Automated Kiosk for Energy Sector Passenger Processing
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of automated passenger and cargo processing kiosks in heliports, marine ports, and other energy sector facilities, which hampers efficiency and security in the energy sector's transportation operations.
Innovation Solution
An automated kiosk system that provides self-service check-in and boarding services, integrating photo capture, weight measurement, biometric verification, and database checks for passengers and cargo, with additional features like TWIC card reading and security alerts for energy sector-specific requirements, enabling efficient and secure processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated kiosks are implemented in energy sector transportation ports, then processing efficiency and security are improved, but device complexity and initial cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The kiosk integrates multiple functions including photo capture, weight measurement, biometric verification, database checks, and boarding pass issuance into a single multi-functional device. This allows the system to perform passenger processing, cargo tracking, security verification, and employee identification through one unified interface, improving productivity while managing complexity through functional integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service check-in where passengers can independently complete registration, upload photos, check baggage weights, verify credentials, and receive boarding passes without manual intervention. This automated self-service approach significantly increases processing efficiency and reduces the need for manual labor at transportation ports.
2Reliability
If multiple verification functions (biometric, database, TWIC card) are integrated, then security is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs database checks, biometric verification, and credential validation in parallel during the check-in process rather than sequentially. By initiating multiple verification functions simultaneously and pre-loading necessary data, the system maintains high security standards while minimizing the time passengers spend at the kiosk.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual verification processes are replaced with automated biometric recognition systems, RFID readers for TWIC cards, and electronic database cross-referencing. These electronic substitution methods provide more reliable security verification while reducing processing time compared to traditional manual checking methods.
3Productivity
If self-service automation is implemented, then labor costs are reduced, but ease of operation for passengers decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides an employee monitoring station that acts as an intermediary between the automated kiosk and passengers. This station allows staff to observe the kiosk screen, assist passengers with technical issues, override automated decisions when necessary, and provide human support while maintaining the efficiency benefits of automation. This hybrid approach preserves ease of operation while achieving labor efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated kiosk and related apparatus provide check-in and boarding services to energy sector passengers, such as helicopter passengers. Preferably, the kiosk and related apparatus can take and store a picture of the passenger, calculate and/or measure the weight of the passenger and the passenger's luggage, print luggage tags and boarding printouts, check third parties' databases (such as a no-fly list (NFL)) for approval for the passenger's flight and can transmit data to another location (server, third party employer, pilot).