Global Bag Tag System and Method of Use

Abstract

A global bag tag system and method of use is provided that includes generating, by at least one of at least one processor, a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for a registered passenger's baggage item, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Enhanced Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and the registered passenger's passenger name; and forming, by a printing device, a GMMT code representation representing the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate configured to be affixed to the baggage item.

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS This application claims the benefit of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 598,824, filed November 14, 2023, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 543,667, filed October 11, 2023. This application is also a continuation-in-part of, and claims the benefit of priority to, each of the following: U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 418,972, filed January 22, 2024, which is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 197,840, filed May 16, 2023.

[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part of and claims the priority benefit of each of the following: U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 337,288, filed June 19, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 332,377, filed June 9, 2023, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 201,908, filed May 25, 2023 (now U.S. Patent Application No. 11,881,057), which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 311,566, filed May 3, 2023. Herein, Application No. 18 / 337,288 is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 18 / 104,359, filed February 1, 2023 (now U.S. Patent No. 11,682,241), and Application Nos. 18 / 332,377, 18 / 201,908, and 18 / 311,566 are continuations directly claiming the benefit of priority thereto, respectively, and for the avoidance of doubt, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing, Application No. 18 / 311,566 is a continuation of Application No. 18 / 104,359.

[0003] This application is also based on and claims the priority benefit of the following co-pending applications: International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 013083, International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13221, and International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13226, all filed January 26, 2024; International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 012226 and International Application No. PCT / US2024 / 012231, both filed January 19, 2024; International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13257, and International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13258 , International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13259, International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13261, International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13262 and International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13263, all filed on January 27, 2024; and International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13594, International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13597 and International Application No. PCT / US24 / 13599, all filed on January 30, 2024.

[0004] This application is also a continuation-in-part of, and claims priority to, and the benefit of, the following co-pending applications: U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 529,705, filed December 5, 2023, and U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 18 / 529,705, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 18 / 421,581, 18 / 421,595, and 18 / 421,601, all filed January 24, 2024, which are continuations of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 337,288; U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 418,972, filed January 22, 2024; U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 406 / 785, filed January 8, 2024; and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 418,972, filed January 22, 2024. Nos. 18 / 514,015, 18 / 514,826, 18 / 514,195, 18 / 514,877, 18 / 514,914, 18 / 514,937, 18 / 514,924, 18 / 514,295, 18 / 515,004, 18 / 514,369, and 18 / 515,060, all filed November 20, 2023; and U.S. patent application Ser. Nos. 18 / 427,323, 18 / 427,396, 18 / 427,438, 18 / 427,469, and 18 / 427,516, all filed January 30, 2024.

[0005] All of the above are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. [Background technology]

[0006] 1. Field FIELD OF THE INVENTION Embodiments relate to the field of baggage handling and delivery, and more particularly to a global bag tag system and method of use.

[0007] 2. Description of Related Technology Millions of passengers travel daily using various modes of transportation. When a family or group travels, their luggage can affect the travel experience and limit short excursions at their destination. A challenge that affects the travel experience is the handling of luggage. Families often have difficulty fitting all family members and their luggage into one vehicle (i.e., a rental car or a taxi). Another challenge for traveling families can be the safety of their luggage before arriving at a lodging facility or cruise ship, for example, being left unattended while undergoing a excursion.

[0008] Accommodations may store luggage until you officially check in to the accommodation. However, arrival at the accommodation or resort may not be convenient for exploring before check-in. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for a baggage item of a registered passenger, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating, by the at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and a passenger name of the registered passenger; and forming, by a printing device, a GMMT code representation representing the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate configured to be affixed to the baggage item.

[0010] The method may further include receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current itinerary information representing at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger, a passenger name record (PNR) number of the registered passenger, or an itinerary confirmation (IC) number of the registered passenger, and constructing, by the at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage itinerary record based on the current itinerary information for the registered passenger's baggage items, the baggage itinerary record including a baggage delivery location and a baggage claim location.

[0011] The method may further include determining, by at least one of the at least one processor, a number of baggage items associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information, and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a GMMT bag tag number to each baggage item associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information.

[0012] The method may further include accessing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database associated with the at least one travel member number, PNR number, or IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information, and linking, by the at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number with the other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information.

[0013] Constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on current journey information may include constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on current journey information for baggage items in other passenger names.

[0014] The method may further include receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from a registered passenger's computing device, and generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database of stored passenger information associated with baggage items identifying PMM travel information linked to GMMT bag tag numbers, wherein generating, by the at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag numbers may further include generating, by the at least one of the at least one processor, at least one PMM travel code.

[0015] Forming the GMMT code representation on the substrate by the printing device may further include forming by the printing device at least one PMM transfer code representation representing the at least one PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to the GMMT code representation on the substrate.

[0016] The PMM travel information may include one or more travel management system numbers of the registered passenger or online travel booking engine numbers of the registered passenger.

[0017] The PMM travel information may include one or more travel membership numbers for registered passengers.

[0018] The one or more travel membership numbers may include one or more of a frequent flyer number for an airline, a hotel membership number for a hotel company, a car rental membership number for a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number for a cruise line company.

[0019] The method may further include receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current journey information representing a travel member number, a PNR number, or an itinerary confirmation number, and constructing, by the at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information.

[0020] Constructing the baggage itinerary record based on the PMM movement information may include one or more of: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage itinerary; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage itinerary; and querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; and the method may further include, by at least one of the at least one processor, entering one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel booking location, or the cruise booking location into the baggage itinerary record.

[0021] The term may be renewable.

[0022] The predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0023] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to: generate a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for a baggage item of a registered passenger, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generate a Global Tracking Enhanced Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and the passenger name of the registered passenger; and cause a printing device to form a GMMT code representation representing the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate affixed to the baggage item.

[0024] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for receiving current itinerary information representing at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger, a passenger name record (PNR) number of the registered passenger, or an itinerary confirmation (IC) number of the registered passenger, and constructing a baggage itinerary record based on the current itinerary information for the registered passenger's baggage items, where the baggage itinerary record may include a baggage delivery location and a baggage claim location.

[0025] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for determining a number of baggage items associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information, and linking a GMMT bag tag number to each baggage item associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information.

[0026] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction to access a database associated with at least one travel membership number, PNR number, or IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information, and to link the GMMT bag tag number with the other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information.

[0027] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for constructing a baggage movement journey record based on current journey information for baggage items in other passenger names.

[0028] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for receiving preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from a registered passenger's computing device, generating a database of stored passenger information associated with baggage items identifying PMM travel information linked to a GMMT bag tag number, and generating at least one PMM travel code concurrently with generating the GMMT bag tag number.

[0029] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction to cause the printing device to form at least one PMM transfer code representation representing the at least one PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to the GMMT code representation on the substrate.

[0030] The PMM travel information may include one or more travel management system numbers of the registered passenger or online travel booking engine numbers of the registered passenger.

[0031] The PMM travel information may include one or more travel membership numbers for registered passengers.

[0032] The one or more travel membership numbers may include one or more of a frequent flyer number for an airline, a hotel membership number for a hotel company, a car rental membership number for a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number for a cruise line company.

[0033] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for receiving current journey information representing at least one travel member number, PNR number, or itinerary confirmation number, and constructing a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information.

[0034] At least one processor of the system may be configured to execute at least one instruction for constructing a baggage itinerary record based on the PMM movement information by querying a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage itinerary, querying a reservation system associated with a hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage itinerary, and querying a reservation system associated with a cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary, and the at least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for entering one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel booking location, or the cruise booking location into the baggage itinerary record.

[0035] The term may be renewable.

[0036] The predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0037] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform a method including generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for a baggage item of a registered passenger, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and a passenger name of the registered passenger; and forming, by a printing device, a GMMT code representation representing the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate configured to be affixed to the baggage item.

[0038] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include receiving current itinerary information representing at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger, a passenger name record (PNR) number of the registered passenger, or an itinerary confirmation (IC) number of the registered passenger, and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage itinerary record based on the current itinerary information for the registered passenger's baggage items, where the baggage itinerary record may include a baggage delivery location and a baggage claim location.

[0039] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include determining, by at least one of the at least one processor, a number of baggage items associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information, and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a GMMT bag tag number to each baggage item associated with the passenger registered for the current journey information.

[0040] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include accessing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database associated with the at least one travel membership number, PNR number, or IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information, and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number with the other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information.

[0041] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on current journey information may include constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on current journey information for baggage items in other passenger names.

[0042] With respect to a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from a registered passenger's computing device, and generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database of stored passenger information associated with baggage items identifying PMM travel information linked to a GMMT bag tag number, wherein generating, by the at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number may further include generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, at least one PMM travel code.

[0043] For methods performed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, forming a GMMT code representation on a substrate by a printing device may further include forming, by the printing device, at least one PMM transfer code representation representing a PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to the GMMT code representation on the substrate.

[0044] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the PMM travel information may include one or more travel management system numbers of the registered passenger or an online travel booking engine number of the registered passenger.

[0045] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the PMM travel information may include one or more travel membership numbers of registered passengers.

[0046] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the one or more travel membership numbers may include one or more of a frequent flyer number of an airline, a hotel membership number of a hotel company, a car rental membership number of a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number of a cruise line company.

[0047] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current journey information representing at least one travel member number, PNR number, or itinerary confirmation number, and constructing, by the at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information.

[0048] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, constructing a baggage itinerary record based on the PMM movement information may include one or more of: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage itinerary; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage itinerary; and querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; and the method may further include, by at least one of the at least one processor, entering one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel booking location, or the cruise booking location into the baggage itinerary record.

[0049] For methods performed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the time period may be renewable.

[0050] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0051] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes electronically acquiring, by at least one electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) code representation from a substrate associated with a global bag tag on a first baggage item of a registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, the GMMT code representation being an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant license plate; accessing, by a first processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the registered passenger's passenger reservation record (PNR) number using a unique identifier representing the digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with a multi-modal baggage handling service; receiving, by the first processor, information confirming the identity of the registered passenger associated with the PNR number; and linking, by at least one second processor in communication with the first processor, the GTE-BSM of the registered passenger to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) associated with each different baggage item associated with the traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM.

[0052] The method may further include checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a first baggage item of the registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment with the airline, and causing, by the at least one of the at least one second processor, to generate an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline.

[0053] Each A-BSM may be an IATA compliant Bag Source Message (BSM).

[0054] The method may further include accessing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a database associated with the PNR number to obtain names of unregistered passengers associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information; generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, separate temporary baggage source messages (T-BSMs) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number; and linking the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM.

[0055] The method may further include checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, each different baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number, where each different baggage item associated with the unregistered passenger has a different A-BSM, and causing, by the at least one of the at least one second processor, a printing device to print an IATA baggage tag having the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of the unregistered passenger.

[0056] Receiving information confirming the identity of the registered passenger by the first processor may include capturing an image of the registered passenger by an imaging device in communication with the first processor, and performing facial recognition based on the image of the registered passenger and the stored image of the registered passenger.

[0057] The method may further include capturing, by an imaging device in communication with the first processor, an image of each separate baggage item in the name of another traveling passenger associated with the PNR number prior to departure from the baggage claim location.

[0058] The method may further include, prior to electronically obtaining, registering the passenger with the multi-mode baggage handling service by at least one of the at least one second processor, and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a GTE-BSM including a passenger name and a unique identifier for the registered passenger, wherein the unique identifier may include a GMMT bag tag number representing a GMMT code designation, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate conforming to an IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

[0059] The method may further include automatically creating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a baggage manifest record from the digital GMMT data record and the PNR number.

[0060] The term may be renewable, and the predetermined validity period may be within the range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

[0061] The predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0062] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction, the at least one processor receiving the at least one instruction to retrieve from at least one electronic acquisition device an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code indication associated with a Global Bag Tag on a first baggage item of a registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, the GMMT code indication being associated with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) ) compatible license plate, accessing a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) containing a registered passenger's Passenger Name Record (PNR) number using a unique identifier representing a digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with the multi-mode baggage handling service, receiving information confirming the identity of the registered passenger associated with the PNR number, and linking the registered passenger's GTE-BSM to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) for each different baggage item associated with the traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM.

[0063] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for checking in a first baggage item of a registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment with the airline, and generating an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline.

[0064] Each A-BSM is an IATA compliant Bag Source Message (BSM).

[0065] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction to access a database associated with a PNR number for names of unregistered passengers associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information, generate separate temporary baggage source messages (T-BSMs) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number, and link the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM.

[0066] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for checking in each separate baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number, and causing the printing device to print an IATA baggage bag tag with the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of the unregistered passenger.

