WO2020128778A1

WO2020128778A1 - Convertible check-in desk assembly for checking in a piece of baggage and/or a passenger

Info

Publication number: WO2020128778A1
Application number: PCT/IB2019/060839
Authority: WO
Inventors: Angelo MARINONI; Monica OBERTI; Patrizia MARINONI; David Richardson
Original assignee: C.C.M. S.R.L.
Priority date: 2018-12-21
Filing date: 2019-12-16
Publication date: 2020-06-25
Also published as: IT201800020878A1

Abstract

A check-in desk assembly (1) for checking in a piece of baggage and/or a passenger, said assembly (1) comprising a check-in desk (10) which can be controlled by an operator, comprising a base (20) having an operator side (21) adapted to face a check-in operator, an opposite passenger side (22) adapted to face a passenger, the passenger side (22) defining a front base surface (23); a self-service check-in module (50) having a casing (51) comprising a front module surface (52) adapted to face the passenger and an opposite rear module portion (53), wherein the passenger side of the base (20) comprises a first reversible coupling portion (25), and the rear module portion (53) comprises a second coupling portion (54), said first coupling portion (25) and said second coupling portion (54) being configured to be engaged in a mutually reversible manner, to reversibly fix the self- service check-in module (50) to the controllable check-in desk (10).

Description

CONVERTIBLE CHECK- IN DESK ASSEMBLY FOR CHECKING IN A PIECE OF BAGGAGE AND/OR A PASSENGER

DESCRIPTION

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention relates to a check-in desk assembly for checking in at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger when boarding a means of transport, in particular when boarding a flight at an airport .

Background art

[0002] It is customary to use a plurality of check-in desks to check in a piece of baggage and/or a passenger on flights in airports.

[0003] Traditional check-in desks are known. Such known desks have an operator side, adapted to face an operator, and an opposite traveler side, adapted to face a traveler .

[0004] Indeed, the check-in desk separates an operating space occupied by the operator from a queuing or waiting space occupied by the traveler awaiting registration.

[0005] Next to the check-in desk, there is generally a conveyor belt on which the baggage is placed to be later conveyed towards a baggage collection area, from where such a piece of baggage is boarded onto an aircraft. [0006] The operator side has an operator interface comprising some devices, such as a display, a keyboard (either physical or integrated into a touchscreen display) , a printer to print bag tags, a possible additional printer to print boarding passes, a document reader/verifier 38, etc.

[0007] Generally, the conveyor belt associated with the desk comprises a weighing device for weighing the baggage .

[0008] The desk generally comprises a local control unit connected to all the aforesaid devices and either connected or connectable to a central control unit which centrally manages the check-in operations.

[0009] The traveler side of this type of known check-in desk is deliberately free of the aforesaid devices so as to depute the execution and control of all check-in, baggage and/or passenger registration and checking operations only to the operator, who is located on the opposite side to the traveler waiting to check in.

[0010] This type of known check-in desk has some disadvantages .

[0011] In particular, this type of known check-in desk mandatorily requires the continuous presence of an operator for the entire check-in opening time.

[0012] For this reason, in order to limit costs, there is a tendency to keep only the minimum indispensable number of desks operational at the same time, causing the build up of many travelers queuing in front of the passenger side of the desks.

[0013] Furthermore, for the same reason, there is a tendency to keep the check-in desk operational only for a limited period of time before the scheduled flight boarding time.

[0014] In both cases, the conflicting requirements of reducing operator costs and providing the traveler with a more comfortable service are felt but not met.

[0015] A type of fully automatic check-in desk is beginning to spread, as an alternative to the desk controlled by an operator, as described above.

[0016] An automatic, or self-service, check-in desk is therefore known, which has a traveler side, provided with the necessary devices to allow the traveler to perform the baggage and/or passenger check-in operations autonomously. The side of the desk opposite to the passenger side is free of such devices. Therefore, this type of check-in desk does not have an operator side.

