Security device

Abstract

Security device (1) comprising at least one or more security passageways (2); the security passageway (2) comprises: - a plurality of deposit positions (10) where a passenger (8) deposits personal items, in particular baggage items, into a tray (9); - a removal position (20) where the passenger (8) removes the personal items from the tray (9); a conveyor device (7) adapted to convey the tray (9) from the plurality of deposit positions (10) to the removal position (20) and to form a conveying path (P) between the deposit positions (10) and the removal position (20); - an item scanner (3) located in the conveying path (P) between the deposit positions (10) and the removal position (20); characterized in that the security passageway (2) comprises - a plurality of item scanners (3), - a plurality of removal positions (20); wherein the conveyor device (7) forms a plurality of conveying paths (P) between the deposit positions (10) and the removal positions (20).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a security inspection device. Background Technology

[0002] Airport routine security checks are generally arranged linearly, with each checkpoint having a placement area and a pickup area. A linear conveyor connects the placement and pickup areas, with X-ray-based item scanners located between them. In previous years, each object passing through the scanner was supervised by a dedicated operator, resulting in slow scanner operation. The scanners are now fully utilized when passengers have sufficient time to place their belongings. Scanning an item can take up to a minute, especially if the item must be scanned twice in a different orientation (see also...). Figure 1 The bottleneck here is the capacity of the scanning process.

[0003] Newer security screening devices use faster scanners based on AI-powered computed tomography (CT) technology. The scanner here takes only a few seconds to scan items. Evaluation is performed automatically. Only random samples are inspected by an operator (see also...). Figure 2 The bottleneck here is the passengers, who sometimes cannot prepare their belongings and themselves quickly enough. Such a system is disclosed in EP3 630613 B1 and also in US 2020 / 0148483 A1. To optimize utilization, each aisle has more than one placement location, allowing multiple passengers to place their belongings simultaneously.

[0004] WO 2022 / 064047 A2 discloses a screening device for screening people, comprising: a compartment including a wall at least partially surrounding an interior space; a sensor located on at least a portion of the surface of the wall facing the interior space, the sensor being configured to sense a person present in the interior space; a projector projecting an image into the interior space for viewing by a person; and a control device connected to the sensor and the projector. The control device is configured to operate the sensor to sense a person residing in the interior space; and to drive the projector to project instructions associated with the operation of the sensor onto the person. Multiple such scanning devices can be combined with multiple carry-on baggage scanning devices.

[0005] EP 1 091 895 B1 discloses a system for conveying articles, comprising: at least one loading station for loading articles onto a pallet, at least one unloading station for unloading articles from the pallet, a first conveyor and a second conveyor for conveying the articles, each article comprising a pallet carrying at least one article. The first conveyor is arranged to convey articles from the at least one loading station to an article storage arrangement, and the second conveyor is arranged to convey articles from the article storage arrangement to the at least one unloading station. The article storage arrangement includes a plurality of storage units, each of which can store a plurality of articles, means for moving articles from the first conveyor to each of the plurality of storage units, and means for moving articles from each of the plurality of storage units to the second conveyor.

[0006] US 2012 / 0228377 A1 discloses an automated screening system comprising: a plurality of guide kiosks, each configured to guide a scanning unit loaded with at least one item to be scanned from an individual, scan the individual's personal identifier, and associate the personal identifier with a corresponding scanning unit; an imager configured to image the loaded scanning unit to produce a scan image corresponding to each loaded scanning unit; a plurality of return kiosks, each configured to return the loaded scanning unit to the individual and scan the individual's personal identifier; and a transport system configured to transport the loaded scanning unit from the guide kiosks through the imager and return the scanning unit to the individual at a return kiosk that has scanned the personal identifier associated with the corresponding scanning unit. Invention Summary

[0007] The object of this invention is to provide an improved security inspection device for articles. This object is achieved by the security inspection device and method according to the main claim. Embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims and the specification.

[0008] Therefore, the security checkpoint includes multiple item scanners and multiple pick-up locations, with conveyor systems forming multiple transport paths between the placement and pick-up locations.

[0009] Multiple placement and removal locations allow different devices to operate at the best possible utilization rate, enabling the selective shutdown of multiple devices to reduce energy consumption and manpower input.

[0010] A security checkpoint should be understood as an equipment arrangement having at least one placement position, a retrieval position, and a conveying device connecting the placement position and the retrieval position, so that items are conveyed from the placement position to the retrieval position and then pass through an item scanner. Security inspection equipment includes at least one of these security checkpoints.

