HK1116893B - Multi-input access device and method of using the same - Google Patents

Description

Multiple input access device and method of use

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of the application filed on 16/12/2002 under the name of "Electronic filing System and Method" under application number 10/320,287, and claims priority, and is a continuation of the application filed on 9/6/200/6,496,809.

Background

The present invention relates to a system and method for the real-time sale and distribution of tickets.

Paper tickets are widely used to allow patrons to access sporting and general entertainment events. A ticket is a contract that grants a bearer the right to attend an event and have a specific location. By transferring ownership of a physical ticket, the ticket holder has the right to participate in the event.

However, there are many problems with the transfer of paper tickets. To issue a ticket, the event sponsor must organize the delivery of thousands of tickets. Additionally, if the purchaser wishes to transfer the ticket to the next purchaser, the purchaser and seller must be geographically proximate to physically transfer the ticket. With the advent of the internet, buyers and sellers can locate each other to transfer tickets. However, paper tickets remain an obstacle to the efficient transfer of the right to attend an event, as the seller must ship the ticket to the buyer. Shipping tickets also requires additional fees to be borne by the seller and buyer and requires significant lead time to ensure that the transfer is completed before the event begins. Each party also needs to have sufficient trust in the other party to believe that the other party will make the delivery in accordance with the agreement. Frequently, tickets are not widely transferred between geographically remote sellers and buyers due to the efficiency of the sale. In addition, there is a need for a system to assist in the transfer of paper tickets.

Another form of barrier is in the manner in which tickets are effectively transferred. Most countries have legislation that prohibits the sale of tickets above the face value of the ticket unless the seller is permitted by the event sponsor. In order to make the sale price of a ticket higher than its face value, it is not practical for an individual seller to obtain permission from an event sponsor before selling the ticket. Because the event sponsor does not earn a profit in the transaction, the sponsor is not made any more interested in authorizing the seller.

Some other countries' laws allow brokers of tickets to sell tickets at a price above their face value, rather than buy them at a price above their face value. Thus, the ticket broker must obtain the ticket from the event sponsor at the face value of the ticket and resell it at a higher price. If a ticket broker purchases the ticket at a higher price from a person who is not the ticket broker, the ticket broker is violating the law. Eventually, the ticket broker must still physically transfer the ticket to the seller.

The present invention is directed to a system and method for providing a legal, efficient transfer of a right to participate in an activity at a market price for the right and determining the market price. The present invention eliminates the drawbacks of the prior art.

Disclosure of Invention

Some embodiments of the present invention provide a method and system for accessing an event or venue using at least one of a plurality of authentication data. Some embodiments of the access system include authentication data identifying a patron accessing the venue, and an access device for allowing the patron to access the venue based on the authentication data. The authentication data includes at least one paperless datum, and the access device verifies access of the patron to the venue based on the patron's authentication data.

In embodiments, the access device accepts multiple forms of authentication data to allow access to the venue. The access device may include, for example, an access door or a handle access device. In an embodiment, the authentication data is paper-based authentication data and/or paperless authentication data. In an embodiment, the access device grants access to the venue by verifying the authentication data with data in the database. The access device may also generate an access verification for the patron.

In an embodiment, the system further comprises a transfer event from the owner to the patron's access venue using the patron's ownership information. The authentication data may be based on ownership information of the customer.

Some embodiments of a method of accessing a venue using authentication data include obtaining an access venue, associating paperless authentication data with a check for patron access to the venue, and granting access to the venue based on the paperless authentication data. In an embodiment, the authentication data includes printed authentication data and non-printed authentication data. Access may be granted by verifying the authentication data with data in a database. It is also possible to grant access in accordance with authentication data by using an access device capable of accepting multiple forms of paper and paperless authentication data. In an embodiment, the method further comprises sending, by the customer, the authentication data to the processing system for verification. The method may also include generating an access verification for the patron at the venue. Additionally, the method may include transmitting the right to access the venue from the last owner to the patron.

Some embodiments of a multiple-input access device for permitting access to an event include a monitor for detecting authentication data for a patron, and a processor for verifying the authentication data to verify that the patron is permitted access to the event. The authentication data includes at least paperless authentication data for the customer. The authentication data may include printed tickets, magnetic strips, bar codes, credit cards, identification cards, smart cards, radio frequency identification, mobile access devices, radio access devices, signals, electronic devices, biometric data, and/or other authentication data. The access device may include an access door, a turnstile, a handle access device, a retrofit unit, and/or other access devices. In an embodiment, the access device includes a verification module that generates access verification data for the patron.

Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 2 is a diagram of a data center according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 3 is a diagram of a venue according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flow chart depicting the steps of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart depicting the steps of an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 6 illustrates an electronic ticket and access system used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 7 illustrates a method for multiple input access to a venue used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 8 illustrates a flow diagram of a method for access verification within a venue used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the present invention, will be better understood when read in conjunction with the appended drawings. For the purpose of illustrating the invention, certain embodiments are shown in the drawings. It should be understood, however, that the present invention is not limited to the arrangements and instrumentality shown in the attached drawings.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1 illustrates an electronic ticket system used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The system includes a data center 2, a plurality of venues 4, and a plurality of terminals 6. The data center 2 communicates with each venue 4 and each terminal 6 via the internet or any wireless device 8. The terminal 6 may be any device through which a user may access a website, for example, a personal computer, a personal digital assistant, a television internet appliance, or various types of available radios available in the marketplace.

Referring to fig. 2, the data center 2 preferably includes a database server 10, a web server 12, a load balancing router 14, and a firewall 16 connected to the internet 8. The firewall 15 receives messages from the internet 8 and forwards them to the load balancing router 14 and likewise receives messages from the load balancing router and forwards them to the internet 8. The firewall 16 preferably performs a number of filtering functions and network address translations to protect the data center 2 from unauthorized entry. The firewall 16 also preferably encrypts the message using a known public key/private key encryption method. The load balancing router 14 forwards messages received from the firewall and to one of the plurality of web servers 12. The load balancing router 14 also forwards messages received from the web server 12 to the firewall 16. In this manner, the load balancing router 14 distributes the task to be performed to one of the plurality of web servers 12 for distribution of processing instructions. The web server 12 accesses the database server 10 to retrieve and store information as a response to a message received from the terminal 6 and passes a reply message to the terminal 6. The database server 10 stores data tables containing information about various venues, events, ticket resources, user roles, ticket statuses, ticket holders and ticket requesters, as will be described in more detail below.

Referring to fig. 3, within each venue 4 are a plurality of turnstiles 18, a venue database server 20, and a venue firewall 22 connected to the internet 8 for communicating with the data center 2. The turnstile 18 of the venue 4 includes an authentication reader 24, a printer 26, a network connection 28, a display 29 and a processor 31. The authentication reader 24 is preferably a magnetic card reader. However, other types of card readers may be used, such as cards incorporating single or multi-dimensional bar codes or wireless methods of communication, without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. The network connection 28 allows the turnstile 18 to communicate with the venue database server 20 to provide information about the card being scanned and to receive information about whether to open or close the entrance to the venue 4. The turnstile 18 is preferably a compression unit that runs through software embedded within the turnstile or through a server located on or remote from the turnstile 18. Although turnstile 18 is described herein as being coupled to venue database server 20 via a wire, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that the coupling between the turnstile and database server 20 may be accomplished via radio frequency, optical or any other wireless communication method without departing from the scope of the claimed invention. The venue database server 20 maintains a record of tickets that have been sold, a record of tickets that the ticket holder has passed through the turnstile 18, and a record of which ticket holders have not yet arrived. The database server is preferably a computer running UNIX, windowst, Java or Sparc, and has an Oracle, Informic, Sysbase or SQL server database.

To implement the present invention, an end user may access data center 2 by using a standard web browser on terminal 6. However, non-standard, custom software may also be practiced, or web browser software on a wireless device, such as a personal digital assistant. The terminal 6 may enter the data center 2 to view an event to be held in the future, purchase tickets from an event sponsor in a primary market, provide tickets for sale in a secondary market, purchase tickets in a secondary market, and purchase goods or services related to the event. When the user has entered the appropriate address of the desired data center 2, e.g., an online ticketing web page, the user may view a calendar of events to search for the desired event or select venues to see which events will take place in the venue in the future. After selecting an event that the user desires to attend, the user may purchase a ticket for the event from an event sponsor. Additional products and services may also be offered at the same time as the ticket sale. After the ticket is sold, the ticket may be transferred between its owner and the next purchaser before the time of the event.