[0017] So, the passengers autonomously go to the automatic check-in desk, place their baggage on a conveyor belt located next to the desk for automatically weighing and checking its dimensions, identify themselves, e.g. by keying-in a reference number or by means of automatic reading of a document, make a possible payment, receive a printed tag to be applied to the baggage, and so as to deliver the baggage to the airport check-in system.

[0018] This type of automatic check-in desk avoids the continuous presence of an operator who manages all the operations and therefore allows to reduce the operator's costs. Furthermore, it also allows to have a higher number of desks operational at the same time and for a longer or indefinite period of time.

[0019] However, replacing a traditional desk controlled by an operator, of the first type described above, with an automatic check-in desk, of the second type described above, is neither easy nor cost-effective and requires a total redesign of the entire check-in system.

[0020] Indeed, the two alternative devices are alternative and replacing them involves removing the controlled desk and installing the automatic desk again. Furthermore, it would also be necessary to intervene on the safety devices able to use the desk by the traveler avoiding the risk of conveyor belt violations and tampering.

[0021] Furthermore, the partial replacement of the check-in desks with new desks would cause an unsightly lack of homogeneity in the general appearance of the airport check-in area. This would imply the need to replace all the desks present in the check-in area itself.

[0022] Furthermore, the automatic check-in desk also has further disadvantages.

[0023] Among such disadvantages, the automatic check-in desk as described above requires a high level of attention and familiarity by the passenger for autonomously carrying out all the required operations; therefore, in some cases, the traveler would prefer to use a controlled desk.

[0024] However, replacing a controlled desk with an automatic desk would be irreversible, and the possibility of using automatic check-in desks as controlled desks would be lost.

[0025] On the other hand, the need would be felt to modify a controlled check-in desk into an automatic desk, and vice versa, easily and quickly whenever it is required.

[0026] For example, the need to use the check-in desk as a controlled desk in a time interval immediately before boarding, and as an automatic desk before that time interval is felt.

[0027] Alternatively, the need could be felt to switch the check-in desk from controlled to automatic according to the availability of the operators, e.g. during breaks of the operators or in their absence.

[0028] The need is thus felt to provide a check-in desk which can be easily modified, or converted, from controlled desk to automatic desk, and vice versa, in a reversible, quick and easy manner, also by people with no specific technical skills.

Summary of the invention

[0029] It is the object of the present invention to devise and provide a check-in desk assembly for checking in at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger guide assembly, which allows to meet the aforesaid needs and to at least partially overcome the drawbacks described above with reference to the prior art.

[0030] In particular, it is an object of the present invention to provide a check-in desk assembly which can be easily modified, or converted, from controlled desk to automatic desk, and vice versa, in a reversible, quick and easy manner, also by people with no specific technical skills.

[0031] It is another object of the present invention to provide a check-in desk assembly which can be easily modified from controlled desk to automatic desk according to the availability of the operators, e.g. during breaks of the operators or in their absence.

[0032] It is a further object of the present invention to provide a desk assembly which has high flexibility of use with regard to the control by an operator. [0033] These and other objects and advantages are achieved by a check-in desk assembly for checking in of a piece of baggage and/or a passenger, as well as by a check-in desk which can be controlled by an operator, a self-service check-in desk, and a check-in system in accordance with the independent claims.

[0034] Further objects, solutions and advantages are present in the embodiments described below and claimed in the dependent claims.

Brief description of the drawings

[0035] The invention will be disclosed below by describing some embodiments by way of a non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0036] - figure 1 shows an isometric view of the passenger side of a check-in desk assembly according to the invention, comprising a self-service check-in module mounted on the controllable check-in desk, in open operational configuration;

[0037] - figure 2 shows an isometric view of the operator side of the check-in desk assembly in figure 1;

[0038] - figure 3 shows an isometric view of the assembly in figure 1 in which the self-service check-in module is separated from the passenger side of the desk, e.g. before fixing it to the desk or after removing it;

[0039] - figure 4 shows an isometric view of the assembly in figure 1, in which the check-in desk and a cover to close a seat for the self-service module when it is not mounted on the desk are shown;

