Method and system for managing attraction admission

The invention is a method and system for managing admission to an attraction. In one or more embodiments, the system comprises a first queue by which customers may access the attraction by waiting in line and a second queue by which customers may access the attraction in a manner which avoids the first queue. The system includes a first validator for validating an entitlement of a customer to receive an assigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the second queue, a media distributor for distributing a media to an entitled customer, the media including the assigned time at which the entitled customer is entitled to access the attraction in the future, and a second validator for validating the entitled customer access to the attraction at the time provided on the media. In accordance with a method of the invention, a customer may access an attraction in a manner which avoids standing in a first waiting line by verifying entitlement to utilize a second queue, obtaining a pass entitling the customer to access the attraction at a future time, and returning to the attraction at the future time and gaining access with the pass. In this method, the customer may leave the vicinity of the attraction between when the pass is issued and the future time at which the customer is entitled to access to the attraction.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
 1. Field of the Invention
 The invention relates to methods and apparatus for managing admission or
 entry to an attraction, such as a theme-park ride.
 2. Background Art
 There are a number of circumstances where people have to wait in line in
 order to do something. At amusement parks, for example, a customer often
 needs to wait in line to ride an attraction, and the most popular
 attractions usually have the longest lines. Other situations where people
 have to wait in line are at banks, a bakery, at government offices, to buy
 tickets for shows or concerts, to gain admission to museums, or at any
 other place where the number of people arriving to take advantage of goods
 or services at any one time exceeds the speed at which any one customer or
 group of customers can be served. When such a situation occurs, a line
 forms.
 Although customers wait in line, none prefer it. People feel that time
 spent in line is time wasted. A customer would much rather come back later
 when there is no line so that the customer can do other things instead of
 waiting in line. This problem is particularly acute in an amusement park.
 An amusement park may have hundreds of attractions, including rides,
 shops, shows, stores, games, parades, displays, and food services. If a
 customer must wait in line for each attraction, the customer may only be
 able to utilize a small number of attractions in a visit. For particularly
 popular attractions, the lines can require waiting for a number of hours,
 so that a customer might only be able to utilize five or six attractions
 in a ten hour visit.
 Not only is the customer frustrated at not being able to access more
 attractions, but the amusement park itself suffers from having
 underutilized attractions because the customers are waiting in line for
 other attractions. Instead of waiting in line for a single attraction, a
 customer could be riding other attractions, eating food, shopping at
 stores, playing games, or other activities. It would be preferable if the
 customer could avoid the line associated with an attraction while still
 being able to utilize the attraction sometime during the customer's visit.
 There are a number of techniques in the prior art to handle the problems
 associated with waiting in line. One approach to dealing with people in
 lines is to attempt to make the waiting more enjoyable or to make the time
 go faster. In some arrangements, customers waiting in line are
 entertained, such as with television, music, reading material, and so
 forth, so as to distract them and take their mind off of waiting in line.
 However, such schemes do nothing to prevent the need to wait in line.
 Other prior art schemes have been used to attempt to eliminate the need to
 stand in line. One such arrangement is where each customer arriving at a
 location of service is provided with a number that increments for each
 newly arriving customer. Numbers are called in order, with the holder of a
 called number being entitled to service. Such schemes are often used at
 bakeries and other food establishments. This arrangement avoids the need
 for customers to stand in a physical line in order to determine the order
 in which they will be served. When the customer observes that the current
 number being serviced is so much lower than the customers assigned number,
 the customer might leave the establishment and return when the customer
 expects the customer's number to be called.
 This scheme requires a lot of guesswork by the customer, and provides no
 clear guidance for the customer as to when the customer should return.
 More often than not, the expected time delay between the current number
 being serviced and the customer's number is such that the customer feels
 compelled to wait at the establishment to avoid missing the customer's
 opportunity to be served. So although a physical line might be avoided in
 such a scheme, the waiting itself is not really avoided.
 Some prior art schemes at amusement parks and other attractions have
 attempted to avoid the need to have customers wait in line. In a first
 known arrangement, a number of tickets are sold or distributed based on an
 operating time of an attraction and the capacity of the attraction. A
 problem with this scheme is that it is a "dumb" system. The assumption is
 that the attraction will have predictable loading and operating times, and
 will operate at the capacity of the tickets distributed. A problem with
 this system is that it does not take into account actual real time
 performance of the attraction, nor the dynamic real time capacity of the
 attraction.
 Another problem with this first system or scheme is that a customer can
 line up for multiple tickets for the same scheduled attraction operation.
 If the customer keeps the multiple tickets, the attraction does not
 operate at peak capacity, leading to a situation where the efficiency of
 the attraction (number of riders per attraction cycle) is lower than if a
 simple wait in line scheme is used. In addition, the system does not take
 down time or slow downs into account, so that tickets for later operation
 are distributed when the attraction may not actually be operating, or when
 it may be still servicing customers from earlier operation times. This
 leads to waiting in line or to an inability to use the tickets at all.
 Another problem with the scheme is that it requires all customers to use
 the system. There is no alternative scheme available that a customer could
 use in place of the scheme, even when the scheme leads to more delays. If
 the customer does not obtain a ticket, then the customer is not permitted
 to access an attraction.
 Another attempt to eliminate or reduce the need to stand in line is
 described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,502,806 to Mahoney (the Mahoney patent or the
 '806 patent). The Mahoney patent describes a waiting line management
 system where a customer is issued a card or electronic ID device and by
 which the customer is permitted to use a plurality of computer access
 terminals. The access terminals are located, for example, in an amusement
 park. A customer using the card at the access terminal is advised of time
 slot windows available for a number of attractions and performances. The
 customer chooses one or more time slots for one or more attractions and
 thereby is able to pre-schedule the use of attractions.
