WO2024168397A1

WO2024168397A1 - Data communications network and method enabling users to arrange event reservations

Info

Publication number: WO2024168397A1
Application number: PCT/AU2024/050112
Authority: WO
Inventors: Peter Lay
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2023-02-16
Filing date: 2024-02-16
Publication date: 2024-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2025-08-16

Abstract

The present invention relates to a data communications network including connected data communications devices and a method of operating same to assist users to manage event or venue reservations, the method including, receiving a query from a data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event, generating or obtaining, in response to the user's query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the data communications device, monitoring attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued with electronic tickets via data communications devices associated with the other individuals to the venue or event, and transmitting one or more notifications to the data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user's electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

Description

DATA COMMUNICATIONS NETWORK AND METHOD ENABLING USERS TO ARANGE EVENT RESERVATIONS

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a data communications network and a method of operating same that enables users to arrange and/or manage event reservations. Such events include, but are not limited to, theme/fun park rides, restaurant reservations, bar visits, or any venue event in which there is limited capacity to accommodate patrons thereby typically requiring patrons to wait in a queue for admittance.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Venues (eg. bars and nightclubs) and theme parks typically require patrons to wait in a queue for admittance. Depending on the number of individuals waiting for admittance to a particular venue or event, individuals may be required to stand and/or wait for many minutes and sometimes even hours in a queue, which is tiring for some, particularly the elderly and individuals with physical ailments/disabilities.

[0003] Parents/guardians and/or carers of infants and children also often find waiting in queues challenging and highly inconvenient, particularly when an infant or child requires bathroom facilities and consequently, the parent or guardian loses their place in the queue.

[0004] In order to avoid the need to wait for lengthy periods of time in a queue, some individuals attempt to unfairly progress in the queue (known as “queue jumping”) which can result in altercations, thereby increasing the stress associated with queueing for admission into certain venues and events. This can also pose a danger to nearby individuals, particularly parents and guardians with infants and children.

[0005] As a result of the many challenges and frustrations associated with waiting in queues for lengthy periods of time, many individuals often opt not to attend an event which is problematic for event organisers and venue owners who seek to accommodate as many functions as possible during the operating hours of the venue.

[0006] Of course, when providing a technical solution to the problem described above, previous arrangements have involved technical configurations that utilise data communications networks to transmit and receive messages between venues and patrons providing information such as likely delay and/or wait times regarding entry to a venue. As will be readily understood by skilled readers, various technical configurations may be implemented that result in an insufficient use of computing and network resources which can be particularly problematic in circumstances in which the available data network bandwidth is in high demand that can lead to lasting problems associated with communications across the data communications network which is a finite resource.

[0007] The present invention seeks to mitigate the problems discussed herein and particularly those relating to technical configurations regarding a data communications network, or at least seeks to provide an alternative solution to those problems associated with existing systems and methods that utilise a data communications network for arranging and/or managing event reservations.

[0008] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion, that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In one aspect, the present invention provides data communications network including connected data communications devices and method of operating same to enable users to arrange and/or manage event or venue reservations, the method including, receiving at a first data communications device, a query from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event, generating, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the data communications device, monitoring attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued electronic tickets to the venue of an event with copies provided to data communications devices associated with the other individuals, and transmitting one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

[0010] In an embodiment, the method further includes, monitoring and recording arrival of the user at the venue or event, and subsequent to the user arriving at the venue or event, providing notification to data communications devices associated with the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event regarding progress in the queue of the electronic tickets issued to said other individual(s).

[0011] In an embodiment, issuing the electronic ticket to the user includes, monitoring payment of a fee by the user, wherein the fee is reflective of the price of the electronic ticket, and based on receipt of the fee payment, issuing the electronic ticket along with any attendance requirements relevant to the venue or event to the user.

[0012] In an embodiment, monitoring the arrival of each of the user and the other individuals at the venue or event includes one or more of, detecting, by a scanning device located at the venue or event, the electronic ticket issued to the user or other individual upon admittance of the user or other individual to the venue or event, receiving confirmation regarding the arrival of the user or other individual based on the user or other individual confirming same utilising functionality provided by a software application operable on their data communications device, and receiving confirmation of the arrival of the user or other individual based on a venue or event operator confirming same utilising functionality provided by a software application operable on their data communications device.

[0013] In an embodiment, generating or obtaining an electronic ticket for admittance to a venue or event includes one or more of, obtaining the electronic ticket and details relating thereto including an attendance fee associated with the venue or event directly from a venue or event operator (eg. a theme/fun park operator), and interrogating one or more external databases and/or the internet to determine details relating to the venue or event including an attendance fee associated therewith and automatically generating the electronic ticket according to the obtained details.

[0014] In an embodiment, the method further includes, receiving a search query from a user seeking to attend a venue or event of interest to the user; and upon receiving the search query, generating a list of venues or events of potential interest to the user based on one or more of, a location of the user, one or more preferences of the user, previous event browsing history of the user, previous venue or event bookings associated with the user, and an identification of venues or events of potential interest to the user according to utilization of one or more artificial intelligence techniques configured to search one or more external databases and/or the internet for venues or events likely to be of interest to the user in view of the search query, and providing the generated list of venues or events of potential interest to the second data communications device associated with the user.

