Enhancing eGate Standards

The aviation industry has always been at the forefront of adopting new technology. From crucial security measures, such as luggage scanning, to enhancing passenger experiences with onboard Wi-Fi, the aviation sector consistently leverages technology to improve security and efficiency.

One notable area of focus is the introduction of automated entry gates for arrivals, commonly referred to as eGates. These systems are designed to reduce the manpower needed to perform necessary immigration checks for arriving passengers. By automating the passport control process through advanced technologies such as facial recognition, eGate systems enhance border security while streamlining passenger flow, preventing crowding and long waits, and reducing reliance on human resources.

A systems integrator specialising in the development of eGates required an embedded computer for a new project aimed at advancing these automated systems. This embedded computer needed to meet several critical demands, ensuring it could handle the specific requirements of eGate operations while maintaining high performance, reliability, and efficiency.

The complexity of the client’s proposed eGate architecture presented numerous challenges in procuring its key components, particularly the embedded hardware, considering the small dimensions of the application’s housing.

Compact and Robust Design

Given the limited space within eGate systems, the embedded computer required a compact design to fit seamlessly within the existing infrastructure. Additionally, it needed to be robust enough to withstand the rigorous operating conditions of an airport environment, which can include fluctuations in temperature, dust, and continuous operation.

Performance and Reliability

The embedded computer needed to be capable of high-performance computing to process the substantial amount of data involved in eGate operations. This includes real-time processing of facial recognition algorithms, passport data verification, and integration with airport security databases. Reliability was paramount, as any failure could lead to significant disruptions in passenger flow and compromise security. Moreover, the system needed adequate processing capability to manage not only the data from these peripheral sources but also to provide a platform for the client’s AI inferencing software to run.

Connectivity and Integration

The computer had to support various connectivity options to integrate with multiple peripherals and systems. This included cameras for facial recognition, passport readers, and communication interfaces with airport security systems. The ability to support Ethernet, USB, and possibly wireless connections was crucial for seamless data transfer and system coordination.

Low Power Consumption

Airports operate on a 24/7 basis, making energy efficiency a significant concern. The embedded computer needed to have low power consumption to minimise operational costs and reduce environmental impact. This requirement also aligned with the industry’s push towards more sustainable practices.

Fanless Operation

For hygiene and maintenance reasons, a fanless design was preferred. A fanless embedded computer would minimise the circulation of dust and pathogens, reduce noise, and require less maintenance due to the absence of moving parts. This design also contributed to the overall reliability and longevity of the system.

The customer selected the BOXER-6646-ADP from AAEON’s Box PC range to power their eGate application. With dimensions of just 220mm x 154mm x 61.6mm and a fanless design, the BOXER-6646-ADP seamlessly integrated into the limited deployment space. Its support for both 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors provided ample computing capacity to handle high-intensity workloads while maintaining power efficiency.

Compact and Fanless Design

The compact size of the BOXER-6646-ADP, measuring only 220mm x 154mm x 61.6mm, was crucial for fitting within the confined spaces of eGate systems. This allowed for seamless installation without the need for extensive modifications. The fanless design enhanced reliability by eliminating moving parts that could fail and reduced maintenance needs. Additionally, it minimised the circulation of dust and pathogens, crucial for maintaining hygiene in busy airport environments.

Powerful Computing with Intel® Core™ Processors

Equipped with 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors, the BOXER-6646-ADP delivered robust performance. This computing power is essential for processing the substantial data involved in eGate operations, such as real-time facial recognition and passport verification. The processors ensure smooth, efficient operations, reducing passenger wait times and enhancing overall security.

Peripheral Device Support

The BOXER-6646-ADP excells in peripheral device support, critical for the eGate application. The system features two HDMI ports, accommodating both primary and secondary display screens, providing clear, real-time information to passengers and staff. This enhances user experience by displaying detailed instructions and status updates.

The system’s three USB 3.2 Gen 2 ports were pivotal for connecting the peripheral devices. Two ports were utilised for installing cameras to capture passenger data, ensuring accurate and swift facial recognition. The third port supports an RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) reader, essential for scanning passenger passports and acquiring necessary information. This integration allows the customer’s software to compare data from cameras and RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) readers, enhancing security and accuracy.

