GB2461949A

GB2461949A - Luggage weighing machine

Info

Publication number: GB2461949A
Application number: GB0813418A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Gerard James Stewart; Carole Ann Stewart
Original assignee: WEIGH HEAD UKENA Ltd
Current assignee: WEIGH HEAD UKENA Ltd
Priority date: 2008-07-22
Filing date: 2008-07-22
Publication date: 2010-01-27
Also published as: GB0813418D0

Abstract

A weighing machine 1 comprising a scale 2 which by travellers to determine the weight of their luggage prior to check-in and determine whether they are within their allocated weight allowance. In the case that a user's luggage is found to be outside the specified weight allowance travellers are then able to re-allocate or redistribute their luggage to avoid the payment of excess luggage charges and use a reactivation key which can be used to re-activate the scale. The weighing machine includes a user interface 3 which allows a user to input information and receive information from a processor which is in communication with a database which contains information relating to luggage allowances and compares this data with the measured weight of the luggage. The re-activation key can be an alphanumeric code or a physical token. The re-activation key will only reactivate the scale if used within a specific period of time. The database may be external to the machine and the processor may communicate with the database using internet protocol. A plurality of machines may be operatively linked together, which may be through serial interface cables. A reactivation key from one machine can work on any machine.

Description

Luggage Weighing Machine The present invention relates to a weighing machine which can be used by travellers to determine the weight of their luggage prior to check-in and determine whether they are within their allocated weight allowance.

Travellers are then able to re-allocate or re-distribute their luggage to avoid the payment of excess luggage charges.

When travelling by air, or certain other modes of travel, it is common that there is a luggage weight restriction placed on travellers which determines the maximum luggage weight that a passenger is allowed to take on board. The luggage allowance typically differs depending on the airline that the passenger is travelling with, and in many cases also on the type of ticket that they have purchased, with higher value tickets providing a more generous luggage allowance.

Although passengers are informed of their luggage allowance when a ticket for travel is purchased, it is often very difficult for them to accurately weigh their luggage before leaving home as they do not have weighing equipment of an appropriate size. Therefore, it is usual that the first time that an item of luggage is accurately weighed is when a passenger arrives at check-in or at a luggage drop facility. When a passenger arrives at this * ** area the standard apparatus at the counter includes a luggage weighing section which is attached to a conveyor belt. The passenger places their luggage on the belt and the luggage is weighed with the weight being presented to both the passenger and the member of staff dealing with the check-in or luggage drop. Concurrently, the passenger provides the details of their ticket to the member of staff and, upon entering the ticket details into their system, the member of staff is informed of the luggage * .* 30 allowance associated with said ticket.

In the event that a passenger's luggage is greater in weight than the luggage allowance associated with their ticket, the passenger is given the option of either paying a fee to cover the additional weight or removing items from their luggage in order to reduce the weight. Often, at this stage the passenger has limited time to remove luggage and is some distance from their transport or additional baggage option so proceeds to pay the fee to cover the additional weight. The additional charges can be fairly high, and particularly in the case of "low cost" airlines the initial allowance can be as low as 15kg meaning that it is very easy for a passenger to be over their luggage allowance (especially when it is taken into consideration that an empty suitcase can weigh 3-4kg).

There are clearly a number of potential problems associated with the weighing of luggage at the check-in or baggage drop area. In particular, the speed of check-in is slowed down considerably as passengers with excess luggage will need to pay the excess luggage fees before their luggage can be taken from them. In many cases this necessitates payment at a different desk to the check-in desk resulting in further frustration. A further problem is that passengers will often challenge the check-in or luggage drop staff creating an unpleasant situation in the check-in area and increasing stress levels for both passengers and staff. * ** * S S

Furthermore, although airlines can make financial gains from excess luggage fees, this is often to the detriment of passengers spending elsewhere, such as in the departure areas or onboard. There is also an ongoing effect to the airlines brand as a passenger will often feel disillusioned with the airline if they have had to pay excess luggage fees, which can result in reduced customer loyalty. * 30 * 3

There have been a number of attempts to mitigate the problems associated with luggage weighing at check-in or at luggage drop areas.