Referring to fig. 4, a ticket has a predetermined usage period tracked by the system of the present invention. The phases of the use cycle are: ticket start 100, primary market 102, and secondary market 104. During the ticket initiation phase, the ticket is assigned a venue 106, an event 108, and a ticket pricing rule 110 is associated with the ticket. Additionally, brokers may be assigned to the ticket 112 to transfer the ticket in a multi-broker environment. In the primary market stage 114, tickets are offered for sale. If the ticket is sold 116, the ticket becomes a "private ticket" 118. If the ticket is used 120 by the buyer, the customer is allowed access to the event 122 and the ticket usage period is terminated in the primary market. If the front ticket is not sold at the beginning of event time 124, the ticket is terminated in the primary market because it was not sold.

If the ticket is not used in the primary market, it may be traded in the secondary market 126. There is no limit to the number of times the ticket is traded in the secondary market before the event begins. A wide variety of options are available for the sale of tickets in both the primary and secondary markets. The sale of the ticket may be made using conventional methods, such as by placing the ticket at a fixed price or a proportional price (i.e., discounting students and the elderly). Tickets may also be priced using non-traditional models, such as in an auction format, reverse auction format, or in a redemption type format. In an auction format, the event sponsor may set a pool of tickets to be sold and sell them to the highest bidding bidder after a fixed period of time. There are many different ways available for this form of auction, such as allowing users to place bids on groups of tickets. If the user's bid is not satisfactory to the present price for all present, the bid fails. As an alternative user bid, if the bid is not acceptable to most bidders, the number of seats in the bid is reduced. With the auction type format, event sponsors are aware that the greatest benefit can be obtained using the auction format because tickets can be sold at their actual price in the marketplace. The reverse auction-type format is similar to the auction-type format, with the point of note being that the event sponsor "bids" to sell the tickets, rather than the user bidding for the right to purchase the tickets.

In the transaction type format, tickets are sold in the primary market by event sponsors who advertise invitation prices for particular tickets. At the same time, the user advertises a bid price to purchase tickets in a particular area of the venue. Both the invitation price and the bid price remain valid for a period of time. If the invitation price disclosed by the event sponsor is higher than the bid price disclosed by any particular user, the ticket is not sold. However, once the bid price equals the invitation price, the sale of the ticket is completed. In addition, bidders may specify the number of adjacent seats and bid prices. In a similar manner, the event sponsor may specify the number of contiguous seats along with the price of the invitation. The event sponsor may wish to specify a minimum number of contiguous tickets to prevent a large number of seats from being broken down, or to force the sale of a large number of seats of a particular serial number to prevent a single seat in an area from being unsold (i.e., to prevent the sale of two seats of three unsold seating areas). The event sponsor may wish to specify a maximum number of seats to prevent. When the bid price of the user is equal to the invitation price of the sponsor, and the number of seats of the event requested by the user is within the minimum and maximum number of seats of the sponsor, the sale is completed. Thus, the primary difference between the auction-type format and the reverse auction-type format is that sales are completed instantaneously when the bid price for the ticket is equal to the invitation price.

Alternatively, a combination of sales patterns may be implemented for different levels of seating in the venue. For example, for a sporting event having optimal viewing of seats, such as a box and luxury box, the event sponsor may implement a non-traditional format seeking to ensure the highest market price while implementing a traditional ticket sales format for the remaining seats. Similarly, tickets may be sold in a primary market by a particular method or sold in a secondary market by another method. Tickets may also be sold in the primary market by one method and in the secondary market by one of a number of effective methods.

During the ticket supply phase 126, a price is associated with the ticket. Depending on the form, the price has different values. For example, the price may be a first bid price, or, in a transaction type format, the price may be an invitation price. The next bid is assigned to the ticket 128 until the ticket is sold 130. If the ticket is sold, the ticket now belongs to a new buyer 132 who may use the ticket and attend the event 136 or provide the ticket for resale 126. If the ticket is still not sold 138, the ticket may be used 120 in the primary market. In addition, unsolicited bids may be assigned to tickets. Any person intending to buy a ticket can specify the price at a level that he or she can accept and wait for the ticket owner to be willing to sell the ticket at that price.

Each time a ticket is transferred, new ownership information is associated with the ticket. The ownership information may be a credit card number, a personal telephone number, a digital encryption code on a personal digital assistant, or a single or multi-dimensional bar code used to purchase the ticket. The two-dimensional bar code may be printed by the user to provide physical identification of the ownership of the ticket. To stimulate the event sponsor to authorize the permission to sell tickets in the secondary marketplace, the system provides for sales in the secondary marketplace where the event sponsor will receive a licensing authority. The franchise can be a direct reward or a reward based on the sale price of the tickets in the secondary market.

