Abstract:
Access level management techniques which require less manual intervention. In one example, a registration system registers an individual for an access level and receives a mobile device identifier from the individual. The registration system generates an electronic pass, which may include a mobile barcode, granting the individual access at the requested access level, and provides the electronic pass to a mobile communication device of the individual using the mobile device identifier. In one application, an individual with a mobile barcode associated with priority access level privileges may be allowed to bypass a queue by using a priority lane.

Description:
BACKGROUND 
     The present invention relates to access management systems, and more specifically to access level management techniques. 
     There are many commercial environments where individuals form queues prior to gaining admittance or conducting a transaction. Some common queues include movie theaters, event venues, theme park attractions, and airport security screening. Often, merchants offer the ability to reserve a place in line or bypass a queue entirely by routing individuals along a different path or to the head of the queue. These services may be offered for a fee or free of charge and are commonly described as “priority access”, “express lanes”, etc. 
     The method for admitting an individual to a particular access path is often a manual process that may involve an individual presenting identification, a ticket, or other form of media denoting permission to an authorized level of service. For example, admitting an individual to a priority access level may involve checking the individual identification, ticket, or other form of media for appropriate indicia that the individual is authorized to receive priority access service. 
     Therefore, it would be desirable to provide access level management techniques that require less manual intervention. 
     SUMMARY 
     In accordance with the teachings of the present invention, access level management techniques are provided. 
     In one example embodiment, the access control method includes registering an individual for an access level including receiving a mobile device identifier from the individual, generating an electronic pass granting the individual access at the access level, and providing the electronic pass to a mobile communication device of the individual using the mobile device identifier. 
     One example electronic pass includes a mobile barcode to communicate access privileges. The mobile barcode may be part of a ticket and may be optimized by the registration system for display by the mobile communication device. When scanned at a queue location, the mobile barcode provides access level privileges. For example, an individual with priority access level privileges may be allowed to bypass a queue by using a priority lane. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The present invention may take form in various components and arrangement of components and in various methods. The drawings are only for purposes of illustrating example embodiments and alternatives and are not to be construed as limiting the invention. 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an access control system. 
         FIG. 2  is a flow diagram of a registration process for access privileges. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Turning now to  FIG. 1 , access control system  10  is illustrated. Example applications of the invention include, but are not limited to, movie theaters, concert or other event venues, theme park attractions, airport security screening areas where individuals may benefit from having different access privileges to shorten their time in queues or avoid queues altogether. 
     Access control system  10  may manage any number of different levels of access. For example, an airport may have two levels of access, priority and non-priority, with priority access being associated with a greater level of service, and possibly cost, than non-priority access. A traveler with priority access may be entitled to wait in a shorter line or pass through airport security faster than a traveler with non-priority access. 
     Example access control system  10  includes registration system  12 . Registration system  12  includes a processor, memory, and program and data storage. Registration system  12  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft or Linux operating system. Registration system  12  further includes network circuitry for connecting to network  90 , and may include other circuitry for connecting to peripherals. Registration system  12  may include a web server connected to the World Wide Web (WWW or “web”) and provide web content, including web pages for facilitating registration. Registration system  12  is also capable of sending messages, such short message service (SMS or “text”), e-mail, automated voice, and/or other messages. 
     Network  90  may include any combination of wireless or wired networks, including local area, wide area, virtual private, and global communication networks, such as the Internet. 
     Registration system  12  maintains records  20 . Records  20  include an individual identifier  22 , a mobile device identifier  24 , and a electronic pass  26 . 
     Individual identifier  22  may include an individual&#39;s name, address, and/or other information. 
     Mobile device identifier  24  may include an electronic mail (e-mail) address and/or phone number. 
     Electronic pass  26  provides an individual with access at an authorized level. In an example embodiment, electronic pass  26  includes a barcode for display on an individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  and for scanning, also known as a “mobile barcode”. The mobile barcode is optimized for display based upon the display characteristics/capabilities of mobile communication device  70 . An example method of optimizing a barcode for display on a mobile communication device  70  is disclosed in commonly assigned U.S. Pat. No. 7,693,744 to Forbes. This patent is hereby incorporated by reference. Other indicia besides barcodes are also envisioned. 
     An individual may register for an access level separately from or in connection with a different transaction, such as the purchase of a movie theater ticket, a concert or other event ticket, a theme park ticket, or an airline ticket. 
     With reference to  FIG. 2 , an example registration process is illustrated. In this context, a successful registration process results in registration system  12  granting requested access rights to an individual. The registration process may or may not also involve remittance of payment from the individual. The registration process may or may not also be part of or connected with a different transaction, such as the purchase of a ticket. 
