WO2004047353A2

WO2004047353A2 - Guest communication system and method

Info

Publication number: WO2004047353A2
Application number: PCT/US2003/037070
Authority: WO
Inventors: Timothy W. Giraldin; Patrick W. Giraldin; Regan E. Kelly; Martin F. Crowley; Eric Couch; Y-Tin Gross; Mark Woo
Original assignee: Safetzone Technologies Corporation
Priority date: 2002-11-19
Filing date: 2003-11-19
Publication date: 2004-06-03
Also published as: WO2004047353A3; AU2003294365A8; AU2003294365A1

Abstract

A system (100) and method of message communication for a confined area of a facility includes a set of stations (108) distributed throughout the confined are. One member (101) of a group is enters enters personal identification information into at least one of the stations, and a message (402, 802) is displayed in response thereto. A member may enter (301) a request to find the location of the members of the group at a station. At least one person icon (411, 1805) or place icon (1501, 1505) is displayed on a map (406) of the confined area. A select signal indicative of at least one of said person icons or place icons is received. Direction indicia (1807) to the selected icon is displayed. Attraction reservation information is received (110) and stored to request at least one reservation for a guest.

Description

GUEST COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD

RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] The following non-provisional applications are related to the present invention and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Patent Application, Serial No. 09/992,872, titled "IDENTIFICATION TAG FOR REAL-TIME LOCATION OF PEOPLE," filed November 13, 2001 , and U.S. Patent Application, Serial No. 09/992668, filed November 13, 2001 and titled "SYSTEM FOR REALTIME LOCATION OF PEOPLE IN A FIXED ENVIRONMENT."

[0002] This application claims priority to the following provisional applications and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/427,901 , titled MESSAGE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 19, 2002, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/427,874, titled QUEUE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 19, 2002, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/427,875, titled ROUTE PLANNING SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 19, 2002, U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/427,731 , titled CASHLESS SPENDING SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 19, 2002, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application, Serial No. 60/427,713, titled DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 19, 2002.

[0003] This application claims priority to the following non-provisional applications and are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety: U.S. Non- provisional Patent Application, Serial No. , titled MESSAGE

COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 18, 2003, U.S. Non- provisional Patent Application, Serial No. , titled QUEUE MANAGEMENT

SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed November 18, 2003, U.S. Non-provisional Patent

Application, Serial No. , titled ROUTE PLANNING SYSTEM AND

METHOD, filed November 18, 2003, U.S. Non-provisional Patent Application, Serial

No. , titled CASHLESS SPENDING SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed

November 18, 2003, and U.S. Non-provisional Patent Application, Serial No. titled DATA ANALYSIS SYSTEM AND METHOD, filed

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

[0004] The present invention relates in general to a guest communication system and method. It more particularly relates to a communication system and method, which may be used in a confined environment or other area, such as an amusement park, a theme park, a large retail store, a casino, a ship, or the like.

Background Art

[0005] The information contained in this section relates to the background of the art of the present invention without any admission as to whether or not it legally constitutes prior art.

[0006] In large confined areas where patrons or guests are invited for commercial activity; groups of individuals can become separated from their group, either intentionally or unintentionally. This may happen in a variety of such confined areas, such as amusement parks, theme parks, large retail outlets, or other such large commercial establishments.

[0007] It is highly desirable to be able to provide a communication system for the patrons or guests in such facilities. For example, when children become separated from their parents, it may be important in some situations to provide for the communication between the parents and their children. Also, in such situations, it may be desirable for the management of the establishment to be able to communicate directly with individual patrons or guests while in the environment.

[0008] The prior known conventional technique of employing a loud speaker for paging a person is not always practical or desirable for many facilities, especially ones that may be out of doors or otherwise not adapted to such techniques. Such loud speaker communication techniques, of course, do not lend itself for private communications between guests and patrons.

[0009] Therefore, it would be highly desirable to have improved techniques for communicating between the management of a facility and individual guests, or patrons, or between individual patrons or guests with other individual patrons or guests.

[0010] In large confined areas of facilities such as theme parks and amusement parks, groups of people such as families or other groups frequently attend and wander throughout the facility during a given interval of time such as one day. It frequently occurs that members of a given group separate, either voluntarily or accidentally. It is, therefore, sometimes desirable to locate members of a given group.

[0011] As disclosed in the above-identified patent applications, a person locating system has been employed to locate all of the members of a group in real time. Such a system has proven to be highly desirable and useful for many applications.

[0012] The system as disclosed in the foregoing mentioned patent applications employs an electronic system where a map of the confined area of a facility such as a park, is displayed and illustrates the locations of each person in the group to enable each member of the group to know the location of each other member of the same group. It, however, sometimes becomes difficult under certain circumstances to locate in a convenient manner a missing person or other person in the group, even though a map is provided. In this regard, the map may not always be sufficiently detailed to identify the entire or presently preferred route to the other person. For example, there may be bodies of water or other obstacles that are not shown on the map. There also may be parades or other activities temporarily blocking the route to the person in question at the time when it is desired to locate the person. Furthermore, there can be impediments such as steps to handicap persons in finding other persons of a group. [0013] Another area of concern in facilities is the management of the movement of guests where there are public attractions within the confined area. There is no admission that any background art described in this section legally constitutes prior art.

[0014] The management of queues of people waiting to participate at a public attraction can be difficult and sometimes unrewarding to the people waiting in the queue. This is particularly true in large attractions, such as amusement parks or other such facilities.