[0067] The information verifying the identity of the registered passenger may include an image of the registered passenger captured by an imaging device in communication with the at least one processor, and the at least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for performing facial recognition based on the image of the registered passenger and the stored image of the registered passenger.

[0068] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for receiving, by an imaging device in communication with the at least one processor, a captured image of each baggage item in the traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number prior to departure from the baggage claim location.

[0069] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute, prior to obtaining the electronic representation of the GMMT, at least one instruction for registering the passenger with the multi-mode baggage handling service and generating a GTE-BSM including a passenger name and a unique identifier for the registered passenger, where the unique identifier may include a GMMT bag tag number representing a GMMT code designation, and the GMMT bag tag number may include a permanently assigned license plate conforming to an IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

[0070] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for automatically creating a baggage manifest record from the digital GMMT data record and the PNR number.

[0071] The term may be renewable, and the predetermined validity period may be within the range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

[0072] The predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0073] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions, which when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: retrieve, from at least one electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code representation from a substrate associated with a Global Bag Tag on a first baggage item of a registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, the GMMT code representation being an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant license plate; accessing a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) containing a passenger name record (PNR) number for a registered passenger using a unique identifier representing a digital GMMT data record from a data system; receiving, by a first processor, information confirming the identity of the registered passenger associated with the PNR number; and linking, by at least one second processor in communication with the first processor, the GTE-BSM for the registered passenger to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) associated with each different baggage item associated with the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM.

[0074] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include: checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a first baggage item of the registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment with the airline; and causing, by the at least one of the at least one second processor, to generate an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline.

[0075] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, each A-BSM may be an IATA-compliant Bag Source Message (BSM).

[0076] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include: accessing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a database associated with the PNR number to obtain names of unregistered passengers associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information; generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, separate Temporary Baggage Source Messages (T-BSMs) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number; and linking the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM.

[0077] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, each separate baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number, wherein each separate baggage item associated with the unregistered passenger has a different A-BSM, and causing, by the at least one of the at least one second processor, a printing device to print an IATA baggage tag having the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of the unregistered passenger.

[0078] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, receiving information confirming the identity of the registered passenger by the first processor may include receiving a captured image of the registered passenger from an imaging device in communication with the first processor, and performing facial recognition based on the captured image of the registered passenger and the stored image of the registered passenger.

[0079] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include receiving, by an imaging device in communication with the first processor, a captured image of each different baggage item in the traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number prior to departure from the baggage claim location.

[0080] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include, prior to obtaining, registering, by at least one of the at least one second processor, the passenger with the multi-mode baggage handling service, and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a GTE-BSM including a passenger name and a unique identifier for the registered passenger, where the unique identifier may include a GMMT bag tag number representing a GMMT code designation, where the GMMT bag tag number may include a permanently assigned license plate that conforms to an IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

[0081] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include automatically creating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a baggage manifest record from the digital GMMT data record and the PNR number.

[0082] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the term may be renewable, and the predetermined validity period may be within a range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

[0083] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the predetermined validity period may be coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

[0084] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a system includes at least one processor and at least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction, wherein the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction for: linking a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel membership number so that the registered passenger can access reservation information associated with at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel membership number; collecting reservation information for a current journey of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in a profile of the registered passenger linked to the GMMT bag tag number; and constructing a Baggage Travel Journey Record (BTJR) for pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, wherein the BTJR is linked to the GMMT bag tag number.

[0085] The system may further include an electronic capture device configured to retrieve an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate of a permanent bag tag on a first of the at least one baggage item, and the at least one processor may be configured to execute at least one instruction to retrieve the electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number from the electronic capture device, retrieve information from at least one baggage handling field of a BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number, and display the retrieved information on a display device.

[0086] The permanent bag tag may include a GMMT code designation including a GMMT bag tag number, which may match an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

[0087] The GMMT code representation may include at least one code representing at least one travel membership number.

[0088] The at least one travel membership number may include one or more of a frequent flyer number of an airline, a hotel membership number of a hotel company, a car rental membership number of a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number of a cruise line company.

[0089] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction to collect reservation information by performing one or more of: querying a reservation system associated with an airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying a reservation system associated with a hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage leg; or querying a reservation system associated with a cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage leg; and inputting one or more of the destination airport location, hotel booking location, or cruise booking location into the BTJR.

[0090] The system may further include an electronic capture device configured to obtain an electronic representation of a GMMT bag tag number from a permanent bag tag on a first of the at least one baggage item and transmit the electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number, location data, and a timestamp to the registered passenger profile, wherein the location data may represent a current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

[0091] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for performing data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with registered passengers.

[0092] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for linking the GMMT bag tag number to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a travel segment in the current travel leg, and for linking the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger name record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg.

[0093] At least one processor of the system may be further configured to execute at least one instruction for assigning a tracking device to a first luggage item of the at least one luggage item of the registered passenger.

[0094] According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a method includes linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel member number for the registered passenger to access reservation information associated with at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel member number; collecting, by at least one of the at least one processor, reservation information for a current travel leg of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in a profile of the registered passenger linked to the GMMT bag tag number; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Baggage Travel Journey Record (BTJR) for pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, wherein the BTJR is linked to the GMMT bag tag number.

[0095] The method may further include obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor from the electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on the permanent bag tag; retrieving, by at least one of the at least one processor, information from at least one baggage handling field of the BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number; and causing, by the at least one of the at least one processor, a display device to display the retrieved information.

[0096] The permanent bag tag may include a GMMT code designation including a GMMT bag tag number, which may match an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

[0097] The GMMT code representation may include at least one code representing at least one travel membership number.

[0098] The at least one travel membership number may include one or more of a frequent flyer number of an airline, a hotel membership number of a hotel company, a car rental membership number of a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number of a cruise line company.

[0099] Gathering the booking information may include querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage leg; or querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage leg, and the method may further include, by at least one of the at least one processor, inputting one or more of the destination airport location, hotel booking location, or cruise booking location into the BTJR.

[0100] The method may further include obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor, an electronic representation of a GMMT bag tag number collected by an electronic capture device, wherein the GMMT bag tag number may be associated with a permanent bag tag on a first baggage item of the at least one baggage item of the registered passenger, location data, and a timestamp of the electronic capture device relative to the registered passenger profile, wherein the location data may represent a current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

[0101] The method may further include performing, by at least one of the at least one processor, data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with the registered passengers.

[0102] The method may further include linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a travel segment in the current travel leg, and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger name record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg.

[0103] The method may further include assigning, by at least one of the at least one processor, a tracking device to a first luggage item of the at least one luggage item of the registered passenger.

[0104] According to an aspect of the disclosure, a non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, which when executed by at least one processor, causes the at least one processor to perform a method including linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel membership number for the registered passenger to access reservation information associated with at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel membership number; collecting, by at least one of the at least one processor, reservation information for a current journey of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in a profile of the registered passenger linked to the GMMT bag tag number; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Baggage Travel Journey Record (BTJR) for pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, wherein the BTJR is linked to the GMMT bag tag number.

[0105] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor, from an electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on the permanent bag tag; retrieving, by at least one of the at least one processor, information from at least one baggage handling field of the BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number; and causing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a display device to display the retrieved information.

[0106] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the permanent bag tag may include a GMMT code indicia including a GMMT bag tag number, and the GMMT bag tag number may be compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

[0107] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the GMMT code representation may include at least one code that may represent at least one travel membership number.

[0108] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the at least one travel membership number may include one or more of a frequent flyer number of an airline, a hotel membership number of a hotel company, a car rental membership number of a car rental company, and a cruise line membership number of a cruise line company.

[0109] For a method executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, collecting booking information may include querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with an airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with a hotel company for a hotel booking location for the baggage leg; or querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with a cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage leg; and the method may further include, by at least one of the at least one processor, inputting one or more of the destination airport location, hotel booking location, or cruise booking location into the BTJR.

[0110] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor, an electronic representation of a GMMT bag tag number collected by an electronic capture device, where the GMMT bag tag number may be associated with a permanent bag tag on a first baggage item of the at least one baggage item of the registered passenger, location data, and a timestamp of the electronic capture device relative to the registered passenger profile, where the location data may represent a current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

[0111] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include performing, by at least one of the at least one processor, data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with the registered passengers.

[0112] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a travel segment in the current travel leg, and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger name record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg.

[0113] For methods executed in response to instructions stored on a non-transitory computer-readable medium, the method may further include assigning, by at least one of the at least one processor, a tracking device to a first baggage item of the at least one baggage item of the registered passenger.

[0114] For a more complete understanding of the embodiments, reference should be made to the following detailed disclosure in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0115] [Figure 1A] 1 illustrates a multi-modal baggage management (MMBM) system for managing the transportation of at least one baggage item on a baggage journey, according to an embodiment. [Figure 1B] 1 illustrates a multi-modal baggage management (MMBM) system for managing the transportation of at least one baggage item on a baggage journey, according to an embodiment. [Figure 2A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a permanent bag tag identifier (P-BTI) according to an embodiment. [Figure 2B] 1 illustrates a global bag tag with P-BTI according to an embodiment. [Figure 2C] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for forming a global bag tag according to an embodiment. [Figure 3A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for assigning tracking devices and initiating tracking of package items, according to an embodiment. [Figure 3B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for tracking package items, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for contactless parking payment, according to an embodiment. [Figure 4B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for accessing B-type messages for travelers using contactless parking payment, according to an embodiment. [Figure 5] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for creating and / or updating a baggage manifest record according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] 1 illustrates a system for digitizing baggage management and baggage check-in, according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for checking in a passenger and / or generating a baggage manifest according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C]1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for checking in a passenger and / or generating a baggage manifest according to an embodiment. [Figure 6D] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for checking in a passenger and / or generating a baggage manifest according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] 1 illustrates an exemplary confirmed itinerary for an airline flight, according to an embodiment. [Figure 8] The format of the Airline Baggage Source Message (BSM) is shown below. [Figure 9A] 1 illustrates a format of a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) according to an embodiment. [Figure 9B] 1 illustrates a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) link structure according to an embodiment. [Figure 10A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) for registered passengers and / or a Temporary Baggage Source Message (T-BSM) for a current journey for one or more unregistered passengers, according to an embodiment. [Figure 10B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) for registered passengers and / or a Temporary Baggage Source Message (T-BSM) for a current journey for one or more unregistered passengers, according to an embodiment. [Figure 10C] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for generating a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) for registered passengers and / or a Temporary Baggage Source Message (T-BSM) for a current journey for one or more unregistered passengers, according to an embodiment. [Figure 11A] 1 illustrates baggage journey records for different journeys, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11B] 1 illustrates baggage journey records for different journeys, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 11C]1 illustrates baggage journey records for different journeys, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 12] FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment, according to one or more embodiments. [Figure 13A] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing the recovery of missing, lost, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled baggage items, according to an embodiment. [Figure 13B] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for managing the recovery of missing, lost, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled baggage items, according to an embodiment. [Figure 14] 1 illustrates a flowchart of a method for locating missing, lost, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled baggage items, according to an embodiment. [Figure 15] A diagram of an abnormal baggage item detection model is shown. [Figure 16A] 1 shows a block diagram of a tracking device according to an embodiment. [Figure 16B] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a contactless bag tag print manager according to an embodiment. [Figure 16C] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a security testing manager according to an embodiment. [Figure 16D] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a pairing manager of a mobile and a tracker according to an embodiment. [Figure 16E] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a non-stationary reference indicator detection manager according to an embodiment. [Figure 17A] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a contactless luggage bag tag printing process using a tracking device, according to an embodiment. [Figure 17B] 1 illustrates a block diagram of a pseudo-identification (ID) recording process using a tracking device according to an embodiment. [Figure 17C] FIG. 1 illustrates a diagram of a process for communicating location information from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) platform, according to an embodiment. [Figure 17D]1 illustrates a diagram of a process of a tracking device for communicating location information with at least one radio frequency (RF) access point, according to an embodiment. [Figure 18] 1 shows a block diagram of a tracking system according to an embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0116] In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings that form a part hereof, and in which specific embodiments are shown by way of illustration. It is to be understood that other embodiments may be utilized and changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

[0117] Glossary A-BTI stands for "Airline Bag Tag Identifier." An airline bag tag identifier, also known as a baggage tag or baggage label, is a baggage tag or label attached to a passenger's baggage that contains identifying information about the passenger and their flight with the airline. It is used by airlines to track and handle a passenger's checked baggage. Tags carrying the A-BTI typically include the passenger's name, flight information (flight number, departure and destination airports, and travel date and time), and a unique identifier such as a bag tag number or barcode. The A-BTI corresponds to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate, unique to each piece of baggage, which airlines use to track baggage through their baggage handling systems (BHS), match baggage to the passenger's flight and route, and identify the baggage's owner in the event of misplacement, loss, or delay. The A-BTI is typically issued at check-in; passengers attach it to their baggage before collecting it at the baggage claim counter, or it is attached by a counter agent.

