The present disclosure relates, in general, to queue management
system, and more specifically, relates to a queue token tracker for controlling queues in a venue.
BACKGROUND
[0002] In many situations, when attending an out-patients department of a
hospital, people are typically required to join a physical queue to obtain a given service. Often the required queuing time can be substantial. Besides, waiting in queues is grossly unproductive and frustrating, be it hospitals, doctor outpatient department (OPD), registration counters, billing counters, salons, banks cash withdrawals, ticket bookings, vaccination camps, delivery counters enquires, tourist sites, restaurant queues. During the waiting time, the people in the queue are constrained to remain in a particular physical location to various places and are not free to move around or engage in other activities.
[0003] Queues are present everywhere and in pandemic situations like
coronavirus (COVID -19), it is not advisable to be in the queue to obtain the service.
The problem has been addressed by the development of virtual queuing systems.
However, these existing queuing systems suffer from limitations that include
service providers to book tokens in most cases when users themselves cannot easily
book tokens on site. It requires multiple steps of information to be filled for token
booking. The token so created from multiple channels cannot be integrated into a
single version of the queue to track live from remote/anywhere.
[0004] Further, it is difficult to integrate the queue system with the existing
information technology (IT) system of service providers. A user's related information cannot be entered into multiple IT systems. So, integration with a third-party IT system becomes extremely complex and queues cannot be booked and tracked online effectively. Therefore, there is a need in the art to provide a device that can provide single step paperless token generation by solving the aforementioned problems.

OBJECTS OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0005] An object of the present disclosure relates, in general, to queue
management system, and more specifically, relates to a queue token tracker for
controlling queues in a venue.
[0006] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
generates a token using a single step.
[0007] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
prevents multiple steps of information captured for token booking.
[0008] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
tracks the queue so created from anywhere in real-time, which helps to limit the
crowd and the queue can be made lean.
[0009] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that can
easily be integrated with existing systems of service providers.
[0010] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that can
accurately inform the user of the estimated waiting time.
[0011] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
provides single user information of mobile number used both as ID and paperless
token.
[0012] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that can
prevent the user from contracting any infectious diseases during a pandemic
[0013] Another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that can
improve the productivity time of the user.
[0014] Yet another object of the present disclosure is to provide a device that
can be user-friendly.
SUMMARY
[0015] The present disclosure relates, in general, to queue management
system, and more specifically, relates to a queue token tracker for controlling queues in a venue. The present disclosure provides a device that generates a token number requested by the user through a message in a single step.

[0016] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a device for queue
management, the device includes an information input unit configured on a frame
of the device to obtain identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter
codes from a user so as to provide single step access, the frame located in a venue,
a transceiver, on receipt of the identity attributes, configured to transmit a message
to a computing device associated with the user and a microcontroller operatively
coupled to information input unit and the transceiver, the microcontroller
configured to receive, from the information input unit, the identity attributes
corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from the user, analyze the identity
attributes to extract a set of values for the identity attributes and generate a token
number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set
of values for the identity attributes, wherein, upon generation of the token number,
the transceiver is configured to transmit the message containing the token number
to the computing device associated with the user, the token number is received by
the user through single step entry.
[0017] According to an embodiment, the identity attributes can include a
mobile number of the computing device associated with the user, the mobile
number of the user is entered to generate the token number.
[0018] According to an embodiment, the auto-assigned counter codes can
include any or a combination of identity (ID) number, counter name and gate
number of practitioners to obtain an appointment by the user.
[0019] According to an embodiment, the message can include the token
number, approximate waiting time, currently served token number and any
combination thereof.
[0020] According to an embodiment, the device comprises a display unit
configured on top portion of the frame, the display unit displays the token number
and corresponding auto-assigned counter codes.
[0021] According to an embodiment, the microcontroller operatively coupled
to a memory device through a communication network.
[0022] According to an embodiment, the memory device stores a log of