 A problem with the Mahoney scheme is that it allows customers to reserve
 the right to use a number of attractions, potentially preventing others
 from using the attractions. Another problem is that by allowing the
 customer to select a time slot, the Mahoney system lacks responsiveness to
 changing ride conditions and performance data. In addition, the slots
 themselves are determined by a pre-established allotment. Such advance
 assignment of time slots suffers from the same disadvantages as the
 above-described first known scheme in that there is no dynamic changing of
 time slot allocation based on actual attraction conditions. This condition
 could result in customers being required to stand in line if conditions
 have slowed down, eliminating the very benefit the system is intended to
 provide. Mahoney suggests that if such a situation occurs, then customers
 who do not have passes will be required to wait longer than customers that
 do have passes. However, such a solution still could require substantial
 wait time for customers with passes, and leads to unacceptable wait times
 for customers without passes. Another problem with permitting customers to
 select time slots is that all of the time slots may be selected for
 certain periods of the day, such as 2-5 p.m., while few or none of the
 slots may be selected for other periods of the day, such as 12-1 p.m. In
 this arrangement, the attraction may be underutilized during certain
 periods of time.
 The Mahoney scheme manages slot times allocation based on a fixed capacity
 of an individual attraction. In actual practice, the capacity of an
 attraction may not be achievable due to a variety of factors, including
 number of customers, the demographics of the customers, attraction
 performance, the number of customer vehicles associated with the ride
 which are in service over time, the number of staff members available to
 operate the ride, safety factors, weather, etc. For example, the total
 number of customers in a park who may even desire to access any attraction
 may be much less at one time of day (such as at opening) than another time
 of day (such as mid-day). In addition, the capacity of an attraction may
 change due to a variety of circumstances. A ride may be taken out of
 service for a period of time or one or more "cars" or associated customer
 vehicles may be removed from the ride, lessening the capacity. The number
 of staff available to operate the ride may fluctuate during the day. If a
 fewer number of staff members are available, such as at a shift change,
 the number of patrons which may be loaded into each customer car or the
 number of cars which may be loaded may be reduced. When slow downs occur
 and customers with passes must wait in line, the time slots reserved by
 those customers for other attractions may expire. This not only frustrates
 the customers with passes, but leads to potentially empty seats on other
 attractions.
 An improved method and apparatus for managing access to an attraction is
 desired.
 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
 The invention is a system and method for managing admission to an
 attraction that provides a customer with a choice of standing in line for
 the attraction or having a spot reserved for admission to the attraction
 at a later time without standing in line. The invention also provides an
 improved method and apparatus for managing admission to an attraction that
 can be constantly adjusted to account for the dynamic real time capacity
 of the attraction. The invention also provides a method and apparatus for
 managing admission to an attraction that can prevent customers from
 acquiring multiple reservations for the same attraction.
 In one or more embodiments, the system provides two access points or queues
 at an attraction. A first queue is a traditional "wait in line" queue
 where customers line up for the next available chance to use the
 attraction. A second queue provides a customer with access to the
 attraction which avoids the traditional, first queue.
 The system includes a first validator for validating the right of a
 customer to receive an assigned future time to access the second queue. In
 one embodiment, the system also includes a media distributor for
 distributing an entitlement in the form of a pass to an entitled customer.
 The pass provides a time or time range assigned by the system during which
 the entitled customer is entitled to access the attraction in the future
 via the second queue. The system includes a second validator for
 validating that the customer is entitled to access to the attraction via
 the second queue at the assigned time. In one embodiment, the pass issued
 to the customer establishes the entitlement of the customer to access the
 attraction via the second queue by the second validator.
 In accordance with an embodiment of a method of the invention, a customer
 may access an attraction in a manner which avoids standing in a first
 waiting line by verifying entitlement to utilize a second queue, being
 assigned a future time for accessing the attraction via the second queue,
 returning to the attraction at the future time and validating the
 entitlement of the customer to gain access at the assigned time. In one
 embodiment, a customer is issued a pass entitling the customer to access
 the attraction at a future time via the second queue and the customer uses
 the pass to establish entitlement to access the attraction at the future
 time. In this method, the customer may leave the vicinity of the
 attraction between when the pass is issued and the future time at which
 the customer is entitled to access to the attraction.
 In accordance with an embodiment of the method and system of the invention,
 a variety of factors are utilized to determine the future time assigned to
 the customer and associated with the pass provided the customer. In one
 embodiment, the system and method are arranged to continuously adjust the
 number of passes and/or assigned times in order to compensate for changes
 in ride capacity, demand and other factors in order to maintain the
 attraction at optimum operating conditions.
 In one embodiment of the invention, a system is associated with more than
 one attraction, such as rides in an amusement park. The systems are linked
 in a manner which permits verification that a customer accessing the
 second queue of one attraction has not already been issued a pass
 entitling them to access the second queue of another attraction.
 Further objects, features, and advantages of the present invention over the
 prior art will become apparent from the detailed description of the
 drawings which follows, when considered with the attached figures.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
 In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in
 order to provide a more thorough description of the present invention. It
 will be apparent, however, to one skilled in the art, that the present
 invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some
 instances, well-known features may have not been described in detail so as
 not to obscure the invention.
 One or more embodiments of the invention comprise at least one method and
 system for managing admission to an attraction. The system is particularly
 applicable for use in an environment where the number of customers which
 desire access to an attraction is greater, at one or more times, than the
 capacity of the attraction. Such a condition may be referred to as a
 condition of insufficient capacity. By insufficient capacity, it is meant
 that fewer customers can be accommodated at/by the attraction than wish to
 be accommodated at a particular time or over a period of time. This
 condition may arise by an imposed limitation, such as where it is desired
 to limit the number of persons in a particular area at a given time. Such
 may be for safety or a variety of other purposes. This condition may also
 arise due to physical limitations, such as the number of seats on a
 particular ride and the cycle time of the ride.
 FIG. 1 is an illustration of one embodiment of the present invention. The
 system is for use in controlling admission or entry to an attraction 22
 (note, as used herein, the term "attraction" is meant to comprise any
 location or presentation to which one or more customers wish to gain
 access. The attraction may comprise a location at which a service is
 provided, such as a ride, stage or other show, theater, parade, restaurant
 or other food service, merchandise location, transportation or the like.
