INTEGRATION OF POSITION SENSOR WITH RF READER

摘要

Embodiments of the invention integrate a contactless media reader with sensors to detect that an object is within the contactless media reader operating field and optionally detect the position, orientation and speed of the object as it approaches the contactless media reader. The object can be, for example, a contactless fare media such as a contactless smartcard, a personal processing device such as a smart phone, personal computer, tablet computer or the like, or the user's hand, one or more fingers, or both. Embodiments may use one or more distance/position sensors to determine the position of the contactless fare media relative to the contactless media reader. Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention enhance contactless media reader performance by adding user interaction capabilities and providing feedback to the contactless fare media user.

主权项

1. A method of integrating contactless media readers with sensors for completing data transactions with contactless media, the method comprising:
detecting a contactless media by:
emitting a first pulse, by a first sensor, at a first emit time, wherein the first sensor is at a first location in the central region of a contactless media reader; anddetecting, by the first sensor, a first returned pulse at a first detect time; in response to the detecting the contactless media:
receiving a first indicator of a first distance from the first sensor, wherein the first distance is generated from the first emit time and the first detect time, and wherein the first distance comprises a detected distance from the contactless media to the first sensor; anddetermining the first distance is less than or equal to a first threshold; and beginning a data transaction between the contactless reader and the contactless media.