SHORT RANGE WIRELESS TRANSLATION METHODS AND SYSTEMS FOR HANDS FREE FARE VALIDATION

摘要

A system and method in which the Bluetooth technology is used in conjunction with a user application on a mobile device to facilitate hands free fare validation at a transit station. The user app communicates with a controller driver in a controller unit that interfaces with a compliant fare gate. Bluetooth beacons are used to determine a passengers proximity to the gate and camera like devices determine whether a passenger has entered a fare validation zone. A user with a valid and active electronic ticket on their mobile device may simply walk through the fare gate hands free without the need to search for a physical ticket or a smartcard or a mobile phone. This hassle free approach significantly improves the user experience and passenger throughput through fare gates. The Bluetooth based automated fare validation system also detects passengers with valid electronic tickets and those without a valid permit for travel.