A centralized security check method for checked and carry-on baggage

Abstract

This invention provides a centralized security inspection method for checked and carry-on baggage, including 1) self-service initial inspection, 2) identity verification, and 3) a person-baggage related security inspection process. During this process, checked and carry-on baggage undergo a unified security inspection, with qualified and unqualified baggage processed through separate channels. This invention eliminates the need for separate security inspections for checked and carry-on baggage, preventing secondary check-in issues. Furthermore, simultaneous security inspection of all baggage avoids the risk of carrying baggage separately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to baggage security inspection methods, and particularly to a method for centralized security inspection of both checked baggage and carry-on baggage at airports, belonging to the field of smart airport construction. Background Technology

[0002] The current aircraft passenger security process is divided into two separate procedures: checked baggage security screening and carry-on baggage security screening. Checked baggage screening and carry-on baggage security screening are handled by two separate systems. Checked baggage screening is located behind the check-in counters. After passing the security check, checked baggage is transferred to the rear for airport staff to process, remaining separate from the passenger throughout the process. Passenger and carry-on baggage screening is located at the security checkpoint. Passengers undergo document checks, body checks, and X-ray baggage and hand luggage checks in sequence. Only after passing all checks can passengers proceed to the waiting area. During the carry-on baggage screening, if restricted items are found in the passenger's carry-on baggage, the passenger will be informed to check them in, abandon them, or temporarily store them. If the passenger chooses to check them in, they will need to return to the check-in counter through the security checkpoint, either to repack and check them in again or to return the original baggage for re-check-in.

[0003] Therefore, the existing process has the following problems:

[0004] 1. The separate processes for baggage check-in and carry-on security screening are cumbersome, involve long waiting times, affect the travel experience, and pose a risk of missing flights;

[0005] 2. Secondary baggage check-in may involve extra packing and excess baggage fees, and will also waste time;

[0006] 3. Dangerous items that may be intentionally disassembled and concealed separately in checked baggage and carry-on baggage cannot be inspected simultaneously, posing a security risk.

[0007] It is evident that the current passenger security check process has numerous problems affecting safe and convenient travel, which runs counter to the principles of safe production and sincere service. Therefore, it is crucial to develop a centralized inspection process for both checked and carry-on baggage. Summary of the Invention

[0008] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing a centralized security inspection method for checked and carry-on baggage. This eliminates the need for separate inspections of passengers' checked and carry-on baggage, allowing for the processing of prohibited and restricted items and baggage check-in procedures to be completed in a single security inspection process. This achieves a dual improvement in security inspection efficiency and service quality.

[0009] The technical solution of the present invention is: a method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage, characterized by comprising the following process:

[0010] Identity verification: Passengers carrying luggage and belongings pass through the security gate for document verification and facial recognition before entering the security checkpoint;

[0011] Security checks involving people and goods:

[0012] 1) Relationship between people and things

[0013] At the security checkpoint, the tray containing the passenger's luggage is first linked to the passenger's identity based on RFID and facial recognition technology, and then the passenger and luggage go through the security checkpoint separately.

[0014] Pallets are classified into checked baggage pallets and carry-on pallets. Checked baggage is placed on checked baggage pallets, while carry-on pallets are placed on personal belongings.

[0015] 2) Personal inspection

[0016] Passengers undergo body searches through millimeter-wave security gates;

[0017] 3) Baggage inspection and transfer

[0018] Place the tray containing the passenger's luggage on the main CT security scanner for inspection. The output of the main CT security scanner is connected to the main inspection channel, which branches into a re-inspection channel, a qualified check-in channel, and a qualified carry-on channel.

[0019] (a) Handling of non-compliant baggage

[0020] 1.1) Non-conforming mark

[0021] Unacceptable baggage includes baggage containing prohibited or restricted items and baggage that is overweight;

[0022] Luggage containing prohibited or restricted items will be detected and marked by the main inspection CT security scanner;

[0023] For overweight luggage, it will be detected and marked by the weighing sensors installed at the security checkpoint;

[0024] 1.2) Non-conforming transfer

[0025] If a passenger's baggage is marked as "unacceptable", all baggage matching that passenger will be sorted out, diverted to the re-inspection channel, and transported to the baggage opening and re-inspection area.

