Unlike its presence at traditional electronics shows, 3M was showing its identity management solutions, rather than touch screens and other components. The company has five huge divisions and multiple sub-divisions in each one, and makes a massive array of products. 3M Identity Management produces traffic cameras (for numberplate recognition), face-tracking cameras and fingerprint readers. The company supplies its fingerprint readers to the entire US airport network!
Epson was demonstrating the Moverio BT-200 augmented reality glasses (Display Monitor Vol 21 No 7). These have transparent lenses which serve as a ‘screen’ for the image. The glasses can be used for in-flight entertainment (although no airline is using them yet) or training – they are currently being trialed by EasyJet engineers in the UK.
Net Display Systems showed its Smart Airport Signage, which is powered by PADS4.
Rockwell Collins – present under the Arinc business – showed a new mobile device for ground handlers. The ‘vMuse’ is a tablet-type unit; it can be used to check passengers in from anywhere in an airport, using the airline’s own check-in application. It is intended as either a backup for a check-in desk or an additional tool to speed the check-in process. Peripheral devices, also housed in the same protective casing, enable passport scanning and boarding pass printing. In addition, Rockwell was showing an identity management solution that can be used with the vMuse; it is able to identify a passenger through biometric scanning, matching him or her with their passport and boarding pass information.