[0015] In an embodiment, the method further includes, automatically monitoring for venues and/or events of potential interest to the user, and providing alerts to the user regarding venues and/or events identified as being of potential interest to the user.

[0016] In an embodiment, any generated list of venues and/or events of potential interest to the user is provided in a categorized format to enable users to select individual categories from which to view venues and/or events. [0017] In an embodiment, the generated list of venues and/or events include additional details, or links to additional details, regarding additional aspects of the venues and/or events including one or more of, attendance cost, location, ticket availability, hours of operation, available discounts and qualifying criteria, real-time video or still images regarding entry to the venue or event where available such that the user receives a visual indication regarding the queuing area and the density of other individuals seeking to gain access or entry to the venue or event, and substantially real-time updates including in respect of unexpected circumstances that may affect one or more of the above.

[0018] In an embodiment, the method further includes, receiving a selection from the user regarding a venue or event of interest presented to the user, and issuing an electronic ticket to the user for the selected venue or event.

[0019] In an embodiment, the venue or event is attended by the user in-person or virtually.

[0020] In an embodiment, the venue or event includes one or more of, a physical venue to be attended by the user, and a queue for goods and/or services. For example, a queue for services may be an airport security screening queue or a queue for service at a local cafe or retail outlet, and the electronic ticket may be for a location within the queue.

[0021] In an embodiment, the method further includes, determining an attendance time for the user at the venue or event based on the progress of the user’s electronic ticket in the queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

[0022] In an embodiment, the method further includes, providing a location tracking function that tracks the physical location of individual users (eg. GPS location functionality of a smartphone) who have purchased electronic tickets, and comparing a current location of a user who has purchased an electronic ticket with an estimated time to travel to the venue or event for which the electronic ticket has been issued. [0023] In an embodiment, the method further includes automatically updating the attendance time for the user as required, based on one or more of, the estimated time to travel to the venue or event, weather conditions, traffic conditions, crowd attendance or congestion at the venue or event, real-time updates with respect to the queue status, and a specific request received from the user.

[0024] In an embodiment, the specific request received from the user is to cancel the user’s attendance at the venue or event, wherein updating the attendance time of the user includes removal of the user’s electronic ticket from the queue for admittance to the venue or event.

[0025] In an embodiment, based on the attendance time of the user being updated, the method further includes, alerting the user, the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event, and/or the event or venue operator regarding the updated attendance time of the user, adjusting the queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the updated attendance time such that one or more other individuals seeking to enter the venue or event will have their position within the queue amended accordingly, providing one or more notifications and/or recommendations to the user, other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event, and/or the event or venue operator.

[0026] In an embodiment, providing a notification or recommendation to the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event based on an earlier attendance availability due to cancellation or a failure to attend on the part of the user takes into account the other individuals’ physical location, thereby avoiding generation and transmission of such notifications/recommendations to individuals who are not sufficiently close to the venue or event to avail themselves of the earlier possible attendance time.

[0027] In an embodiment the alerts, notifications and/or recommendations regarding the updated attendance time of the user or other individuals are provided according to a frequency selected by individual users (eg. every 10 minutes, the day before, just in time to attend, etc). [0028] In another aspect, the present invention provides a computer-implemented method enabling users to arrange and/or manage event or venue reservations, the method including, receiving, by one or more processors of a first communications device, a query from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event, generating, by one or more processors, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the user and providing a copy of the electronic ticket to the second data communications device, monitoring, by one or more processors, attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued electronic tickets to the venue or event with copies provided to the data communications devices associated with the other individuals, and transmitting, by one or more processors, one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

[0029] In a further aspect, the present invention provides a non-transitory computer- readable medium including computer instruction code stored thereon that, when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of receiving by a first data communications device a query from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event, generating, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the user and providing a copy to the second data communications device, monitoring attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued electronic tickets to the venue or event with copies provided to data communications devices associated with the other individuals, and transmitting one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event. [0030] In accordance with the aspects and embodiments of the invention described herein, problems experienced by many individuals with respect to wasted time waiting in queues may be addressed, whether such problems include waiting to purchase tickets to an event, or attending the event, or queuing for admittance to a venue such as a restaurant or bar or any venue for which there is limited capacity to accommodate, or allow admittance and hence the need for people to wait in queue for admittance.

[0031] Accordingly, rather than physically wait in a queue, the system and method of the present invention enables users to obtain an electronic or “virtual ticket” for an event or venue and receive notifications at an appropriate time corresponding with their electronic ticket regarding the time at which they will be admitted to the venue or event. In this regard, users may therefore enjoy the time (or wait in a more convenient/comfortable location) as compared with the time that would otherwise be required to physically wait in a queue for their turn to be admitted to the venue or event.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Embodiments of the invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

[0033] Figure 1 provides an overview of a data communications network according to an embodiment of the present invention showing, in particular, the interaction of various network components;

[0034] Figure 2 illustrates a diagram associated with an exemplary server component of the network illustrated in Figure 1 ;

[0035] Figure 3 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a user to download and install a software application, and subsequently access, or register to use, the software application for interaction with the network illustrated in Figure 1 , including to establish a user account and profile;

[0036] Figure 4 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables a search to be conducted with respect to available events/venues with the ability to schedule upcoming events/venues in a live calendar;

[0037] Figure 5 illustrates an exemplary flow diagram of a process that enables users to select a particular event/venue and be issued with an electronic ticket, with attendance at the event/venue thereafter monitored so that a notification may be issued to the user regarding progress in the queue for admittance to the event/venue;

[0038] Figure 6 illustrates a diagram of an example interface for providing additional functionality of the software application including the provision of information to the user relating to the event/venue to be attended by the user, including live photos and videos; and

[0039] Figure 7 illustrates a diagram of a further example interface associated with the software application in the form of a live calendar, alerts and notifications interface. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0040] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring to embodiment(s) thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a better understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent, however, that the current disclosure may be practiced without limitation to the specific details. In other instances, some features have not been described in detail to avoid obscuring the present disclosure.