[0026] 1.3) Unpacking and re-inspection

[0027] In the baggage inspection area, passengers retrieve all their luggage by presenting their identification, then hand over all their luggage to the baggage inspector for inspection, and pay for any overweight luggage.

[0028] 1.4) Post-re-inspection processing

[0029] Luggage that passes the re-inspection will be categorized and moved into the designated clearance channel.

[0030] (II) Handling of Qualified Baggage

[0031] 2.1) Qualified Classification and Identification

[0032] Qualified baggage includes checked baggage and carry-on baggage, which are distinguished by RFID identification technology at the main inspection channel and transported to the qualified checked baggage channel and the qualified carry-on baggage channel respectively.

[0033] 2.2) Qualified consignment / deposit

[0034] For qualified checked baggage, it will be transported and processed through the designated baggage handling channel;

[0035] For qualified carry-on baggage, it will be transported to the baggage claim area through the qualified carry-on channel. In the baggage claim area, passengers can retrieve their carry-on baggage after verifying their identity.

[0036] As a preferred option, a self-service preliminary check process can be set up before identity verification:

[0037] Passengers have all their luggage and belongings inspected on the pre-screening CT security scanner. The security system makes a preliminary judgment on whether the luggage and belongings are compliant and issues a warning. Passengers then follow the warning to process their luggage until they deem it compliant.

[0038] The pre-screening CT security scanner has a baggage category selection module, which includes "carry-on" and "check-in". Passengers put their baggage in according to their selection, and the security system judges it according to the category.

[0039] As a preferred option, a tray collection area is set up at the initial end of the security checkpoint. The tray collection area is equipped with a tray conveyor, and the tray conveyor is equipped with an "RFID identification zone R1" to identify the RFID electronic tags set in the trays. A facial recognition machine is set up next to the tray conveyor. When a passenger takes a tray and places it in the "RFID identification zone R1", their facial image is recorded at the same time. The background data management system collects information from both the facial recognition machine and the RFID reader, and combines the two sets of information to form a connection between "person" and "object".

[0040] As a preferred embodiment, a label printing device is provided at the tray conveyor. The label printing device prints baggage tags, which are bound with the passenger's identity information. These tags are affixed / attached to the baggage for the passenger to retrieve their baggage upon exiting the airport.

[0041] As a preferred option, the tray is configured with a specified size according to the type, thereby determining whether the size of the luggage is compliant.

[0042] As a preferred embodiment, an "RFID identification area R2" is provided at the input end of the main inspection CT security inspection machine. The "RFID identification area R2" is used to verify whether the association information between "person" and "object" is correct and complete.

[0043] Before the main inspection channel is diverted to the re-inspection channel, an "RFID identification area R3" is set up. The "RFID identification area R3" is used to identify all luggage trays of passengers containing non-compliant luggage and divert them to the re-inspection channel.

[0044] Before the main inspection channel is diverted to the qualified consignment channel and the qualified carry-on channel, an "RFID identification area R4" is set up. The "RFID identification area R4" is used to identify the consignment pallet and the carry-on pallet and divert them to the qualified consignment channel and the qualified carry-on channel.

[0045] As a preferred option, baggage that passes the re-inspection is returned to the main inspection channel through the re-inspection channel and then sorted into the qualified baggage check-in channel; or, after passing the re-inspection, it is directly sent to the dedicated re-inspection baggage check-in channel.

[0046] Passengers may take their carry-on baggage that passes the re-inspection directly.

[0047] As a preferred option, a re-inspection CT scanner is set up in the baggage inspection area. Baggage that has passed the manual inspection by the baggage handlers is then placed into the re-inspection CT scanner for further inspection to determine whether it is qualified.

[0048] As a preferred option, the main inspection channel, re-inspection channel, qualified consignment channel, qualified carry-on channel, and re-inspection dedicated consignment channel are all enclosed channels.

