2D Code Key Fob Access for Humanless Facility Transactions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing asset access systems require dedicated hardware and human interaction, limiting their deployment and efficiency in scenarios without human involvement.
Innovation Solution
Utilization of a two-dimensional (2D) code on mobile communication devices to grant access to and manage key fobs or assets, enabling transactions without human intervention through automated transaction clients.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If dedicated hardware and human interaction are required for asset access, then security and control are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical access control systems (physical keys, lockboxes, and human-mediated key exchange) with an optical/digital system using 2D codes displayed on mobile devices. The 2D code acts as a digital key that can be scanned and decoded by the asset access system, eliminating the need for physical key exchange and reducing hardware complexity while maintaining security through cryptographic verification of the code.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware and human interaction are required for asset access, then access control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical key exchange and lockbox interaction with a streamlined optical scanning process. Users simply display a 2D code on their mobile device, which is scanned by the asset access system, automatically initiating the access authorization process without requiring human mediators or complex physical interactions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access where users can independently generate and present 2D codes on their own mobile devices without requiring assistance from facility staff or interaction with physical key management systems. The automated scanning and verification process allows users to access assets autonomously, improving ease of operation while maintaining security controls.
3Reliability
If physical key exchange or lockbox access is required, then access control is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces time-consuming physical key exchange processes with instantaneous optical scanning of 2D codes. The digital code can be generated and presented immediately on a mobile device, and the scanning process occurs in seconds, eliminating the time required for physical key retrieval, handover, and verification that occurs with lockbox or in-person key exchange systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-generating 2D codes that contain encoded access authorization information before the user needs to access the asset. These codes can be prepared in advance through mobile applications and are ready for immediate presentation, eliminating the need for on-site key retrieval or real-time authorization procedures that consume time during the actual access transaction.
4Measurement precision
If human interaction is required for asset delivery, then verification accuracy is improved, but extent of automation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces human-mediated verification processes with automated optical scanning and digital code verification systems. The 2D code contains encoded information that is automatically decoded and verified by the asset access system, providing precise verification of asset delivery and transfer without requiring human judgment or manual checking, thereby achieving both high verification accuracy and full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses digital copies of authorization information encoded in 2D codes instead of physical keys or manual verification records. These digital codes can be automatically read, verified, and processed by machines, enabling automated verification of delivery transactions while maintaining the precision and reliability previously achieved through human interaction.
Data Source
AI summary
Asset access systems in accordance with various embodiments of the invention utilize a two-dimensional (2D) code that allows a user to gain physical access to and take possession of a key fob, where key fob is understood to represent any wireless device that interacts with a vehicle control system to access, manage, and operate the asset. Users of the system will present the 2D code to a transaction client that grants the user access to the key fob. Transaction clients can reside at various facilities that do not employ humans as part of the asset transfer to the user. Upon completion of the return of the asset to the facility, the user will present a new 2D code to the human-less access system that allows the user to return the key fob or other physical asset to a designated location at the transaction client.