[0041] According to an embodiment, the present invention relates to a computer- implemented data communications network and a method for assisting users (30) to manage event or venue reservations. In particular, the system and method provide users (30) with the ability to avoid the requirement to physically wait in queues (eg. for the purpose of purchasing a ticket to an event, attending at an event, admittance to a venue such as a restaurant, bar or any other venue for which there is a capacity limit, etc.). In this regard, the network and method provide a platform that hosts a computerexecutable software application (40), wherein the application (40) is accessible by a plurality of registered users (30) seeking to attend particular events and/or venues. In particular, the network utilises a central server (20) in communication with data communication devices (50) associated with each user (30).

[0042] Reference to a user (30A) herein is intended to indicate a user who has requested and/or received an electronic ticket (70) to an event or venue utilizing the software application (40). Reference to a user (30B) herein is intended to indicate other users who have received electronic tickets (70) to the same event or venue and who are positioned either in front of or behind user (30A) in the queue according to the order in which tickets (70) were purchased. It will also be appreciated that general reference to “users (30)” herein indicates a reference to either one or both of users (30A) and users (30B).

[0043] The central server (20) maintains one or more processors and/or databases for performing functions, including receiving queries from users (30A) regarding a venue or event of interest and generating or obtaining, in response to each user query, an electronic ticket (70) for issuance to the user (30A). The central server (20) further monitors attendance of other individuals (30B) who have also been issued with electronic tickets (70) to the venue or event of interest, and transmits one or more notifications to the user (30A) regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket (70) in a queue for admittance to the venue or event according to the sequence of electronic tickets (70) issued in respect thereof. Arrival of the user (30A) at the venue or event of interest is subsequently monitored and recorded such that the other individuals (30B) who were issued with electronic tickets after individual (30A) and who are also seeking to enter the venue or event may be notified regarding their progress in the queue.

[0044] The skilled person will appreciate that the above-described embodiment of the present invention provides a platform that enables users (30) to obtain virtual tickets (70) for an event or venue, and rather than requiring the users (30) to physically wait in a queue to attend the venue or event, the platform provides notifications to users (30) at an appropriate time corresponding with their virtual ticket (70) regarding the time at which they will be admitted to the venue or event. In this regard, users (30) may therefore enjoy the time that they would otherwise have spent physically waiting in a queue, attending to other interests and/or necessities whilst waiting their turn to be admitted to the venue or event.

[0045] Figure 1 is divided into Segments 200 to 700 which are further expanded in subsequent Figures 2 to 7, respectively. In particular, Segment 200 of Figure 1 shows the server component (20) with which the software application (40) operating on each data communications device (50) is configured to communicate. It will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology that the software application (40) may be a mobile application or a web application and that, similarly, data communication devices (50) utilised by users (30) may be portable or fixed location computing devices. Examples of portable devices include mobile phones, computer tablets and wearable devices, and examples of fixed location computing devices include workstations or personal computers. The server component (20) is additionally detailed in Figure 2.

[0046] The skilled person will further appreciate that the steps described herein may be executed by the devices (50), wherein such operations are facilitated by the software application (40) operating on each device. According to another implementation, the server (20) may be programmed to provide all or most of the processing functions described herein, where they cannot be provided locally on the user device (50) or where it may be commercially or technically impractical to implement such an arrangement. In other words, the steps described herein as performed by the device (50), or components thereof, may be associated with hardware that is located externally of the device (50) such as the remote central server (20) for example (i.e. in a distributed architecture). Different arrangements are possible in this regard, and alternate variations will be apparent to the person skilled in the relevant field of technology.

[0047] Segment 300 of Figure 1 shows a user (30), which may include either one or both of users (30A) or (30B), downloading and installing the software application (40) and subsequently accessing the application (40) (in particular interface (160)) in order to establish a user account and profile, including having their various details verified and to select preferences relating to their future interaction with the software application (40), as further detailed in Figure 3. Segment 400 of Figure 1 shows how a user (30A) may access an interface (170) to conduct a search of available events/venues and to schedule upcoming events or venues in a live calendar (95), as further detailed in Figure 4. Segment 500 of Figure 1 enables the user (30A) to select, via interface (180), a particular event or venue and retrieve an electronic ticket (70) to the event or venue, whereby the user (30A) will be notified when their electronic ticket (70) is at, or near, the front of a queue, including detecting the arrival of the user (30A) so that other users (30B) who are also in the queue may be appropriately notified, as further detailed in Figure 5. Segment 600 of Figure 1 illustrates how user (30A) waiting in the queue may be provided, via interface (190) with information (e.g. photos, videos, etc) relating to the event or venue about to be attended by the user (30A), as further detailed in Figure 6. Finally, Segment 700 of Figure 1 illustrates how users (30) may access an interface (210) to utilise the live calendar (95) to view promotions, discounts, etc associated with certain events or venues that are available for reservation and to receive general alerts and/or notifications, as further detailed in Figure 7.