the identity attributes, the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, and the generated token number.
[0023] According to an embodiment, device comprises a power source to
supply power to the apparatus.
[0024] In an aspect, the present disclosure provides a method for queue
management, the method includes receiving, at a microcontroller, from an information input unit, an identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from a user, the information input unit configured on a frame of a device to obtain the identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes to provide single step access, the frame located in a venue, analyzing, at the microcontroller, the identity attributes to extract a set of values for the identity attributes and generating, at the microcontroller, a token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set of values for identity attributes, wherein, upon generation of the token number, a transceiver is configured to transmit the message containing the token number to a computing device associated with the user, the token number is received by the user through single step entry.
[0025] Various objects, features, aspects, and advantages of the inventive
subject matter will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred embodiments, along with the accompanying drawing figures in which like numerals represent like components.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0026] The following drawings form part of the present specification and are
included to further illustrate aspects of the present disclosure. The disclosure may be better understood by reference to the drawings in combination with the detailed description of the specific embodiments presented herein.
[0027] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of integrated token
management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0028] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary view of internet of everything (IoT)
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary functional component of IoT device,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0030] FIG. ID illustrates an exemplary view of IoT device for single
counter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0031] FIG. IE illustrates an exemplary view of IoT device for multiple
counters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0032] FIGs. 2A to 2B illustrate schematic view of the device coupled to
server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0033] FIG. 3 illustrates a printer circuit board (PCB) diagram of the device,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0034] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for queue
management, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0035] The following is a detailed description of embodiments of the
disclosure depicted in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments are in such detail as to clearly communicate the disclosure. If the specification states a component or feature "may", "can", "could", or "might" be included or have a characteristic, that particular component or feature is not required to be included or have the characteristic.
[0036] As used in the description herein and throughout the claims that
follow, the meaning of "a," "an," and "the" includes plural reference unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Also, as used in the description herein, the meaning of "in" includes "in" and "on" unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0037] The present disclosure relates, in general, to queue management
system, and more specifically, relates to a queue token tracker for controlling queues in a venue. The present disclosure provides a device that generates token number requested by the user through a message in a single step. The present disclosure can be described in enabling detail in the following examples, which may represent more than one embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] FIG. 1A illustrates an exemplary representation of integrated token
management system, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0039] Referring to FIG. 1A, integrated token management system 100 (also
referred to as system 100, herein) configured for queue management in a venue, the system 100 can include internet of everything (IoT) device 102 (also referred to as a device 102, herein) located in the venue and a computing device 104 associated with a user. The device 102 also interchangeably referred to as queue token tracker. System 100 can allow the user/patient to request a token number by physically accessing the device 102 or the user can remotely request the token number in real¬time without having to be physically present in the venue.
[0040] In an embodiment, the venue can include hospitals, doctor outpatient
department (OPD), registration counters, billing counters, saloons, banks cash withdrawals, ticket bookings, vaccination camps, delivery counters enquire, tourist sites, restaurant queues and any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, device 102 as presented in the example may be used in the hospitals. As can be appreciated, the present disclosure may not be limited to this configuration but may be extended to other configurations such as saloons, restaurant queues and the likes. The computing device 104 associated with the user includes, for example, personal digital assistant, a handheld device, mobile device, smart phone and any combination thereof.
[0041] The device 102 can be installed in the hospitals, where the patients can
take appointments from respective device 102 allocated for walk-in patients and appointment patients in the hospitals. The device 102 can be configured with pre/auto-assigned counter codes. The user/patient can enter only the mobile number to book his/her appointment in a single step. Alternatively, system 100 can enable the user to receive the token number through online application, online weblink, interactive voice response (IVR), reception web panel & application, onsite application and any combination thereof. The entries made either at the device or virtually are synchronized by the system 100 in real-time, so that the users can entrust the system and freely use any of the two modes for booking.