 The attraction may also comprise a geographic location, such as a natural
 wonder, art museum or the like. Thus, while the system has particular
 applicability to and is described herein for use in controlling access to
 a ride-type attraction, the system may be used in a wide variety of other
 environments where it is desired to avoid lines).
 In one or more embodiments, the system includes a first queue 24 by which
 customers gain access to the attraction 22 by waiting in a line, much as
 has been done in the prior art. In other words, the customers in the first
 queue 24 have an order in line based on a time at which they enter the
 queue, and are able to utilize the attraction in that order when a space
 or capability is available. In one or more embodiments, the queue 24
 includes a turnstile 28 (or similar device for controlling access)
 positioned at an entrance of the attraction 22. The queue 24 may also
 include ropes, fences 30 or the like for defining a space in which the
 customers line up.
 In one or more embodiments, the customers in the first queue 24 are
 permitted to access the attraction when there is an open spot not filled
 by the customers accessing the attraction via the second queue 26. As
 described in more detail below, the number of customers which are
 permitted to access the attraction via the second queue 26 may be adjusted
 to provide a certain number of open spots for customers in the first queue
 24. For example, 80% of the available spots for the attraction may be
 dedicated to and filled by customers from the second queue 26, while the
 remaining 20% are filled by customers from the first queue 24. In
 addition, if one or more of the spots dedicated to the customers of the
 second queue 26 are not filled, such as if one or more customers who
 obtain passes for accessing the second queue 26 do not return to access
 the attraction, then these spots may be filled by customers in the first
 queue 24. As described in more detail below, this arrangement permits the
 attraction to operate at all times at optimum capacity.
 The system of the invention also includes a second queue 26 by which
 customers gain access to the attraction 22 without waiting in a line and
 thereby avoid the first queue 24. In one or more embodiments of the
 system, the system includes at least one validator for validating the
 right of a customer to receive an assigned time to access the attraction
 via the second queue.
 In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, the system includes a first
 validator 32 validating the right of a customer to receive an assigned
 future time to utilize the second queue 26, and a second validator 34 for
 permitting the customer to access the attraction 22 at a future time via
 the second queue 26. In this manner, the customer can avoid the first
 queue 24.
 In operation, a customer utilizes the first validator 32 to obtain an
 assigned time in the future for accessing the attraction via the second
 queue 26. As described below, in one embodiment, an entitled or
 "validated" customer may be issued a pass which includes a time or time
 range at which the customer is entitled to return and utilize the
 attraction. The amount of time between the time a pass is issued and the
 time at which the customer can utilize the attraction depends on a number
 of factors, including the number of people who have already obtained
 passes, the capacity of the attraction, the operating speed of the
 attraction, staffing availability, the capacity of the attraction
 allocated to the customers accessing it via the second queue, and any
 delays related to operation of the attraction.
 When the assigned time or time range (such as that indicated on the pass)
 occurs, the customer is entitled to access the attraction without waiting
 in line. The customer accesses the second queue 26 and establishes
 entitlement to access the attraction via the second queue 26. In one
 embodiment, the customer presents the issued pass at second validator 34
 and if the pass is valid (i.e., the time or time range is appropriate, the
 pass is not counterfeit, etc.) the customer is admitted to the attraction.
 In one embodiment of the invention, a customer may only use the second
 queue when the customer has not previously been issued a yet unused or
 unexpired pass. This scheme is to prevent customers from obtaining
 multiple passes for a single attraction, preventing others from enjoying
 it, or to prevent customers from reserving admittance to multiple
 attractions. A customer may be permitted to obtain multiple passes to one
 or more attractions, as described in greater detail below.
 As illustrated in FIG. 1, at or near an entrance to attraction 22, a
 customer is presented with a point of decision 36 where the customer
 decides whether to access the attraction 22 via the first queue 24 or the
 second queue 26. When there is no appreciable line in the first queue 24,
 the customer may decide to forego the second queue and utilize the
 attraction in a prior art manner. If the line in queue 24 is too long, or
 if the customer wishes to utilize the system of the invention, the
 customer chooses the second queue 26.
 In one or more embodiments, the system includes a first queue wait time
 generator 31 and associated display 33. The first queue wait time
 generator 31 is configured to generate a time regarding the wait
 associated with accessing the attraction via the first queue 24 by a
 customer about to enter the first queue 24. Of course, the wait time may
 be calculated manually, such as by tracking the wait time of one or more
 particular customers through the first queue 24 from time of entry until
 time of attraction access. In one or more embodiments, the first queue
 wait time generator 31 includes sensors which provide data for use by the
 generator 31 in determining a current length of the wait associated with
 that line. The sensors may provide information such as the physical length
 of the line. The generator 31 may use this information and information
 such as the current ride capacity, percentage of capacity allocated to
 customers accessing via the second queue 26, and other factors for
 generating an approximate first queue wait time. Various data for use by
 the generator 31 may be input manually as well. For example, a ride
 operator may visually estimate the physical length of a line and input
 line length data to the generator 31. The first queue wait time display 33
 is configured to provide a customer at the point of decision 36 with the
 first queue wait time information. The display 33 may comprise a digital
 or other display for displaying hours and/or minutes of wait time.
 In one or more embodiments, the system includes a second queue time display
 35. This display 35 is configured to display the next time which will be
 assigned to a customer for accessing the attraction through the second
 queue 26. The display 35 may comprise a digital or other display
 displaying hours and/or minutes of wait time.
 Using the information regarding the access times available to a customer
 via the displays 33,35, a customer is aided in the process of deciding to
 access the attraction through the first or second queues 24,26.
 In one or more embodiments, the first validator 32 for verifying
 entitlement of a customer to an assigned future time may be located remote
 from the attraction or there may be more than one first validator 32, one
 located near the attraction and one or more located remote therefrom. For
 example, a first validator 32 may be located near an entrance to a theme
 park. In such an event, a display 33 for displaying first queue waiting
 time and a display 35 for displaying the next available time for accessing
 the attraction via the second queue 26 may be located at the remote first
 validator 32 as well.
