Technical Field

[0001] Embodiments generally relate to systems for automated baggage check-in. In particular, embodiments relate to check-in systems and more particularly to self-service (and automated) check-in systems for baggage.

Background

[0002] In transit environments, such as airports, dealing with a person’s baggage represents a significant administrative and material overhead. Furthermore, passenger baggage and passengers themselves are increasingly subject to higher scrutiny due to security or health related reasons. This results in longer wait times for passengers as they wait for available baggage check-ins to process their baggage, and more difficult processes for airline staff.

[0003] The processing of baggage, particularly through check-in counters and bag drop counters, requires large amounts of floor space within airports. The large size of existing baggage check-ins means that adding extra check-ins is costly in both money and floor space, often requiring extensive airport renovation in order to accommodate greater numbers of check-ins that are needed for increasing passenger numbers.

[0004] It is desired to address or ameliorate one or more shortcomings or disadvantages associated with prior baggage check-in systems or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0005] Throughout this specification the word "comprise", or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps, but not the exclusion of any other element, integer or step, or group of elements, integers or steps. [0006] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.

Summary

[0007] Some embodiments relate to an automated baggage check-in system, including: a conveyor to receive and transport baggage; a support structure; a control unit supported by the support structure and positioned adjacent to the conveyor to control operation of the conveyor; a check-in interface supported by the support structure and in communication with the control unit to receive traveller information, the check-in interface being positioned adjacent the conveyor; wherein the support structure defines a baggage tray receiving bay to receive a plurality of baggage trays, the baggage tray receiving bay being located adjacent to the conveyor.

[0008] The support structure may include a first support structure part and a second support structure part coupled to the first support structure part. The first support structure part may be movable relative to the second support structure part. The first support structure part may be linearly slidable along a fixed rail relative to the second support structure part. [0009] The first support structure part may be movable between a first position in which a front of the first support structure part is generally aligned with a front of the second support structure part, and a second position in which the front of the first support structure part is retracted rearwardly from the front of the second support structure part.

[0010] The second support structure part may include a support extension that supports the first support structure part in the first position and in the second position.

[0011] The first support structure part may be slidable along a rail carried by the support extension and the first support structure part is configured to slide over the support extension.

[0012] In the second position, a gap may be defined between the first support structure part and the second support structure part dimensioned to allow a person to pass through the gap.

[0013] The first support structure part may define the baggage tray receiving bay and the second support structure part supports the conveyor. The second support structure part may support the control unit. The second support structure part may support the check-in interface.

[0014] The support structure may include a frame that defines a baggage receiving bay to receive baggage for check-in, wherein the conveyor is located at a base of the baggage receiving bay. The frame may include a first upright frame element and a second upright frame element positioned on an opposite side of the baggage receiving bay from the first upright frame element. The check-in interface may be mounted on a part of the first upright frame element.

[0015] The check-in interface may be configured to capture biometric information of a person located in front of the check-in interface. [0016] The check-in interface may include a front-facing camera and an image processing module and is configured to facilitate touchless interaction with a person based on images captured by the camera and processed by the image processing module.

[0017] The check-in interface may further include a thermal imaging camera to capture a thermal image of the face of a person in front of the thermal imaging camera.

[0018] The baggage tray receiving bay may be sized and shaped to receive a stack of baggage trays that are each sized to receive an item of baggage.

[0019] The support structure may include a back wall and at least one side wall that at least partially define the baggage tray receiving bay, and wherein the support structure defines an open front for access to the baggage tray receiving bay from a same position as access to the check-in interface.

[0020] The support structure may comprise a support base that at least partially defines the baggage tray receiving bay, wherein the support base comprises a front lip sized to retain a bottom-most tray in the baggage tray receiving bay against frontward movement.

[0021] The system may further comprise a printer positioned above the baggage tray receiving bay. The system may further comprise a pull out keyboard positioned to be stowed above the baggage tray receiving bay, the pullout keyboard being in communication with the control unit to allow user input to the control unit.

