Mobile Transit Fare Payment via Contactless Smart Chip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transit fare payment systems using contactless smart cards are inefficient due to the need for on-line authentication, limited data storage, and the requirement for multiple cards for different transit agencies, which complicates fare calculations and user access across various systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile device with a contactless smart chip and wireless data transfer capabilities integrates financial payment and transit functions, allowing data access and manipulation via a wireless network, enabling seamless access and fare calculations across multiple transit systems without the need for physical registration or multiple cards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If contactless smart cards are used for transit fare payment, then transaction speed is improved, but fraud prevention capability deteriorates due to lack of on-line authentication
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments authentication functionality into two parts: on-line authentication for fraud prevention (when connected) and offline authentication using cached credentials (when disconnected). The mobile device contains multiple authentication mechanisms that can be selectively used based on network availability, resolving the contradiction between speed and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication and caches authentication credentials before disconnection occurs. This allows the mobile device to maintain fraud prevention capability offline by using pre-established trusted credentials, eliminating the need for real-time network connection while preserving security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple contactless smart cards are used for different transit agencies, then access to multiple systems is enabled, but device complexity and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple transit agency access credentials into a single mobile device. The mobile device stores and manages authentication credentials for multiple transit agencies, eliminating the need for users to carry separate smart cards for each agency while maintaining access to all systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as a contactless smart card for transit fare payment, stores credentials for multiple transit agencies, and provides both online and offline authentication capabilities. This universal device replaces the need for multiple specialized cards.
3Reliability
If on-line authentication process is used for fraud prevention, then security is improved, but transaction time increases due to network dependency
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between online and offline authentication modes based on network availability. When connected, it uses on-line authentication for maximum security; when disconnected, it seamlessly transitions to offline authentication using cached credentials, maintaining both security and transaction speed without network dependency.
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 enhances transaction speed, security, and convenience by allowing real-time access and fare calculations, reducing fraud risks, and eliminating the need for physical visits to transit offices, while supporting multiple transit systems with dynamic data management and over-the-air provisioning.
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.
Implementation Method 2
communication and data exchange using a near field communications technology
Data Source
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AI summary
A system, apparatus, and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device. The inventive system utilizes a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device, such as a mobile phone, PDA, or the like. The smart element is integrated with the circuitry of the mobile device to permit the data to be accessed and manipulated (e.g., read, written, erased) using the wireless communications network as the data transport channel. The data required to enable a user to access a transit system and for the system to conduct fare calculations may be provided to the memory in the contactless element using the wireless network. Such data may include access control data (keys, passwords, identification data) or data required for fare calculations (rates, historical data on system use).