 FIG. 2 illustrates one embodiment of a system having a first validator 32,
 a media distributor 38, and a second queue 26 having an associated second
 validator 34. The first validator 32 is arranged to determine or verify
 that a customer is entitled to an assigned future time for accessing the
 attraction via the second queue 26. In one embodiment, the first validator
 32 establishes the right of a customer to a pass having an assigned future
 time, the pass for use by the customer in gaining access to the attraction
 22 via the second queue 26 at the future time. The first validator 32 may
 comprise a card-reader type device which is arranged to read a magnetic
 stripe on a ticket issued to the customer. In such an arrangement, each
 customer may be provided with a ticket or similar element which
 establishes a customer's right to access the attraction 22.
 In an embodiment where the attraction 22 is inside of or part of a theme
 park, the ticket which the customer uses for validation may be a ticket
 which is issued to the customer by which the customer gains access to the
 park itself. In such an arrangement, the first validator 32 may be
 arranged to communicate with a main database containing information
 regarding the customer(s) (such as by ticket numbers) which are entitled
 to utilize the second queue 26.
 In one or more other embodiments, the first validator 32 may be arranged to
 read information on a card, to accept issued tokens, identify one or more
 biometric identifiers of a customer such as a radio-frequency
 identification (RFID); retina, voice, thermal, finger or hand geometry
 signature; or a visual identification of the customer or the like.
 In one or more embodiments, if the first validator 32 establishes the right
 of the customer to an assigned time in the future for accessing the
 attraction via the second queue 26, then the media distributor 38
 distributes a pass to a customer which the customer may utilize to access
 the attraction via the second queue 26. In one embodiment, the media
 distributor 38 comprises a printer which prints a paper pass or similar
 element. The media distributor 38 may issue one or more of a wide variety
 of media as passes, such as magnetic-stripe encoded or "smart" cards,
 punch-type cards, coded tokens, biometric identifiers such as those set
 forth above and the like.
 In one embodiment, the pass which is distributed to each customer by the
 media distributor 38 is arranged to permit the customer to gain access to
 the attraction 22 at a time in the future. The particular time, as
 described below, may vary upon a wide variety of circumstances. In one or
 more embodiments, the time comprises an assigned access time or time range
 which is printed on the pass which is issued to an entitled customer. (In
 the examples below, the pass is referred to as having a "time" associated
 with it. It will be understood that this contemplates both a specific time
 and/or a time range, time period, or time window).
 As described above, the first validator 32 and the media distributor 38 may
 be located adjacent to the attraction and/or remote therefrom. In the
 event the first validator 32 and media distributor 38 are located near the
 attraction, after obtaining a pass or the like, the customer may leave the
 area of the attraction 22 and need not return to the attraction 22 until
 the time provided on the pass. In the event the customer obtains a pass
 from a remote media distributor 38, the customer simply continues about
 their activities until it is necessary to travel to the vicinity of the
 attraction at the assigned time. As described in more detail below, the
 right of a customer to obtain passes may be a value added feature for
 which the customer pays additional monies (such as at the same time as
 purchasing a main ticket).
 In one or more embodiments, the first validator 32 may be integral with a
 main ticket issuer/validator and second queue access passes may be issued
 at the same time or as part of a main ticket. For example, a customer
 entering a theme park may be permitted, at the time they present or
 purchase their ticket, to obtain one or more passes providing future times
 assigned by the system. This permits a customer to plan or schedule their
 day ahead of time. In this arrangement, the ticket which the customer uses
 to access the theme park may be encoded and/or printed with access time
 information for permitting the customer to access one or more attractions
 at future times, avoiding the need to issue separate passes.
 In one or more embodiments, the system and method for permitting access to
 the attraction 22 includes a second validator 42 for establishing the
 right of a customer to access the attraction via the second queue 26 at
 assigned time. In one embodiment, the second validator 42 validates the
 media or pass issued by the media distributor 38 and held by a customer.
 In one or more embodiments, the second validator 42 comprises a human
 attendant which reads information printed on the pass and verifies the
 information. The attendant may verify the printed assigned time or time
 range against the current time, a date of the pass against a current date,
 and the attraction for which the pass is issued.
 Alternatively, the second validator 42 may comprise a card reader or other
 device for confirming the entitlement of a customer to access the
 attraction 22 via the second queue 26. For example, the second validator
 42 may be arranged to verify data associated with the element issued by
 the media distributor 38, such as a bar code.
 In one or more embodiments of the invention, the pass issued to a customer
 may be issued only for reference by the customer for knowing and
 remembering the assigned time or range of time, and the second validator
 34 may be configured to verify entitlement of the customer in a manner
 independent of the pass. For example, a customer may establish entitlement
 to a pass with a finger print at the first validator 32. The pass provides
 written indication of the assigned time to the customer. When the customer
 accesses the second queue 26, the customer may be required to establish
 validation at the second validator 34 with a fingerprint again. In this
 arrangement, the second validator 34 determines that the customer is
 entitled to access the attraction by establishing that the identify of the
 customer with the fingerprint and determining if the time the customer is
 accessing the second queue 26 is at the time/in the range of time which
 was assigned to the customer. It may be appreciated that the second
 validator 34 may be configured to establish validation in one or more of
 the variety of manners described above with respect to the first validator
 32. It should be appreciated that customers may not be issued passes at
 all.
 In accordance with one or more embodiments of the invention, one or more
 schemes are provided for determining the access time which is associated
 with each media which is issued by the media distributor 38. In one or
 more embodiments of the invention, a time at which a customer is permitted
 to gain access to the attraction 22 via the second queue 26 is dependent
 upon one or more of a variety of factors, including, but not limited to,
 the following: the capacity of the attraction, the capacity of the
 attraction which is allocated to customers accessing through the second
 queue 26, the total number of customers who may wish to access the
 attraction 22, the current and future staffing of the attraction, the
 demographics of the customers, the time of day and the day of the week.
