Mobile App Access Control for Hotel Room Booking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current hotel room booking systems require human intervention for check-in, which is problematic, especially when check-in is not available, and do not allow for real-time access control via mobile devices.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method that enables managing bookings and access control through a mobile device, allowing users to access resources like hotel rooms via a mobile app by configuring the user interface to provide access permissions to access control devices, such as door locks, based on booking completion, timing parameters, and user interactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional booking systems are used, then bookings can be made, but human intervention is required for check-in which reduces efficiency and convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service check-in by allowing users to book resources and automatically receive access control permissions through a mobile application without requiring manual intervention from staff. The mobile device communicates with the access control device to grant access rights automatically upon booking completion.
Solution Approach 2:
Access control permissions are pre-configured and automatically granted to the user's mobile device immediately upon booking completion. The system prepares and transmits the access credentials in advance, so users have ready-to-use access rights before arriving at the resource location.
2Extent of automation
If access control permissions are granted automatically upon booking, then real-time access is enabled, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile application serves multiple functions: it acts as both a booking interface and an access control credential holder. The same mobile device that books the resource also stores and communicates access permissions, eliminating the need for separate physical keys or cards and simplifying the overall system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile application acts as an intermediary between the booking system and the access control device. It receives booking information, processes access permission requests, and communicates with the access control device to grant access, thereby simplifying the integration between different system components.
Data Source
AI summary
Described herein are frameworks and methodologies configured to enable integration of booking and access control for service providers. Embodiments of the invention have been particularly developed for allowing a user to gain access to an access controlled resource (for example a hotel room or the like) via a mobile device. This preferably occurs in the context of an arrangement where access rights are provided in real time upon completion of a booking. For example, some embodiments operate in the context of a mobile app and associated supporting infrastructure thereby to provide functionality to (i) find an available suitable resource; (ii) book that resource; (iii) provide payment; and (iv) gain access via the same mobile device. In some embodiments the technology leverages third party platforms for (i) to (iii), and provides (iv) based on output from processes at the third party platform(s). While some embodiments will be described herein with particular reference to that application, it will be appreciated that the invention is not limited to such a field of use, and is applicable in broader contexts.