Security inspection system and security inspection method

Abstract

The present invention relates to a follow-up inspection location of a security inspection system comprising at least one follow-up inspection station accessible from both sides for manual follow-up inspection of baggage rejected at a baggage inspection station, the manual follow-up inspection being carried out by security inspection system staff in the presence of the owner of the baggage, the follow-up inspection location comprising at least one removal station associated with the follow-up inspection station for emptying the pallets by the owner of the baggage, the follow-up inspection location comprising a transport system for automatically transporting pallets loaded with baggage to and from the follow-up inspection station to the associated removal station, the transport system being designed to transport the pallets to the follow-up inspection station regardless of whether the associated removal station is occupied by the pallets or not.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a security inspection system and a security inspection method for inspecting a person's baggage. [Background technology]

[0002] Security screening of people, especially passengers and their baggage, is an essential part of every flight. Whether within Europe or internationally, the procedures and appearance of the associated equipment have evolved only slightly over the past decades, due to official requirements that dictate 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 computed tomography to generate images for baggage screening, has gradually been approved.

[0003] Due to increasing air passenger volumes, airport operators are increasingly interested in increasing the efficiency of security screening and reducing staffing costs through process automation and monitoring.

[0004] EP 2 684 166 B1 proposes an automated passenger screening system for this purpose, in which a passenger deposits their baggage in a bin at the baggage drop area, and their personal identifier is detected and linked to the bin. The passenger undergoes personal screening while their baggage undergoes imaging baggage screening. The passenger then proceeds to the baggage claim area, where the bin linked to their personal identifier is available for emptying.

[0005] WO 2020 / 249192 A1 also discloses an automated security inspection system that provides an inspection device after the baggage claim area, which is designed to determine the loading condition and the degree of soiling of the loading platform. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention aims to increase the efficiency of security screening, especially at follow-up screening locations.

[0007] According to the invention, this object is achieved by the features of claims 1 and 15.

[0008] The security inspection system according to the present invention essentially comprises: a baggage drop facility having at least one baggage drop for unloading a person's baggage onto at least one loading platform; - a baggage inspection station for image inspection of baggage; - a baggage claim area for baggage that has not been rejected at the baggage checkpoint; and - a follow-up inspection location having at least one follow-up inspection station accessible from both sides for manual follow-up inspection of baggage rejected at the baggage inspection station by security inspection system personnel in the presence of the owner of that baggage, the follow-up inspection location has at least one unloading station associated with the follow-up inspection location for an owner of the baggage to empty the bin; a follow-up inspection location, comprising at least one transport system for automatically transporting pallets loaded with baggage to and from the follow-up inspection location to an associated removal station, the transport system being designed to transport the pallets to the follow-up inspection location regardless of whether the associated removal station is occupied by the pallets or not; -It comprises a transport system for transporting loaded pallets from the baggage drop area through the baggage inspection point to the baggage claim area or to a follow-up inspection point, and for returning empty pallets to the baggage drop area.

[0009] The security inspection method according to the present invention comprises the steps of: -A person in a baggage storage facility having one or more baggage compartments unloads his / her baggage onto a loading platform provided in the baggage storage facility; - Your baggage will be scanned at the baggage inspection station. - if the baggage is not rejected at the baggage screening point, the person collects his / her baggage at a baggage claim area which may have one or more claim stations; - if baggage is rejected at the baggage inspection station, the person proceeds to a follow-up inspection location having at least one follow-up inspection station accessible from both sides for manual inspection, the follow-up inspection station being accessible on one side by personnel of the security inspection system and on the other side by the owner of the rejected baggage; -The loaded pallets are transported from the baggage drop area to the baggage claim area or the follow-up inspection area via the baggage inspection station, and the empty pallets are transported back to the baggage drop area; - After manual inspection of baggage, the person will go from the follow-up inspection station to the assigned removal point, empty the baggage bin, -The person's pallets with baggage are transported in an automated manner from the follow-up inspection point to the assigned removal point, and the transport of the new pallets with baggage to the follow-up inspection point occurs regardless of whether the assigned removal point is occupied by a pallet or not.

