KR102631815B1 - Method and system for processing airport baggage - Google Patents

Abstract

An airport baggage handling method and system are disclosed. An airport baggage handling method implemented by an airport baggage handling system that interfaces in real time with an airline server of the present invention includes the steps of photographing baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on a conveyor line through which baggage is transferred, and capturing images of the baggage. Reading first tag information associated with the barcode attached to the baggage from the baggage, processing an image of the baggage, recognizing volume information and color information about the baggage, and storing the baggage in a first database; , In the case of unrecognized baggage in which the first tag information is not read, a certain number of items are stored in a second database different from the first database during a set previous time from the time of storage of the volume information and color information in the first database of the unrecognized baggage. identifying volume information and color information and second tag information corresponding thereto, and selecting the volume information and color information most similar to the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage among the certain number of volume information and color information. estimating corresponding second tag information as first tag information of the unrecognized baggage, using the estimated first tag information to confirm a destination carousel of the baggage, and the destination carousel and automatically sorting and transporting the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the baggage.

Description

Airport baggage handling method and system {METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR PROCESSING AIRPORT BAGGAGE}

The present invention is related to the Baggage Handling System ('BHS') at the airport, and more specifically, a baggage handling method when the tag attached to the baggage is not recognized during the transfer of checked baggage through the conveyor line. is related to the improvement of

FIG. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the baggage handling process in a conventional airport baggage handling system (BHS), and FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional baggage handling system (BHS).

Referring to FIG. 1, at the check-in counter (CHK CNT) 110 of the airport BHS system 100, an airline employee issues a tag with a baggage barcode printed on it based on passenger information and attaches the tag to checked baggage. Additionally, passengers using the unmanned check-in system (SBD CNT) can directly issue a tag and attach it to their luggage.

Baggage put on the conveyor line of the airport BHS system 100 through the check-in counter 110 is sequentially transferred to the destination carousel 150 corresponding to the assigned flight gate through the baggage screening room. .

In this process, the Open Chk) (160), and the baggage after removing hazardous items is reintroduced to the conveyor line.

Sorting equipment (SORTER) 140 uses vertical and horizontal sorters, trays, loops, DCV cars, etc. to automatically sort baggage on the conveyor line and transfer it to the destination carousel 150.

ATR (Auto Tag Reader) equipment 130 (e.g., barcode reader) is installed at the front of the X-ray equipment 120 and the classification equipment 140, and the BHS system 100 is installed on the ATR equipment 130. Passenger information recognized from baggage tags is used for automatic baggage processing. The ATR equipment 130 is installed in all 360-degree directions of the conveyor line where baggage is placed and reads barcode-type tags attached to baggage by generating laser light.

That is, the BHS system 100 can recognize tag information from the barcode-type tag attached to the baggage by the ATR equipment 130, and find out the destination on the customer's passenger information corresponding to the tag information from the airline server, and then, The sorting equipment 140 automatically sorts the baggage so that it is transferred to the carousel 150 at the destination.

Baggage whose tag recognition has failed by the ATR equipment 130 is branched off the conveyor line and put into the unrecognized baggage reprocessing room 170, and baggage whose tags have been manually recognized by a full-time worker is put back into the conveyor line.

In this way, in the conventional airport baggage handling system (BHS), baggage is processed using ATR equipment 130 that reads tags. However, in order to properly process baggage that is not recognized by the ATR equipment 130, a separate booth is set up and a computer is installed. The baggage handling process was not efficient in that systems and hand scanners had to be installed, and workers had to be on duty all the time, and if more than one baggage with an undetected tag appeared at a certain time, it was impossible to identify the undetected baggage. Many cases are occurring.

Additionally, if the previous tag attached to the baggage was not removed when boarding an aircraft in the past, and multiple tags are attached to the baggage, the baggage processing facility may incorrectly read the previous tag and fail to specify the current destination flight number to which the baggage will be transferred. may occur.

Therefore, in the airport BHS system that automatically classifies baggage based on tag recognition, instead of the ATR equipment 130 that can only read the tag, a vision camera that can also recognize the shape or color of the baggage is used to ensure that the baggage tag is not read. In this case, the baggage is identified by shape and color, and the latest tag information among the plurality of tags attached to the baggage is acquired through real-time information linkage with the airline server to ensure that baggage is processed efficiently and accurately. technology is required for

In an embodiment of the present invention, even if the tag attached to the baggage is not recognized during the transfer process of the airport baggage through the conveyor line, the appearance information regarding the color and volume of the baggage obtained using the baggage image captured by the baggage vision camera is utilized. The purpose is to increase baggage handling efficiency by automatically identifying and classifying baggage.