[0022] Some embodiments relate to a dual automated baggage check-in system, including two of the systems of above-describe embodiments positioned side-by side. The two automated baggage check-in systems share part of the support structure. The conveyors of each of the two automated baggage check-in systems are located adjacent each other. Brief Description of Drawings

[0023] Figure 1 is a block diagram view of an automated baggage check-in system and network according to some embodiments;

[0024] Figure 2 is a block diagram view of an automated baggage check-in system according to some embodiments;

[0025] Figure 3 is a front view of an arrangement of multiple automated baggage check-in systems according to some embodiments;

[0026] Figure 4 is a front perspective view of two adjacent automated baggage checkin systems, according to some embodiments;

[0027] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of an automated baggage check-in system according to some embodiments;

[0028] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a first part of a baggage check-in system in a first position; and

[0029] Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a first part of a baggage check-in system in a second position.

Description of Embodiments

[0030] Embodiments generally relate to automated baggage check-in systems. In the disclosed embodiments, the system can include a conveyor to receive and transport baggage that is placed upon it by a passenger or another person. The conveyor may be supported by a support structure, to give support to the overall system components and to act as a frame for the system. The system can include a control unit supported by the support structure and positioned adjacent to the conveyor to control operation of the conveyor. The system can also include a check-in interface supported by the support structure and in communication with the control unit to receive traveller (i.e. passenger) information. The check-in interface is positioned adjacent the conveyor.

[0031] The check-in interface allows a passenger to initiate a transit process, such as a baggage check-in, and may allow the user to print travel related documents such as baggage tags. The support structure defines a baggage tray receiving bay to receive a plurality of baggage trays, the baggage tray receiving bay being located adjacent to the conveyor.

[0032] The arrangement of the baggage tray receiving bay allows for a reduced overall system footprint when compared to existing solutions, and provides easy access to passengers, which in turns provide a more efficient and time saving baggage drop process in transit environments.

[0033] Figure 1 is a block diagram view of a check in system 100, which includes an automated baggage check-in system 110 and networked computing systems, according to some embodiments. The automated baggage check-in system 110 comprises a conveyor 116, in connection with a support structure 101. The support structure 101 supports scanning sensors 131, 132, check-in interface 111, control unit 114, and comprises baggage tray receiving bay 118.

[0034] Conveyor 116 is arranged to receive and transport baggage. In some embodiments conveyor 116 comprises a two part conveyor belt system, having a first conveyor part 116A and a second part 116B. Conveyor 116 may comprise a single conveyor belt system. Conveyor 116 is arranged to receive baggage or a baggage tray 117 from a passenger 102 during a check-in process, and, depending on instructions from control unit 114, activate to move the baggage or baggage tray 117 through the automated baggage check-in.

[0035] Support structure 101 is configured to support the conveyor 116, the scanning sensors 131, 132, the check-in interface 111, and the control unit 114. Support structure 101 may further define a baggage tray receiving bay 118 to receive a plurality of baggage trays, the baggage tray receiving bay 118 being located adjacent to the conveyor 116. The baggage tray receiving bay 118 may be sized and shaped to receive a stack of baggage trays that are each sized to receive an item of baggage. The support structure 101 may comprise frame elements, wall elements, brackets, arches, panels, or other elements capable of mounting or supporting the system components. Support structure 101 may comprise a first support structure part 305 coupled to a second support structure part 305. In such embodiments, the first support structure part 305 may be movable relative to the second support structure part 310.

[0036] In some embodiments, the support structure 101 includes a frame that defines a baggage receiving bay to receive baggage for check-in, wherein the conveyor 116 is located at a base of the baggage receiving bay.

[0037] In some embodiments, a first upright frame element 315 and a second upright frame element 320 are positioned on opposite sides of the baggage receiving bay. The check-in interface 111 may be mounted on a part of the first upright frame element 315. For example, the check-in interface 111 may be mounted on a swing arm for height and position adjustment relative to the upright frame element 315. In some embodiments, the second support structure part 310 supports the check-in interface 111.

[0038] In some embodiments, the support structure 101 includes a back wall and at least one side wall that at least partially define the baggage tray receiving bay 118. The support structure 101 defines an open front for access to the baggage tray receiving bay from a same position as access to the check-in interface 111.