[0010] In conventional systems, rejected baggage is usually inspected at a separate table by security inspection system personnel in the presence of the baggage's owner. Since computed tomography devices are already widely used today for baggage inspection and can inspect a fairly large amount of baggage in one loading platform, correspondingly larger loading platforms will be used in the future. However, this means that such loading platforms can no longer be carried, and the person must remove or empty the loading platform on site at the same table after the follow-up inspection has been carried out. The security personnel then have to wait until the person has removed all items from the loading platform before the next follow-up inspection can be carried out.

[0011] According to the invention, the processes "follow-up inspection" and "removal" are now spatially separated from each other by providing a follow-up inspection station and at least one associated removal station, so that the security personnel can already carry out the next follow-up inspection while the previous person is still emptying his / her luggage. Therefore, a suitably designed transport system is also provided for the transport of luggage to the follow-up inspection station and between the follow-up inspection station and the removal station. Of course, in principle, it is also possible for a person or passenger to remove his / her luggage directly at the follow-up inspection station if there is not much baggage or if the assigned removal station is still blocked by the previous person.

[0012] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject matter of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, there is a first dwelling place for security inspection system personnel behind the follow-up inspection station and a second dwelling place in front of it for people whose baggage is to be inspected. In addition, a third dwelling place is provided for people emptying the pallets from the associated removal station. The three dwelling places are sized such that at least one personnel or person can be in each of them at the same time. Ideally, the follow-up inspection and removal stations are separated from each other by suitable means, such as a separation wall, to ensure privacy.

[0014] A loading platform may be made available at a follow-up inspection station between the first and second stay locations, and a preferably liftable and transparent security partition may be provided between the loading platform and the second stay location for people whose baggage is to be inspected. In this way, people can observe the baggage inspection, but the activated security barrier may also prevent people from disrupting the follow-up inspection by manually intervening.

[0015] Furthermore, the follow-up inspection location can have at least one buffer system for temporarily storing the luggage-laden luggage pallets, the transport system being designed to transport the luggage-laden luggage pallets temporarily stored in the buffer system to the follow-up inspection location. The buffer system can have at least two buffer areas and is preferably designed to re-sort the luggage pallets, so that the sequence of the follow-up inspection is linked to the arrival of people in the follow-up inspection location and not to the sequence in which the luggage enters the buffer system. The re-sorting of the luggage pallets can be performed, for example, by moving them in at least two different, in particular orthogonal, axial directions.

[0016] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a first identification device for detecting a person's personal identifier, in particular a biometric identification feature, is provided at each drop-off point, which first identification device cooperates with a data processing device for linking the person's personal identifier to a bay in which the person's baggage is located. Thus, at each drop-off point, the person's personal identifier can be detected by the first identification device, which is linked by the data processing device to a bay in which the person's baggage is located. If a person requires several bays, these are also linked to the person's personal identifier.

[0017] In this way, a pallet loaded with baggage is unambiguously assigned to the owner of that baggage. The first identification device can be designed to detect the individual's personal identifier for the first time or can be used to identify the individual if the personal identifier is already stored in the system. For example, the person's personal identifier can be detected when entering the airport building or when checking in a large baggage. It is also conceivable that a person generates his or her personal identifier before the trip, for example using a smartphone, and uploads it to the airline. In addition to the person's biometric characteristics, other personal identifiers are also conceivable, such as a code on a boarding pass. However, biometric features have the advantage that they can be easily captured by a camera, eliminating the need to scan a boarding pass or some other token.

[0018] In a special embodiment of the loading platform, the loading platform can be designed so that it can be closed with a cover, and devices can be provided at the deposit point, removal point, follow-up inspection point, and removal point to automatically lift and place the cover on the loading platform.

[0019] After unloading the baggage, the person goes to a personal security screening, which can be carried out in a commonly known manner. At the same time, the baggage is subjected to an image inspection at the baggage inspection station. After the personal screening, the person receives information at an information kiosk whether to go to the general baggage claim area or to a follow-up inspection area, depending on the result of the baggage screening.

[0020] To ensure that the correct bins are provided at the baggage claim area, at least one follow-up checkpoint is equipped with a third identification device for detecting the personal identifier of the person present at the follow-up checkpoint, and the third identification device is linked to a transport system for transporting the bins linked to the person's personal identifier to this follow-up checkpoint. This can prevent a person from accidentally looking into someone else's baggage. If the person has dropped off multiple bins, all of the person's bins can be transported to the follow-up checkpoint, but it may be appropriate to make only the bins that were actually rejected available at the follow-up checkpoint.

