Methods and systems for efficient security screening

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods relating to security checkpoints. In some embodiments the present invention includes a security checkpoint system that is optimized in one or more of design and décor, audio characteristics, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint and generating revenue with adverting and sponsorships.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims the benefit, under 35 U.S.C. §119, of provisional U.S. Application Ser. No. 61 / 040,425, filed Mar. 28, 2008, the entire contents and substance of which is hereby incorporated by reference.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to a security checkpoint. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for efficient and optimized security screening of people and personal belongings at a security checkpoint.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]As various threats to safety have developed and evolved, the importance of security has increased. An unfortunate side-effect of increased security has been, at least so far, increased inconvenience. The inconvenience manifests itself in various ways, including lost time, confusion, anxiety, increased stress, intimidation, and / or general lack of comfort. Security checks often occur at a security checkpoint. Such security checkpoints are now ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0004]In some embodiments, the systems and methods will provide an enhanced customer experience at security checkpoints by improving atmospheric conditions. In other embodiments, the systems and methods will provide enhanced security at security checkpoints. In further embodiments the systems and methods will provide enhanced security while providing an enhanced customer experience at the security checkpoint. In some embodiments the security checkpoint is a checkpoint for persons about to travel. In some instances a person is passing from a non-secure area into a secure area.

[0005]In some embodiments the present invention is a system or method of managing the set-up and / or maintenance of a security checkpoint or a set of security checkpoints. In some embodiments such management would facilitate the selection and integration of optimal atmospheric conditions, environment, technology, materials and / or advertising. In some embodiments the security checkpoint may be designed with the goal of establishing a seamless combination of form and function to deliver high security in an inviting atmosphere designed, deployed, maintained and updated with form equal to function to maximize available technology and the unique space or footprint associated with each environment. Doing so may enhance the customer experience, available technologies and the security process. In some embodiments the management may also generate revenue for the entity that runs the checkpoint or security area. In some such embodiments the security checkpoint may become a self-funded security enhancement focused on customer service.

[0007]In certain embodiments the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to design and décor taking into account architectural design and local preferences as well as federal, state and local security requirements and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of integrating the design of the security checkpoint with other areas of the facility, creating a décor and design of a security checkpoint that is substantially similar to a security checkpoint at another location, utilizing a color scheme and atmospheric conditions that has a positive effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint, ensuring that various security checkpoints—that may have a different theme or color combination than one another—have a recognizable commonality such that they may each have a certain familiarity to a customer, and utilizing design materials with the objective that they have a positive effect on customer behavior and / or emotion in and around the security checkpoint. In other embodiments the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to audio characteristics and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reduction of extraneous noise in and around the security checkpoint, communicating audio instructions at optimal sound levels and using a voice that has a positive and / or calming effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint and playing music or sounds that have a positive effect on customer behavior in and around a security checkpoint. In some embodiments the positive effect is calming and causes a heightened awareness and / or increased receptivity to stimuli. In some embodiments the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to communication or transfer of information and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reducing provision of extraneous information, modifying the type or category of advertising presented, segmenting the content of advertising presented to align with the customer demographics at various times throughout the day, modifying the frequency or volume of advertising presented, modifying the placement of advertising and use of integrated signage using standards of environmental graphics and environmental engineers as well as interior and architectural design. In other embodiments the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements from the group consisting of optimization of décor and design, optimization of audio characteristics, optimization of customer service, and optimization of information presentation.

Problems solved by technology

An unfortunate side-effect of increased security has been, at least so far, increased inconvenience.

The inconvenience manifests itself in various ways, including lost time, confusion, anxiety, increased stress, intimidation, and / or general lack of comfort.

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