Security control system and security control procedures

Abstract

Security control system with - a baggage drop-off area (1) with one or more drop-off stations (1a, 1b, 1c) for checking baggage from one person into at least one load carrier (2), - a baggage screening station (3) for imaging examination of baggage, - a baggage claim area (6) with one or more collection stations (6a, 6b, 6c), - a transport system (8) for transporting the luggage-laden load carriers (2) from the luggage drop-off area (1) via the luggage control station (3) to the luggage pick-up area (6) and for the return transport of empty load carriers (2) to the luggage drop-off area (1), characterized in that at least one first monitoring device (15) for detecting the loading status of the load carriers (2) is provided in each of the existing drop-off stations (1a, 1b, 1c).

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a security control system and a security control method for checking a person's luggage.

[0002] The security screening of persons, especially passengers and their hand luggage, is an integral part of every flight. Whether within Europe or internationally, the procedures and the appearance of the associated facilities have evolved only slightly in recent decades, due in no small part to official regulations that specify the equipment to be used and the procedures to be followed. However, in recent years, innovations have been considered, and the use of more modern technologies, such as the use of computer tomography (CT) scanners for image generation during hand luggage screening, has been gradually approved.

[0003] Due to increasing passenger numbers, airport operators have an increased interest in increasing the efficiency of security checks and reducing personnel costs through automation and monitoring of processes.

[0004] EP 2 684 166 B1 proposes an automated passenger screening system for this purpose. Passengers check their luggage into a carrier in a baggage drop-off area, where a personal identifier of the passenger is recorded and linked to the carrier. While the luggage undergoes an imaging baggage screening, the passengers undergo a personal check. The passengers then proceed to a baggage reclaim area, where the carrier linked to the personal identifier is made available for emptying.

[0005] WO 2020 / 249 192 A1 also discloses an automated security control system which provides a control device after the baggage collection area which is designed to determine the loading condition and the degree of contamination of a load carrier.

[0006] From EP 3 179 419 A1, a processing station for registering a piece of luggage is known, in which the dimensions and weight of the piece of luggage are detected and a shifting device corrects the position of the piece of luggage if necessary, wherein the piece of luggage is further processed if the dimensions of the piece of luggage correspond to the specifications.

[0007] The invention is based on the task of further increasing the efficiency of security checks.

[0008] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15.

[0009] The security control system according to the invention essentially consists of - a baggage drop-off area with one or more drop-off stations for dropping off a person's baggage into at least one load carrier, - a baggage inspection station for imaging the baggage, - a baggage collection area with one or more collection stations and - a transport system for transporting load carriers loaded with luggage from the baggage drop-off area via the baggage inspection station to the baggage collection area and for returning empty load carriers to the baggage drop-off area, wherein at least one first monitoring device for detecting the loading status of the load carriers is provided in each of the existing drop-off stations and / or at least one second monitoring device for detecting the loading status of the load carrier is provided in each of the existing removal stations.

[0010] The security control method according to the invention is characterized by the following process steps: - a person deposits his or her luggage in a baggage drop-off area with one or more drop-off stations into at least one load carrier provided at a drop-off station, - the baggage is subjected to an imaging examination at a baggage screening station, - the person collects his / her luggage in a baggage collection area with one or more collection stations and - the load carriers loaded with baggage are transported from the baggage drop-off area via the baggage inspection station to the baggage collection area and the empty load carriers are transported back to the baggage drop-off area.

[0011] Furthermore, the loading status of the load carrier is monitored in each of the existing delivery stations by means of at least one first monitoring device.

[0012] Conventional X-ray machines are still often used for imaging baggage at the baggage screening station, but these are increasingly being replaced by the much more effective CT scanners. In both cases, the machines have limited access openings, so the correct loading of the load carriers (transport crates) must be ensured to ensure smooth transport of the loaded load carriers through the baggage screening station. According to the invention, the loading status is therefore already monitored at each drop-off station, thereby alerting the person checking in their baggage to any incorrect loading at an early stage, thus encouraging them to load it correctly.

[0013] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the subclaims.