 In one or more embodiments, the system includes a controller 44. As
 illustrated, the controller 44 is arranged to control the media
 distributor 38. The controller 44 may also be arranged to control other
 aspects of the system, such as the first validator 40. In one or more
 embodiments, the controller 44 receives attraction capacity and/or time
 information and instructs the media distributor 38 what time to issue in
 association with each pass. The controller 44 may send a signal to the
 second queue time display 35 for displaying the next time to be assigned.
 A keypad 46 or other data entry/control device (such as a keyboard, mouse,
 joystick or the like) may be provided for manually entering data and
 controlling the controller 44. The keypad 46 may be used to enter specific
 time information, reset the controller and the like. A display screen 47
 such as a CRT may be associated with the controller 44 and keypad 46 for
 permitting a user to view information regarding the system.
 A local server 48 is arranged to send and receive data. In one or more
 embodiments, the local server 48 is arranged to receive data about the
 capacity and other characteristics of the attraction 22. For example,
 various sensors may be associated with the attraction 22 for providing
 data. In one or more embodiments, the sensors (not shown) may monitor ride
 speed, the number of customers passing through or standing in the first
 queue 24, the capacity of the ride, etc. The local server 48 may receive
 data from these sensors at various times or continuously, or may transmit
 specific requests for data. (In other embodiments, the local server 48 may
 be a remote server in communication with the attraction and sensors).
 Information may be inputted manually or automatically. For example, each
 staff member which is currently available to operate a ride may manually
 enter their employee code to indicate to the system that they are
 available to operate the system. Based on the number of employees which
 are indicated as available, adjustments may be made to the number of
 customers which are likely to be serviced during a period of time.
 As will be appreciated by those of skill in the art, many current
 attractions, such as thrill rides, already include sophisticated ride
 control systems. These systems have a variety of sensors and controls for
 monitoring and controlling the ride. The local server 48 may simply
 comprise an interface with the individual ride control systems for
 receiving information therefrom.
 The information which is provided to the server 48 is transmitted to an
 algorithm processor 50. The algorithm processor 50 utilizes the data to
 determine times for issuance by the media distributor 38. In general, it
 is desired that the algorithm processor 50 issue a time associated with
 each media which permits the customer to return to the attraction 22 at
 the predetermined time at the second media validator 42 and access the
 attraction 22 (such as via second validator 42) without standing in a
 line. In order to accurately balance demand and capacity, the algorithm
 processor 50 obtains information regarding a variety of factors which
 affect demand and capacity. (Although shown as separate entities in FIG.
 2, the controller 44 and algorithm processor 50 may be implemented as a
 single device or process).
 In one or more embodiments, if the wait associated with the first queue 24
 becomes longer than a desirable time, then the algorithm processor 50 may
 be arranged to issue fewer numbers of access times or access times which
 are later in time so as to permit a greater number of customers from the
 first queue 24 to access the attraction 22 for a period of time. In the
 event the capacity of the attraction 22 suddenly decreases, the algorithm
 processor 50 may be arranged to respond in a similar fashion. In the event
 the capacity of the attraction 22 increases, then the algorithm processor
 50 may be arranged to issue a greater number of access times.
 In one or more embodiments, the algorithm processor 50 utilizes one or more
 algorithms to produce access time data. Set forth in FIG. 4 is a flow
 diagram illustrating a configuration of a method by which the assigned or
 "wait" times are calculated (as used in FIG. 4, "GC" represents the guest
 count). FIGS. 5A-5H illustrate tables and a data dictionary for data
 element which may be used in the illustrated wait time calculation.
 Set forth below is information regarding a number of processes employed in
 the flow diagram illustrated in FIG. 4. As set forth therein, the system
 may be arranged to employ a number of procedures at different times. For
 example, every 5 minutes, the system is arranged so that data associated
 with the controller 44 is uploaded to a master server (as described below
 in conjunction with FIG. 3). The system may be arranged so that all data
 regarding customers which have been issued entitlements is cleared from
 the system at 3 a.m. each day.
 DISPENSE RATE CALCULATION
 g=number of guests carried
 x=guest count survey time in minutes
 z=percentage of capacity for attraction sent to the system
 p=ticket increment period in minutes
 ((g*z)/x) * p=dispense rate setting
 Example:
 If g=2,000, x=60, z=0.8, p=5, then
 ((2000 * 0.8)/ 60 * 5=133.33
 Rounded down to 133.
 PROCESSES
 The system has following processes:
 5-MINUTE LOAD PROCESS
 Every 5 minutes, a main systems process on a Bridge server will get the
 Master Controller data (as used herein and in the Figures, "master
 controller" includes controller 44 as described above and a master
 controller 244 as described below), call the stored procedure
 "put_me_data" on the Park server (the Park server may comprise a server
 such as server 104 described below with reference to FIG. 3), and pass a
 series of values to the stored procedure. The stored procedure will insert
 these values into the synonymed "vq_contr_feed_info" table, which points
 back up to an attraction data server (such as the master server 102 as
 illustrated in FIG. 4 and referred to in FIGS. 5A-5H as "OPSheet" or local
 server 48), and update the local Park server table "vq_last_feed_info".
 10-MINUTE SEND PROCESS
 Every 5-10 minutes, after calculations have been performed to determine the
 correct dispense rate, a row will be inserted into the vq_opsheet_feed
 table location on the attraction data server. This insert will trigger a
 stored procedure, which will activate a C routine. The C routine will
 build two files. The first file will contain the attraction identifier;
 the second file will contain k-shell script commands. The C routine will
 execute the k-shell file, and the k-shell file will ftp the first file to
 the Bridge server location.
 On the Bridge server, another mechanism will run every minute looking for
 the file sent by the process described above. If the file is found, a
 message pulse will be sent via the Windows NT operating system to activate
 the main systems process.
