System and method for enabling a user to select a securable device throughout multiple securable device stations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Coin-operated lockers at amusement parks and ski slopes face issues such as users lacking quarters and the need to unlock before paying, leading to potential misuse due to the requirement of unlocking before depositing coins, and the inconvenience of having to rent lockers at each location separately.
Innovation Solution
A system of securable device stations with controllers allowing users to rent a locker at one location and transfer the rental to another, using a kiosk that communicates access indicia and rental parameters across a network, enabling users to access securable devices throughout the environment without needing to re-rent at each location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If coin operated lockers are used, then security is provided, but users must unlock before paying which leads to potential misuse and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by requiring users to pay and lock the locker before accessing it. The kiosk receives payment, provides access indicia, and the locker remains locked during the transaction. This reverses the traditional sequence where unlocking precedes payment, thereby preventing misuse while maintaining security.
2Device complexity
If conventional kiosk systems assign lockers at single locations, then rental management is simplified, but users must re-rent at each location which reduces convenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements universality by enabling access indicia obtained at any kiosk location to be used at any securable device throughout the entire environment. The network communication protocol allows controllers at different locations to recognize and validate access indicia, making the rental system location-independent and highly convenient for users moving throughout the facility.
3Reliability
If lockers are secured with traditional coin mechanisms, then payment verification is ensured, but users without quarters cannot access lockers
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies parameter changes by accepting multiple forms of payment (cash, credit cards, tickets, coupons, electronic payments) instead of being limited to coin mechanisms. The kiosk is configured to process various payment types and convert them into access indicia, thereby maintaining payment verification reliability while significantly improving accessibility for all users.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method of provisioning a securable device may include providing a plurality of securable device stations, each securable device station including (i) a controller and (ii) a set of securable devices in local communication with the controller, the controller being configured to enable a user to initiate access to a securable device from a set of securable devices. In response to a first controller of a first securable device station receiving (i) an access indicia and (ii) rental parameter that enables the user to access a securable device located in at least two of the securable device stations from a user, the first controller may communicate the access indicia and rental parameter to a network address that enables, by a second controller, the user to access a securable device at the second securable device station as provided by the rental parameter.