[0021] In an optional embodiment, the follow-up inspection location may have at least two follow-up inspection stations, each with at least one associated unloading station, and the transport system may be designed to transport pallets loaded with baggage from the buffer system to the at least two follow-up inspection stations. This has the advantage that in a follow-up inspection location with multiple follow-up inspection stations, a person can go to the next available follow-up inspection station and be provided with the correct pallet after the person's personal identifier has been identified.

[0022] The follow-up inspection station may also include a waiting area for people whose baggage was rejected at the baggage inspection station. For example, a light and / or audio signal may indicate to the next person in the waiting area that they may proceed to an open follow-up inspection station.

[0023] In order to completely remove the baggage, the pallets and, if appropriate, further unrejected pallets of the person are transported to a removal station assigned to a follow-up check station, which is advantageously located in close proximity. To ensure that the correct pallets are also provided there, at least one removal station can optionally be equipped with a fourth identification device for detecting a personal identifier of the person standing at the removal station, which fourth identification device is linked to a transport system for transporting the pallets linked to the personal identifier of the person from the follow-up check station to this removal station.

[0024] In order to complete the removal process automatically, a sensor unit, for example formed by a fourth identification device, can be provided at each removal station, which sensor unit is designed to determine the presence of a person at the removal station and which is linked to the monitoring device and the transport system such that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the removal station and the loading bin is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the empty loading bin.

[0025] Of course, it is also conceivable that after emptying the bins at the unloading station, a person completes the emptying process by entering something at an input unit, and the bins are then removed, however in this case automated removal must also be provided if a person leaves the unloading station without completing the process by entering data.

[0026] The monitoring device at the pick-up station can preferably also be designed to detect bins that are not completely emptied and / or soiled, and the transport system is also designed to eject bins that are not completely emptied and / or soiled, but preferably a person is made aware in time that there are still objects in the bins by a suitable acoustic or visual signal.

[0027] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following description and drawings. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0028] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a security inspection system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a baggage drop-off location with a drop-off area. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a baggage claim area with a claim station. [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view of a follow-up inspection location according to the first embodiment. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a follow-up laboratory. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a pick-up station. [Figure 7] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a follow-up inspection location according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view of a follow-up inspection location according to the third embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0029] 1 shows an embodiment of a security inspection system represented as a block diagram. It provides a baggage drop station 1 having one or more baggage drop bins 1a, 1b, 1c for unloading baggage onto a bin 2. The bins 2 loaded with baggage are sent to a baggage inspection station 3 for image inspection of the baggage, preferably using a computed tomography device.

[0030] During baggage inspection, people proceed to a person screening station 4. For example, metal detectors and body scanning devices as well as other devices may be used here.

[0031] The people screening station 4 preferably has a queuing and route system that allows purposefully controlling the synchronization of the baggage status with the screening of people. Thus, after the individual screening is completed, the person receives information at the information device 5 about whether he should go to the baggage claim area 6 with one or more pick-up stations 6a, 6b, 6c to collect and empty his assigned bin, or to the follow-up screening station 7 for a manual follow-up screening of his baggage. The people's routes are shown in Fig. 1 by solid arrows.

[0032] The dashed arrows indicate a transport system 8 for transporting the pallets 2 from the baggage drop area 1 to the baggage claim area 6 or the follow-up inspection area 7 via the baggage inspection area 3 and for returning the empty pallets to the baggage drop area 1. After the baggage inspection area 3, a switch 9 is provided to divert baggage rejected in the baggage inspection area 3 to the follow-up inspection area 7. Before reaching the switch, the operator of the baggage inspection area (CT device) must decide whether a follow-up inspection is necessary. If the decision is not made in time, the pallets 2 are automatically sent to the follow-up inspection area 7 to prevent rejected baggage from being mixed with non-rejected baggage on the route to the baggage claim area 6.

[0033] In the region of the return transport path, a device 18 is provided for discharging pallets 2' which are not completely emptied and / or are soiled.

