Projector-Based Passenger Boarding Layouts to Reduce Gate Bottlenecks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for organizing and directing people, such as boarding a plane, often result in long waiting times and bottlenecks due to first-come, first-served or seat number-based methods, requiring human intervention for reorganization and lacking flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a database connected to a projector that projects seating plans on a floor surface, allowing real-time updates based on input criteria, such as sensor inputs or manual changes, to efficiently guide passengers to their seats, reducing waiting times and eliminating bottlenecks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If first-come, first-served or seat number-based methods are used for boarding, then passengers can board in an organized manner, but long waiting times and bottlenecks occur at the gate
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by projecting seating plans and assigned positions on the floor before passengers reach the gate. Passengers are directed to stand in their pre-assigned positions based on their seat numbers or preferences, allowing the boarding process to be pre-organized and eliminating the need for last-minute shuffling and waiting at the gate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates a visual copy of the seating plan and assigned positions projected onto the floor surface. This projected image serves as a guide for passengers to understand their assigned positions and the overall boarding arrangement, replacing the need for physical signs or manual direction and enabling faster, more organized boarding.
2Ease of operation
If permanent markings or secondary signage are used to form lines for boarding, then passengers can be directed to specific locations, but the system is not easily moved or modifiable
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces mechanical physical markings and permanent signage with a projection-based visual guidance system. The projector displays seating plans and directional information on the floor surface, allowing the system to be easily repositioned, reconfigured, or modified without physical relocation of signs or markings, thereby enhancing both directionality and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces dynamic adaptability by allowing the projected seating plans and directional guides to be updated in real-time based on changing boarding requirements, passenger flow conditions, or aircraft configuration changes. This dynamic projection system can adapt to various scenarios without requiring physical reconfiguration of markings or signs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If human intervention is required to reorganize passengers within the pre-boarding zone, then seating changes can be managed, but additional time and resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by providing passengers with visual guidance through projected seating plans and assigned positions. Passengers can independently locate their designated spots and understand the boarding arrangement without requiring constant human assistance for reorganization, thereby reducing the time and resources needed for manual intervention while maintaining adaptability to seating changes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for organizing and directing people from a first location to a second location is provided. The system includes a database operably connected to a projector that is mounted to an overhead location at the first location. The projector is easily moved and can display an image on the floor surface of the first location, which includes a marking indicating the desired arrangement of the second location. An interface is operably connected to the database, which automatically updates the arrangement to a second arrangement based on a plurality of input criteria, such as a predetermined time interval, motion sensor detection, change in seating arrangement, overcrowding or high traffic areas, changes to the second location, and the like. The database can be updated in real time to allow the system to selectively direct a flow of people to the second location.