METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR ENTITLEMENT

Number: 20260220994
Published: 2026-07-30
Filed: 2025-01-30
Assignee: DISNEY ENTERPRISES, INC.
Inventors: Harned; Jessica Lauren, Sarlo; Vincent J., Lake Pool; Rebecca Lyn
CPC: G07F9/001; G07F9/006; G07F17/0042
Verdict: Set aside security/drm
In edition: 2026-W31
Source: Google Patents · FreePatentsOnline

The keeper's note

Abstract

A vending device for associating an entitlement device with a user profile includes a security mechanism configured to secure the entitlement device; a processing element configured to receive a user input including authentication information; determine the user profile based on the authentication information, and associate the entitlement device with the user profile; and a dispensing portion configured to provide the entitlement device.

Background

BACKGROUND

Electronic entitlement devices such as fobs, wristbands, etc. are increasingly used to provide user access to venues, entertainment experiences, secure locations (e.g., offices), and the like. Entitlement devices can also be used to complete transactions. To provide such access, an entitlement device is associated with a profile for a certain user. As the entitlement device is scanned, read, sensed, or otherwise in communication with an access system, the access system identifies the user based on the association of the user to the entitlement device. The access system can then provide or deny access or features to the user according to the user profile.

However, providing, maintaining, and updating such associations between user profiles and entitlement devices is cumbersome, labor intensive, and does not provide a full lifecycle for entitlement devices after the user is finished using the entitlement device. Improved systems and methods to provide and manage entitlement devices are needed. BRIEF SUMMARY

In one embodiment, a vending device for associating an entitlement device with a user profile, includes a security mechanism configured to secure the entitlement device; a processing element configured to: receive a user input including authentication information; determine the user profile based on the authentication information, and associate the entitlement device with the user profile; and a dispensing portion configured to provide the ent

Claims

1. A vending device for associating an entitlement device with a user profile, comprising: a security mechanism configured to secure the entitlement device; a processing element configured to: receive a user input including authentication information; determine the user profile based on the authentication information, and associate the entitlement device with the user profile; and a dispensing portion configured to provide the entitlement device. || 9. A method of associating an entitlement device with a user profile, comprising: receiving, via a processing element, user authentication information; determining, via the processing element, the user profile based on the authentication information; receiving, via the processing element, a user input selecting an entitlement device; associating, via the processing element, the entitlement device with the user profile; dispensing the entitlement device via a vending device. || 17. A system for associating an entitlement device with a user profile, comprising: a vending device including: a security mechanism configured to secure the entitlement device, and a dispensing portion configured to provide the entitlement device to a user; a processing element configured to: receive a user input including authentication information, determine the user profile based on the authentication information, and associate the entitlement device with the user profile.