Wireless Fare Detection Using RSSI Position Tracking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fare gates can create bottlenecks and delays in access control systems, and existing technologies are inadequate in efficiently detecting and preventing fare evasion without the need for physical barriers or extensive manual inspection.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing wireless transceivers and tracking systems to detect fare media and generate indicator lights on the floor to identify unpaid users, allowing for real-time detection of fare evasion without the need for physical gates or extensive manual inspection, and reducing the number of required ticket inspectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical fare gates and turnstiles are used to control access, then fare evasion can be prevented and payment can be collected, but bottlenecks and delays are created in the access control system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical fare gates and turnstiles with a wireless detection system using transceivers, RSSI-based position tracking, and electronic indicator lights. This substitution eliminates physical barriers while maintaining fare collection functionality, thereby removing bottlenecks and improving access control speed without sacrificing fare evasion prevention capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless transceivers and a computer server system as intermediaries between users and the fare collection mechanism. These intermediaries enable non-contact detection of fare media and position tracking, allowing fare validation to occur in the background without requiring physical gate infrastructure, thus eliminating access delays
2Reliability
If manual inspection by ticket inspectors is used to detect fare evasion, then fare evasion can be identified, but extensive manual labor and inspection time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service fare validation where the wireless transceivers automatically detect fare media, track user positions via RSSI, and validate tickets without requiring manual inspection. The electronic indicator lights provide immediate feedback to users, eliminating the need for ticket inspectors and reducing inspection time to zero
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements real-time feedback through electronic indicator lights that immediately notify users of fare validation status. This automated feedback mechanism replaces manual inspection feedback, providing instant information to users while eliminating the time loss associated with human inspection processes
3Reliability
If physical fare gates are installed to prevent fare evasion, then access control security is improved, but the system complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical fare gate infrastructure with a simplified wireless detection system consisting of transceivers, server-based position tracking, and electronic indicators. This substitution maintains security functionality while dramatically reducing physical infrastructure requirements and system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The wireless transceivers serve multiple functions: detecting fare media presence, tracking user position via RSSI, and enabling contactless communication. This multi-functionality consolidates what would traditionally require separate mechanical systems into a single integrated solution, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining security
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 system effectively reduces fare evasion and minimizes bottlenecks by allowing open floor plans and reducing the need for physical fare gates, while also reducing the number of ticket inspectors required, thus enhancing operational efficiency and user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a first wireless transceiver configured to communicate wirelessly with a fare media
Implementation Method 2
a tracking system configured to detect the position of an object within the area
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and techniques are presented for identifying fare evasion at an access control to a paid area. Received signal strength (RSS) is determined for wireless signals communicated between two or more wireless transceivers and a fare media. A position of the fare media is determined based on the RSS and the position is added to a collection of positions. A position of an object is detected and the position of the object is compared with each position in the collection of positions. A determination is made that the position of the object is not proximate to any position in the collection of positions and an indicator light is generated on the floor proximate to the position of the object.