Mobile Communication Device Transit Fare Payment Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transit fare payment systems are inefficient due to the need for exact cash, multiple tickets or cards for different transit systems, and time-consuming authentication processes, which hinder convenience and speed for users.
Innovation Solution
A mobile communication device with a contactless element, such as a semiconductor chip, is used to pay transit fares by receiving a transit location, displaying options, selecting a destination, and sending authorization requests for payment, eliminating the need for separate tickets or cards and streamlining the payment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a user uses cash or exact change to purchase a ticket, then the user can gain access to the transit system, but the user experiences inconvenience and delays due to needing to insert cash or hand cash to the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical cash-handling system with an electronic mobile communication device system. The mobile device communicates wirelessly with the fare machine, eliminating the need for physical cash insertion or handover, thus reducing both time and effort required for fare payment
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile communication device acts as an intermediary between the user and the fare machine. It stores transit account information and communicates with the fare machine to automatically handle fare payment, eliminating the need for direct user interaction with cash or ticket purchasing processes
2Ease of operation
If a user purchases tickets in advance from kiosks or cashiers, then the user eliminates the need for cash, but the user still experiences time delays and must visit multiple locations to purchase tickets for different transit systems
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device serves as a universal transit payment tool that can be used across multiple transit systems and agencies. By storing multiple transit account information profiles, the device eliminates the need to purchase separate tickets for different systems, providing a single-point solution for all transit fare payments
Solution Approach 2:
The user pre-configures multiple transit account information profiles in the mobile device before traveling. This preliminary setup allows the device to automatically select and use the appropriate transit account when approaching different transit systems, eliminating the need for on-the-spot ticket purchasing
3Ease of operation
If a user uses a payment card with contactless smart chip, then the user eliminates the need for cash and simplifies payment, but the user still requires card readers and authentication processes that take time
Solution Approach 1:
The mobile communication device performs self-service by automatically selecting the appropriate transit account, calculating fares, and completing transactions without requiring external card readers or manual authentication. The device uses its built-in wireless communication capabilities to interact with fare machines, eliminating the need for separate reading and authentication devices
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution allows for seamless and efficient transit fare payment across multiple systems by using a mobile device to authorize payments in real-time, reducing wait times and eliminating the need for multiple tickets or cards, enhancing user convenience and speed.
Implementation Method 1
Such contactless cards typically communicate with the card reader or terminal using RF (radio-frequency) technology, wherein proximity to an antenna causes data transfer between the card and the reader or terminal.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus configured for transit application and methods for utilizing the apparatus for transit application is disclosed. One embodiment of the invention is directed to a mobile communication device comprising a processor, a computer readable medium coupled to the processor, wherein the computer readable medium comprises code for receiving a first transit location, code for displaying options to select a second transit location, code for receiving a selection for a second transit location, and code for sending an authorization request message to an issuer associated with the mobile communication device.