Mobile Transit Fare Payment via NFC Smart Sign
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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 compatibility issues across different transit systems, requiring users to physically visit offices for data updates and lacking the ability to perform off-line fare calculations at the point of use.
Innovation Solution
A system and method utilizing a contactless smart chip embedded in a mobile device, enabling data access and manipulation via wireless communications for access control and fare calculations, allowing for over-the-air provisioning and dynamic memory management to support multiple transit systems, and integrating near field communication (NFC) for seamless transactions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If contactless smart cards are used for transit fare payment, then payment speed is improved, but the system requires on-line authentication which reduces user convenience and increases transaction time
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card stores fare calculation data and authentication information locally before transactions occur. The system pre-loads transit agency data, fare structures, and security keys onto the card so that when a user needs to pay, the information is already available for immediate processing without requiring connection to remote databases during the actual payment transaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a card reader as an intermediary device that performs local fare calculations and authentication decisions. Instead of requiring direct on-line authentication for every transaction, the card reader acts as a mediator that uses stored data to make real-time fare determination and authorization decisions, reducing dependency on continuous network connectivity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If standard payment cards are used, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but the system requires physical card handling and card readers which increases transaction time and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both a payment instrument and a transit access token. The card contains both payment data and transit-specific fare calculation capabilities, allowing it to work across different transit systems without requiring separate cards or complex card readers for each system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for various specialized hardware components.
3Device complexity
If smart cards with limited storage are used, then the card size and cost are reduced, but the ability to store data for multiple transit systems is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The smart card employs dynamic memory management that allows the available storage space to be flexibly allocated and reallocated based on the specific transit system being accessed. When a user switches between different transit agencies, the system dynamically adjusts which portions of the card's memory are active for that particular system, allowing the limited storage capacity to serve multiple purposes across different systems without requiring permanent dedicated space for each.
Solution Approach 2:
The card storage is divided into multiple data segments or partitions that can be selectively activated for different transit systems. Instead of requiring a single large storage area for all possible transit systems, the memory is segmented into smaller, system-specific data structures that can be loaded and used as needed, maximizing the utility of limited storage space across multiple transit agencies.
4Reliability
If cards require physical visits for data updates, then data security is maintained, but user convenience and system adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of physical card visits to transit offices with wireless communication-based data updates. The smart card can receive fare structure changes, security updates, and new transit system data through wireless transmission, eliminating the need for users to physically return to offices for updates while maintaining secure data transmission through encrypted wireless channels.
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
Enables efficient and secure payment and access to multiple transit systems without the need for physical visits, allowing for real-time data updates and off-line fare calculations, enhancing user convenience and reducing administrative burdens.
Implementation Method 1
Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location depicted on the smart sign. The mobile device is positioned proximate at least two different transit locations on the smart sign such that the corresponding NFC devices are activated.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for facilitating the payment and collection of transit system fares using a mobile device utilizes a smart sign including near field communication (NFC) devices that communicate with a contactless element embedded within a mobile wireless device. Each NFC device is associated with a different transit location. The NFC devices may be included on the same smart sign located at one transit location or on different smart signs located at different transit locations. Alternatively, one NFC device may be included on a smart sign at a departure location and another NFC device may be activated when or after the user enters the transit system to provide proof of fare purchase. The mobile device is positioned proximate the NFC devices to activate the NFC devices and access fare and/or schedule information or purchase a fare.