[0118] A Departure Control System (DCS) refers to a system that controls various airline operations, including airport check-in, baggage check-in, passenger bag tag identifier (BTID) generation, and bag tag printing. Bag tags are formatted based on rules published by IATA and include, for example, an IATA 10-digit license plate. Typically, one or more IATA Type B messages are created that contain the 10-digit license plate and flight information.

[0119] Type B (or B-Type) messages refer to a specific communication format used by airlines and other entities in the aviation industry to send and receive critical operational data. These messages are standardized and utilized for a wide range of applications, including flight planning, passenger reservations and check-in, baggage tracking, weather updates, and other critical air transport operations. Type B messaging standards are overseen by IATA. Compared to more modern data types and formats, such as XML (Extensible Markup Language) and JSON (JavaScript Object Notation), which carry message payloads, Type B messages employ a rigid structure. Type B messages operate on a "store-and-forward" mechanism, whereby the message sender transmits data through a service provider, which then stores it for a contracted period, often seven days. Data is delivered directly to the selected recipient or, if it resides on a different network, through a gateway provider. In the event of a delivery failure, contractual agreements allow for data retransmission, with the contingency reflected in the PDM (Possible Duplicate Message) header.

[0120] Accommodation means a business or operation that provides residential lodging services, including, by way of non-limiting example, hotels, resorts, ferries, cruise ships, and the like.

[0121] Mode of transportation means the mode of intermediate or long-distance transportation of travelers or passengers from an origin to a destination. Mode of transportation can include automobiles, rental cars, buses, trains, ferries, airplanes, or any other commercial means of transportation or passenger carriages. A cruise ship can be a mode of transportation.

[0122] Multimodal travel implies the functional use of Type B messages and IATA messages and the extension of the use of such messages to accommodation entities. The IATA message name, PNR number, and form become bag tags for the entire trip and any mode of travel.

[0123] Source Hard Copy Bag Tag Identifier (OH-BTI) means a unique identifier associated with or printed on the baggage tag from the departing air travel agency. Generally, all baggage on an airline trip is tagged with a unique identifier for tracking purposes. This is usually attached to the baggage at check-in and scanned at various points during the journey to ensure the baggage reaches the correct destination.

[0124] P-BTI means "Permanent Bag Tag Identifier." The P-BTI is a specially issued bag tag identifier with a portion that complies with IATA regulations and is associated with the Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number of the registered passenger's baggage. The P-BTI is an identifier linked to a registered passenger or traveler using a multi-modal baggage handling service. The specially issued P-BTI is affixed to the passenger's baggage, including identifying information about the registered passenger and, if grouped, any traveling passengers associated with the registered passenger. The P-BTI is used by the multi-modal baggage handling service to track and process the passenger's baggage and, if grouped, any traveling passengers associated with the registered passenger for any moving vehicles, including multiple moving vehicles. The P-BTI is assigned to the registered passenger for a predetermined validity period. The P-BTI may be renewable or expire upon death. The portion of the P-BTI that complies with IATA regulations may include the non-flying airline's letter code and / or corresponding numeric code.

[0125] Passenger manifest means a record containing an array of data including data for check-in of a passenger for the return travel segment with a designated return travel carrier.

[0126] PNR stands for "Passenger Reservation Record." It is a record in an airline or travel agency's database that contains all details of a passenger's itinerary and travel information. This information includes the passenger's name, contact information, flight details, seat preferences, and any special requests. The PNR also contains information about the reservation, such as the reservation date, fare, and ticketing status. It is used by airlines and travel agencies to manage and track passenger itineraries and travel plans. A PNR number is unique to at least one passenger and serves as a reference for the PNR for passengers, airlines, and travel agencies. The PNR is also used for check-in, checking flight status, and making any changes to the reservation. The PNR number itself is typically six characters long and often a combination of letters and numbers. While regulatory bodies such as IATA have not specified a universal format for PNRs, each PNR has five required fields, including: (1) a phone number associated with the traveler or agent; (2) the person who last modified the PNR; (3) an itinerary that must include at least one leg of the journey; (4) the name(s) of one or more passengers, including full first and last names; and (5) information specifying when and how a ticket will be issued. All travel modes can use PNRs for a travel itinerary. Travel platforms can use Super PNRs, which associate several PNRs together for a travel itinerary.

[0127] PMM Travel Information is an abbreviation for "Preferred Multi-Modal" Travel Information. PMM Travel Information includes information in a database associated with a travel membership number or a membership number in a travel management system or online travel booking engine. The database may contain instructions for accessing travel reservations made by passengers registered using the travel membership number.

[0128] Registered passenger means a person, user or passenger who is registered to manage the transportation of at least one baggage item in a baggage journey using a global baggage tag identifier.

[0129] A travel management system (TMS) is a type of service that a user can access online to book one or more reservations for a single trip by finding or providing reservations according to the lowest or discounted rates from different sources, such as airlines, hotels, and car rental companies. TMSs may include, but are not limited to, Travelocity®, Expedia®, Orbitz®, Priceline®, Trivago®, Booking.com®, etc. TMSs may include, but are not limited to, vacation rental online platforms, such as Airbnb®, Vrbo®, Vacasa®, Kayak.com®, and Hometogo®. A TMS may be an online travel booking engine.

[0130] Travel Membership Number (TMN) means a number assigned to a user or member of an entity for the purpose of earning reward points or discounts, which are converted into non-transferable monetary value that can only be used by the member entity. A TMN may include an airline frequent flyer number, hotel membership number, rental car membership number, or cruise line membership number, and is used by a member to book a reservation.

[0131] Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) means a baggage source message that conforms to an IATA B-type message and is configured to independently link to booking information and global baggage tag numbers for multiple travel modalities. For airline travel modalities, the GTE-BSM contains fields for the global bag tag number and originating IATA license plate for the travel segment of the current journey. The GTE-BSM contains a link to PMM journey information.

[0132] Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) Bag Tag Number means a permanently assigned license plate or P-BTI for a registered passenger's baggage. Permanently assigned license plates comply with IATA regulations and are renewable for a period of time or expire after a predetermined validity period of one month or upon death.

[0133] Global Bag Tag means a bag tag configured to be affixed to a baggage item for multiple use, including a substrate having a GMMT bag tag number printed, engraved, embossed, etched, or otherwise applied thereto. A permanently assigned license plate or P-BTI is applied to the substrate in a barcode or Quick Response (QR) code conforming to IATA regulations. The Global Bag Tag may include a registered passenger name and at least one PMM code associated with PMM movement information.

[0134] Vehicle of Transport (VOT) means accommodation and / or transportation utilized by passengers or baggage during a journey. The term "vehicle" is not limited to a locomotive, land vehicle, air vehicle, water vehicle, or moving vehicle. Instead, a vehicle is a vehicle for providing travel, accommodation, or entertainment to travelers during a journey based on a reservation.

[0135] In one or more embodiments, the system can be configured to link a passenger's different travel members and modes of travel members so that the system can access any travel vehicle reservations associated with the travel itinerary of a travel member (i.e., passenger) of the system, allowing the system to gather more accurate information for the traveler's baggage itinerary, traveling independently and / or concurrently with the traveler.

[0136] According to an embodiment, the system may have one or more reservation systems provide updates to baggage leg segments for changes to reservations due to baggage handling, or the system may re-query the travel member's reservation system to determine, for example, any changes to reservations within the travel window.

[0137] The system can generate a GTE-BSM that complies with IATA regulations and can be used by an airline's baggage handling system to handle and transport baggage items through the airline's infrastructure, outside the airline's infrastructure, and / or where the airline's infrastructure overlaps with the outside airline's infrastructure.

[0138] The system 100 can receive updates from registered passengers to change or cancel reservations.

[0139] In one or more embodiments, the system's processor is configured to link a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel membership number for the registered passenger to access reservation information associated with at least one travel mode associated with the at least one travel membership number associated with the registered passenger. The system's processor is configured to collect reservation information for a current journey of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in the registered passenger's profile linked to the GMMT bag tag number. The system's processor is configured to construct a Baggage Travel Journey Record (BTJR) for pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, and the BTJR is linked to the GMMT bag tag number.

[0140] 1A and 1B illustrate a multi-modal baggage management (MMBM) system 100 for managing the transportation of at least one baggage item on a baggage journey, according to an embodiment. The system 100 in FIG. 1A is shown below the dotted line AA. The MMBM system 100 is designed to manage the transportation of baggage items for registered passengers using P-BTI 134 printed, embossed, etched, engraved, or applied to a substrate 233 of a Global Bag Tag 230 (FIG. 2B) independently and / or parallel to the passenger's journey.

[0141] System 100 may include a website 110 having a web server 112 running a web operating system and a web application. Website 110 may include a memory device 115 having stored thereon programming code that, when executed by one or more processors of web server 112, performs one or more of the method blocks described herein. The programming code may include MMBM programming modules 120. One or more programming modules 120 may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware to perform the functions described herein when executed by one or more processors of system 100.

[0142] The memory device 115 may contain a master movement manifest 109, which includes passengers traveling that day. The MMBM programming module 120 may contain programming instructions that, when executed, use data in the manifest to locate traveling passengers and their baggage items. The MMBM programming module 120 may contain programming instructions that, when executed, cause the master movement manifest 109 to be updated with IATA bag tag numbers when passenger baggage is checked in by a processor of the system 100, such as at home, lodging, or other location. The MMBM programming module 120 may contain programming instructions that, when executed, cause the master movement manifest 109 to be updated with baggage source message information and information generated in the development of the GTE-BSM structure 950. The MMBM programming module 120 may contain programming instructions that, when executed, cause the reception of B-type messages from air travel agencies for passengers or travelers traveling on a particular day or time frame.

[0143] The website 110 may be accessed by a computing device 50 associated with a user or passenger to register with the system 100 via an online session via a web server 112 .

[0144] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause a passenger registration graphical user interface (GUI) 124 to collect information to register a passenger, traveler, or user. As used herein, a user, traveler, or passenger is referred to as a registered passenger. The computing device 50 may use the passenger registration GUI 124 to interact with the website 110 to register a user or passenger.

[0145] The passenger registration GUI 124 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the personal information collector 125 to request and receive passenger personal information (PI) 129 to register the passenger and create a profile 122 for the registered passenger. The PI 129 may include one or more of the registered passenger's name, home address, phone number, date of birth, and email address. The PI 129 may include at least one of the following: driver's license information and passport information with a passport identifier. An image of the driver's license may be uploaded and stored in the PI 129, for example. The driver's license information and passport information each include an image of the passenger / traveler's face. In one or more embodiments, the PI 129 may include an image of at least one of the passengers / travelers.

[0146] In one or more embodiments, the passenger registration GUI 124 may include data entry fields to request demographic information such as work, hobbies, and other memberships, such as trade memberships, social media accounts, and entertainment membership accounts. The demographic information may be stored as part of the PI 129. The system 100 may use the user's history to identify meetings or events previously attended. The meetings or events may be associated with demographic information, such as demographic information and past history to predict usage of contactless hotel parking services without reservations.

[0147] In one or more embodiments, GUI 124 or other graphical user interface can receive instructions from a user that enable a processor of system 100 to track the user's location using their mobile communication device. In one or more embodiments, tracking a user's location can help find the quickest route for delivering an unusual package to its owner. In one or more embodiments, tracking a user's location can help find available parking when a parking spot is difficult to find.

[0148] In one or more embodiments, the passenger registration GUI 124 may request permission from the system 100 via the processor to provide certain personally identifiable information, such as passenger name and date of birth, along with security screening images to a government agency, such as the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

[0149] The passenger registration GUI 124 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the luggage information collector 126 to receive images of luggage items so that the luggage items can subsequently be matched to physical luggage items, if necessary. Registered passengers may update the images of their luggage in storage when their luggage items are replaced or exchanged.

[0150] In one or more embodiments, the PI 129 may include credit card or banking information for billing baggage fees from airlines, parking fees as described in connection with Figure 4A, or other fees necessary to deliver and handle the registered passenger's luggage. The banking information may be arranged in a secure wallet 980 (Figure 9B).

[0151] The passenger registration GUI 124 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause a Preferred Multi-Mode (PMM) travel information collector 127 to query and receive travel preference information. The PMM travel information collector 127 is described in connection with FIG. 2A . As a non-limiting example, the travel preference information may include travel membership information (TMI) 128.