[0034] With reference to Fig. 2, the baggage drop location 1 is explained in more detail below using the example of a drop location 1a. Drop location 1a thus comprises a first identification device 10, preferably designed as a camera, for detecting a personal identifier (in particular a biometric feature) of a person. The personal identifier of the person is linked by a data processing device 11 to a loading platform 2 provided in drop location 1a, the identifier attached to the loading platform 2 being read by a reading device (not shown in detail) and linked to the personal identifier of the person. The identifier on the loading platform 2 can for example be formed by an RFID, a QR code or a similar marking.

[0035] As soon as the person's personal identifier is detected, the cover 12 opens and the loading platform is released to allow loading. In the illustrated embodiment, the loading platform 2 is box-shaped and open at the top. The person can then load his / her baggage into the loading platform 2, and visual and / or audible instructions can be given to the person via a first information device 13, which in particular comprises a monitor and a speaker. In particular, it can be pointed out in this way that a specified maximum load limit must not be exceeded. For this purpose, the loading platform 2 can have a corresponding marking. However, it is also conceivable to load the loading platform 2 in such a way that the baggage 14 does not protrude beyond the dimensions of the loading platform 2.

[0036] A first monitoring device 15, for example formed by a camera, detects the loading state of the loading platform 2 and in case of an undesirable loading state corresponding instructions are given via the first information device 13. In the example shown, baggage 14 protrudes beyond the dimensions of the loading platform 2, so that the person can be asked to place the baggage correctly or to request a second loading platform. If the person has problems handling the baggage, there is also the option of asking an employee for help.

[0037] If the baggage is properly stored in the bay 2, the process of depositing the baggage can be completed in an automated manner after a specifically specified time by a check, which indicates that the person is no longer in the drop-off station 1a, so that an automated removal away from the bay 2 can be initiated. However, it is also possible for the person to close the bay with a cover or lid. Alternatively, the closing can be completed by pressing a button or in a similar manner. If the person leaves the drop-off station without confirmation, he or she may be prompted to act via the first information device 13. If the person nevertheless leaves, this can be prevented by a closable exit, but the automatic removal can be initiated after a specified time has elapsed.

[0038] For removal, the cover 12 is first closed and / or the gate 17 is opened to allow the loading platform 2 to be removed. The transportation of the loading platform 2 takes place via the conveying system 8 and / or the offering system 16 connected to the conveying system 8, the first monitoring device 15 being coupled to the offering system 16 and / or the conveying system 8 such that if an undesirable loading state of the loading platform 2 is detected, removal of the loading platform 2 from the depository 1a is prevented (the gate 17 remains closed). The loaded loading platform 2 is then delivered via the conveying system 8 to the baggage inspection station 3 while the person proceeds to the person inspection station 4.

[0039] The depository 1a is assigned a buffer area 19 for the returned empty pallets 2, while the depository 1c receives the next empty pallet via the transport system 8 or the delivery system 16.

[0040] The baggage claim area 6 will now be described in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, using the example of a baggage claim area 6a.

[0041] The take-out station 6a can essentially be constructed similarly or identically to the drop-off station 1a. The take-out station 6a thus comprises a second identification device 20 for detecting the personal identifier of the person standing in front of the take-out station 6a, the second identification unit 20 being linked to a second dispensing system 21 for transferring the luggage pallets 2 linked to the personal identifier of the person to this take-out station 6a. For this purpose, the baggage claim location 6 comprises at least one buffer 22 for a number of luggage-laden luggage pallets 2, and a number of take-out stations, for example the take-out stations 6a, 6b and 6c, are assigned to the buffer 22. The second dispensing system 21 is designed to transfer the luggage pallets 2 loaded with baggage from the buffer 22 to one of the take-out stations 6a, 6b, 6c, the buffer 22 being able to transfer the luggage pallets 2 to each of the relevant take-out stations in any order, regardless of the order in which the luggage pallets 2 were introduced into the buffer 22. Thus, a person wishing to collect his / her baggage can go to any pick-up location 6a, 6b, 6c which is currently free and which is identified there by the second identification device 20, so that a pallet 2 linked to his / her personal identifier is transferred from the buffer 22 to this pick-up location.

[0042] As soon as the associated pallet 2 is at the unloading point, the cover 23 opens, making the pallet 2 accessible for unloading. Information can be provided to the person via the input and / or output unit 24. A second monitoring device 25, consisting for example of a camera, detects the loading state of the pallet 2. Via the input and / or output unit 24 the person can in particular see that there are still baggage / objects in the pallet 2. After complete unloading the passenger can for example wish them a good flight and / or the departure gate can be displayed, it is also conceivable to display advertising.