[0015] If the queue is long, there can be associated long waits before the people enter the attraction. In so doing, they may be unable to attend as many attractions as desired during the day, and may spend less time at other attractions of the facility, such as restaurants, gift shops and the like. Thus, there have been attempts to more efficiently provide entrance to attractions such as those found in amusement parks or theme parks, as well as others. For example, a guest may be permitted to buy a ticket for an attraction such as a ride for a certain time during the day. In so doing, the person must first go to the desired attraction and obtain a ticket or pass for a particular time, and then go to other such attractions where express passes are available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] In the following, the invention will be explained in further detail with reference to the drawings, in which:

[0017] FIG. 1 is a diagrammatic view of a person locating system, which is at least part of the disclosed embodiment of the invention;

[0018] FIGS. 2, 5, 7, 10 and 13 are flow chart diagrams illustrating various messaging methods of the disclosed embodiment of the invention;

[0019] FIGS. 3, 4, 5A, 6, 8, 9, 11 , 11a and 12 are screen shot diagrams of a location station screen indicating various messaging methods of operation of the system of FIG. 1 ; [0020] FIGS. 15, 16, 17, and 19 are screen shot diagrams of location station route planning displays of the system of FIG. 1 ;

[0021] FIGS. 13, 14, and 18 are flow chart diagrams of route planning methods according to disclosed embodiments of the invention;

[0022] FIG. 20 is a flow chart diagram of a disclosed method of the invention;

[0023] FIG. 21 is a diagrammatic representation of a queue management method of using the system of FIG. 1 ;

[0024] FIG. 22 is a flow chart diagram of the method of queue management according to an embodiment of the invention; and

[0025] FIGS. 23-28 are various screen shot diagrams for the system of FIG. 1.

DESCRIPTION OF CERTAIN EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0026] The disclosed embodiments of the invention relate to a system and method of message communication for a confined area of a facility. A personal identification information of one member of a group is entered into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area. A message is displayed in response to the receipt of the personal identification information. A request to find the location of the members of the group can be entered into at least one of the group of stations.

[0027] According to certain disclosed embodiments of the invention, a message communication system and method relate to the use of stations distributed throughout a confined area of a facility such as a zoo, waterpark, theme park, amusement park, cruise ship or other, for receiving messages from guests or patrons invited into the area, or from the management personnel for the area. The messages are communicated to other stations throughout the area so that other guests or patrons can receive the messages.

[0028] According to other embodiments of the invention, a message can be entered into a station, and sent to a host computer or server, which transmits the message to a wireless device, such as a mobile telephone, personal digital assistant or other internet enabled device.

[0029] According to other disclosed embodiments in the invention, the stations distributed throughout the confined area may be programmed to display advertising messages or other promotional messages to the patrons or guests located within the confined area.

[0030] In order to assist in the location of people and places, a system and method of communication are disclosed for communication for a confined area of a facility. Personal identification information of a guest is received into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area. At least one person icon or place icon is displayed on a map of the confined area. A select signal indicative of at least one of said person icons or place icons is received. Direction indicia to the selected icon is displayed.

[0031] In accordance with disclosed embodiments of the invention, there is provided a route planning system and method, which relate to using stations distributed throughout a confined area of a facility, displaying on the stations a map of at least a portion of the confined area including the location of one or more members of a group, and designating a path between members of the group or between group members and places.

[0032] According to other embodiments of the invention, the path can be a direct path, a more advantageous path or a handicapped person's access path.

[0033] According to yet another disclosed embodiment of the invention, the location of amenities may be illustrated, and a path displayed between a person or location to the location of the desired amenity. According to the disclosed embodiments, the direction may be indicated by a series of path indicia. Such path indicia may be displayed as a continuous line, or in a series of spaced-apart discreet elements such as arrows, footprints, bars, or others. For example, the indicia may indicate direction such as arrows or pointed bars so that it is apparent to the group member or other person requesting the routing directions that the illustrated path is extending from the person requesting the information to the other group member or location. It is to be understood that while one of the disclosed embodiments of the invention relates to the display of an icon of the person requesting the routing instructions, it will become apparent to those skilled in the art that only the location station or other station where the user is making the request need be illustrated or otherwise described for certain applications. It is also to be understood that in place of a map, directions may be provided either by illustrating the text of the instructions or verbally communicated to the person requesting the information.

[0034] For the purpose of facilitating the attending of attractions, the disclosed embodiments of the invention relate to a method and system of communication for a confined area of a facility. Personal identification information is received in at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area. Attraction reservation information is received relating to at least one attraction to request at least one reservation for a guest. The reservation information is stored.

[0035] According to the disclosed embodiments of the present invention, a queue management system and method relate to providing stations throughout a restricted or defined area of a facility where queue management is desired to permit guests to reserve rides or other attractions throughout a given period of time such as a day.

[0036] According to another embodiment of the invention, the queue management system enables the stations to be used for locating missing guests such as children who may have strayed to another portion of the amusement park or other facility.

Person Locating System

[0037] Many patrons who visit large confined commercial facilities of a facility such as zoos, waterparks, theme parks, amusement parks, large retail stores, casinos, ships and others have at some point, experienced the feeling of temporarily losing another member of their group or family. It may be easy under some circumstances for an individual to become lost in a crowd, where the person only a short distance such as twenty feet away from the rest of the group and yet the group may not be able to find him or her.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1 , an interactive person locating system 100 employs location stations such as station 108 distributed throughout the confined area to facilitate communication between and among member of the groups of patrons such as patron 101. A registration station 110 enables patrons to register their group so that members of the registered group can communicate privately with one another.

[0039] Group members or guests who interact with the system, at any location station, have the ability to visually discover the location of their group members on an electronic version of the facility or park map.

[0040] The members or guests are thus empowered to become a part of the solution in finding one another; to give them the ability to at least know where the rest of the party is when they cannot be found, or when they become separated by choice or by accident; to eliminate the feeling of panic that sweeps over a parent when they realize that a member of their group, such as their child, is not by their side or at the designated meeting place.

[0041] It helps for group members such as parents to know promptly that their children are still in the park, waiting in line for a ride or just running late.

[0042] Each member of a group obtains a waterproof transmitter in the form of a locator or personal identification (i.d.) tag 102 that is worn on the wrist or other part of the body or on the person's clothing. This locator continually communicates, via radio signal, with the child locating system 10 to update his or her location throughout the day. One example of such a tag is dislocated in the foregoing mentioned non-provisional patent application Serial No. 09/992,872.