[0039] Check-in interface 111 may be supported by the support structure 101 and positioned adjacent to the conveyor 116 to control operation of the conveyor 116. In some embodiments the check-in interface comprises sensor array 115, user interface 112, and printer 140. Sensor array 115 may comprise an array of sensors including camera 240, thermal imaging device 250, or other sensors capable of sensing in a region proximal to the interface 111, of a passenger 102 using the interface 111. In some embodiments, the check-in interface 111 is configured to capture biometric information of a person located in front of the check-in interface 111. In some embodiments, the sensor array 115 senses facial parameters from a facial region 105 of a passenger 102, including body temperature, facial feature identification, or other biometric data capable of identifying a person. In some embodiments, the sensor array 115 may detect liveness signs through thermal imaging device 250. In some embodiments, thermal imaging camera 250 may be configured to capture a thermal image of the face of a person 102 in front of the thermal imaging camera 250. The check-in interface 111 may transmit data through a data connection to control unit 114.

[0040] In some embodiments the check-in interface 111 includes a front-facing camera (camera 240) and an image processing module (video face identification module 216) and is configured to facilitate touchless interaction with a person (passenger 102) based on images captured by the camera and processed by the image processing module.

[0041] User interface 112 may comprise a display screen 235 and UI module 214. User interface 112 is configured to allow a user to initiate and interact with a check-in process. Display screen 235 may be a touch screen display. In some embodiments, the display screen 235 may not respond to touch or may have an operation mode in which it does not respond to touch, where touchless interaction is desired. UI module 214 may include a keyboard, touchpad, or other means enabling a user to input information into the user interface 112. In some embodiments, the UI module 214 includes a keyboard, that can be stowed in and retracted and/or pulled out from the support 101. In such embodiments, the pullout keyboard may be positioned to be stowed above the baggage tray receiving bay 118. The pullout keyboard, if present, is in communication with the control unit 114 to allow user input to the control unit 114, either directly or via the user interface 112.

[0042] Display screen 235 may comprise a touch screen or other display, to display information to the passenger 102. [0043] Printer 140 may comprise a document printer enabling printing of baggage tags or other travel related documents 145. Printer 140 may be positioned above the baggage tray receiving bay 118.

[0044] In some embodiments, the check-in interface 111 further comprises a document reader 255. Document reader 255 may comprise a digital camera, barcode scanner, document scanner, or other device enabling a user 102 to upload documentation to the automated baggage check-in system 110.

[0045] Figure 2 is a block diagram view of an automated baggage check-in system 110 according to some embodiments, comprising an automated baggage check-in 110 in communication with a server system 120, the server system 120 in communication with a data store 125, through control unit 114.

[0046] The control unit 114 is supported by the support structure 101, and may be positioned adjacent to the conveyor 116 to control operation of the conveyor. In some embodiments the second support structure part 310 supports the control unit 114. In some embodiments the control unit 114 comprises a processor 205 in communication with a memory 210 and arranged to retrieve data from the memory 210 and execute program code stored within the memory 210.

[0047] Processor 205 may include more than one electronic processing device and additional processing circuitry. For example, processor 205 may include multiple processing chips, a digital signal processor (DSP), analog-to-digital or digital-to-analog conversion circuitry, or other circuitry or processing chips that have processing capability to perform the functions described herein. Processor 205 may execute all processing functions described herein locally on the automated baggage check-in system 110 or may execute some processing functions locally and outsource other processing functions to another processing system, such as server system 120.

[0048] Memory 210 may include random access memory (RAM). This RAM may be volatile memory, where appropriate. Where appropriate, this RAM may be dynamic RAM (DRAM) or static RAM (SRAM). Moreover, where appropriate, this RAM may be single -ported or multi-ported RAM. This disclosure contemplates any suitable RAM. Memory 210 may include one or more memories 210, where appropriate. Although this disclosure describes and illustrates particular memory, this disclosure contemplates any suitable memory.

[0049] Communication device 230 may comprise an Ethernet interface, SIM card module, Bluetooth connection, or other appropriate adapter allowing data communication over a network. Communication device 230 may be configured to facilitate communication with external devices such server system 120.

[0050] Communication module 212 may comprise program code stored within memory 210, which when executed by the processor 205, implements instructions related to initiating and operating the communication device 230. When initiated by the communication module 213, the communication device 230 may send or receive data to or from server system 120. Communication module 213 may be configured to package and transmit data generated by the UI module 214 and/or to server system 120.

[0051] Data processing module 214 may comprise video face identification module 216, baggage identification module 218, and thermal image processing module 220.