[0043] In an advantageous embodiment, a sensor unit is provided at the existing drop-off station, which is formed, for example, by a second identification unit 20 designed to determine the presence of a person located in front of the drop-off station and is linked to a second monitoring unit 25 and to a second provision system 21 such that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the drop-off station 6a and the pallet 2 is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the empty pallet 2. In this way, the drop-off station can be made available to the next person as quickly as possible.

[0044] Once the removal process is completed, the cover 23 closes and / or the gate 26 opens so that the pallets 2 can be removed. The transport of the pallets 2 takes place via the second offering system 21 and / or the transport system 8, to which the second monitoring device 25 is coupled such that removal of the pallets 2 from the removal point 6a is prevented (the gate 26 remains closed) if there are still objects in the pallets 2. If the pallets 2 are empty, a return transport to the baggage drop location 1 is initiated. The next removal process can then be started by detection by the second identification device 20 of the next person standing in front of the removal point.

[0045] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the second monitoring device 25 at the unloading station 6a, 6b, 6c can also detect soiling of the pallets 2, for example due to leaking liquid. The soiled pallets can then be emptied by device 18 (FIG. 1). Ejection can also occur in the case of pallets that have not been emptied or have not been completely emptied, if a person leaves the unloading station 6a, 6b, 6c before the emptying is complete.

[0046] If a person's baggage is rejected at baggage inspection point 3 , the person is first recognised by their personal identifier at information device 5 and then informed that they must proceed to a follow-up inspection location 7 .

[0047] 4 shows a first embodiment of a follow-up inspection location 7 according to the invention, comprising a first and a second follow-up inspection station 70, 71 and a first and a second associated removal station 72, 73 for the owner of the baggage to empty the pallets 2. The follow-up inspection location 7 further provides a first and a second transport system 74, 75 for automatically transporting the pallets 2 loaded with baggage to the follow-up inspection stations 70, 71 and from the follow-up inspection stations 70, 71 to the associated removal stations 72, 73, the transport systems 74, 75 being designed to transport the pallets 2 to the follow-up inspection station 70 or 71 regardless of whether the associated removal station 72 or 73 is occupied by the pallets 2 or not. In other words, the pallets can be transported to the follow-up inspection station 70 or 71 even if the corresponding removal station 72 or 73 is still occupied.

[0048] Behind each follow-up checkpoint 70 or 71 there is provided a corresponding first stay place M1 or M2 for security inspection personnel, and in front of each baggage claim point 72 or 73 there is provided a second stay place P1 or P3 for people whose baggage has to undergo follow-up inspection, the size of the first and second stay places M1, M2 and P1, P3 being such that in each case at least one person can be there at the same time. Therefore, between the first stay places M1, M2 and the second stay places P1, P3 there are provided follow-up checkpoints 70, 71.

[0049] Furthermore, the follow-up inspection location 7 comprises a first and a second buffer system 76 and 77 for temporarily storing the luggage-laden pallets 2, the transport systems 74 and 75 being designed to transport the luggage-laden pallets 2 temporarily stored in the buffer systems 76 or 77 to the follow-up inspection stations 70 or 71, respectively. The buffer systems 76, 77 can each provide at least two buffer spaces for the temporary storage of the luggage-laden pallets 2, the buffer systems 76, 77 being designed to re-sort the luggage-laden pallets 2. In the illustrated embodiment, the first and the second buffer systems 76, 77 are each designed for three pallets 2, although larger buffer occupancies are also conceivable. Ideally, the buffer systems 76, 77 are designed to re-sort the pallets by moving them in at least two different, in particular orthogonal, axial directions, so that the sequence of the follow-up inspection is not tied to the sequence in which the pallets 2 enter one of the buffer systems 76 or 77. This allows people who need to go to the follow-up inspection location to overtake each other, and does not restrict the order in which the pallets arrive at the follow-up inspection location during the follow-up inspection.