[0040] - figure 5 shows the assembly in figure 1 in which the cover is mounted in the seat for the self-service check-in module, or in which the self-service check-in module is mounted on the controllable check-in desk, and is in its closed, non-operational position;

[0041] - figure 6 shows an assembly of the check-in desk according to the invention, in which the display is shown in a closed position with its displaying surface being exposed and visible also in such a closed position;

[0042] - figure 7 shows the check-in desk assembly in figure 6, in which the display is shown in the open position;

[0043] - figure 8 shows a detailed portion of the operator side check-in desk, in which the key switching means are visible ;

[0044] - figure 9 shows a pair of check-in desk assemblies, each comprising a self-service check-in module having a display which is slidingly engaged between a closed position on the bottom and an open position on the top, comprising a simplified keypad for use by a passenger with disabilities;

[0045] - figure 10 shows a check-in system for checking in a piece of baggage and/or a passenger, according to an aspect of the invention, comprising two check-in assemblies of figure 1.

Description of the preferred embodiments

[0046] With reference to the figures, a check-in desk assembly for checking in at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger according to the invention is indicated by reference numeral 1 as a whole.

[0047] It is understood that any one passenger may carry more than one piece of baggage, and that more than one passenger may be on a flight under the same reservation code .

[0048] The check-in desk assembly 1 comprises check-in desk 10 and a self-service check-in module 50.

[0049] The check-in desk 10 comprises a base 20 having an operator side 21, adapted to face a check-in operator, an opposite passenger side 22, adapted to face a passenger, wherein the passenger side 22 defines a front base surface 23.

[0050] According to an embodiment, the check-in desk 10 comprises, on the operator side 21, operator interface devices 30 operated by the operator to perform the check in operations. For example, such operator interface devices 30 comprise at least one of either a display 31, e.g. touchscreen type, an input/output device 33, a printer 34, a documents reader 38.

[0051] Preferably, the check-in desk 10, at the operator side 21, comprises two separate printers, one of which is a printer dedicated to printing the tags to be applied to the baggage, and the other one is a printer dedicated to printing boarding passes.

[0052] According to an embodiment, the check-in desk 10, on the operator side 21, is free of a payment device, a separate till being used for paying possible surcharges.

[0053] However, according to a possible embodiment, the check-in desk 10, on the operator side 21, may comprise a payment device.

[0054] According to an embodiment, the check-in desk 10, on the operator side 21, comprises a scale display 32 to show the measured weight of the baggage, e.g. placed on the conveyor, or conveyor belt, next to the check-in desk assembly 1, such a conveyor being preferably provided with a weight sensor.

[0055] The check-in desk 10, on the operator side 21, may also comprise a push-button panel to control the movement of the conveyor, or conveyor belt, next to the check-in desk assembly 1.

[0056] According to an embodiment, such operator interface devices are integrated into the base 20.

[0057] The self-service check-in module 50 has a casing 51 comprising a front module surface 52 adapted to face the passenger and an opposite rear module portion 53.

[0058] The passenger side of the base 20 comprises a first reversible coupling portion 25, and the rear module portion 53 comprises a second coupling portion 54.

[0059] The coupling portion 25 and the second coupling portion 54 are configured to engage in a mutually reversible manner, to reversibly fix the self-service check-in module 50 to the controllable check-in desk 10.

[0060] Thereby, the resulting check-in desk assembly 1 can be easily modified, or converted, from controlled desk to automatic desk, and vice versa, in a reversible, quick and easy manner, even by people with no specific technical skills.

[0061] Furthermore, such a check-in desk assembly 1 can easily be changed from a controlled desk to an automatic desk according to on the availability of the operators, e.g. during breaks of the operators or in their absence.

[0062] Thereby, the check-in desk assembly 1 according to the invention also has a high flexibility of use with regard to the presence of an operator.