The embodiment of the present invention does not have a separate space, equipment, and workers to handle baggage whose tags are not recognized by conventional ATR equipment, but through comparison of the baggage entry sequence and baggage images captured by a vision camera for baggage. The purpose is to enable rapid baggage processing by being able to estimate (automatically identify) unrecognized baggage.

An airport baggage handling method implemented by an airport baggage handling system that interfaces in real time with an airline server of the present invention includes the steps of photographing baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on a conveyor line through which baggage is transferred, and capturing images of the baggage. Reading first tag information associated with the barcode attached to the baggage from the baggage, processing an image of the baggage, recognizing volume information and color information about the baggage, and storing the baggage in a first database; , In the case of unrecognized baggage in which the first tag information is not read, a certain number of items are stored in a second database different from the first database during a set previous time from the time of storage of the volume information and color information in the first database of the unrecognized baggage. identifying volume information and color information and second tag information corresponding thereto, and selecting the volume information and color information most similar to the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage among the certain number of volume information and color information. estimating corresponding second tag information as first tag information of the unrecognized baggage, using the estimated first tag information to confirm a destination carousel of the baggage, and the destination carousel It may include automatically sorting and transporting the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the baggage.

In addition, the airport baggage handling system that is linked in real time with the airline server of the present invention includes a photographing unit for photographing baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on the conveyor line through which the baggage is transferred, and an image attached to the baggage from the image of the baggage. A reading unit that reads the first tag information associated with the barcode, processes images taken of the baggage, recognizes volume information and color information about the baggage, and stores the recognized volume information and color information in a first database. A processing unit, and if the baggage is unrecognized baggage whose first tag information is not read by the reading unit, the first database for a previous time set from the time of storage of the volume information and color information in the first database of the unrecognized baggage identify a certain number of volume information and color information stored in a second database different from the second tag information and corresponding second tag information, and identify the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage and the most An estimation unit that estimates second tag information corresponding to similar volume information and color information as first tag information of the unrecognized baggage, and uses the estimated first tag information to determine the destination carousel of the baggage. It may include a confirmation unit that automatically sorts and transfers the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the destination carousel.

According to the present invention, the time required for manual processing in a separate line to check unrecognized baggage is saved, enabling rapid baggage processing, and improving airport baggage processing speed can contribute to on-time operation of aircraft.

According to the present invention, construction and manpower costs for installing a conveyor line and re-inspection system for handling unrecognized baggage can be reduced, and construction space for facility installation can be reduced.

According to the present invention, baggage that is not recognized by the ATR equipment is discharged to a separately provided unrecognized baggage handling room, and the baggage is acquired from baggage images captured by a vision camera for baggage without the hassle of having to recognize the tag by operating a hand scanner by a full-time worker. Unrecognized baggage can be handled efficiently by utilizing appearance information about the color and volume of the baggage.

Figure 1 is a diagram schematically showing the baggage handling process in a conventional airport baggage handling system (BHS).
Figure 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a conventional baggage handling system (BHS).
Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an airport baggage handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an airport baggage handling system according to another embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 5 is a diagram showing the automatic baggage classification process in the airport baggage handling system according to the present invention.
Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the sequence of an airport baggage handling method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings. However, various changes can be made to the embodiments, so the scope of the patent application is not limited or limited by these embodiments. It should be understood that all changes, equivalents, or substitutes for the embodiments are included in the scope of rights.

The terms used in the examples are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as limiting. Singular expressions include plural expressions unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In this specification, terms such as “comprise” or “have” are intended to designate the presence of features, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof described in the specification, but are not intended to indicate the presence of one or more other features. It should be understood that this does not exclude in advance the possibility of the existence or addition of elements, numbers, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all terms used herein, including technical or scientific terms, have the same meaning as generally understood by a person of ordinary skill in the technical field to which the embodiments belong. Terms defined in commonly used dictionaries should be interpreted as having a meaning consistent with the meaning in the context of the related technology, and unless explicitly defined in the present application, should not be interpreted in an ideal or excessively formal sense. No.

