Application Note - Bus Ticketing, Surveillance and Signage

For today’s bus operators, implementing an embedded system with control, networking and communications capabilities makes both commercial and operational sense. A platform that can handle Ticketing and revenue collection, Fleet management and scheduling, Passenger safety and Passenger information and signage can all be implemented on a single JetBox embedded platform.

The Korenix JetBox 9562 has all the processing power, networking and communications interfaces and is a linux based platform allowing for custom software application development. For ticketing and revenue collection requirements, the RS-232 port can be used to interface to the card reader and ticket/receipt printer and data be stored locally or sent to the WAN/internet using a cellular or WiFi interface. Fleet management and scheduling functional requirements can be met using a GSM modem or mini-PCIe express module, allowing the depot to monitor the buses location and time to destination. For passenger safety, the 4 x Power over Ethernet ports can be used to connect IP cameras around the bus and store the data locally on a compact flash (CF) or SD (secure digital) card. Location and destination information along with advertising can be presented to the customer through a LED display controlled by a RS-232/422/485 interface on the JetBox. The Linux based platform allows custom applications to be run onboard the platform, so that peripheral information can be processed, stored and distributed as required. The JetBox 9562 also has a mini-PCIe port allowing a simple integration of a 3G/GSM/GPRS modem with additional GPS and WiFi as required.

Design Considerations

• Vibration resistant, wall mounting, fanless, dustproof platform suitable for installation in a confined space inside a bus.
• Reliable RISC processor with Linux support for customized real time control, networking, and interfacing to peripheral devices.
• Serial to interface to card readers, ticket dispenser, coin counters and printers.
• Connectivity for IP cameras for passenger safety.
• Connectivity to wireless, cellular and GPS networks using a simple slide-in module.

Why JetBox 9562

• Ruggedized, vibration resistant industrial design, compact, fanless, and suitable for mounting inside a confined space. Robust wall mounting aluminum enclosure.
• Super reliable and cost effective Intel IXP RISC based processor that supports Real time Linux for or customized control applications, networking and interfacing to card readers and ticket dispensers.
• 12 - 24VDC operation, can connect directly to bus power system.
• 4 x RS232 port for connecting multiple card readers, ticket dispensers and printers.
• 4 x Ethernet (PoE optional) ports for connecting IP cameras.
• Mini-PCIe slot for integrating 3G/GSM/GPRS modem, GPS modules and 802.11abg wireless card.

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