SE2251499A1

SE2251499A1 - Method and system for controlling access to a temporarily open location

Info

Publication number: SE2251499A1
Application number: SE2251499A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Hassan Abou-Soultan; Sohil-Adnan Abou-Soultan
Original assignee: Budid Sweden Ab
Priority date: 2020-06-24
Filing date: 2021-06-23
Publication date: 2022-12-20
Also published as: WO2021262074A1; EP4172921A1

Abstract

:The present invention relates to a system and a method of controlling access to a temporarily open location, for example a property for sale. In particular the invention relates to a system and method arranged to utilize optical codes, such as a QR-code and location data, such as GPS data and to provide links relating to the QR-code to different sites or functions depending on GPS data and at least one further object related condition. The further condition may for example be a timeframe, a positive identification or a certain security clarification.

Description

METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING ACCESS TO A TEMPORARILY OPEN LOCATION Field of the invention The present invention relates to a system and a method of controlling access to a temporarily open location, for example a property for sale. In particular the invention relates to a systern and method arranged to utilize optical codes, such as a QR-code and location data, such as GPS data and to provide links relating to the QR-code to different sites or functions depending on GPS data and at least one further object related condition. The further condition may for example be a timeframe, a positive identification or a certain security clarification.

Background of the invention The real estate market is an example of a complex market wherein the closure of a deal is preceded by a long chain of steps, wherein a potential byer should become aware of the real estate object, book a show of the object or attend an open show, re-visit the object, inspect the object, involve a bank contact etc. From a seller or agent perspective it is important to attract many potential buyers, but also to attract the "right" potential buyers. It is also of importance at a show of the real estate object, if the show is of open character, i.e. a plurality of potential buyers is present, that the agent/seller has control over who is attending the show. This is important both for security reasons but also to after the show be able to follow up with the potential buyers.

Today a show of a real estate object is often advertised in connection to an object description in the many available search engines directed towards the real estate market. At least the first show is typically "open" in the sense that a plurality of potential buyers may come to the same show. There might be some form of preregistration, but typically no real control is done if a pre-registered potential buyer actually shows up or if unregistered potential buyer attends. At the show the potential buyers are often asked to sign up on a list with their name, telephone number and email dress, for example, the list typically being a piece of paper or altematively "signing in" on a tablet or laptop computer. Either way the today common procedure gives the agent/seller little control over the persons visiting the show and limited possibilities to follow up with the individuals. The open shows are still believed to be valuable in the selling process as many potential buyers can see the property at the same time and actually attract buyers that 2 initially was not interested enough to book an individual show. A further problem with pre- registration to shows is that a relatively large number of persons having registered fail to show up at the show.

"For Sale" signs at specific houses and "poster type" advertising is still important in the real estate market as well as ads in both paper and web-based media. The ads are often provided with a QR code, or other optical code, to direct an interested person scanning the optical code, to a website of the real estate agent, for example. It is further known, for example at the introduction of the now abandoned "Microsoft Tag" advanced optical code system, with relation to the real estate market, combine the optical code with location data so that the link will depend not only on the optical code but also on the location of the scanning device i.e. the user location. A practical example would be a potential buyer scanning an optical code on a general ad for an agent or agency being directed to the homepage of that agent, while if the potential buyer scans the same optical code on a "For Sale" sign outside a specific house the he or she will be directed to information of that specific house, based on the combination of the scanned optical code and the smartphone gps-data transmitted in connection with the optical code. Similar functionalities are provided with for example QR codes and also RFID tags.

US2017236173 discloses a system of connecting a byer or a seller with a real estate agent based on location.

US2019325679 discloses a system and method utilizing GPS and QR technology for authentication.

US2020043109 discloses a system and method for real time information to both a buyer and agent partly based on location data.

None of the cited art or the routines described above solves the problem of controlling the access to an real estate object in a way that is convenient for the potential buyer and at the same time provides the agent/seller with the right level of control and information.

Summary of the invention The object of the invention is to provide a system and method for controlling access to a temporarily open location that overcomes the drawbacks of prior art passive detection systems.

This is achieved by the method as defined in claim 1, the organizer server as defined in claim 13 and the method as defined in claim 15.