In addition, when describing with reference to the accompanying drawings, identical components will be assigned the same reference numerals regardless of the reference numerals, and overlapping descriptions thereof will be omitted. In describing the embodiments, if it is determined that detailed descriptions of related known technologies may unnecessarily obscure the gist of the embodiments, the detailed descriptions are omitted.

Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of an airport baggage handling system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 3, the airport baggage handling system 300 according to the present invention includes a photographing unit 310, a reading unit 320, a processing unit 330, an estimation unit 340, a confirmation unit 350, and a transfer unit ( 360), a first database 370, a second database 380, and a publishing unit 390.

The photographing unit 310 photographs the baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on the conveyor line through which the baggage is transported.

The reading unit 320 reads first tag information associated with the barcode attached to the baggage from an image of the baggage.

The processing unit 330 processes an image of the baggage, recognizes volume information and color information about the baggage, and stores the recognized volume information and color information in the first database 370.

Prior to this, the issuing unit 390 issues a barcode attached to the baggage through the check-in counter where the baggage is checked in by the customer.

At this time, when issuing the barcode, the photographing unit 310 photographs the checked baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the check-in counter, and the processing unit 330 captures the baggage from the baggage image photographed when issuing the barcode. The volume information and color information can be recognized, associated with the tag information of the barcode, and stored in the second database 380.

That is, the first database 370 maintains the volume information and color information of baggage recognized in baggage images captured by a plurality of vision cameras installed on the conveyor line on which the baggage is being transported, and the second database 380 maintains , Before the baggage is transferred, the volume information and color information of the baggage recognized in the baggage image captured by a plurality of vision cameras installed at the check-in counter at the time of being entrusted to the check-in counter are combined with the tag information of the barcode issued at the check-in counter. remain related.

Therefore, even if the first tag information is not read from the barcode of the baggage being transported through the conveyor line, the volume information and color information of the baggage in the first database 370, the volume information and color information in the second database 380, and Through comparison with color information, it is possible to easily specify the tag information of the unclaimed baggage.

Depending on the embodiment, when the attachment position of the barcode in the baggage is additionally recognized from an image taken of the baggage, the processing unit 330 provides information about the attachment position of the barcode to the length, height, and width of the baggage. , the volume information of at least one of the shapes, and the color information of at least one of each color recognized in the baggage and the combination and ratio of each color may be stored in the first database 370.

Therefore, according to this embodiment, if there are multiple pieces of baggage similar to the volume information and color information of the baggage for which the first tag information has not been read, the attachment location of the additionally recognized barcode (e.g., bottom side, top left, etc.) Using this, it is possible to accurately specify tag information on unclaimed baggage.

The processing unit 330 transmits the tag information of the baggage that has been stored in the second database 380 to the airline server (where the customer's passenger information is maintained) that is interlocked in real time with the airport baggage handling system 300. , the transmitted tag information can be maintained in association with passenger information such as the flight number of the aircraft the customer will board.

When the first tag information is read from the baggage by the reading unit 320, the confirmation unit 350 verifies the destination carousel of the baggage by linking in real time with the airline server based on the read first tag information. do.

Meanwhile, for unrecognized baggage whose first tag information is not read by the reader 320, the estimation unit 340 performs identification using the shape and color of the baggage.

That is, if the baggage is unrecognized baggage whose first tag information is not read by the reader 320, the estimation unit 340 determines the volume information and color information in the first database 370 of the unrecognized baggage. A certain number of volume information and color information stored in the second database 380, which is different from the first database 370, and a second tag corresponding thereto, for a set previous time (e.g., '10 minutes ago') from the time of storage. identify information, and among the certain number of volume information and color information, second tag information corresponding to the volume information and color information most similar to the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage is provided to the first tag information of the unrecognized baggage. It is estimated as tag information.

Here, during the set previous time, the environment of the airport baggage handling facility, such as the distance between the plurality of vision cameras installed on the conveyor line and the check-in counter where the conveyor line starts (i.e., the length of the conveyor line) It can be determined appropriately depending on the situation.

Thereafter, the confirmation unit 350 uses the estimated first tag information to confirm the destination carousel of the baggage. For example, the confirmation unit 350 may confirm the departure carousel or lateral designated in the aircraft flight number of the baggage obtained from the airline server based on the estimated first tag information as the destination carousel of the baggage.

The transfer unit 360 automatically sorts and transports the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the destination carousel.

