How to control the customer's stay time on the turnstile?

1. Technical Logic: Cooperative Management of Software Algorithms and Hardware Structure
(1)Time-constrained mechanical structure design
The turnstile's mechanical design uses electromagnetic control and a physical limit to impose a strict limit on dwell duration. The ratchet mechanism, electromagnetic attraction device, and gearbox shaft are the main parts of the full height rotating gate, for instance:
Ratchet jamming mechanism: The pawl and the projecting teeth on the ratchet wheel's outer edge work together to create a jamming structure that revolves every 120 degrees. To guarantee that the single pass time is precisely regulated within three to five seconds, the electromagnetic attraction mechanism unlocks after the consumer swipes their card. A ratchet then rotates the blocking body 120 degrees before locking automatically.
Response to electromagnetic locking: In order to prevent channel blockage, the system will simultaneously link the audio prompt "Please pass quickly" and activate the electromagnetic attraction device to relock the ratchet wheel if the customer waits for a timeout during the passage process (for example, by not fully passing through the gate).
(2) Allocating software algorithms' time dynamically
The gate control system uses an industrial-grade main control board or PLC to intelligently alter dwell time:
Traffic pattern recognition: Using preset modes (free, regulated, and locked), the system dynamically modifies the dwell duration threshold. For instance, when the system is in free mode, users are given five seconds to finish swiping their cards in the entrance area. If no action is taken within that time, an alert will sound and the gate will close.
Multi-channel cooperative algorithm: Numerous sets of turnstiles are typically installed by large commercial enterprises, and the system dynamically assigns stay time restrictions by tracking the movement of persons in each channel in real time. The system automatically reduces the time limit for clients to remain in a channel when there are more than five persons in queue (for example, from five seconds to three seconds) and uses screen alerts to direct users to an idle channel.
2. Scenario-based management: dwell time control techniques in various scenarios
(1) Business Complex: Juggling Experience and Efficiency
Turnstile dwell time control in retail malls, office buildings, and other settings must strike a balance between user experience and traffic efficiency:
Dynamic acceleration during peak hours: A single channel can hold 30 to 35 passengers per minute during morning rush hour when the system shifts the rotation speed to the fastest gear (0.8-1 rotations per second). The threshold for customer stay duration has now been lowered to three seconds. The voice prompt "Please pass quickly" will be activated to prevent channel congestion if it goes beyond the allotted time.
Particular attention to the group: The system can automatically raise the dwell time threshold to 8 seconds, identify the identity characteristics of slow-moving groups like the elderly and disabled (for example, using facial recognition or special cards), and install a flexible buffer device at the bottom of the gate to lower the risk of injury.
Members-only channel: Using seamless access technologies (such facial recognition and Bluetooth beacons), high-end shopping centres build up a fast track for VIP members, reducing their stay time to less than one second and elevating the feeling of luxury service.
(2) Transportation hub: two-fold assurance of effectiveness and safety
Turnstile dwell time control must adhere to safety requirements and the requirement for high passenger flow in places like subway stations and high-speed train stations.
Time locking in emergency mode: Employees can remotely lock some gates in the background or switch to "one-way traffic mode" in the event of unforeseen circumstances (such as platform flow limits or equipment failures). To guarantee a speedy crowd evacuation, the bar for client stay time is now forcibly fixed at two seconds.
Verification of multimodal traffic: The system can finish identity verification and gate opening in 3 seconds by combining several verification techniques, including QR code, ID card, and face recognition. This reduces single pass time by 40% when compared to standard gates.
Data-driven forecasting of traffic The technology may automatically modify dwell time thresholds and gate rotation speed by analysing past passenger flow data to anticipate peak hours. For instance, a Beijing subway station's experience demonstrates that this tactic lowers gate passage congestion by 28% during morning rush hour.
3. Innovation in the Industry: Transitioning from Passive Limitations to Active Guidance

(1) AI-powered customised time management
The turnstile may dynamically modify the dwell duration threshold by using AI visual recognition technology, which allows it to analyse consumer behaviour features in real time (e.g., walking speed, carrying items):
Behaviour prediction model: To forecast clients' travel intentions, the system uses deep learning algorithms. For instance, in order to prevent timeout alerts brought on by operational delays, the system automatically raises the dwell time threshold to six seconds when it detects a consumer gazing down at their phone.
Emotion recognition intervention: By using cameras to record customers' facial expressions, the system can identify emotions like impatience and anxiety, set off flexible prompts (like "Please stay calm, the channel is about to open"), and modify the gate's rotation speed to lower the likelihood of a confrontation.
(2) extensive use of accessible design
The industry is pushing for a thorough integration of accessibility guidelines and stay duration control for rotating turnstiles:
Voice interactive navigation: The device extends the dwell time threshold to 10 seconds and offers visually impaired people real-time voice navigation through bone conduction headphones, assisting them with card swipe, passage, and other tasks.
Tactile feedback device: The gate's barrier body has a vibration module fitted. Different vibration frequencies are used to encourage customers to leave promptly when they remain for longer than a predetermined amount of time, avoiding the need for visual or auditory cues.
(3) Innovation in green and energy-efficient technologies
The rotary gate reduces energy consumption and achieves precise time control by optimising the motor control algorithm and energy management system.
Dynamic power regulation: By dynamically adjusting the motor power according to the gate's load condition (no load, mild load, or high load), the system can cut a single gate's yearly power usage by 40%.
Solar-assisted power supply: To lessen reliance on mains electricity, some turnstiles are equipped with solar panels to power low-power modules like voice prompts and sensors when used outdoors.

Card-swiping Automatic Speed Gate Turnstile