According to one aspect of the invention a method to configure a system for controlling access to an object Which is a temporarily open location, is provided, Wherein the configuration is taking place in a system comprising an organizer server and means to control the organizer server, a mobile communication device, the method comprising the steps of: - generating and/or providing an optical code relating to a first link associated With the optical code; - defining a location area that specifies the object; - relating the optical code to the defined location area so that the combination of the optical code and the location area relates to a second link, Wherein the second link is arranged to be provided to a mobile communication device of a user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area; - defining at least a first object related condition; and - relating a third link, associated With a third address, to the combination of the optical code, the location area and the first object related condition, Wherein the third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition.

According to one embodiment the method comprises: - defining at least a first object related condition and a second object related condition; and - relating a third link to the combination of the optical code, the location area, the first object related condition and the second object related condition, Wherein the third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition and the second object related condition. The third link for example initiating an identification process and if successful resulting in that the user is registered and permitted access to the object. 4 According to one embodiment of the method the first or second object related condition is a time period. An alternative is that the first or second object related condition is user identification or authorization. The first object related condition may relate to a date and/or time period indicating that the object is temporarily open and the second object related condition may be user identification or authorization.

According to one embodiment of the method the location area is provided as GPS-coordinates and a radius defining the extension of the location area. The radius may be a parameter that can be set during the configuration of the system. Altematively, the location area is provided by a plurality of GPS-coordinates defining the location area.

According to one aspect of the invention a method is provided in a system configured as described above. The method comprises the steps of: - a user scans the optical code using a mobile communication device 120 and an application running in the mobile communication device and the mobile communication device l20 recording the position of the mobile communication device; - if the position does not correspond to the location data the mobile communication device is presented With the first link provided by the organizer server; - if the position corresponds to the location data the user is presented With the second link provided by the organizer server; - if the position corresponds to the location data the and object related condition, or object related conditions, are fulfilled the user is directed to the third link provided by the organizer server Wherein the third link is arranged to generate a procedure giving the user access to the object and presenting a notification of approved access to a mobile communication device of the user.

One embodiment of the method comprises the substeps of: - activating an identification process; - if the user Was successfully identified: sending an identification acknoWledge message to the application of the mobile communication device, the authorization acknoWledge message resulting in a visual or an audiovisual approval indication generated by the mobile communication device; - sending an identification acknoWledge message and user identification data to the organizer server; - adding the user identification data to a visitor list.

According to one embodiment of the invention the method comprises a further step of: - controlling the approval indication provided on the mobile communication device of the user, and if approved allowing the user to enter the object. The approval indication may be a code readable by an external device from the mobile communication device of the user and approving access comprises the organizer server comparing the code With the visitor list.

According to one aspect of the invention an organizer server Which is configured and utilized for controlling access to an object is provided. The organizer server configured to: - generate and/or provide an optical code relating to a first link associated With the optical code; - receive information defining a location area that specifies the object; - relate the optical code to the defined location area so that the combination of the optical code and the location area relates to a second link, Wherein the second link is arranged to be provided to a mobile communication device of a user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area; - receive information defining at least a first object related condition; and to - relate a third link, associated With a third address, to the combination of the optical code, the location area and the first object related condition, Wherein the third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition.

According to one embodiment of the invention the method the organizer server is further configured to: - receive information defining at least a first object related condition and a second object related condition; and - relate a third link to the combination of the optical code, the location area, the first object related condition and the second object related condition, Wherein the third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition and the second object related condition. 6 According to one aspect of the invention a system comprising the above described organizer server and a mobile communication device is provided and configured to execute the steps of: - the mobile communication device scanning the optical code and an application running in the mobile communication device and recording the position of the mobile communication device; - if the position does not correspond to the location data the mobile communication device presenting the first link provided by the organizer server; - if the position corresponds to the location data the mobile communication device presenting the second link provided by the organizer server; - if the position corresponds to the location data the and object related condition, or object related conditions, are fulﬁlled the mobile communication device is directed to the third link provided by the organizer server Wherein the third link is arranged to generate a procedure giving the user access to the object and providing a notification of approved access to the mobile communication device of the user.

Thanks to the invention it is possible to provide a system and a method for controlling access to an object Which is a temporarily open location in a manner that is both secure and convenient for both the organizer and the user/visitor.

One advantage afforded by the present invention is that the same QR-code is, upon scanning by a visitor, resulting in different actions depending on location and a further object related condition, for example the opening time the temporarily open location. Thereby the organizer do not have to issue a plurality of different QR-codes and can reuse signs and other forms of advertisement material.

Another advantage is that the organizer can get detailed statistics relating to the visitors of a real estate show, for example and may get information on a visitor entering the property.

In the following, the invention Will be described in more detail, by Way of example only, With regard to non-limiting embodiments thereof, reference being made to the accompanying drawings.

