How JFK Is Using Real-Time Data Screens At TSA Screening

August 24, 2015 by Dave Haynes

Checkpoint-JFK

Via TechCrunch

Here’s another great example of the possibilities for using real-time data to drive screen content and make something faster, better or easier.

In this case, the faster, better and easier has to do with TSA screening at airports. This tech won’t really achieve any of those three, but it will at least make things theoretically better because travellers will know what they are up against.

TechCrunch is reporting how a company called BLIP Systems is using sensors to sniff for WiFi and Bluetooth smartphones in the screening area, collecting anonymous MAC addresses to generate estimates of how long it’s going to take to get through airport screening procedures.

It’s akin to seeing signs on busy freeways that estimate it will take 18 minutes to get from one major crossroads to another.

In both cases, computer algorithms are collecting and analyzing real-time data to spit out estimates.

Queue-Prediction-at-Security

The system is being used at New York’s JFK airport.

Reports TechCrunch:

The CEO of the company that runs JFK’s most clogged terminals, Gert-Jan de Graaff of JFKIAT, had this to say about the technology:

We’re probably reaching 19.5 million passengers this year in total. It’s a big operation, which is why we’re introducing innovations to enhance the operations of the building. This new system will help us manage and eliminate problem spots within the facility, and sharing the processing time with our travelers will provide them with peace of mind so they may continue to expect a pleasant travel experience. Additionally, data from travelers’ phones could eventually influence future airport design.

BLIP Systems is also tracking wait times in Cincinnati, Toronto (have so far missed that), Dublin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Manchester, Dubai, Auckland, Oslo, Helsinki, Milano, Brussels, and Copenhagen airports.

Real-time data is a big topic at DSrupted, and LivePoster’s Martin Porter will talk about how that tech is being applied to OOH advertising.

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