[0042] The generated token number can be received by the user through a
message, where the user can remotely trace the real-time progress of the queue
based on the received message. The message can include the token number for
corresponding auto-assigned counter codes, approximate waiting time, currently
served token number and any combination thereof. The message can further include
links to fill in personal information, upload medical records if required. The user
receives the token number and joins the queue. The user may wait for the token
number to display on a tracker e.g., a television (TV) tracker located in the venue.
After the display of the token number on the tracker, the user can visit the allocated
counters and can perform other required formalities. Thus, system 100 can simplify
the queue process and can guide the patient to the correct department.
[0043] FIG. IB illustrates an exemplary view of internet of everything (IoT)
device, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0044] Referring to FIG. IB, the device 102 can include an information input
unit 106 (also referred to as dialling pad 106, herein) and a display unit 108. Users can sequentially operate device 102 based on the instructions mentioned on top of device 102. When the user dial or press any buttons, some messages displayed in the centre of the black screen in which counter name and counter code displayed. At the bottom of device 102, digits from 0-9, star (*), hash (#) buttons mentioned in the dialling pad 106. The identity attributes e.g., a mobile number associated with the user can be entered to generate the token number. The device 102 can send the message containing an assigned token number with approximate service time to the user.
[0045] For example, the user can dial the mobile number from the dialled pad
after device 102 take inputs from the user to whom the user wants to make the appointment. The user presses any digits from the dialling pad 106 related to the relevant counter and presses the # key to confirm the appointment. If the user dials the wrong key, then the user can press the * key and dials the number again and press the # key to confirm the appointment. After completion of the process, the input key value and related counter name displayed on the black screen. Further,

the user gets a key/token number via message for the confirmation of booking with the counter.
[0046] FIG. 1C illustrates an exemplary functional component of IoT device,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0047] Referring to FIG. 1C, the device 102 can include the information input
unit 106, the display unit 108, a transceiver 110, a microcontroller 112 and a power
source 114. The information input unit 106 configured in a bottom portion of a
frame of device 102 and configured to obtain identity attributes corresponding to
auto-assigned counter codes from the user. The information input unit 106 also
interchangeably referred to as a keypad. In an exemplary embodiment, the keypad
is a 4X4 keypad. The digits from 0-9, star (*) and hash (#) buttons mentioned in the
information input unit 106. The information input unit 106 pressed by the user to
enter the identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes to provide
single-step access. For example, the information input unit 106 pressed by the user
to enter his/her mobile number to provide single-step access. In an exemplary
embodiment, the identity attributes can include the mobile number of the user. The
auto-assigned counter codes configured in the device 102 can include any or a
combination of identity (ID) number, counter name and gate number of
practitioners. Each device 102 located in respective counters of the venue can
automatically be assigned with corresponding counter codes.
[0048] The display unit 108 configured on a top portion of the frame, the
display unit 108 displays token number and corresponding auto-assigned counter
codes. When users dial or press any buttons, some messages are displayed in the
centre of the black screen in which counter name and counter code can be displayed.
In an exemplary embodiment, the display unit 108 can be any or a combination of
light-emitting diode (LED) and liquid crystal display (LCD).
[0049] The transceiver 110 configured to transmit the message to the
computing device 104 associated with the user. The message can include the token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes, approximate waiting time, currently served token number and any combination thereof. In an exemplary embodiment, the transceiver 110 as presented in the example, can be a global

system for mobile communications (GSM) modem. The GSM with a microchip can handle the receiving and transmitting of short message service (SMS) text messages via cellular phone service on GSM cellular network. As can be appreciated, the present disclosure may not be limited to this configuration but may be extended to other configurations such as general packet radio service (GPRS) cellular network and any combination thereof.
[0050] The microcontroller 112 operatively coupled to the information input
unit 106, the display unit 108 and the transceiver 110. The microcontroller 112 configured to receive, from the information input unit 106, the identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes to provide single-step access. The identity attributes can include the mobile number of the computing device 104 associated with the user. The auto-assigned counter codes can include the ID number/gate number/counter number of practitioners e.g., a doctor from whom the user needs to get the appointment.
[0051] The microcontroller 112 can analyze the identity attributes to extract
a set of values for the identity attributes and can generate the token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, where, upon generation of the token number, the transceiver 110 can be configured to transmit the message containing the token number to the computing device 104 associated with the user. The message can include the token number, approximate waiting time, currently served token number and any combination thereof. The display unit 108 displays the token number and corresponding auto-assigned counter codes on the screen. The set of values pertains to an auto-assigned input key-value related to counter codes. Further, power source 114 configured in device 102, the power source 114 can include a 5V adapter configured to supply power to device 102.
[0052] In an exemplary embodiment, the microcontroller 112 is a wireless
fidelity (Wi-Fi) integrated circuit (IC). The microcontroller 112 can be operatively coupled to a memory device 116 through a communication network (as illustrated in FIG. 2A and FIG. 2B respectively). The memory device 116 can be a server. Server 116 can serve device 102 and distribute content to device 102 through the

