Mobile ticketing
Encyclopedia
1. Mobile ticketing is the process whereby customers can order, pay for, obtain and validate tickets from any location and at any time using mobile phones or other mobile handsets. Mobile tickets reduce the production and distribution costs connected with traditional paper-based ticketing channels and increase customer convenience by providing new and simple ways to purchase tickets. Mobile ticketing is a prime example of horizontal telecommunication convergence.

2. Mobile ticketing is a method by which law enforcement agencies use in-car computers to create traffic citations in the field, then print a hard copy for the offender. The advantages of mobile ticketing include reduced paperwork time, reduced chance of tickets being made void by human error and immediate accessibility of citation information by other departments.http://www.prnewswire.com/cgi-bin/stories.pl?ACCT=109&STORY=/www/story/03-11-2008/0004771817&EDATE=

Applications

  • Airline check-in
  • Cinema ticketing
  • Concert/Event ticketing
  • Consumer voucher distribution
  • Mass transit
  • Trade shows

Advantage

  • Improved consumer convenience
  • Increased revenue by increasing accessibility of tickets
  • Reduced infrastructure costs (scanners retail at 30 times the cost of 1d scanners)
  • Reduced ticket printing/mailing cost

Disadvantages

  • Can be forged.
  • Many company phones block payment SMS messages.
  • Foreign subscription phones do not work in connection with payment SMS messages.
  • Many people do not own a phone, so for this and the above reasons other payment methods must be available.
  • If the phone battery runs out, the mobile ticket get unusable.

Mobile purchase

Over the past 10 years, e-commerce has exploded, with many consumers becoming increasingly comfortable with purchasing online. The next logical step for consumers who are looking for even more convenient methods of doing business is mobile purchase. This trend will be accelerated by the increased functionality of today's mobile devices.

The International Air Transport Association
International Air Transport Association
The International Air Transport Association is an international industry trade group of airlines headquartered in Montreal, Quebec, Canada, where the International Civil Aviation Organization is also headquartered. The executive offices are at the Geneva Airport in SwitzerlandIATA's mission is to...

 (IATA) 2007 announced a global standard that paves the way for global mobile phone check-in using two-dimensional (2D) bar codes. The industry has set a deadline of the end of 2010 to implement 100% bar coded boarding passes (BCBP). Upon full implementation, BCBP is said to be able to save the industry over US $500 million annually.

Mobile Tickets can be purchased in a variety of ways including online, via text messaging or over the phone from a voice call, WAP page, or a secure mobile application. For repeated purchases such as daily train tickets, mobile applications or text messaging are good options. The drawbacks to text message purchasing is that either the vendor loses 40% of their revenue to the mobile operator, or any credit card purchase has to be achieved through a web page as the SMS has no security suitable for credit card entry, and very few ticket choices can be easily remembered and entered by SMS.

SMS purchase

SMS purchase is usually achieved by sending an SMS message containing a short code (e.g. GV for a single adult ticket in Gothenburg, Sweden) to a service number. A return message is sent containing the mobile ticket. Different ticket types can be ordered with a different code (e.g. GU for a youth ticket or GN as a night tariff ticket in Gothenburg). The use of different ordering codes enables creating a variety of ticket types, either time- or distance based pricing and different zone systems.

The price of the ticket can be added to the users mobile phone bill or debited from their pre-paid service using premium SMS billing. The main business limitation is that when premium SMS is used for billing, around 40% of the transaction value is retained by the mobile operator and sms aggregator, which is not viable when the ticket has a conventional profit margin. The revenue share model need to be re-negoatiated separately with teleoperators to suit for mobile ticketing, which excludes foreign visitors from using the system. Other methods for billing include having a mobile wallet that allows the phone user to charge their credit card, but the limitation is the low usage volume of these kind of payment solutions.

Online purchase

Online purchase is still an option for mobile tickets, allowing the user to setup an account and choosing payment options etc.