[0063] Such a self-service check-in module is, therefore, a transportable or portable unit. It may be engaged without distinction with any of the check-in desks 10 described above, e.g. located in an airport check-in area. [0064] According to an embodiment, the front module surface 52 extends with continuity of shape with the front base surface 23, when said self-service module 50 is engaged with the controllable check-in desk 10.

[0065] Thereby, when the check-in module 50 is engaged with the desk 10, it is perfectly incorporated and integrated into the front surface of the base, thus avoiding from appearing as an added or separate element. This provides the check-in desk assembly with an appearance of high- quality continuity of shape.

[0066] Indeed, the provision of a self-service check-in module 50 which disguises itself, or is concealed, in the shape and size of the base, provides an overall appearance of the check-in desk assembly comprising the module, equal to another check-in desk assembly, possibly adjacent, having an equal base with which a self-service check-in module is not yet engaged.

[0067] This confers modularity and visual homogeneity to the set-up of the check-in area of an airport in which more than one check-in desk assembly 1 is installed mutually adjacent as described above, in which some have the installed module and others do not.

[0068] According to an embodiment, the self-service check in module 50 is sized so as to be within the dimension of the base 2 when said self-service check-in module 50 is engaged with said controllable check-in desk 10.

[0069] Such a sizing achieves the same advantages and technical and visual effects as described above.

[0070] According to an embodiment, the first coupling portion 25 comprises a cavity 26 for the self-service module, which enters the base 20 from the front surface of base 23.

[0071] The cavity is configured to receive the rear portion of the self-service module 53 therein when the self-service module 50 is engaged with the controllable check-in desk 10.

[0072] In other words, preferably, the first coupling portion 25 is concave and the second coupling portion 54 is convex. For example, the first coupling portion 25 is complementary with the first coupling portion 25.

[0073] Preferably, the first coupling portion 25 defines a concave surface and the second coupling portion 54 defines a convex surface. For example, the concave and convex surfaces are complementary each other.

[0074] Furthermore, according to an embodiment, the first concave coupling portion 25 enters the base 20 from the front base surface 23, and the second coupling portion 54 extends behind the self-service check-in module 50 from the front surface of module 52.

[0075] According to an embodiment, the check-in desk assembly 1 comprises a cover 80 reversibly fixable to the controllable check-in desk 10, at said reversible first coupling portion 25 to cover and conceal said reversible first coupling portion 25, instead of the self-service check-in module 50 when the self-service check-in module 50 is not engaged with the controllable check-in desk 10.

[0076] According to an embodiment, the cover 80 defines a front cover surface 81 adapted to face the passenger when said cover 80 is engaged with the controllable check-in desk 10, wherein said front cover surface 81 is either equal to or substantially equal to said front module surface 52.

[0077] Thereby, the provision of the cover 80, instead of the check-in module 50, gives the passenger side of the controllable check-in desk 10, the same shape and appearance that it would have if the module were engaged with the desk in its interlocking position.

[0078] Furthermore, the possibility of providing for a cover 80 having a front cover surface 81 equal to, or substantially equal to, the front surface of module 52, allows to create a check-in system which is uniform in appearance, in which the desks provided with self-service check-in modules of desks which are not provided with these check-in modules, appear equal on the outside.

[0079] According to an embodiment, the controllable check- in desk 1 comprises first data communication means 28 and the self-service check-in module 50 comprises second data communication means 58, adapted to communicate with each other .

[0080] The first data communication means 28 and the second data communication means 58 are preferably configured to communicate with each other when the self-service check in module 50 is engaged with the controllable check-in desk 10.

[0081] Such data communication means are chosen from electrical connectors and wireless communication devices such as Wi-Fi® or Bluetooth®.

[0082] According to an embodiment, the self-service check in module 50 comprises a display 55 constrained to the casing 51 and defining a displaying surface 56; an input/output user interface unit 61 which is accessible from the front module surface 52; a module electronic control unit 59 which is integral with the casing 51 and connected to the display 55 and to the input/output user interface 61.

[0083] According to an embodiment, the module electronic control unit 59 is connected to the second communication means 58.