[0043] The location station 108 is a strategically placed interactive viewable workstation kiosk. These stations allow unaided guest access to the system with the locator 102. This gives the guest the ability to locate and view any locators in their group, to post messages on a private message board or to contact security. It also allows users to interact with any other system feature of module. [0044] The registration station 110 is an interactive viewable workstation used by the park. The registration station 110 software module activates the locating software by enabling quick and easy registration of groups and individuals into the system 100 so that the system distinguishes between groups and between individuals within groups.

[0045] The confined area such as a park is divided into zones. These zones are the areas inside the property where guests need to be located. A zone can be as large or as small as needed. They can also be adjusted, expanded or minimized as necessary.

[0046] Guests are tracked as they pass along a path 103 through these zones via antennas such as an antenna 105 that are strategically placed throughout the property. These antennas, in return, send the tracking information to cell controllers such as cell controller 106, which conveys the information back to the central processing server or host computer 107 utilizing a wireless network. One example of such a system for the real-time location of people in a fixed environment is disclosed in the foregoing mentioned non-provisional patent application Serial No. 09/992,668.

Intra-Facilitv Messaging

[0047] The intra-facility messaging system and method according to the disclosed embodiments of the invention include a software module which enables park personnel to send general interest messages to all groups of members or all guests to be viewed at any location station such as the station 108. To gain access to facility messages, patrons simply scan their locator or personal identification (i.d.) tag, such as the tag 102, at a location station such as the station 108 to enter his or her personal identification information, and the facility message is automatically displayed. Examples of facility messages include: show times or advertisements; restaurant advertisements; a list of rides with short or long wait times; weather information; and real time promotions and special discount offers, as well as others. For example, a facility message 802 is illustrated in FIG. 8 and invites the members to the "Meet the Mascot Rally."

[0048] These messages can be pre-set to appear at set times during the day.

Messages can also be added during park hours and appear on the location stations throughout the park or other confined area, that same day.

Group Member Messaging

[0049] A group member or guest has the ability to leave messages for other group members by utilizing the message board feature at any location station such as the station 108. The next time the group or group member intended to receive the message uses a location station, the group member message automatically is displayed.

Commercial Messaging

[0050] The location stations, such as the station 108, while idle, can be configured to display commercial messages such as to play short movie files similar to a screen saver. At the request of the facility, these commercial messages such as movies can be used for park promotions, or even partner advertisements.

[0051] The location stations are idle when group members are not accessing them. At such times, commercial messages may be displayed.

Facilitv-To-Group Member Messaging

[0052] Referring now to FIG. 2, the system can operate in a facility-to-group member or park-to-guest mode of operation. The group member or guest may be registered as a user via the registration station 110 (FIG. 1) of the child location system 100 in order to receive park-to-guest messaging.

[0053] The facility-to-group member messaging enables general interest or group specific messages to be sent to groups which have been previously registered. Such messages can be directed to all registered groups or to specific individual groups or individual group members.

[0054] As indicated at box 201 of FIG. 2, authorized park personnel may operate the park-to-guest messaging system by accessing the system 100 via an authorized code.

[0055] As indicated at box 203, the facility or park programs information into the system 10 via a data entry device such as a soft keyboard 301 of a station screen 303 as shown in FIG. 3, or other download. Thus, at various times during the day, a message is sent to the system 10 that is displayed at each location station when that location station is accessed by any group member or guest wearing or otherwise using a locator or personal i.d. tag such as a tag 102.

[0056] As shown in box 206, to access 'PARK TO GUEST MESSAGING'

MODE, the guest or group member approaches a location station such as the station 108, and waves his or her locator or tag at the designated spot or designated area on the location station. When the guest accesses a location station by waiving his or her locator at the location station to enter his or her personal identification information, a facility or park map such as map 406 of FIG. 4, appears on a screen 404 with the various functions in view such as at the bottom of the screen 408. At the top of the screen appears a facility-to-group member message such as a streaming banner with the latest message that the park wishes to communicate to the guest, such, for example, as the following: "a parade will begin at 1 :00 p.m. on Main Street" or "your daughter is at First Aid", or such items as weather conditions, a list of rides with short wait lines, show times, or promotions underway at that moment, or even emergency situations, and others. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, a message 402 is displayed that at "2:06 PM - Security - Megan is in the First Aid office. She is overheated and resting. Come to her when you see this message." The location of the group member ("Megan") is also displayed with an icon 411 illustrated on a map of the park.

[0057] Referring now to FIG. 5, member-to-member, or guest-to-guest, messaging mode will now be described. The guest must be registered as a user via the registration station 110 (FIG. 1) of the person locating system 100 (FIG. 1 ) in order to use the guest-to-guest messaging function. As indicated at box 501- of FIG. 5, when the guest accesses a location station by waiving his or her locator or i.d. tab at the location station to enter his or her personal identification information, the facility or park map such as the map 406 of FIG. 4, appears with the various functions in view such as at the bottom of the screen 408.

[0058] As indicated at box 504, the guest selects the "Mailbox" icon 404 (FIG.

4) from the side or bottom of the screen 408. When the guest engages the mailbox icon 404 or other menu selection, the keyboard 301 appears on the location station touch screen monitor as shown in FIG. 3. The guest types the message to any member of his or her group to be read the next time any member of that group accesses a location station within the confined area. The message is displayed with the time of origination and will remain available through the end of the day. As shown in FIG. 5A, each member of the group or other authorized person can leave a message such as a message 550 on a message board 560, and each message remains displayed showing who sent the message and when it was entered.

[0059] As an alternative method of creating messages instead of using a keyboard entry, certain standard pre-stored messages may be created as indicated in FIG. 6. When the mailbox icon 404 is pressed as indicated in FIG. 4, a drop down banner 601 appears as indicated in FIG. 6 to provide certain selections including a request such as "Meet me at" message 603. Also, a place menu 606 and time menu 607 is selected by using drop down menus. Using the touch screen of the location station, the selections can be made quickly so that a message is created and sent in a rapid manner.

[0060] Referring now to FIG. 7, a video commercial and advertising mode of operation at a location station will now be described. The guest need not be a registered user of the locating system 100 (FIG. 1), to view the video commercials and advertising on a location station. As indicated in box 701 , an authorized user can activate a location station using his or her i.d. tag as explained previously. In so doing, commercial messages can be displayed to the user. As shown in FIG. 8, a banner is added inviting the user to attend a special event at 2:30.