[0048] As mentioned above, Figure 2 shows in greater detail Segment 200 of Figure 1 and, in particular, Figure 2 shows the server component (200) which includes infrastructure upon which the platform of the present invention operates. The infrastructure may be local or cloud-based. [0049] The central server (20) may operate one or more computer processors and maintain one or more databases to enable the following functionality and/or storage:

• User account register (100) storing user information and details uploaded by users (30) including, but not limited to, name, age, address, contact details, and any additional data which may be relevant for the purpose of identifying each user (30), as well as details relating to preferences selected by individual users (30);

• Data processing functionality (105) for processing incoming data and user commands and generating appropriate outputs, including for the purpose of generating electronic tickets (70), monitoring attendance at events or venues and notifying users (30) regarding progress based on the sequence of issued tickets (70), monitoring for the arrival of users and updating the queue accordingly. The data processing functionality (105) may also identify events or venues that match search criteria entered by users and in this regard, the functionality (105) may utilise artificial intelligence (Al) systems and techniques to search external databases (60) and/or the internet to identify matches. The generation and display of available events or venues to users (30) may also be based upon previous event browsing history of users (30) or bookings submitted by users. Functionality (105) may also monitor for cancellations or failures to attend with a view to updating the queue accordingly, and provide additional data processing functions as described herein. It will be appreciated that the data processing functionality (105) represents the primary processing engine of the platform which may be configured to handle all of the major processing tasks;

• E-ticket database (1 10) storing details relating to all issued electronic tickets (70) as well as electronic tickets which are yet to be issued but remain available for reservation, and any additional information that may be relevant with respect to the sequence of issued tickets (70);

• Event I venue reservation database (115) which may store (or access via an external source) details relating to event and/or venue availability and existing reservations with respect to same, including through the use of an application programming interface (API); • Search facility (120) that enables users to conduct searches of available venues or events stored or accessed by the event I venue reservation database (115). Such searches may be facilitated or improved with the use of artificial intelligence (eg. Google DeepMind and/or ChatGPT) which may interpret user queries more naturally and contextually, using conversational language to make the platform more user-friendly; and

• Payment gateway functionality (130) enabling financial transactions to be made via the platform.

[0050] Figure 2 also depicts that server (20) is configured to enable communication (140) with the user devices (50) and, in particular, the software application (40) operating on each user device (50). Such communications may occur via the internet or similar network.

[0051] Figure 3 shows in greater detail Segment 300 of Figure 1 and, in particular the steps associated with a user (30) installing the application (40) which may be achieved by downloading the application (40) from an application store. Each user (30) may create an account using the application (40) and the account information may be stored in the user account register (100). As described above, the user account register (100) may capture information sufficient to enable each user (30) to be correctly identified, and such details may be subsequently verified (e.g. using data processing functionality (105)). One or more external resources may be accessed using the API functionality, for example, for the purpose of verifying particular data received from users (30)). Advanced recognition technologies may also be utilized to enhance the security and reliability of identity verification processes.

[0052]The process of installing the application (40) is indicated by arrow (150), and interface (160) allows each user (30) to download and install the application (40) in order to access the functionality thereof, including to create and maintain a user account and profile. In other words, once the application (40) has been accessed by a user (30), the user (30) may be presented with an interface, identical or similar to the interface (160), to allow the user (30) to create their profile and be provided with the ability to add/edit details and access functionality of the application (40) once their details have been verified. When establishing a user profile, each user (30) may also be requested to select preferences relating to their future interaction with the software application (40), including preferences with respect to privacy.

[0053] The registration process may also be facilitated or improved by the use of artificial intelligence techniques that may interactively gather user preferences and details thereby making the registration process conversational and user-friendly. Learning algorithms may also be used to analyze user behaviour over time, and such analyses may be used to refine recommendations and personalize the user experience.

[0054] Figure 4 shows in greater detail Segment 400 of Figure 1 and, in particular, a search interface (170) that enables users (30A) to search for available events and/or venues of interest to the user. This may involve a search of one or more external databases (60) and/or the internet to identify events that match the user’s query. Upon identification of same, the user (30A) may be provided with a list of one or more events or venues matching their query, as shown by way of example in interface (180) of Figure 5. In this regard, the data processing functionality (105) may be configured to implement API functionality with respect to one or more external booking agency databases and/or databases associated with individual venues or events in order to provide user (30A) with the ability to search for available events or venues.

