Estimating Queue Lengths and Wait Times Using Camera Images
This patent describes a system that uses cameras to count people in a line and estimate how long they will have to wait, then sends that information to their phones.
Original patent title: “Methods of estimating a throughput of a resource, a length of a queue associated with the resource and/or a wait time of the queue”
This patent describes a system that uses cameras to count people in a line and estimate how long they will have to wait, then sends that information to their phones. Granted in 2026.
Coverage
What does this patent actually cover?
This patent outlines a method for automatically estimating the number of people in a queue and their expected wait time at a venue. It works by receiving multiple images, each showing a different part, or 'segment,' of the queue. A central server then processes these images using two different techniques: for some images, it estimates the number of people by analyzing how many pixels correspond to guests; for others, it directly detects and counts individual people visible in the image. Once the total number of guests in the queue is estimated, the system calculates the current wait time or the earliest entry time, and sends this information as a notification to the devices of venue guests. For example, a theme park guest could receive a notification on their phone saying, 'The wait for the roller coaster is 30 minutes,' based on real-time camera analysis.
The gap
What does this patent NOT cover?
- Does not cover systems that rely solely on manual counting or non-image-based sensors to estimate queue length.
- Does not cover systems that only use a single, wide-angle image to estimate the entire queue without segmenting it.
- Does not cover systems that exclusively use pixel estimation without also detecting and counting individual guests in at least some images.
- Does not cover systems that estimate queue metrics but do not send notifications to individual guest devices.
- Does not cover methods of estimating wait times that do not involve image analysis of the queue itself.
These exclusions are unique to PatentBrief — derived from the actual claim language, not patent-office boilerplate.
Key facts
What made this novel
The noveltynoveltyThe requirement that an invention be different from anything publicly known before its priority date.Read more → lies in combining two distinct image analysis methods—pixel estimation for broader coverage and individual detection for precision—across different segments of a queue, then delivering this real-time, actionable information directly to guests' devices.
Schematic visualization of the patent's claim structure. Hand-drawn diagrams in progress for each landmark patent.
Where you've seen this
Real-world examples
Theme park ride wait time displays
Airport security line wait time estimates
Concert venue entry queue management
Large retail store checkout line monitoring
Museum exhibit queue management
Why it matters
The bigger picture
This technology is important for improving customer experience in crowded environments like theme parks, airports, and large retail stores. By providing real-time wait times, venues can help guests make informed decisions, potentially reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction. It also allows venues to better manage staff and resources based on actual crowd levels.
Filed
July 12, 2023
Granted
September 15, 2026
Market context
Who's building on this
Companies in this space
Companies specializing in smart venue technology and crowd analytics, such as Vianova, CrowdVision, and WaitTime, are actively developing and deploying solutions that leverage computer vision for queue management. Major cloud providers also offer AI services that can be integrated into such systems. The original assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →, though unknown, would likely be a player in this space or licenselicensePermission from the patent owner to make, use, or sell the invention — usually in exchange for payment. Doesn't transfer ownership.Read more → the technology to others.
Market impact
This type of technology has enabled venues to move beyond static wait time estimates to dynamic, real-time information, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. It has created a market for specialized crowd management solutions, allowing venues to optimize staffing, manage guest flow, and provide a more transparent experience, reducing perceived wait times and improving overall guest sentiment.
Claim 1 — Plain English
What this patent covers
This patent outlines a method for automatically estimating the number of people in a queue and their expected wait time at a venue. It works by receiving multiple images, each showing a different part, or 'segment,' of the queue. A central server then processes these images using two different techniques: for some images, it estimates the number of people by analyzing how many pixels correspond to guests; for others, it directly detects and counts individual people visible in the image. Once the total number of guests in the queue is estimated, the system calculates the current wait time or the earliest entry time, and sends this information as a notification to the devices of venue guests. For example, a theme park guest could receive a notification on their phone saying, 'The wait for the roller coaster is 30 minutes,' based on real-time camera analysis.
The clever bit
The novelty lies in combining two distinct image analysis methods—pixel estimation for broader coverage and individual detection for precision—across different segments of a queue, then delivering this real-time, actionable information directly to guests' devices.
What it does not cover
- Does not cover systems that rely solely on manual counting or non-image-based sensors to estimate queue length.
- Does not cover systems that only use a single, wide-angle image to estimate the entire queue without segmenting it.
- Does not cover systems that exclusively use pixel estimation without also detecting and counting individual guests in at least some images.
- Does not cover systems that estimate queue metrics but do not send notifications to individual guest devices.
- Does not cover methods of estimating wait times that do not involve image analysis of the queue itself.
Patent timeline
Application submitted to the patent office
Patent officially issued
PatentBrief Score
Impact Score
Early stage
Citation count
0/40
No citations yet
Claim breadth
0/20
Narrow claimsclaimsThe numbered statements at the end of a patent that legally define what the inventor owns.Read more →
Recency
20/20
Granted within 5 years
Assignee scale
0/20
Independent or smaller assigneeassigneeThe entity that owns the patent — usually the inventor's employer or a company.Read more →
PatentBrief Impact Score — based on citation count, claim breadth, recency, and assignee scale. Not a legal assessment.
Heuristic Value Estimate
What this patent might be worth
$18K – $58K
Midpoint $36K · 16.8 yr remaining · industry ×1.5
Heuristic only — blends forward/backward citation counts, claim scope, time remaining, litigation history, and CPC-derived industry baseline. Real valuations need a professional appraisal.
Claim text not yet imported for this patent
Concepts involved
Cite this patent
(2026). Estimating Queue Lengths and Wait Times Using Camera Images (U.S. Patent No. 12,738,117). U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. https://patentbrief.org/patent/us/12738117/methods-of-estimating-a-throughput-of-a-resource-a-length-of-a-queue
Auto-generated from the patent record. Double-check author order and the issue date against the official USPTO document before submitting.
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Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What does Estimating Queue Lengths and Wait Times Using Camera Images cover?
This patent describes a system that uses cameras to count people in a line and estimate how long they will have to wait, then sends that information to their phones.
When does this patent expire?
This patent is expected to expire on September 15, 2046, when the invention enters the public domain.
What problem does this patent solve?
This technology is important for improving customer experience in crowded environments like theme parks, airports, and large retail stores. By providing real-time wait times, venues can help guests make informed decisions, potentially reducing frustration and improving overall satisfaction. It also allows venues to better manage staff and resources based on actual crowd levels.
What does this patent NOT cover?
Does not cover systems that rely solely on manual counting or non-image-based sensors to estimate queue length.
Patent monitoring