At this time, the photographing unit 310 photographs each baggage sequentially entering the sorting equipment along the conveyor line through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the front of the sorting equipment, and the reading unit 320 photographs each baggage. From one image, by reading the first tag information associated with the barcode attached to each baggage, each baggage can be accurately transferred from the transfer unit 360 toward the destination carousel identified by the first tag information, Automatic sorting can be achieved by controlling the switching of the sorting equipment.

In summary, the airport baggage handling system 300 of the present invention is equipped with a server system (BHS server) that interfaces with the airline server in real time, and a plurality of vision cameras that read first tag information are installed on the conveyor line through which baggage is transferred. Each vision camera photographs the baggage and reads the barcode information, and also captures the baggage's volume information (one or more of length, height, width, and shape) and color information (the color and color combination of the entire baggage, and the color of each color). The ratio, etc. are stored, and if the barcode is not recognized by the vision camera, the volume information and color information linked to the previously stored second tag information are compared within a set time to estimate and specify the first tag information of the unrecognized baggage. , Based on the specified first tag information, the aircraft flight number, etc. is checked in conjunction with the airline server, and then the baggage is automatically classified and transported through sorting equipment so that the baggage arrives at the departure lateral or carousel corresponding to the aircraft flight. It is then sent to its destination.

Depending on the embodiment, when the baggage is completely transferred to the destination carousel, the processing unit 330 collects the volume information and color information of the baggage stored in the first database 370 and information about the attachment position of the barcode, It can be deleted from the first database 370.

In addition, the processing unit 330 checks the flight number of the aircraft whose departure time has elapsed from the airline server at a selected cycle, and collects the volume information and color information about the baggage loaded on the aircraft for which the flight number was confirmed and the attachment position of the bar code. Information regarding may be deleted from the first database 370.

Through this, the processing unit 330 maintains the information necessary for processing the currently transported baggage in the first database 370, preventing the first database 370 from becoming too large, increasing the system load, or preventing unnecessary resources from being wasted. You can.

According to the embodiment, the transfer unit 360 removes baggage in which hazardous items are detected by The volume information and color information of the baggage being transferred to the first database 370 are deleted, and the baggage from which the hazardous items have been removed in the opening inspection room is reintroduced to the conveyor line connected to the rear end of the X-ray equipment. Accordingly, the volume information and color information of the deleted baggage can be restored and re-stored in the first database 370.

Accordingly, in this embodiment, the volume information and color information of a plurality of baggage transported through the conveyor line can be stored in order in the first database 370 according to the order of the baggage currently being transported, so that the first database 370 It is possible to make it easier to identify unrecognized baggage by comparing the volume information and color information in (370) with the volume information and color information in the second database (380).

In this way, in the present invention, even if the tag attached to the baggage is not recognized during the transfer process of the airport baggage through the conveyor line, the appearance information about the color and volume of the baggage obtained from the baggage image taken with the baggage vision camera is utilized, By automatically identifying and sorting baggage, baggage handling efficiency can be improved.

Accordingly, according to the present invention, the tag information of unrecognized baggage can be estimated through comparison of the baggage entry sequence and the baggage image captured by the baggage vision camera. Conventionally, in order to check unrecognized baggage, manual checking was performed in a separate line. This saves time, enabling rapid baggage handling, and improving airport baggage processing speed can contribute to on-time flight operations.

Figure 4 is a diagram showing the configuration of an airport baggage handling system according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 4, the airport baggage handling system 400 according to the present invention includes a tag issuing system 410, an X-ray equipment 420, a vision camera 430 for baggage, and a sorter. It can be configured to include (440), carousel (450), opening inspection room (460), and BHS server (470).

The airport baggage handling system 400 of this embodiment, instead of the ATR equipment 130 that reads the barcode-type tag information attached to baggage in the BHS system 100 in FIG. 1, reads the shape and color along with the barcode information of the baggage. The BHS system of FIG. 1 is equipped with a vision camera 430 for baggage that can be recognized, and does not have a separate unrecognized baggage reprocessing room 170 to process baggage for which tag recognition by the ATR equipment 130 has failed. There is a difference from (100).

The tag issuing system 410 issues a tag to be attached to baggage checked in through an unmanned/manned check-in counter, and transmits information related to the issued tag to the BHS server 470.