Referring to fig. 5, upon arrival at the venue to participate in the event, the ticket owner authenticates themselves to the event sponsor to enable access to the venue. Authentication can be performed in a variety of different ways, including infra-red wireless scanning. In one embodiment, the ticket owner slides a credit card 200 associated with the ticket through the authentication reader 24 on the turnstile 18. Other methods for authentication can be implemented, such as bar code encoded authentication tickets, as described above. If the authentication reader 24 is unable to successfully scan the credential 202, the reader sends a signal to the display to indicate that the credential was not successfully scanned 206. If the proof is successfully scanned, the reader queries the venue database server 20 to determine if the ticket is valid 210. If the ticket is not valid, the venue database server 20 returns an error 212 and the display is given a signal 204 and a message is displayed 206. If the ticket is valid, the venue database server 20 returns a message 214 indicating that the ticket is valid.

Next, the venue database server 20 marks the ticket as used 216 within the database and sends a signal to the printer 26 to print a response piece 216, which the printer responds 218 by printing a response piece. The authentication reader 24 also releases the turnstile 18 (step 222) and sends a signal 223 to the display to display a message 225. Next, the ticket owner passes through the turnstile 224 to allow the owner to access the venue 4.

To implement the present invention, user roles are implemented, such as: venue managers, event marketing, ticket owners, ticket buyers, and administration. The roles are combined with the system to perform the necessary tasks by using terminals 6 connected either via the internet 8 or directly to the data centre 2 or venue 4. A user fulfilling the role of a venue manager can access information about the venue such as seating charts, directions to access the venue, and entry information. A user fulfilling the role of an event manager can enter information about the event to be held in the venue such as the name, time, date, seating configuration of the venue, ticket prices for the event, and items to be offered to ticket purchasers. A user fulfilling the marketing role of the event can enter information about products and services that will be provided to the user once the sale or ticket sale is complete. A user fulfilling the role of ticket owner can enter into the properties regarding the price (first auction bid or invitation price, as appropriate) and the ticket(s). A user fulfilling the role of ticket buyer can enter information about the quantity and price ("auction bid" price or "transaction bid", as appropriate). A user fulfilling the role of administrator preferably has all of the roles and any additional tasks necessary for system maintenance.

Fig. 6 illustrates an electronic ticket and access system 600 used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic ticket and access system 600 includes an access device 610. The access device allows a patron 620 to access a venue 630. The access device 610 may include a turnstile, such as turnstile 18, access door, or other access device. The access device 610 may be a handheld access device such as a handheld scanner, handheld bar code reader or other handheld device. The access device 610 may be a wired and/or wireless access device. Alternatively, the access device 610 may communicate via infrared or other data propagation media.

The access device 610 may be a stand-alone unit or may be one of a plurality of access devices 610. The plurality of inlet devices 610 may be networked. One or more access devices 610 may be in communication with a remote server or other data storage and/or processing system. The access device 610 may include a monitor to detect data and a processor to process the data. In an embodiment, the plurality of inlet devices 610 may be arranged in categories according to function. For example, one row of turnstiles may provide a paper ticket while another row of turnstiles or scanners provides an electronic identification or access card.

The access device 610 verifies the authentication data to allow the ticket owner 620 to access the venue 630. The portal device 610 may accept printed tickets, access cards, identification cards (such as driver's licenses, national identification cards, student IDs, smart cards, or membership cards), credit or debit cards, biometric identifiers, bar codes, magnetic stripes, wireless transmitters, Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID), electronic messages, or other such authentication/access data. The authentication data verifies that the bearer 620 is allowed access to the venue 630. The bearer 620 need not be the original purchaser who is permitted access to the venue. In an embodiment, the access device 610 is a multiple input access device. That is, for example, the access device 610 can accept one or more of the access authentication methods described above.