Brief description of the drawings Fig. 1 is a schematic illustration of the system according to the present invention; Fig. 2 is a ﬂowchart of a configuration phase of the method according to the present invention, wherein a) represents the, and b) the active phase; Fig. 3 is a ﬂowchart of an active phase of the method according to the present invention; Detailed description The system and method according to the present invention will be described with reference to real estate object and the process of showing such object. This represents an example and also an embodiment of the invention. Characteristics for the real estate selling scenario is that for a limited period of time a plurality of persons will be invited to and should be granted access to an otherwise closed specific location. The plurality of persons are not necessarily a known group and some ﬂexibility should be provided in who should be given access. It is however desirable for the agent/seller to have control of the identity of the persons participating in the show and also to get contact details to the persons. It may also be desirable to have the possibility to deny a person access if it might be expected that the persons have other intentions than being an interested buyer. However, the invention is by no means limited to the real estate scenario. Also other selling/buying scenarios, typically of larger objects such as boats, campers etc may be similar in utilizing open or semi-open shows. Also other scenarios, not necessarily relating to the selling of objects may be envisaged, for example at events like exhibitions, concerts and conferences.

The term "a temporarily open location" is used to define a location which norrnally is not open, or at least not always open to visitors, but which for a specific purpose is opened. The typically example being a real estate object being open to potential buyers at a specific date and time. In the description "the object" refers to an object, for example a house at a specific the location, the object that at some point will be temporarily open.

The term "location data" typically refers to, but is not limited, to GPS data that is recorded by a mobile communication device, for example a smartphone or a tablet. 8 The terrn "organizer" is used for the person, firrn or organization setting up the event, typically the real estate show. The organizer is for example a real estate agent or a real estate agent firrn.

The terrn "optical code" refers to bar codes such as UPC barcodes, matrix codes such as QR codes and the like.

The terrn "server" is used herein to denote a system entity with computational capacity, data storage capacity and communication capacity. It is implicit that a server comprises the programs/ applications and other means to provide for example web services, communication services and database services. A server may comprise a plurality of units, but typically forms one IT-system belonging to one, or under the control of one company.

The terrn "linl<" is an address, for example an URL, or an instruction to initiate the execution of a script, an application or a combination of the these. 77 CC The terms "access , gaining access" and "controlling access" should here be understood in a broad sense, if not otherwise indicated, as a visitor being permitted to visit a temporarily open location not necessarily passing a gate or guard. In the scenario of a real estate show a requirement for visiting the property could be having duly registered in a visitor log without any further controls. A next level of security could be to have the registration combined with a E-identification. A further level of security could be to add a scanning device at an entrance and as a next level have the entrance gated or guarded. All such variations are included in the 77 CC terms "access , gaining access" and "controlling access".

The system according to the invention is schematically illustrated in figure 1 and will be described in the real estate scenario outlined above as a non-limiting example. The system comprises an organizer server 110, means to control the organizer server 100- for example a computer 115 and a mobile communication device 120. Other entities such as an E- identification service 130 may be utilized and be a part of the system. The entities in the system are provided with software applications to execute the steps of the method described below and to communicate with each other. The mobile communication device 120 is assumed to be provided with the means commonly found on a modem smart phone, such as a positioning functionality (GPS), a camera and means to scan and decode an optical code. In the exemplary scenario at least one optical code 125 is provided which may be scanned by the mobile communication device 120. The optical code 125 may be provided on a sign 126 9 which is placed at the entrance or in close vicinity of a real estate object 127, for example a house.

The method according to the invention is illustrated by the ﬂowcharts of figures 2 and 3. The method comprises two main phases: a. a configuration phase to configure the entities in the system and set parameters in applications running on the system entities to a specific event, for example a specific real estate object show, and b. an active phase wherein the system and applications are used for controlling access to a temporarily open location.

The configuration phase of the method, illustrated in figure 2, comprises the steps of: - 200 generate and/or provide an optical code. The optical code, for example a QR code, may be a general optical code always used by the organizer or a specific optical code used for a number of events. The optical code provides a code that relates to a first link, so that if the optical code is scanned the scanning entity is presented with the link or is directly directed to an address associated with the link or a script/ application associated with the link is executed. The optical code may for example be provided on printed matter, such as a poster, sign, billboard or newspaper. The optical code made also be provided in digital format and provided on a electronic display. In a real estate example, the first link may be a link to the homepage of the real estate agent. - 205 defining a location area that specifies an object. The defined location area may typically and preferably define an area rather than a specific point, for example a house including the garden and possibly also its immediate surroundings. - 210 relating the optical code to the defined location area so that the combination of the optical code and the defined location area relates to a second link. The second link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of a user scanning the optical code within the defined location area. The second link for example directing to a site with information about the object. - 215 defining at least a first object related condition. - 220 relating a third link to the combination of the optical code, the location area and the first object related condition. The third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition. The third link for example resulting in that the user is registered and perrnitted access to the object.