     An individual operates a computer, such as personal computer  60  or mobile communication device  70  to connect to registration system  12  through network  90 . For this purpose, the computer may connect to a registration web site hosted by registration system  12  and download a web page to facilitate registration. The web page may include a registration form. 
     In step  100 , registration system  12  receives a request from an individual for an access level, such as a priority access level, entered by the individual in the registration web page. 
     In step  102 , registration system  12  receives a mobile device identifier  24 , such as a mobile phone number, e-mail, or other address, entered by the individual in the registration web page. 
     The individual may also provide additional information including an individual identifier  22 , such as a name, and/or a user name and password for logging into the web site and for accessing the individual&#39;s record  20 . 
     In step  104 , registration system  12  generates electronic pass  26 , granting the individual access at the access level. 
     Registration system  12  may also create record  20  associated with individual identifier  22 , mobile device identifier  24 , and electronic pass  26 . 
     In step  106 , registration system  12  makes electronic pass  26  available to the individual. 
     In one example embodiment, registration system  12  sends a link to electronic pass  26  at reservation system  12  to mobile communication device  70  using mobile device identifier  24 . In another example embodiment, mobile communication device  70  connects to registration system  12  under individual control, logs in with a user name and password established by the individual during registration, and accesses the link. 
     The link includes software which, when executed by mobile communication device  70  as a result of the individual clicking, tapping, or otherwise selecting the link, captures and sends information about the individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70 , including display capabilities and/or characteristics, to registration system  12 . Registration system  12  uses the information about the individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  to optimize electronic pass  26 , including optimizing the barcode, for display and for scanning by barcode readers  44  and  54 . 
     In one example, the software associated with the link may be written in a programming language such as the Java programming and be hosted within the browser software. 
     As another example, the software associated with the link may include a script, such as JavaScript, combined with hypertext markup language (HTML) or other suitable web page language. The script may send a request for the electronic pass and information about display capabilities of mobile communication device  70  and receive an optimized electronic pass from registration system  12 . 
     As an alternative to accessing the link, mobile communication device  70  may execute a software applet written to be executed within the operating system of mobile communication device  70  that connects to registration system  12  and obtains electronic pass  26 . The mobile software applet may send a request for the electronic pass and information about display capabilities of mobile communication device  70  and receive an optimized electronic pass from registration system  12 . 
     Returning to  FIG. 1 , personal computer  60  includes a processor, memory, and program and data storage. Personal computer  60  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft, Apple, Linux, or other operating system. Personal computer  60  may include web browser software for connecting to the web site of registration system  12 . 
     Personal computer  60  further include graphics circuitry for connecting to a display, network circuitry for connecting to network  90 , and other circuitry for connecting to other peripherals, such as a printer, a mouse, and a keyboard. 
     Mobile communication device  70  may include a Smartphone, personal digital assistant, or other portable communication device. Mobile communication device  70  includes a processor, memory, and program and data storage. Mobile communication device  70  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft, Apple, Google, or other operating system. Mobile communication device  70  may include web browser software for connecting to the web site of registration system  12 . 
     Mobile communication device  70  further include graphics circuitry for connecting to a display, network circuitry for connecting to network  90 , and other circuitry for connecting to other peripherals, such as a touchscreen. 
     Access control system  10  further includes a scanning station at each access control location, such as at entrance to a queue or at the head of a queue. 
     An example scanning station may include a network barcode reader  30  operated by an attendant. During check-in, an attendant operates network barcode reader  30  to scan a mobile barcode and determine an authorized level of access for the individual from the contents of the mobile barcode. 
     In one example embodiment, network barcode reader  30  may also verify that the mobile barcode is valid by connecting to registration system  12  and comparing the pass information, including the mobile barcode, to information in records  20 . 
     In another example embodiment, network barcode reader  30  may be programmed with business rules that establish permitted time windows, scanning locations, and other context-aware cues that determine valid and invalid mobile barcodes. Network barcode reader  30  may store scanned information for later sending to registration system  12 . 
     Network barcode reader  30  may include a portable or hand-held or stationary barcode reader or scan terminal with built-in barcode reader with wireless or wired access to network  90 . 
     As another example, the scanning station may include attendant computer  40  and barcode reader  44 , which are operated by an attendant. 
     Attendant computer  40  includes a processor, memory, and program and data storage. Attendant computer  40  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft, Apple, Linux, or other operating system. Attendant computer  40  includes barcode reader  42  for scanning mobile barcodes. Attendant computer  40  further include graphics circuitry for connecting to a display, network circuitry for connecting to network  90 , and other circuitry for connecting to other peripherals, such as a printer, a mouse, and a keyboard. 
