NFC Mobile Check-In System for Transportation Ticketing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional transportation ticketing systems involve pre-printed tickets that are inconvenient to manage, often leading to forgotten items, lost tickets, and environmental concerns due to paper usage, while also requiring travelers to carry multiple items through security checkpoints.
Innovation Solution
A handheld electronic device, such as a cellular phone or personal media player, is used to store and transmit ticketing and identification information via near field communication, enabling electronic check-in and identification verification, with features like travel management applications, NFC interfaces, and biometric options for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pre-printed paper tickets are used for transportation check-in, then ticket information can be displayed and scanned, but travelers must carry multiple items (ticket, identification, luggage) which leads to inconvenience, forgotten items, and lost tickets
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (ticket, identification, boarding pass) into a single mobile device. The system stores traveler information, ticket data, and identification in one electronic device, eliminating the need to carry separate paper tickets and ID documents through security checkpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates digital copies of traditional paper tickets and identification documents. The mobile device displays electronic versions of tickets and ID information that can be scanned and verified by transportation providers, replacing physical paper copies with electronic alternatives.
2Loss of information
If pre-printed paper tickets are used for transportation check-in, then ticket information can be transmitted to travelers, but paper printing consumes natural resources and incurs additional costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical paper printing and physical distribution system with an electronic information transmission system. Ticket information is delivered digitally to mobile devices through electronic communication channels, eliminating the need for paper printing, storage, and physical handling.
3Ease of operation
If electronic devices with NFC are used for check-in, then ticketing and identification information can be transmitted wirelessly, but additional technology infrastructure is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses NFC technology as an intermediary communication mechanism between the traveler's mobile device and the transportation provider's scanning device. The NFC interface enables short-range wireless data transmission, allowing ticket and identification information to be exchanged without physical contact or complex networking infrastructure.
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 streamlines the check-in process, reduces the risk of lost or forgotten tickets, conserves resources by eliminating paper tickets, and enhances security through electronic verification, providing a more convenient and efficient travel experience.
Implementation Method 1
ticketing and identification information may be stored on the handheld electronic device and transmitted, such as via near field communication, to another electronic device
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a method and system for transportation check-in (e.g., ticketing and identification) via near field communication (NFC) using a handheld electronic device, such as a cellular phone or a personal media player. The handheld device may store and transmit travel reservations and traveler identifications using a travel management application. Various methods may be employed to acquire the reservation and identification information on the handheld device. For example, travel reservations may be made via the management application or may be retrieved from an email, a website, another NFC-enabled device, or a carrier-provided confirmation number. User identification may be acquired by scanning a radio frequency identification tag embedded in a government-issued I.D. In another embodiment, an I.D. number may be entered via the travel management application, and the user's identification information may be downloaded from the issuing authority.