Offline Mobile Key Issuance via Physical Updater Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mobile device key issuance systems rely on network connectivity, which can be unreliable or unavailable, especially for guests with roaming disabled or in airplane mode, limiting their ability to receive mobile keys.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a physical updater device with short-to-medium range communication interfaces like Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) and Near-Field Communications (NFC) to connect mobile devices to backend services, enabling key issuance even without internet connectivity, by acting as a hub/router for data traffic between the backend services and mobile devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mobile device key issuance systems rely on network connectivity (Wi-Fi or cellular), then they can provide reliable internet access for key delivery, but they fail when guests have roaming disabled or are in airplane mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a local server as an intermediary component that mediates between the mobile device and the remote key issuance server. The local server receives key issuance requests from mobile devices via local network (Wi-Fi direct or Bluetooth) and forwards them to the remote server, then relays responses back. This intermediary architecture allows key issuance to proceed even when mobile devices have restricted network connectivity, as the local server can communicate with the remote server through alternative network paths.
2Ease of operation
If the system uses traditional network connections for key issuance, then it maintains simplicity in communication protocols, but it requires mobile devices to have active internet connectivity
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts its communication path based on the mobile device's network state. When the mobile device has full network connectivity, it communicates directly with the remote key issuance server. When connectivity is restricted (airplane mode, roaming disabled), the system dynamically switches to using the local server as an intermediary, establishing communication through available local network interfaces (Wi-Fi direct, Bluetooth, NFC). This dynamic routing ensures key issuance can proceed through the most appropriate channel available.
3Productivity
If guests must connect to the internet for mobile key delivery, then the system maintains a straightforward architecture, but guests cannot bypass customer service desks or use keys in airplane mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key issuance system into two distinct components: a remote key issuance server that generates and manages keys, and a local server that handles local communication and routing. This segmentation allows the system to operate in two modes: direct mode where mobile devices communicate with the remote server, and indirect mode where the local server mediates communication. The segmentation enables the system to maintain check-in efficiency while providing fallback pathways that don't require guests to visit customer service desks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and device for delivering one or more keys to an offline mobile communication device are provided. The method includes receiving the one or more keys from a backend issuance system, preparing the one or more keys for delivery to the offline mobile communication device via a short-to-medium communication channel, and transmitting the one or more keys to the offline mobile communication device via the short-to-medium range communication channel.