The vision camera 430 for baggage may be installed near an unmanned/manned check-in counter, captures an image of baggage with the tag attached, and transmits the image of the baggage including the tag to the BHS server 470.

Here, the baggage vision camera 430 is installed in 360 degrees in all directions, the same as existing ATR equipment, but is implemented as a camera rather than in the form of a laser gun like ATR equipment.

Accordingly, the BHS server 470 can read the tag information by reading the barcode of the baggage in the captured image sent from the baggage vision camera 430, and simultaneously recognize the appearance and color information of the baggage to provide tag information. It can be associated with the appearance and color information of the baggage and stored in a storage medium (hereinafter referred to as second database) within the BHS server 470.

For example, baggage data may be stored in the second database in the form of {tag information, tag issuance time, baggage color, baggage volume, barcode attachment position, and baggage image}.

In addition, a plurality of vision cameras 430 for baggage are installed on a conveyor line connected to the check-in counter and transporting baggage, so that they can capture images of the baggage being transported.

In FIG. 4, for simplicity, vision cameras 430 for baggage are shown installed at two locations on each conveyor line. However, in large airports with complex conveyor line structures like Incheon Airport, a significant number of vision cameras 430 for baggage are installed on the conveyor. It can be installed and operated on the line.

Accordingly, in the airport baggage handling system 400 of this embodiment, the vision cameras 430 for baggage are installed at three major locations, and a plurality of them can be installed at the point where the conveyor line starts from the check-in counter (general and SBD). (1 point), and can be installed in multiple locations at one location before/after passing the X-ray equipment 420 on the conveyor line (2 points), and also on the conveyor after passing the X-ray equipment 420. The vision camera 430 for most baggage can be installed at a point (point 3) before entering the sorting equipment 440 that performs automatic sorting on the line.

Baggage images captured by a plurality of baggage vision cameras 430 on the conveyor line are transmitted to the BHS server 470 and used to read tag information from the barcode attached to the baggage on the conveyor line.

In addition, the BHS server 470 uses baggage images taken from at least three different directions to calculate and obtain volume information (e.g., 3-dimensional volume) of at least one of the length, height, width, and shape of the baggage, Additionally, the combination of each color used on different sides of the baggage (e.g. "orange+yellow+green", etc.) or the proportion of each color (e.g. "orange: 70%, yellow: 20%, green: 10%", etc.) You can obtain color information about .

In this way, the BHS server 470 can store the appearance information about the color and volume of the baggage recognized through the baggage vision camera 430 on the conveyor line in a separate storage medium (hereinafter referred to as the first database).

The BHS server 470 can usually read tag information from the barcode attached to baggage by using baggage images taken from at least four different directions, but if tag information is not read from baggage, the first database Using the appearance information about the color and volume of the baggage stored in , the tag information of the baggage with the most similar appearance can be simply specified (estimated) from the second database.

The BHS server 470 can transmit the tag information of the specified baggage to an airline server that is linked in real time and request confirmation of aircraft information, such as the flight number of the aircraft on which the baggage should be loaded, from the airline server.

In the airline server, for each aircraft operated, the customer's passenger information (e.g., name, gender, age, phone number, nationality information, etc.), operation information (e.g., airline, aircraft flight number, etc.), and baggage tag information ( (barcode information issued at check-in based on passenger information) is maintained, and in response to a confirmation request from the BHS server 470, aircraft information such as aircraft flight number corresponding to the tag information of the specified baggage can be transmitted and provided. there is.

Afterwards, the BHS server 470 controls switching through the sorting equipment 440 connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage is transferred to the carousel or lateral 450 of the destination corresponding to the confirmed aircraft information. Each piece of baggage is automatically sorted and transported to its destination.

According to the embodiment, the BHS server 470 may store volume information other than tag information to avoid creating a load on baggage processing due to the large amount of information stored together with tag information in the storage medium (first and second databases). Information such as color information and barcode attachment location can be deleted after a certain period of time.

For example, when the departure time of a baggage flight arrives for each issued tag, the BHS server 470 records the tag issuance time stored in the storage medium, the baggage re-introduction time from the opening search room 460, and the color and volume of the baggage. Information about it can be deleted.