[0014] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the loading status of the load carrier is monitored at each of the existing unloading stations by means of at least one second monitoring device. This device alerts the person standing at the unloading station if, for example, not all items have been removed from the load carrier. If the load carrier is detected as empty by the second monitoring device, the removal of the load carrier can also be initiated automatically, thus avoiding the need for passengers to manually terminate the unloading process after removing their items.

[0015] The first monitoring device in the drop-off stations preferably serves to detect compliance with a specified loading dimension of the load carrier, but could also be used to document the load carrier's contents. For example, this could monitor that the luggage does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the load carrier. However, a marking could also be provided within the load carrier that specifies the maximum loading limit, with the first monitoring device monitoring that the maximum loading limit is not exceeded.

[0016] The second monitoring device serves primarily to monitor the removal process and provide timely warnings that items are still in the load carrier. This could, for example, be indicated acoustically or visually in a suitable manner.

[0017] Any suitable detector device and in particular a camera can be considered for the first and second monitoring device.

[0018] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the first and / or second monitoring device comprises an information device for visually and / or acoustically displaying an indication regarding the loading status of the load carrier. Thus, at the drop-off station, attention can be drawn to an undesirable loading status, in particular a piece of luggage that protrudes beyond a predetermined marking. At the pick-up stations, attention can be drawn, in particular, to a load carrier that is not yet completely empty.

[0019] Furthermore, the first monitoring device can be coupled to the transport system and / or a provision system in order to block the removal of a load carrier during the delivery of the luggage and / or in the event of an undesirable loading state of the load carrier.

[0020] In the baggage drop-off area or at each drop-off station, a lockable exit can be optionally provided. This can be blocked if an undesirable loading condition is detected, for example, luggage that protrudes beyond the dimensions of the load carrier. This allows the person to correctly load the load carrier themselves, as otherwise the load carrier could not be removed, and the pick-up station would therefore be unavailable for the next person.

[0021] The load carrier is preferably box-shaped and designed with at least one opening. The dimensions of the load carrier are advantageously adapted to the entrance opening of the baggage inspection station or the CT scanner in such a way that the load carrier is as large as possible while also being easily transported through the CT scanner. Furthermore, it can optionally be provided that the load carrier is closed with a lid, either automatically or by the person who stowed the luggage in the load carrier.

[0022] Baggage screening stations primarily use CT scanners. These scanners have a significantly larger entrance than conventional X-ray machines, allowing the load carriers to be larger and accommodate more luggage, usually requiring one per person. Furthermore, the image quality for baggage inspection is significantly improved. With CT scanners certified to the C3 standard, larger electronic devices such as laptops, tablets, or cameras, as well as liquids, can remain in hand luggage during baggage screening, simplifying and speeding up the loading of luggage into the load carrier.

[0023] According to the preferred embodiment of the invention, a first identification device for detecting a personal identifier, in particular biometric characteristics, of the person is provided at each drop-off station. This first identification device interacts with a data processing device for linking the personal identifier of the person to the load carrier in which the person's luggage is located. At each drop-off station, a personal identifier of the person can thus be detected by means of the first identification device, with the personal identifier of the person being linked to the load carrier in which the person's luggage is located by means of the data processing device.

[0024] In this way, the load carrier loaded with baggage can be clearly assigned to the person to whom the baggage belongs. The first identification device can either be designed to record the person's personal identifier for the first time or it can be used to identify the person if the personal identifier is already stored in the system. For example, a person's personal identifier could be recorded upon entering the airport building or when dropping off oversized baggage. It is also conceivable for the person to generate their own personal identifier before a journey, for example using a smartphone, and uploads it to the airline. In addition to the person's biometric characteristics, other personal identifiers, such as a code on the boarding pass, would also be conceivable.However, biometric features have the advantage that they can be easily captured using a camera, eliminating the need for the person to have their boarding pass or other token scanned.

[0025] If the person has stowed their luggage in the provided load carrier, the following options for ending the process are particularly important:

[0026] For example, the person could confirm the completion of baggage loading into the load carrier via an input unit, after which the load carrier is removed. However, it would also be conceivable for the person to signal the completion of baggage loading by closing a cover on the load carrier, after which the load carrier is removed. Finally, it would also be conceivable for the first monitoring device to detect luggage in the load carrier and for a sensor unit, formed, for example, by the first identification unit, to detect that no one has been at the drop-off station for a specified period of time, after which the load carrier is removed.

