Smart Seat Payment Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Event venues face challenges in providing flexible seating options that balance the freedom of general admission with the security of reserved seating, as spectators risk losing their seats if they leave temporarily, and reserved seating restricts the ability to change seats even if they are empty.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a 'smart seat' system that uses payment cards to electronically lock and unlock seats, allowing spectators to choose and reserve seats using payment cards, which automatically re-lock if the occupant leaves, ensuring seat availability and flexibility through a state-based system managed by a controller and server device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reserved seating is implemented, then seat security is improved, but flexibility to change seats is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat securityVSAvoidflexibility to change seats

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The seating system transitions from static reserved seating to dynamic seating where the locked state can be changed. The electronic locking mechanism allows the seat to be locked when a payment card is presented and unlocked when the same card is presented again, enabling flexible changes while maintaining security throughout the event.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from payment card validation to control the locking state. When a card is validated, the seat locks; when the same card is validated again, the seat unlocks. This feedback mechanism ensures that only the original payer can access or change their seat, maintaining security while allowing intentional changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Adaptability or versatility

If general admission is implemented, then flexibility to choose and change seats is improved, but risk of losing seat is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility to choose and change seatsVSAvoidrisk of losing seat

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seating system provides self-service through automatic locking and unlocking based on payment card validation. The seat automatically locks when a card is presented and automatically unlocks when the same card is presented again, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining seat security and flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical ticketing system is replaced with an electronic locking mechanism that uses payment card validation to control seat access. This electronic system provides both the flexibility of general admission and the security of reserved seating through automated card-based control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If electronic locking mechanism is added, then seat access control is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseat access controlVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides seat access control, enables flexible seat changes, maintains security throughout the event, and allows automatic locking and unlocking. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits through a single integrated system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The payment card serves as an intermediary between the spectator and the seat locking mechanism. The card validates the spectator's identity and authorization, triggering the locking or unlocking action. This intermediary approach simplifies the overall system by using a familiar payment card interface rather than requiring complex authentication systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The smart seat system offers the flexibility of general admission with the security of reserved seating, allowing seat changes while ensuring that seats are only accessible with the associated payment card, enhancing user experience and venue management through real-time pricing adjustments and occupancy monitoring.

Implementation Method 1

reading, at a card reader located at a seat, payment information from a payment card

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

sending a control signal to a locking device to unlock the seat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Electromagnetic Propulsion

Data Source

PatentUS10650331B1Smart seat that can receive payments

Publication Date: 2020.05.12 CAPITAL ONE SERVICES LLC

AI summary

In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a method for controlling access to a seat based on payments. The method can include: reading, at a card reader located at a seat, payment information from a payment card; validating the payment information; sending a control signal to a locking device to unlock the seat; detecting that an occupant left the seat; and in response to detecting that the occupant left the seat, sending a control signal the locking device to lock the seat.