[0055] This process may also be assisted with the application of one or more artificial intelligence techniques capable of processing vast amounts of data from external databases and the internet, and providing useful output such as identifying the best ticket options and deals for particular users (30A) and presenting same to users, thereby assisting them to make informed decisions. For example, tickets may be offered to users with differing prices according to demand with prices during periods of low demand costing less as compared with the ticket price during periods of high demand. Venue and event operators may adjust ticket prices in an attempt to attract users to venues and events during periods of low demand to effectively reduce the difference between high and low demand periods. For an embodiment of the invention, the best ticket options may be sorted according to the ticket price such that users may consider the least cost tickets that are available for the venue or event. In addition, an Al powered negotiation feature may be used to interact with external entities to secure the best ticket prices or exclusive access for users (30A). [0056] Pre-emptive technology may be utilised to scan previous event I venue history or bookings submitted by individual users with a view to providing suggestions regarding new events or venues. In this regard, automatic alerts regarding events and/or venues that may be of interest to a user (30A) may be provided, thereby enabling the user (30A) to request an electronic ticket (70) to attend such events or venues. Further, ticket allocation may be optimized based on such historical data, predicted demand, and user preferences, ensuring a seamless match between users and events. Ticket issuance may be based on factors including, but not limited to, minimizing wait times and balancing demand across similar events.

[0057] When searching for available venues and/or events, or where notifications are provided to users regarding same, the available options may be presented or filtered by category such that users (30A) may select individual categories to view (individual categories representing a subset of all the available results). Additional information regarding the event or venue may be provided in the search results, including additional details relating to aspects of the venue/events such as cost, availability, hours of operation, available discounts and qualifying material, and ongoing updates in the event of activities that may affect availability such as weather events and/or reduced hours of operation.

[0058] The search results and/or notifications provided to users (30A) may also be influenced by the location (85) of the user (30A) such that only those venues or events located within a pre-defined vicinity of the user’s location (85) are presented. In this regard, a location tracking function for users may also be provided which, when activated, enables the tracking of GPS locations of individual users (30). In this way, the current physical location of a user may be compared with an estimated time to travel to an event or venue for which an electronic ticket (70) has been purchased such that an expected time for the user to reach the front of the queue is provided. In this way, if it is determined that a user (30A) is likely to be running late based on their current location, other users (30B) who are also in queue may be appropriately alerted, and if the current location of user (30B) is likely to result in user (30B) reaching the event or venue before user (30A), then the queue sequence may be updated automatically to enable user (30B) to access the event or venue prior to user (30A). In other words, where the physical location of a particular user (30A) may adversely impact their ability to avail themselves of their queue position according to their virtual ticket (70), the system may make automatic adjustments to the queue sequence to avoid delaying or preventing other users (30B) from attending the event or venue. A prediction of a user's attendance patterns may also cause adjustment to the queue position of the user. Such updates may be communicated to users, and in some circumstances users may be offered options for alternative events if their current wait times become too long.

[0059] No-shows and/or late arrivals (eg. at a restaurant) may also be predicted using the Al systems and technologies described herein with dynamic updates being applied to ticket availability (eg. restaurant reservations) and queue positions, thus reducing wait times and improving user satisfaction. In addition, real-time data may be analyzed to facilitate a smoother admission process, predicting peak arrival times, such that resources can be managed accordingly.

[0060] The listing of events and venues presented to users (30A) may also be automatically filtered based on other factors including, but not limited to, user behaviour and trends, attendance at particular events or venues by contacts or friends of the user (30A), and future events of interest to a user (30A) may also be predicted on this basis. The user (30A) may be alerted to such future events or venues including through receipt of alerts and/or notifications including suggestions encouraging early engagement and booking. Additional alerts and/or notifications provided to users (30) may include security alerts based on the detection of patterns indicative of fraud or scalping.

[0061] Figure 5 shows in greater detail Segment 500 of Figure 1 and, in particular, interface (180) which provides a list of events and/or venues that may be of interest to a user (30A) (e.g. based upon a search conducted by the user (30A)), and providing the user (30A) with the ability to select a particular venue or event of interest from the list. Upon selection of a particular venue or event of interest, the user (30A) may receive an electronic ticket (70) to the venue or event selected. In this regard, the interface (180) may also display the purchase price of tickets (70) and the user (30A) will be required to transfer funds to the event organizer in exchange for the ticket(s) (70). Payment in respect of tickets may be achieved via the software application (40) utilizing the payment gateway functionality (130). [0062] Group ticket purchases may also be available and the platform will enable groups of registered users to engage in group chats and decision making, suggesting events that meet the preferences of all group members and optimizing group ticket purchases and seating arrangements based on preferences and past behaviour.

[0063] Ticket purchase prices may also be automatically adjusted through the use of one or more artificial intelligence techniques. For example, ticket prices could be automatically adjusted based on demand, the profile of users (30A), historical data, and in an effort to optimize revenue and attendance rates. Further, through the use of technologies such as ChatGPT-4 and the like, users may be guided through payment options and troubleshoot issues, thereby providing a seamless payment experience.

[0064] It will be readily understood that reference to “venues” and “events” herein does not limit the present invention to admittance to a venue or event, but may include other scenarios. For example, an electronic ticket (70) may be sought with respect to an airport security screening queue, or a queue for service at a local cafe or retail outlet. In other words, the use of the word “events” herein is intended to cover any scenario in which a user (30) may be expected to queue for access following the purchase of an electronic ticket.

[0065] The same external database (60) which was previously interrogated to determine the availability of tickets to particular events or venues may also be interrogated during the process of generating and issuing electronic tickets (70), in order to determine details regarding ticket/admission fees and the like. Alternatively, there may be other external sources of information which will be required to be accessed in order to retrieve sufficient information to generate an electronic ticket (70). In a further alternative embodiment, electronic tickets (70) may be obtained directly from the entity responsible for hosting the user (eg. a venue operator or event organizer) without the need for the ticket (70) to be generated independently of such entities.