Figure 5 is a diagram showing the automatic baggage classification process in the airport baggage handling system according to the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, the airport baggage handling system according to the present invention replaces the conventional method of processing baggage using baggage barcode information and baggage order information by capturing images using a vision camera for baggage in addition to baggage barcode information and baggage order information. By changing the method to utilize the appearance information about the color and volume of the baggage obtained from the image of the baggage, even if the baggage tag (barcode) is not recognized by the ATR equipment, the tag information of the unrecognized baggage can be estimated and automatically identified. This allows unrecognized baggage to be transferred to the destination carousel without going through a separate line, thereby improving baggage handling efficiency.

The airport baggage handling system according to the present invention can be implemented by a BHS server including a storage medium and a computing device.

The BHS server collects the volume information (length, height, width, shape) and color information (since the vision camera is a digital camera) of the baggage from baggage images captured by a plurality of first vision cameras installed near the check-in counter. The stored value) is stored in a storage medium (second DB) in correspondence with the second tag information (e.g., tag number, issuance time information, order information between baggage (tags)) of the baggage barcode issued at the check-in counter.

In addition, the BHS server detects when it is impossible to read the first tag information from the barcode due to removal or deformation of the baggage barcode in the baggage image captured by a plurality of second vision cameras installed near the front and rear of the X-ray equipment on the conveyor line. , Compare the volume information and color information calculated from the baggage image with the volume information and color information for a certain number of baggage stored in the storage medium (second DB) within a set time range (e.g., 10 minutes ago, etc.), Among these, the baggage with the most similar shape and color is identified and the first tag information of the unclaimed baggage is estimated.

Here, the volume information includes one or more of the length, width, and height of each baggage captured with a vision camera, and the color information is the first color of the most common background color on the outside of each baggage photographed with a vision camera, and the ratio in the next order. This high secondary color may be included, and the volume information and color information are stored in the storage medium in the order in which each baggage, that is, the barcode attached to each baggage, passes the vision camera.

In addition, in order to handle baggage that is difficult to distinguish by color and shape, such as if the baggage is a cardboard delivery box of the same size or a carrier of the same color and shape manufactured by the same manufacturer, the external appearance of the baggage is photographed in addition to the volume information and color information. The attachment position of the barcode in the image can be further stored.

Figure 6 is a flowchart showing the sequence of an airport baggage handling method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

The airport baggage handling method according to this embodiment can be performed by the airport baggage handling system 300 described above.

Referring to FIG. 6, in step 610, the airport baggage handling system 300 photographs the baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on a conveyor line through which the baggage is transported.

In step 620, the airport baggage handling system 300 reads first tag information associated with the barcode attached to the baggage from an image of the baggage.

In step 630, the airport baggage handling system 300 processes images of the baggage, recognizes volume information and color information about the baggage, and stores them in a first database.

In step 640, the airport baggage handling system 300 determines whether the first tag information is not read and is unrecognized baggage.

If the baggage is determined to be unrecognized baggage, in step 650, the airport baggage handling system 300 operates the first database for a previous time set from the point of storage of the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage in the first database. 1. Identify a certain number of volume information and color information and corresponding second tag information stored in a second database different from the database, and among the certain number of volume information and color information, volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage. The second tag information corresponding to the most similar volume information and color information is estimated as the first tag information of the unrecognized baggage.

In step 660, the airport baggage handling system 300 uses the estimated first tag information to check the destination carousel of the baggage according to aircraft information such as aircraft flight number obtained in conjunction with an airline server.

If the first tag information is read from the baggage in step 640, the airport baggage handling system 300 uses the read first tag information to check the destination carousel of the baggage.

In step 670, the airport baggage handling system 300 automatically sorts the baggage through sorting equipment connected to a conveyor line and transfers it to the carousel so that the baggage reaches the destination carousel.

In this way, according to the present invention, baggage that is not recognized by the ATR equipment is discharged to a separate unrecognized baggage handling room and baggage captured by a vision camera for baggage is removed without the hassle of having to recognize the tag by operating a hand scanner by a regular worker. Using images, unrecognized baggage can be processed efficiently, which is expected to have the effect of reducing construction and manpower costs for installing conveyor lines and re-inspection systems for handling unrecognized baggage, as well as building space for facility installation. You can.

