storing in a particular order and retrieving said unique identification codes within a memory component and further associating each of said identification codes with a time slot correlated to a specific appointment with the attraction to which said electronic registration mechanism is associated, and at least one user accessible site to enable a person access to said attraction upon the occurrence of specific conditions; and

wherein each of said plurality of electronic registration mechanisms transmit a signal recognizable to all transceivers, said signal causing one of said transceivers located within some predetermined range from said electronic registration mechanism to transmit its unique identification code to an appropriate receiving mechanism associated with said electronic registration mechanism causing said transceiver to register, access, or otherwise interact with said electronic registration mechanism.

36. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 further comprising means for distributing said transceivers.

37. A computerized system in accordance with claim 36 wherein said means for distributing said transceivers further comprises:

a credit/debit card reading means for reading information contained upon a credit card;

a user selectable input means for selecting an appropriate quantity of transceivers as requested by said person;

a display means responsive to said input means for providing visual information to said person;

at least one transceiver distribution mechanism for providing the appropriate number of transceivers to the person; and

means for communicating with the main computer to relay at least the credit/debit transaction information.

38. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 further comprising means for collecting said transceivers.

39. A computerized system in accordance with claim 38 wherein said means for collecting said transceivers further comprises:

a short range, narrow directional transceiving mechanism which communicates via wireless signal with said transceiver should said transceiver enter a predesignated area thereby causing said transceiver to emit at least one format of audible sound;

at least one audio output device which emits at least one audible sound for the purpose of alerting and instructing persons regarding their retention of one of said transceivers;

a transceiver repository within which said transceivers are returned, said repository serves to silence the audible sounds of each of said transceiver and said transceiver return mechanism by deactivating said wireless signal; and

a means for communicating with said main computer that said transceiver has been returned.

40. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 further comprising at least one mechanism for testing, repairing, and disposing of returned transceivers.

41. A computerized system in accordance with claim 40 wherein said mechanism performing said testing, repairing, and disposing of returned transceivers further comprises a transceiver functional test to determine if it is capable of transmitting and receiving the appropriate wireless signal, and a power supply test, wherein failure of said power supply test results in replacement of said power supply, and failure of said functional test results in withdrawal of the transceiver from said system.

42. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 wherein at least one user accessible site associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms further comprises at least one user pass through mechanism, wherein each person having some predesignated period of time remaining until the onset of said time slot is permitted to pass through said user pass through mechanism to access the attraction.

43. A computerized system in accordance with claim 42 wherein said user pass through mechanism reads said unique identification code associated with said transceiver and communicates said unique identification code to said electronic registration mechanisms to permit only those transceivers who'"'"'s time is less than said predesignated period of time the ability to pass through.

44. A computerized system in accordance with claim 42 wherein there are two user accessible sites associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms and wherein said second user accessible site further comprises at least one user registration mechanism, through which said person passes whereupon said unique identification code is scanned and transmitted to said electronic registration mechanism thereby registering said transceiver for said time block.

45. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 wherein at least one user accessible site associated with any of said electronic registration mechanisms further comprises at least one user registration mechanism, through which said person passes whereupon said unique identification code is scanned and transmitted to said electronic registration mechanism thereby registering said transceiver for said time block.

46. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 wherein said electronic registration mechanism automatically reregisters every transceiver at least once with said attraction if the person associated with said transceiver fails to keep said time slot.

47. A computerized system in accordance with claim 35 wherein said plurality of user selectable input mechanisms associated with each transceiver further comprise:

scrolling means for scrolling through each registrable attraction; and

selection means for specifying a desired selection.