Patent ID: 7693275

Claim:
An online service system, which provides a user real time service through one or more service channels and can show the user predicted waiting time through a queuing mode if the all service channels are busy, wherein the queuing mode comprises: a queuing-user counting unit which counts number of queuing users entering the queuing mode and waiting for service; a service channel counting unit which counts number of service channels providing service; and a waiting-time prediction unit which dynamically shows the queuing user a predicted waiting time determined according to an average service interval obtained from a regression analysis at the present time, wherein the regression analysis is executed according to a distribution of service intervals at the present time: Y=β0+(β1×X1)+(β2×X2)+(β3×X3), wherein Y is a service interval, X2 is a reasonable or moderate service interval within a reasonable range defined as a range of time that most users spend, X1 is a shorter service interval beyond the reasonable range and spent by relatively few users, X3 is a longer service interval beyond the reasonable range and spent by relatively few users, β0, β1, β2 and β3 are regression coefficients; accordingly, the queuing user can be clear on the waiting time and then will exit the queuing mode and enter a service channel as the waiting time ends or any service channel is available.