[0152] The collected TMI 128 may include at least one travel membership number. The system 100 may autonomously search for other business information associated with the entered TMI 128 (i.e., travel membership number), such as the name of the company sponsoring the membership, the company's address, and company contact information. Alternatively, the passenger may enter the business information, or portions thereof. The TMI 128 may include information associated with one or more of a frequent flyer number, a hotel membership number, a travel membership number, a travel management system (TMS) number, etc. The information is stored in a database for accessing reservation information associated with the TMI 128.

[0153] The TMI 128 may be associated with a TMS, and the system 100 may access multiple reservations booked through the TMS and build a luggage item itinerary record that is independent of the passenger (i.e., the owner of the luggage item).

[0154] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the contactless parking payment service 139 to collect information from a passenger, traveler, or user to enroll in contactless parking payment. This may be accomplished using a graphical user interface in which the user enters the license plate number of their vehicle, such as for a road trip the user is making, and links to a hotel reservation, which in one or more embodiments may be a rental car reservation and a hotel reservation. Details of the contactless parking payment service 139 may be described in more detail in connection with FIG. 4A.

[0155] According to one or more embodiments, the MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the global bag tag generator 130 to generate the P-BTI 134. The global bag tag generator 130 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the P-BTI generator 133 to assemble the P-BTI 134. In one or more embodiments, a portion of the P-BTI 134 may be IATA compliant. The P-BTI generator 133 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the permanent license plate (P-LP) generator 135 to generate a permanent bag tag license plate (P-LP) 136, which may be IATA compliant. The P-LP 136 may include a series of numbers. The P-BTI generator 133 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the PMM code generator 137 to generate at least one PMM code 138. According to an embodiment, each PMM code may be directly associated with the travel membership number associated with the TMI 128.

[0156] According to an embodiment, the P-BTI 134 may include both a series of alphanumeric characters and an associated barcode or Quick Response (QR) code for the P-LP 136. The PMM code 138 may include a series of alphanumeric characters and an associated barcode or QR code.

[0157] According to one or more embodiments, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a first portion including the P-LP 136. In some cases, the registered passenger may not enter the TMI 128. In one or more embodiments, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a first portion including the P-LP 136 and a section portion including PMM codes that do not represent TMI information. However, if the registered passenger adds TMI information to their passenger profile, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a second portion including at least one PMM code 138. As a non-limiting example, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a space or gap between the end of the first portion (i.e., the P-LP 136) having at least one PMM code 138 and the second portion. As a non-limiting example, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a dash between the end of the first portion (i.e., the P-LP 136) having at least one PMM code 138 and the second portion. As a non-limiting example, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include a first portion (i.e., P-LP 136) disposed at a first position on the substrate 233 (FIG. 2B) and a second portion having at least one PMM code 138 disposed at a second position on the substrate 233 (FIG. 2B), the first position being different from the second position.

[0158] The assembled P-BTI 134 may include PMM codes 138 for different TMIs 128 for one or more travel membership numbers. In one or more embodiments, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include one PMM code 138 to access all TMIs 128. In one or more embodiments, the assembled P-BTI 134 may include one PMM code 138 for each different TMI 128. The assembled P-BTI 134 may include one PMM code 138 for each category of TMI 128.

[0159] The P-BTI 134 may be associated with the GTE-BSM 141, and both may have a predetermined duration. The P-BTI 134 and GTE-BSM 141 may, for example, expire after a predetermined validity period or may be renewed after expiration. The P-BTI and GTE-BSM may have a permanent duration during the validity period. The predetermined validity period of the P-BTI 134 and GTE-BSM 141 may be from one month to one year, five years, ten years, or twenty years. The present disclosure is not limited to the aforementioned validity periods, and other predetermined validity periods may include, for example, more than one month but less than one to five years, or less than ten years.

[0160] According to an embodiment, the passenger's P-BTI 134 may include a permanent license plate (P-LP) 136 that may comply with current and future IATA regulations. The P-BTI 134 may include at least one Preferred Multi-Mode (PMM) travel code 138 that is based on at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger.

[0161] According to one or more embodiments, the MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the GTE-BSM generator 140 to generate a GTE-BSM 141, as described in connection with FIG. 9A . The GTE-BSM generator 140 may include programming instructions that, when executed, may create BSM fields such that some fields have permanent information assigned to specific fields. For example, the GTE-BSM 141 may have a field with a registered passenger name (RPN) 143. The GTE-BSM 141 may have a field for a P-BTI 134 with at least a P-LP 136. In the GTE-BSM 141, a special character or number may separate the P-LP 136 from the first PMM transfer code 138. Similarly, a special character or number may separate each PMM transfer code 138 from the next PMM transfer code. Other encoding schemes for separating code sequences may be used and should not be limited to those described herein.

[0162] The GTE-BSM 141 can be updated with the current passenger reservation record (PNR) number 142 associated with the current leg of travel within a particular travel window. The PNR number 142 can have one passenger or multiple passengers in its passenger list, where one of the passengers is a registered passenger matching the RPN 143.

[0163] The system 100 may be configured to autonomously associate a passenger reservation record (PNR) number 142 for a particular travel slot with the GTE-BSM 141 if one of the listed passengers is a passenger with a P-BTI 134. For example, a registered passenger may book the current travel leg using any travel membership number for which a PNR number may be created. In one or more embodiments, a Super PNR number may be created for multiple travel modalities, with or without multiple passengers connected / associated with the Super PNR number. In response to a travel booking being made, a corresponding reservation system may be accessed to retrieve the travel itinerary, as described in more detail in connection with FIG. 1B.

[0164] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the follow-up PNR baggage link 144 to link together multiple unregistered passengers with the registered passenger's GTE-BSM and P-BTI, all of which are associated with the same PNR number for the current leg of travel. In an example, some passengers associated with a Super PNR number may initially travel with the same air travel agency and / or arrive at their final destination at different times, disembarking from a cruise ship or staying at a resort. The follow-up PNR baggage link 144 may include programming instructions that, when executed, link each unregistered passenger's A-BSM and / or A-BTI to the registered passenger's GTE-BSM 141, all of which are associated with the PNR number for the current leg of travel. The unregistered passenger's name may be referred to as "other passenger name."

[0165] The follow-PNR baggage link 144, when executed, may include programming instructions that cause a temporary BSM (T-BSM) generator 145 to generate a T-BSM 146, as described in connection with FIG. 10B. The T-BSM 146 is similar to a GTE-BSM, except that it is for unregistered passengers. After the travel journey, the T-BSM 146 may be deleted in its entirety. The MMBM programming module 120, when executed, may include programming instructions that cause a moving vehicle BSM (VOT-BSM) generator 149 to generate a VOT-BSM 151, as described in connection with FIG. 10C. Examples of linking are described below in connection with the steps associated with block 507.

[0166] MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause baggage handling resource allocator 147 to determine the resources needed to handle the tracking and / or handling of baggage items at one or more destinations associated with a baggage journey. Baggage handling resource allocator 147 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause origin allocator 148A to allocate resources (i.e., personnel and ground vehicles) for baggage items to be picked up from a passenger's home or other designated address and delivered to a departure mode transportation location, such as an airport, bus station, train station, ferry or cruise ship dock, or lodging establishment.

[0167] The baggage handling resource allocator 147 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the multi-mode location allocator 148B to allocate resources for baggage items to be picked up from: a first moving vehicle that is delivered to a second moving vehicle, and / or a moving vehicle that is delivered to a next moving vehicle. The baggage handling resource allocator 147 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the return home allocator 148C to allocate resources for baggage items to be picked up from the moving vehicle location and delivered to the passenger's home or other designated address. The baggage handling resource allocator 147 may include program instructions that, when executed, may allocate one or more entries in a baggage journey record for a baggage item for a registered passenger to one or more baggage delivery resources to deliver or retrieve the baggage item to a location associated with the baggage journey location data.

[0168] With particular reference to FIG. 1B , the website 110 of the system 100 may communicate with one or more of a cruise line reservation system 60, an airline reservation system 62, a train reservation system 64, a bus reservation system 66, a rental car reservation system 68, and an accommodation reservation system 70. One or more of these reservation systems may be accessed to retrieve travel information for a registered passenger associated with the TMI 128 of the registered passenger's profile 122. The accommodation reservation system 70 may be associated with a hotel, lodging facility, or vacation resort that may have a parking facility (PK) 71 associated therewith. The parking facility 71 may include a computing system that connects to a scanner 75. The scanner 75 may scan vehicle license plates to detect and register vehicles entering the parking lot or garage. Typically, the vehicle owner or user may be charged a parking fee for the parking lot or garage.

[0169] In some scenarios, parking facilities may use facial recognition technology to identify vehicle owners or users, with or without license plate scanning.

[0170] The TMI 128 may include travel memberships to a travel management system (TMS) 72, such as Travelocity®. The system 100 may access the reservation system of the TMS 72 to obtain reservations and build travel itineraries. A registered passenger may have multiple TMS accounts, such as a TMS 74 for a vacation rental online platform or online travel booking engine. The system 100 may access each travel membership to determine the occurrence of the current travel itinerary.

[0171] In an embodiment, the system 100 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, may access one or more reservation systems to obtain a PNR number or itinerary confirmation number associated with a mode of travel carrier and enable the web server 112 to update multi-mode travel carrier reservation data associated with the baggage journey of the baggage item for the current journey.

[0172] The MMBM programming module 120 may include a baggage journey record (BTJR) builder 150. The BTJR builder 150 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause a BTJR 154 to be generated for a registered passenger's baggage items. The BTJR 154 is created or constructed for a specific (current) journey based on a PNR number or itinerary confirmation number. For example, the BTJR 154 may include a PNR trigger 152 that may be entered by the registered passenger or received by the web server 112. Once the trigger is received, the programming instructions, when executed, cause a baggage manifest record 153 to be created for the current journey. An exemplary BTJR is described in connection with Figures 11A-11C. The trigger 152 may be received from a registered passenger when the registered passenger accesses their account and enters the current journey. In an embodiment, this may occur only upon registering the passenger and obtaining a global bag tag. In one or more embodiments, web server 112 can receive information regarding a booked travel itinerary (i.e., a PNR trigger) from either a reservation system associated with TMI 128 or a reservation system of TMS 72. For example, when a PNR number for a registered passenger in system 100 is generated by a reservation system associated with TMI 128 or TMS 72, a trigger can be sent to system 100 via web server 112.

[0173] The BTJR 154 may be based on whether the baggage item is being picked up at the registered passenger's home, office, or other designated location. The BTJR 154 may include a baggage journey location for the first trip leg, the second trip leg, and / or the end-to-end journey record. The baggage journey location may include a government-approved location, such as customs, and one or more security screening locations.

[0174] The BTJR Builder 150 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the BTJR 154 to load BSM data for baggage items associated with the registered passenger and any unregistered passengers associated with the PNR number with which the registered passenger is associated.

[0175] Additionally, for the current travel itinerary, the BTJR builder 150 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can communicate with the cruise line reservation system 60, the airline reservation system 62, the train reservation system 64, and the bus reservation system 66 based on the passenger name record (PNR) number 142 or an itinerary confirmation number associated with one or more of the reservation systems. The BTJR builder 150 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can retrieve travel details such as flight number, flight date, flight arrival and departure data from the airline reservation system 62. The BTJR builder 150 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can retrieve travel details such as, by way of non-limiting example, the cruise voyage number, voyage date and time, and cabin number. The programming instructions can store the passenger's reservation in the passenger reservation database 121. The baggage travel details may be matched to the passenger's reservation. However, a passenger may have specific instructions that make the specific routing of the baggage item independent of the passenger's routing.

[0176] The BTJR builder 150 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can access reservations from a reservation system by accessing at least one travel membership number of a registered passenger associated with the TMI 128. The system 100 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can automatically search for a reservation associated with a travel membership number, since the travel membership number's reservation system can store reservations for one or more establishments. For example, a passenger may have a flight or travel mode reservation, such as to Orlando, Florida, and may have a travel membership with, for example, Hilton® Corporation. The BTJR builder 150 via the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can automatically query the Hilton® Corporation's reservation system to find a reservation that matches the travel dates booked under the registered passenger name 143. However, if no such reservation is found, the system may send a communication to the passenger via email, phone, or text to determine whether other reservations have been booked. A passenger may have a travel membership with multiple accommodations. The BTJR Builder 150 via the web server 112 can include programming instructions that, when executed, can query a lodging reservation system with a travel membership number of record for reservations in Orlando, Florida within a travel slot. The BTJR Builder 150 via the web server 112 can also include programming instructions that, when executed, can look for reservations within a specific radius of a travel mode, such as an airline, cruise line, bus stop, or train station, for registered passengers in a travel slot.

[0177] The BTJR Builder 150 via the web server 112 may contain programming instructions that, when executed, may communicate with any reservation system for any travel vehicle identified in the registered passenger's profile 122 .