[0027] Furthermore, at least one buffer for several load carriers loaded with luggage can be provided in the baggage retrieval area, with several of the retrieval stations being assigned to each buffer, and a staging system for transferring a load carrier loaded with luggage from the buffer to one of the retrieval stations can be provided. Therefore, people do not have to go to a specific retrieval station, but can freely choose the next available retrieval station. Depending on the number of retrieval stations available, however, the person can be instructed to go to a specific zone of the baggage retrieval area, with each zone being assigned a plurality of retrieval stations.

[0028] To ensure that the correct load carrier is provided, each removal station is preferably equipped with a second identification unit for recording the personal identification of the person standing in front of the removal station, wherein the second identification unit is linked to the provisioning system in order to transfer the load carrier linked to the person's personal identification to this removal station. Furthermore, input and / or output units, in particular monitors and loudspeakers, can be provided at the existing removal stations. These input and / or output units are designed to provide information to the person and / or to confirm that the person has emptied the load carrier. The input and / or output units can be used, in particular, to alert the person that there are still pieces of luggage / objects in the load carrier.After the entire collection, for example, a good flight can be requested and / or the departure gate displayed, if this information is available. Another option would be to display advertising, which would open up an additional source of revenue.

[0029] In an advantageous embodiment, a sensor unit, formed, for example, by the second identification unit, can be provided at the existing removal stations. This sensor unit is designed to detect the presence of a person in front of the removal station and is linked to the second monitoring unit and the provision system in such a way that the emptying process is completed by removing the emptied load carrier if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the removal station and the load carrier is empty. In this way, the removal station can be made available to the next person as quickly as possible.

[0030] Of course, it is also conceivable that after emptying the load carrier at the removal station, the person completes the emptying process by entering something at an input unit or by closing a lid or cover and the load carrier is then transported away.

[0031] Within the scope of the invention, the baggage collection area can also have a follow-up inspection area for baggage rejected at the baggage inspection station, with at least one of the above-described collection stations preferably being provided in the follow-up inspection area. However, at the follow-up inspection stations, re-identification may be omitted if necessary.

[0032] Furthermore, the transport system can be designed to eject load carriers that are not completely emptied and / or contaminated in order to prevent such load carriers from reaching one of the delivery stations.

[0033] At conventional drop-off and pick-up stations, baggage is dropped off and picked up in the presence of security personnel. With the system / method described above, it is no longer necessary for security personnel to be present at each drop-off or pick-up station. In many cases, it is sufficient for security personnel to be responsible for several drop-off or pick-up stations. The system / method according to the invention thus also offers enormous personnel savings, as the drop-off and pick-up stations require little to no personnel. Even with manual rechecks, each recheck station requires only one inspector, although it is also conceivable for one inspector to operate two recheck stations.

[0034] Further embodiments and advantages of the invention are explained in more detail with reference to the following description and the drawings.

[0035] In the drawing show Fig. 1 a block diagram of the security control system, Fig. 2 a schematic detailed view of the baggage drop-off area with a drop-off station and Fig. 3 a schematic detailed view of the baggage collection area with a collection station

[0036] Fig. Figure 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of a security screening system according to the invention, represented as a block diagram. It provides a baggage drop-off area 1 with one or more drop-off stations 1a, 1b, 1c for depositing baggage into a load carrier 2. The load carrier 2 loaded with baggage is conveyed to a baggage screening station 3 for imaging examination of the baggage, preferably using a computer tomography scanner.

[0037] During the baggage inspection, the person goes to a personal screening station 4. Metal detectors and body scan devices, as well as other devices, may be used here.

[0038] The passenger screening station 4 preferably has queueing and routing systems that can specifically control synchronization between baggage status and the passenger screening. Thus, after the passenger screening has been completed, the passenger receives information at an information device 5 as to whether they should proceed to a baggage collection area 6 with one or more unloading stations 6a, 6b, 6c to receive and empty the load carrier assigned to the person, or to a follow-up screening area 7 for a manual follow-up screening of their baggage. The passenger routes are indicated by solid arrows.