[0084] According to an embodiment, the display 55 is movably coupled to the casing 51 between an open position, in which the display 55 emerges from the dimensions of the casing 51 and the displaying surface 56 is visible and exposed outside said self-service check-in module 50, and a closed position, in which the display 55 is retracted within the dimensions of the casing 51.

[0085] According to an embodiment, said display 55 defines a shoulder surface 57 opposite to said displaying surface 56, and wherein, when the display 55 is in the closed position, the displaying surface 56 is concealed and faces the inside of said self-service check-in module 50, and the shoulder surface 57 is exposed outside said self- service check-in module 50 and forms part of said front module surface 23.

[0086] In such a case, for example, the display 55 is rotationally constrained to the casing 51 between the opened position and the closed position.

[0087] According to an embodiment, as shown for example in figure 6, the displaying surface 56 is exposed outside said self-service check-in module 50, both when the display 55 is in the open position and when the display 55 is in the closed position.

[0088] In such a case, for example, the display 55 is slidingly constrained to the casing 51 between the open position and the closed position.

[0089] This configuration facilitates the use of the check- in assembly 1 by a person with reduced mobility as it allows the display 55 to be positioned at a suitable height, and to be displayed both in the closed and open position .

[0090] The self-service check-in module 50, preferably the version with a display 55 which is connected to the casing 51 between the open and closed position, can comprise a simplified push-button panel 76 for use by people with disabilities.

[0091] According to an embodiment, the simplified push button panel 76 is located in an easily accessible position on the passenger side 22, preferably both in the open and closed position of the display 55.

[0092] According to an embodiment, the simplified push button panel 76 is accessible from the front surface of module 52.

[0093] According to an embodiment, the display 55 is movably constrained to the casing 51 between the open and the closed position according to movements of rotation and sliding combined with each other.

[0094] According to an embodiment, the self-service check in module 50 comprises motorized means to move said display between said closed position and said open position and vice versa.

[0095] According to an embodiment, the input/output user interface unit 61 comprises a paying device 62.

[0096] For example, such a payment device 62 comprises a credit and/or debit card reader/writer, e.g. of the chip type or requiring the entry of a PIN access code, e.g. comprising an NFC (Near Field Communication) sensor.

[0097] Because the self-service check-in module 50 can only be activated as an alternative to the use of the desk controlled by an operator, the presence of such a payment device 62 allows the passenger to complete all the activities related to the check-in autonomously.

[0098] According to an embodiment, the input/output user interface unit 61 comprises a documents scanner 63 and/or reader of information encoded on a medium which comprises said information 64, in particular a boarding pass reader .

[0099] According to an embodiment, the input/output user interface unit 61 comprises a push-button panel 65.

[00100] According to an embodiment, the self-service check-in module 50 comprises at least one printer 66, preferably integrated into the self-service check-in module 50, preferably accessible from the front surface 52 of check-in module self-service 50, and connected to the electronic module control unit 59.

[00101] According to a preferred embodiment, the at least one printer 66 comprises a printer dedicated to printing a baggage claim receipt.

[00102] Preferably, at least one printer 66 comprises a printer dedicated to printing a bag tag to be applied, or attached, to the baggage to be checked in.

[00103] According to other embodiments, the at least one printer 66 may comprise further printers dedicated to the printing of additional documents.

[00104] According to an embodiment, the self-service check-in module 50 comprises an audio communication device 71 for communication with the passenger, comprising at least one speaker and at least one microphone .

[00105] The audio communication device 71 is preferably integrated into the self-service check-in module 50, preferably the audio communication device 71 is preferably integrated into the display 55 of the self- service check-in module 50, preferably above the displaying surface 56.

[00106] According to an embodiment, the self-service check-in module 50 comprises a visual passenger identification device 73, e.g. comprising biometric cameras, e.g. comprising two biometric cameras.