[0066] Once a ticket fee has been ascertained, the software application (40) may prompt the user (30A) to make the relevant payment through interface (180), utilising the payment gateway functionality (130), such that upon receipt of payment of the requisite fee, the user (30A) may be issued with their electronic ticket (70) and information relating to any additional attendance requirements. [0067] Monitoring the arrival of the user (30A) and the remaining users (30B) at the venue or event of interest may be based upon monitoring a scan of the issued electronic tickets (70) using an e-ticket scanner (80), or similar tool, upon admittance of the relevant user (30) to the venue or event of interest, as also shown in Figure 5. However, it is to be understood that other monitoring methods could equally well be used. For example, a venue or event operator who is physically present at the front of the queue may utilise the software application (40) to record arrival of the users (30) which will automatically trigger a queue sequence update. In a further alternative embodiment, the users (30) may be required to confirm, using the software application (40), that they have arrived at the front of the queue and are in attendance at the event or venue to enable the queue sequence to be updated.

[0068] The accuracy of arrival detection may be improved using one or more additional techniques (eg. by accessing mobile location data or facial recognition at the venue or event) which may result in the process of monitoring arrival more efficient.

[0069] A further example of an event or venue for which a user (30A) may register an interest and join a virtual queue as described herein is a theme park ride. The user (30A) may be attending at a carnival in which the theme park ride is located and rather than physically queuing at the ride may be provided with regular updates regarding their virtual queue position, and present at the ride after having been notified that they are near or at the front of the queue. As described herein, other factors may affect the status of the virtual queue and the notifications that are generated and dispatched to users, including for example based on the analysis of real-time data and historical patterns which serve to predict queue lengths and wait times. Real-time conditions such as weather, traffic, overcrowding at events, etc, may also cause real-time adjustments to queue schedules. Users may be provided with best times to join the queue as well as have suggestions provided to them such as choosing a less crowded attraction, thereby also improving safety and attendee experience.

[0070] Figure 6 shows in greater detail Segment 600 of Figure 1 and, in particular, additional functionality provided by interface (190) of the software application (40) being the provision of real-time video or still images regarding entry to a particular event or venue (where available), such that a user (30A) who is waiting in the virtual queue may receive a visual indication regarding the physical queueing area and the density of other individuals seeking to access or gain entry to the venue or event. Additional photos or videos may be provided in relation to the venue or event itself in order to provide users (30A) with the ability to view the current attendance and atmosphere associated with the venue or event they are about to attend. A prediction of the user’s (30A) likely attendance time at the venue or event based on the current queue schedule may also be presented to the user (30A) and may be updated in substantially real-time.

[0071] The present invention is not intended to be limited to attendance at events in person and may also include virtual events which may be attended using, for example, virtual and augmented reality technologies. In this regard, guided virtual tours and event previews may also be provided via interface (190), making remote participation more engaging and informative.

[0072] Such notifications and information may be provided via interface (190) shown in Figure 6, in addition to regular alert notifications regarding the status of the user’s electronic ticket (70) within the queue which may include the abovementioned prediction. In this regard, users (30) may be provided with the relative queue position of their virtual ticket (70) and the progress of their queue position to the front of the queue. Such alert notifications may be provided at a frequency selected by the user (30A) (e.g. every ten minutes, the day before, or within any selected timeframe prior to the predicted attendance time according to progress of the user’s queue position).

[0073] The monitoring of cancellations and/or failures to attend may also give rise to alert notifications being provided to users when their queue position is affected by same, (i.e. where the queue position is likely to be brought forward or delayed as a result). In other words, as described earlier, users (30B) holding issued electronic tickets (70) for subsequent attendance/admittance to an event or venue may be alerted regarding the earlier availability for admittance to the venue or event, particularly for those users who prefer to receive notifications regarding possible earlier attendance/admittance.

[0074] It may also be useful to monitor the physical location of other users (30B) according to their GPS locations so that such information may be taken into account when providing alert notifications to such users (30B) relating to early availability due to cancellation or failure to attend on the part of one or more other users (30A). In this regard, transmission of alert notifications regarding possible early attendance/admittance to a user (30B) who is not sufficiently close to avail themselves of the earlier possible attendance/admittance may be avoided.

[0075] In this way, it will not necessarily be the next user in the ticket sequence who is alerted regarding the availability of an earlier available position within the queue, but whichever users (within a predefined number of next users in the queue) are currently located at or closer to the venue or event. Users within this category may be prompted with relevant queries such as “we note that you are close to, or nearing, the event or venue, are you ready to attend since there is now opportunity for earlier attendance”. The ticket sequence may be automatically updated depending on user responses to such queries, and in particular whether any one user confirms that they are ready to attend earlier than originally scheduled.

[0076] Figure 7 shows in greater detail Segment 700 of Figure 1 and, in particular, an example of a live calendar interface (210) displaying a live calendar (95) associated with a particular user (30), the live calendar (95) providing users (30) with the ability to record/view within the calendar booked events or venues (including the ability to receive reminders regarding same). The live calendar (95) may also include details such as the predicted attendance time, and may provide users (30) with the ability to receive automatic updates and notifications within the live calendar (95), including in relation to promotions, discounts, etc, that are published in relation to particular events or venues that may be of interest to the user. In addition, one or more artificial intelligence techniques may be utilized to issue reminders of upcoming events, predict and manage schedule conflicts, or suggest optimal event times, enhancing the user’s overall planning experience.