[0050] According to Fig. 5, the follow-up check stations 70, 71 are equipped with third identification devices 78 for detecting the personal identifiers of the persons present at the follow-up check stations 70, 71, which are linked to transport systems 74, 75 for transporting the luggage carriers 2 linked to the personal identifiers of the persons to this follow-up check station. The luggage carriers 2 whose baggage has been rejected are made available between the first stay position M1 and the second stay position P1 and are located between the personnel of the security inspection system and the owner of the rejected baggage. Also, between the second stay position P1 and the offered luggage carriers 2, a transparent safety partition 79, preferably liftable, can be provided in order to prevent unauthorized intervention of persons during the follow-up check by the personnel.

[0051] In a further embodiment of the follow-up inspection location (FIG. 4), the follow-up inspection location 7 may have at least one waiting location 80 (P5-P7) for people until the next follow-up inspection location is free. Each inspection station 70, 71 may optionally provide a storage area to assist in clearing up. Furthermore, for the personnel of the security inspection system, small X-ray machines or other equipment supporting the follow-up inspection may be available there. It may also be possible to run the entire pallet or part of the baggage again through the computer tomography device in an automated manner at the start of the personnel.

[0052] In the embodiment shown, removal station 72 is assigned to follow-up inspection station 70 and removal station 73 is assigned to follow-up inspection station 71, and pallets 2 can be transported from buffer 76, preferably from buffer 77, to both follow-up inspection stations 70, 71. It is further considered within the scope of the present invention that personnel at the security inspection location can be responsible for two follow-up inspection stations, at least sometimes.

[0053] After the follow-up inspection, the pallets with the person's baggage are transferred from the follow-up inspection points 70, 71 to the assigned removal points 72, 73 where the person can be emptied. The person is thereby moved from a stay point P1 in front of the removal point 72 to a stay point P2 or from a stay point P3 in front of the removal point 73 to a stay point P4. The removal points are explained in more detail below with reference to Fig. 6 using the example of the removal point 72. In principle, the removal points 72 and 73 of the follow-up inspection point 7 can be identical or at least very similar to the removal points 6a, 6b, 6c of the baggage claim point 6.

[0054] The pick-up station 72 is therefore equipped with an optional fourth identification device 82 for detecting the personal identifier of a person standing at the pick-up station 72, which is linked to the first transport system 74 for transporting the pallets 2 linked to the personal identifier of the person from the follow-up inspection station 70 to this pick-up station 72. The pick-up station 72 is provided with a further monitoring device 83 for detecting pallets that are not completely emptied and / or are soiled. According to the receiving station, a sensor unit, for example formed by the fourth identification device 82, is also provided at each pick-up station 72, which sensor unit is designed to determine the presence of a person at the pick-up station 72 and is linked to the further monitoring device 83 and the first transport system 74 so that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the pick-up station and the pallet is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the empty pallet 2.

[0055] Furthermore, a further information device 84 can be provided associated with the unloading point, for example to inform a person about the loading status of the pallets. This device can also be used, for example, to indicate the gate to which a person needs to go after emptying a pallet 2, if this information is available in the system. Furthermore, optionally, the unloading points 72, 73 can be provided with fold-down seats, for example to facilitate changing clothes.

[0056] There may also be a cover 85 and a gate 86 to release the pallet 2. A data processing device 11 is used to control the process.

[0057] Ideally, the follow-up inspection location 7 is located adjacent to the baggage claim area 6 so that at least one of the collection points 72 or 73 can function as a collection point or collection point depending on the number of people in the follow-up inspection location 7 and the baggage claim area 6.

[0058] FIG. 7 shows a second embodiment of the follow-up inspection location 7', in which a third buffer system 87 and a third drop-off point 88 are additionally provided. At the first follow-up inspection station 70, the pallets 2 can be provided from the first buffer system 76 and the third buffer system 87. Preferably, the pallets 2 from the second buffer system 77 and the third buffer system 87 are transferred to the second follow-up inspection station 71. Optionally, it is of course also conceivable to transfer pallets from each of the three buffer systems to each of the two follow-up inspection stations, which offers the greatest possible flexibility. In contrast to the first embodiment according to FIG. 4, the two follow-up inspection stations 70, 71 are assigned not only two but three drop-off points 72, 73, 88, which makes it more likely that a vacant drop-off point will be immediately available after the follow-up inspection has been performed.

