Touch-Free Check-In Kiosk Conversion via Mobile Wireless Interaction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Contactless check-in systems face challenges such as being tailored for specific airlines, requiring special applications, high user concentration, and costly hardware and software updates, which increase passenger time and operational costs.

Innovation Solution

A contact-less check-in system utilizing a user's device for interaction via wireless IEEE 802 protocols and infrared communication, enabling touch-free operation by converting legacy kiosks with software and hardware updates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If contactless check-in systems are implemented, then virus spread is reduced, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevirus spreadVSAvoidhardware and software updates
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal contactless check-in system that can interface with multiple airline kiosks through a single mobile application. The system uses standardized communication protocols (IEEE 802) and infrared signals to achieve multi-functionality across different airline platforms, eliminating the need for airline-specific applications and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mobile device acts as an intermediary between the user and the check-in kiosk. Instead of direct contact with the kiosk interface, the user interacts with their own device, which then communicates with the kiosk through wireless protocols and infrared signals. This intermediary approach eliminates virus transmission risks while maintaining system compatibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If head-sensing kiosks are used, then contactless operation is achieved, but user interaction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperson-to-person contactVSAvoiduser interaction time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to perform check-in operations through their own mobile devices without requiring the kiosk to sense or track the user's head movements. The mobile device's camera and sensors handle authentication and interaction, allowing users to complete check-in more quickly and autonomously without the patience and concentration demands of head-sensing systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If airline-specific applications are required, then kiosk functionality is optimized, but adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvekiosk functionalityVSAvoidmulti-airline compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal mobile application that can communicate with multiple airline kiosks through standardized protocols. The system uses IEEE 802 wireless communication and infrared signals to achieve compatibility across different airline platforms, eliminating the need for separate airline-specific applications while maintaining reliable kiosk functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the communication parameters from airline-specific proprietary protocols to standardized IEEE 802 wireless protocols and infrared signals. This parameter change enables the mobile device to communicate with different airline kiosks by adjusting communication settings rather than requiring different applications, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates seamless interaction with multiple airlines' kiosks using a single application, reduces user interaction time, and minimizes hardware and software upgrade costs.

Implementation Method 1

A contact-less check-in system utilizes a user's device for interaction via wireless IEEE 802 protocols and infrared communication

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInfrared communication: Infrared Radiation

Data Source

PatentEP4029790B1Touch-free check-in kiosk
Publication Date: 2025.07.09 ARINC INC
  • EP4029790B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4029790B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4029790B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A contact-less check-in system is disclosed. The system includes a kiosk (104) that includes a housing (108), a display (112), and a communication module (120). The system further includes one or more processors (204) and a memory (208) with instructions stored within instructing the kiosk to receive input signals from a user device, transmit display signals to the display based on the input signals, and perform one or more business functions based on the input signals. The communication module may be configured to communicate with the user device via IEEE 802 protocols or infrared signals. A method to convert a contact-required check-in system to a contact-less check-in system in also disclosed.