Short range wireless translation methods and systems for hands-free fare validation

A controller unit comprising:

• an interface unit operable to perform the following:
• receive a notification that a user has entered a fare validation zone at a transit station, and
• receive electronic ticket information from a mobile device carried by the user over a Bluetooth interface;
• a memory for storing program instructions and the electronic ticket information;
• and
• a processor coupled to the interface unit and to the memory, wherein the processor is operable to execute the program instructions, which, when executed by the processor, cause the controller unit to perform the following to facilitate hands-free fare validation when the user carrying the mobile device approaches the fare validation zone:
• identify the mobile device carried by the user based on signals received from the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface,
• send the electronic ticket information received from the mobile device to an entry control gate at the transit station using the interface unit;
• receive, via the interface unit, a confirmation message from the entry control gate indicating that the electronic ticket sent by the controller unit is a valid ticket;
• determine that the electronic ticket is valid for transit, and
• send a ticket acceptance response to the mobile device over the Bluetooth interface using the interface unit, thereby informing the user of the mobile device to continue towards an entry gate at the transit station in a hands-free manner.