Wireless Token Transmission for Key Card Access
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current systems for accessing reserved rooms in lodging establishments are inefficient, leading to delays and hassles for guests, as they require physical key cards and manual swiping, which can result in lost or stolen cards and prolonged check-in processes.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses a mobile computing device to transmit token data wirelessly to a key card reading device, allowing for contactless access to rooms by generating a transmission signal representing access data, which is authenticated by the key card reading device to unlock the door, utilizing technologies like near-field communication (NFC) or changing magnetic fields.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If physical key cards with magnetic stripes are used for room access, then guests can access their rooms, but the process is time-consuming and cards can be lost or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical key card system with a wireless electromagnetic field-based system. The mobile device generates changing magnetic fields or NFC signals that are received by the key card reading device, eliminating the need for physical contact and manual swiping of magnetic stripe cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the key card access data stored in a mobile device. The token data representing access data is transmitted wirelessly from the mobile device to the reading device, serving as a functional copy that eliminates the need for the physical key card.
2Reliability
If physical key cards are used for room access, then guests can access their rooms, but the key cards can be lost or stolen causing security issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the physical key card with a wireless electromagnetic communication system between mobile device and reading device, eliminating the physical object that can be lost or stolen.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device serves multiple functions: it stores token data, generates transmission signals, and communicates with the reading device. This multi-functional approach replaces the single-purpose physical key card while adding security features like authentication.
3Reliability
If manual key card swiping is required for room access, then security can be maintained, but the check-in process becomes prolonged and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual swiping with automatic wireless signal transmission and authentication, maintaining security through signal verification while dramatically improving check-in speed and efficiency.
4Adaptability or versatility
If physical key cards with magnetic stripes are used, then existing reading devices can function, but the system requires physical contact and manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical swiping with wireless electromagnetic field transmission, allowing the reading device to receive access data without physical contact, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining compatibility.
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
This solution reduces the time and effort required for guests to access their rooms, minimizes the risk of lost or stolen key cards, and integrates digital wallets with key card-accessible systems for enhanced security and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a mobile device can emit changing magnetic fields or near-field communication (NFC) signals to communicate with another device
Implementation Method 2
a mobile device can emit changing magnetic fields or near-field communication (NFC) signals to communicate with another device
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile computing device for transmitting token data to a key card reading device having an activation mechanism is provided. The computing device is programmed to receive token data representing access data of a key card, generate a transmission signal representing the access data of the key card based on the token data in response to receiving the token data, and output the transmission signal to the key card reading device. The access data causes the key card reading device to activate the activation mechanism. The transmission signal causes the key card reading device to activate the activation mechanism when the mobile computing device is placed near the key card reading device and the transmission signal is authenticated by the key card reading device.