Passenger Information Terminal Access Using Registered Electronic ID

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing passenger information systems in public transportation vehicles are vulnerable to unauthorized use due to the availability of skeleton keys, which can lead to the dissemination of incorrect information to passengers.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a passenger information system with a restricted compartment for operators to register electronic identifications, which are then verified by a second electronic identification device in the public area, ensuring only authorized personnel can access and input information, using devices such as card readers, RFID, or fingerprint scanners, and combining this with conventional mechanical locks for added security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If skeleton keys are used for accessing the interfacing system, then ease of operation is improved (any operator can use the same key), but security deteriorates (unauthorized persons can also access)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to interfacing systemVSAvoidprotection against unauthorized use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical skeleton key system with an electronic identification system. Instead of using physical keys that can be copied and distributed, the system uses electronic identification devices (such as cards, tokens, or biometric sensors) that communicate with the interfacing system through electronic signals. This substitution eliminates the security vulnerability of skeleton keys while maintaining ease of operation, as authorized operators can still access the system conveniently using their electronic identification devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If centralized key management is implemented, then security is improved (controlled access), but device complexity increases (key management infrastructure)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess controlVSAvoidkey management system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a self-service electronic identification system where operators register and manage their own access credentials without requiring centralized key management infrastructure. The interfacing system automatically handles the registration of electronic identification devices and verifies authentication requests locally. This eliminates the need for complex centralized key management while maintaining secure access control, as each operator independently manages their own electronic identification device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If electronic identification registration is allowed from public areas, then ease of operation is improved (operators can register anywhere), but security deteriorates (unauthorized registration)

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregistration location flexibilityVSAvoidauthorization security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by creating different access conditions for different locations within the transport vehicle. The system distinguishes between public areas where passengers are present and restricted areas where only authorized operators can access. Electronic identification registration is permitted only when the system detects that the operator is in a restricted area, not in a public area. This location-based differentiation maintains security by preventing unauthorized registration in public areas while still allowing flexible registration for authorized operators in appropriate locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11113911B2Passenger information system
Publication Date: 2021.09.07 TELEVIC RAIL
  • US11113911B2 patent drawing
  • US11113911B2 patent drawing
  • US11113911B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A passenger information system, PIS, for a public transport vehicle comprises a public compartment and a restricted compartment. The PIS comprises i) a passenger information terminal for communicating information to users when located in the public compartment; and ii) a first electronic identification device configured to receive an electronic identification from an operator when located in the restricted compartment and to register the electronic identification with the PIS as a registered electronic identification; and iii) an interfacing system comprising inputting means for inputting information into the PIS. A second electronic identification device is configured to receive an electronic identification from a user of the interfacing system. The PIS is arranged to authorize the inputting of information when the electronic identification from the user matches the registered electronic identification.