 The main systems process will read the file to get the attraction ID. Using
 this attraction ID, the main systems process will call the stored
 procedure "get_me_data", located on the attraction data server. This
 stored procedure will return the values from the "vq_opsheet_feed_info"
 table for the attraction in question, and then indicate that this data has
 been processed.
 ABUSE CHECK
 When a card is read through the magnetic reader, a main systems process
 will trap the information, attach the attraction, and call a stored
 procedure called "abuse_check", which is located on the Park server. This
 stored procedure will determine whether or not a duplicate ticket exists
 for abuse purposes. It will also determine whether or not the close time
 has been reached. Based on several checks, either a 0 (successful), I
 (abuse), or 2 (past the close time) will be returned by the stored
 procedure to the main systems process. The main systems process will then
 determine how to proceed with printing a reservation ticket.
 CLEARING ABUSE CHECK DATA
 Each morning at 3:00 AM, a process called "cleanab.sh` will run. This is a
 C program that will delete all the abuse check data accumulated for the
 day.
 SYNCHRONIZATION OF ATTRACTION DATA SERVER TO THE K SERVERS
 Each time an attraction is created, updated, or deleted in the attraction
 data server, a trigger mechanism will be activated. The trigger mechanism
 will take the changes on the attraction data server and pass them to the
 correct Park server attraction table. This will be done via a stored
 procedure called "synclocs". This stored procedure will determine which
 park needs to be updated and, via a synonym, perform the updates.
 NETWORK MONITORING MECHANISM
 This process will be comprised of a C routine residing on the attraction
 data server. This C routine will be activated every minute, and will build
 a connection against the attraction data server database and each of the
 active Park server databases. It will also attempt ping against each of
 the active Bridge servers. If any component fails, a page will be sent to
 the development team.
 VISUAL BASIC TURNSTILE FEED TO ATTRACTION DATA SERVER
 A Visual Basic process will run on a dedicated Windows NT server to keep
 the data flowing into the attraction data server.
 DOWN TIME PROCESS
 The Down Time Process is used when a location must be closed to guests for
 a certain amount of time.
 A user at the location initiates this process through the attraction data
 server's line management module, which displays on the location's PC. In
 the Location Down Time screen, the user selects the appropriate park and
 location.
 The process checks to see if the selected location is in Override mode.
 If the location is in Override mode, the process prevents the user from
 continuing. (A down time cannot be assigned to a location in
 Overridemode.)
 If the location is not in Override mode, a location port ID is retrieved.
 This location port ID is used throughout the process to assign values to
 tables pertaining to the location's down time status.
 After the park and location are selected, the process provides a suggested
 "expected up time." The suggested expected up time is the current time +
 the default minimum down time. (Each location has a default minimum down
 time.) The user can modify the expected up time so it is greater than the
 suggested expected up time, but cannot modify it to be less than the
 suggested time.
 The process obtains the expected up time from the user and the current time
 from the UNIX server.
 Next, the process obtains the down time minutes by subtracting the current
 time from the expected up time.
 The process obtains the guest window start and end time from either the
 controller feed table or the attraction data server feed table. (Obtaining
 the most up-to-date time is critical. If the guest window start value in
 the OPSheet feed table is greater than the guest window start value in the
 controller feed table, the values from the attraction data server feed
 table are used. Otherwise, the values from the controller feed table are
 used.)
 The process checks to see if the location has previously been in down time
 mode. If the location has previously been in down time mode, the process
 does one of the following:
 If the current time is less than the location scenario table's expected up
 time (that is, the user is modifying an existing expected up time), the
 process updates the location scenario table.
 If the current time is greater than the location scenario table's expected
 up time (that is, the user is entering a new expected up time), the
 process inserts a row into the location scenario table and updates the
 table. The process obtains the location scenario id number to insert into
 the attraction data server feed table.
 If the location is not in down time mode, the process checks to see if the
 location is in schedule mode. If the location is in schedule mode, the
 schedule's performance values are assigned to the appropriate tables via
 the location port ID.
 If the location is not in either schedule or downtime mode, the process
 uses the values in the location's loc_port_info_data table.
 When the location's values have been assigned to the appropriate tables,
 the process runs a stored procedure that calculates the new dispense rate
 using values obtained from the location port id.
 Finally, when the location scenario id is obtained, a row is inserted into
 the attraction data server feed table with values provided by the user,
 the stored procedure and the supporting tables.
 The algorithm processor 50 and controller 44 work with one another to
 control the issuance of passes by the media distributor 38. In general,
 the access times that are provided by the algorithm processor 50 are
 forwarded to the controller 44. The access times are then provided
 sequentially to the media distributor 38 for printing on each successive
 pass. In the event the algorithm processor 50 indicates that no more
 access times are available, the controller 44 may instruct the media
 distributor 38 and/or first validator 40 to print or display a message
 that no more customers are being provided access to the attraction 22 via
 the second queue 26.
 The algorithm processor 50 may be arranged to provide for multiples of the
 same access time. For example, if the capacity of the attraction 22
 permits, two or more passes may be issued with the same access time. On
 the other hand, if the capacity of the attraction 22 is limited, the
 access times may be spaced apart in time.
 As described above, certain information regarding the system may be
 provided for viewing on the display screen 47. The display screen 47 and
 associated keypad 46 may comprise a user interface for the system for
 obtaining information from and inputting information to, the system. FIG.
 6 illustrates an information screen illustrating the current "downtime" of
 an attraction. A user of the system may input estimated downtime
 information to the system using the keypad 46. This information may be
 used by the algorithm processor 50 to adjust the times which are being
 calculated for assignment to customers by the input time.
 FIGS. 7A-7C illustrate screens which permit a user to view current system
 settings and adjust those settings. For example, a user of the system may
 determine from such a screen that the current pass dispense rates for the
 second queue 26 are higher than desired, and input a lower percentage
 allocation value to the system for reducing the number of
 passes/entitlement issued to customers. The user may also set an expected
 level of "no shows" or the percentage of customers who obtain passes for
 accessing the second queue but do not use them.
