Theme Park Locker System with Egress Sensor Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electronic locker systems for theme parks are expensive, complex, and lack effective control over locker usage, leading to safety concerns and inefficiencies, as guests often leave items in lockers, preventing others from using the service.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising electronically actuable lockers that use a guest identifier, an egress sensor, and a processor to manage locker usage, ensuring that lockers are unlocked only by authorized guests and alerting operators if items are left behind, allowing for efficient reuse of lockers and enhanced safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electronic locker systems are implemented, then locker access control is improved, but system cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the access control function from complex electronic locker systems and implements it through simple magnetic stripe cards that can be read by sensors in the locker mechanism. This separates the authentication function (magnetic stripe card) from the storage function (locker), reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses magnetic stripe cards as a simplified copy or representation of guest identity, replacing the need for complex electronic identification systems. The magnetic stripe contains sufficient information for access control without requiring sophisticated electronic readers or processors in each locker.
2Ease of operation
If free locker service is provided to all guests, then guest convenience is improved, but locker availability decreases due to abandoned items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system tracks which guests have used which lockers and sends notifications (e.g., emails, text messages) to guests before their scheduled ride to remind them to retrieve their items. This feedback loop enables the system to monitor locker usage patterns and alert guests proactively, preventing abandoned items from blocking lockers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by sending reminder notifications to guests before their scheduled attraction rides, giving them advance notice to retrieve their items. This proactive approach prevents the situation where guests arrive at the attraction only to find their lockers occupied by abandoned items from previous guests.
3Device complexity
If traditional key lockers are used, then system simplicity is maintained, but security and control over locker usage are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key-based locking system with an electronic magnetic stripe card system. Magnetic stripe cards are read by sensors that trigger electronic locks, eliminating the need for physical keys and providing enhanced security through electronic authentication while maintaining relative system simplicity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure describes a system for managing a plurality of lockers proximate a theme park attraction, the system having an electronically actuated lock disposed on the plurality of lockers, a guest identifier carriable on the guests person, the identifier usable as an electronic key configured to lock and unlock the lock, an egress sensor positioned at an exit of the theme park attraction and a processor in communication with the lock and the egress sensor and configured to unlock the lock subsequent to being signaled by the egress sensor. A method for using and managing a plurality of lockers is also described.