AI-Driven Analytics Solution Takes off at Vancouver International Airport

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is a diverse global hub that supports regional economic development and makes a positive difference in the lives of British Columbians. YVR accomplishes this purpose with a focus on serving its passengers, partners, workers, and community through digital modernization, climate leadership, reconciliation, and financial sustainability. As part of these efforts, safety and security is a top priority for the airport.

The airport has strict regulations for security restricted area access. Doorways to secure areas remain locked and access is restricted to authorized personnel only. For example, for access from a public area to a restricted baggage handling area, authorized personnel must enter through a security vestibule with a system designed to verify each person entering has presented access credentials prior to unlocking the second door. This safeguard has been in place for many years; however, YVR sought to replace the existing technology with a modern solution that more accurately detects the presence of multiple people and large objects, while also reducing maintenance requirements and costs.

The new solution uses two FLEXIDOME cameras inside the security vestibule area. The cameras support two output relays and are programmed with Intelligent Video Analytics Pro (IVA Pro) to detect multiple people or a person with a large object entering the area. Custom scripting, a unique feature of Bosch cameras, enables the solution to be tailored to fit the exact requirements for YVR’s security restricted area access.

One person presenting credentials at the first door and entering the area will not produce an analytic alarm; they can continue through the second door by presenting credentials at that door’s reader. If two people enter the area at the same time, IVA Pro will detect the person tailgating, trigger an alert to the airport’s security operations center running Genetec Security Center, and turn on a relay that prevents the second door from unlocking. Similarly, if one person with an oversized item, such as a cart, enters the area, the analytics will detect the oversized item and turn on the relay to prevent the second door from unlocking. This detection is designed to deter an individual from attempting to hide another person from the view of the camera. The integration of Bosch video analytics with Genetec Security Center allows for real-time alerts and custom event-to-action rules for the immediate notification of any detections.

The team at YVR ran a proof of concept for the solution to ensure its accuracy and reliability over several months. Leveraging AI-driven video analytics provides the required accuracy for the detections, and using a video-based detection also enhances the overall effectiveness of the solution as it provides a visual record of events inside the vestibule.

“Our internal IT team worked closely with Bosch on this solution, from the early stages of development to the deployment, and the cooperation was magnificent,” said Pawel Kruszyna, Technical Analyst. “The video solution is not dependent on a certain type of access system, so it can be deployed by others and is a cost-effective solution that integrates seamlessly with Genetec.”

The team is now in the process of rolling out the solution to the remaining security vestibule areas in the airport terminals.