communications network. Server 116 can be configured to store a log of operations of the device 100, the log of operations comprising any or a combination of the identity attributes, the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, and the generated token number.
[0053] FIG. ID illustrates an exemplary view of IoT device for single
counter, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The device 102 (also referred to as mobile queue (MoQ)) can be accessed by the internet protocol (IP) address, for example, 192.168.4.1. After the access, the device 102 configuration page displays, the IP address is mention in the header bar and below multiples inline input fields that can include counter code and apikey related to user input values. When the user presses any key on the dialled pad manually, device 102 takes that value and delivered it to its internal configuration part in which the user input value changed by the device 102 internally and a new code is generated using apikey and a confirmation code of booking related to the counter is sent to the computing device 104 associated with the user and a button is placed to save the details.
[0054] FIG. IE illustrates an exemplary view of IoT device for multiple
counters, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. As shown in FIG. IE, the device 102 can be installed in multiple counters in the venue, where the patients can take appointments from the device 102 placed in respective counters, for example, counter 1 and counter 2 as shown in FIG. IE. The user/patient can enter only the mobile number to book his/her appointment in single step from these counters.
[0055] The embodiments of the present disclosure described above provide
several advantages. One or more of the embodiments provides the device 102 that generates the token using the single step, which can prevent multiple steps of information entered for token booking. The device 102 provides single user information of mobile number used both as ID and paperless e-token. The device 102 tracks the queue so created from anywhere in real-time, which helps limit the crowd and the queue can be made lean. The device 102 can be easily integrated with existing systems of service providers as the device do not capture users related

information. The device 102 can accurately inform the user of the estimated waiting
time, prevent the user from contracting any infectious diseases during pandemic,
improve the productivity time of the user and can be user-friendly.
[0056] FIGs. 2A to 2B illustrate schematic view of the device coupled to
server, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. The
microcontroller 112 can be operatively coupled to server 116 through the
communication network. Server 116 can serve the device 102 and distribute content
to the devices through communications network. The communication network, for
example, may be any wired or wireless communication network and the examples
may include, but not limited to, the Internet, Wireless Local Area Network
(WLAN), Wi-Fi, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Worldwide Interoperability for
Microwave Access (WiMAX), and General Packet Radio Service (GPRS).
[0057] For example, the physical device 102 connected to the internet, the
user can enter a 10-digit mobile number and presses hash (#) to confirm the
appointment. If the user enters a wrong 10-digit mobile number, the user can press
star (*) and again enter the correct mobile number and press hash (#) to confirm the
appointment. After the confirmation, the application program interface (API) call
server 116. The API takes several parameters, which are counter code, ApiKey
and patient mobile number. Internally user dial numbers converted into some other
apikey also interchangeably referred to as set of values which are internally
changed from the server 116 and the user can receive the token number. The user
gets a key via SMS for the confirmation of booking with the counter.
[0058] FIG. 3 illustrates a printer circuit board (PCB) diagram of the device,
in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 illustrates the PCB of the device 102. The components of the PCB can include information input unit 106, the display unit 108, the transceiver 110, Wi-fi IC, the microcontroller 112 and the power source 114.
[0059] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a method for queue
management, in accordance with an embodiment of the present disclosure.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 4, the method 400 includes at block 402, the
microcontroller can receive from the information input unit, the identity attributes

corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from the user, the information input
unit configured on the frame of the device to obtain the identity attributes
corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes to provide single step access, the
frame can be placed in the venue. The identity attributes can include the mobile
number of the computing device associated with the user. The auto-assigned
counter codes can include any or a combination of ID number, counter name and
gate number of practitioners to obtain an appointment by the user.
[0061] At block 404, the microcontroller can analyze the identity attributes to
extract the set of values for the identity attributes.
[0062] At block 406, the microcontroller can generate the token number for
corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set of values for the identity attributes. At block 408, the transceiver, upon generation of the token number, configured to transmit the message containing the token number to the computing device associated with the user through single step entry. The message can include token number, approximate waiting time, currently served token number and any combination thereof.
[0063] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the system 100 of the
disclosure may be provided using some or all of the mentioned features and components without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. While various embodiments of the present disclosure have been illustrated and described herein, it will be clear that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments only. Numerous modifications, changes, variations, substitutions, and equivalents will be apparent to those skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure, as described in the claims.
ADVANTAGES OF THE PRESENT DISCLOSURE
[0064] The present disclosure provides a device that generates a token using
a single step.
[0065] The present disclosure provides a device that prevents multiple steps
of information entered for token booking.

