Mobile Airport Kiosk Deployment for Queue and Congestion Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Airports face increased congestion and inefficiencies due to rising passenger volumes, leading to delays and additional costs, particularly in unexpected situations like bad weather or maintenance issues, as existing systems lack effective resource management to adapt quickly to changing conditions.
Innovation Solution
A mobile drive apparatus and resource management system that includes a wireless communication module and control means to dynamically move interactive kiosks within the airport, allowing for rapid deployment to areas of need based on data analysis from various sources, such as departure control systems, to optimize resource allocation and reduce congestion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed interactive kiosks are deployed throughout the airport, then passenger service coverage is improved, but device complexity and operational flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms static kiosks into mobile robots that can dynamically reposition themselves based on real-time passenger flow data and operational needs. The mobile drive apparatus enables continuous movement and relocation of service resources, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile kiosk system autonomously monitors its own deployment effectiveness through sensors and communication modules, automatically relocating to areas with higher passenger demand. The system self-manages its positioning and resource allocation without requiring manual reconfiguration by airport staff.
2Productivity
If manual repositioning of kiosks is performed, then resource allocation can be adjusted, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical repositioning with an automated mobile drive apparatus that uses electric motors and navigation systems. This substitution eliminates the time-consuming process of manually moving heavy kiosk units, enabling rapid deployment to new locations in response to changing operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively positions mobile kiosks in anticipated high-demand areas before passenger surges occur, using predictive analytics based on flight schedules and historical data. This preliminary positioning prevents congestion and reduces response time when actual demand arises.
3Reliability
If more staff are deployed to manage passengers, then service quality is improved, but operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates virtual copies of human agent functions through the mobile kiosk system, which provides check-in, information, and assistance services that previously required human staff. These automated agents can serve multiple passengers simultaneously, maintaining service quality while reducing the need for additional human workers.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile kiosk system performs multiple functions including check-in, boarding pass printing, flight information display, and passenger assistance, replacing what would otherwise require multiple specialized staff members. This multi-functionality reduces overall operational costs while maintaining comprehensive service coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile drive apparatus (1001) for use at a transport hub, having: a drive means configured to drive the apparatus (1001) from a first location (401) to a second location (402) within the hub; a wireless communication module configured to form a wireless communications link with a resource management system (301), and receive command instructions from the resource management system (301); and a control means coupled to the drive means and coupled to the wireless communication module. The control means is configured to control the drive means to move the apparatus (1001) from a first location (401) to a second location (402) within the transport hub, in response to receiving a command instruction from the resource management system (301) via the wireless communication module.