Encrypted Steganography Quick Response Scheme for Unified Hotel Access Control System

This paper proposes a Unified Hotel Access Control (UHAC) system, which is a complete integrated hardware and software solution for contactless check-in and access to hotel room using the proposed Encrypted Steganography Quick Response (ESQR) key, either through mobile devices or physical printouts. An embedded system installed in front of hotel room was deployed to allow guest simultaneously check-in and unlock room door using the ESQR key. This eliminates the need of queuing up and checking-in at reception desk or through check-in kiosk. Thus, the proposed contactless check-in-access is more convenient and embrace social distance during the pandemic. The new approach could increase guest's satisfaction and privacy level because the ESQR key can be digitally transmitted in advance to the guest upon successful booking and payment. Additionally, a survey of 108 participants was conducted to evaluate the users' perception towards the UHAC system. The findings suggest that the UHAC system is perceived as a convenient and secure system, resulting in positive behavioral intention to use the system. Thus, the UHAC system has the potential to transcend the hotel and tourism industries by enhancing the guest staying experience through a more convenient, secure, and easy contactless check-in and access to hotel rooms.