One example can be seen in US5150760 which describes an automated kerb side check in counter which essentially relocates the check-in desk.

However this simply relocates the problems associated with traditional check-in or baggage drop areas.

GB2435935 also attempts to mitigate the problems by providing a scale which is associated with a bag dispensing machine, such that if a passenger weighs their luggage and finds that it is overweight they can then purchase an extra hand-luggage bag into which they can then transfer some items from their main luggage, thus allowing them to take the items with them without attracting excess weight fees. Although this assists with some of the problems associated with traditional check-in or baggage drop areas, it is often difficult for passenger to determine how many items they need to transfer from their main luggage in order to reduce their luggage weight sufficiently.

It is therefore still an aim to overcome or mitigate some of the problems

associated with the prior art.

According to the present invention there is provided a weighing machine * *. comprising; :::::: an activatable scale for weighing a user's luggage; at least one means configured to receive means for activating said scale; a processor in communication with the activatable scale and operably linked to a database containing information relating to luggage allowances and associated charges, wherein the processor compares the weight of a : * users luggage and the information in the database to determine whether 30 the luggage is within a specified weight allowance; * 4 a user interface which allows a user to input information to and receive information from the processor; wherein the machine further comprises a means for providing a reactivation key which can be used to re-activate the activatable scale in the case that a user's luggage is found to be outwith the specified weight allowance.

Advantageously, the above weighing machine allows a user to pay for a first use of the machine and input their flight details to find out whether their luggage is over their allocated weight. Then, in the case where the luggage is over the weight allowed by their airline and ticket, they are provided with a reactivation key, which may take the form of an activation code, which allows them to remove items from their luggage (either discarding them or placing them in a different bag) and return to the weighing machine and reactivate the scales without further charge in order to check they are now within the weight limit.

The means configured to receive means for activating said scale may take the form of a coin or note slot for receiving cash or a credit of r debit card receiver.

As the first use of the scale will typically require payment from the user the machine is provided with the necessary apparatus for taking said payment. 25

The term "reactivation key" covers any means of re-activating the scale without the need for further payment. In particular, the reactivation key may take the form of; a specifically generated alphanumeric code (which could be simply generated on a screen for the user to copy down or which may be provided to the user in the form of a print-out) which the user can input to the machine on an alpha-numeric keyboard; a physical token wherein reactivation would occur when the token was placed in an appropriate token receiving slot on the machine; a bar code wherein reactivation would occur when the barcode was read by a barcode reader associated with the weighing machine; or any other means of allowing reactivation of the scale without requiring further payment from the user.

Preferably the weighing machine is in communication with a memory unit which wifl recognise a reactivation key and allow only a predetermined number of reactivations of the scale based on said key.

Advantageously, allowing only a predetermined number of reactivations using the reactivation key prevents a user misusing the weighing machine by either themselves using the reactivation code for multiple re-weighs or by them passing the code to other users.

Most preferably the reactivation key may only be used once.

More preferably still the reactivation key will only reactivate the scale if used within a specified time.

Preferably, the reactivation code will only reactivate the scale if used within 20 minutes of it being provided to the user.

Preferably the database to which the processor is operably linked is remote from the weighing machine.

S *S.

I

Providing the database remotely allows information regarding specific airlines, luggage allowances and charges to be held at a central point offsite from the weighing machine itself. As well as allowing for easy updating of the database information it also allows for easy data back-up.

Most preferably the processor communicates with the database using internet protocol.

The use of internet protocol allows information such as the amount of money taken, the status of the machine and data such as the weights of luggage placed on the machine to be accessed remotely. This can be useful for obtaining market research and financial data.

Optionally a number of weighing machines may be operably linked together.

For example, it may be possible to operably link a number of machines on a single site.

Linking a number of machines could allow for a reactivation key from a first machine to be adapted to allow reactivation of a scale on a different weighing machine to that which provided to reactivation key.