[0061] Location stations can be configured for the facility such as a park to play short messages such as movie files when not being accessed by group members or guests for information and services as indicated in box 703 of FIG. 7. Using DVD, AVI or other technology, the location station when idle can run facility messages such, for example, as commercials, promotional visual applications to educate, entertain, or alert park guests. Wearing or otherwise using locators or tags is not required for access to this mode. It is immediately rendered busy upon activation of the location station by a locator or tag using guest or group member.

[0062] For example, as shown in FIG. 9, the person locating system is advertised via a banner display at 903.

[0063] Referring now to FIG. 10, there is illustrated notice of alert messages sent via electronic mail. As indicated in box 1001 , the guest must be registered as a user via registration station of the child locating system 100 (FIG. 1) in order to use the message via e-mail function.

[0064] As indicated in box 1003, a guest elects at the registration station during registrations of his or her group whether they want to be alerted via electronic mail to their personal mobile device such as a telephone, pager or other web enabled or wireless apparatus if someone in their party accesses the "I AM LOST" or "ONE OF MY PARTY IS LOST" button on location station. As indicated in box 1003, when any member of the group uses the "I AM LOST" or "SOMEONE IN MY PARTY IS LOST" button on a location station, an "Alert" message is generated by use of these buttons and is sent automatically to the host computer or server 107 (FIG. 1 ), which in turn sends the alert message over a network such as the Internet to a personal mobile device such as a registered web enabled device such as a mobile telephone, pager, PDA, or other device carried or used by group members, instead of, or in conjunction with, the "Alert" message to security. [0065] As shown in FIG. 11 , when a registered group member selects either the "I AM LOST" button 1103 or the "SOMEONE IN MY PARTY IS LOST" button 1105, a drop down banner 1106 is displayed indicating that the group member should indicate which other member of the group is lost. For example, the banner 1106 indicates "Please point to the lost member on the map." Once the lost member is so identified, as indicated in FIG. 12, another drop down banner 1201 appears indicating "Please Stay Where You Are, Your Group Has Been Notified and is Looking For You."

[0066] Referring now to FIG. 13, there is illustrated an event messaging via e- mail mode of operation. As indicated in box 1301 , the group member or guest may be registered as a user via the registration station of the locating system 100 (FIG. 1 ) in order to use the event messaging function.

[0067] Guests elect at the registration station 110 (FIG. 1) during registrations of his or her group whether they want to receive, via e-mail to their personal mobile device such as a telephone, pager or other web enabled or wireless apparatus to receive, "event" messages during the course of the day from the facility-to-group member, or the park to guest messaging system. If they register for such a service, then event messages are sent to the web enabled apparatus of the group members in a similar manner as the alert messages are transmitted.

Facility Amenity Locator

[0068] The park amenity locator feature provides guests with an on-screen display of directions and/or maps to a set of pre-selected amenities located in the park or other confined area. These amenities can be any set of stand along locations such as restaurants, ATMs, restrooms, telephone, fast aid, show stadiums, concourses and popular attractions, as well as others.

[0069] This system enhancement may be particularly useful for first-time visitors that may not be familiar with the confined area of the facility, or for special needs guests who wish to find the most direct and accessible route from one place to another. Facility Amenity Locator "Find an Amenity Using 'Menu' Mode"

[0070] Referring now to FIG. 13, the guest may be required to be registered as a user via a registration station such as the registration station 110 (FIG. 1 ) of the locating system 100 in order to use the amenity locator function. To enter into 'FIND AN AMENITY USING MENU' MODE the guest approaches the location station and waives or otherwise uses his or her locator or i.d. tag such as a tag 102 (FIG. 1 ) at a designated spot on the location station such as a station 108, as indicated at box 220 to enter his or her personal identification information into the system 100.

[0071] As shown in FIG. 13 and 15, a location station screen appears. As indicated in box 1222, the guest should then do the selection by, for example, touching a designated area (not shown) on the screen (not shown) triggering the appearance of a "menu" message 1400 listing the amenities available at the facility on a screen 1401.

[0072] As indicated in box 1223 and as shown in FIGS. 15 and 16, the guest then selects by, for example, touching the screen 1401 on the amenity or service they desire and the locations of that amenity or amenities. For example, a selection "Restaurants" at 1404 on the screen 1401 can be touched or otherwise selected. As a result, as shown on FIG. 16, a "Food Court" icon 1501 appears on a screen 1503. Also, another restaurant icon such as a "Bar N Grill" icon 505 appears on the screen 1503 which illustrates the various locations of the group members with group member icons such as "Justin" icon 1507, "Dad" icon 1509, "Mom" icon 1512, and "Megan" icon 1514 on a map 1516.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 17, a sub-listing message 1602 of amenities appearing on a portion of the screen 1401 can be displayed by touching one of the selections on the menu 1400, such as "Services indicia 1403." In so doing, a menu of a sub-listing selections, such as a sub-listing message 1601 (FIG. 17) of "Services" may be displayed for selection. The sub-list of services include a "Lost & Found" selection 1602, a "Lockers" selection 1604, and a "Water" selection 1606. Facility Amenity Locator "Find an Amenity Using 'Icon' Mode"

[0074] Referring now to FIG. 14, the guest may be required to be registered as a user via a registration station such as the registration station 110 (FIG. 1 ) of the locating system 100 in order to use the amenity locator function. To enter into 'FIND AN AMENITY USING ICONS' MODE the guest approaches a location station 108 and enters his or her personal identification information by, for example, waving his or her locator or i.d. tag at the designated spot on location station 110 as indicated at box 1301.

[0075] As shown in box 1303, a location station screen appears as indicated in FIG. 14. The guest should then touch the appropriate "icon" on the side or bottom of the screen. The various icons represent the attraction or service that they may require. For example, see a services icon 1518 at the bottom of the screen 1503 of FIG. 16.