[00107] Preferably, the visual passenger identification device 73 is integrated into the self-service check-in module 50, preferably above the displaying surface 56. [00108] According to an embodiment, the audio communication device 71 and the visual passenger identification device 73 are placed in a closed position to each other.

[00109] According to an embodiment, the audio communication device 71 is placed between the two biometric cameras of the visual passenger identification device 73.

[00110] According to an embodiment, the self-service check-in module 50 comprises a housing for the audio communication device 71 and/or the visual passenger identification device 73, said housing facing outside the self-service check-in module 50, preferably outside the self-service housing 51.

[00111] According to an embodiment, said housing is arranged in the display 55, preferably above the displaying surface 56, e.g. parallel to an upper edge of the display surface 56.

[00112] The check-in desk assembly 1, according to the invention, may have two different operating modes.

[00113] According to a first operating mode of the self-service check-in module 50, the passenger reaches the check-in desk 1 with the piece of baggage to be checked in and with the boarding pass printed but without a bag tag for the baggage. In such a case, the self- service check-in module must print out the bag tag and carry out a series of checks on the baggage before and after the tag is printed and applied to the baggage by the traveler.

[00114] A method for using the check-in system 1 according to the first operating mode, according to an embodiment, comprises the following steps:

- the passenger scans the boarding pass by means of the boarding pass reader 64 installed on the self-service check-in module 50;

- the passenger places the baggage on the conveyor belt associated with check-in desk 1 assembly;

- the check-in system checks the size and weight of the baggage to make sure it is within the passenger's baggage allowance ;

- the self-service check-in module 50 prints the bag tag and, in case of overweight, a surcharge tag;

- the passenger attaches the bag tag to the baggage;

- the check-in system checks that there are no unwanted intrusions along the conveyor belt associated with the check-in desk assembly 1;

- the check-in system checks the size and weight of the baggage again to make sure it is within the passenger's baggage allowance;

- the check-in system scans the identification tag which was applied to the baggage;

the check-in system checks again that there are no unwanted intrusions along the conveyor belt associated with the check-in desk assembly 1;

- the check-in system conveys the checked-in baggage;

- the self-service check-in module 50 prints and provides the passenger with the check-in receipt by means of at least one printer 66.

[00115] According to a second operating mode of the self-service check-in module 50, the passenger arrives at the check-in desk 1 with the boarding pass printed and with the piece of baggage to be checked in with the bag tag already applied to the baggage.

[00116] A method for using the check-in system 1 according to the second operating mode, according to an embodiment, comprises the following steps:

- the passenger places the baggage on the conveyor belt associated with the check-in desk assembly 1, wherein the baggage is already provided with the bag tag attached at another location;

- the check-in system conveys the checked-in baggage;

[00117] The provision that the self-service check-in module comprises a printer 66 dedicated to the printing of a bag tag to be applied to baggage to be checked in advantageously allows the check-in desk assembly 1 to be used according to the first operating mode or according to the second operating mode, and to switch between the first operating mode and the second operating mode, and vice versa, if necessary.

[00118] According to an embodiment, the check-in desk comprises switching means 37 adapted to selectively activate either the operator side 21 of said check-in desk 10 or the self-service check-in module 50. [00119] Such switching means 37 are preferably configured to inhibit all operator side functions when the self-service check-in module 50 is activated.

[00120] According to an embodiment, such switching means 37 can only be activated by the operator, and not by the passenger.

[00121] According to an embodiment, the switching means 37 comprise a key-operated switch.

[00122] According to an embodiment, the switching means 37 comprise a manual selector.

[00123] Alternatively, or in combination, the switching means 37 can be operated electronically, e.g. via a badge reader .

[00124] According to an embodiment, the switching means are arranged on the operator side 21 of said base 20.

[00125] According to an embodiment, the electronic module control unit 59 can be programmed so as to selectively allows the check-in of at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger, or the provision of additional service.