The steps of the configuration phase are typically perforrned by an organizer of an event involving a temporarily open location. The first, second and third link are typically stored in a server associated With the organizer and provided from the organizer server to a mobile communication device of a user. The organizer server may also host scripts, applications and programs associated to the links as Well as information, for example in form of Web pages that are accessed through the links. The organizer may perform the steps of the method by using a computer 115 in communicative connection With the organizer server 110. As understood by the skilled person the computer 115 may be a laptop, a smart phone or other mobile communication devices.

According to one embodiment an object related condition is a time period (date and time) for Which the object, for example a real estate object, is temporarily open.

According to one embodiment an object related condition is user identification or authorization. A user identification may be perforrned With BankID or the like.

Other examples of object related conditions include, but are not limited to, the user belonging to a predefined group, the user having a specified security clearance level or having access to a code or token.

An advantage afforded by the method of configuration according to the invention is that the same optical code is, then scanned by a mobile communication device 120, resulting in different actions depending on the position of the mobile communication device 120 and on further object related conditions. Thereby the organizer do not have to produce and place different optical codes for different events. In the real estate scenario that means that, for example, the same "for sale" signs can be used for many different objects. According to one embodiment of the invention the steps 215 and 220 further comprise: - 215" defining at least a first object related condition and a second object related condition; and 11 - 220" relating a third link to the combination of the optical code, the location area, the first object related condition and the second object related condition. The third link is arranged to be provided to the mobile communication device of the user scanning the optical code Within the defined location area and fulfilling the first object related condition and the second object related condition. The third link for example initiating an identification process and if successful resulting in that the user is registered and permitted access to the object.

According to one embodiment the first object related condition relates to a date and/or time period indicating that the object is temporarily open, for example the scheduled shoW of a real estate object. The second object related condition is a successful Verification of the identity of the user, for example using BankID.

According to one embodiment the location area is provided as GPS-coordinates and a predeterrnined radius defining a location area With the GPS-coordinates defining the center point in the location area. Altematively, the radius is a parameter that may be set by the organizer, thereby defining the size of the location area. A further altemative is that the organizer provides a set of GPS-coordinates defining a location area of arbitrary shape. The entering of such GPS-coordinate may be by entering the coordinates manually, by marking on a digital map or by being present at the actual location and using for example the tracking function of a mobile phone to span the location area. In the real estate scenario starting GPS- coordinates defining the center point in the location area may be the GPS-coordinates given by a service like Google MapsTM Which are associated With the physical address of the object. In an altemative embodiment the location area is represented by a single pair of GPS- coordinates and an application running in a user°s mobile communication device l20 is arranged to select the position of the closest object (house) as the position provided to the organizer server ll0. This may be complemented With the application asking the user to confirm that this is the object of interest, or let the user manually select between different nearby objects.

The active phase of the method, Wherein at least one user and typically a plurality of users are utilizing the system as above configured, is illustrated in the ﬂoWchart of figure 3, and comprises the steps of: 12 - 300 a mobile communication device 120 of a user scanning the optical code and an and the mobile communication device 120 recording the position of the mobile communication device 120; - 305 comparing the recorded position With location data, and: - 305a if the position does not correspond to the location data the mobile communication device 120 is provided With the first link provided by the organizer server 100, - 305b if the position corresponds to the location data the mobile communication device 120 is provided With the second link provided by the organizer server 100; - 310 deterrnining if the object related condition, or object related conditions, are fulfilled and if the position corresponds to the location data the, directing the mobile communication device 120 to the third link provided by the organizer server 100 Wherein the third link is arranged to generate a procedure giving the user access to the object and presenting a notification of approved access to a mobile communication device 120 of the user.

According to one embodiment of the invention the step 310 giving the user access to the object comprises the substeps of: - 310:1 activating an E.identiﬁcation process; - 310:2 if the user Was successfully identified; - 310:3 send an identification acknowledge message to the application of the mobile communication device 120. The authorization acknowledge message resulting in a visual or an audiovisual approval indication generated by the mobile communication device 120; - 310:4 send an identification acknowledge message and user identification data to the organizer server 110. - 310:5 add the user identification data to a visitor list.