[0059] One first waiting place 80 would be entirely sufficient if the pallets could in fact be transported from each of the three buffer systems to each of the two follow-up examination stations. However, since the second follow-up examination station 71 can, depending on the system design, block the transport of the pallets 2 from the second buffer system 77 to the first follow-up examination station 70 during an ongoing follow-up examination, it is advantageous to provide a second waiting place 89 for people whose pallets are introduced into the second buffer system 77. After the individual examination, the information device 5 (FIG. 1) must then not only inform the person that he or she needs to go to the follow-up examination station 7', but also which of the two waiting places 80, 89 is the subject.

[0060] In the third exemplary embodiment of the follow-up testing location 7'' according to Fig. 8, a total of five buffer systems 90-94 with five follow-up testing stations 95-99 and five take-out stations 100-104 are provided, a special feature consisting of the fact that two follow-up testing stations 95 and 96 or 97 and 98 are arranged directly adjacent to each other. This has the advantage that one staff member can easily operate two follow-up testing stations if necessary.

[0061] However, the invention is not limited to the illustrated exemplary embodiment. Rather, further configurations with more or fewer follow-up testing or removal stations are contemplated. For example, it is possible to provide only one large buffer system connected to at least three, and preferably all, of the follow-up testing stations.

[0062] In both exemplary embodiments, the return transport of the empty loading platform 2 can be carried out in a similar manner to the pick-up station, in that the first or second transport system 74, 75 is connected in an appropriate manner to the return transport path of the loading platform 2.

Claims

1. 1. A security inspection system, comprising: a baggage drop-off station (1) having at least one drop-off station (1a, 1b, 1c) for unloading the baggage of persons onto at least one loading platform (2); - a baggage inspection station (3) for image inspection of said baggage, - a baggage claim area (6) for baggage that has not been rejected at the baggage inspection station; a follow-up inspection location (7) having at least one follow-up inspection station (70, 71) accessible from both sides for manual follow-up inspection of baggage rejected at said baggage inspection station by security personnel in the presence of said owner of said baggage; a transport system (8) for transporting the loaded pallets (2) from the baggage drop location (1) via the baggage inspection station (3) to the baggage claim location (6) or to the follow-up inspection location (7) and for returning the empty pallets (2) to the baggage drop location (1), said follow-up inspection location (7) comprises at least one unloading station (72, 73) associated with said follow-up inspection station (70, 71) for the owner of said baggage to empty said pallets (2); - a security inspection system, characterized in that the follow-up inspection location (7) has at least one transport system (74, 75) for transporting the loaded pallets (2) to the follow-up inspection station (70, 71) and from the follow-up inspection station (70, 71) to the associated removal station (71, 73), the transport system (74, 75) being designed to transport the pallets (2) to the follow-up inspection station (70, 71) regardless of whether the associated removal station (72, 73) is occupied by the pallets (2) or not.

2. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that there is a first stay place (P1, P3) for people in front of the follow-up inspection station (70, 71) and a second stay place (P2, P4) for people in front of the removal station (72, 73), and the size of the first and second stay places (P1-P4) is such that at least one person can stay at each of them at the same time.

3. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the follow-up inspection location (7) comprises at least one buffer system (76, 77; 87) for the temporary storage of luggage-laden pallets (2), and the transport system (74, 75) is designed to transport the luggage-laden pallets (2) temporarily stored in the buffer system (76, 77; 87) to the follow-up inspection station (70, 71).

4. 4. The security inspection system according to claim 3, wherein the buffer system (76, 77; 87) comprises at least two buffer stations for the temporary storage of the loaded pallets (2), and the buffer system (76, 77; 87) is designed for re-sorting the loaded pallets (2).

5. 4. A security inspection system according to claim 3, wherein the buffer system (76, 77; 87) is designed to re-sort the pallets (2) by displacement in at least two different axes, in particular perpendicular axes.

6. 2. A security inspection system as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that at each baggage drop off location (1) of each drop off station (1a, 1b, 1c) a first identification device (10) is provided for detecting a personal identifier of said person, said first identification device (10) interacting with a data processing device (11) for linking said personal identifier of said person to the pallet (2) on which said person's baggage is located.

7. 7. The security inspection system according to claim 6, characterized in that the at least one follow-up inspection station (70, 71) comprises a third identification device (78) for detecting the personal identifier of the person standing at the follow-up inspection station (70, 71), the third identification device (78) being linked to the transport system (74, 75) for transporting the loading platform (2) linked to the personal identifier of the person to this follow-up inspection station (70, 71).