Delivery

Delivery of tickets to mobile phones can be done in a variety of ways:
  • Text messaging (SMS) - visual inspection or OCR
  • Text messaging with WAP Push - visual inspection or OCR
  • Picture messaging (SMS, EMS, WAP Push and MMS) - usually uses a barcode
    Barcode
    A barcode is an optical machine-readable representation of data, which shows data about the object to which it attaches. Originally barcodes represented data by varying the widths and spacings of parallel lines, and may be referred to as linear or 1 dimensional . Later they evolved into rectangles,...

  • Dedicated Mobile application - which can store and render barcodes delivered via SMS, GPRS, Bluetooth, IRDA or RFID. Barcodes rendered on the device by a dedicated application have the advantage of being full screen without clutter, meaning faster and more successful scanning. A dedicated mobile application can also help the user to organise and sort their tickets better than when an SMS or MMS inbox is full of similar tickets, which is especially useful for transport tickets.
  • Device RFID - This is the method proposed under the Near Field Communication
    Near Field Communication
    Near field communication, or NFC, allows for simplified transactions, data exchange, and wireless connections between two devices in proximity to each other, usually by no more than a few centimeters. It is expected to become a widely used system for making payments by smartphone in the United States...

     (NFC) specification but not yet in general use, except of Japanese Osaifu-Keitai
    Osaifu-Keitai
    , literally meaning "Wallet Mobile", is a trademark of NTT DoCoMo, which developed the system. It refers to mobile phones that integrate Sony's Mobile FeliCa ICs, as well as to services provided by applications on these phones....

    .


Southend United Football Club is currently the only team in the UK to have a mobile ticketing facility offered to fans.

Very few phones outside Japan have RFID/NFC tags and so this method of delivery is largely unsupported. Picture messaging is supported by almost all phones and is generally the delivery method of choice. It usually requires the sender to know the phone model in advance so that the picture is rendered at the correct resolution. Text-only messaging is supported by all mobile phones and is the simplest method of delivery.

Scanning

Visually validated mobile tickets do not require a scan device. Most forms of mobile tickets require some form of device to read the ticket from the user's device.
Picture-based messages require a laser scanner (for 1-dimensional/linear barcodes) or camera based imager (for 2-dimensional barcodes) to photograph the message and decode it into a ticket ID. Text-based codes use OCR software. Near Field Communication
Near Field Communication
Near field communication, or NFC, allows for simplified transactions, data exchange, and wireless connections between two devices in proximity to each other, usually by no more than a few centimeters. It is expected to become a widely used system for making payments by smartphone in the United States...

 devices scan using an RFID reader.

Each of the above methods has its specific benefits and drawbacks. Optically reading the display of a cell phone is heavily influenced by the quality of the display (resolution, size of pixels, reflections). RFID is only supported by a very few phones yet.

Redemption

Visually validated mobile tickets are validated without connection to a back office system. Other forms of mobile ticket systems contact a server that is able to verify the ticket and record that it has been used.

New systems that make use of encryption of the data inside the barcode enable off-line scanning and validation, which is especially important if users are purchasing tickets immediately prior to use, and the portable venue or on-vehicle scanning devices cannot always have a connection to the live ticket database. (Many transport ticketing systems, such as the London Oyster card
Oyster card
The Oyster card is a form of electronic ticketing used on public transport services within the Greater London area of the United Kingdom. It is promoted by Transport for London and is valid on a number of different travel systems across London including London Underground, buses, the Docklands...

 travel system and the M-PhaTic system of the Swedish state railways SJ are designed so that scanners can operate as disconnected islands when connectivity to central systems is lost.)