[0077] The platform may also allow users to access upgrades through the software application (40). For example, a user (30) may select to improve their queue position, or specify a preferred attendance time, and this may be achieved based on the payment of a prescribed fee or the use of loyalty points or similar which increase based on usage of the software application (40) to purchase tickets (70) and track the user’s position within the virtual queue. In this regard, engagement with the software application (40) may be incentivized through tailored loyalty rewards, and users (30) may be motivated with personalized challenges and rewards. [0078] Prior to users (30) attending at an event or venue, the software application (30) may provide options and recommendations regarding transportation and accommodation bookings. For example, travel and accommodation options may be automatically analyzed and options that are optimized for cost, convenience and user preferences may be presented. The application (40) may also provide travel itinerary and booking services in this regard. Similarly, during or following the attendance of users (30) at an event or venue, the software application (40) may provide the users (30) with the ability to share content. For example, through the use of one or more artificial intelligence techniques, shareable content may be curated and recommended for sharing post-event, encouraging users to relive and share their experiences.

[0079] Event organisers and the like may also access the software application (40) to obtain valuable data and insights into the behaviour of registered users, trends, user preferences and feedback. Such data may be summarized in easy to understand reports, thereby assisting event organisers to tailor their events more closely to attendee preferences.

[0080] Any artificial intelligence systems and techniques described herein may also involve machine learning such that the platform learns from user interactions and event outcomes. In one example, where the network predicts an attendance time for a user based on a current queue schedule, and the user subsequently records their attendance time, any discrepancy between the two may be recorded and appropriately analysed for the purpose of improving future predictions. Further, an interactive help desk may be provided along with a support system which guides users through the software application (40), resolving issues and providing personalized recommendations based on user history and preferences.

[0081]As used herein, the term “server”, “system”, “computer”, “computing system” or the like may include any processor-based or microprocessor-based system including systems using microcontrollers, reduced instruction set computers (RISC), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), logic circuits, and any other circuit or processor including hardware, software, or a combination thereof capable of executing the functions described herein. Such are exemplary only, and are thus not intended to limit in any way the definition and/or meaning of such terms. [0082] The one or more processors as described herein are configured to execute a set of instructions that are stored in one or more data storage units or elements (such as one or more memories), in order to process data. For example, the one or more processors may include or be coupled to one or more memories. The data storage units may also store data or other information as desired or needed. The data storage units may be in the form of an information source or a physical memory element within a processing machine.

[0083] The set of instructions may include various commands that instruct the one or more processors to perform specific operations such as the methods and processes of the various embodiments of the subject matter described herein. The set of instructions may be in the form of a software program. The software may be in various forms such as system software or application software. Further, the software may be in the form of a collection of separate programs, a program subset within a larger program or a portion of a program. The software may also include modular programming in the form of object-oriented programming. The processing of input data by the processing machine may be in response to user commands, or in response to results of previous processing, or in response to a request made by another processing machine.

[0084] The diagrams of embodiments herein illustrate one or more control or processing units. It is to be understood that the processing or control units may represent circuits, circuitry, or portions thereof that may be implemented as hardware with associated instructions (eg. software stored on a tangible and non-transitory computer readable storage medium, such as a computer hard drive, ROM, RAM, or the like) that perform the operations described herein. The hardware may include state machine circuitry hardwired to perform the functions described herein. Optionally, the hardware may include electronic circuits that include and/or are connected to one or more logic-based devices, such as microprocessors, processors, controllers, or the like.

[0085] Optionally, the one or more processors may represent processing circuitry such as one or more of a field programmable gate array (FPGA), application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), microprocessor(s), and/or the like. The circuits in various embodiments may be configured to execute one or more algorithms to perform functions described herein. The one or more algorithms may include aspects of embodiments disclosed herein, whether or not expressly identified in the figures or a described method.

[0086] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the relevant field of technology that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the invention as detailed in the embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention as broadly described. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all aspects as illustrative and not restrictive.

[0087] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step or group of features or steps.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A data communications network including connected data communications devices and method of operating same to enable users to arrange and/or manage event or venue reservations, the method including: receiving of a first data communications device, a query from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event; generating, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the user and providing a copy of the electronic ticket to the second data communications device; monitoring attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued electronic tickets to the venue or event with copies provided to data communications devices associated with the other individuals; and transmitting one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

2. A data communications network according to claim 1 , wherein the method further includes: monitoring and recording arrival of the user at the venue or event, and subsequent to the user arriving at the venue or event, providing notification to data communications devices associated with the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event regarding progress in the queue of the electronic tickets issued to said other individual(s).

3. A data communications network according to either claim 1 or claim 2, wherein issuing the electronic ticket to the user includes: monitoring payment of a fee from the user, wherein the fee is reflective of the price of the electronic ticket, and based on receipt of the fee payment, issuing the electronic ticket along with any attendance requirements relevant to the venue or event to the user.

4. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein monitoring the arrival of each of the user and the other individuals at the venue or event includes one or more of: detecting, by a scanning device located at the venue or event, the electronic ticket issued to the user or other individual upon admittance of the user or other individual to the venue or event, receiving confirmation of the arrival of the user or other individual based on the user or other individual confirming same utilising functionality of a software application operable on their data communications device, and receiving confirmation of the arrival of the user or other individual based on a venue or event operator confirming same utilising functionality of a software application operable on their data communications device.

5. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein generating, or obtaining, an electronic ticket for admittance to a venue or event includes any one or more of: obtaining the electronic ticket and details relating thereto including an attendance fee associated with the venue or event directly from a venue or event operator; or interrogating one or more external databases and/or the internet to determine details relating to the venue or event including an attendance fee associated therewith and automatically generating the electronic ticket according to the obtained details.

6. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: receiving a search query from a user seeking to attend a venue or event of interest to the user; and upon receiving the search query, generating a list of venues or events of potential interest to the user according to any one or more of: a location of the user, one or more preferences of the user, previous event browsing history of the user, previous venue or event bookings associated with the user, and an identification of venues or events of potential interest to the user according to one or more artificial intelligence techniques configured to search one or more external databases and/or the internet for venues or events likely to be of interest to the user in view of the search query; and providing the generated list of venues or events of potential interest to the data communications device associated with the user.

7. A data communications network according to claim 6, wherein the method further includes: automatically monitoring for venues and/or events of potential interest to the user; and providing alerts to the user regarding venues and/or events identified as being of potential interest to the user.

8. A data communications network according to either claim 6 or claim 7, wherein any generated list of venues and/or events of potential interest to the user is provided in a categorized format to enable users to select individual categories from which to view venues and/or events.

9. A data communications network according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the generated list of venues and/or events include additional details, or links to additional details, regarding additional aspects of the venues and/or events including any one or more of: attendance cost; location; ticket availability; hours of operation; available discounts and qualifying criteria; real-time video or still images regarding entry to the venue or event where available such that the user receives a visual indication regarding the queuing area and the density of other individuals seeking to gain access or entry to the venue or event; or substantially real-time updates including in respect of unexpected circumstances that may affect one or more of the above.

10. A data communications network according to any one of claims 6 to 9, wherein the method further includes: receiving a selection from the user regarding a venue or event of interest presented to the user; and issuing an electronic ticket to the venue or event selected by the user.

11 . A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the venue or event is attended by the user in-person or virtually.

12. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the venue or event includes any one or more of: a physical venue to be attended by the user; or a queue for goods and/or services.

13. A data communications network according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the method further includes: determining an attendance time for the user at the venue or event based on the progress of the user’s electronic ticket in the queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

14. A data communications network according to claim 13, wherein the method further includes: providing a location tracking function that enables tracking of the location of individual users who have purchased electronic tickets, and comparing a current location of a user who has purchased an electronic ticket with an estimated time to travel to the venue or event for which the electronic ticket has been issued.

15. A data communications network according to claim 14, wherein the method further includes automatically updating the attendance time for the user as required, based on any one or more of: the estimated time to travel to the venue or event; weather conditions; traffic conditions; crowd attendance or congestion at the venue or event; real-time updates with respect to the queue status; or a specific request received from the user.

16. A data communications network according to claim 15, wherein the specific request received from the user is to cancel the user’s attendance at the venue or event, wherein updating the attendance time of the user includes removal of the user’s electronic ticket from the queue for admittance to the venue or event.

17. A data communications network according to either claim 15 or claim 16, wherein according to the attendance time of the user being updated, the method further includes: alerting the user, the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event, and/or the event or venue operator regarding the updated attendance time of the user, adjusting the queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the updated attendance time such that one or more other individuals seeking to enter the venue or event will have their position within the queue amended accordingly, providing one or more notifications and/or recommendations to the user, other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event, and/or the event or venue operator.

18. A data communications network according to claim 17, wherein providing a notification or recommendation to the other individual(s) seeking to enter the venue or event based on an earlier attendance availability due to cancellation or a failure to attend on the part of the user takes into account the other individuals’ physical location, thereby avoiding generation and transmission of such notifications/recommendations to individuals who are not sufficiently close to the venue or event to avail themselves of the earlier possible attendance time.

19. A data communications network according to either claim 17 or claim 18 wherein the alerts, notifications and/or recommendations regarding the updated attendance time of the user or other individuals are provided according to a frequency selected by individual users.

20. A computer-implemented method enabling users to arrange and/or manage event or venue reservations, the method including: receiving, by one or more processors of a first data communications device, a query from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event; generating, by one or more processors, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the user and providing a copy of the electronic ticket to the second data communications device; monitoring, by one or more processors, attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued with electronic tickets to the venue or event with copies provided to the data communications devices associated with the other individuals; and transmitting, by one or more processors, one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.

21. A non-transitory computer-readable medium including computer instruction code stored thereon that, when executed on a computer, causes one or more processors of the computer to perform the steps of: receiving a query by a first data communications device from a second data communications device associated with a user regarding a venue or event; generating, in response to the user’s query, an electronic ticket to the venue or event and issuing same to the user and providing a copy to the second data communications device; monitoring attendance of one or more other individuals who have also been issued electronic tickets to the venue or event with copies provided to data communications devices associated with the other individuals; and transmitting one or more notifications to the second data communications device associated with the user regarding progress of the user’s electronic ticket in a queue for admittance to the venue or event based on the monitored attendance of the one or more other individuals and the sequence of electronic tickets issued in respect of the venue or event.