Silver Social Design · 2023
Jinaga Subway Pass
by Junsoo Choi, Sungmin Kim and Ara Shin - IDW
- A' Design Award 2023 Silver Winner in Social Design
- Awarded April 15, 2023
- CLIENT: Garin Co. Ltd.
- Estimated Number of Design Views: 1,227,062
- Verification code B3989BDFE9 · Verify this award
About Jinaga Subway Pass
Jinaga is a contactless subway pass system created for passengers with disabilities and for elderly passengers. The system consists of a small key fob, worn as a necklace, and a module attached to the ticket gate. The gate opens automatically when a passenger carrying the key fob passes through, so card tagging is not needed. Recognition uses low frequency and radio frequency signals, in the manner of a car smart key, which limits reading errors. The attachable module upgrades a regular ticket gate to a smart pass gate, and passenger information is sent to the station office.
Press Kit
- Unique Properties
- The system allows people with disabilities to pass through subway ticket gates without a card tag.
With only a small keyfob in hand, the blocked door opens automatically when passing through the ticket gate.
The system recognizes it without malfunction in the way of a car smart key.
Currently, this system is being implemented on the subway in the city of Daejeon, South Korea.
Easily upgrade regular ticket gates to smart pass ticket gates with attachable system modules. - Dimensions & Packaging
- -Key Fob : 37*62.6*12mm
-System Module Front : 173*167.2*41.3mm
-System Module Back : 173*16732*42.5mm - Tags
- Subway, Smart, Pass, Service, Comfortable, Product, socialdesign
- Production Technology
- The key fob contains the PCB with the LF/RF signal attached, and the system module contains the LF/RF signal, mini PC for data processing, and the PCB with the antenna attached. The production of the product is manufactured by plastic injection through a mold and is produced by spray painting. Key Fob is shipped in the form of a necklace with a necklace line added.
- Design Challenge
- When passing through the subway ticket gate, there are frequent recognition errors when using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. in the part where people must be recognized. I thought about applying it to the high-pass system. So, we combined technology and design with a smart key manufacturer to create a subway high-pass system.
- Project Duration
- - Starting from the Daejeon Subway Corporation in August 2022, the Garin System worked and IDW designed and installed it at Daejeon Station in December 2022 to distribute and use it to the disabled.
- Operation Flow
- Since the key fob and system module are equipped with LF/RF type modules, when a person possessing the key fob passes through the ticket gate, the system module recognizes the key fob signal and enters the station office through the mini PC for data processing in the system module. Information is transmitted to recognize passers-by, and the ticket gate opens automatically, enabling quick and convenient entry and exit without having to swipe a card.
- Research
- We developed a smart ticket gate pass system to solve the inconvenience of people with transportation disabilities having to take a card and pass through when using the subway.
The subway pass system was built using the interaction technology between the smart key and the car, and the product was completed by requesting technology and design.
The technology was created by Garin System and the design was made by IDW, and it was applied to some subways in Korea from December 2022. - Inspiration
- It seemed very inconvenient and dangerous for the disabled and the elderly to enter or exit by tagging their cards at the subway ticket gate.
So, I thought of improving it so that you can pass through the turnstile easily by carrying a personal device without the inconvenient operation of tagging the card.
Currently, the service is for the disabled in the initial stage, but we plan to expand it so that the general public can use it conveniently in the future. - Image Credits
- Copyright @ Garin Co. Ltd. (Client)
Designed by Infinite Design Works. (Design Agency) - Patents
- 30-2022-0043900 / Smart Pass wireless device for subway /Garin System
30-2022-0043899 / Smart pass module for subway / Garin System
Colors of Jinaga Subway Pass
Get Jinaga Subway Pass
Grand Interview about Jinaga Subway Pass
It seems very inconvenient and even dangerous for people with disabilities and the elderly to enter or exit the subway by tagging their cards at the ticket gate.For those without mobility challenges, tagging a card and passing through the gate may not be an issue. However, for some individuals, this process can be cumbersome and difficult.In fact, many people with disabilities have expressed their frustration and discomfort with the system.
This system can be activated by attaching an additional module to the existing ticket gate, eliminating the need for a full replacement.Additionally, all information, including subway fare calculations, is transmitted to the control room through the system.This helps prevent unauthorized rides and ensures that those in need of transportation assistance receive accurate and reliable services.
The system is designed for the future of subway transit.Users can pass through the ticket gate seamlessly without needing to take any action, such as tagging a card, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.This not only saves valuable time during busy commute hours but also improves the overall quality of life by enhancing the flow of movement.
The turnstiles in subway stations vary in design depending on the year they were built.To ensure compatibility, the devices must collect information on the shape of the turnstiles at each station so they can seamlessly integrate with different designs.The devices are designed in a universal form to blend in with various turnstiles without looking out of place. Additionally, the design prevents confusion during installation by making it easy to distinguish the front and back, while also allowing for convenient maintenance.To further enhance usability, a recognizable light or sound has been added to indicate passage through the turnstile.
It needed to be designed to be lightweight and compact so that users with disabilities could wear and use it with ease.A necklace-type tag was considered to accommodate users who have difficulty using their hands, allowing for more convenient access.The focus was on optimizing the detection range of LF/RF technology to ensure comfortable and effortless scanning. Additionally, since multiple RF signals can interfere with each other at subway gates, signal filtering technology was implemented to prevent malfunctions.Given the limited battery capacity of wearable devices, the goal was to maximize usability by utilizing low-power RFID or NFC technology, ensuring long-lasting operation.
When detecting a person carrying the device while passing through a subway gate, frequent recognition errors occurred when using Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and similar technologies. As a result, we sought an alternative solution.Garin System, a smart car key manufacturer, inspired us to apply a system similar to how a smart key accurately and automatically recognizes a car owner's approach.By collaborating with Garin System, we combined advanced technology and design to develop an efficient and reliable subway Hi-Pass system.
The system is designed for the future of subway transit.Users can pass through the ticket gate seamlessly without needing to take any action, such as tagging a card, ensuring a smoother and more efficient experience.This not only saves valuable time during busy commute hours but also improves overall quality of life by enhancing the flow of movement.
The device needed to be small enough to be easily held with one hand, and the rounded corners were designed to provide a comfortable feel. The surface finish and material (anti-slip) were selected with consideration of the hand size and strength of various users.Through a user-centered design process, the Hi-pass device, measuring 37 × 62.6 × 12 mm, was created with a balanced combination of portability, ease of use, durability, and signal sensitivity. This design ensures maximum accessibility, allowing subway users—especially those with disabilities and the elderly—to use it with ease and convenience.
Since the system was implemented, there have been no issues. It is currently in its initial stages and is focused on serving people with disabilities, but it will be expanded in the future to provide convenient access for the general public as well.
The subway in Korea is managed by different companies in each region. For example, large cities such as Seoul, Busan, and Daegu have different companies managing their subways.Fortunately, the fare systems of the subway gates of these different companies are all unified, so you can use the ticket card you used in Seoul in Busan.Separately from the unified fare system, when it comes to the Jinaga Pass device, each regional operator wants a unique design. Accordingly, each regional subway company is applying unique designs to meet the needs of customers for diversity. Subway users will be able to enjoy a different kind of fun by seeing the unique Jinaga Pass devices in each region.