Tech Bytes

March 10, 2010

Baggage Solution

• Baggage Tracking System. ARINC Incorporated and Aviation Software, Inc. (ASI) have announced the successful launch of a real-time baggage tracking system for interline baggage at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The new tracking system combines GPS and airline data to report actual locations of interline bags in real time — the first scanning tracking system in the U.S. with this capability. The technology is based on ASI’s commercial BagTrakTM software, with collaborative assistance provided by Aero Port Services (APS). ARINC is ASI’s preferred network integrator and provides required baggage service data via its global aviation network; as many as 43 airlines are expected to use the system.

Boarding Technology

• SMS Boarding Passes. Qantas Airways Ltd. will begin the planned introduction of boarding passes and boarding codes being sent to mobile phones via a standard SMS text message in 2010 as it aims to improve customer service. The system was trialed on Jetstar’s Sydney to Melbourne flights from late February, before a rollout across all domestic routes later in the year.

Digital Signage

• VUKUNET. Backed by NEC Display Solutions, VUKUNET allows airports to register their inventory of LCD screens that have available advertising space so that advertisers can easily find those screens and place ads. Once the airport approves the content, the system is largely automated and runs with little administrative effort. NEC says this initiative will deliver more advertising revenue to airports with less effort, and even the integrators who did the installation are eligible for a portion of the advertising revenue, according to a company spokesman; www.vukunet.com.

Network innovations

• Airport Television. The Missoula International Airport (MSO) is the first airport in Montana to deploy ProDIGIQ’s Airport Television Network. ProDIGIQ’s Airport TV Network shows destination-based and demographically relevant information to passengers waiting to board their flights at the airport departure gates. The content is shown in real-time on 52-inch high definition widescreen TVs with audio. The TV Network features destination-specific attractions, events and weather, breaking news, business headlines, and sports news; www.prodigiq.com.

Security

• Liquid Scanner. Designed to meet the challenges of screening bottled liquids in the environment of airport security checkpoints, ICx’s Fido ClearPoint rapidly and accurately identifies suspicious liquids through their containers, according to the company. The design makes it easy for containers of various sizes and shapes to be efficiently sampled without having to open them. The technology is optimized to reduce false alarm rates and provide prompt, accurate identification of any suspicious liquids that might be a threat to passenger safety; www.icxt.com.

• Video Imaging. Iscon Video Imaging introduces new airport passenger scanners with a patented Thermal-Boosted Infrared Detection System that only shows objects and clothing without any harmful radiation. The patented, proprietary Iscon system is being introduced in two configurations. The whole body scanner portal, Iscon 1000D, is less expensive than other systems and takes up less space at cramped security check-in areas; a complete scan and detection takes 30 seconds. Iscon also introduces a portable system called “GamechangeIR”, a hand-held device using the same technology for more selective scanning applications; www.isconimaging.com.

• Symmetry Security. The Myrtle Beach International Airport has replaced its legacy security system with AMAG Technology’s Symmetry Enterprise Security Management System (SMS)intelligent field hardware and smart card readers with bi-directional encryption. Based on scalability, ease of use and operation, and the lower cost of maintaining the system, airport officials chose AMAG’s system, says a press release. The airport replaced its analogue video system with a digital system that was seamlessly integrated to Symmetry at a high level through the software. The IP security solution is one of the first all-digital security systems in the Southeastern United States; www.amag.com.

• Video Analytics. Vicon Industries Inc., a designer and producer of integrated IP video surveillance and access control systems, and SimplexGrinnell, a supplier of fire and life-safety systems, have recently completed installation of an integrated video security system at Fairbanks International Airport. The system combines a ViconNet video management system with ViconNet VI video intelligence and access control capabilities from Software House to create a fully integrated, IP-based solution that spans the entire airport; www.simplexgrinnell.com.

• Video Tracking. The Proximex airport security solution centers on Proximex Surveillint, and features an updated version of its EZ Track module, a patent-pending video investigation solution that tracks suspects across multiple cameras. EZ Track now offers video tracking reports and video clip exporting capabilities; www.proximex.com.