Running Multiple Applications for Electronic Bus Fare Collection System

Project Introduction
A metopolitan transportation authority is rolling out a new bus fare collection system to better serve its over one million residents and the seven to eight million tourists that visit annually. The system includes the use of proximity IC fare cards and magnetic-stripe fare cards instead of cash. An LCD display system is also set up on board each bus in order to air commercials touting the city’s tourist attractions, hotels, and shopping malls.

Advantech assisted with the bus retrofits, providing fanless, embedded ARK-3202V industrial computers. Each bus got an ARK-3202V, which serves as an integrated, onboard platform controlling fare card readers, LCD displays and an LED display that shows next-stop information to passengers. The system downloads commercial contents from the control center server via a wireless HSPDA link. And GPS capability allows the control center to track each bus. 

Requirements

‧An all-in-one solution that supports both electronic fare collection and information display
‧USB ports for connecting fare card readers and an RS-232 COM port for LED indicator display
‧Intel® Atom™ processor that consumes less power than ordinary CPUs
‧In-vehicle power supply compatible with bus electrical system
‧Mobile communications based on HSDPA (3.5G)
‧On-board GPS for bus tracking
‧Vibration and shock resistant
‧Wide operating temperature range to cope with a high temperature climate

 

Project Implementation
Two fare card readers are installed near the door of each bus. The IC fare cards are for local residents, while the magnetic-stripe fare cards are paper cards preloaded with a specific amount of money for the use of short-stay tourists. A small, 7-inch LCD panel near the driver’s seat shows the validation of each pass and allows the driver to view each passenger’s trip and associated charges. A large, 15-inch LCD screen is set up for all passengers’ viewing; this currently airs commercials, but can be incorporated into a large touch panel in the future to allow passengers to look up tourist information with the touch of a finger.

All these applications are enabled, connected, and controlled by the single, onboard ARK-3202V embedded IPC, which is a great platform for in-vehicle applications as itsupports GPS and wireless HSPDA communications. It also supports full HD performance with optional VGA and DVI displays–very well suited to an on-board display system. The in-vehicle computer power is directly linked to the bus power system with a protective circuit. Whenever the bus engine is started, the ARK-3202V and peripherals power on.

Conclusion

Traditionally on a bus, separate computer systems perform fare card reading and information display. However, the single embedded PC platform provided by Advantech helps to save not only money but also space onboard. In this application story, the traditional cash box is completely discarded in order to help prevent embezzlement. Additionally, commercials aired in the buses are expected to bring in revenues. The transit authority of the city is exploring the possibility of combining the use of bank-issued credit and debit cards with that of the IC fare cards. Whatever they decide, the flexible ARK-3202V is ready to accommodate.

Suggested Application Implementation

 

	ARK-3202V Mobile Intel® Atom™ N270 Fanless Solution with Dual Display and Multiple I/Os
	ARK-1388V Ultra Compact, In-Vehicle Solution with Safe-Start/Safe-Shutdown and Wireless Functions