Simple Sensors Used for Measuring Service Times and Counting Pedestrians

Abstract

Sensors composed of light barriers and switching mats are used to continuously measure service times at security and border checkpoints in an airport setting. The service times in combination with the number of service checkpoints operating in parallel determine the passenger flow. Checkpoints are a major bottleneck at airports and hence determine the capacity of the whole airport system. The results show that at the considered locations both light barriers and switching mats after initial calibration are able to provide continuous information of acceptable accuracy on the distribution of service times. In addition, the technology can be used to inexpensively measure the flow of passengers with reasonable accuracy compared with other pedestrian counting technologies. As such it provides valuable input to the airport operations management.