[0039] Dashed arrows depict a transport system 8 for transporting load carriers 2 from baggage drop-off area 1 via baggage screening station 3 to baggage reclaim area 6 or to the recheck area 7, and for returning empty load carriers to baggage drop-off area 1. A switch 9 is provided after baggage screening station 3 to divert baggage rejected in baggage screening station 3 to the recheck area 7. By the time the switch is reached, the operator of the baggage screening station (CT device) must have made a decision as to whether a recheck is necessary. If no decision is made in time, the load carrier 2 is automatically conveyed to the recheck area 7 to prevent mixing of rejected and non-rejected pieces of baggage on the route to baggage reclaim area 6.

[0040] In the area of ​​the return transport route, a device 18 is provided for discharging load carriers 2' that are not completely emptied and / or contaminated.

[0041] Based on Fig. 2, the baggage drop-off area 1 is described in more detail below using the example of the drop-off station 1a. The drop-off station 1a has a first identification device 10 for capturing a personal identifier (in particular, biometric characteristics) of the person, which is preferably designed as a camera. The person's personal identifier is linked to the load carrier 2 provided at the drop-off station 1a by means of a data processing device 11, in which a marking attached to the load carrier is read with a reading device (not shown in detail) and linked to the person's personal identifier. The marking on the load carrier can be formed, for example, by an RFID, a QR code, or a similar identifier.

[0042] As soon as the person's personal identification is recorded, a cover 12 opens, releasing the load carrier for loading. In the illustrated embodiment, the load carrier is box-like and open at the top. The person can then stow their luggage in the load carrier, wherein visual and / or acoustic instructions can be given to the person via a first information device 13, which in particular comprises a monitor and a loudspeaker. In particular, it can be pointed out that a certain maximum loading limit must not be exceeded. The load carrier can have a corresponding marking for this purpose. However, it is also conceivable that the load carrier 2 can be loaded in such a way that the luggage 14 does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the load carrier 2.

[0043] A first monitoring device 15, formed, for example, by a camera, detects the loading status of the load carrier 2. In the event of an undesirable loading status, a corresponding notification is issued via the first information device 13. Since the luggage 14, in the example shown, protrudes beyond the dimensions of the load carrier 2, the person could be asked to insert the luggage correctly or request a second load carrier. Furthermore, it is possible to request assistance from an employee if a person is unable to manage.

[0044] If the luggage is properly stowed in the load carrier 2, the baggage drop-off process can be automatically completed if a check, particularly after a predefined time, shows that no one is left at the drop-off station 1a, so that automated removal of the load carrier 2 can be initiated. However, it could also be provided that the person closes the load carrier with a cover or lid. Alternatively, the closure could also be completed by pressing a button or in a similar manner. Should the person leave the pick-up station without confirmation, they could be requested to confirm via the first information device 13. Should the person nevertheless leave, which could possibly be prevented by a blockable person exit, automatic removal can also be initiated after a predefined time has elapsed.

[0045] For removal, the cover 12 first closes and / or a gate 17 opens to allow the load carrier 2 to be removed. The load carrier 2 is transported via the transport system 8 and / or a provision system 16 connected to the transport system 8, wherein the first monitoring device 15 is coupled to the provision system 16 and / or the transport system 8 such that the removal of the load carrier 2 from the delivery station 1a is blocked (gate 17 remains closed) if an undesirable loading state of the load carrier 2 is detected. The load carrier 2 loaded with luggage is then fed to the baggage inspection station 3, while the person proceeds to the passenger inspection station 4.

[0046] The delivery station 1a is assigned a buffer area 19 for returned, empty load carriers 2, wherein in the delivery station 1c the next empty load carrier is provided via the transport system 8 or the provision system 16.

[0047] In the following, the Fig. 3 the baggage collection area 6 is explained in more detail using the example of the collection station 6a.