[0178] Use of a travel membership to access reservations provides the system with address and contact information for many accommodations associated with a single travel membership number, limiting the need to enter or remember accommodation addresses for a particular travel itinerary.

[0179] MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause baggage check-in module 155 to check in baggage based on the pick up from home process as described in FIG. 6A and the return home process using the return travel segment as described in FIG. 6B-6C. Baggage check-in module 155 may access return flight data associated with a PNR number or itinerary confirmation number. Baggage check-in module 155 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause baggage items to be checked in in the manner of a transportation carrier, such as an airline, for the outbound flight and / or the return flight.

[0180] A passenger may check in for an airline flight using a mobile communication device or computing device. In some cases, baggage items for a passenger cannot be checked in unless the passenger is checked in. In one or more embodiments, MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause passenger check-in module 163 to check in the passenger described in FIG. 10B. Passenger check-in module 163 may access return flight data associated with a PNR number or itinerary confirmation number.

[0181] The MMBM programming module 120 can include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the origin bag tag receiver 170 to receive an origin bag tag (O-BT) image 171 of a registered passenger origin bag tag license plate issued by an airline. A passenger can capture the O-BT image 171 of their bag tag license plate on an origin bag tag issued by an airline counter agent or the license plate on a marker sticker on their ticket jacket. The passenger can send the image to the system 100's web server 112 using a mobile communication device, laptop, notebook, or another computing device with a built-in camera and internet, Wi-Fi, or wireless connectivity. The received image can be used, for example, to digitally create an A-BTI and access an Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) or another B-type message. The printed A-BTI can be digitally created using optical character recognition to convert the printed text of the A-BTI into the machine-coded text of the IATA license plate number. Alternatively, the passenger's mobile device may have a GUI that guides the user to scan the IATA barcode to digitally create machine-encoded text of the IATA license plate number that is sent to the web server 112.

[0182] The MMBM programming module 120 can include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the GTE-BSM link module 173 to use the digitally generated IATA license plate number from the O-BT image 171 to link the GTE-BSM 141 with an airline BSM from an airline, for example. The airline BSM (A-BSM) can populate various fields of data described in connection with FIG. 8. Data from the origin A-BSM can be merged into fields of the GTE-BSM that are not populated with permanent information.

[0183] The GTE-BSM link module 173 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can link together other messages of the registered passenger associated with the PNR number of the current journey and / or the travel mode of the current journey for the unregistered passenger associated with the PNR number. The GTE-BSM link module 173 may include programming instructions that, when executed, can link information in the registered passenger profile 122 to the GTE-BSM so that when the registered passenger's global baggage tag or IATA license plate number is scanned and the P-BTI on the global baggage tag or printed A-BTI is electronically created, the registered passenger's travel information can be accessed for at least one of the following: a) check in the registered passenger for a return flight, b) check in the registered passenger for a moving vehicle, c) obtain information for delivering the baggage item to its next scheduled location, d) obtain information for moving the baggage item concurrently and independently of its owner, and e) obtain baggage location information. For unregistered passengers, scanning the A-BTI on an IATA bag tag provides access to location data and other information based on the link to the P-BTI of registered passengers.

[0184] The programming instructions for the GTE-BSM link module 173 will become more apparent based on the description of FIG. 9B.

[0185] MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause baggage journey booking tracker 175 to track reservation details to determine updates to any reservation fields. Baggage journey booking tracker 175 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause travel update log 177 to update travel update log 177 with baggage item movements, such as when a global bag tag 230 is scanned. For example, a departure time may change.

[0186] The baggage journey reservation tracker 175 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the messaging unit 178 to communicate status messages to the system, the computing devices of system personnel, and / or the passenger's designated communication device. The messaging unit 178 may provide a passenger with a message regarding a departure change or a change in the status of the owner's baggage item's location. In another example, the status of a room at an accommodation may change from unavailable to available. The messaging unit 178 may provide a passenger with a message regarding the availability of a room. For example, the room may be in the process of being serviced or cleaned and not ready for passenger occupancy. For a travel mode, a flight may have a gate change at an airport. The messaging unit 178 may provide a passenger with a message regarding a gate change or a change in the status of any travel vehicle for the passenger's flight.

[0187] The baggage journey booking tracker 175 may include programming instructions that, when executed, may periodically check the booking status of the booking associated with the journey record. For example, the baggage journey booking tracker 175 may check the journey record for lodging booking updates. In one or more embodiments, the lodging booking may be based on information obtained from a reservation system associated with the registered passenger's lodging travel membership. The baggage journey booking tracker 175 may obtain travel modality updates, such as, for example, airline gate changes, train stations, lodging rooms, cancellations, etc.

[0188] In one or more embodiments, web server 112 can include programming instructions that, when executed, activate baggage journey booking tracker 175 during a baggage journey. A messaging component 178 of baggage journey booking tracker 175 can communicate baggage handling information regarding the transfer of the baggage item from the passenger to a baggage delivery resource to the passenger's mobile communication device. This can include communicating an acknowledgment or receipt to the passenger via messaging component 178 that their baggage item has been picked up. If the baggage item is not checked in with the airline at this time, an electronic receipt with the airline's IATA bag tag number is electronically communicated to the passenger's mobile communication or computing device by messaging component 178 when the baggage item is later checked in with the airline via baggage check-in module 155.

[0189] In one or more embodiments, the web server 112 may include programming instructions that, when executed, activate the baggage journey reservation tracker 175 during a baggage journey to communicate to the passenger's mobile communication device any changes to the reservation information related to the delivery of the baggage item to the specified location, which may include informing the passenger that their baggage item has been delivered to their room.

[0190] Messaging unit 178 may send, for example, a text message or an email.

[0191] The MMBM programming module 120 can include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the baggage recovery manager 180 to electronically locate and recover lost baggage items and manage the rerouting of found baggage items. As described in more detail in connection with FIGS. 13A, 13B, and 14, baggage items can become lost, missing, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled after being deposited in a moving vehicle. The system 100 is configured to find and locate abnormal baggage items, keep passengers informed of their current status, and cooperate with the moving vehicle to expedite the transport of found baggage items and meet the passenger on their current route. The current route can be based on the passenger's current reservation information stored in the passenger reservation database 121.

[0192] The package recovery manager 180 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the package finder 181 to locate abnormal package items.

[0193] In one or more embodiments, for example, those baggage items with assigned / registered tracking devices 40 can be located using location data 984 (FIG. 9B) stored in trip history 184. In one or more embodiments, system 100 can receive, access, and / or store, from a computer system associated with an air travel agency, type B messages for passengers registered with the air travel agency today and associated unregistered trips. The type B messages (FIG. 1B) for those passengers in master travel manifest 109 can be stored in type B message database 107 (FIG. 1B). As a non-limiting example, a mishandled or rerouted baggage item may be a delayed baggage item.

[0194] If a baggage item is determined to be missing, lost, rerouted, or mishandled, the baggage route data analyzer 182 can search and sort data from one or more Type B messages in the Type B message database 107 or tracking device data in the travel history 184 to find data representing locations, airports, or other indicators for finding and retrieving the baggage item by determining the route taken by the baggage item.

[0195] A lost or unidentified baggage item may be determined by a specific type of B-type message, such as a Baggage Not Seen Message (BNS). This message may be generated when it is determined that a baggage item was not loaded (seen) on the same plane as the passenger. However, by way of a non-limiting example, an abnormal baggage item cannot be determined until a baggage handler or passenger takes possession of the baggage item after it is supposed to have arrived at the airport. The B-type message database 107 may contain messages with data from the BHS 63B, which can be used to identify the current or last scanned location of an IATA bag tag on the baggage item. For example, a baggage item with an IATA bag tag matching a passenger name in the master movement manifest 109 may have been scanned at an airport other than the expected final destination airport for the passenger and / or baggage item. In another example, the baggage item may have been scanned at the same airport as the passenger's departure flight after the flight departed the airport and has not been scanned since. As can be appreciated, there are numerous scenarios of how baggage items can become lost, and describing every possible scenario would be prohibitive.

[0196] Alternatively, or in addition, tracking device data in travel history 184 may be used to determine the location of a baggage item.

[0197] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause a travel history tracker 183 to generate and store a member's travel history 184, including data for travel itineraries including flights, rental cars, accommodations, other travel modes, etc. The travel history data may be analyzed for data statistics to improve baggage allocation. The travel history data may be used to push advertisements based on the registered passenger's travel history data. In one or more embodiments, the advertisements may be based on data analysis of the registered passenger's travel history data for the current travel itinerary. Data from the travel history tracker 183 may be used for data analysis to predict future resource scheduling. Data from the travel history tracker 183 may be used for data analysis based on the exit BSM data linked to the passenger's history data to predict future business volume local to the airport.

[0198] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, may cause registered passengers to receive advertisements, for example, via an advertising application programming interface (API) 185 for communication to the messaging module 178 or other communication modules for pushing advertisements to registered passengers based on current travel data (i.e., the BTJR 154) and / or data in the member's travel history 184. The travel history 184 data may be used by the travel member's company to offer member perks or discounts. The BTJR 154 may be used by a business to prepare advertisements for registered passengers to restaurants, venues, hotels, or other establishments for passengers traveling to or passing through locations within a radius of the location identified in the BTJR 154. For example, the BTJR 154 may identify lodging facilities. Restaurants within a certain radius of or near the lodging location may offer discounts to registered passengers. Entertainment venues may offer advertisements for special events or special meals for times when passengers are likely to be in the area with or without discounts. Other accommodations may offer advertisements as well. Advertisements may be sent via social media platforms linked to accounts associated with passengers on their mobile communication devices or personal computing devices. The BTJR 154 may be linked to the GTE-BSM (FIG. 9B).

[0199] Advertisements can be sent to messaging 178 via advertising API 185 to communicate advertisements to passengers' mobile communication devices via text or another computing device. Advertisements may also be sent via email via messaging 178 or another communication module. Advertisements may also be sent as a window overlay within an application being viewed by passengers interacting with their mobile communication devices or personal computing devices.

[0200] The MMBM programming module 120 may include programming instructions that, when executed, cause the baggage tracker registration module 190 to register or assign wireless trackers attached to baggage items. A tracker (i.e., a tracking device) may have a tracking device identifier (ID) stored on the tracker or tracking device.

[0201] The baggage item may also be fitted with a global bag tag. In one or more embodiments, the baggage item may be equipped with a wireless tracking device 40 (FIG. 1A) provided by the passenger. By way of non-limiting example, the wireless tracking device 40 may be a tracking device that can include an accelerometer (ACC) and / or gyroscope 1282 (FIG. 12), a global positioning system (GPS) 1280 (FIG. 12), and / or an inertial navigation unit (INU) 1284 (FIG. 12) to determine its own location, and such location may be transmitted to a travel history tracker 183 where the received geographic location of the baggage item is recorded. The wireless tracking device 40 may have a unique identifier, such as a registered serial number, a media access control (MAC) address, or another assigned unique identifier. The wireless tracking device 40 may also be programmed with a unique identifier of the passenger and / or baggage item, such as a passenger name, a PNR number, a super PNR number, an IATA license plate number, a portion of data from a B-type message, or any combination thereof. The wireless tracking device 40 can be programmed with the GMMT bag tag number.

[0202] The wireless tracking device 40 may be an AIRTAG by APPLE Inc., a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker, a Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) tracker, a GSM-5G tracker, a Wi-Fi enabled communication device, a BLUETOOTH® Low Energy (BLE) device, a BLUETOOTH enabled communication device, a short-range RF communication device, and / or a long-range communication device using a compatible wireless communication protocol.

[0203] The wireless tracking device 40 can be configured for short-range communication, such as, but not limited to, WI-FI, BLUETOOTH Low Energy (BLE), and BLUETOOTH. Mobile vehicles, carrier stations, and other public infrastructure can include remote network devices that can connect to the wireless tracking device 40.

[0204] In one or more embodiments, the wireless tracking device 40 may be temporarily assigned to a baggage item by a processor of the MMBM system 100. In one or more embodiments, the wireless tracking device 40 may be permanently assigned by a processor of the MMBM system 100. In one or more embodiments, the wireless tracking device 40 may be assigned by a computer system associated with the airline.

[0205] The wireless tracking device 40 may include long-range communication devices such as, but not limited to, AIRTAG by APPLE Inc., Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers, Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM) trackers, and GSM-5G trackers, and may communicate with cellular, satellite, and GSM communication service providers. The geographic location signal may be transmitted to a web server 112 or other designated computing device for access by a travel history tracker 183, where the received geographic location of the baggage item is recorded. In one or more embodiments, the long-range communication device may also be configured to communicate using a short-range communication protocol.