[0049] As a preferred option, all used pallets are recycled back to the security checkpoint via a pallet recycling system.

[0050] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0051] 1. By adopting a method where passengers' checked baggage and carry-on baggage can pass through security at the same time, the security check process is simplified, the security check time is shortened, and the risk of missing the flight is reduced;

[0052] 2. Checked baggage and carry-on baggage go through security checks at the same time, so that all the passenger's baggage is checked as a whole at the same time. This can detect whether there is any intention to split the baggage for carrying, and make it easier to transfer the baggage if any non-compliant items are found.

[0053] 3. All passenger baggage is linked to their identity, ensuring traceability throughout the entire process. Attached Figure Description

[0054] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the security inspection process of the present invention.

[0055] In the diagram: 1. Pre-screening CT scanner; 2. Security gate; 3. Tray collection area; 4. Main inspection CT scanner; 5. Main inspection channel; 6. Re-inspection channel; 7. Qualified baggage check-in channel; 8. Qualified carry-on channel; 9. Sorting mechanism one; 10. Unpacking and re-inspection area; 11. Re-inspection CT scanner; 12. Dedicated re-inspection baggage check-in channel; 13. Sorting mechanism two; 14. Carry-on baggage storage and retrieval area. Detailed Implementation

[0056] The technical solution of the present invention will be described in detail below through embodiments. However, those skilled in the art should know that the following embodiments are not the only limitation on the technical solution of the present invention. Any equivalent transformations or modifications made under the spirit and essence of the technical solution of the present invention should be considered as falling within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0057] This invention provides a method for intelligent security screening of both checked and carry-on baggage for airplane passengers. This method eliminates the need for check-in at the counter; instead, passengers carry all their baggage to the security checkpoint for screening. The method includes the following steps: Figure 1 As shown:

[0058] I. Self-service initial inspection

[0059] Self-service initial inspection is a non-essential procedure and is based on the principle of voluntariness. It is the first step to take when you are unsure whether your luggage meets the requirements.

[0060] The purpose of self-service pre-security checks for passengers is to make a preliminary judgment on whether there are any prohibited items in their luggage, and which items are restricted from being carried on or checked in, so that they can make preliminary sorting of their luggage, discard prohibited items, and transfer restricted items to luggage that meets the requirements for being carried on or checked in.

[0061] Therefore, after completing check-in procedures in the departure hall and before formally entering the security checkpoint, passengers can place their luggage into the pre-screening CT security scanner 1 for initial inspection. The pre-screening CT security scanner 1 has an image scanning function. If suspected prohibited items are detected by the image scanning system, the scanner will issue a warning. Passengers can then self-inspect their items; if they confirm there are no violations, they do not need to remove them. For items whose carry-on status is uncertain, passengers can select a baggage category on the pre-screening CT security scanner 1. They can set "Carry-on" and "Checked-in" options via the screen or buttons, enabling baggage category selection. When a passenger selects "Carry-on" or "Checked-in," the security system will automatically determine whether the items in the luggage passing through the scanner are compliant. This process obviously only checks luggage selected under the "Carry-on" option. If the luggage contains restricted carry-on items, the scanner will issue a warning, at which point the passenger can remove the item and move it to their checked-in baggage.

[0062] Pre-screening allows passengers to pre-sort their luggage, reducing the workload of subsequent baggage checks and the probability of re-inspection. However, pre-screening is not always accurate or comprehensive, so subsequent security checks are still required.

[0063] II. Identity Verification

[0064] After passing through the self-service pre-security check, passengers carry all their luggage through security gate 2 for identity verification. They present valid identification documents or other valid boarding passes and undergo facial recognition. Security personnel manually verify the identity and document match before affixing a verification mark and allowing passage. Alternatively, passengers can use the self-service security gate for identification document reading and facial recognition; after successful verification, they enter the security checkpoint. Simultaneously, a camera installed on the gate collects facial information for subsequent services. Specifically, this invention addresses the needs of shorter passengers by installing a low-position camera inside the gate, 1.2 meters above the ground. When a shorter passenger is boarding, the security personnel switch to the low-position camera for facial information collection.