In an embodiment, an access device 610, such as a multiple input turnstile, accepts both paper and paperless tickets. A scanner or other monitor on the access device 610 verifies the authentication data and allows access to the venue 630. For example, a magnetic stripe may be scanned to determine entry. It is also possible to scan a bar code to verify access. Alternatively, a graphic or digitally encrypted copy of the ticket may be passed to the access device 610 and displayed on the screen of the device 610. The digital code may be sent to an interface of the access device 610 to allow access. A wireless or infrared link may be used to transmit the digital code to the recipient at the access device 610. In another embodiment, the transmitter at the access device 610 may transmit a pulse to an RFID device that returns a response to authenticate the bearer 620. Biometric data, such as a fingerprint, retinal scan, or voiceprint, may also be used to identify the individual 620 who is to enter the venue 630. An electronic device, such as a palm top computer, personal digital assistant, cellular telephone, or wireless transmitter may transmit a paper ticket or access key to the access device 610 for accessing the venue 630.

Verification of the admission of an individual to a venue may be accomplished in a number of ways. Thus, some embodiments provide an access device that allows authentication using multiple techniques. Because the venue has a transition from a paper ticket to a paperless ticket, some embodiments accommodate paper tickets while also accepting paperless forms of access, such as electronic tickets. That is, some embodiments allow for licensing by the rejection of a tangible product and/or by requiring the rejection of a tangible product. In embodiments, the identification of the patron's seat may be made in paper and/or paperless form upon entering the venue.

Some embodiments provide a venue with new access equipment, such as new turnstiles to allow access to the venue. Other embodiments provide a retrofit module to retrofit existing access devices, such as turnstiles or scanners, to receive paper tickets to authenticate data. In an embodiment, the retrofit system allows the turnstile to communicate with an entry computer system to grant permission to access a venue using paperless and/or printed forms of authentication.

Fig. 7 illustrates a method 700 for multiple input access to a venue used in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. First, at step 710, a patron approaches an access device. The patron then provides authentication data at the access device at step 720. The authentication data may be in the form of a paper ticket or may be paperless authentication data such as a bar code, magnetic strip, biometric, radio transmitter, or other authentication data. The patron may move to provide paper or paperless authentication data or a monitor on the access device may detect authentication data on the patron.

Next, at step 730, the authentication data is transmitted to a processing system, such as a processor on the access device or a verification computer located remotely from the access device. At step 740, the processor verifies that the authentication data allows the patron to access the venue. For example, the processing system may compare the authentication data to data entered into a database. The customer is then granted or denied access to the venue at step 750, depending on the results returned by the processing system.

In embodiments, verification of patron access may occur in paper and/or paperless form prior to reaching the venue, upon gaining access to the venue, or after gaining access to the venue. In many venues or for many activities, an entrant to a venue must be able to present verification of his or her particular seating position. Such verification or receipt may be used, for example, to confirm access to a certain area or level of the venue or to a certain benefit or terrain of the event or venue. The verification may be a printed receipt of the patron's access rights and/or paperless verification. Paperless authentication may be, for example, a bar code or magnetic strip, a smart card, a wireless or infrared or other signal transmitter, and so forth. In another embodiment, the customer's identification may be entered into a database and verified by biometric identification, card verification, personal transmitter, encoded magnetic strip and/or bar code, for example. In embodiments, the verification may be sent to the patron prior to the patron's arrival at the event or venue, for example, via email or fax. For example, the customer may then print the verification.

The entry authorization/response piece may be generated by an access device, such as a turnstile. Alternatively, the authentication/response piece may be through a transmitter, a printer, a kiosk or station within or outside the venue. The authentication/response piece may be sent, printed and/or encoded as described above. In embodiments, a verification generation module or response piece unit, such as a turnstile, computer, mobile device, or stand-alone kiosk, for example, prints or loads a response piece, ticket, or other verification of access for a customer.

Thus, by providing a system for in-venue seating or access verification, control may be maintained on the venue, allowing paper-based and/or paperless tickets. The area or level of access of the entrant is confirmed by personnel and/or electronic systems at the venue by presenting a paper return receipt or paperless verification.

The access device is, for example, a wireless handheld device, such as a personal digital assistant. Authentication data, such as a smart card, is used by the customer to enable access to the concert venue. Once located within the venue, the patron's smart card includes seat verification information. The usher or other staff member may scan the smart card using another handheld device, such as a wireless personal digital assistant, to determine where the patron is able to sit at the concert site, and/or at a particular location in the area.