[0052] Video face identification module 216 may comprise a code module, which, when executed by the processor 205, identifies and extracts biometric data from the facial region 105 of a passenger or traveller 102 in a digital image captured by camera 240. This data may include the arrangement and/or size of facial features, used to identify a person with a high degree of confidence. The biometric data may be sent to the server system 120 for comparison with biometric data stored in datastore 125 to determine whether the identity of the person checking in can be unambiguously identified based on the biometric data alone or in combination with other data received or captured as part of the check-in process. [0053] Baggage identification module 218 may comprise a code module, which, when executed by the processor 205, identifies a baggage identifier, such as a baggage tag. The baggage identification module 218 may also generate a baggage tag based on information received from the baggage sensor array 207, and send instructions to printer 140 to print a baggage tag.

[0054] Thermal image processing module 220 may comprise a code module, which, when executed by the processor 205, identifies and extracts biometric data from thermal images captured by thermal imaging device 250. This data may comprise temperature data indicative of a person being proximate to the check-in device 110.

[0055] Convey control module 222 may comprise a code module, which, when executed by the processor 205, sends instructions to activate or deactivate the conveyor 116. These instructions may be to activate the conveyor in a forward or backward direction. In embodiments where the conveyor 116 comprises a first conveyor part 116A and a second conveyor part 116B, the instructions may selectively activate the first conveyor part 116 A, the second convey part 1116B, or both parts.

[0056] Baggage sensor array 207 is in communication with the control unit 114 and may comprise scanning sensors 131, 132 and weight sensor 208. The scanning sensors 131, 132 may comprise digital video cameras arranged to capture digital video images of baggage when placed on the conveyor, from multiple angles. In some embodiments, two scanning sensors 131 and 132 are used. In other embodiments, a greater number of scanning sensors, such as 3, 4, 6 or 8 sensors may be used. The scanning sensors may comprise laser barcode scanners. The scanning sensors may comprise any combination of laser barcode scanners, digital video cameras, or other scanning sensors. Baggage sensor array 207 may further comprise weight sensor 208, arranged to weight baggage placed on conveyor 116. The weight sensor 208 may comprise one or more load cells.

[0057] Camera 240 may comprise a digital video camera (DVC), arranged to capture images of an area from which check-in interface 111 is accessible. In other words, the camera 240 captures images from a facing direction that is the same direction that the display screen user interface 112 faces. The camera 240 may have an image resolution of about 1280x720 pixels (known as 720p) or greater, for example. The display resolution of the display screen 235 may be less than the image resolution of the camera 240. However, various suitable levels of resolution can be used for display screen 235.

[0058] Thermal imaging device 250 may be a low resolution thermal camera, configured to determine whether a person is in view of the check-in device. This may allow for improved operability, particularly in environments with many people in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the detection of a thermal presence in an image can be used as the basis for a determination that a user 102 is using the check-in device 110, and that an image of a person is not being held up to the check-in device.

[0059] The network 113 may comprise at least a portion of one or more networks having one or more nodes that transmit, receive, forward, generate, buffer, store, route, switch, process, or a combination thereof, etc. one or more messages, packets, signals, some combination thereof, or so forth. The network 113 may include, for example, one or more of: a wireless network, a wired network, an internet, an intranet, a public network, a packet- switched network, a circuit-switched network, an ad hoc network, an infrastructure network, a public- switched telephone network (PSTN), a cable network, a cellular network, a satellite network, a fiber optic network, some combination thereof, or so forth. Server system 120 and automated baggage check-in 110 may be connected to communicate with each other via network 113.

[0060] Server system 120 may comprise one or more computing devices configured to share data or resources among multiple network devices. Server system 120 may comprise a physical server, virtual server, or one or more physical or virtual servers in combination.

[0061] Data store 125 may comprise a data store configured to store data from network devices such as client device 140 and/or check-in device 110. Data store 125 may comprise a virtual data store in a memory of a computing device, connected to network 113 by server system 120.

[0062] Figure 3 is a front view of an arrangement of multiple automated baggage check-in systems 110 according to some embodiments. In Figure 3, four of the systems 110 are depicted, in two side-by-side dual-system arrangements 300. Each of the side- by-side arrangements 300 of the systems 110 may occupy a floor space of approximately 3.1 meters in pitch per arrangement 300, for example. In some embodiments, such as those depicted in Figure 3, the two automated baggage check-in systems share part of the same support structure. The depicted embodiments comprises a substantially reduced profile compared to existing baggage drop solutions, due to the integration of baggage tray receiving bay 118 being adjacent the conveyor 116. The baggage tray receiving bay 118 may be placed directly adjacent the conveyor 106, separated only by a frame element of the support 101, thereby allowing for an efficient use of space, and a smaller overall profile. This reduced profile allows for a more efficient use of space when compared to existing solutions. Accordingly, a greater number of baggage check-ins can be placed in an area, and therefore a higher passenger processing rate is provided.