Optionally a number of weighing machines may be linked using serial * ** interface cables. * * * * .* * * * *.*

Another option is that a number of weighing machines may be wirelessly linked. * ***

S

5. * Optionally the reactivation key also allows the processor to access :*5 information that a user had input into the system previously. * 30 * 7

Advantageously, associating the reactivation key with information such as airline and ticket details that a user has input previously negates the need for a user to re-input the information when they are re-weighing their luggage.

In order to provide a better understanding of the present invention an embodiment will now be described by way of example only and with reference to the following drawings, in which; Figure 1 is a representation of a weighing machine according to the present invention; and Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating control elements of the weighing machine.

According to a first embodiment of the present invention there is a weighing machine I as generally depicted in Figure 1. The machine comprises a scale 2, in the form of a weighing platform, which is located substantially at ground level. If required the scale 5 can be provided with a ramp (not shown) which allows a user to easily wheel luggage onto the scale 5, such that the scale 5 can be positioned somewhat above ground level if required. * **

The weighing machine 1 further comprises a rear support 6 which extends substantially vertically from the rear of the scale 2. An interface box 7 is provided at the top of the rear support 6 and the interface box 7 itself comprises a touch screen 3 which allows the user to input information and receive instructions and information. The interface box 7 also comprises a : coin and/or note slot 4, typically also including a coin return area, which .: 30 allows coins to be inserted in order to activate the scale 2.

It is possible to also include other forms payment acceptance technology on the interface box 7, for example credit and debit card readers could be incorporated as could a token or voucher acceptance slot which would allow users to purchase said token or voucher from elsewhere prior to using the machine.

In the preferred embodiment the interface box 7 also comprises a print-out slot 5 which is associated with a printer (not shown) which itself is housed within the interface box 7.

Referring now to Figure 2, the weighing machine 1 is provided with a processor 8 (such as a Siemens TC65 which utilises mobile phone technology). The processor 8 communicates with the scale 2, the coin slot 4 (or other payment means or means for activating the scale), the touch screen 3 and the printer. In addition, the processor 8 also communicates with a database 9, which in the preferred embodiment is held offsite. The database holds information relating to airlines and flights including the luggage allowance for any particular flight and, where applicable, for different ticket types for a particular flight as well as the cost per weight unit for overweight luggage (e.g. the cost for each additional kg of weight).

In use, a weighing machine 1 is located within an airport terminal. A passenger places their luggage on the scale 2 and uses the touch screen to select their preferred language and then will be given the option to weigh or re-weigh their luggage. Initially, the passenger will select the ** weigh option (as they have not weighed their luggage previously) and will then have the option of inputting information regarding their flight, airline and ticket type. This processor 8 identifies the information entered by the passenger and compares it to the information on the database 9 which holds information about luggage weight allowances. The passenger will then be prompted to insert a coin (in the preferred embodiment this may be a one pound sterling coin or a one euro coin) into the coin slot 4.

Inserting the coin activates the scale 2, the luggage is then weighed and the weight compared to the luggage allowance details from the database 9. If the luggage weighs less than the maximum allowance determined by the processor 8 in communication with database 9, then this will be indicated to the passenger and they will finish the transaction. However, if the luggage weighs more than the maximum allowance determined by the processor 8 in communication with database 9, then the processor will calculate the cost of proceeding with the overweight luggage to the passenger.

In cases where luggage is determined to be overweight, the passenger will be given the option to obtain a re-weigh code. This will allow them to remove items from their luggage, either to a hand luggage bag or elsewhere and then return to the weighing machine 1 to re-weigh the luggage to check whether it is now within the weight limit, without the need for further payment. In the case where the passenger chooses the re-weigh option a unique code will be generated by the processor and provided to the passenger via the printer. When ready, the passenger can then return to the weighing machine 1 and when they get to the screen * *. providing the option of weigh or re-weigh they can then select re-weigh and enter their unique re-weigh code via the touch screen 3. In the preferred embodiment the passenger would again input their flight and airline details which would be identified by the processor 8 and compared * to information in database 9. It could however be envisaged that this :.. information could retained by the processor in a memory unit (either as part of the weighing machine or offsite) and re-accessed in response to 30 the re-weigh code being entered avoiding the need for the information to be re-entered by the passenger. The scales would then be re-activated and the luggage weighed and the weight compared to the luggage allowance details from the database. The passenger would again be informed if their luggage was within or outwith their allocated weight allowance and, if the luggage is still overweight the associated excess luggage fees would be displayed. In the preferred embodiment no further re-weigh codes would be offered and the transaction will end.