[0065] The identity verification process simply involves checking and verifying the legitimacy of a passenger's identity through document and facial recognition.

[0066] III. Security checks involving people and goods

[0067] After passengers pass through security gate 2 to have their documents verified, they proceed with the person-baggage linked security screening process. This process links a person's identity information with the information of their carried items (baggage), ensuring that the identity and item information are consistently linked throughout subsequent security checks. This measure guarantees that items can always be returned to their original owners, preventing abandonment or misplacement.

[0068] The security check process involving people and goods includes three modules: people and goods association, baggage inspection, and personal inspection.

[0069] (3.1) Relationship between people and things

[0070] The process of linking people and goods must be completed before baggage and personal inspections.

[0071] After passing through security gate 2, passengers proceed to tray collection area 3 to select the required tray and prepare to place their luggage. Tray collection area 3 can be set up for manual tray retrieval or for intelligent automatic tray retrieval machines. The automatic tray retrieval machines have tray type and quantity selection functions, and passengers operate them by pressing the function buttons on the automatic tray retrieval machines.

[0072] In this invention, the trays are specially designed to be divided into two categories: "checked baggage trays" and "carry-on trays" using their shape, and / or color, and / or the text printed on them, which can be easily distinguished by the human eye. The "checked baggage trays" are used to place checked baggage, while the "carry-on trays" are used to place carry-on baggage, as well as clothing removed by passengers for body checks and personal belongings taken out.

[0073] Meanwhile, the dimensions of "check-in trays" and "carry-on trays" are limited, thus restricting the size of luggage. A tray that can accommodate the luggage is considered compliant; otherwise, it is non-compliant. The reason for classifying trays at the initial stage of security checks is twofold: first, to give passengers an expectation of how their luggage will be handled (check-in or carry-on); and second, to facilitate the formal inspection of luggage by the main CT scanner. For example, for luggage on a check-in tray, security personnel will naturally determine whether it complies with check-in regulations; for luggage on a carry-on tray, security personnel will naturally determine whether it complies with carry-on regulations.

[0074] A tray conveyor is also set up in tray collection area 3. The tray conveyor is used to temporarily place trays and transport them further. After passengers select a tray, they place it on the tray conveyor and load their luggage into it for security screening. On the tray conveyor, passengers initially place their luggage into the tray. If they find that the tray is not suitable, they can return the wrong tray to the tray collection area (or tray collection machine) and get a new one.

[0075] Furthermore, a camera is installed above the tray conveyor. The main function of this camera is to provide alerts through image recognition in the background. Firstly, it assists in determining whether the tray used by the passenger is correct, preventing passengers from mistakenly placing checked baggage in the carry-on baggage tray or vice versa. Secondly, it determines whether the passenger's carry-on baggage meets the airline's size requirements. For trays that do not meet the requirements, passengers are informed to replace the tray via voice announcement.

[0076] This invention uses radio frequency (RFID) technology to identify luggage items. The RFID device consists of three parts: a reader, an electronic tag, and a data management system. This invention embeds passive RFID electronic tags into all trays (or item baskets), installs RFID readers on the conveyor channels, and manages the data via a backend server. Each tray is assigned a unique identification number and recorded in the data management system before its first use.

[0077] Therefore, an RFID reader is also installed on the pallet conveyor to identify the RFID electronic tags on the pallets and read the information of the pallets used by passengers. The area where the pallet is first identified is called "RFID identification zone R1".

[0078] Meanwhile, a facial recognition machine is also installed next to the tray conveyor. When a passenger selects the desired tray and places it in the "RFID identification area R1", the background data management system collects information from both the facial recognition machine and the RFID reader. By combining the two sets of information, the tray (item) is linked to the passenger's identity (person). In subsequent processes, facial recognition can be used to access all relevant luggage information of the passenger. Of course, facial recognition can also be used to verify the passenger's identity by swiping a valid ID.