[0048] The removal station 6a can, in principle, be constructed similarly or identically to the delivery station 1a. Thus, the removal station 6a has a second identification device 20 for recording the personal identification of the person standing in front of the removal station, wherein the second identification unit 20 is linked to a second provision system 21 in order to transfer the load carrier 2 linked to the person's personal identification to this removal station 6a. For this purpose, the baggage retrieval area 6 has at least one buffer 22 for several load carriers 2 loaded with baggage, wherein several of the removal stations, for example, the removal stations 6a, 6b, and 6c, are assigned to the buffer 22.The second provision system 21 is designed to transfer the load carriers 2 loaded with luggage from the buffer 22 to one of the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c. The buffer 22—regardless of the order in which the load carriers 2 were introduced into the buffer 22—is capable of transferring the load carriers 2 in any order to any of the assigned pickup stations. The person wishing to collect their luggage can therefore go to any pickup station 6a, 6b, 6c that is currently free and is identified there by the second identification device 20, so that the load carrier 2 linked to their personal identifier is transferred from the buffer 22 to this pickup station.

[0049] As soon as the associated load carrier 2 is placed in the unloading station, a cover 23 opens, making the load carrier 2 accessible for unloading. Information can be provided to the person via an input and / or output unit 24. A second monitoring device 25, which is formed, for example, by a camera, detects the loading status of the load carrier 2. The input and / or output unit 24 can be used to alert the person, in particular, that there are still pieces of luggage / objects in the load carrier 2. After the load carrier has been completely unloaded, the person can then, for example, wish them a good flight and / or display the departure gate.

[0050] In an advantageous embodiment, a sensor unit, formed, for example, by the second identification unit 20, is provided at the existing removal stations. This sensor unit is designed to detect the presence of a person in front of the removal station and is linked to the second monitoring unit 25 and the second provision system 21 in such a way that the emptying process is completed by removing the emptied load carrier 2 if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the removal station 6a and the load carrier 2 is empty. In this way, the removal station can be made available to the next person as quickly as possible.

[0051] Once the removal process is complete, the cover 23 closes and / or a gate 26 opens to allow the load carrier 2 to be transported away. The load carrier 2 is transported via the second provision system 21 and / or the transport system 8, wherein the second monitoring device 25 is coupled to the second provision system 21 and / or the transport system 8 in such a way that the removal of the load carrier 2 from the removal station 1a is blocked (gate 26 remains closed) if an object is still located in the load carrier 2. If the load carrier 2 is empty, the return transport to the baggage drop-off area 1 is initiated. The next removal process can then be initiated by the second identification device 20 detecting the next person standing in front of the removal station.

[0052] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second monitoring device 25 in the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c can also be capable of detecting contamination of the load carrier 2, for example, due to leaked liquid. Contaminated load carriers could then be removed from the device 18 ( Fig. 1). Ejection could also occur in the case of a load carrier that is not or not completely emptied, if the person were to leave the removal station 6a, 6b, 6c before it is completely emptied.