In the preferred embodiment, the processor 8 would be provided with a memory unit which recognises whether a re-weigh code has already been used and prevents more than 1 use of a code. There would also be a time limit associated with a re-weigh code, preferably 20 minutes, such that it will expire and the scale 2 will not re-activate if used outwith the time limit (again a memory unit incorporating time and date information could be one way to allow this).

Notably, it is possible to prompt the passenger to make payment earlier in the process if required.

In the preferred embodiment a user must return to the same machine in * *, order to re-weigh their luggage. However, it is possible to combine a number of weighing machines within a location, e.g. within a single airport, o allow a user to have the option to return to a different weighing machine ito that which they used for the original weigh. Machines can be linked :. 25 by serial interface cables or by wireless connections.

The preferred embodiment also has the database 9 held offsite with the *..: processor 8 in communication with it. This allows for easy central updates. However it is possible for each machine 1 to be provided with a database.

Ideally, the processor and any memory units present in the machine can be remotely accessed, for example by Internet protocol to allow easy access to information such as money taken and number of luggage items weighed etc. Although the preferred embodiment utilises a unique code as a reactivation key to reactivate the scales and allow a re-weigh, there are a number of other options that could be used. For example the reactivation key may take the form of a physical token or may be printed as a barcode which is then read by a barcode reader present on the machine.

Generally, the reactivation key will include security encryption.

There is also an option for linking a bag dispenser unit to the weighing machine which would allow a user to purchase an additional hand luggage bag if their luggage is overweight.

Furthermore, it would be possible to allow a user to pay for additional luggage a part of the weighing machine. This would most probably be linked to the airlines own systems and databases such that they could * *. easily determine at check-in whether excess luggage fees have been paid (although an alternative would simply be to provide the user with a receipt to show at check-in). S. * S * .**

Examples of the information provided to users on a screen by screen basis *. ** * S S * I *:*. Screen 1 12.

The initial screen displayed to passengers is designed to give a quick reference of how to use the weighing machine. The screen is split into two with the top � of the screen displaying a short screen film of the process.

The lower � of the screen displays 5 buttons for five languages, namely; English, Spanish, German, French and Polish. When a user touches their chosen button the process will commence in their chosen language. The language buttons displayed are the top five polled languages used in the UK & Ireland from Airport research. Additional languages can be added if the need arises.

* If no language button is selected within 30 seconds screen will revert to screen saver.

* If a button is touched on purpose or by mistake it will move to screen 2.

* If a button is touched by mistake the next screen will allow a cancel or back button to be pressed.

* If the screen is not active (i.e., blank) the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* If error message, "We apologise. This machine is not in use" is displayed, the machine will not be able to be used.

* ,* Screen2 Screen 2 displayed to passengers will give the option either to "Weigh" or to "Re-weigh" in which ever language chosen. Two "buttons" are displayed on the touch screen.

*. 25 Weigh Button -A user will select this button if visiting the machine for your first weigh.

Re-Weigh Button -A user will select this button if returning to the machine * having already weighed and having been given a re-weigh code.

If Screen 2 is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* If the screen left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen 1 screen saver.

Screen 3 Screen 3 will give several Airlines dependant on the Airport the machine resides in. A user should select the Airline they are flying with by touching the Airline's logo on the screen.

* If Screen 3 is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen I screen saver * If a user wants to end the process they can press a back arrow to go back one screen or a Cancel button to return to the beginning.

Screen 4 Screen 4 will give the passenger an allowance screen. This screen is only * ** activated with certain Airlines where different tickets or classes of ticket allow for different luggage weight allowances. This gives the user the opportunity to select their allowance according to their ticket where they may have purchased an additional allowance (i.e. pre paid to the Airline).

. 25 Under these circumstances the passenger will be aware what their allowance entitlement is, for example, if Air France is selected a kilo screen will be presented where the passenger will need to select the * allowance they have paid for.