8. 4. The security inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the follow-up inspection location (7) comprises at least two follow-up inspection stations (70, 71), each having at least one associated removal station (72, 73), and the transport system (74, 75) is designed to transport pallets (2) loaded with baggage from the buffer system (76, 77; 87) to the at least two follow-up inspection stations (70, 71).

9. 3. The security inspection system according to claim 2, wherein the follow-up inspection station (70, 71) for providing the rejected baggage to the loading platform (2) is arranged between the first stay position and the second stay position (M1, P1; M2, P3), and further wherein a transparent security partition (79) is provided between the provided loading platform (2) and the second stay position (M1, P1; M2, P3).

10. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the follow-up inspection location (7) comprises at least one waiting area (80) for people whose baggage has been rejected at the baggage inspection station (3).

11. 2. A security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that at each pick-up station (72, 73) at least one monitoring device (83) is provided for detecting pallets (2) that are not completely emptied and / or are soiled.

12. 2. A security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that at each pick-up point there is provided an input and / or output unit designed to provide information to the person and / or to terminate the process of emptying the pallets by said person.

13. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that a sensor unit, for example formed by the fourth identification device (82), is provided at each pick-up station (72, 73), said unit designed to determine the presence of a person at said pick-up station (72, 73) and linked to said monitoring device (83) and to said transport system (74, 75) in such a way that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of said pick-up station (72, 73) and the loading platform is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the empty loading platform (2).

14. 2. The security inspection system of claim 1, wherein the follow-up inspection location (7) is located adjacent to the baggage claim area (6) and at least one removal location (72, 73) and functions as a removal point (72, 73) or a removal location (6a, 6b, 6c) depending on the number of people at the follow-up inspection location (7) and the baggage claim area (6).

15. A security inspection method, comprising: - a person present at a baggage storage facility (1) having one or more storage compartments (1a, 1b, 1c) unloads his / her baggage onto a loading platform (2) provided at the storage compartment (1a, 1b, 1c), - The baggage is subjected to image inspection at the baggage inspection station (3), - said person collects his / her baggage at the baggage claim area (6) if said baggage is not rejected at the baggage inspection point; if said baggage is rejected at said baggage inspection station (3), said person goes to a follow-up inspection location (7) having at least one follow-up inspection station (70, 71) accessible from both sides for manual follow-up inspection, said follow-up inspection station (70, 71) being accessible on one side by staff of the security inspection system and on the other side by the recipient of said rejected baggage, characterised in that the loaded pallets (2) are transported from the baggage drop location (1) to the baggage claim location (6) or to the follow-up inspection location (7) via the baggage inspection station (3) and the empty pallets (2) are transported back to the baggage drop location (1), - after manual inspection of the baggage, a person travels from the follow-up inspection point (70, 71) to the assigned removal point (72, 73) and empties the pallets (2); - a security inspection method, characterized in that the person's pallets (2) loaded with baggage are transported from the follow-up inspection point (70, 71) to the assigned removal point (72, 73), and said transport of a new pallet (2) loaded with baggage to the follow-up inspection point (70, 71) takes place regardless of whether the assigned removal point (72, 73) is occupied by a pallet (2) or not.

16. 16. A security inspection method as claimed in claim 15, characterized in that at each check-in point (1a, 1b, 1c) the personal identifier of the person is detected by a first identification device (10) and the personal identifier of the person is linked by a data processing device (11) to the pallet (2) on which the person's baggage is located.

17. 17. The security inspection method according to claim 16, characterized in that at each follow-up checkpoint (70, 71) the personal identifier of the person is detected by a third identification device (78) and then the loading platform (2) linked to the person is made available at the follow-up checkpoint (70, 71).

18. 18. The security inspection method according to claim 17, characterized in that at each removal point (72, 73), the personal identifier of the person is detected by a fourth identification device (82) and the pallet (2) linked to the person is transported from the follow-up inspection point (70, 71) to the removal point (72, 73).

19. 19. The security inspection method according to claim 18, characterized in that the emptying process of the loading platform (2) at the removal station (72, 73) is automatically terminated and the loading platform (2) is removed away, and a monitoring unit (83) detects an empty loading platform (2) and a sensor unit is formed to determine that there is no person at the removal station (72, 73).

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