Airport Kiosks Key Terms

Learning the terms and features of an airport kiosk system

For the busy, experienced traveler, an airport kiosk can be a lifesaver for checking in, getting updated flight times and other information about the airport and the city, even finding the nearest restroom. Not only a convenience for passengers, airline workers may find aiport kiosks lessen the load for them as well. Although airport kiosks seem pretty straightforward from the customer's point of view, there's a lot that goes into keeping the machine working correctly. Utilize the following key terms.

 

Interactive kiosk

An interactive kiosk is a self-contained computer terminal that can provide access to information as well as conduct transactions. Some examples of interactive kiosks include check-in kiosks at the airport, product locators in stores and bill pay kiosks at cell phone companies.
Try: Interactive Kiosk News explains the advantages of using an airport kiosk.

Remote monitoring

Remote monitoring of a kiosk or a network of kiosks is accomplished through portal software. This software allows you to track and monitor kiosk locations from a separate, remote site.
Try: Kiosk Information Systems offers this look at a case study and example of kiosk remote monitoring.

Back-end interface

The back-end interface works to support the user interface by connecting with the required resource to get the application complete. The back-end is controlled by the company-designed software.
Try: Review this Information Week article regarding back-end systems that develop customer databases from airport kiosks.

User interface

A user interface is basically what the customer sees and controls when using an airport kiosk. In other words, a user interface is the program that controls the display for the user and allows that user to interact with the program. Some kiosk programs allow for users to select options with a touch screen or with keyboard input.
Try: This Science Direct article has a section on kiosk interface design.

Common Use Self Service (CUSS)

Common Use Self Service or CUSS protocol was set up to enable passenger facilities at a shared kiosk. The CUSS concept was born after different airports were setting up their own kiosks with different systems. An integrated system that could connect various vendors with one another was needed for passenger and airline ease.
Try: Find a CUSS manual and other resources from the International Air Transport Association.

User point-of-view calibration

Point-of-view calibration refers to kiosk software that relays information to the user from their point of view, where they are standing. This is especially helpful for mapping a place within the airport and allows the kiosks to be set up in any place on site.
Try: Airport International explains the features of a touch-screen kiosk and user point-of-view calibration.

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