Beacon-Based Access Control and Guest Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current access control systems in controlled areas are inadequate for tracking guest movements and require manual processes, leading to inefficiencies and potential unauthorized access, especially in hospitality and competitive industries seeking to enhance customer experiences through reward programs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing wireless radio, sound, and/or light-based beacons to communicate with smartphones and electronic devices, enabling real-time tracking, navigation, and access control, allowing members and administrators to grant temporary access and monitor guests' locations within controlled areas, and providing companies with customer location identification and notification services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual access control processes are used with physical keycards and guards, then access authorization can be controlled, but tracking of guest movements becomes insufficient and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical access control processes (physical keycards, guard verification) with an automated electronic system using wireless beacons and mobile devices. The system automatically tracks guest locations and verifies access rights through electronic communication, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access control where guests use their own mobile devices to automatically authenticate and track their movements. The mobile device communicates with beacons to verify access rights and report location without requiring guard intervention or manual keycard handling.
2Ease of operation
If static checkpoint systems with physical keycards are implemented, then access to controlled areas can be restricted, but real-time tracking of guest locations and movements is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous location tracking through ongoing wireless communication between mobile devices and beacons. Rather than discrete checkpoint checks, the system continuously monitors guest movements throughout the controlled area, providing real-time location information without interrupting guest flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless beacon acts as an intermediary between the access control system and guests. Beacons transmit location data and verify access rights electronically, serving as a mediator that enables both easy guest access and continuous tracking without direct system-guest interaction.
3Reliability
If manual card-handing processes are used for reward program recognition, then customer identification can be performed, but the process is time-consuming and dependent on customer action
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automatic customer identification through the guest's mobile device communicating with beacons. The mobile device automatically transmits identification information without requiring the customer to manually present a card, making the process both reliable and efficient.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical process of card-handing with automated wireless electronic communication. The mobile device automatically transmits customer identification data to the system through beacon communication, eliminating the need for physical card exchange and manual data entry.
4Reliability
If comprehensive location tracking systems are implemented using wireless beacons and mobile devices, then real-time monitoring and security are improved, but the device complexity and implementation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the mobile device perform multiple functions: it serves as both the access control credential (replacing physical keycards) and the location tracking instrument (replacing dedicated tracking devices). This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by utilizing existing ubiquitous technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the mobile device's existing communication capabilities (WiFi, Bluetooth, cellular) as copies of dedicated tracking technology. Rather than implementing new specialized hardware, the system leverages copies of communication protocols already present in smartphones, reducing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system in a first embodiment that allows authorized individuals access into controlled access locations and the ability to grant temporary and limited access to guests into these locations. The method and system allow for navigational services to be provided to members and guests, and real-time tracking and confirmation to members and administrators that guests have arrived at their destination and did not enter any unauthorized areas. The method preferably can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with member and guest's electronic devices. Members and administrators can send one or more temporary electronic access keys to a guest's smartphone or other electronic device. Wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons provide an access control and location tracking system with real-time data about the member and guest whereabouts, allowing for the confirmation and tracking. A system and method in a second embodiment for identifying a customer's location within a facility or place of business, such as, but not limited to a casino. The system and method provide notification to company representatives upon arrival of the customer at the given location. Additionally, the method and system allow for navigational services to be provided to customers, and real-time location determination, location tracking and confirmation to customers of location and rewards program status. The disclosed method and system can work through a system of wireless radio, sound and/or light-based beacons communicating with the customer's smartphone, computer system, or other electronic device.