Products

Company Delivery Method Scanning Method Validation Method Advantages Disadvantages Location
Bissano Software ltd Barcode-based EMS or MMS. The solution includes Barcode 1D and 2D. Barcode scanner, integrated thermal printer. The solution includes Barcode 1D and 2D and PDA software and Back Office system. PDA communicate with BO via WiFi/GPRS connection. The solution is used to sales tickets on move. Investment for scanner devices. Offices: Sofia/Bulgaria,Brisbane/Australia
Mobile Tickets Ltd In-Mobile Application, Barcode 1D and 2D delivered via secure encrypted SMS or GPRS, using a 3kb Java Platform Providers of the first ever Twitter to Mobile Barcode delivery solution Remote or local server... also working on Mobile Tickets in Facebook App World wide delivery possible, secure & customizable Consulting on Mobile Tickets, Banking and Payments, also offering solutions for the purchase of turnstiles, scanner and kiosk equipment required for Mobile Ticketing Offices based in London (UK), with partners in Europe, Asia and North America
bCode Text-based SMS. Electronically (camera). Remote or local server. Secure, reliable, strong device support, dynamic user experience. Investment for scanner devices. Australia, United States
codeREADr Barcode:1D and 2D print or mobile. Embedded data validated on-device or online. Remote server. Secure, fast. For budget-conscious (scanner already in pocket). Requires iOS, Android or BB device at point of entry. Worldwide.
Eagle Eye Solutions Limited Text-based SMS as response to text in, text push, WAP Purchase. Customer types unique code into kiosk, PDA or Chip and PIN handset. Central server lookup utilising either internet or existing financial networks. Secure real time redemption of ticket. Capture of significant customer data. Utilises existing Chip and PIN technology for ticket code capture and data transfer. Unique and multi use tickets available. Integration into Chip and PIN system. PDA or kiosk rental costs. Worldwide.
GEAR.it Barcode-based MMS, SMS, Email. Codes validated with mBARC/Newland scan engine. Remote or local server. Integration with proximity couponing via Bluetooth own servers. Secure, live voucher, integrated marketing services, fraud prevention, API integration into existing systems Rental of or investment for scanner devices. Italy
Gavitec AG Barcode-based SMS, EMS or MMS. EXIO & MD-20 barcode scanners. Remote or local server. Secure, wide-reach, strong device support, integration with ticketing, CRM and access management solutions. Rental of or investment for scanner devices. Worldwide
Impact Mobile Barcode-based SMS w/WAPpush or MMS. Off-the shelf image scanner. Remote or local server. Secure. API to integrate to existing ticketing solutions No visual validation. Investment for scanner devices. Problem with several phone models. High telecom costs of MMS messages.
INA Finland Text-based SMS w/WAPpush. Visually / validators. INA secure server and/or local server. No investment for scanner devices, although implementation possible. Secure control code system for visual validation, optional
extra verification by phone. No settings or pre-registration needed, single SMS. Secure and easy.
Investment in scanner devices required if existing units cannot be used. Tampere, Finland. (service worldwide)
InMoDo (M-PhaTic) Text-based SMS, barcode 1D and 2D, RFID Imager/Camera-based scanners. Remote or local server as ticket code contains full information Secure,reliable,strong device support, range of scanners for different use-cases, including handheld units from well-known brands, no phone settings or pre-registration required, single SMS. Investment in scanner devices required if existing units cannot be used. Sweden, Europe, worldwide
Liquid Barcodes Barcode. (SMS, MMS, WAP, NOKIA SMART, EMS). Airline Tickets / 2D Barcode Off-the shelf barcode scanner Remote or local server World wide delivery, secure, visual ID included, optimised 1D and 2D barcodes tailored to the mobile to ensure successful scanning - Norway
Masabi Dedicated mobile application, usually Java Platform, Micro Edition
Java Platform, Micro Edition
Java Platform, Micro Edition, or Java ME, is a Java platform designed for embedded systems . Target devices range from industrial controls to mobile phones and set-top boxes...