[0206] The wireless tracking device 40 may be used to track its location during travel using any travel modality or the following travel modalities using long-range or short-range communication, depending on the configuration of the wireless tracking device 40.

[0207] The system 100 can include a capture device 195 (i.e., scanning device, mobile communication device, video-enabled computing device, RF communication device) that can scan IATA compliant license plates, including originating hard copy bag tags, global bag tags, marker tags, bingo tags, RFID displays, etc. The capture device 195 can provide a geolocation code in a communication that includes a digitally created bag tag identifier (BTI) (i.e., A-BTI or P-BTI).

[0208] As a non-limiting example, the acquisition device 195 can communicate a registered serial number, Media Access Control (MAC) address, or other unique identifier to the web server 112 of the system 100. The acquisition device 195 can electronically acquire a representation of the GMMT bag tag number on the substrate at a location associated with the location data derived by the acquisition device 195. The acquisition device 195 may be, for example, a computing device or another computing system configured to generate electronic communications to the web server 112. The communications may include tracking information, which may include Global Positioning System (GPS) location data associated with the acquisition device 195, a time, a date, and the GMMT bag tag number. The system 100 can record the tracking information, including the current location of the baggage item, in the trip update log 177.

[0209] Permanent Bag Tag Identifier (P-BTI) Generation 2A illustrates a flowchart of a method 200 for generating a Permanent Bag Tag Identifier (P-BTI) according to an embodiment. The method 200 may include generating, by a processor, a P-BTI generator 133 or permanent unique identifier or permanent license plate (P-LP) 136 that is compatible with an IATA license plate, at block 202. Both a number and a barcode may be created at block 202.

[0210] Method 200 may include determining, by the processor, whether travel membership information (TMI) is present, at block 204. If the determination at block 204 is yes, method 200 may include retrieving, by the processor, the TMI, at block 206. Method 200 may include generating, by the processor, a PMM code 138 based on the TMI, at 208.

[0211] Method 200 may include, at block 210, determining, by the processor, whether there is another travel membership listed in the travel membership information. If the determination at block 210 is "yes," the method may return to block 206. Blocks 206, 208, and 210 may be repeated for one or more travel members in the travel membership information. If the determination at block 210 is "no," method 200 may include, by the processor, assembling a P-BTI.

[0212] If the determination at block 204 is "no," the method 200 may loop to block 212, where a P-BTI is assembled by the processor.

[0213] The method 200 may include, in block 214, determining by a processor whether the registered passenger has another baggage item. If the determination is "no" in block 214, the method 200 may include, in block 216, setting by the processor the first P-BTI as the main BTI. If the determination is "yes" in block 214, the method 200 may include, in block 216, setting by the processor the first P-BTI as the main BTI. The same P-BTI may be used for multiple baggage items for the registered passenger. The baggage items may be virtually linked using an image of the second baggage item stored in the registered passenger's profile 122.

[0214] FIG. 2B illustrates a global bag tag 230 with a permanent bag tag identifier (P-BTI) according to an embodiment. The global bag tag 230 can include, for example, a P-BTI 236 that complies with IATA rules. The P-BTI 236 can be a 10-digit license plate with an adjacent barcode 240. In this example, the digits "000" are used as an airline code, such as a code for a non-flying airline. Other codes for non-flying airlines may also be used. Additionally, if the P-BTI is assigned by an airline, its IATA airline code is used. The digit "7" is a leading digit used in IATA license plate numbers, but is not limited to this. The digits "123456" can represent a permanent passenger baggage identification number.

[0215] License plates may be expanded to include other numbers. In this example, the two-digit letter code "TT" in P-BTI236' may represent a two-letter airline code for a non-flying airline. The numbers "123456" represent a permanent passenger baggage number. P-BTI236' may also be a 10-digit license plate with an adjacent barcode 240'.

[0216] The PMM code 238 uses the digit "AAA" which is only representative to represent the difference between the P-BTI 236 or 236' and the PMM code 238. The PMM code 238 can have a barcode 242 or a QR code. The PMM code can use other encoding methods such as alphanumeric code digits of 1 to 10 digits in length, such as 1 to 3 digits, 1 to 5 digits, and 1 to 8 digits.

[0217] When creating a P-BTI, a two-digit airline code or a three-digit code may be associated with the airline code if the airline is not flying. In other embodiments, the two-digit carrier code may be a code assigned by IATA or other regulatory body that assigns carrier codes to airlines or other entities. The global bag tag 230 may include a passenger name 246 associated with the registered passenger to whom the P-BTI is assigned for repeated use across multiple airlines and multiple flights. The P-BTI may be readable by the airport infrastructure's BHS 63B, but more importantly, it can be read if the origin bag tag or other airline bag tagging system is damaged or lost.

[0218] According to one or more embodiments, the P-BTI may include a code representing the issuer of the GMMT bag tag number 250. The code may be associated with an airline, a non-flying airline, or a baggage handling service.

[0219] The GMMT bag tag number 250 may include a two-letter airline code and six digits or a three-digit airline code and six digits. The six digits represent the passenger bag number. In one or more embodiments, the passenger bag number conceals the passenger's personal information. As IATA license plate numbers expand, GMMT bag tag numbers may also expand. For example, a two-letter airline code code may be developed. A three-digit airline code numeric code may expand over time. The six digits of the passenger bag number may be expanded in length, or both alphanumeric characters and numbers may be used instead of simply numbers.

[0220] The computing device or web server 112 can communicate with a printing device or other machine to form a GMMT code representation on the substrate 233 that represents the GMMT bag tag number 250. The GMMT code representation can include an IATA license plate number and an IATA barcode representing the license plate number. The GMMT code representation can include a PMM code that can include a PMM number and a PMM barcode representing the PMM number.

[0221] In one or more embodiments, the global bag tag 230 can include a tracking device 40', shown as a dashed circle. In this example, the global bag tag 230 can include a housing with an enclosure for enclosing the tracking device 40'. The tracking device 40' can include a patch antenna. The GPS-5G tracking device can connect to one or more range-adaptive radio frequency networks for cell tower positioning, Wi-Fi positioning, Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) positioning, and Bluetooth low energy.

[0222] The tracking device may be configured to connect to an ad-hoc connection, such as when WI-FI or cellular towers are unavailable.

[0223] FIG. 2C shows a flowchart of a method 270 for forming a global bag tag according to an embodiment.

[0224] The method 270 may include generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number 250 for the registered passenger's baggage item.

[0225] The GMMT bag tag number 250 may include a permanently assigned license plate that complies with IATA regulations, either renewable or expiring after a predetermined validity period or upon death, at block 272. The predetermined validity period may range from 1 month to 1 year, 1 month to 3 years, 1 month to 5 years, 10 years, 1 month to 20 years, or upon death.

[0226] The method 270 may include, at block 274, generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) 900 including the GMMT bag tag number 250 and the passenger name of the registered passenger.

[0227] The method 270 may include, at block 276, forming, by a printing device, a GMMT code indicia representing the GMMT bag tag number 250 on a substrate 233 affixed to the baggage item to form a global bag tag 230 (FIG. 2B).

[0228] Tracking Devices - Geographic Location It is estimated that 684,000 pieces of luggage were lost or mishandled by major U.S. airlines in the first quarter of 2022 [Jake Hardiman and Anita Gallagher, “Luggage items – Why & How Often Does Luggage Get Lost?”, updated May 22, 2023, www.simpleflying.com / why-and-how-often-does-luggage-get-lost / .] Many attempts have been made to track luggage, but these have failed for various reasons.

[0229] While RFID bag tags can be used to track baggage items along their route through an airport, this solution presents two challenges. The first challenge is that every airport would need to be retrofitted with RFID receivers, and every bag tag would need to be RFID-enabled. This solution is very expensive, and it would take years to upgrade every airport to be able to track the baggage of millions of passengers with RFID technology. The second challenge is that RFID technology may be limited to the airport infrastructure and cannot provide extended baggage tracking outside the airport or in a multi-travel modality structure.

[0230] Another tracking feature is a user tracking device. A user can use various tracking devices that interface with the user's mobile communication device to, for example, display the location of a baggage item on a map. However, this type of tracking has been known to pose challenges for users and airports to correlate locations within the airport infrastructure when using Google Maps or another road map layout. In some cases, a passenger needs to quickly identify the location of a baggage item before moving on to another mode of travel. Another challenge is the ability of a user-based tracking device to communicate when underground, such as when being processed through the airport infrastructure.

[0231] In one or more embodiments, the global bag tag 230 may include a tracking device 40'.

[0232] In one or more embodiments, a tracking device may be configured to perform multiple modes or functions.

[0233] 3A shows a flowchart of a method 300A for assigning a tracking device 40 and initiating tracking of a baggage item, according to an embodiment. Method 300A may include, at block 302A, attaching the tracking device 40 to a baggage item. Method 300A may include, at block 304A, assigning, by a processor, the tracking device 40 to the baggage item. The assigning may include programming, by the processor, the tracking device having at least one of a PNR number, an IATA license plate number, or a GMMT bag tag number in memory. In an example, the assigning may include programming, by the processor, the tracking device with BSM information including the reference indicator. The assigning may include programming, by the processor, the tracking device with a tracking device ID or receiving, by the processor, the tracking device ID from the tracking device.

[0234] The tracking device may be programmed with or configured to receive a travel authorization number. For example, in one or more embodiments, the travel authorization number may include a PNR number. For example, in one or more embodiments, the travel authorization number may include an IATA license plate number. For example, the travel authorization number may include a GMMT bag tag number in one or more embodiments.

[0235] However, in operation, the travel application number (information) may be received by the tracking device after assignment or configuration, as described below in connection with Figures 16A-16E and 17A-17D.

[0236] Block 304A may include, at block 306A, determining by the processor whether the tracking device 40 is remotely assigned. For example, the tracking device may be assigned by a baggage handling service that picks up the baggage item from the passenger's or traveler's home or other designated address and transports the baggage item to an airport or another mobile vehicle. If the determination at block 306A is "no," the path from block 306A may end at block 307A. If the determination at block 306A is "yes," method 300A may include, at block 312A, obtaining BSM information from the airline. The BSM information may be from the BSM of the originating airline. The BSM information may be from a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM), which links the baggage item's Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number with one of a PNR number or an IATA license plate number. However, the airline BSM information may be available if the passenger has checked in with the airline using a personal computing device or mobile communication device. In an example, the tracking device can be remotely programmed with itinerary information, which can include a PNR number, reservation number, or other itinerary confirmation number from the travelling vehicle's itinerary.

[0237] Method 300A may include, at block 308A, determining by the processor whether the tracking device 40 is assigned from the destination airport / location. If the determination at block 308A is "no," the method from block 308A may end at block 307A. If the determination at block 308A is "yes," method 300A may include, for example, at block 314A, obtaining BSM information from an exit BSM by the processor. The BSM may be an airline exit BSM. The tracking device may also be programmed with the information described in connection with block 312A. In embodiments, the tracking device may be offered as a service to passengers, as a reward for frequently purchasing cruises or staying at a particular hotel (i.e., moving vehicle).

[0238] Block 304A may include, at block 310A, determining by a processor of system 100 whether a tracking device 40 has been assigned by the originating airport. If the determination at block 310A is "no," the method from block 310A may end at block 311A. If the determination at block 310A is "yes," method 300A may include, for example, at block 316A, obtaining A-BSM information from the originating airline BSM by the processor. In an example, an airline may offer a tracking device for a travel journey as a service to a passenger. The travel journey may be one-way or round-trip. The tracking device may be assigned at a counter by an airline agent. In another embodiment, the tracking device may be offered as a service to a passenger at another time, such as as a reward for frequent flying. In another embodiment, the tracking device may be offered as a service to a passenger for always flying first class.

[0239] Block 304A may include loading, by the processor in block 318A, the BSM information or information obtained in one of blocks 312A, 314A, or 316A into the tracking device during the allocation process.

[0240] In an example, the loaded information from the BSM may include the IATA license plate number of each baggage item associated with a registered passenger. In an example, the loaded information from the BSM includes the IATA license plate numbers of baggage items associated with unregistered passengers that share the same PNR number. If the airline computing system assigns a tracking device, the tracking device is loaded into a processor associated with the airline's computer system. In an example, the processor may be a processor of system 100.

[0241] In an example, the method 300A may include, at block 320A, loading, by a processor of the system 100, tracking device information into the GTE-BSM.

[0242] In an example, the method 300A may include, at block 322A, loading, by the processor, the tracking device information into a B-type message. The B-type message may be a BPM, BCM, BTM, or other IATA B-type compliant message. The B-type message may be generated by the system 100 or another designated entity or computer system associated with the airline or airport. The tracking device information may include a tracking device ID. The tracking device ID may be permanent or may be assigned.

[0243] B-type messages carrying information related to tracking devices may be used by baggage handling systems to recognize tracking devices and signals emanating from such tracking devices within the baggage handling system. B-type messages carrying information related to tracking devices may be used within security screening areas to recognize authorized tracking devices within the area.

[0244] In an example, method 300A may include, at block 324A, initiating tracking of the baggage item with the tracking device by a processor of system 100 or other computer system designated for tracking. For example, an airline may have a designated computer system for tracking tracking devices on baggage items.

[0245] In an example, the method 300A may include, at block 326A, locating, by the tracking device, an available wireless communication platform for establishing a communication connection. The tracking device may include a GPS-GSM communication device configured to receive Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signals. The tracking device may be configured to communicate with a Wi-Fi wireless communication platform, a Bluetooth wireless communication platform, a Long Term Evolution (LTE) wireless communication platform, a cellular wireless communication platform, a GSM-5G wireless communication platform, a long-range communication platform, a short-range communication platform, a radio frequency identification communication platform, and a short-range communication platform. In one or more embodiments, the tracking device may establish a wireless RF communication connection using an ad hoc protocol or connect with an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The tracking device may be configured to communicate using one of the wireless communication platforms and transmit location information to a network interface of a computing system.

[0246] In an example, the method 300A may include, at block 328A, obtaining location information by the tracking device, and, at block 330A, transmitting, by the tracking device, the location information via an available wireless communication connectivity platform.

[0247] The tracking device may include an inertial navigation system (INS) for environments where a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) is not present. In environments where a GNSS is not present, the acquired location information may be obtained from an INS. The tracking device may include a global positioning system (GPS) unit. If available, the tracking device may include other location determination protocols or location-derivable locations based on the location of surrounding devices, such as IoT devices, BLUETOOTH-enabled, or RF access points. IoT devices, BLUETOOTH-enabled, or RF access points may be found, for example, in hotels, cruise ships, airports, restaurants, stores, and buildings. RF access points may support various RF communication platforms, including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi or GSM-5G communication protocols.

[0248] If underground, the tracking device may use a mobile ad-hoc communication protocol as the airport staff device may be an ad-hoc node for distributing location information from underground to either a wired or wireless communication network above ground.

[0249] The location information can be transmitted to a network interface of a computing system associated with at least one processor of the system 100, a computer system designated to track the tracking device, or a computer system associated with an airline or other moving vehicle. The location information can include location coordinate data of the tracking device and information loaded from the BSM.

[0250] In addition to providing location information, the tracking device can operate in other modes to interact with devices in moving vehicles, including but not limited to kiosks, RFID receivers, baggage handling systems, passenger mobile communication devices, etc.

[0251] By way of non-limiting example, the tracking device may be collected or removed at the end of a travel segment, such as the end of a flight, the end of a cruise, the end of a lodging stay, etc. After removal, the tracking device may be reprogrammed for a different baggage item of a different passenger, for example, to be reused for a travel mode.

[0252] In one or more embodiments, a tracking device may be assigned to an entire trip that includes multiple modes of travel, and at the end of the trip, the detached tracking device may be reprogrammed to a different luggage item for a different passenger, for example, for reuse during the entire trip.

[0253] 3B shows a flowchart of a method 300B for tracking baggage items, according to an embodiment. Method 300B may include determining whether a baggage tracking device is present (i.e., wireless tracking device 40). If the determination at block 302B is "no," method 300B may end at block 303B. If the determination at block 302B is "yes," method 300B may include entering the registered passenger's baggage tracking device information into the registered passenger's profile at block 304B.

[0254] Method 300B may include, at block 306B, determining whether the passenger is on a current leg of travel. If the determination at block 306B is "no," method 300B may return to the start of block 306B. If the determination at block 306B is "yes," method 300B may, at block 308B, obtain geolocation data by a baggage tracking device on the baggage item. Method 300B may include, at 310B, recording the obtained geolocation data in a travel history tracker.

[0255] Contactless Parking 4A shows a flowchart of a method 400 for contactless parking payment, according to an embodiment. The system 100 may allow registered passengers (i.e., registered users) to store data in their registered passenger profile 122, which enables contactless parking payment when the registered user drives a vehicle to a hotel, resort, or lodging facility.

[0256] Currently, parking lots allow users to pay for parking in advance by exiting their vehicle and paying at a dedicated payment machine or kiosk. However, there may be long lines waiting to use the payment machine. In other instances, users feel uneasy when they are in the dark or in an unknown location. Furthermore, at other times, the machine may malfunction or the user's payment method may not be accepted for various reasons. In consideration of these reasons, users can download an application for the parking lot to pay for parking. However, each parking lot owned by a different company may require a different application to be downloaded to the mobile device. This may be even more difficult if the user is an out-of-town traveler who does not have direct knowledge of the parking lot / garage owner to obtain the application.

[0257] Parking can be more difficult when popular events are held at the venue. Nearby parking lots and garages can fill up quickly. Finding available parking can be difficult because a person may have to move from one floor to another to find that a parking space is unavailable. In one or more embodiments, a computing system at the parking lot or garage can send information representing available parking to a processor of system 100.

[0258] The method 400 may include, at block 402, determining whether a registered user has signed up for the contactless parking payment service in a registered user profile (i.e., registered passenger profile 122, FIGS. 1A-1B). The registered user profile may store a global multi-modal travel bag tag number associated with the registered user's luggage item.

[0259] If the determination at block 402 is "no," the method 400 may end at block 403. If the determination at block 402 is "yes," the method 400 may include, at block 404, entering a vehicle license plate number (VLPN) 196 of the registered passenger into the registered passenger profile 122 (i.e., registered user or registered traveler). The VLPN 196 may be entered using the passenger registration GUI 124. The method 400 may allow a user or traveler (i.e., passenger) to pre-register their vehicle for contactless parking payment services. However, the user or traveler may alternatively rent a car, as described below.

[0260] In one or more embodiments, a user may provide a license plate image of their vehicle's license plate, and the processor may use computer vision or machine learning algorithms to convert the digits into machine-encoded, readable text and store the text digits as a registered VLPN.

[0261] For example, a registered user may be traveling to a hotel, resort, or lodging facility in their vehicle. The hotel, resort, or lodging facility may have a vehicle license plate scanner that determines the vehicle's entry into the parking lot. System 100 may allow the user to pay for parking without having to use a credit card or validate a parking ticket with the hotel, resort, or lodging facility. The scanned license plate, read by scanner 75 (FIG. 1B) at a parking garage associated with the hotel, resort, or lodging facility or a vendor of the hotel, resort, or lodging facility, may then be transmitted to web server 112 for payment of the parking fee. In one or more embodiments, system 100 may offer discounts on parking fees or other member value points that can be transferred toward services provided directly or indirectly by system 100.

[0262] Method 400 may include, at block 406, determining whether the registered user has a reservation, such as by PNR number, or from TMI information received from a reservation system. The reservation may be for a hotel, a resort, or an accommodation, for example. The reservation may be for a rental car. For simplicity, in this example, "reservation" may also look for matching information that matches demographic information stored as PI129. Matching information may include information that may include historical data from past events attended or registered for via location data, hotel reservations, etc. Method 400 may include, at block 407, determining whether the registered user has a hotel reservation. If the determination is "no," method 400 may proceed to block 409.

[0263] In one or more embodiments, the TMI information may be received before or after the VPLN information is received from the parking system's computing device by a process of system 100 in block 406. PNR database 63C (FIG. 1B) may be accessed using the PNR number. In block 406, method 400 may include, by a processor of system 100, querying a hotel reservation system associated with the hotel company to determine whether a hotel reservation exists for the traveler. In one or more embodiments, in block 406, method 400 may include, by a processor of system 100, accessing stored PMM travel information stored in a traveler profile to obtain the reservation information. In block 406, method 400 may include, by a processor of system 100, querying demographic information, memberships, and travel history 184. In block 406, method 400 may include, by a processor of system 100, querying recent purchases of tickets to sporting events, entertainment events, conferences, trade shows, etc. The associated information from these purchases can be used to identify dates, locations, and time slots when parking sports may be required.

[0264] If the determination at block 406 is no, then at block 409, it may be determined whether the user has identified to track their location. If the determination at block 409 is no, then method 400 may end at block 403. If the determination at block 409 is yes, then method 400 may proceed to block 411, as described below. It should be appreciated that if the user provides permission at block 409 to track the location of their mobile communication device on any travel leg or locally to get to an event, then system 100 may be used to find parking, for example.

[0265] If the determination at block 407 is yes, the method 400 may include determining whether a rental car reservation was found at block 408. The rental car reservation may have been received from TMI information or from a query by a processor of the system 100. If the determination at block 408 is no, the method 400 may set the current VLPN to the VLPN stored in the registered passenger's profile 122 at block 410. If the determination at block 408 is yes, the method 400 may include receiving the rental car (RC) license plate number (LPN) at block 412. In one or more embodiments, it may be determined, for example, whether there is a match between a rental car reservation and a hotel reservation for the registered traveler during an overlapping time frame.

[0266] In one or more embodiments, the rental car license plate number may be received via a reservation system. In one or more embodiments, the rental car license plate number may be received by the system's processor from a registered user's or traveler's mobile communication device. The license plate may be registered under the contactless parking service feature. As a non-limiting example, a registered user may capture an image of the rental car's license plate and send it to system 100 for registration under the contactless parking service feature. Because this is a rental car, the use of the license plate may be valid for the duration of the rental car reservation (i.e., a window of time), for example.

[0267] The processor may, for example, use computer vision or machine vision algorithms to convert the digits in the image into machine-encoded, readable text. The text of the VLPN associated with the rental car may be stored in a registered passenger profile. Method 400 may include storing, by the processor, the digits of the registered VLPN associated with the rental car.

[0268] The method 400 may include, at block 414, setting the current VLPN to the rental car's (RC) license plate number (LPN).

[0269] The method 400 may include, at block 416, receiving, by the processor, information representative of the captured VLPN from a parking garage scanner 75 in communication with a computing device of the hotel, resort, or lodging facility's parking system.

[0270] In one or more embodiments, the parking garage may include a scanner for capturing the face of the vehicle driver. The computing system of the PK 71 may perform facial recognition to recognize and match the driver's identity. The computing system of the PK 71 may transmit facial identification information or an image to the processor of the system 100. In one or more embodiments, the computing system of the PK 71 may transmit information regarding the availability of parking spots to the system 100. For simplicity, the processor of the system 100 may communicate with the computing systems of other parking lots or parking garages to determine their availability. These parking lots and garages may enable contactless parking through the system 100 by communicating the VLPN, driver identification information, or facial image pursuant to contractual agreements.

[0271] At block 417, method 400 may include determining, by a processor of system 100, whether there is a match with a VLPN and / or face (i.e., identifying information) stored in profile 122. If the determination at block 417 is yes, method 400 may proceed to block 418. At block 418, method 400 may include notifying the user of the match via the user's mobile communication device. In this case, the amount of the parking fee may also be sent to the user.

[0272] Method 400 may include, at block 420, debiting or charging the registered passenger's (i.e., user's) account (i.e., credit card or banking information) using a payment method recorded in the passenger's profile 122 by a processor of system 100. Method 400 may include, at block 422, paying the hotel, resort, lodging facility, or corresponding parking facility 71 (FIG. 1B) by a processor of system 100. Block 422 may include having a financial institution transmit funds via a bank Automated Clearing House (ACH) network to an account for the hotel, resort, lodging facility, or corresponding parking facility 71 (FIG. 1B). Alternatively, method 400 may record the usage of the service and the amount of the parking fee.

[0273] If the determination at block 417 is "no," method 400 may proceed to block 424, where the traveler may be notified of the match via their mobile communication device. Method 400 may proceed from block 417 to block 403, where the process may end.

[0274] Returning to block 411, the system 100, with the user's permission, can track the location of the user's mobile communication device. The GUI of the system 100, in block 411, can allow the system to find parking for an event, etc., automatically or at the user's request.

[0275] At block 413, method 400 may include, by a processor of system 100, identifying a parking location (i.e., a parking lot or garage). Identifying the location of the parking spot may include causing the processor of the system to display the location on a map displayed on a display screen that displays the current location of the user's mobile communication device. The processor of system 100 may use the current location data of the mobile communication device to indicate the proximity of the parking spot and directions to the parking spot. In one or more embodiments, the processor of system 100 may use the current location data of the mobile communication device to indicate the proximity of multiple parking spots and directions to the parking spots. The multiple parking spots may be ranked by proximity to the user's current location. The multiple parking spots may be ranked by proximity to the location of an event. The multiple parking spots may be ranked by parking fee. Metadata such as proximity data, parking fee, and directions may be overlaid on the map.