Passengers can select the Allowance they have paid for by touching the correct button on screen.

* If Screen 4 is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* If wanting to end process a user can press back arrow or cancel.

Back arrow will take the customer back one screen. Cancel will take the process back to the beginning.

* If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen 1 Screen saver Screen 5 Screen 5a is displayed to passengers who are weighing luggage for the first time and will request the passenger deposits money into the slot provided to receive a weigh of their bag. The cost of the weigh will initially be1 or2.

* If Screen 5a is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* Once money deposited in part, full, euro or sterling or any other combination, this will not be returned, It will be up to the passenger to ensure they deposit the correct money in the machine. If passengers need assistance there will be a help button facility on the machine. If this is pressed a service representative should be able to give advice.

*. 25 * If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screeni Screen saver ** ** * * * * * ** * *: Screen 5b is displayed to passengers who have chosen to re-weigh their luggage after being provided with a re-weigh code. The screen will ask the passenger to input the number given on their print out. The weighing machine will then calculate the current weight of the luggage and calculate any costs that may be incurred.

* If Screen 5b is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* If an incorrect number input prior to selecting ENTER a user can press clear to erase number.

* If screen left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen 1 Screen saver Screen 6 Screen 6a is displayed to passengers who have a luggage item that is calculated to be OVER ALLOWANCE and will advise the passenger of; a) their airline luggage weight allowance; b) the weight of their luggage; c) the calculated difference in kilo's between a & b when over allowance; and d) the potential charge for excess luggage weight that they may be charged if they proceed to check-in.

*:*:: In addition the screen will provide 2 options; * Option A) the passenger can purchase a piece of hand luggage. S...

Once purchased, and if allowed to carry more than one bag or if this is their only hand luggage bag, they can transfer their excess luggage from their hold case. Likewise the passenger can transfer their excess luggage from their hold case into their existing hand luggage. The passenger will receive onscreen a re-weigh code * "free of charge". The code is printed out along with the results from the screen. Once the passenger is satisfied that enough luggage has been transferred they can return to the machine and follow the instructions this time using the re-weigh button on screen 2.

* Option B) The passenger may decide they want to pay the excess charge and take the extra weight with them. This is beneficial as they know what they may be charged. The passenger when selecting this option will terminate the process and the screen will return to screen 1.

* If Screen 6a is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* There are no cancel buttons or back buttons on this screen. If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen 1 Screen saver. The passenger will lose their money and weigh details.

Screen 6b is displayed to passengers who have a luggage item that is calculated to be UNDER ALLOWANCE and will advise the passenger of; a) their airline luggage weight allowance; b) the weight of their luggage; c) the calculated difference in kilo's between a & b; and d) no charge �0 should be requested at check-in. *..* * * S...

The passenger will then be requested to end the process and proceed to check-in once the information has been noted. * 25

* If Screen 6b is not active the machine may be powered off and not * . muse. *. * * * *

* * There are no cancel buttons or back buttons on this screen. If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screen 1 Screen saver. The passenger will lose their money and weigh details.

Returning Users; Screen 6c is displayed to passengers whose luggage is calculated to be OVER ALLOWANCE and who are re-weighing their luggage using a re-weigh code. The screen advises the passenger of; a) their airline luggage weight allowance; b) the weight of their luggage; c) the calculated difference in kilo's between a & b when over allowance; and d) the potential charge for excess luggage weight that they may be charged if they proceed to check-in.

No further options will be given by the system except to end the process.

* If Screen 6c is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* There are no cancel buttons or back buttons on this screen. If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to screeni Screen saver. * * * S..

Returning Users; Screen 6d is displayed to passengers whose luggage is calculated to be * 25 UNDER ALLOWANCE and who are re-weighing their luggage using a re-weigh code. The screen advises the passenger of; 5*55; a) their airline luggage weight allowance; * b) the weight of their luggage; c) the calculated difference in kilo's between a & b; and d) no charge �0 should be requested at check-in.

No further options will be given by the system except to end the process.