 FIG. 8 illustrates a screen which enables a user to establish a variety of
 settings for a specific attraction. For example, using this displayed
 information a user can determine whether or not the system is configured
 to permit a customer to obtain multiple passes. If not (i.e. "abuse check"
 is "on"), the user may utilize the keypad 44 to change this setting, if
 desired. The user may also be permitted to view and adjust a wide variety
 of other information such as the time at which the ride will shut down and
 thus the last possible assigned time.
 FIG. 9 illustrates a screen displaying information associated with the
 master server 102. As illustrated, using information provided to the
 master server 102, a user may obtain information regarding any one or more
 attractions associated with the system. The user may be permitted to
 obtain and revise information with any particular attraction. This
 arrangement allows a user to avoid the need to travel to each attraction
 to view information, but instead obtain and edit information from a
 central location.
 The personnel which are permitted to access the system, including the
 viewing of information and inputting of information, may be limited. For
 example, a card-reader or similar device may be associated with the keypad
 46 for reading an employee I.D. card and verifying that the employee is
 permitted to access the system.
 Those of skill in the art will appreciate that there are numerous
 configurations of hardware and/or software for implementing the invention.
 For example, the controller 44, keypad 46 and display 47 may comprise
 components of a general purpose computer. The algorithm processor 50 may
 comprise hardware, or may comprise software executed in a processing
 environment, such as a computer.
 Although the above-described system has been described as and is
 particularly applicable in managing admission to a single attraction, such
 a system can be adapted to manage admission to multiple attractions. In
 one or more embodiments, a first system which is associated with a first
 attraction 22 is linked to a second system associated with second
 attraction and/or additional attractions. FIG. 3 illustrates in greater
 detail such a master system 100 in accordance with one embodiment of the
 invention.
 The master system 100 includes a master server 102 which is linked to a
 local server 48 of a local system associated with a particular attraction.
 In addition, a main server 104 is linked to each local server 48. For
 simplicity, FIG. 3 illustrates only one such local system in detail, and
 illustrates only the local servers of three additional local systems.
 In the embodiment illustrated, the master server 102 serves the function of
 the algorithm processor 50 of the system described above. In this
 arrangement, the algorithm processor 50 associated with each system is
 omitted and the master server 102 serves the functions of each individual
 algorithm processor. The master server 102 sends calculated access time
 information for each attraction 22 to its respective local server 48,
 which then provides the data to the media distributor 38.
 The main server 104 is arranged to permit communication to and between each
 of the local servers 48. For example, in one or more embodiments, when a
 customer seeks to obtain an admission pass for an attraction, the local
 server 48 associated with that attraction sends a request to the main
 server 104 to determine if the customer has already obtained an admission
 pass for another attraction. If so, the local server 48 can instruct the
 controller 44 (and first validator 40) to prevent the media distributor 38
 from issuing an admission pass. When the customer is not prevented from
 obtaining an admission media, then the local server 48 may be arranged to
 send data to the main server 104 regarding the customer, the issued time
 and attraction so that the customer can be prevented from accessing
 another attraction at the same time or before the currently issued pass
 has been used or expired.
 In one or more embodiments, the main server 104 stores or is linked to a
 database having information regarding customers entitled to access the
 second queue 26 of each local system to access an attraction. For example,
 the main server 104 may store ticket codes of those tickets issued to
 customers each day at an amusement park.
 In one or more embodiments, when a customer wishes to access an attraction
 through the second queue and uses the first validator 40, the first
 validator 40 sends a request through the local server 48 to the main
 server 104 requesting verification that the customer is entitled to access
 the system. If the customer is verified, then such a response is
 transmitted to the first validator 40. If not, then such a response is
 transmitted to the first validator 40. The first validator 40 may be
 arranged to display an appropriate message to the customer, such as
 "invalid entitlement."
 In accordance with one or more embodiments, there may be more than one
 "first queue" or other line in which customers wait. Further, in one or
 more embodiments, there may be no first queue. In such an arrangement,
 each customer who wishes to access the attraction is given an admission
 media (if so entitled) and permitted to access the attraction at the
 assigned time only.
 FIG. 10 is a flow diagram illustrating a protocol by which the master
 server 102 (referred to in the figure as the "Master Server Feed")
 communicates with the controller 44 of the system associated with each
 attraction in one implementation of an embodiment of the invention (this
 implementation is associated with the information provided in FIGS. 4 and
 5A-5H and described further above). FIGS. 11A-11C show a flow diagram
 illustrating a protocol by which the controller 44 communicates with the
 master server 102.
 As illustrated in FIG. 3, more than one media distributor 38 and first
 validator 40 may be provided at each attraction 22. More than one second
 media validator may be provided for permitting access to the attraction
 22.
 FIG. 12 schematically illustrates a system in accordance with an embodiment
 of the invention in which validation of park entry tickets and
 establishment of the entitlement of a customer to access the second queue
 26 is centralized. In this embodiment, a customer obtains a ticket,
 whether pre-purchased or purchased at the gate. A central park admission
 controller and database 200 stores information regarding valid tickets. A
 customer is permitted to enter the park via a turnstile 202 or other
 monitored entry when the customer's ticket is validated. For example, the
 customer's ticket may be read by a ticket reader 204 and the data thereon
 verified by the park admission controller 200 against the stored ticket
 information.
 When a customer wishes to obtain an assigned time to access a second queue
 of an attraction, the customer establishes an entitlement via a first
 validator 232. The first validator 232 communicates with the central park
 admission controller 200 via a master controller 244. This arrangement
 permits a determination that the customer's ticket is valid for a specific
 day, has not be revoked or the like. If the ticket is validated, then the
 customer may be provided a pass, such as described above, by a media
 distributor 238. The master controller 244 is also arranged to send data
 to the central park admission controller 200 that a pass has been issued
 to the customer for that attraction. Then, if the customer attempts to
 gain a pass for that or another attraction while the first pass is
 outstanding, the database associated with the park admission controller
 200 has a record of the outstanding pass and the customer will be denied
 the additional pass.