[0079] The camera above also serves to capture images of people interacting with the tray. When a passenger places the tray in the "RFID identification area R1", the camera simultaneously captures images of the person and the tray. Combined with RFID information, it can also be used to associate people and objects and assist in identification.

[0080] In particular, the present invention also includes a label printing device at the pallet conveyor. This label printing device is used to print baggage tags, which are then affixed / attached to the baggage. The tags are linked to the passenger's identity information after facial recognition, which is used to retrieve the passenger's baggage when leaving the airport later.

[0081] Therefore, when the tray is picked up at the security checkpoint, the connection between people and objects is completed, and then people and objects are checked separately.

[0082] (3.2) Personal Inspection

[0083] The body search is conducted as usual, using millimeter-wave security gates. Passengers undergo body searches through these gates; those without abnormalities pass directly without manual inspection. If an anomaly is detected in the body search image, the equipment automatically alarms, prompting a security inspector to conduct a partial body search based on the image. After the body search is completed, passengers proceed to the baggage claim area or baggage inspection area for further baggage checks, based on the baggage inspection status displayed on the electronic screen.

[0084] (3.3) Baggage Inspection and Transfer

[0085] The tray conveyor connects to the main CT scanner 4 and can achieve continuous transport. Furthermore, the tray conveyor can also be considered the front end of the main CT scanner 4. It is referred to here as the "main CT scanner" to distinguish it from the aforementioned "pre-screening scanner." After luggage enters the main CT scanner 4, the person and luggage are separated and enter their respective security screening lanes.

[0086] All luggage belonging to the same passenger is conveyed and inspected on the main CT scanner 4. At the entrance of the main CT scanner 4, the trays are again identified by an RFID reader in this area, designated "RFID Identification Zone R2". In this zone, the system identifies the information of the trays entering the CT scanner and compares it with the information in "RFID Identification Zone R1" to ensure that each tray entering the CT scanner is associated with passenger information. If a tray without associated information enters this zone, an audible / visual alarm immediately alerts staff for handling. Therefore, the main function of "RFID Identification Zone R2" is to verify the consistency of person and item information, immediately correcting any omissions or errors, and preventing the splitting and carrying of dangerous or prohibited items / devices. Based on the tray information identified in "RFID Identification Zone R2", luggage belonging to the same passenger is displayed together for simultaneous inspection by security personnel.

[0087] After passing through the "RFID identification zone R2," the image scanning system on the CT security scanner scans the images of the items in the tray. First, an artificial intelligence (AI) system autonomously identifies whether there are prohibited items or deliberately concealed dangerous prohibited devices in checked and carry-on baggage. Baggage deemed normal is allowed to proceed to the next stage of the process. Baggage deemed problematic is marked by security personnel for non-compliant images and transferred to the re-inspection area for targeted inspection by baggage handlers.

[0088] The main inspection channel 5 is defined as the conveyor channel connecting to exit 4 of the main CT scanner. Three channels branch off from main inspection channel 5: re-inspection channel 6, qualified baggage check-in channel 7, and qualified carry-on channel 8. Re-inspection channel 6 branches off from main inspection channel 5 first, followed by qualified baggage check-in channel 7 and qualified carry-on channel 8. Unqualified baggage is diverted to re-inspection channel 6 for further inspection.

[0089] The baggage that comes out of the CT security scanner 4 is divided into qualified and unqualified baggage, which are then processed separately.

[0090] (a) Handling of non-compliant baggage

[0091] The procedure for handling non-compliant luggage identified by the main CT security scanner is as follows:

[0092] 1.1) Non-conforming mark

[0093] This invention classifies baggage containing prohibited or restricted items that require inspection, as well as baggage exceeding the free baggage allowance, as unacceptable baggage.

[0094] For luggage containing prohibited or restricted items, the main inspection is completed by the CT security inspection machine 4 image check. If an abnormality is found, the back-end monitoring personnel will manually circle the non-compliant or suspected items in the image on the CT security inspection machine system display screen, mark the luggage category as "non-compliant" on the control panel, and mark the luggage tray.