* If Screen 6b is not active the machine may be powered off and not in use.

* There are no cancel buttons or back buttons on this screen. If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to the screen 1 Screen saver.

Screen 7 This screen is purely an information screen that advises the passenger to take their print-out from the machine giving them their luggage, costs and re-weigh code information. As soon as the print-out is taken, this screen will revert to screen I and the weigh process will be complete. However, once the passenger has transferred luggage and are ready to weigh again, they can return to the machine and follow the instructions until they get to the re-weigh selection. Once this button is selected they will be asked to type in the re-weigh code from the print out.

The process will once again ask for the case to be placed on the scales and a calculation will be made.

This time the passenger will not get a re-weigh opportunity and will be asked to end the process. S...

* If Screen 7 is not active the machine may be powered off and not in 25 use.

* *. * If the screen is left idle for 30 seconds it will timeout and go back to 5..5. screeni Screen saver.

* There are no cancel buttons or back buttons on this screen.

* This is the last screen that may be shown and will terminate once the use is complete.

The above embodiments are by way of example only and it will be clear to one skilled in the art that there are a number of variations that may be made whilst still falling within the intended scope of the invention. In particular there are a number of options for providing a reactivation key to the user as well as a number of options for payment and user interface set-ups. * *a * * * * ** a... * a *** * S * S.. * a. 55 * * I * *I I a * * * S.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A weighing machine comprising; an activatable scale for weighing a user's luggage; at least one means configured to receive means for activating said scale; a processor in communication with the activatable scale and operably linked to a database containing information relating to luggage allowances and associated charges, wherein the processor compares the weight of a users luggage and the information in the database to determine whether the luggage is within a specified weight allowance; 0) a user interface which allows a user to input information to and receive information from the processor; wherein the machine further comprises a means for providing a reactivation key which can be used to re-activate the activatable scale in the case that a user's luggage is found to be outwith the specified weight allowance.
2. A weighing machine as in Claim 1 wherein the means configured to receive means for activating said scale may take the form of a coin or note slot for receiving cash or a credit of r debit card receiver.
3. A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the machine is provided with the necessary apparatus for taking said payment.
4. A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the reactivation key re-activates the scale without the need for further payment.
5. A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the reactivation key is a specifically generated alphanumeric code (which could be simply generated on a screen for the user to copy down or which may be provided to the user in the form of a print-out) which the user can input to the machine on an alpha-numeric keyboard;
6. A weighing machine as in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the reactivation key is a physical token wherein reactivation would occur when the token was placed in an appropriate token receiving slot on the machine; a)
7. A weighing machine as in any of Claims 1 to 4 wherein the reactivation key is a bar code wherein reactivation would occur when the barcode was read by a barcode reader associated with the weighing machine
8. A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the weighing machine is in communication with a memory unit which will recognise a reactivation key and allow only a predetermined number of reactivations of the scale based on said key.
9. A weighing machine as in Claim 8 wherein preferably the reactivation key may only be used once.
1 0.A weighing machine as in Claim 8 wherein the reactivation key will only reactivate the scale if used within a specified time.
11.A weighing machine as in Claim 10 wherein the reactivation code will only reactivate the scale if used within 20 minutes of it being provided to the user.
1 2.A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the database to which the processor is operably linked is remote from the weighing machine.
1 3.A weighing machine as in Claim 12 wherein information regarding specific airlines, luggage allowances and charges is held at a central point offsite from the weighing machine itself.0)
1 4.A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the processor communicates with the database using internet protocol.
1 5.A weighing machine as in any of the previous Claims wherein the reactivation key allows the processor to access information that a user has input into the system previously.
16.A plurality of weighing machines as in any of the previous Claims which are operably linked together.
17.A plurality of weighing machines as in Claim 16 wherein a reactivation key from a first machine is adapted to allow reactivation of a scale on a different weighing machine to that which provided the reactivation key.
18.A plurality of weighing machines as in Claims 16 to 17 wherein a number of weighing machines are linked using serial interface cables.
19.A plurality of weighing machines as in Claims 16 to 17 wherein the weighing machines are wirelessly linked. a) (\J (\J