Mobile App Offline Ticketing via QR Code Capture
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Solution Overview
Problem
In areas with unreliable internet access, users face challenges in obtaining and purchasing travel tickets efficiently, leading to wasted time and increased costs for travel providers due to the need for physical ticket vendors or collectors.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device application captures and decodes QR codes displaying travel data, including prices, allowing users to purchase tickets offline using GSM communication, reducing the need for physical ticket vendors and collectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If users purchase tickets online via website with QR codes, then ticket purchasing efficiency is improved, but reliability deteriorates in areas with unreliable internet access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by downloading ticket information, fare data, and service details to the mobile device before internet access is lost. The offline mode cache stores this data locally, allowing users to purchase tickets even when online connectivity is unavailable, thus resolving the contradiction between efficiency and reliability.
2Ease of operation
If physical ticket vendors are deployed at each transport location, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service ticket purchasing through mobile devices. Users can independently scan QR codes, view fare information, and complete purchases without assistance from physical ticket vendors. The offline mode ensures this self-service capability works even without internet access, eliminating the need for expensive physical infrastructure while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If ticket collectors are employed on vehicles, then reliability is improved for ticket collection, but loss of time increases due to vehicle delays
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the ticket collection function from the vehicle operator and transfers it to the passenger's mobile device. Passengers use their own devices to purchase and store tickets before boarding, eliminating the need for ticket collectors on vehicles. This removes the time delay caused by ticket collection while ensuring reliable ticket validation through the offline-capable mobile system.
4Loss of time
If users purchase tickets on the vehicle, then loss of time is reduced for queuing, but loss of information increases as users cannot know fare prices in advance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by displaying fare information and allowing users to select their desired tickets before completing the purchase. The QR code contains or links to fare data that is presented to the user in advance, enabling informed decision-making about which tickets to buy and at what price, eliminating the information loss while maintaining quick onboard purchasing.
Data Source
AI summary
An application running on a user's mobile communication device photographically captures images of a code image. The code image may be permanently displayed at the transport location, or may be provided on a vehicle temporarily at the transport location. The displayed code image encodes travel data including ticket prices of a travel service from the transport location, and the application decodes the travel data from the captured images. The user can use the application to purchase a travel ticket on the travel service.