Telemax uses the MDI-4100 in a fare collection system
Introduction
TELMAX develops and implements fare collection systems mainly in Czech Republic and Slovakia. TELMAX’s systems offer automated check-in for all types of travel documents; paper, SMS, contactless transport card, bank cards. The system covers a wide range of devices and services including physical devices installed in public transport vehicles, vehicle location and monitoring systems and ticket e-shops.
To provide a new method of automated paper ticket validation, TELMAX required a reliable QR code scanner small enough to be built into their passenger console unit.
The Situation
The existing passenger console unit (FCU 800) is a compact device with limited space inside. In the past, TELMAX developed their own camera-based text recognition device that was unnecessarily powerful and too expensive for the current task.
The device they developed consisted of a powerful System-On-Module with an operating system and a lot of memory. The current public transport ticketing has moved to machine readable codes utilization (mostly QR or Aztec). Thus, the device was too powerful, too expensive and still not as fast as a specialized 2D scanner in this application.
The Requirements
Based son the good experience with the Opticon MDI-3100 scanner in another ticket validator, TELMAX decided to develop a compact add-on device which fit all requirements:
1. Dust proof device with a glass covered window at a reading distance to provide a defined position for the ticket placement.
2. Large viewing angle seemed to be necessary to keep the device small while reaching a wide reading area.
3. Ability to read a code from a paper ticket (auxiliary light required) and from a mobile phone display as well (has its own backlight).
The Solution
TELMAX used a housing that was developed earlier for a camera-based device, to benefit from a proven construction and shares some parts. It makes both solutions exchangeable in accordance with future project requirements.
The wide viewing angle was achieved with the help of a mirror which allowed it to “fold” the optical path to a compact shape. TELMAX used a front surface mirror, custom made by a local company.
As the glass covered window had to be parallel with the MDI-4100 scanner it caused reflections when using an MDI-4100’s built-in light source. TELMAX developed an auxiliary flood light source which eliminated the reflection.
The MDI-4100 scanner with its compact size, high scanning performance and reliability allowed TELMAX to create a perfect solution for a new paper ticket checking technology. Re-using most of the existing devices, the new add-on device is cost effective and affordable for many customers. This device can also be shared among other TELMAX’s ticketing devices.
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