The method according to the embodiment may be implemented in the form of program instructions that can be executed through various computer means and recorded on a computer-readable medium. The computer-readable medium may include program instructions, data files, data structures, etc., singly or in combination. Program instructions recorded on the medium may be specially designed and configured for the embodiment or may be known and available to those skilled in the art of computer software. Examples of computer-readable recording media include magnetic media such as hard disks, floppy disks, and magnetic tapes, optical media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs, and magnetic media such as floptical disks. -Includes optical media (magneto-optical media) and hardware systems specifically configured to store and execute program instructions, such as ROM, RAM, flash memory, etc. Examples of program instructions include machine language code, such as that produced by a compiler, as well as high-level language code that can be executed by a computer using an interpreter, etc. The hardware systems described above may be configured to operate as one or more software modules to perform the operations of the embodiments, and vice versa.

Software may include a computer program, code, instructions, or a combination of one or more of these, which may configure a processing system to operate as desired, or may be processed independently or collectively. You can command the system. Software and/or data may be used on any type of machine, component, physical system, virtual equipment, computer storage medium or system to be interpreted by or to provide instructions or data to a processing system. , or may be permanently or temporarily embodied in a transmitted signal wave. Software may be distributed over networked computer systems and stored or executed in a distributed manner. Software and data may be stored on one or more computer-readable recording media.

Although the embodiments have been described with limited drawings as described above, those skilled in the art can apply various technical modifications and variations based on the above. For example, the described techniques are performed in a different order than the described method, and/or components of the described system, structure, system, circuit, etc. are combined or combined in a different form than the described method, or other components are used. Alternatively, appropriate results may be achieved even if substituted or substituted by an equivalent.

Therefore, other implementations, other embodiments, and equivalents of the claims also fall within the scope of the following claims.

300: Airport baggage handling system
310: Filming Department
320: Reading section
330: processing unit
340: Estimation Department
350: Confirmation unit
360: transfer unit
370: first database
380: second database
390: Publication Department

Claims (17)