[0011] The invention also includes an airport having a security screening device according to any one of the claims, wherein the security screening device is located where passengers enter the secure area from the non-secure area of ​​the airport. Attached Figure Description

[0012] Non-limiting examples of the invention are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings; wherein: Figure 1 A top view of a traditional security screening device is shown; Figure 2 This shows a top view of another traditional security screening device; Figure 3 A top view of the security inspection device according to the present invention is shown; Figure 4 It is shown Figure 3 A table showing the allocation between placement and removal locations within the device; Figure 5 Show Figure 3 The device contains a display for the terminal; Figure 6 Show Figure 3 The information display area is placed in the device; Figure 7 It is shown that Figure 3 The display of the terminal was removed from the device. Detailed Implementation

[0013] Figure 1 and Figure 2 Conventional security screening devices 1 are shown separately, and these devices are described together. Such security screening devices 1 are typically located within the airport, where passengers 8 enter secure area B from unsecured area A.

[0014] Security screening unit 1 has multiple, at least two, security screening lanes 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "lanes"). Each lane 2 has a placement position 10 and a retrieval position 20. Passengers 8a at placement position 10 place their carry-on luggage or other items, particularly mobile phones, glasses, etc., into one or more trays 9. Passengers 8c at retrieval position 20 retrieve their items from the trays 9. An item scanner 3 is located between placement position 10 and retrieval position 20, which scans items to detect dangerous items, such as weapons or explosives. Any suspicious items are sorted to item inspection position 30 for manual review by officers.

[0015] Channel 2 has a conveying device 7, which includes a placement line 71 located between placement position 10 and item scanner 3, and a take-up line 72 located between item scanner 3 and take-up position 20. An inspection line 73 may be located downstream of item scanner 3. Items can be transferred from item scanner 3 via an inspection adapter 32 branching from take-up line 72 along the direction of item inspection position 30. Items are transported in a tray 9, ensuring proper conveying and orientation within item scanner 3.

[0016] Figure 1 A conventional embodiment is shown, in which the item scanner 3 operates based on X-ray technology and provides two-dimensional images of the items. This technology requires detailed review by officials in real time. In some cases, additional item scans are required, causing the conveyor to reverse. The item scanner 3 is relatively small, and therefore the trays 9 are also relatively small, so approximately 2.5 trays 9 are needed per passenger 8 on average. This results in... Figure 1 The conventional architecture of the channel 2 shown has a capacity bottleneck at the scanning and evaluation of items. Therefore, each channel 2 has exactly one placement position 10 and exactly one pick-up position 20. Passengers 8b who have already passed through the people scanner 4 typically queue at pick-up position 20 because passengers 8b passing through the people scanner 4 usually do so faster than their placed items pass through the item scanner 3. As an example, each item scanner can have an average item scanning rate C3 of 6 trays per minute.

[0017] Figure 2 A conventional embodiment is shown, which is generally similar to EP 3 630 613 B1, in which the item scanner 3 operates based on computed tomography (CT) technology and provides three-dimensional images of the items. This technology uses artificial intelligence-supported assessment, where detailed review by officials is only required in rare cases. Typically, no additional scanning of the items is needed, thus enabling smooth and continuous transport along conveyor lines 71, 72. The item scanner 3 can scan larger objects, therefore the tray 9 used in this embodiment is significantly larger than the tray in the previous embodiment. Approximately 1.5 trays 9 are required per passenger 8 on average. This results in... Figure 2 The conventional architecture of the shown aisle 2, where passengers 8 constitute the limited capacity, means that each aisle 2 has more than one placement location 10a, 10b, 10c and placement lines 71a, 71b, 71c—arranged in a tree structure—so that more passengers 8a can place their items simultaneously. The retrieval location 20 is larger, allowing more passengers 8c to retrieve their items simultaneously. As an example, each aisle 2 can handle approximately 250 passengers 8 per hour. As an example, each item scanner can have an average item scanning rate C3 of 15 trays per minute.

[0018] Figure 3A security screening device 1 according to the present invention is shown, having at least one security screening lane 2 (hereinafter simply referred to as "lane"). Each lane 2 has multiple placement positions 10 and multiple retrieval positions 20. A passenger 8a located at one of the placement positions 10 simultaneously places their belongings into a tray 9. A passenger 8c located at one of the retrieval positions 20 simultaneously retrieves their belongings from the tray 9. Multiple item scanners 3 are arranged between the placement positions 10 and the retrieval positions 20, scanning the contents of the tray 9 to detect dangerous items, such as weapons or explosives. In unlikely events, suspicious items will be sorted to an item inspection position 30 for manual review by officers.

[0019] Channel 2 has a conveying device 7, which includes multiple placement lines 71 located between multiple placement positions 10 and item scanner 3, and multiple take-up lines 72 located between item scanner 3 and take-up position 20. An inspection line 73 may be located downstream of item scanner 3. An input distribution line 74 connects the placement lines 71 to item scanner 3. An exit distribution line 75 connects item scanner 3 to the take-up lines 72 and at least one inspection line 73. Accordingly, the conveyor forms a conveying path P between placement positions 10 and take-up position 20.

[0020] The entry distribution line 74 includes the selection of conveyor C, merger M, and adapter T to selectively convey pallet 9 from one of a plurality of placement positions 10 to one of a plurality of item scanners 3. The exit distribution line 75 includes the selection of conveyor C, merger M, and adapter T to selectively convey pallet 9 from any of the plurality of item scanners 3 to any of the plurality of pick-up positions 20 and / or item inspection positions 30. The merger M should be understood as a conveying device in which two or more incoming upstream conveyor lines merge with each other. The adapter T is a conveying device in which pallet 9 can be selectively conveyed in one direction selected from two possible downstream conveyor lines. The operation of the various components of the conveying device 7, particularly the operation of conveyor lines 71-75, conveyor C, merger M, and adapter T, is controlled by a plurality of area controllers 86.

[0021] exist Figure 3 During typical use of the device, the current utilization rate of tray 9 is approximately 70% of its maximum capacity. Therefore, it is not necessary for all item scanners 3 to be operated. Accordingly, the third item scanner 3c remains in standby mode, while the remaining first, second, and fourth item scanners 3a, b, and d operate at near 100% utilization. Once the utilization rate increases (e.g., by identifying the queue of trays 9 upstream of the item scanners 3), the fourth item scanner 3c is put into operation.

[0022] In the same manner as in the aforementioned embodiments, a personnel scanner 4 is provided, in which passengers 8 are scanned to detect dangerous items.

[0023] The security inspection device 1 of the present invention has several advantages in terms of flexibility. Therefore, the multiple placement positions 10 can be opened or closed depending on the number of passengers 8.

[0024] Completely independent of this is the number of currently operating item scanners 3, which can be determined based on the number of pallets 9 to be processed. Similarly, the number of operating personnel scanners 4 can be determined based on actual needs.

[0025] This is based on the assumption that the number of trays 9 may vary relative to the number of passengers passing through security at different times. For example, business travelers 8 typically carry more carry-on luggage than families on vacation flights.

[0026] This leads to a distinction where the relationship between passenger 8 and tray 9 sometimes varies between 1.5 and 2.5. Accordingly, during business flight seasons, a higher scanning capacity is needed relative to the number of people passing through security (fewer people using more item scanners). Conversely, during holiday flight seasons, a lower scanning capacity is needed relative to the number of people passing through security. However, in both cases, a placement space needs to be provided for each passenger.

[0027] The utilization rates of different areas within the security inspection device 1 (placement location 10, item scanner 3, personnel scanner 4, and retrieval location 20) vary accordingly and are independent of other areas.

[0028] The security inspection device 1 of the present invention is configured to adjust the utilization rate of different areas according to temporary changes in demand.

[0029] Unlike conventional security screening devices 1, and particularly due to multiple pick-up locations 20a..g, there is no intuitive indication for passenger 8 of where they can expect to find their belongings. According to the invention, allocation now occurs between a single tray 9 and a single passenger 8 and / or a single pick-up location 20a..g.

[0030] In one embodiment, a fixed allocation is made between placement position 10 and retrieval position 20, as per [the specific circumstances]. Figure 4 As shown in the table. For example, if passenger 8 places their item at a clearly marked location 10a, then the user can expect their item at a clearly marked location 20a.

[0031] In another embodiment, allocation is dynamically based on available capacity. Tray 9 can be guided to any unoccupied pick-up location 20. To guide passenger 8 to the correct pick-up location 20, allocation is performed between passenger 8 and tray 9, based on... Figures 5 to 7 Please provide an explanation.

[0032] In each placement position 10, a placement terminal 12 is provided ( Figure 5 At terminal 12, passenger 8 scans their boarding pass at boarding pass scanner 14. Data is now allocated between passenger 8's ID and all trays 9 placed by passenger 8. The passenger's boarding pass ID can form the ID associated with passenger 8.