And the additional optional step of: 13 - 315 on presenting the approval indication the user may enter the object. The inspection of the approval indication may be manual, for example showing the display of the mobile communication device to the organizer in person. Altematively, and preferably, the gatekeeping is automated and the approval indication is a computer readable code that is scanned at the entrance of the object.

According to one embodiment of the invention the object related condition is a time period or set of time periods defining a date and time wherein the object is to be opened, for example the advertised date and time for a real estate show.

According to one embodiment the user being presented with a link, such as the first second and third link comprises the user being automatically directed to the address represented by the link.

According to one embodiment the notification of approved access is a QR-code or a similar optically readably code that may be displayed and read from the display of the user°s mobile communication device. Altematively, the user°s mobile communication device may be provided with a code that is transmittable over radio means for example via Near Field Communication (NFC) or Bluetooth. A further altemative is that the mobile communication device is provided with a code that is readable (or audible) by the user, the code intended to be manually forwarded by the user at the entrance to the object, for example.

It is an advantage of the method and system that the steps of registration and authorization is done then the potential buyer is about to enter the object. Thereby, potential buyers that might have pre-registered but choose not to show up will not be registered as actual visitors.

According to one embodiment the application running in the user mobile communication device comprises a step of the user acknowledging that the identification data is provided to and stored by the organizer. According to one embodiment the approval indication has a predeterrnined time limit.

According to one embodiment the active phase comprises the substeps or one of the substeps of: - 301:6 the organizer being inforrned that a user has performed the authorization process, thereby the organizer knows that a visitor is approaching the object; 14 - 301:7 further or other inforrnation provided to the organizer such as number of visitors present at the location, average time spent at the location and how many object a visitor has previously visited. The information may be provide in real time, for immediate use, or used by the agent for identifying following up on potential buyers among the visitors.

The invention will be further illustrated by describing a few scenarios with reference to the schematic illustration of figure 1 and the ﬂowcharts of figures 2 and 3.

In a first scenario a user encounters an advertisement, for example a poster, billboard or add in newspaper or magazine of a real estate agency. The advertisement comprises a QR code. The QR code is in this case not combined with location area, corresponding to a first link, and upon scanning the QR-code the user will be directed to general information of the real estate agency, typically the home page of the agency.

In a second scenario the agency has defined a location area and provided a QR code, for example on a "for sale sign" within the geographical area given by the. The user, scanning the QR-code at the location defined by the location area will be directed, via the second link, to information specific for the object associated with the location area.

In a third scenario the agency has defined location area and provided a QR code, for example on a "for sale sign" within the geographical area given by the location area. The user, scanning the QR-code at the location defined by the location area will be directed, via the second link, to information specific for the object associated with the location area. Further the agency has defined a further object related condition, in this example a date and a time period relating to the show of the real estate object. The user, being within the time period, is hence directed to an authorization function, for example BankID. After a successful identification the user is provided with a QR-code to display on his/hers mobile phone and uses the QR-code to gain access to the real estate object. The user is also by the process registered in the agencies register of visitors/potential buyers.

The embodiments described above are to be understood as illustrative examples of the system and method of the present invention. It will be understood that those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations and changes may be made to the embodiments. In particular, different part solutions in the different enibodinients can be combined in other configurations, Where technically possible.

Claims

1. Claims: condition re1ates to a date and/or time period indicating that the object is temporarily open and the second object related condition is user identification or authorization

2. location area is provided as GPS-coordinates and a radius defining the extension of the location areaThe method according to claini 9, Wherein the step (310) giving the user access to the object coniprises the substeps of: - (3 10: 1) activating an identification process; - (310:2) if the user Was successfully identified:- (310:3) sending an identification acknowledge message to the application of the mobile communication device (120), the authorization acknowledge message resulting in a visual or an audiovisual approval indication generated by the mobile communication device (120); - (310:4) sending an identification acknowledge message and user identification data to the organizer server - (310:5) adding the user identification data to a visitor listThe method according to claim comprising the further step of: - (315) controlling the approval indication provided on the mobile communication device (120) of the user, and if approved allowing the user to enter the objectThe method according to claim Wherein the approval indication is a code readable by an extemal device from the mobile communication device (120) of the user and approving access comprises the organizer server comparing the code With the visitor list.