[0076] As indicated in box 1304, the guest then selects by, for example, touching the screen on the amenity icon such as the icon 1518, they desire and the locations of that amenity. For example, should the restaurant icon be touched, then restaurant icons 1501 and 1505 as shown in FIG. 16 will appear on the screen.

Amenity Locator "Route Planner Mode"

[0077] Referring now to the ROUTE PLANNER MODE of operation according to an embodiment of the invention as illustrated in FIG. 18, the guest may be required to be registered as a user via the registration station of the locating system 100 in order to use the route planner function. As indicated in box 1701 , when the guest accesses a location station such as station 108, by, for example, waiving his or her locator or personal identification tag at the location station to enter his or her personal identification information, the facility map appears with the various functions in view on the screen.

[0078] As indicated in box 1703, the guest then selects the amenity locator icon such as the service icon 1518 (FIG. 16) or menu such as the menu message 1400 (FIG. 15) on the screen. The selected amenity locations then appear as shown in FIG. 19 on a map 1801 displayed on a screen 1803. Group member icons such as "Justin" icon 1805 are also displayed on the map representing the members of the group to which the requesting member belongs. The location of the member icons represents the approximate location of the group member. The user touches or otherwise selects the desired amenity, person, or member icon on the location station screen 1803 to request directions thereto. Direction indicia such as direction indicia 1807 is then displayed on the map 1801 of the screen 1803 to indicate the best available route. In the example as illustrated in FIG. 19, the direction indicia 1807 is in the form of a bold continuous line extending between a group member icon 1805 and a selected amenity 1809. In this example, both the member icon 1805 and the amenity icon 1809 are selected, and the best available route is determined and displayed. In this example, the determined route was not the shortest route, but was a best route for a handicapped person.

[0079] As indicated in box 904 of FIG. 18, the route planner software module may be configured to block certain routes at certain times due to traffic, parades, constructions, or other. The determined route may be a direct or shortest path to the desired group member or location; or a more scenic route; or a handicapped person's route; or other.

[0080] The direction indicia may be in the form of a series of arrows or bars or other symbols such as foot step indicia extending from a person or place icon, such as the "Dad" icon 1814, to another person or place icon, such as a person icon 1816. It may be desirable for some applications to have each direction indicia indicate a one-way direction from the person icon corresponding to the group member requesting the route, to a desired location. In other examples, it may be desirable to have the direction indicia to be configured in the shape of alpha-numeric characters to provide written directions to find the desired person or place. Queue Management Messaging

[0081] As shown in FIG. 20, the group member or guest must be registered as a user via a registration station such as the station 110 (FIG. 1 ) of the locating system 100 (FIG. 1 ) in order to use the queue or line management function. In this regard, as shown in FIG. 23, a line management box 2501 on a registration station screen 2503 enables a user to select a check box 2506 to be selected if a line management is purchased by a guest or by a group member. If such an option is not purchased, then the "No Line Management Privileges" check box 2508 is the default.

[0082] As indicated at box 2201 , group members or guests purchase a line management option at the registration station 110 (FIG. 1) which enables the facility guest to choose which and how many rides or other attractions they wish to reserve times for over the course of their day at the facility. This may consist of just one attraction reservation or multiple attraction reservations. The attraction reservation mode is enacted by a group member or guest waving or otherwise using their locator or identification tag such as tag 102 at a location station such as station 108 and activating the attraction reservation.

[0083] As shown in FIG. 24, a line management information message 2602 is displayed on a screen 2604 of a location station to display an attraction name list 606 and a corresponding reserved time list 2608 as well as a corresponding member name list 2611. This screen is displayed after a guest enters his or her personal identification information. Additional reservations can be made by activating a make reservation button 2613. A button 2615 initiates a program for changing members which have reservations. A change time button 2617 is utilized to initiate a program for that function. The location of the reserved attractions may be displayed on a map by activating a button 2619. A "My Reservations" button 2622 is used to display only the reservations of one group member or guest. A button 2624 is used to request a display of all reservations for a group such as the display illustrated in FIG. 24. When the button 2613 is activated by a guest having line management privileges, a screen on a location station is displayed as shown in FIG. 25. [0084] As shown in FIG. 25, when line management is selected, an attraction menu 2702 is displayed on a location station screen 2704. Also displayed are a waiting time list 2706, an approximate distance list 2708, and an approximate walking time list 2711. A message 2713 invites the user to select an attraction from the list 2702.

[0085] As indicated at box 2203 and as shown in FIG. 24, the queue or line management system manages the attraction selection by determining the length of time of the wait for the attraction such as a ride, the length of the time associated with the use of the attraction such as the time required for a ride in terms of minutes. Also determined is the distance from the reservation spot to the first attraction such as ride #1 , and for example from ride #1 to ride #2, and so forth, so that adequate time is allowed for the guest to transition to their next reserved attraction. The facility may vary the available time slots for the starting and ending times for attractions, to effectively manage the queues or lines for the most popular attractions.

[0086] As shown in FIG. 26, after selecting attractions such as by a touch screen or other data entry process, a screen 2801 is displayed and includes a message 2803 requesting that group members be selected for the reserved attraction or attractions, which are displayed in a selected attraction box 2805. A members list 2807 displays the list of the members of the group. All the members can be selected by activating a select all button 2809, which in turn causes a wood message "yes" to be displayed next to each name of a group member in a selected column 2812. All of the members can be de-selected by activating an Unselect All button 2814. The selections in the selected column 2812 can be changed for each individual member by touch screen activation or other suitable data entry processes.

[0087] After selecting group members, a screen 2902 is displayed as shown in

FIG. 27. A message 2904 is displayed to request the selection of the time of the selected attractions. An available time column 2906 is displayed for the attraction displayed in a selected attraction box 2908. The availability of the number of seats for the attraction is displayed in a list at 2911. The selections can be made by a touch screen or other data entry process. A box 2913 displays the total number of members selected for the attraction. The members can be changed by activating a button 2915.

[0088] After the attraction times have been selected, as shown in FIG. 28, a screen 2150 is displayed to provide line management information for the reservation selections. The screen 2150 includes a "My Reservations" table 2151 , which includes an attraction name list 2152, a reserved time list 153 and a member name list 2154. It should be understood that the screen 2150 is the format of a screen when a person activates a "My Reservation" button, as it displays on the reservation information for one group member and not the entire group.