     Attendant computer  40  executes check-in software  42 . During check-in, an attendant operates check-in software  42  to scan a mobile barcode and determine an authorized level of access for the individual from the contents of the mobile barcode. Check-in software  42  may also verify that the mobile barcode is valid by connecting to registration system  12  and comparing the pass information, including the barcode, to information in records  20 . After determining the authorized level of access for the individual, the attendant directs the individual to an appropriate entrance, queue, aisle or other path. 
     As yet another example, the scanning station may include self-service computer  50  and barcode reader  54 , which are operated by an individual. 
     Self-service computer  50  includes a processor, memory, and program and data storage. Self-service computer  50  may execute an operating system such as a Microsoft, Apple, Linux, or other operating system. Self-service computer  50  includes barcode reader  52  for scanning mobile barcodes. Self-service computer  50  further include graphics circuitry for connecting to a display, network circuitry for connecting to network  90 , and other circuitry for connecting to other peripherals, such as a printer, a mouse, and an input device. The display and input device may be combined as a touch screen. 
     Self-service computer  50  executes check-in software  52 . During check-in, an individual operates check-in software  52  to scan a mobile barcode and determine an authorized level of access from the contents of the mobile barcode. Check-in software  52  may also verify that the mobile barcode is valid by connecting to registration system  12  and comparing the pass information, including the mobile barcode, to information in records  20 . After determining the authorized level of access for the individual, check-in software  52  displays a message directing the individual to an appropriate entrance, queue, aisle or other path. 
     To enhance security and reinforce access rights, any of network barcode reader  30 , attendant computer  40 , and self-service computer  50  may operate a gate system  80  to control access based upon the individual&#39;s access level. 
     In some environments, more than one scanning station may be employed. For example, a second scanning station may be situated at a queue end point so as to prevent “line jumping” or “cutting” into higher access level queues by unauthorized individuals. When two or more scanning stations are used for the same queue, information such as “total wait time” may be calculated by the scanning stations by comparing the time signature of the first and second scans (and so forth for more than two scanning stations.). Scanning stations may also provide numbers and timing of scanned barcodes to assist with statistical analysis of traffic patterns by registration system  12 . 
     Advantageously, these access control techniques authenticate individuals and minimize line-jumping, fraud and other abuse. 
     In an example application of these access control techniques, a merchant selling subscriptions to priority access lanes at airport security checkpoints on an annual basis may instead or also offer one-day priority access passes directly or through an airline to boost enrollment. An individual may purchase an airline ticket and request a one-day priority pass from the airline. 
     The individual receives a mobile airline boarding pass from the airline for display by the individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70 . The mobile boarding pass contains a barcode that is encoded with additional information denoting the individual&#39;s one-day pass. Scanning of the barcode at a scanning station reveals the one-day pass. The individual is granted permission to use the priority access lane. 
     In another example application of there access control techniques, a theme park has an attraction reservation system, allowing individuals to reserve a time to come back and get on a popular ride or see a show or other attraction with little to no wait. Some theme parks offer this service for free and some for a fee. In some cases, attraction reservation systems may include kiosks for dispensing reservations at select attractions. In other cases, attraction reservation systems may provide reservations at a reservation location separate from the location of the attraction. 
     Using the techniques of the present invention, an individual may obtain a reservation from a theme park resort or from the theme park&#39;s website using a personal computer or mobile communication device and a web browser or mobile application. The individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  receives a mobile barcode from the theme park reservation system. The theme park reservation system encrypts the mobile barcode to prevent fraudulent copies. Existing reservation ticketing machines may also be modified to also dispense tickets with barcodes. The attraction host or hostess scans the mobile barcode displayed by the individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  using a handheld barcode reader. The barcode reader may be networked in order to perform a validation process on the mobile barcode. Two barcode readers, one at a main entrance to the attraction (end of the queue) and a second at the attraction front of the queue, facilitate calculation of attraction wait times. 
     Using the techniques of the present invention, an individual may obtain a reservation from a theme park resort or from the theme park&#39;s website using a personal computer or mobile communication device and a web browser or mobile application. The individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  receives a mobile barcode from the theme park reservation system. The theme park reservation system encrypts the mobile barcode to prevent fraudulent copies. Existing reservation ticketing machines may also be modified to also dispense tickets with barcodes. The attraction host or hostess scans the mobile barcode displayed by the individual&#39;s mobile communication device  70  using a handheld barcode reader. The barcode reader may be networked in order to perform a validation process on the mobile barcode. Two barcode readers, one at a main entrance to the theme park and a second at the attraction, facilitate calculation of attraction wait times. 
     Other applications at these and other venues are also envisioned. 
     Although the present invention has been described with particular reference to certain preferred embodiments thereof, variations and modifications of the present invention can be effected within the spirit and scope of the following claims.