[0033] Therefore, a tray scanner 13 is provided at each placement location 10, which is adapted to determine the tray identifier 91. In this embodiment, the tray scanner 13 is attached to the placement terminal 12 ( Figure 5 Alternatively, it can be set up separately from the placement terminal 12. The tray scanner 13 can be a barcode reader (such as...). Figure 5 (as shown) or a QR code reader or RFID reader or any other type of scanner, depending on the type of tray identifier 91 on tray 9.

[0034] Figure 5 An example of placement location 10b is shown. The assignment to the pick-up location (here, location 20f) is communicated, so that passenger 8 is now informed where to pick up their items (as option a)). Alternatively or additionally, an anonymous pick-up ID is assigned to passenger 8, here ID is 227 (as option b)).

[0035] When passenger 8 has passed through personnel scanner 4, the following options are available: For option a), passenger 8 can proceed to the assigned pickup terminal 22, which is pickup location 20f (see [link]). Figure 7 ).

[0036] exist Figure 6 Option b) is explained below. After passenger 8 has passed through personnel scanner 4, the passenger can query the assigned pick-up location 20. Terminal 21 can be set up here as a public display 21 that shows multiple assignments between pick-up IDs and pick-up locations 20. Passenger 8 can find the correct assigned pick-up location ("20f") aligned with its pick-up ID ("227").

[0037] Passenger 8 now wishes to access their belongings at their assigned pick-up location 20f. To grant passenger 8 access to their belongings, passenger 8 is required to scan their boarding pass at the placement terminal 22. Figure 7 If passenger 8 is assigned to the correct pickup location, passenger 8 is granted access to their items. If passenger 8 has accessed the wrong pickup location, the user is denied access to their items at that location. In one embodiment, passenger 8 can be informed again of their pickup ID and / or the correct pickup location at that pickup terminal.

[0038] If a user has forgotten their retrieval ID, the user can approach any of the retrieval terminals 21b. In countries with lower data protection requirements, passenger 8's name can be... Figure 6 The position is displayed in the display 12 aligned with the position to be removed.

[0039] Access to items and trays can be granted and denied in different ways. In a first embodiment, passenger 8 may be allowed / denied access to a pickup location protected by a fence or barrier. In the event of denied access, passenger 8 may be prevented from entering the pickup location by a barrier. In an alternative embodiment, the tray enters the corresponding pickup location only if access is granted. Otherwise, the tray may be held in a buffer area (not shown) until the authorized passenger 8 has confirmed their identity at the pickup terminal 20.

[0040] The security inspection device 1 of the present invention may have one or more such channels 2.

[0041] Airports, for example, those at WO 2021078689 A1 Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the Figure 1 Its description is incorporated herein by reference. This airport has a secure zone A and an unsecured zone B (see, according to the invention) Figure 3 The security screening device of the present invention, as described above, is located where passenger 8 enters the security area from the non-security area.

[0042] List of reference numerals 1. Security inspection device 2 Security Checkpoints 3. Item Scanner C3 Item Scanning Rate 4. Personnel Scanner 7 Conveying device 8a Passengers at the designated placement location Passengers at checkpoint 8b 8c Pick up the passenger at the location 9. (Items) Tray 91 Tray Identifier 10 Placement 12. Place the terminal 13. Tray scanner at the placement location 14. Boarding pass sensor 20 Take Location 21a, b as terminals for public displays 22. Take the terminal. 30. Item Inspection Location 32. Check the adapter. 71 Placement Line 72 Take away the line 73 Inspection Line 74 Enter the distribution line 75. Leave the distribution line. 76 Area Controller P Conveying Path A non-safe zone B Safe Zone C Conveyor M combiner T-connector

Claims

1. A security inspection device (1), comprising: At least one or more security checkpoints (2); The security checkpoint (2) includes: Multiple placement locations (10) where passengers (8) place their personal belongings, especially luggage, into a tray (9); Take location (20), where the passenger (8) takes the personal items from the tray (9); A conveying device (7) is adapted to convey the pallet (9) from the plurality of placement positions (10) to the pick-up position (20) and to form a conveying path (P) between the placement positions (10) and the pick-up position (20). An item scanner (3) is located in the transport path (P) between the placement position (10) and the retrieval position (20); Its features The security checkpoint (2) includes Multiple item scanners (3) Multiple pick-up locations (20); The conveying device (7) forms multiple conveying paths (P) between the placement position (10) and the retrieval position (20).