[0063] The baggage tray receiving bay 118 may be a recess defined by the support structure 101 and sized to receive a stack of baggage trays. In some embodiments, the support structure 101 has at least a backing wall 325 and at least one side wall 330 that at least partially define the baggage tray receiving bay, in order to provide a receiving space for standard sized baggage trays. The support structure 101 preferably also includes two opposite side walls, as shown in Figures 6 and 7, plus a support base to act as a floor for the baggage tray receiving bay 118. The front of the baggage tray receiving bay 118 is left open for easy access.

[0064] In use, the reduced profile of the system 110 afforded by the baggage tray receiving bay 118 being adjacent the conveyor 106 can make it difficult to access side or rear portions of the system 110, particularly in arrangements such as those of Figure 3. Accordingly, the first support part 305 being moveable with respect to the second support part 310 allows for easier human access between the systems 110 without having to walk over the conveyor (which can present a safety risk). In some embodiments, the movement of the first support structure part 305 may be enabled by a motor or other drive mechanism configured to move the part 305 along a rail. In other embodiments, the movement of the first support structure part 305 may be enabled by a non-motorized mechanical sliding rail 605 (Figure 6).

[0065] Figure 4 depicts a front perspective view of two adjacent automated baggage check-in systems 300 according to the embodiment of Figure 3. In this figure, the user interface 112 is depicted, having a sensor array 115 integrated with a display screen. This allows for a greater degree of accessibility for a passenger 102 to use the check-in interface 111 while the first support part 305 is moved.

[0066] Figure 5 is a rear perspective view of an automated baggage check-in system 101 according to some embodiments. In some embodiments, the control unit 114 is located within the first support part 305 and is moveable with the support part. In such embodiments, the check-in interface 111 remains fixed at a point on the support 101.

[0067] In other embodiments, such as those depicted in Figure 5, the control unit 114 may be stationary, and housed within the second support structure part 310. For example, the control unit 114 may be housed within a lower compartment toward a side of the conveyor 116.

[0068] Figure 6 is a front perspective view of a first support structure part 305 of an automated baggage check-in system in a first (forward, normal use) position, and Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a first support structure part 305 of an automated baggage check-in system 110 in a second (retracted) position.

[0069] The movement of the first support structure part 305 between the first position in Figure 6 and the second position in Figure 7 may comprise a free sliding movement, a movement between locked positions, such as a locked retracted position, or a motorized movement activated through the control unit 114 by a passenger 102 using the check-in interface 111, for example. In some embodiments, the first support structure part 305 is linearly slidable along a fixed rail relative to the second support structure part 310. In some embodiments, the first support structure part 305 is movable between a first position in which a front of the first support structure part is generally aligned with a front of the second support structure part 310, and a second position in which the front of the first support structure part 305 is retracted rearwardly from the front of the second support structure part 310.

[0070] The second support structure part includes a support extension 606 that supports the first support structure part 305 in the first position and in the second position. The first support structure part 305 is slidable along a rail 605 carried by the support extension 606 and the first support structure part 305 is configured to slide over the support extension 606.

[0071] In the second (retracted) position, a gap is defined between the first support structure part 305 and the second support structure part 310 dimensioned to allow a person to pass through the gap.

[0072] The embodiments of Figure 6 and Figure 7 depict the second support structure part 310 having a stationary rail 605 running along a support extension 606 of the second support structure part 310. In some embodiments, the first support structure part 305 includes a support base 607 that overlies the support extension 606. The support base 607 may include a complementary rail structure to slidingly engage with rail 605. The support base 607 may at least partially define the baggage tray receiving bay 118. The support base 607 may comprises a front lip 612 sized to retain a bottom-most tray in the baggage tray receiving bay against frontward movement.

[0073] In some embodiments, the baggage trays rest on the support base 607 or another base part of the first support structure part 305, to allow stored baggage trays to move with the first support structure part 305. [0074] It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that numerous variations and/or modifications may be made to the above-described embodiments, without departing from the broad general scope of the present disclosure. The present embodiments are, therefore, to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive.