WO2021006808A1

WO2021006808A1 - Integrated high throughput baggage inspection system and method thereof

Info

Publication number: WO2021006808A1
Application number: PCT/SG2020/050038
Authority: WO
Inventors: Hersh Haladker
Original assignee: Agog Holdings Pte Limited
Priority date: 2019-07-08
Filing date: 2020-01-28
Publication date: 2021-01-14

Abstract

The present invention relates to an efficient baggage inspection system with small footprint. The invention in particular provides high throughput baggage inspection system useful for increasing the throughput of baggage/s maximizing the number of trays transferred per hour for the inspection to X-ray scanners. The system through one single input transfers the trays at multiple/different scanners at multiple levels. The high throughput baggage inspection system is useful in detecting different types of prohibited items (for example, explosives, drugs, money, plastic etc.) that may be present in the baggage.

Description

INTEGRATED HIGH THROUGHPUT BAGGAGE INSPECTION SYSTEM AND

METHOD THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[001] The present invention generally relates to a baggage inspection system. The invention in particular discloses an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system and method thereof.

DISCUSSION OF THE RELATED ART

[002] The following background discussion includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed invention, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[003] Scanning units such as X-ray scanning systems, Computerized Tomography (CT) scanning systems are used for baggage inspection at airports or a train stations to detect/scan the presence of prohibited items that may be present in a baggage or luggage. The general inspection system includes baggage/s moving on conveyors to and through the scanning units.

[004] Increased globalization and rapid industrialization are some of the factors contributing to frequent movement of goods and people across countries. With air travel becoming an increasingly popular mode for travelling from one destination to another, airports are handling increasing numbers of passengers passing through them. In addition, airports experience higher volume of passengers during weekends, holiday seasons such as summer months and end of the year season.

[005] Security screening checkpoints used in current security systems predominately operate using a single input and single output line approach. Each item must be thoroughly and individually scanned in a conventional X-ray or CT scanning system. For airports that are already in operation, the airport floorplan design may not able to accommodate installation of additional X-ray or CT scanning systems to handle the increased number of passengers passing through. [006] The complex security protocols being instituted at airports further require individuals to have each of their belongings, including laptops, shoes, coats, mobile phones, keys and other items scanned for potential hazardous objects or materials. It takes a considerable amount of time for individuals to unload themselves of their belongings and to remove laptops from their cases. This process tends to happen serially with individuals waiting in line until they have access to the machine. During periods of high passenger volume, this presents a big challenge in terms of preventing overcrowding at baggage scan entry points which poses a security issue and may also lead to a compromise in the quality of security scanning as security personnel are under pressure to process a large volume of baggage in a short time.

[007] Overcrowding at the entry point to the baggage scan results in delay in the movement of passengers across designated sections of the airport and lead to poor passenger experience at the airport. Passengers often find that more time is spent waiting in line to access the baggage scanning facility rather than the actual scanning process. If passengers are directed away for thorough body search, a buildup of scanned luggage of these passengers can form at the exiting end of the baggage scan. The scanning machine operator may need to stop accepting new baggage for scanning and wait until such back-up of scanned baggage is cleared. For passengers exiting or arriving in the United States, it is generally recommended that passengers arrive 3 hours prior to departure to ensure sufficient time to check in and to pass through TSA security checks.

[008] There is a challenge in maintaining high throughput of baggage scanning while still maintaining good inspection quality particularly in view of the limitation of floor space and restrictions in changing of the floor plan design of operating airports. The security inspection systems should be efficient and at the same time must be capable of inspecting volume of baggage in a short period of time. There is a need of an effective baggage inspection system that can reduce passenger wait time along with maintaining the highest level of security. In view of the limitations described above, there is a need of an efficient baggage inspection system that can increase the throughput of baggage. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[009] Before the present methods, systems are described, it is to be understood that this invention is not limited to the particular systems, and methodologies described, as there can be multiple possible embodiments of the present invention which are not expressly illustrated in the present disclosure. It is also to be understood that the terminology used in the description is for the purpose of describing the particular versions or embodiments only, and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0010] An embodiment of the present invention provides an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system and its method of operation. The integrated high throughput baggage inspection system having an input and output end, the input end comprises: a receiving conveyor for accepting trays of baggage for baggage inspection, the receiving conveyor arranged to transfer the trays of baggage to a pre -distribution conveyor, the pre-distribution conveyor arranged to transfer the trays of baggage for baggage inspection to a baggage distribution unit,

a first scanning conveyor line having an entry end and exit end, arranged for trays of baggage to be passed through a first scanning unit arranged for scanning of baggage,

a second scanning conveyor line having an entry end and exit end, arranged for trays of baggage to be passed through a second scanning unit arranged for scanning of baggage,

the baggage distribution unit arranged to distribute pre-inspected trays of baggage to the entry end of either the first scanning conveyor line or the second scanning conveyor line, a transfer unit to transfer trays of scanned baggage from the exit end of the second conveyor line to the exit end of the first scanning conveyor line,

a rejection unit arranged to receive scanned trays of baggage and to divert scanned trays of baggage identified with potential hazardous objects or materials that require further inspection to a rejection conveyor line.

[0011] According to another embodiment of the invention, the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is arranged side by side next to the first scanning unit. [0012] Preferably, the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is elevated above ground so that it does not occupy the limited floorspace of the facility where it is installed such as an airport or train station.

[0013] According to another embodiment, the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is arranged directly above the first scanning unit, effectively doubling the number of trays of baggage scanned as compared to a conventional baggage inspection system while maintaining the same floorspace utilized by the baggage inspection system.

[0014] In another embodiment, the baggage inspection system comprises a third or more scanning conveyor lines and corresponding third or more scanning units to triple or further increase the number of trays of baggage scanned while maintaining the same floorspace utilized by the baggage inspection system, the baggage distribution unit correspondingly arranged to distribute pre-inspected trays of baggage amongst the plurality of scanning conveyor lines and the transfer unit correspondingly arranged to transfer trays of scanned baggage from the exit end of the second and subsequent conveyor lines to the exit end of the first scanning conveyor line.

[0015] In another embodiment, the integrated high throughput baggage inspection system comprises one or more additional receiving conveyors, the receiving conveyors converging to the pre-distribution conveyor.

[0016] In another embodiment, the output end of the baggage inspection system includes a retrieval point for passengers to retrieve their scanned baggage.

[0017] In another embodiment, the retrieval point of the baggage inspection system includes a plurality of platforms to accommodate multiple passengers to pack their scanned baggage simultaneously ensuring convenient passenger experience.

[0018] In another embodiment, the baggage inspection system includes one or more integrated tray retrieval system for passengers to return empty trays via a conveyor line which transfers the empty trays to the input end of the baggage inspection system i.e. the receiving conveyor area. The integrated tray retrieval system reduces manpower required to return the trays from output end to the input end of the baggage inspection system. [0019] According to another embodiment of the invention, the baggage inspection system comprises efficient programming logic and controls (PLC) code to efficiently distribute the trays of baggage between the first and second scanning lines and additional scanning lines where applicable to ensure maintenance of a constant buffer between trays of baggage at the input of each scanning unit at any given time, thus, making the system smarter and more efficient.

[0020] According to the previous embodiment of the invention, the PLC code is adapted to optimize the overall rate of baggage scanned by taking into account the rate of scanning performed by each scanning unit and adjusting the rate of trays of baggage distributed to each scanning conveyor line.

[0021] According to the previous embodiment of the invention, the overall rate of baggage scanned is optimized by distributing more trays of baggage to faster progressing scanning conveyor lines. The slower progressing scanning conveyor lines may be the result of scanning unit malfunction, baggage issues or inspection operator issues.

[0022] According to another embodiment of the baggage inspection system, the inspection operators responsible for reviewing the scanned images of the baggage may operate at a designated location away from baggage inspection system. This further reduces the floorspace required by the baggage inspection system.

[0023] According to another embodiment of the baggage inspection system, there is one or more tagging device reader-writers positioned at the exit of each scanning unit.

[0024] According to the previous embodiment, there is one or more tagging device reader- writers positioned at the rejection unit. The tagging device reader-writers positioned at the rejection unit is in communication with the tagging device reader-writers positioned at the exit of each of the scanning units.

[0025] According to the previous embodiment, the tagging device reader-writer is a RFID reader-writers. [0026] According to another embodiment, the scanning units are adapted to tag trays containing bags identified with potential hazardous objects or materials that require further inspection with a tagging device.

[0027] According to the previous embodiment, the tagging device is an RFID tag.

[0028] According to another embodiment, the rejection unit comprises a tray relocating means for diverting tagged trays to a rejection conveyor line.

[0029] Method for inspecting baggage with the following steps:

- receiving baggage for inspection via a receiving conveyor;

- providing two or more scanning conveyor lines, each conveyor line having a scanning unit for inspecting baggage;

- distributing baggage for inspection from the receiving conveyor to the two or more scanning conveyor lines; and

- combining scanned baggage from the two or more additional scanning conveyor lines onto a single conveyor output.

[0030] Method of retrofitting a conventional baggage scanning system having a single input and single output line into an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system comprising the step of installation of a pre-distribution conveyor, a second scanning conveyor line, a baggage distribution unit, a transfer unit, a rejection unit and a rejection conveyor line onto said conventional baggage scanning system.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] The accompanying drawing, which is herein incorporated by reference, is not intended to be drawn to scale. In the drawing, each identical or nearly identical component that is illustrated is represented by a like numeral. For purposes of clarity, not every component may be labeled.

[0032] Figure 1: illustrates a schematic illustration of high throughput baggage inspection system according to an embodiment of the Invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] Embodiments of this invention, illustrating all its features, will now be discussed in detail.

[0034] The words "comprising," "having," "containing," and "including," and other forms thereof, are intended to be equivalent in meaning and be open ended in that an item or items following any one of these words is not meant to be an exhaustive listing of such item or items, or meant to be limited to only the listed item or items.

[0035] It must also be noted that as used herein and in the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Although any systems and methods similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of embodiments of the present invention, the preferred, systems and methods are now described.

[0036] It may be understood by a person skilled in the art that although the subject matter disclosed herein is illustrated with reference to certain embodiments, this is in no way to limit the scope of the subject disclosed herein which is limited only and the method and system disclosed may be implemented in embodiments other than those disclosed in this application.

[0037] The disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in various forms.

[0038] The elements illustrated in Figure 1 inter-operate as explained in more detail below. Before setting forth the detailed explanation, however, it is noted that all of the discussion below, regardless of the particular implementation being described, is exemplary in nature, rather than limiting.

[0039] The present invention is directed towards an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system and method thereof. Although the system of the present invention has many applications, an exemplary embodiment will be described with particular reference to its application to an airport security system. One of ordinary skill in the art would appreciate the present invention may be applied to a plurality of other buildings requiring secured access including shopping malls, government buildings, ferry ports, schools etc.

[0040] As used hereinafter, the term“baggage” refers to any type of carry-on item or personal items that requires inspection. Baggage is not limited to luggage, purses, briefcases, handbags, belts, watches, electronic devices etc. Scanning units may further include image processing scanners, weight measuring scanners, laser scanners and the like which are deployed for the scanning of cargo and baggage.

[0041] Figure 1 is a schematic illustration of an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system installed in an airport. Passengers deposit their luggage as well as personal items in designated trays on receiving conveyor line 101 for their luggage to be inspected by inspection officers. Receiving conveyor line 101 is integrated with table 116a for passengers to unpack their luggage and/or load their luggage onto an empty tray which can be retrieved from empty tray collection point 116.

[0042] Trays of baggage to be inspected are conveyed from receiving conveyor line 101 to pre-distribution conveyor 102 that conveys the trays of baggage sequentially to module 104 of distribution unit 103. Distribution unit 103 located at the end of pre-distribution conveyor 102 is equipped with a programming logic and control (PLC) code to determine whether a tray of baggage received at module 104 is to be directed to a first scanning unit 118a via first scanning conveyor line or the second scanning unit 118b via a second scanning conveyer line. The PLC code may decide the route of the trays based on the rate of traffic of baggage at the first scanning conveyer line and the second scanning conveyer line.

[0043] The first scanning conveyer line comprises input conveyor 105, exit conveyor 106, and first scanning unit 118a. The first scanning unit 118a arranged between input conveyor 105 and exit conveyor 106. Trays of baggage enters first scanning unit 118a via input conveyor 105 and exits first scanning unit 118a via exit conveyor 106.