Fig. 8 shows a flow diagram of a method 800 for access verification within a venue in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. First, at step 810, the patron accesses the venue using paperless authentication data. For example, a patron enters a stadium using patron credit card information. The patron then walks into an area of the venue whose access has been restricted to a particular group at step 820. For example, a patron holding a ticket for entry to a lower level of a stadium walks into the appropriate seating area after entering the stadium.

Next, at step 830, the staff member verifies the patron's privileges for accessing the area. For example, an usher holding a handheld radio may scan the magnetic strip of a patron's credit card or otherwise verify that the patron is able to sit in the area of the stadium. That is, to regulate customer order and limit access to certain areas, field personnel ensure that customers are authorized to access a given area. The use of paperless seat verification eliminates the need to present a paper ticket in the venue. Alternatively, a paper ticket or seat verification may be generated at the venue even if a patron using paperless authentication data enters the venue. Finally, at step 840, the customer enters the area after obtaining the worker's approval. For example, verification may be used to confirm access to a particular seat, a particular seating area, a particular activity in the venue, and/or a particular service in the venue.

Alternatively, an automated scanning system may verify the patron's rights and allow access. For example, the customer may have a transmitter, RFID device, or other mobile device that broadcasts a signal when scanned by a scanning person. A scanning person at the venue verifies that the patron with the signal has permission to access the area and allows the patron access.

Accordingly, certain embodiments provide systems and methods for paperless ticket transactions. Certain embodiments allow paperless authentication data, such as biometric data, credit card or identification data, or transmission of data into a venue. Certain embodiments provide a multi-use access device that accepts physical and/or non-physical authentication data to allow a bearer to access a venue. Certain embodiments allow verification of access to be generated for a patron upon accessing a venue. The verification may be used as a receipt and/or verification of the right to access a particular terrain and/or area of the venue.

While the invention has been described with reference to certain embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed. In addition, many modifications may be made to adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the invention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the particular embodiment disclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (13)

1. An access system for allowing access to a venue, said access system comprising:

a database for storing authentication data identifying a patron accessing the venue, wherein said authentication data includes at least paperless data and ownership information possessed by the patron, said ownership information including at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, and a portable telephone number;

an access device for allowing a patron to access the venue based on the authentication data, wherein the access device verifies the patron accessing the venue based on the patron's authentication data; and

the access device includes at least one of a handle device or a retrofit unit, wherein the retrofit unit retrofit existing access devices of a venue to receive authentication data from the patron and to verify the authentication data with data in the database.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein said access device accepts multiple forms of authentication data to allow access to the venue.

3. The system of claim 1, wherein said access device comprises an access door.

4. The system of claim 1, wherein the access device generates an access verification for the patron.

5. The system of claim 1, wherein the patron access venue is transferrable from a last owner to the patron using patron ownership information.

6. The system of claim 5, wherein said authentication data is based on said customer ownership information.

7. A method for accessing a venue using authentication data, the method comprising:

obtaining approval to access a venue;

associating paperless authentication data with said approval to obtain for the patron to access the venue in a database, wherein said approval to obtain is indicated in the database by ownership information in the form of at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, and a cellular telephone number; and

granting access to said venue based on said paperless authentication data by verifying the authentication data with ownership information with an indication of approval of the patron stored in a database; wherein said granting of access comprises using an access device comprising at least one of a handle device or a retrofit unit that retrofit an existing access device of a venue to receive non-paper authentication data from said patron.

8. The method of claim 7, further comprising transmitting said authentication data by said patron to a processing system for verification of access.

9. The method of claim 7, further comprising generating an access verification for the patron at the venue.

10. The method of claim 7, further comprising transferring the right to access said venue from a previous owner to said patron.

11. The method of claim 7, wherein said granting step further comprises granting access to said venue based on said authentication data using an access device capable of accepting multiple forms of paper and paperless authentication data.

12. A multiple-input access device for allowing access to an activity, the access device comprising:

a monitor for detecting authentication data for a customer, wherein a copy of the authentication data is stored in a database and includes at least paperless authentication data for the customer, and the paperless authentication data includes at least one of a credit card number, a debit card number, and a portable telephone number; and

a processor for verifying said authentication data to verify that said patron is permitted to access said event by verifying said authentication data with data stored in a database, wherein one of the detector or the processor is coupled to one of a handle device or a retrofit unit that retrofit an existing access device of the venue to receive authentication data from said patron.

13. The access device of claim 12, further comprising a verification module that generates access verification data for the patron.