[0066] The present disclosure provides a device that tracks the queue so
created from anywhere in real-time, which helps to limit the crowd and the queue
is made lean.
[0067] The present disclosure provides a device that can easily be integrated
with existing systems of service providers.
[0068] The present disclosure provides a device that can accurately inform
the user of the estimated waiting time.
[0069] The present disclosure provides a device that can prevent the user from
contracting any infectious diseases during a pandemic.
[0070] The present disclosure provides a device that can improve the
productivity time of the user.
[0071] The present disclosure provides a device that provides single user
information of mobile number used both as ID and as well as paperless token.
[0072] The present disclosure provides a device that can be user-friendly.

We Claim:

1. A device (102) for queue management, the device comprising:
an information input unit (106) configured on a frame of the device to obtain identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from a user so as to provide single step access, the frame of the device adapted to be located in a venue;
a transceiver (110), on receipt of the identity attributes, configured to transmit a message to a computing device associated with the user; and
a microcontroller (112) operatively coupled to information input unit and the transceiver, the microcontroller configured to:
receive, from the information input unit (106), the identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes;
analyze the identity attributes to extract a set of values for the identity attributes; and
generate a token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, wherein, upon generation of the token number, the transceiver (110) is configured to transmit the message containing the token number to the computing device associated with the user, the token number is received by the user through single step entry.
2. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the identity attributes comprise a mobile number of the computing device associated with the user, the mobile number of the user is entered to generate the token number.
3. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the auto-assigned counter codes comprise any or a combination of identity (ID) number, counter name and gate number of practitioners.
4. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the message comprises token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes, approximate waiting time, currently served token number and any combination thereof.

5. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the device comprises a display unit (108) configured on top portion of the frame, the display unit displays the token number and corresponding auto-assigned counter codes.
6. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the microcontroller (112) operatively coupled to a memory device (116) through a communication network.
7. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the memory device (116) stores a log of operations of the device, the log of operations comprising any or a combination of the identity attributes, the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, and the generated token number.
8. The device as claimed in claim 1, wherein device comprises a power source (114) to supply power to the apparatus.
9. A system (100) for queue management, the system comprising:
a device (102) comprising a frame adapted to be located in a venue;
an information input unit (106) configured on a frame of the device to obtain identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from a user so as to provide single step access, the frame adapted to be located in a venue;
a transceiver (110), on receipt of identity attributes, configured to transmit a message to a computing device associated with the user; and
a microcontroller (112) operatively coupled to information input unit and the transceiver, the microcontroller configured to:
receive, from the information input unit (106), the identity
attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes;
analyze the identity attributes to extract a set of values for
the identity attributes; and
generate a token number for corresponding auto-assigned
counter codes based on the extracted set of values for the identity
attributes, wherein, upon generation of the token number, the
transceiver (110) is configured to transmit the message containing

the token number to the computing device associated with the user,
the token number is received by the user through single step entry 10. A method (400) for queue management, the method comprising:
receiving (402), at a microcontroller, from an information input unit, an identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes, the information input unit configured on a frame of a device to obtain the identity attributes corresponding to auto-assigned counter codes from a user so as to provide single step access, the frame adapted to be located in a venue;
analyzing (404), at the microcontroller, the identity attributes to extract a set of values for the identity attributes; and
generating (406), at the microcontroller, a token number for corresponding auto-assigned counter codes based on the extracted set of values for the identity attributes, wherein, upon generation of the token number, a transceiver is configured to transmit (408) the message containing the token number to a computing device associated with user, the token number is received by the user through single step entry.