METHODS OF OFFLINE FARE COLLECTION FOR OPEN-LOOP AND HYBRID CARD SYSTEMS
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Abstract
Interconnected methods of card-based fare collection at computer-based service access validation terminals are disclosed. The first method is characterized by periodically propagating to the validation terminals card transaction data originated at other validation terminals. This method is most pertinent to the public transit fare systems utilizing open-loop payment cards and vehicle-installed terminals. The second method is characterized by actualizing the validation terminals'"'"' data by way of data broadcasting or multicasting. This method makes the first method practical and improves performance of open-loop and closed-loop card systems implementing offline validations.
35 Citations
49 Claims
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1-30. -30. (canceled)
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31. A system for mass transportation fare collection comprising:
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a first fare validation terminal configured to process a plurality of fare transactions by receiving, for each fare transaction, a payment instrument unique identifier and generating a validation data component associated with said payment instrument unique identifier;
said first fare validation terminal configured to assemble said validation data component and said payment instrument unique identifier into fare data;a central host aggregating computer system configured to receive said fare data from said first fare validation terminal and to aggregate said validation data components into validation support data; and a data propagation system interconnecting said central host aggregating computer system and a second fare validation terminal, said second fare validation terminal configured to receive said validation support data from said central host aggregating computer system via said data propagation system and to utilize said validation support data to process an additional fare transaction at said second fare validation terminal. - View Dependent Claims (33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41)
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42. A computer implemented method for collecting fares for a mass transportation fare collection system comprising:
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processing a plurality of fare transactions, at a first fare validation terminal by receiving, for each fare transaction, a payment instrument unique identifier and generating a validation data component associated with said payment instrument unique identifier; assembling, at said first fare validation terminal, said validation data component and said payment instrument unique identifier into fare data; receiving, at a central host aggregating computer system, said fare data from said first fare validation terminal; aggregating, at said central host aggregating computer system, said validation data components into validation support data; propagating said validation support data to a second fare validation terminal from said central host aggregating computer system; receiving said validation support data at said second fare validation terminal from said central host aggregating computer system; and utilizing said validation support data to process an additional fare transaction at said second fare validation terminal. - View Dependent Claims (43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49)
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Specification