[0089] As indicated at box 2206, updates can be had by each group member or guest at a prescribed location station within the facility in case the guest forgets which is the next reserved attraction. Guests or group members may also make changes to their attraction reservation.

[0090] As indicated at box 2207, the facility may also leave a message notifying the guest if a particular ride is not available at a time during the day or if there is a delay in the starting time of the attraction, and the facility desires to assign a new time or attraction for the guest.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 21 , the electronic line management solution of an embodiment of the invention is designed to reduce or eliminate wait-times usually associated with popular attractions. The line or queue management module is a software module, and is flexible and can be completely configurable to the expectations of the facility and level of guest service required. It is designed to embrace or replace existing line management systems in place today.

[0092] The queue online management/attraction reservation module can give guests the ability to reserve a place in line for most, if not all, major attractions at any location station to eliminate the wait-time usually associated with given attractions.

[0093] Depending on facility specifications, one individual may, for example, be able to make reservations for multiple people, for multiple attractions, all from one station such as a registration station or location station on the opposite side of the confined area of the facility, or other locations therein. Thus, the reservation does not have to be made at the location of the attraction itself.

[0094] Using the system of the disclosed embodiment of the invention, the facility may also allow a 'line debit' arrangement to be created, thus allowing guests to only use the line management feature once, twice or at a set or limited number of times, at a set number of attractions. This may prove to be useful when introducing a new major attraction at a facility.

[0095] The line management module may be configured to allow facility personnel to vary the available time slots for reservations to balance with expected or current line queue load. This allows facility personnel to effectively manage their line queues for their most popular attractions.

[0096] The line management module may be completely or at least partially integrated with the other modules available in the locating system 100 (FIG. 1 ). As indicated in FIG. 21 , during guest registration at the registration station, guests choose to use the line management feature of the system. Guests can then reserve ride times using the location stations disposed throughout the confined area of the facility. If necessary, the group members or guests can also check their attraction times to ensure they do not miss their reservation.

[0097] Some features and benefits of the line management module include a flexible software platform allowing time algorithms to be adjusted according to specific needs. The system 100 may be a complete electronic solution for certain facilities, and allows guests to reserve times on pre-selected facility attractions to avoid long lines. It also may add an additional revenue source while providing a premier guest service, and may be seamlessly integrated into the person locating system.

[0098] This convenient line reservation method of the disclosed embodiments of this invention provides member groups such as families with the option to plan their day from one location. Many or most people may plan their activities around experiencing the major attractions. With this easy to use attraction reservation system, the most exciting and interesting attractions may not be missed.

[0099] As shown in FIG. 21 , a main entrance gate 2301 to an attraction can cause a long queue 2303 of persons waiting to enter the attraction. However, by using the line management method of the disclosed embodiment of the invention, a person may be permitted to enter through another separate entrance gate 2305 to the same attraction by merely waving or otherwise using his or her locator or identification tag 2306 at a reader 2308 to enter his or her personal identification information into the system 100. It should be understood that there can be another reader (not shown) at the beginning of the line whereby the person upon entering the line, utilizes his or her identification tag to register in the line. If the facility guarantees entrance at the special separate express entrance 2305 within a defined period of time such as 15 minutes, the length of time in the queue can be monitored by the system 100. If a person has been waiting close to the guaranteed period of time, the facility operators can attempt to hurry the person through the line.

[00100] Referring now to FIG. 22, the line management method may be software controlled by software modules stored in the various stations, and the host computer 107 (FIG. 1 ). The method is started at box 2401 , and a decision is made at box 2403 as to whether or not the guest desires to use the line management system. If he or she does so desire, then at box 2405, the guest receives a line management voucher from the facility operator. At box 2407, it is determined whether or not the group member or guest has already registered for the person location system 100 (FIG. 1 ). If not, then at box 2409, the guest registers for the person location system. If the guest is already registered, then at box 2412, the operator collects the line management voucher. At box 2414, the operator activates the reservation or VIP account. This information is entered into the line management system database 2416 of the host computer 107 (FIG. 1 ).

[00101] The facility administrator may configure the line management system settings as indicated at box 2418 for the line management system database 2416. Also, the facility administrator may generate a line management system report including a cash list system report combining location in line data as indicated at box 2421. The facility administrator may analyze the line management system reports as indicated at box 2423. Furthermore, the facility administrator can deactivate the line management account as indicated at box 2425 by entering the deactivation signal to the line management system database 2416.

[00102] As indicated at box 2427, the group member or guest makes a decision as to whether or not additional attractions such as other rides are to be engaged. If not, then the line management system stops functioning as indicated at box 2429. If additional attractions are desired, as indicated at box 2432, it is determined whether or not the guest has line management VIP account. If he or she does have such an account, then as indicated at box 2434, the guest enters an express line and scans his or her locator or identification tag at the beginning of the express line at the scanner 2310 at the beginning of the queue. If the guest does not have the line management VIP account, the guest can make, check and modify reservations at a location station as indicated at box 2436. Such entries are then recorded to the line management account as indicated at box 2437 which causes the entry of the information into the line management system database 2437.

[00103] Thereafter, the person merely waits until the reservation time as indicated at box 2438 before entering the express line as indicated at box 2438.

[00104] Once the person has scanned his or her locator or identification tag at the beginning of the express line, it is determined at box 2441 whether the guest has line management VIP account status. If the answer is yes, at box 2443, the guest is permitted to wait in the guaranteed short line. If the guest does not have the line management VIP account, then as indicated at box 2445, it is determined whether or not the guest has a valid registration. If he or she does have such a valid registration, then as indicated at box 2443, the guest can wait in the guaranteed short line. If the guest does not have a valid registration, then as indicated at box 2447, the guest must exit the express line, and the guest is notified of a problem as indicated at box 2449. In such a situation, the facility administrator may deactivate the line management account as indicated at boxes 2425 and 2449. [00105] Once the person is permitted to wait in the guaranteed short line, the person enters the ride or other attraction and scans or otherwise uses his or her locator or identification tag as indicated at 2452 to enter his or her personal identification information. Thereafter, it is determined at box 2454 whether or not the guest did receive the ride or otherwise enter the attraction. If so, then as indicated at box 2456, the transaction is recorded to the line management account in the line management system database 2416. If the guest did not receive the ride or otherwise enter the attraction, then as indicated at box 2458, a transaction adjustment is processed, and a transaction record adjustment is made to the line management account of the guest as indicated at 2461.

