Mobile Barcode Access Control Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access management systems in commercial environments, such as movie theaters and airport security, rely heavily on manual processes for admitting individuals to different access levels, which is inefficient and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

A method that registers individuals for access levels using their mobile device identifiers, generates electronic passes with mobile barcodes, and provides these passes to their mobile devices, allowing for automated verification and access control at scanning stations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If manual processes are used for admitting individuals to access levels, then access control can be implemented, but the process requires significant manual intervention and is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control processVSAvoidtime for manual verification
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical verification processes with automated electronic systems. Mobile devices display barcodes or QR codes that are scanned by automated readers, eliminating the need for manual inspection of physical tickets or identification documents. The system automatically validates access credentials and grants access, substituting human operators with electronic authentication mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital copies of access credentials in the form of barcodes and QR codes displayed on mobile devices. These digital representations replace physical tickets, cards, or documents. The scanning system reads the digital code and automatically verifies it against the access control database, enabling rapid automated validation without manual handling of physical media.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

2Reliability

If manual verification is used for priority access, then access levels can be managed, but the process is prone to errors and fraud

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess verification accuracyVSAvoidaccess control system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces error-prone manual verification with automated electronic validation. The scanning system automatically reads digital credentials, checks them against the access control database, and determines authenticity without human intervention. This eliminates errors associated with manual inspection, such as misreading tickets, failing to verify authenticity, or inconsistent application of access rules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates automated feedback mechanisms where the scanning device communicates with the central access control database in real-time. The system provides immediate feedback on whether the presented credential is valid, expired, or fraudulent. This automated feedback loop ensures consistent and accurate verification, reducing the complexity of manual judgment while improving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If physical tickets or media are used for access control, then access levels can be denoted, but the process requires manual checking and is inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess processing speedVSAvoidaccess control process
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual handling and inspection of physical tickets with automated optical scanning of digital codes on mobile devices. The scanning system rapidly captures and processes barcode or QR code images, automatically extracting access information without manual intervention. This dramatically increases processing speed while maintaining ease of operation, as users simply display their mobile device without needing to physically present or hand over tickets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses digital barcode or QR code representations of access credentials displayed on mobile device screens. These digital codes can be rapidly captured by scanning devices from a distance, eliminating the need for manual collection, handling, and inspection of physical tickets. The optical copying process is extremely fast and can be performed without interrupting the user, significantly improving both productivity and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Data Source

PatentUS9299203B2Access level management techniques
Publication Date: 2016.03.29 NCR VOYIX CORP
  • US9299203B2 patent drawing
  • US9299203B2 patent drawing
  • US9299203B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Access level management techniques which require less manual intervention. In one example, a registration system registers an individual for an access level and receives a mobile device identifier from the individual. The registration system generates an electronic pass, which may include a mobile barcode, granting the individual access at the requested access level, and provides the electronic pass to a mobile communication device of the individual using the mobile device identifier. In one application, an individual with a mobile barcode associated with priority access level privileges may be allowed to bypass a queue by using a priority lane.