High-Performance Memory and AI Capabilities

The BOXER-6646-ADP‘s DDR5 system memory supports high-performance computing tasks. While the primary computing tasks are managed by the strong CPU, the validity of data from peripheral devices is determined by the customer’s proprietary software models leveraging AI inferencing technology.

The Intel® Iris® Xe Graphics played a crucial role in executing biometric tasks. With a high render clock frequency, up to 96 execution units, and Intel® Deep Learning Boost, the graphics package ensures that the customer’s software performs biometrics tasks with speed and accuracy. This capability wis vital for real-time facial recognition and other AI-driven processes, ensuring smooth and secure operations.

AI Acceleration with Hailo-8™ AI Module

The BOXER-6646-ADP features an M.2 M-Key slot, which the customer used to install a Hailo-8™ M.2 2280 AI Accelerator Module. This installation provides a second AI acceleration platform, enhancing the performance of the customer’s AI inferencing models. The Hailo-8™ module significantly boosted the speed and efficiency of AI-driven tasks, ensuring rapid and accurate processing of passenger data.

The BOXER-6646-ADP embedded computer delivered substantial added value to the client beyond meeting immediate requirements. Powered by 12th and 13th Generation Intel® Core™ Processors and DDR5 memory, the system offers rapid processing and data transmission capabilities crucial for real-time facial recognition and data analysis. Multiple LAN ports enables secure wired connections to the airport’s intranet system, with additional data security reinforced by the system’s onboard TPM 2.0. Furthermore, support for Wi-Fi and 4G/5G connectivity facilitates seamless communication with the airport’s data centre, ensuring uninterrupted operation and data exchange.

The BOXER-6646-ADP from AAEON proved to be an ideal solution for the customer’s eGate application. Its compact and fanless design ensured easy integration and low maintenance. The powerful Intel® Core™ Processors provideds the necessary computing power, while extensive peripheral support and advanced AI capabilities enhances system performance. The inclusion of the Hailo-8™ AI Accelerator Module further optimises AI tasks, making the BOXER-6646-ADP a robust, reliable, and efficient choice for modernising airport eGate systems. This solution not only improves security and efficiency but also enhances the passenger experience, reinforcing the aviation industry’s commitment to leveraging technology for superior service delivery.

Enhanced Functionality and Performance

The BOXER-6646-ADP effectively addressed the client’s challenges in developing their eGate application, offering additional functionalities to maximise operation. Since implementing this advanced embedded computer solution, the eGate systems have experienced significant improvements in performance and reliability. The enhanced processing power and connectivity allowes for faster and more accurate passenger processing, reducing wait times and significantly enhances the overall passenger experience. The system’s robustness and low power consumption ensures continuous and efficient operation, even in the demanding airport environment.

Improved Border Security

By automating the passport control process more effectively, the eGate systems substantially contribute to enhanced border security. The integration of advanced facial recognition technology with the embedded computer streamlines the detection and response to security threats, ensuring safer and more efficient travel for all passengers. This technology facilitates real-time data processing, crucial for maintaining high-security standards.

Continuous and Efficient Operation

The embedded computer’s low power consumption minimises operational costs and reduces the environmental impact, aligning with the aviation industry’s sustainability goals. Its robust design ensures reliable performance, essential for maintaining the high standards required in airport operations. The fanless design reduces maintenance needs, contributing to the system’s longevity and dependability.

Meeting Client Requirements

The embedded computer solution provided for the eGate systems successfully meets the client’s requirements, delivering robust, efficient, and reliable technology that supports the aviation industry’s goals of enhancing security and passenger experience. The integration of cutting-edge technology in eGate systems underscores the critical role of advanced embedded systems in modernising airport operations.

Supporting Technological Innovation in Aviation

This project highlights the aviation industry’s commitment to leveraging advanced technology to remain at the forefront of innovation. By integrating the latest embedded computer solutions, the aviation sector continues to enhance security measures and improve the passenger experience, ensuring it meets the evolving demands of modern air travel.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the BOXER-6646-ADP embedded computer solution has revolutionised the clients eGate systems, offering significant benefits in terms of performance, reliability, and security. The enhanced processing power, improved connectivity, and advanced facial recognition technology have streamlined passenger processing and bolstered border security. The system’s robustness and low power consumption ensure efficient and continuous operation, even in challenging airport environments. This successful implementation demonstrates the vital importance of advanced embedded systems in the ongoing evolution and modernisation of airport operations, reinforcing the aviation industry’s leading role in technological advancement.