Centralized Fare Calculation for Transit Payment Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
In high-volume environments like transit systems, existing payment systems face challenges with slow transaction processing times and complex fare calculations, particularly when the final transaction amount is unknown at the time of payment device presentation, leading to increased complexity and equipment requirements at exit gates.
Innovation Solution
A method that allows charging a predetermined amount upon initial presentation, calculating the final transaction amount and variable adjustment centrally after the transaction, and applying this adjustment to subsequent transactions, reducing the need for real-time calculations and equipment complexity at exit gates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If real-time fare calculation is performed at exit gates, then accurate final transaction amounts can be determined, but device complexity and processing requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complex fare calculation function from the exit gate terminal and relocates it to a centralized server. The terminal only needs to store a preliminary charge amount and display it, while the centralized server performs the actual fare calculation based on entry and exit locations. This extraction reduces terminal complexity while maintaining calculation accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary between the terminal and the fare calculation process. The server acts as a mediator that receives transaction data, performs complex calculations, and returns results to the terminal. This intermediary handles the computational complexity, allowing the terminal to remain simple.
2Measurement precision
If complex fare calculations are performed in real-time at the terminal, then accurate charging can be achieved, but transaction processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary charging at the entry point by storing a preliminary fare amount in the terminal. This preliminary action allows the transaction to be completed quickly at exit, while the actual accurate fare calculation is performed later in the background. The preliminary charge ensures fast processing, and subsequent background processing ensures accuracy.
3Productivity
If offline transaction techniques are used, then transaction speed is improved, but card risk management and issuer communication are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the transaction process into two distinct phases: a fast offline phase at the terminal for preliminary charging and access control, and a slower online phase at the centralized server for accurate fare calculation and risk management. This segmentation allows both speed and reliability requirements to be met in their respective phases.
Data Source
AI summary
A predetermined amount, which may, in general, be zero, less than, the same as, or greater than a (yet-to-be-determined) final transaction amount, is charged upon first presentation of a payment device to a merchant. A final transaction amount is calculated, preferably at a central server, subsequent to the first presentation. A variable adjustment value is calculated, preferably at the central server, by comparing the predetermined amount already charged with the final transaction amount. A new predetermined amount charged, upon a subsequent presentation of the payment device, is modified by the variable adjustment value.