, barcode tickets delivered via encrypted SMS or GPRS
Any 2D barcode scanner, including using other mobile phones as the inspection device Encrypted barcode contents enable off-line validation without synchronising ticket databases onto the local scanner, or on-line validation. Secure ticket purchase and delivery from the mobile, without any sign-up process or passwords. More reliable barcode scanning because of full-screen rendering of the barcode. Barcodes delivered in a single SMS. Mobile application must be installed on phone by the user or the operator United Kingdom, Worldwide deployments
Micket Mobile Ticket Barcode-based SMS, MMS. Encrypted/Plain text QR code. Handheld QR code scanners. Remote or local server. Integration with Facebook, Twitter. Secure and Encrypted, Mobile and Event Ticketing Solutions Rental of or Investment for scanner devices. Worldwide
MBO Barcode-based SMS, MMS, WAP. Keyword Text-In/Push/WAP Purchase/Secure Interfaces Off the shelf image scanner / visually Remote or local server Secure, live voucher, integrated marketing services, fraud prevention, API integration into existing systems Investment for scanner devices.
Mobimatics Barcode SMS 1D, 2D M-Scan Validator 1D, 2D barcodes on mobiles Caching GPRS manifest downloads stored on local devices. Removal of human visual validation, total fraud prevention. Investment for scanner devices.
Mobiqa Barcode-based SMS, WAP Push or MMS. Off-the shelf barcode scanner. Remote or local server. Secure, wide-reach, visual ID included, optimised barcode tailored to the mobile to ensure successful scanning - Worldwide
Moo! Mobile Technology Barcode-based SMS, EMS, Nokia Smart, WAP Push or MMS 2D barcode scanner Remote or local server Integrated branding and marketing solution. Worldwide delivery. API available. Secure. Phone model required Netherlands, Worldwide
MogoTix QR code-based ticket delivered through SMS Validated using MogoTix iPhone or Android apps Remote or local server Self-service ticketing; event organizers can sign up to quickly sell mobile tickets to events iPhone or Android phone required to scan tickets Worldwide
NTT DoCoMo
NTT DoCoMo
is the predominant mobile phone operator in Japan. The name is officially an abbreviation of the phrase, "do communications over the mobile network", and is also from a compound word dokomo, meaning "everywhere" in Japanese. Docomo provides phone, video phone , i-mode , and mail services...

 (Osaifu-Keitai
Osaifu-Keitai
, literally meaning "Wallet Mobile", is a trademark of NTT DoCoMo, which developed the system. It refers to mobile phones that integrate Sony's Mobile FeliCa ICs, as well as to services provided by applications on these phones....

)
Online purchase, downloaded to RFID chip (Mobile FeliCa
FeliCa
FeliCa is a contactless RFID smart card system from Sony in Japan, primarily used in electronic money cards. The name stands for Felicity Card...

