Biometric Boarding Gate Support for Higher Airport Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional systems do not support passenger procedures at the boarding gate effectively, limiting throughput improvements in airports.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that acquires biometric information from passengers waiting to board, specifies boarding reservation information, and outputs support information for procedures at the boarding gate using this data.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If face authentication is implemented at multiple checkpoints, then throughput is improved, but boarding gate procedure support is not provided

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairport throughputVSAvoidboarding gate procedure support

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The information processing apparatus is designed to perform multiple functions: it not only conducts face authentication for throughput improvement but also provides boarding gate procedure support by displaying reservation information and guiding passengers through necessary procedures. This multi-functional design resolves the contradiction by making the same system adaptable to different operational needs at various checkpoints including the boarding gate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its functionality based on the checkpoint location and passenger needs. At the boarding gate, it transitions from simple authentication to providing comprehensive procedure support including reservation information display and procedural guidance, thereby achieving both throughput improvement and procedure support.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If biometric information is acquired and processed, then procedure efficiency is improved, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprocedure efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically acquires biometric information, identifies passengers, retrieves reservation information, and displays relevant procedure details without requiring manual intervention. This self-service approach improves procedure efficiency while managing complexity through automation rather than manual processes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual procedure checking and information provision are replaced with automated biometric recognition and information processing systems. The mechanical/manual processes of verifying reservations and providing guidance are substituted with electronic biometric matching and automated information display, improving efficiency while containing complexity through standardized technological solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS20250348799A1Information processing apparatus, information processing method, and storage medium

Publication Date: 2025.11.13 NEC CORP

AI summary

An information processing apparatus in the present invention includes: an acquisition unit that acquires, from a captured image obtained by capturing a passenger who is boarding on an airplane and has not yet passed through a boarding gate corresponding to the airplane, biometric information of the passenger; a specifying unit that specifies boarding reservation information regarding the boarding by using the acquired biometric information; and an output unit that outputs information used for supporting a procedure of the passenger at the boarding gate based on the specified boarding reservation information.