[00106] While particular embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed, it is to be understood that various different modifications and combinations are possible and are contemplated within the true spirit and scope of the embodiments of the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. There is no intention, therefore, of limitations to the exact disclosure or abstract herein presented.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. A method of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: receiving personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area; displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information; and receiving into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group.

2. A method according to claim 1 , wherein the displaying of a message occurs at pre-set times during the day.

3. A method according to claim 2, wherein said message is an intra-facility message for all groups of members.

4. A method according to claim 2, wherein said message is a facility-to-group member message.

5. A method according to claim 1 , further including sending messages to at least one of the stations for storage therein.

6. A method according to claim 1 , further including entering a member message into said at least one of the stations, and displaying the member message at one of the stations in response to another group member entering his or her personal identification information into said one of the stations.

7. A method according to claim 6, wherein said entering a member message includes selecting a stored message from a plurality of stored messages.

8. A method according to claim 1 , wherein said message is a facility message.

9. A method according to claim 1 , further including displaying a commercial message at at least one of the stations when idle.

10. A method according to claim 1 , further including sending a message to a personal mobile device.

11.A system of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: means for entering personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area; means for displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information; and means for entering into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group.

12. A system according to claim 11 , wherein the displaying of a message occurs at pre-set times during the day.

13. A system according to claim 12, wherein said message is an intra-facility message for all groups of members.

14. A system according to claim 12, wherein said message is a facility-to-group member message.

15. A system according to claim 11 , further including means for sending messages to at least one of the stations for storage therein.

16. A system according to claim 11 , further including entering a member message into said at least one of the stations, and means for displaying the member message at one of the stations in response to another group member entering his or her personal identification information into said one of the stations.

17. A system according to claim 16, wherein said means for entering a member message includes selecting a stored message from a plurality of stored messages.

18. A system according to claim 11 , wherein said message is a facility message.

19. A system according to claim 11 , further including means for displaying a commercial message at at least one of the stations when idle.

20. A system according to claim 11 , further including sending a message to a personal mobile device.

21.A software system of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: module for entering personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area; module for displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information; and module for entering into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group.

22. A software system according to claim 21 , wherein the displaying of a message occurs at pre-set times during the day.

23. A software system according to claim 22, wherein said message is an intra- facility message for all groups of members.

24. A software system according to claim 22, wherein said message is a facility-to- group member message.

25. A software system according to claim 21 , further including module for sending messages to at least one of the stations for storage therein.

26. A software system according to claim 21 , further including entering a member message into said at least one of the stations, and module for displaying the member message at one of the stations in response to another group member entering his or her personal identification information into said one of the stations.

27. A software system according to claim 26, wherein said module for entering a member message includes selecting a stored message from a plurality of stored messages.

28. A software system according to claim 21 , wherein said message is a facility message.

29. A software system according to claim 21 , further including module for displaying a commercial message at at least one of the stations when idle.

30. A software system according to claim 21 , further including sending a message to a personal mobile device.

31.A method of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

displaying at least one person icon or place icon on a map of the confined area;

receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of a said person icons or place icons; and

displaying direction indicia to the selected icon

32. A method according to claim 31 , wherein said place icon indicates an amenity, and further including displaying a menu message of a list of amenities disposed within the confined area.

33. A method according to claim 32, further including receiving an amenity select signal indicative of at least one of said amenities.

34. A method according to claim 33, further including displaying at least one amenity icon in response to said amenity select signal.

35. A method according to claim 31 , wherein said direction indicia is in the form of a line extending to the selected indicia.

36. A method according to claim 31 , further including determining a direct route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined direct route.

37. A method according to claim 31 , further including determining a scenic route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined scenic route.

38. A method according to claim 31 , further including determining a handicapped person's route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the handicapped person's route.

39. A method according to claim 31 , further including displaying at least two of a group of person icons and place icons, said direction indicia between said at least two icons.

40. A system of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: means for receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

means for displaying at least one person icon or place icon on a map of the confined area;

means for receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of a said person icons or place icons; and

means for displaying direction indicia to the selected icon

41.A system according to claim 40, wherein said place icon indicates an amenity, and further including means for displaying a menu message of a list of amenities disposed within the confined area.

42. A system according to claim 41 , further including means for receiving an amenity select signal indicative of at least one of said amenities.

43. A system according to claim 42, further including means for displaying at least one amenity icon in response to said amenity select signal.

44. A system according to claim 40, wherein said direction indicia is in the form of a line extending to the selected indicia.

45. A system according to claim 40, further including means for determining a direct route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined direct route.

46. A system according to claim 40, further including means for determining a scenic route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined scenic route.

47. A system according to claim 40, further including means for determining a handicapped person's route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the handicapped person's route.

48. A system according to claim 40, further including means for displaying at least two of a group of person icons and place icons, said direction indicia between said at least two icons.

49. A software system of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: module for receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

module for displaying at least one person icon or place icon on a map of the confined area;

module for receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of a said person icons or place icons; and

module for displaying direction indicia to the selected icon

50. A software system according to claim 49, wherein said place icon indicates an amenity, and further including module for displaying a menu message of a list of amenities disposed within the confined area.

51.A software system according to claim 50, further including module for receiving an amenity select signal indicative of at least one of said amenities.

52. A software system according to claim 51 , further including module for displaying at least one amenity icon in response to said amenity select signal.

53. A software system according to claim 49, wherein said direction indicia is in the form of a line extending to the selected indicia.

54. A software system according to claim 49, further including module for determining a direct route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined direct route.