In the airport baggage handling method implemented by an airport baggage handling system that is linked in real time with the airline server,
Photographing the baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on a conveyor line through which the baggage is transported;
Reading first tag information associated with a barcode attached to the baggage from an image of the baggage;
Processing an image taken of the baggage, recognizing volume information and color information about the baggage, and storing it in a first database;
If the baggage is unrecognized baggage whose first tag information cannot be read,
A certain number of volume information and color information and a corresponding second tag stored in a second database different from the first database during a predetermined period of time from the point of storage of the volume information and color information in the first database of the unrecognized baggage. identifying information;
Among the certain number of volume information and color information, the second tag information corresponding to the volume information and color information most similar to the volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage is estimated as the first tag information of the unrecognized baggage. step;
Confirming the destination carousel of the baggage using the estimated first tag information; and
Automatically sorting and transporting the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the destination carousel.
Airport baggage handling methods, including. According to paragraph 1,
issuing a barcode attached to the baggage through a check-in counter;
When issuing the barcode, photographing the checked baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the check-in counter; and
Recognizing volume information and color information about the baggage from baggage images taken when issuing the barcode, associating them with tag information of the barcode, and storing them in the second database.
Airport baggage handling method further comprising: According to paragraph 2,
Transferring the tag information stored in the second database to the airline server, and maintaining the delivered tag information in association with the flight number of the aircraft on which the customer will board, in the airline server.
It further includes,
The step of checking the destination carousel of the baggage is,
Confirming the departure carousel or lateral designated in the aircraft flight number of the baggage obtained from the airline server using the estimated first tag information as the destination carousel of the baggage
Airport baggage handling methods, including. According to paragraph 1,
If the attachment location of the barcode in the baggage is recognized from the image taken of the baggage,
Information on the attachment position of the barcode, the volume information of at least one of the length, height, width, and shape of the baggage, and each color recognized in the baggage, and the color of at least one of the combinations and ratios of each color. storing, together with the information, in the first database.
Airport baggage handling method further comprising: According to paragraph 4,
When the baggage is transferred to the destination carousel,
Processing the deletion of the volume information and color information of the baggage stored in the first database and information about the attachment position of the barcode from the first database.
Airport baggage handling method further comprising: According to paragraph 4,
Checking the flight number of an aircraft whose departure time has elapsed from the airline server at a selected period; and
Deleting from the first database the volume information, color information, and information about the attachment position of the barcode regarding baggage loaded on the aircraft for which the flight number has been confirmed.
Airport baggage handling method further comprising: According to paragraph 1,
removing baggage for which hazardous items are detected by X-ray equipment on the conveyor line from the conveyor line and transferring it to an unpacking inspection room;
deleting volume information and color information of the baggage in the first database according to the transfer to the unpacking inspection room; and
When baggage from which the hazardous items have been removed in the opening inspection room is reintroduced to the conveyor line connected to the rear end of the X-ray equipment,
Restoring the volume information and color information of the deleted baggage and re-storing them in the first database.
Airport baggage handling method further comprising: According to paragraph 1,
Photographing each baggage sequentially entering the sorting equipment along the conveyor line through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the front of the sorting equipment; and
Reading first tag information associated with the barcode attached to each baggage from the image taken of each baggage.
It further includes,
The step of automatically sorting and transporting the baggage is,
Controlling the switching of the sorting equipment so that each baggage is transferred toward a destination carousel identified by the first tag information.
Airport baggage handling methods, including. In the airport baggage handling system that is linked in real time with the airline server,
a photographing unit that photographs the baggage through a plurality of vision cameras installed on a conveyor line through which the baggage is transported;
a reading unit that reads first tag information associated with a barcode attached to the baggage from an image taken of the baggage;
a processing unit that processes an image of the baggage, recognizes volume information and color information about the baggage, and stores the recognized volume information and color information in a first database;
If the baggage is unrecognized baggage whose first tag information is not read by the reader, during the previous time set from the point of storage of the volume information and color information in the first database of the unrecognized baggage, the first tag information is not read by the reader. 1. Identify a certain number of volume information and color information and corresponding second tag information stored in a second database different from the database, and among the certain number of volume information and color information, volume information and color information of the unrecognized baggage. an estimation unit that estimates second tag information corresponding to the most similar volume information and color information as first tag information of the unrecognized baggage;
a confirmation unit that confirms the destination carousel of the baggage using the estimated first tag information; and
A transfer unit that automatically sorts and transports the baggage through sorting equipment connected to the conveyor line so that the baggage reaches the destination carousel.
Airport baggage handling system including. According to clause 9,
Issuing department that issues barcodes attached to the baggage through the check-in counter
It further includes,
The filming department,
When issuing the barcode, photograph the baggage upon check-in through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the check-in counter,
The processing unit,
From the baggage image taken when issuing the barcode, volume information and color information about the baggage are recognized, associated with tag information of the barcode, and stored in the second database.
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 10,
The processing unit,
The tag information stored in the second database is transmitted to the airline server, and the airline server maintains the transmitted tag information in association with the flight number of the aircraft on which the customer will board,
The confirmation section,
Confirming the departure carousel or lateral designated in the aircraft flight number of the baggage obtained from the airline server based on the estimated first tag information as the destination carousel of the baggage.
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 9,
If the attachment location of the barcode in the baggage is recognized from the image taken of the baggage,
The processing unit,
Information on the attachment position of the barcode, the volume information of at least one of the length, height, width, and shape of the baggage, and each color recognized in the baggage, and the color of at least one of the combinations and ratios of each color. together with the information, to be stored in the first database
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 12,
When the baggage is transferred to the destination carousel,
The processing unit,
Delete from the first database the volume information and color information of the baggage and the information about the attachment position of the barcode stored in the first database.
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 12,
The processing unit,
At a selected interval, the flight number of the aircraft whose departure time has elapsed is confirmed from the airline server, and the volume information and color information regarding the baggage loaded on the aircraft for which the flight number has been confirmed and information regarding the attachment position of the bar code are collected. Delete from the first database
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 9,
The transfer unit,
Baggage in which hazardous items are detected by X-ray equipment on the conveyor line is removed from the conveyor line and transferred to an unpacking inspection room,
The processing unit,
Upon transfer to the unpacking inspection room, the volume information and color information of the baggage in the first database are deleted,
When baggage from which the hazardous items have been removed in the opening inspection room is reintroduced to the conveyor line connected to the rear end of the X-ray equipment,
Restore the volume information and color information of the deleted baggage and re-store it in the first database.
Airport baggage handling system. According to clause 9,
The filming department,
Each baggage sequentially entering the sorting equipment along the conveyor line is photographed through a plurality of vision cameras installed at the front of the sorting equipment,
The reading section,
Reading first tag information associated with the barcode attached to each baggage from the image taken of each baggage,
The transfer unit,
Controlling the switching of the sorting equipment so that each baggage is transferred toward the destination carousel identified by the first tag information.
Airport baggage handling system. A computer-readable recording medium recording a program for executing the method of any one of claims 1 to 8.

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