ai signage for passenger flow

client

Rail Industry

role

AI, MACHINE VISION

year

2023

This project involved the development and deployment of an advanced digital signage and passenger flow management system, powered by AI, in London St Pancras. The system was part of a first-of-its-kind trial aimed at improving passenger flow and reducing congestion in a major transport hub. The following stages outline the key contributions:

1. Requirements Analysis & Design

The project began with an in-depth analysis of the station’s needs, focusing on improving the flow of passengers during peak times and reducing congestion in critical areas. Data collection points were identified, including sensors and cameras for tracking crowd density, and a robust hardware platform was designed to support the real-time system.

2. Hardware Development

The development phase involved creating advanced digital signage hardware capable of providing real-time passenger guidance. The hardware was built to be scalable and integrated seamlessly into the existing station infrastructure. Additionally, sensors were installed to capture crowd density data and relay this information to the backend system.

3. Platform Delivery & Installation Assistance

The platform, including the digital signage hardware and sensors, was delivered and installed in key locations throughout the station. Assistance was provided during the installation phase to ensure the correct placement of sensors and signage for optimal coverage and performance. The system was designed to interface with the AI-based software that processed the data in real-time, although the software deployment was managed by a third-party team.

‍

4. Prototyping & Testing

Initial prototypes were tested in selected areas of the station, monitoring real-time data during both peak and off-peak hours. The testing phase focused on ensuring that the hardware and sensors were capturing accurate data and relaying it effectively to the AI system for analysis. Adjustments were made to the hardware setup based on real-world performance data to optimise the solution.

5. Deployment & Operation

The full platform was deployed in London St Pancras & Paddington, with signage and sensors installed in high-traffic areas to manage passenger flow. The system provided real-time guidance to passengers through digital displays, directing them towards less crowded areas or alternate routes. The software layer for real-time processing and dynamic signage updates was implemented by a third-party developer, ensuring smooth integration between hardware and AI algorithms.

6. Results & Continuous Improvement

The system significantly improved passenger flow within the station, reducing congestion during peak times. Data collected from the platform was used to refine the AI-based software, improving the accuracy of real-time guidance. The trial’s success demonstrated the value of AI-powered infrastructure in enhancing station management, and further expansions were considered based on the platform’s performance.