55. A software system according to claim 49, further including module for determining a scenic route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the determined scenic route.

56. A software system according to claim 49, further including module for determining a handicapped person's route to the selected icon, said direction indicia being indicative of the handicapped person's route.

57. A software system according to claim 49, further including module for displaying at least two of a group of person icons and place icons, said direction indicia between said at least two icons.

58. A method of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area; receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at leasst one reservation for the guest; and storing said reservation information.

59. A method according to claim 58, further including receiving registration information relating to a member or a group of members.

60. A method according to claim 59, further including determining whether the guest is registered in response to the personal identification information.

61. A method according to claim 58, further including displaying the length of time for waiting for at least one attraction of the facility.

62. A method according to claim 58, further including displaying the length of time associated with the use of at least one attraction of the facility.

63. A method according to claim 58, further including displaying the distance to an attraction and the distance between attractions.

64. A method according to claim 58, further including varying the available attraction time slots for the starting and ending times for attractions.

65. A method according to claim 58, further including displaying attraction reservation information, and receiving information to change the attraction reservation information at one or more of the stations.

66. A method according to claim 58, further including creating a message that an attraction is no longer available and assigning another attraction or starting time.

67. A method according to claim 58, further including permitting reservation information to be received only a set number of times for a certain number of attractions.

68. A method according to claim 58, further including receiving the personal identification information at a separate entrance to the reserved attraction.

69. A method according to claim 59, further including monitoring the length of time the guest waits in a queue for a reserved attraction.

70. A method according to claim 59, further including receiving personal identification information at the end of a queue, and determining whether the person entering the information is registered.

71. A method according to claim 70, further including receiving personal identification information at the beginning of the queue, and determining whether a person should be admitted to the attraction.

72. A method according to claim 58, further including generating line management system reports, said reports including a line management account for a given guest or group member.

73. A method according to claim 58, further including monitoring whether the guest attends the reserved attraction.

74. A software system of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: a module for receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area; a module for receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at leasst one reservation for the guest; and a module for storing said reservation information.

75. A software system according to claim 74, further including a module for receiving registration information relating to a member or a group of members.

76. A software system according to claim 75, further including a module for determining whether the guest is registered in response to the personal identification information.

77. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for displaying the length of time for waiting for at least one attraction of the facility.

78. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for displaying the length of time associated with the use of at least one attraction of the facility.

79. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for displaying the distance to an attraction and the distance between attractions.

80. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for varying the available attraction time slots for the starting and ending times for attractions.

81.A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for displaying attraction reservation information, and receiving information to change the attraction reservation information at one or more of the stations.

82. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for creating a message that an attraction is no longer available and assigning another attraction or starting time.

83. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for permitting reservation information to be received only a set number of times for a certain number of attractions.

84. A software system according to claim 76, further including a module for receiving the personal identification information at a separate entrance to the reserved attraction.

85. A software system according to claim 77, further including a module for monitoring the length of time the guest waits in a queue for a reserved attraction.

86. A software system according to claim 85, further including a module for receiving personal identification information at the, end of a queue, and a module for determining whether the person entering the information is registered.

87. A software system according to claim 86, further including a module for receiving personal identification information at the beginning of the queue, and determining whether a person should be admitted to the attraction.

88. A software system according to claim 74, further including a module for generating line management system reports, said reports including a line management account for a given guest or group member.

89. A software system according to claim 74, further including a module for monitoring whether the guest attends the reserved attraction.

90. A system of communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: means for receiving personal identification information of a guest into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

means for receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at leasst one reservation for the guest; and

means for storing said reservation information.

91.A system according to claim 90, further including means for receiving registration information relating to a member or a group of members.

92. A system according to claim 91 , further including means for determining whether the guest is registered in response to the personal identification information.

93. A system according to claim 90, further including means for displaying the length of time for waiting for at least one attraction of the facility.

94. A system according to claim 90, further including means for displaying the length of time associated with the use of at least one attraction of the facility.

95. A system according to claim 90, further including means for displaying the distance to an attraction and the distance between attractions.

96. A system according to claim 90, further including means for varying the available attraction time slots for the starting and ending times for attractions.

97. A system according to claim 90, further including means for displaying attraction reservation information, and receiving information to change the attraction reservation information at one or more of the stations.

98. A system according to claim 90, further including means for creating a message that an attraction is no longer available and assigning another attraction or starting time.

99. A system according to claim 90, further including means for permitting reservation information to be received only a set number of times for a certain number of attractions.

100. A system according to claim 90, further including means for receiving the personal identification information at a separate entrance to the reserved attraction.

101. A system according to claim 91 , further including means for monitoring the length of time the guest waits in a queue for a reserved attraction.

102. A system according to claim 101 , further including means for receiving personal identification information at the end of a queue, and means for determining whether the person entering the information is registered.

103. A system according to claim 102, further including means for receiving personal identification information at the beginning of the queue, and determining whether a person should be admitted to the attraction.

104. A system according to claim 90, further including means for generating line management system reports, said reports including a line management account for a given guest or group member.

105. A system according to claim 90, further including means for monitoring whether the guest attends the reserved attraction.

106. A method of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: receiving personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information;

receiving into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group;

receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of said person icons or place icons;

displaying direction indicia to the selected icon;

receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at least one reservation for the guest; and

storing said reservation information.

107. A system of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: means for entering personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

means for displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information;

means for entering into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group

means for receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of a said person icons or place icons;

means for displaying direction indicia to the selected icon;

means for receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at least one reservation for the guest; and

means for storing said reservation information.

. A software system of message communication for a confined area of a facility, comprising: module for entering personal identification information of one member of a group into at least one of a set of stations distributed throughout the confined area;

module for displaying a message in response to the receipt of the personal identification information;

module for entering into said at least one of the group of stations a request to find the location of other members of the group module for displaying at least one person icon or place icon on a map of the confined area;

module for receiving a select signal indicative of at least one of said person icons or place icons;

module for displaying direction indicia to the selected icon;

module for receiving attraction reservation information relating to at least one attraction to request at least one reservation for the guest; and

module for storing said reservation information.