[0095] For overweight luggage, the weighing is completed by setting up a weighing sensor on the pallet conveyor in the pallet collection area 3, or by setting up a weighing sensor in the section before the main inspection channel 5 is diverted to the re-inspection channel 6. If overweight is found, it will be judged as "unqualified" and marked in the background.

[0096] 1.2) Non-conforming transfer

[0097] Once a passenger's baggage is marked as "non-compliant," all of that passenger's checked and carry-on baggage will be sorted, including both compliant and non-compliant baggage. After exiting the main CT security scanner 4, all baggage first passes through the "RFID identification area R3" in the main inspection channel 5, then is diverted by the sorting mechanism 9 on the main inspection channel 5 to the re-inspection channel 6, and finally transported to the baggage re-inspection area 10. The purpose of the "RFID identification area R3" is to identify all related baggage of the passenger based on previous person-item association information. After passing through the sorting mechanism 9 on the main inspection channel 5, the baggage is diverted to the re-inspection channel 6. Based on the passenger information corresponding to the baggage identified by the "RFID identification area R3," the system notifies the passenger within the security checkpoint to proceed to the baggage re-inspection area 10 for inspection via voice and / or electronic screen display.

[0098] A baggage inspection area 10 is set up at the end of the re-inspection channel 6. A surveillance camera is installed in the baggage inspection area 10 to obtain real-time images without blind spots. Based on the baggage information identified by the "RFID identification area R3", the data processing system synthesizes the surveillance images, displays the passenger information, and monitors and stores the video information in the monitoring room.

[0099] 1.3) Unpacking and re-inspection

[0100] In the baggage re-inspection area 10, there is a baggage transfer station with a single exit, controlled by a baggage inspector and out of the passenger's reach. Baggage from the re-inspection channel is automatically pushed into the transfer station by a staff member. At the exit of the transfer station, the baggage inspector opens and inspects all of the passenger's belongings and verifies the passenger's identity, paying particular attention to baggage suspected of having issues detected on the main CT scanner 4. This final inspection of all the passenger's baggage here prevents any missed or incorrect inspections or instances of splitting baggage, ensuring the passenger and their belongings match. Having all baggage together also makes it easier for the passenger to move items that cannot be carried on to their checked baggage. This area also allows passengers to move overweight baggage and pay excess baggage fees; self-service or manual payment windows are available. Once the baggage inspector deems all the passenger's belongings satisfactory, the baggage is released for further processing.

[0101] Furthermore, a re-inspection CT scanner 11 can be installed in the baggage re-inspection area 10 (the definition of "re-inspection" is also to distinguish it from "pre-inspection" and "main inspection"). Baggage that has passed the manual inspection by the baggage handler can be further placed into the re-inspection CT scanner 11 for re-inspection. The re-inspection CT scanner 11 performs auxiliary inspection, with both manual and machine inspections to avoid human error. After passing the re-inspection by the re-inspection CT scanner 11, the passenger's baggage is completely deemed qualified and then proceeds to the next step.

[0102] 1.4) Post-re-inspection processing

[0103] The luggage that has been opened and re-inspected includes both checked baggage and carry-on baggage.

[0104] For checked baggage that passes the re-inspection, it can be sent back to the main inspection channel 5 through the re-inspection channel 6, and then classified and entered into the qualified baggage check-in channel 7. The re-inspection channel 6 is designed as a round-trip channel, one is the delivery channel and the other is the return channel. An unpacking re-inspection area 10 is set up at the junction of these two channels; or, after passing the re-inspection in the unpacking re-inspection area 10, it can be sent directly into the dedicated re-inspection baggage check-in channel 12.

[0105] For carry-on baggage that passes the re-inspection, passengers can take it directly.

[0106] (II) Handling of Qualified Baggage

[0107] Qualified baggage includes initially qualified baggage and baggage that passes re-inspection. Qualified baggage is divided into checked baggage and carry-on baggage, so they need to be managed separately. The main inspection channel 5 branches off into qualified checked baggage channel 7 and qualified carry-on baggage channel 8 for the transfer of different types of baggage.