)
RFID reader (PaSoRi) Online lookup Secure RFID system without visual scanning. Not usable for non-compliant phones. Credit card registration needed. Still often uses paper ticket for confirmation.
Plusdial SMS text message (one SMS is enough, no need for e.g. binary SMS to carry bar codes) Visually (naked eye) or validators reading textual content Remote or local server. Patented control code system for visual validation, tested with 2 optional scanner/validator systems. Operated since 2001 with over 60 million tickets sold. No investment needed when using visual checking. As textual SMS used, system works in all mobile phone models without registration or even data settings requirements. Fixed and handheld scanners available; even an Android smart phone with camera and downloadable software can be used as handheld validator. Investment for scanners needed (but only if automatic validation is required). Worldwide
ScreenTicket SMS with link delivered to web based mobile tickets and coupons, all options available PCT patent pending On Device Verification® and dynamic elements on tickets and coupons. No scanners needed Remote server, data necessary On Device Verification®, global delivery, easy integration of API, fast setup, secure solutions None Global, based out of Denmark
ShowClix Ticketing LLC Delivers tickets via SMS text message Off-the shelf image scanner Remote server Rental of or investment for scanner devices - United States
Sincoda Limited 2D barcode creation, delivery and redemption. Content sent via WAP and embedded email 2D barcode, NFC or RFID via Sincoda terminal, optional printer dock. Customised version for car parks Online lookup via GPRS or WiFi, local database or custom integration Open system - can integrate with any coupon/ticket/loyalty programme. Secure RFID/NFC reader with dual SAM slots. Read paper and mobile barcodes. United Kingdom
Skycore LLC 2D barcode creation, delivery, authentication and redemption. Content sent via SMS/WAP Push, MMS and Email. Off-the-shelf 2D scanners and/or smart phones authenticated to scan/read 2D barcodes. Local or Remote Server. Cross carrier (US), end-to-end, enterprise solution; MMS specialist. API option. Investment in traditional 2D scanners or smart phones. USA. Scalable worldwide with connectivity.
Smartmachine 2D-Barcode-based SMS, WAP Push, MMS, 2D-Barcode via Mail to BlackBerry/PDA, NFC. CCD-camera based barcode scanner, attached to an access control reader or built into a kiosk. Online or local. Secure, strong device support, integration with ticketing, CRM and access management solutions. Rental of or investment for scanners needed. Worldwide
Timoco Barcode-based SMS, WAP Push or MMS. Off-the shelf barcode scanner, custom built barcode scanners (1D, 2D) Remote or local server. Secure, wide-reach, visual ID included. Rental of or investment for scanners needed. Western Europe
Trinity Mobile Limited Barcode (SMS, MMS, WAP, NOKIA, EMS). Keyword Text-In/Push/WAP Purchase/Secure Interfaces Barcode reader, PDA or Kiosk Online lookup, local server or trickle fed PDA database. Wifi and GPRS Removal of human visual validation, unique one time use codes, total fraud prevention. Free software Investment for scanner devices.
tyntec Barcode. (SMS, MMS, WAP, NOKIA SMART, EMS). Airline Tickets / 2D Barcode Any 2D barcode scanner Online, remote or local. Secure. Worldwide availability. Highest privacy protection through end-to-end control over the entire GSM delivery path. Strong device support. Strategic partnership with IATA for mobile boarding passes. Investment for scanner devices. Worldwide
Pyrumas Software Pvt. Ltd Barcode. (SMS, MMS, WAP, NOKIA SMART, EMS). Airline Tickets / 2D Barcode Any 2D barcode scanner Online, remote or local. Secure. Indian Connectivity. Highest privacy protection through end-to-end control over the entire GSM delivery path. Strong device support. Investment for scanner devices. India , Bangalore,Chamrajpet.
Unwire SMS, smartphone apps and mobile web Visual, code lookup and imager/camera-based scanners Online, remote or local No sign-up needed, multiple payment methods, strong device support, highly flexible ticket product types Investment for scanner devices Europe
Wayin Solutions 1D and 2D Barcode-based message (SMS,MMS, EMS, WAP and EMAIL(Optional for Smartphones). Off-the shelf, custom built barcode scanners (1D , 2D) Remote or local server Secure, live voucher, integrated marketing services, fraud prevention, API integration into existing systems, rental of scanner units available (South Africa Only) Investment for scanner devices. South Africa
WapOneline SMS, WAP & Mobile Web Interfaces Premium and Standard Rate SMS Connections to 30+ Carriers Purchase Conf# or Barcode delivered to handset World wide delivery possible, secure & customizable Investment required for customization and messaging service Offices: Finland, USA, Latin America
www.mTicket.co Text base SMS 100% compatible with all mobile handsets. No need additional software to install on the phone. Handheld units IPhone, Android, Motorola , Ikôn. Smart camera image scanner. Remote or local server validation, WiFi, 3G. Easy integration of api. White label solution. No phone settings or pre-registration required,only SMS.Secure,strong and reliable device support . Need to buy IPhone, Android, Ikôn, Motorola . EU base and soon Worldwide Partner. DataTEK Group, Inc. - Romania.
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