[00126] For example, the module electronic control unit 59 can be programmed to allow the sale of services to the passenger, e.g. a ticket for an additional means of transport, such as train, bus, etc., or for a parking lot near the airport, etc. [00127] According to an embodiment, the check-in assembly 1 comprises moving means of said base 20 between a base operating position, in which said check-in assembly 1 is adapted to be operational, and a base passage position, in which said base is rotated with respect to the base operating position to allow the passage of an operator from a space in front of the check-in assembly on the passenger side, to a space behind the check-in assembly on the operator side.

[00128] According to another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid and other purposes and advantages are achieved by a controllable check-in desk 10 of the check-in desk assembly 1 described above.

[00129] In particular, the check-in desk 10 may comprise any of the features of the controllable check-in desk 10 described above.

[00130] According to a further aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid and other objects and advantages are achieved by a self-service check-in module 50 of the check-in desk assembly 1 described above.

[00131] In particular, the self-service check-in module 50 may comprise any of the features of the self-service check-in module 50 described above.

[00132] According to yet another aspect of the present invention, the aforesaid objects and advantages are met by a check-in system 100 for checking in a piece of baggage and/or passenger, comprising at least one check in assembly 1 as described above.

[00133] In particular, the check-in system 100 comprises a respective baggage conveyor 101 placed by the side of each of said at least one check-in assembly 1, having a front end 102 close to said at least one check in assembly 1.

[00134] The baggage conveyor 101 may comprise a conveyor belt.

[00135] The baggage conveyor 101 may be a single-stage conveyor, e.g. made up of a single conveyor belt, or it may be a multi-stage conveyor, i.e. made up of several segments, or several conveyor belts arranged in sequence.

[00136] The check-in system may comprise a protection tunnel 103 arranged to cover at least one rear end portion 104 of said respective baggage conveyor 101, which is opposite to the front end 102.

[00137] Preferably, the check-in system 100 further comprises an automatic safety door 105 adapted to close/open said protection tunnel 103 at said rear end 104.

[00138] Furthermore, the check-in system 100 preferably comprises a main conveyor 105 passing close to said rear end 104 of said respective baggage conveyor 101, beyond 21

said safety door 105.

[00139] The check-in desk 100 may further comprise a main tunnel 106 arranged to cover said main conveyor 105, connected to said protection tunnel 103.

[00140] Those skilled in the art may make changes and adaptations to the embodiments of the device described above or can replace elements with others which are functionally equivalent in order to meet contingent needs without departing from the scope of the appended claims.

[00141] All the features described above as belonging to a possible embodiment may be implemented irrespective of the other embodiments described.

[00142] The means and materials for achieving the various described functions may be of various nature without departing from the scope of the invention.

[00143] Furthermore, the drawings are not in scale.

[00144] All the features described herein may be combined in any combination, except for the combinations in which at least some of such features mutually exclude.

k k k k k k k

Claims

1. A check-in desk assembly (1) for checking in at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger, said assembly (1) comprising:

- a check-in desk (10) which can be controlled by an operator, comprising a base (20) having an operator side (21) adapted to face a check-in operator, an opposite passenger side (22) adapted to face a passenger, the passenger side (22) defining a front base surface (23);

- a self-service check-in module (50) having a casing (51) comprising a front module surface (52) adapted to face the passenger and an opposite rear module portion

(53) ,

wherein the passenger side of the base (20) comprises a first reversible coupling portion (25) , and the rear module portion (53) comprises a second coupling portion

(54), said first coupling portion (25) and said second coupling portion (54) being configured to engage in a mutually reversible manner, to reversibly fix the self- service check-in module (50) to the controllable check-in desk (10).

2 . An assembly (1) according to claim 1, wherein the front module surface (52) extends with continuity of shape with the front base surface (23), when said self- service module (50) is engaged with the controllable check-in desk (10) .

3 . An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein the self-service check-in module (50) is dimensioned so as to be within the dimension of the base (2) when said self-service check-in module (50) is engaged with to said controllable check-in desk (10) .

4 . An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein the first coupling portion (25) comprises a self-service module cavity (26), which enters into the base (20) from the front base surface (23), said cavity being configured to receive said rear self-service module portion (53) therein when said self-service module (50) is engaged with said controllable check-in desk (10) .

