Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation
First Claim
1. A method to facilitate hands-free fare validation when a user carrying a mobile device approaches a fare validation zone at a transit station, wherein the method comprises performing the following using a controller unit at the transit station:
- receiving a notification that the user has entered the fare validation zone;
identifying the mobile device carried by the user based on signals received from the mobile device over a Bluetooth interface;
receiving electronic ticket information from the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface;
sending the electronic ticket information received from the mobile device to an entry control gate at the transit station;
receiving a confirmation message from the entry control gate indicating that the electronic ticket sent by the controller unit is a valid transit ticket; and
sending a ticket acceptance response to the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface, thereby informing the user of the mobile device to continue towards an entry gate at the transit station in a hands-free manner.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A system and method in which the Bluetooth technology is used in conjunction with a user application on a mobile device to facilitate hands-free fare validation at a transit station. The user app communicates with a controller driver in a controller unit that interfaces with a compliant fare gate. Bluetooth beacons are used to determine a passenger'"'"'s proximity to the gate and camera-like devices determine whether a passenger has entered a fare validation zone. A user with a valid and active electronic ticket on their mobile device may simply walk through the fare gate “hands free” without the need to search for a physical ticket or a smartcard or a mobile phone. This hassle-free approach significantly improves the user experience and passenger throughput through fare gates. The Bluetooth-based automated fare validation system also detects passengers with valid electronic tickets and those without a valid permit for travel.
264 Citations
8 Claims
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1. A method to facilitate hands-free fare validation when a user carrying a mobile device approaches a fare validation zone at a transit station, wherein the method comprises performing the following using a controller unit at the transit station:
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receiving a notification that the user has entered the fare validation zone; identifying the mobile device carried by the user based on signals received from the mobile device over a Bluetooth interface; receiving electronic ticket information from the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface; sending the electronic ticket information received from the mobile device to an entry control gate at the transit station; receiving a confirmation message from the entry control gate indicating that the electronic ticket sent by the controller unit is a valid transit ticket; and sending a ticket acceptance response to the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface, thereby informing the user of the mobile device to continue towards an entry gate at the transit station in a hands-free manner. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A controller unit comprising:
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an interface unit operable to perform the following; receive a notification that a user has entered a fare validation zone at a transit station, and receive electronic ticket information from a mobile device carried by the user over a Bluetooth interface; a memory for storing program instructions and the electronic ticket information; and a processor coupled to the interface unit and to the memory, wherein the processor is operable to execute the program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller unit to perform the following to facilitate hands-free fare validation when the user carrying the mobile device approaches the fare validation zone; identify the mobile device carried by the user based on signals received from the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface, send the electronic ticket information received from the mobile device to an entry control gate at the transit station using the interface unit; receive, via the interface unit, a confirmation message from the entry control gate indicating that the electronic ticket sent by the controller unit is a valid ticket; determine that the electronic ticket is valid for transit, and send a ticket acceptance response to the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface using the interface unit, thereby informing the user of the mobile device to continue towards an entry gate at the transit station in a hands-free manner. - View Dependent Claims (8)
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Specification