[0044] The second scanning conveyer line comprises input conveyor 107, exit conveyor 108 and second scanning unit 118b and is arranged directly above the first scanning conveyor line, the second scanning unit 118b arranged to be stacked above first scanning unit 118a. [0045] If the first scanning unit 1 18a is available to accept a tray of baggage for scanning, the PLC code activates module 104 of baggage distribution unit 103. Module 104 is adapted to receive one tray of baggage at any one time and comprises a series of roller conveyors that when activated, transfer the tray of baggage to input conveyor 105 that sends the tray of baggage to first scanning unit 118a for inspection. The scanned tray of baggage exits from first scanning unit 118a via exit conveyor 106 of the first scanning conveyer line.

[0046] If the programming logic and control code of distribution unit 103 determines that a tray of baggage received at module 104 is to be directed to second scanning unit 118b, distribution unit 103 is activated to transfer the tray of baggage at module 104 to the second scanning conveyor line. Distribution unit 103 engages and lifts the tray of baggage in the vertical direction to coincide with the start of the second scanning conveyor line.

[0047] A pusher 117a installed at the upper end of distribution unit 103 pushes the lifted tray of baggage onto to the input conveyor 107 for inspection through second scanning unit 118b. The scanned trays of baggage exits from second scanning unit 108b via exit conveyor 108 of the second scanning conveyer line.

[0048] The scanning units 118a and 118b are provided with RFID tags. Such tags may be encoded with the same pre-assigned EPC code or from a set of pre-determined EPC codes, each code representing a type of hazardous object or material or combinations of such. During scanning of the trays of baggage, the inspection operators responsible for reviewing the scanned images of the baggage activate the scanning units to tag trays containing baggage identified with potential hazardous objects or materials that require further inspection with the relevant RFID tags. Alternatively the tags may be manually affixed to trays identified with potential hazardous objects or materials by inspection staff.

[0049] Scanned trays of baggage exiting from exit conveyor 108 of the second scanning conveyor line are individually transferred vertically via transfer unit 109 installed at the end of first and second scanning lines to merge with the traffic of scanned trays of baggage exiting from second scanning unit 118b via exit conveyor 106. Exit conveyor 108 is automatically activated based on the availability of transfer unit 109 to receive and transfer more trays of scanned baggage. [0050] Transfer unit 109 comprises module 110 which is a series of roller conveyors integrated with a PLC code. Module 110 is adapted to receive one tray of scanned baggage at any one time. When activated, module 110 transfers the tray of scanned baggage to a conveyor 111a that ends at a rejection unit 11 lb. Based on the traffic and build-up of scanned trays at rejection unit 11 lb, the roller conveyors of module 110 modulates the rate of scanned trays of baggage that enters conveyor 11 1a to rejection unit 111b. Exit conveyor 106 is also automatically activated based on the availability of module 110 to receive and transfer more trays of scanned baggage exiting from first scanning unit 118a.

[0051] Rejection unit 11 lb is adapted to receive one tray of scanned baggage at any one time. It comprises a pusher for directing a received tray of scanned baggage to rejection conveyor 112 and further comprises one or more RFID reader-writers for identification of trays tagged with the assigned RFID tags. If a security personnel flags a tray for any potential threat, the RFID reader-writer located at the exit of the scanning unit reads and memorizes the unique labeled tray and conveys relevant information to the RFID reader-writer(s) at rejection unit 111b. The RFID reader-writer may additionally be encoding a particular EPC code to a standard RFID tag and such information is conveyed to the RFID reader-writer(s) at rejection unit 11 lb. As soon as a tray of scanned baggage reaches rejection unit 11 lb, the RFID reader(s) at rejection unit 111b determines if the tray of scanned baggage is tagged with a relevant RFID tag based on the information received.

[0052] In the case of a positively identified tagged tray, the pusher at rejection unit 111b is activated to push the tray of scanned baggage to rejection conveyor 112 where the inspection officers are stationed to further inspect the contents of the tray. If the tray of scanned baggage is not tagged, it passes rejection unit 11 lb to retrieval point 113 where a passenger can retrieve his scanned bags/personal items. Retrieval point 113 includes integrated tables 116b for passengers to unload their scanned baggage from the trays and to pack their luggage if necessary.

