Proximity Ticket Validation via RFID Substitution

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic ticketing systems face errors and inefficiencies due to the difficulty in verifying tickets displayed on lit LCD screens using barcode scanners, which are not designed to read reflective screens, leading to longer verification times compared to traditional paper tickets.

Innovation Solution

A proximity-based verification system using Bluetooth LE or other wireless sensors to determine the location of a mobile device relative to entry points, allowing for secure and efficient validation of electronic tickets without the need for barcode scanning, utilizing proximity detection algorithms and sensor arrays to authenticate ticket holders.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If barcode scanning is used to verify electronic tickets displayed on lit LCD screens, then ticket verification can be performed, but the verification process is fraught with error and takes excessive time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveticket verification accuracyVSAvoidverification time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical barcode scanning system with a radio frequency identification (RFID) system. Instead of using optical sensors to read barcodes from lit LCD screens, the system uses RFID readers to communicate with RFID tags embedded in mobile devices. This substitution of the verification mechanism eliminates the fundamental incompatibility between optical scanners and reflective screens, thereby resolving both the accuracy and time consumption issues associated with barcode verification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary RFID tag as a communication interface between the ticket holder's mobile device and the verification system. The RFID tag acts as a mediator that enables reliable wireless communication of ticket data without requiring direct optical contact or line-of-sight reading, thus eliminating the errors and delays inherent in barcode scanning of lit screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If barcode scanners are used to read electronic tickets on lit LCD screens, then ticket verification is possible, but the reflectivity of the screen defeats the scanning process

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveticket verification processVSAvoidscanning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical scanning mechanism with an electromagnetic field-based RFID communication system. The RFID reader generates an electromagnetic field that induces current in the RFID tag, enabling data transmission without optical contact. This substitution eliminates the interference caused by screen reflectivity and allows for reliable ticket verification regardless of the display state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a wireless electromagnetic copy of the ticket data through RFID communication. Instead of reading the visual barcode representation on the screen, the system wirelessly copies the ticket information from the RFID tag in the mobile device to the verification system, bypassing the problematic optical reading process entirely.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

3Adaptability or versatility

If electronic ticketing systems use barcode display on mobile devices, then paper tickets can be eliminated, but the verification process becomes more complex and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic ticketing capabilityVSAvoidverification system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the complex optical scanning and image processing system with a simpler RFID electromagnetic communication system. The RFID technology uses standardized protocols for data exchange, eliminating the need for complex algorithms to interpret barcodes from varying angles, distances, and screen conditions. This substitution reduces verification system complexity while maintaining electronic ticketing versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 fast and reliable verification of electronic tickets, reducing errors and increasing efficiency by allowing users to enter venues or access services without manual scanning, while ensuring secure and accurate validation of ticket ownership.

Implementation Method 1

A proximity-based verification system using Bluetooth LE or other wireless sensors to determine the location of a mobile device relative to entry points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth LE wireless transmission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10762733B2Method and system for electronic ticket validation using proximity detection

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 SIEMENS MOBILITY INC

AI summary

This invention discloses a novel system and method for automated protocols between a mobile device and an electronic ticketing verification system, where proximity detection is used to automatically display the verification or to automatically control entry gates or turnstiles when the mobile device is verified has holding a valid ticket and being located in a specific location associated with the ticket.