 Again, an algorithm processor 250 is arranged to communicate with the
 master controller 244 to provide times to be assigned and printed by the
 media distributor 238.
 In one or more embodiments, the system may be arranged so that not all
 customers are entitled to access the attraction 22 via the second queue.
 In another embodiment, one or more customers may be permitted to access
 certain attractions via the second queue and other attractions only via
 the first queue. In one or more embodiments, only customers which pay a
 premium amount or obtain some special entitlement are permitted to access
 one or more attractions via the second queue.
 Operation, Effect And Other Features
 In operation, in one or more embodiments, a customer receives a ticket or
 other entitlement. For example, at an amusement park, a customer pays for
 a ticket to gain entry to the park. With respect to the embodiment of the
 invention illustrated in FIG. 3, the main server 104 stores information
 regarding the customer's ticket.
 At some point a customer may wish to access a particular attraction 22.
 When the customer reaches the attraction, they are presented with an
 option. First, the customer may access the attraction through the
 traditional first queue 24. Optionally, the customer may access the
 attraction 22 via the second queue.
 Referring to FIG. 13, if the customer wishes to access the attraction 22
 via the second queue 26, the customer first validates entitlement to
 receive an assigned time to access the second queue 26. In one embodiment,
 the customer slides a portion of his ticket through a card reader portion
 of the first validator 40. In one or more other embodiments, validation
 may be performed by scanning a fingerprint or the like as described above.
 In the arrangement illustrated in FIG. 3, the first validator 40 then sends
 a confirmation request through the local server 48 to the main server 104.
 The main server 104 verifies that the ticket is on the list of valid
 tickets. If the ticket is not verified, then the main server 104 sends
 this data back to the first validator 40 which may illuminate or print out
 an indication of such to the customer. In an embodiment where the customer
 is not entitled to more than one pass or entitlement to a second queue at
 a time, the first validator 40 is configured to verify that the customer
 has no other outstanding entitlements/passes.
 In one embodiment, such as in the system illustrated in FIG. 2, if the
 ticket is verified, the first validator 40 sends a signal of such to the
 media distributor 38. The media distributor 38 then issues a pass to the
 customer. The pass includes an assigned access time at which the customer
 is entitled to return to the attraction 22 in the future and access the
 attraction 22 through the second queue 26.
 The customer may then leave the area of the attraction 22. During this
 time, the customer may shop, eat or engage in a wide variety of other
 activities.
 At the appointed time, the customer returns to the attraction 22 and seeks
 access to the attraction via the second queue 26. The customer establishes
 entitlement to access the attraction via the second validator 42. In the
 embodiment where the customer is provided with a pass which provides
 access, the customer presents the issued pass to a person who verifies the
 current time and the time printed on the pass, the date of the pass and
 the attraction for which the pass provides access. If validated, then the
 customer is permitted to access the attraction 22. As provided above, the
 customer may establish entitlement to access the attraction in accordance
 with other methods, such as by scanning a fingerprint again.
 In one or more embodiments, the customers gaining access to the attraction
 through the first and second queues may be separated. For example, for a
 ride having four cars, the first two cars may be filled with customers
 from the first queue 24 and the second two cars filled with customers from
 the second queue 26. In one or more embodiments, the customers gaining
 access to the attraction 22 are integrated in accordance with the
 allocated capacity to the first and second queue customers.
 In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted to
 access an attraction via the second queue 26 apart from the standard
 method of establishing entitlement at the first validator 40 and then
 returning to the second queue 26 of the attraction at the assigned time.
 For example, one or more passes may be issued to a number of customers
 which include pre-assigned times. One or more customers might, for
 example, be issued passes on the same day or days or weeks before the
 assigned date of access. A customer arranging a trip to a theme park may
 be permitted to purchase passes. In one or more embodiments, these
 assigned "spots" are accounted for by the system when determining other
 passes to issue to those accessing the attraction with the first
 validator.
 In one or more embodiments, one or more customers may be permitted to
 access an attraction via the second queue 26 or even a third queue without
 a pass. For example, special VIP, disabled or other customers may be
 permitted to access the attraction via the second queue 26 or a third
 queue which permits the customer to access the attraction at any time.
 As described above, in one or more embodiments of the system and method a
 customer is prevented from obtaining more than one entitlement or pass for
 accessing an attraction at a single time. In another arrangement, some
 customers may be permitted to obtain multiple passes. In one embodiment,
 the system may be arranged to permit customers to obtain multiple passes
 at some times and not at others. For example, if the wait time for
 accessing one or two attractions is particularly long (whether by the
 first or second queue 24,26) the system may be arranged to permit
 customers to obtain passes for different attractions so that the customer
 avoids the need to access one attraction before obtaining a pass for
 accessing another attraction.
 Advantageously, the method and system of the present invention permits one
 or more customers to gain access to an attraction without having to wait
 in a standard line to access the attraction. This permits the customer to
 engage in other activities instead of waiting in line. Such activities may
 comprise shopping or eating.
 In one or more embodiments, the method and system advantageously permits
 "real-time" adjustment of the flow of customers to the attraction 22 via
 the first and second queues. This is advantageous since it permits
 optimization of the capacity of the attraction with the demand of
 customers. In the event the line of customers in the first queue 24
 becomes excessively long, the system can provide for an adjustment in the
 number of customers permitted to access the attraction 22 via the second
 queue 26 and thus reduce the wait time associated with the first queue. In
 addition, in the event the capacity of the attraction 22 suddenly
 decreases, the system can provide for an adjustment in the number of
 customers and/or access times via the second queue 26 to prevent a build
 up of customers accessing the attraction 22 via the first and/or second
 queues. In the event the capacity of the attraction 22 increases, the
 system can provide for an additional number of customers to access the
 attraction 22 via the second queue 26 and/or adjust the access times to
 permit more customers to access the attraction.
 Of course, the foregoing description is that of one or more embodiments of
 the invention, and various changes and modifications may be made without
 departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, as defined by the
 claims.