Claims

[1] Security control system with - a baggage drop-off area (1) with one or more drop-off stations (1a, 1b, 1c) for dropping off a person's baggage into at least one load carrier (2), - a baggage inspection station (3) for imaging the baggage, - a baggage collection area (6) with one or more collection stations (6a, 6b, 6c), - a transport system (8) for transporting the load carriers (2) loaded with luggage from the baggage drop-off area (1) via the baggage inspection station (3) to the baggage collection area (6) and for returning empty load carriers (2) to the baggage drop-off area (1), characterized by that in each of the existing delivery stations (1a, 1b, 1c) at least one first monitoring device (15) is provided for detecting the loading state of the load carriers (2). [2] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized bythat in each of the existing removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) at least one second monitoring device (25) is provided for detecting the loading state of the load carrier (2). [3] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized by that the first monitoring device (15) in the delivery stations (1a, 1b, 1c) is designed to detect compliance with a predetermined loading dimension of the load carrier (2). [4] Security system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by that the first and / or second monitoring device (15, 25) has at least one detector device and / or at least one camera. [5] Security control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized bythat the first and / or second monitoring device (15, 25) comprises an information device (13) and / or an input and / or output unit (24) which is designed to visually and / or acoustically reproduce an indication in the event of an undesirable loading state of the load carrier (2) in the delivery station (1a, 1b, 1c) and / or of an incompletely emptied load carrier (2) in the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c). [6] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized by that the first monitoring device (15) is coupled to the transport system (8) and / or a provision system (16) and is designed to block the removal of a load carrier (2) during the check-in of the luggage and / or in the event of an undesirable loading state of the load carrier (2). [7] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the load carriers (2) are box-like and have at least one opening. [8] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized by that at each delivery station (1a, 1b, 1c) a first identification device (10) is provided for recording a personal identifier of the person, which interacts with a data processing device (11) for linking the personal identifier of the person with the load carrier (2) in which the person's luggage is located. [9] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized by in that the baggage collection area (6) has at least one buffer (22) for a plurality of load carriers (2) loaded with baggage, wherein a plurality of the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) are assigned to each buffer (22), and provides a provision system (21) for transferring a load carrier (2) loaded with baggage from the buffer (22) to one of the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c). [10] Security control system according to claim 9, characterized by that each removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) is equipped with a second identification unit (20) for detecting the personal identification of the person standing in front of the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c), wherein the second identification unit (20) is linked to the provision system (21) in order to transfer the load carrier (2) linked to the personal identification of the person to this removal station (6a, 6b, 6c). [11] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized by that the transport system (8) is designed to discharge load carriers (2) that are not completely emptied and / or are dirty. [12] Security control system according to claim 2, characterized bythat input and / or output units (24) are provided at the existing removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) which are designed to provide information to the person and / or to confirm the emptying process of the load carrier (2) by the person. [13] Security control system according to claim 2, characterized by that a sensor unit is provided at the existing removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c), which is designed to detect the presence of a person located in front of the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) and which is linked to the second monitoring unit (25) and the provision system (21) in such a way that the emptying process is completed by removing the emptied load carrier (2) when the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) and the load carrier is empty. [14] Security control system according to claim 1, characterized bythat the baggage drop-off area (1) or each drop-off station (1a, 1b, 1c) provides a blockable passenger exit, wherein the passenger exit can be blocked upon detection of an undesirable loading condition. [15] Security check procedures, characterized by that a security control system according to claim 1 is used, wherein - a person in a baggage drop-off area (1) with one or more drop-off stations (1a, 1b, 1c) drops off his or her baggage into at least one load carrier (2) provided at a drop-off station (1a, 1b, 1c), - the baggage is subjected to an imaging examination at a baggage screening station (3), - the person collects his / her luggage in a luggage collection area (6) with one or more collection stations (6a, 6b, 6c) and - the load carriers (2) loaded with baggage are transported from the baggage drop-off area (1) via the baggage inspection station (3) to the baggage collection area (6) and the empty load carriers (2) are transported back to the baggage drop-off area (1), characterized by that in the existing delivery stations (1a, 1b, 1c) the loading state of the load carriers (2) is monitored by means of at least one first monitoring device (15). [16] Security control method according to claim 15, characterized by that in the existing removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) the loading state of the load carriers (2) is monitored by means of at least one second monitoring device (25). [17] Security control method according to claim 15, characterized bythat at each delivery station (1a, 1b, 1c) a personal identifier of the person is recorded by means of a first identification device (10) and the personal identifier of the person is linked by means of a data processing device (11) to the load carrier (2) in which the person's luggage is located. [18] Security control method according to claim 15, characterized by , characterized by , that - the person confirms the completion of the baggage loading into the load carrier (2) via an input unit and the load carrier (2) is then removed or - the person signals the completion of the baggage check-in by closing a cover of the load carrier (2), whereupon the load carrier (2) is removed or - the first monitoring device (15) detects luggage in the load carrier (2), and a sensor unit (15) determines that there is no person at the delivery station (1a, 1b, 1c), whereupon the load carrier (2) is transported away. [19] Security control method according to claim 16, characterized by , that - the person, after emptying the load carrier (2) at the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c), completes the emptying process by entering an input at an input unit (24) and the load carrier (2) is then transported away and / or - the emptying process of the load carrier (2) in a removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) is automatically terminated and the load carrier (2) is transported away by the second monitoring unit (25) detecting an empty load carrier (2) and a sensor unit determining that there is no person at the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c).

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