[0053] Receiving conveyor line 101 is envisaged to be continuously operating. More than one receiving conveyor lines 101 may be provided to an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system to accommodate higher number of passengers. Such plurality of receiving conveyor lines 101 would be arranged to converge at pre -distribution conveyor 102. [0054] Transfer unit 109 is typically stationary and is activated only for transferring the scanned trays of baggage from the second conveyor line to the end section of the first scanning conveyor line.

[0055] RFID readers installed at the first and second scanning units 118a and 118b may communicate with the RFID reader(s) positioned at rejection unit.

[0056] Further, there is an integrated tray retrieval system comprising empty tray deposit 114, empty tray conveyor 115 and empty tray collection point 116. The passenger places an empty tray in empty tray deposit 114. Empty tray deposit 114 is an inclined surface leading to empty tray conveyor 115. Empty tray conveyor 115 transfers empty trays received from empty tray deposit 114 to empty tray collection point 116. Passengers are able to avail themselves of trays from empty tray collection point 116 to place their luggage or personal items for the inspection through the inspection system of the present invention.

[0057] Further, there are at least two or more tables 116b at retrieval point 113 for passengers to retrieve their scanned items and to pack their luggage.

[0058] The present embodiment as described and illustrated in Fig 1 is designed to achieve maximum throughput per minute. The number of trays of baggage scanned per unit time by the present embodiment is approximately double the number of bags scanned as compared to use of a conventional luggage X-ray system.

[0059] It is also envisaged that baggage inspection systems having conventional luggage scanning system having a single input and single output line that are already installed in airports, train stations or other similar passenger handling facilities can be retrofitted into the disclosed integrated, high throughput inspection system. Retrofitting may involve the installation of a pre -distribution conveyor, a second scanning conveyor line, a baggage distribution unit, a transfer unit, a rejection unit and a rejection conveyor line onto a conventional luggage scanning system.

Claims

We claim,

1. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system, the integrated high throughput baggage inspection system having an input and output end, the input end comprises: a receiving conveyor for accepting trays of baggage for baggage inspection, the receiving conveyor arranged to transfer the trays of baggage to a pre-distribution conveyor;

the pre-distribution conveyor arranged to transfer the trays of baggage for baggage inspection to a baggage distribution unit;

a first scanning conveyor line having an entry end and exit end, arranged for trays of baggage to be passed through a first scanning unit arranged for scanning of baggage; a second scanning conveyor line having an entry end and exit end, arranged for trays of baggage to be passed through a second scanning unit arranged for scanning of baggage,

the baggage distribution unit arranged to distribute pre-inspected trays of baggage to the entry end of either the first scanning conveyor line or the second scanning conveyor line;

a transfer unit to transfer trays of scanned baggage from the exit end of the second conveyor line to the exit end of the first scanning conveyor line; and

2. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, wherein the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is arranged side by side next to the first scanning unit.

3. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, wherein the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is elevated above ground level.

4. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 3, wherein the second scanning unit of the baggage inspection system is arranged directly above the first scanning unit.

5. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, further comprising a third or more scanning conveyor lines and corresponding third or more scanning units.

6. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, further comprising one or more additional receiving conveyors, the receiving conveyors converging at the pre-distribution conveyor.

7. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, wherein the baggage inspection system comprises programming logic and controls (PLC) code to efficiently distribute the trays of baggage between the first and second scanning lines.

8. An integrated high throughput baggage inspection system of claim 1, wherein the inspection operators responsible for reviewing the scanned images of the baggage operate at a designated location away from baggage inspection system.

9. A method for inspecting baggage with the following steps:

receiving baggage for inspection via a receiving conveyor;

providing two or more scanning conveyor lines, each conveyor line having a scanning unit for inspecting baggage;

distributing baggage for inspection from the receiving conveyor to the two or more scanning conveyor lines; and

combining scanned baggage from the two or more additional scanning conveyor lines onto a single conveyor output.

10. Method of retrofitting a conventional baggage scanning system having a single input and single output line into an integrated high throughput baggage inspection system comprising the step of installation of a pre-distribution conveyor, a second scanning conveyor line, a baggage distribution unit, a transfer unit, a rejection unit and a rejection conveyor line onto said conventional baggage scanning system.