5 . An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, comprising a cover (80) which is reversibly fixable to the controllable check-in desk (10), at said first reversible coupling portion (25) to cover and conceal said first reversible coupling portion (25) , instead of the self-service check-in module (50) when the self-service check-in module (50) is not engaged with the controllable check-in desk (10) .

6. An assembly (1) according to claim 5, wherein said cover (80) defines a front cover surface (81) adapted to face the passenger when said cover (80) is engaged with the controllable check-in desk (10), wherein said front cover surface (81) is either equal to or substantially equal to said front module surface (52) .

7 . An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein the controllable check-in desk (1) comprises first data communication means (28) and wherein the self-service check-in module (50) comprises second data communication means (58), adapted to communicate with each other.

8. An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said self-service check-in module (50) comprises :

- a display (55) constrained to said casing (51),

an input/output user interface unit (61) which is accessible from said front module surface (52);

- a module electronic control unit (59) which is integral with said casing (51) and connected to the display (55) and to the input/output user interface (61) .

9 . An assembly (1) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the module electronic control unit (59) is connected to said second communication means (58) .

10 . An assembly (1) according to claim 8, wherein the display (55) is movably coupled to the casing (51) between an opened position, in which the display (55) emerges from the dimensions of the casing (51) and the displaying surface (56) is visible and exposed outside said self-service check-in module (50), and a closed position, in which the display (55) is retracted within the dimensions of the casing (51) .

11. An assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the display (55) defines a shoulder surface (57) opposite to said displaying surface (56), and wherein, when the display (55) is in the closed position, the displaying surface (56) is concealed and faces the inside of said self-service check-in module (50), and the shoulder surface (57) is exposed outside said self-service check in module (50) and forms part of said front module surface (23) .

12. An assembly (1) according to claim 11, wherein the display (55) is rotationally constrained to the casing (51) between the opened position and the closed position.

13. An assembly (1) according to claim 10, wherein the displaying surface (56) is exposed outside said self- service check-in module (50), both when the display (55) is in the opened position and when the display (55) is in the closed position.

14. An assembly (1) according to claim 13, wherein the display (55) is slidingly constrained to the casing (51) between the opened position and the closed position.

15. An assembly (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the input/output user interface unit (61) comprises a paying device (62) .

16. An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein the input/output user interface unit (61) comprises a document scanner (63) and/or an encoded information reader (64) from a medium which comprises said information.

17. An assembly (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the input/output user interface unit (61) comprises a keyboard (65) .

18. An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said self-service check-in module (50) comprises at least one printer (66) associated with said casing (51) and connected to said module electronic control unit (59) .

19. An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, wherein said module electronic control unit (59) is programmable so as to selectively allows the check-in of at least one piece of baggage and/or at least one passenger, or the supply of an additional service.

20. An assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim, comprising switching means (37) adapted to selectively activate either the operator side (21) of said check-in desk (10) or the self-service check-in module (50) .

21. A check-in desk (10) which can be controlled by an operator, of a check-in desk assembly (1) according to at least one preceding claim.

22 . A self-service check-in module (50) of a check-in desk assembly (1) according to at least one claim from 1 to 20.

23 . A check-in system (100) for checking in a piece of baggage and/or a passenger, comprising:

- at least one check-in assembly (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 20;

- a respective baggage conveyor (101) placed by the side of each of said at least one check-in assembly (1), having a front end (102) close to said at least one check-in assembly (1);

- a protection tunnel (103) arranged to cover at least one rear end portion (104) of said respective baggage conveyor (101), which is opposite to said front end (102) ;

- an automatic safety door (105) adapted to close/open said protection tunnel (103) at said rear end (104);

- a main conveyor (105) passing close to said rear end (104) of said respective baggage conveyor (101), beyond said safety door (105);

a main tunnel (106) arranged to cover said main conveyor (105), connected to said protection tunnel

(103) .