[0108] The follow-up process for qualified baggage is as follows:

[0109] 2.1) Qualified Classification and Identification

[0110] All qualified baggage first passes through the "RFID identification area R4" set up on the main inspection channel 5. After being identified in the "RFID identification area R4", the data management system distinguishes between "checked baggage pallets" and "carry-on pallets". Then, through the sorting mechanism 2 13, they are sent to the qualified checked baggage channel 7 and the qualified carry-on channel 8 respectively.

[0111] 2.2) Qualified consignment / deposit

[0112] For qualified checked baggage, it is sent to the baggage loading department through qualified baggage check-in channel 7 and then transported to the tarmac.

[0113] For qualified carry-on baggage, it is sent to the carry-on baggage storage area 14 through the qualified carry-on baggage channel 8. Carry-on baggage storage lockers are set up in the carry-on baggage storage area 14. The carry-on baggage storage lockers are equipped with RFID readers. Passengers can retrieve their carry-on baggage by facial recognition, swiping their ID card, scanning a QR code, or entering a verification code, and then board the plane.

[0114] Furthermore, to prevent passengers from worrying about lost luggage during baggage inspection and transfer, except for processes requiring human contact with the luggage, such as the baggage re-inspection area 10 and the re-inspection CT scanner 11, all other transfer processes, such as the main inspection CT scanner 4, main inspection channel 5, re-inspection channel 6, qualified baggage check-in channel 7, qualified carry-on channel 8, and dedicated re-inspection baggage check-in channel 12, can be set up as closed transfers, preventing anyone from touching the luggage during the process. Additionally, surveillance cameras can be installed in the channels to replay and trace the transfer process when tracking the luggage's whereabouts.

[0115] IV. Pallet Recycling

[0116] The tray recycling process is an additional optimization of this invention. Trays used in the baggage inspection area 10 and the carry-on baggage retrieval area 14 can be recycled through the tray recycling system. After passengers retrieve their carry-on baggage, the system automatically returns the empty carry-on baggage tray to the tray retrieval area and unlinks the tray's number from the original user for subsequent use. Furthermore, the trays are disinfected during the return process using methods such as spray disinfection and / or lighting disinfection. Checked baggage trays are recycled separately, either manually or through an automated recycling system, after baggage check-in is completed.

Claims

1. A method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage, characterized by the following process: Identity verification: Passengers carry their luggage and belongings through the security gate (2) for document verification and facial recognition, and then enter the security check channel; Security checks involving people and goods: 1) Relationship between people and things At the security checkpoint, the tray containing the passenger's luggage is first linked to the passenger's identity based on RFID and facial recognition technology, and then the passenger and luggage go through the security checkpoint separately. Pallets are classified into checked baggage pallets and carry-on pallets. Checked baggage is placed on checked baggage pallets, while carry-on pallets are placed on personal belongings. 2) Personal inspection Passengers undergo body searches through millimeter-wave security gates; 3) Baggage inspection and transfer Place the tray containing the passenger's luggage on the main inspection CT security inspection machine (4) for inspection. The output end of the main inspection CT security inspection machine (4) is connected to the main inspection channel (5). The main inspection channel (5) branches into the re-inspection channel (6), the qualified check-in channel (7), and the qualified carry-on channel (8). (a) Handling of non-compliant baggage 1.1) Non-conforming mark Unacceptable baggage includes baggage containing prohibited or restricted items and baggage that is overweight; Luggage containing prohibited or restricted items will be detected and marked by the main inspection CT security scanner (4); For overweight luggage, it will be detected and marked by the weighing sensors installed at the security checkpoint; 1.2) Non-conforming transfer If a passenger's baggage is marked as "unacceptable", all baggage matching that passenger will be sorted out and diverted to the re-inspection channel (6) and transported to the baggage opening and re-inspection area (10); 1.3) Unpacking and re-inspection In the baggage inspection area (10), passengers retrieve all their luggage by using their identification, and then hand over all their luggage to the baggage inspector for inspection and pay for overweight luggage. 1.4) Post-re-inspection processing Luggage that passes the re-inspection will be categorized and moved into the designated clearance channel. (II) Handling of Qualified Baggage 2.1) Qualified Classification and Identification Qualified baggage includes checked baggage and carry-on baggage, which are distinguished by RFID identification technology at the main inspection channel (5) and transported to the qualified check-in channel (7) and the qualified carry-on channel (8) respectively; 2.2) Qualified consignment / deposit For qualified checked baggage, it is transported and processed through the qualified baggage check-in channel (7); For qualified carry-on baggage, it is transported to the carry-on baggage storage area (14) through the qualified carry-on channel (8). In the carry-on baggage storage area (14), passengers retrieve their carry-on baggage items after identity verification.

2. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, characterized in that a self-service preliminary inspection process is set up before identity verification: Passengers put all their luggage and items through the pre-inspection CT security inspection machine (1). The security inspection system makes a preliminary judgment on whether the luggage and items are compliant and issues a warning. Passengers handle their luggage according to the warning until they are deemed to be compliant. The pre-screening CT security inspection machine (1) is equipped with a baggage category selection module, which includes "carry-on" and "check-in". Passengers put their baggage in according to their selection, and the security inspection system judges it according to the category.

3. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A tray collection area (3) is set up at the initial end of the security checkpoint. The tray collection area (3) is equipped with a tray conveyor. An "RFID identification area R1" is set up on the tray conveyor to identify the RFID electronic tags set in the tray. A face recognition machine is set up next to the tray conveyor. When a passenger takes a tray and places it in the "RFID identification area R1", the face image is recorded at the same time. The background data management system collects the face recognition machine information and the RFID reader information set in the "RFID identification area R1" at the same time, and combines the two sets of information to form a connection between "person" and "object".

4. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 3, characterized in that, A label printing device is provided at the tray conveyor. The label printing device prints baggage tags, which are bound with the passenger's identity information. The tags are affixed to the baggage for the passenger to retrieve their baggage when leaving the airport.

5. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, 3, or 4, characterized in that, The tray is configured with a specified size according to the type, which is used to determine whether the size of the luggage is compliant.

6. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1 or 3, characterized in that, An "RFID identification area R2" is set at the input end of the main inspection CT security inspection machine (4). The "RFID identification area R2" is used to verify whether the "person" and "object" association information is correct and complete. Before the main inspection channel (5) is diverted to the re-inspection channel (6), an "RFID identification area R3" is set up. The "RFID identification area R3" is used to identify all luggage trays of passengers containing non-compliant luggage and divert them to the re-inspection channel (6). Before the main inspection channel (5) is diverted to the qualified consignment channel (7) and the qualified carry-on channel (8), an "RFID identification area R4" is set up. The "RFID identification area R4" is used to identify the consignment pallet and the carry-on pallet and divert them to the qualified consignment channel (7) and the qualified carry-on channel (8).

7. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, For baggage that passes the re-inspection, it is sent back to the main inspection channel (5) through the re-inspection channel (6) and then classified into the qualified baggage channel (7); or, after passing the re-inspection, it is sent directly to the re-inspection dedicated baggage channel (12). Passengers may take their carry-on baggage that passes the re-inspection directly.

8. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, A re-inspection CT security inspection machine (11) is set up in the baggage opening and re-inspection area (10). Baggage that has passed the manual inspection by the baggage opening staff is further placed into the re-inspection CT security inspection machine (11) for re-inspection, and then it is determined whether it is qualified.

9. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 7, characterized in that, The main inspection channel (5), re-inspection channel (6), qualified consignment channel (7), qualified carry-on channel (8), and re-inspection dedicated consignment channel (12) are all closed channels.

10. The method for centralized security inspection of checked baggage and carry-on baggage according to claim 1, characterized in that, All used pallets are recycled back to the security checkpoint via a pallet recycling system.

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