Event Ticket Usage Control via Segmented Access Rights

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic event tickets can be easily shared and used by anyone possessing an image of the ticket, leading to loss of control by the original purchaser over who gains entry to the event.

Innovation Solution

Implementing systems and methods that allow a ticket purchaser to electronically offer tickets to others while retaining control over usage, with the ability to reclaim the ticket and specify usage rights, using additional database fields to track authorized users.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electronically issued tickets are shared via image transfer, then ease of ticket transfer is improved, but control over who uses the ticket deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of ticket transferVSAvoidcontrol over ticket usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The ticket system is segmented into multiple authorized users who can individually use the ticket. The database tracks each authorized user separately, allowing the purchaser to grant usage rights to multiple individuals while maintaining control over each user's access. This segmentation prevents unlimited sharing while enabling controlled distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system implements feedback mechanisms where the purchaser can review and manage the list of authorized users. The system provides feedback about who has been granted access and allows the purchaser to revoke or modify permissions. This feedback loop maintains control over ticket usage while preserving ease of sharing with authorized individuals.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If printed tickets are used, then ease of physical transfer is improved, but control over final user deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of physical transferVSAvoidcontrol over who uses the ticket
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system creates digital copies of the ticket that can be shared with multiple authorized users. Instead of transferring a single physical ticket, the system generates and manages multiple digital copies that can be distributed to different individuals while maintaining a centralized record of authorized users. This allows physical-like transfer ease while preserving control through digital management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If ticket images are forwarded via email or messaging, then ease of sharing is improved, but control over ticket usage deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of sharingVSAvoidcontrol over usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides universal access to authorized users while maintaining control. Multiple authorized users can access the ticket through various means (direct link, code entry, etc.) without needing to share images via email or messaging. The system handles all distribution methods universally while maintaining a centralized control mechanism that prevents unauthorized sharing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250209522A1Systems and methods for controlling event tickets
Publication Date: 2025.06.26 SEATGEEK
  • US20250209522A1 patent drawing
  • US20250209522A1 patent drawing
  • US20250209522A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Systems and methods for purchasing and sharing event tickets allow the owner of event tickets to control who uses the event tickets. The owner of an event ticket can grant permission to another party to use the event ticket. The ticket owner can later revoke that permission and thereafter grant a different party permission to use the event ticket. Control over who uses an electronically issued event ticket could be exerted by ensuring that an image of the event ticket can only be displayed via a specific software application for a specific user.