2. The security inspection device (1) according to the preceding claims. Its features The conveying device (7) is adapted to selectively convey the tray (9) from the plurality of placement positions (10) to one of the plurality of take-away positions (20); each item scanner (3) is located in one of the conveying paths (P) between the placement position (10) and the take-away position (20).

3. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features Each transport path (P) is selectively directed from one of the placement positions (10) to one of the plurality of pick-up positions (20) and passes through one of the plurality of item scanners (3).

4. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features The security inspection device (1) includes at least one area controller (76) adapted to control the operation of the conveying device (7) in such a way that each of the pallets (9) is selectively conveyed to a selected pick-up location (20) chosen from the plurality of pick-up locations (20). and / or The security inspection device (1) includes a plurality of area controllers (76) adapted to jointly control the operation of the conveying device (7) in such a way that each of the pallets (9) is selectively conveyed to a selected pick-up location (20) chosen from the plurality of pick-up locations (20).

5. The security inspection device (1) according to claim 4. Its features The at least one area controller (76) is adapted to control the operation of the conveyor (7) in such a way that each of the pallets (9) is assigned a unique identifier (91), and guiding the pallets (9) along the conveyor (7) is performed with respect to the identifier (91).

6. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 5. Its features The at least one area controller (76) is adapted to control the operation of the conveyor (7) in such a way that each of the trays (9) is assigned an identification of a single passenger (8), and in particular, a boarding pass assigned to the passenger (8).

7. The security inspection device (1) according to the preceding claims. Its features The at least one area controller (76) is adapted to control the operation of the conveyor (7) in such a way that each of the trays (9) assigned to the same individual passenger (8) is conveyed to the same pick-up location (20).

8. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features Multiple sensors (13) are adapted to detect identification information (91) associated with a single tray (9).

9. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features Multiple sensors (14) are adapted to detect identification information associated with a single passenger (8), particularly the barcode on the boarding pass.

10. The security inspection device (1) according to any one of the preceding claims. Its features The take-up terminal (22) is associated with at least one of the take-up locations (20) and is adapted to selectively grant or deny a passenger (8) access to a tray (9) at a take-up location (20), in particular, the granting or denying of access is performed by a barrier that can be selectively opened and closed.

11. A method for operating a security inspection device (1) having at least one or more security inspection lanes (2); The security checkpoint (2) includes: Multiple placement locations (10) where passengers (8) place their personal belongings, especially luggage, into a tray (9); Multiple pick-up locations (20) where the passenger (8) takes the personal items from the tray (9); A conveying device (7) is adapted to convey the pallet (9) from the plurality of placement positions (10) to the pick-up position (20) and to form a conveying path (P) between the placement positions (10) and the pick-up position (20). Multiple item scanners (3), each item scanner being located in one of the paths of the transport path (P) between the placement position (10) and the retrieval position (20); The method includes the following steps: Multiple trays (9) are provided to passengers (8) in the placement position (10) so that each passenger (8) can put items into the trays (9); The tray (9) containing the items is selectively transported from the placement position (10) to one of the plurality of pick-up positions (20), thereby passing through one of the plurality of item scanners (3).

12. The method according to the preceding claims, Its characteristics include the following steps: The allocation is performed such that the pallet (9) is selectively transported from a single placement location (10a, 10b, ...) to a single pick-up location (20a, 20b, ...).

13. The method according to the preceding claims, Its features The allocation is a static allocation, wherein all pallets (9) from a single placement location (10a, 10b, ...) are delivered to a predetermined single pick-up location (20a, 20b, ...).

14. The method according to claim 12, Its features The allocation is dynamic, wherein a tray (9) from a single placement location (10a, 10b, ...) is delivered to a different single pick-up location (20a, 20b, ...).

15. The method according to claim 14, Its features A tray (9) is assigned to a single passenger (8), wherein all trays (9) assigned to the same single passenger (8) are transported to the same pick-up location (20).

16. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, Its features In the first operating mode, all item scanners (3) in a security checkpoint (2) are in active operating mode; In the second operating mode, at least one item scanner (3) in a security checkpoint (2) remains in a non-active operating mode, and at least one item scanner (3) in the same security checkpoint (2) operates in the active operating mode.

17. The method according to the preceding claims, Its features Depending on the operational utilization rate, the item scanner (3) in the security checkpoint (2) selectively switches between the active operation mode and the inactive operation mode.

18. The method according to the preceding claims, Its features Meanwhile, another item scanner (3) in the same security check lane (2) does not switch between the active operation mode and the non-active operation mode.

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