[0276] 4B shows a flowchart of a method 430 for accessing B-type messages for travelers using contactless parking payment, according to an embodiment. The B-type messages may be generated by the BHS 63B (FIG. 1B) and stored, for example, on a computing system associated with the airline on which the passenger is traveling. In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may receive the B-type messages and sort the messages based on a master movement manifest.

[0277] In one or more embodiments, the method 430 may include, at block 432, matching the B-type message to a registered passenger in the master movement manifest 109 with a registered passenger record created by a processor of the system 100 from the profile 122 of the passenger registered for multi-modal movement management. The B-type message may be stored in the B-type message database 107. In this case, the match may include a match to at least any of the following: passenger name, PNR number, or IATA bag tag number. For example, the passenger may not be using a baggage handling service and may not be transporting their own baggage. In one or more embodiments, the passenger may allow the baggage handling service to bring their baggage items to the cruise ship for transportation or special handling while staying at a hotel overnight or more before embarking on the voyage.

[0278] Method 430 may include determining, by a processor of system 100, at block 434, that the B-type message is a baggage source message originating from a departure to a destination airport. If the determination at block 434 is "no," method 430 ends at block 436.

[0279] If the determination is "yes" at block 434, the B-type message indicates that the baggage item has completed its journey from the perspective of the current airport. However, the registered passenger may have hotel reservations and / or rental car reservations and may be traveling independently of their baggage item. The reservations may have been obtained from a corresponding reservation computing system or by querying a computing system using PMM information. In this case, method 430 may loop to FIG. 4A to determine at block 402 whether the registered passenger is registered for contactless parking payment.

[0280] The method of FIG. 4B can be used for travelers using an airline segment followed by a hotel stay. The method of FIG. 4A may be used alone, such as when a traveler uses their own car or rental car to travel along a segment to a hotel, resort, or lodging. A master manifest may include one or more master manifests. A master manifest may include a manifest for travelers traveling by airline. A master manifest may include a manifest for travelers traveling by train. A master manifest may include a manifest for travelers traveling by bus. A master manifest may include a manifest for travelers traveling by ground vehicle, such as a rental car. A master manifest may include a manifest for travelers booking lodging, a cruise ship, or other moving vehicle.

[0281] Baggage Inventory Record 5 illustrates a flowchart of a method 500 for generating and / or updating a baggage manifest record according to an embodiment. The method 500 may include, at block 502, capturing, by at least one electronic capture device, a representation of a substrate Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code representation associated with a permanent bag tag on a first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger. The GMMT code representation may be compatible with an IATA license plate.

[0282] The method 500 may include, at block 504, accessing, by the processor, a GTE-BSM including the passenger name record (PNR) number of the registered passenger using a unique identifier representing the created digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with the multi-mode baggage handling service.

[0283] The method 500 may, at block 506, include retrieving, by the processor, reservation information for a travel segment having the travel mode for the registered passenger from a computing system associated with the travel mode based on the PNR number.

[0284] In one or more embodiments, block 506 may include, by the processor, using information associated with the PNR number to retrieve check-in information for the registered passenger's return travel segment with the specified return travel carrier. A manifest record may be populated with check-in information for the return travel segment of the retrieved trip.

[0285] In one or more embodiments, the step of block 506 may include retrieving, by the processor, reservation information for the travel segment having the travel mode for the registered passenger from a computing system associated with the travel mode based on the PNR number.

[0286] The steps in block 506 may include one or more of: querying, by a processor, a reservation system associated with an airline for the destination airport location of the baggage journey; querying, by a processor, a reservation system associated with a hotel company for the hotel reservation location for the baggage journey; and querying, by a processor, a reservation system associated with a cruise line company for the cruise reservation location for the baggage journey. The querying of the reservation system for the PMM journey information and any discovered reservation data can be used to construct the baggage journey record shown in Figures 11A-11C.

[0287] The step of block 506 may include entering at least one of destination airport location information, hotel reservation location information, and cruise reservation location information into the baggage itinerary record. In one or more embodiments, the reservation information may include an airline reservation.

[0288] Method 500 may include, at block 507, linking, by a processor, the registered passenger's GTE-BSM to at least one Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) for each baggage item, including a first baggage item, associated with the registered passenger in the GTE-BSM, each baggage item having a corresponding A-BSM. The A-BSM includes the IATA license plate number of the registered passenger's baggage item.

[0289] The step of block 507 may include accessing, by a processor, an Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) stored on a memory device coupled to a computer system associated with the air travel agency, merging one or more fields of the A-BSM into a GTE-BSM, and storing, indexing, or addressing the GTE-BSM with the merged fields of the A-BSM in the computer system of the multi-modal baggage handling service. While the foregoing is directed to linking with airline messages, the disclosure is not limited thereto and may encompass adding other message types or information obtained from databases of other travel modes or moving vehicles.

[0290] The method 500 may include entering, by a processor, a manifest record at one or more of a destination airport location, a hotel reservation location, or a cruise reservation location. Other modes of travel may include train, bus, and / or ferry vehicle.

[0291] The method 500 may include, at block 508, automatically creating, by the processor, a baggage manifest record from one or more of the reservation information, the GTE-BSM, or the PNR number.

[0292] Method 500 may include, at block 510, determining by the processor whether another passenger is part of or associated with the PNR number in addition to the registered passenger's name. If the determination at block 510 is "no," method 500 may end at block 512. If the determination at block 510 is "yes," method 500 may include, at block 514, linking the registered passenger's GTE-BSM to each traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM.

[0293] In a scenario where the reservation information includes an airline reservation, the step of block 514 may include linking, by the processor, the GTE-BSM of the registered passenger to each Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) for each baggage item for each traveling passenger name (unregistered passenger) associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM, each baggage item having a corresponding A-BSM. For other moving vehicles, other messages may be added to the GTE-BSM for each traveling passenger name associated with the PNR number.

[0294] The method 500 may include, at block 516, creating, by the processor, a baggage manifest record for each baggage item of each traveling passenger linked to the GTE-BSM. The baggage manifest record may include the name of the registered passenger and each unregistered passenger.

[0295] Baggage manifest records may be merged with passenger manifest records of the manifest. In one or more embodiments, a manifest may be associated with a mode of travel (i.e., a travel vehicle).

[0296] Check-in for the original travel segment 6A illustrates a system 600 for digitizing baggage management and baggage check-in, according to an embodiment. System 600 may be part of system 100, in one or more embodiments. System 600 may include those elements / components below dashed line BB. However, the system may also include a global bag tag 230 affixed to a passenger's baggage item, shown above dashed line BB.

[0297] The system 600 may include at least one first processor 610 and at least one second processor 626 in wired or wireless communication with each other. The at least one second processor 626 may be connected to a tangible, non-transitory memory storage device 690. The system 600 may include at least one baggage storage location 634 for temporarily storing baggage items. The system 600 may include another computing device 648 for obtaining bag tag identifiers or other information affixed to the baggage items, as described below. The second processor 626 may communicate with one of the computing systems 628 via a network 624, such as the Internet or a public communications network. The second processor 626 may also communicate with other computing systems for which passengers have booked travel segments.

[0298] In one or more embodiments, system 600 can interface with system 100 to receive and link the P-BTI to information in registered passenger profile 122 (FIGS. 1A-1B). The terms "registered passenger profile," "registered traveler profile," and "registered user profile" may be used interchangeably herein. For multi-modal travel journeys, baggage items 614 tagged with global bag tags 230 can be picked up at any designated location entered by registered passenger 616, for example, which can be entered using a graphical user interface on a computing device or mobile communications device.

[0299] The first processor 610 may be a scanner or capture device for scanning the P-BTI 236 or 236′ on the global bag tag 230, from which a representation of the P-BTI 236 on the substrate is obtained. The first processor 610 may capture an image of the registered passenger's driver's license 982 ( FIG. 9B ) or identification (ID) 620 to verify the registered passenger's identity. For trains, buses, and cruise ships, baggage items may not need to be checked in within a specific window. Thus, baggage items may be transported to a baggage claim area 634 before being transported to their destination for loading onto the train, bus, or cruise ship. However, airline travel patterns regulate check-in windows for both passengers and baggage items.

[0300] In one or more embodiments, the first processor 610 may receive a PNR number 630 or other identifier from a confirmed itinerary 718 (FIG. 7) for a flight of at least one airline. The itinerary or reservation data may be stored in a PNR database 63C. The first processor 610 may receive information from the confirmed itinerary 718 confirming the identity of the passenger associated with the PNR number for picking up and transporting baggage associated with the PNR number from the passenger location 605 to the baggage location 634. The confirmed itinerary 718 (FIG. 7) may be created, for example, by a computer system 628 (i.e., reservation system 62 of FIG. 1B) associated with an airline or a travel management system (TMS). In one or more embodiments, the confirmed itinerary may be for other travel modes for which PNR numbers are generated by other reservation systems or TMSs described herein. Each reservation system may have a PNR database with reservation information. The PNR database 63C may include check-in information for the registered passenger's return travel segment with a designated return travel carrier. The data for the return journey segment can be accessed using the PNR number and instructions from the airline.

[0301] In one embodiment, the system 600 includes an imaging device in communication with a first processor 610. The imaging device and the first processor 610 may be integrated into a single device, such as a smartphone, mobile communication device, tablet, notebook, or other camera-enabled portable computing device. The imaging device may capture an image of each baggage item (LI) 614 associated with the P-BTI 612 (hereinafter referred to as an “LI image 606”) prior to departure from the passenger location 605.

[0302] In one embodiment, the imaging device may capture an image of the passenger's assigned identification device 620 (hereinafter "ID image 604"). The first processor 610 and the imaging device user may verify the passenger's identity to match the PNR number 630 and P-BTI 612. The PNR number 630 may be associated with at least one person. However, only one individual within the PNR number may need to be identified at the time of collection of at least one baggage item 614. In one or more embodiments, all passengers must be present, and all identification of adult passengers is verified.

[0303] The first processor 610 may communicate the PNR number 630, verification 602, ID image 604, LI image 606, geographic location (LOC) information 608, and P-BTI 612 (i.e., P-BTI 236 or 236′) in bracket 632 to the second processor 626. As a non-limiting example, a smartphone or other mobile computing device may include a global positioning system (GPS) receiver that receives signals from a GPS to identify the location of the first processor 610. The digitized information in bracket 632 may be used to eliminate the need for printed valet tags for tagging baggage items. The verification 602 may include, for example, verification of the identity of a registered passenger. The verification 602 may include verification of other information, such as confirmation of the purchase of a ticket or other ticket for travel on a moving vehicle.

[0304] Verification 602 may include verifying the passenger's identity using an eligible state-issued driver's license or identification in a TSA-approved digital wallet on the mobile communication device. In one or more embodiments, the passenger may download a TSA-approved digital ID application. TSA.gov provides examples of mobile driver's license and digital identification requirements for APPLE WALLET, GOOGLE WALLET, and SAMSUNG WALLET. Other applications are from state DMVs, such as the California DMV Wallet Application. Yet other applications, such as the AMERICAN AIRLINE Digital ID Application, may be available from airlines.

[0305] The verification may include confirmation of a reservation. Verification 602 may include, for example, verifying the identity of an unregistered passenger listed in a PNR database and associated with a PNR number. This may include verifying the person's identity and, in one or more embodiments, confirming the purchase of a ticket or other ticket for travel. The verification process may include performing facial recognition based on an image of the registered passenger and stored images of the registered passenger. The verification process may authenticate the person's identity using Department of Transportation (DMV) records or other authenticated facial recognition databases. In one or more embodiments, other biometric data, such as a fingerprint, retinal scan, etc., may be used.

[0306] Baggage location 634 may contain other baggage items 638 and 686. Baggage item 686 may be equipped with tracking device 680. Baggage item 638 may be equipped with tracking device 642. As a non-limiting example, when each baggage item slot is open for check-in, the tracking device may be activated by computing device 648 via signal 650 to locate the particular baggage item, and tracking device 642 or 680 may transmit an audible alarm or a voice or visual indicator. Baggage items may be checked in with DCS 63A (FIG. 1B) (i.e., a computer system) associated with the airline using internet communications or a public communications utility infrastructure.

[0307] Tracking devices 642 and 680 are examples of temporarily assigned tracking devices. These tracking devices can be programmed with, for example, a GMMT bag tag number and / or a PNR number. Any of the baggage items in the group can be programmed with a GMMT bag tag number or a PNR number.

[0308] 6B-6D show a flowchart of a method for checking in a passenger and / or generating a baggage manifest according to an embodiment.

[0309] With particular reference to FIG. 6B , the method 660 may include, at block 662, acquiring by an electronic acquisition device a representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code display associated with a Global Bag Tag on a substrate located on a first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger.

[0310] The method 660 may include, by at least one processor, accessing, at block 664, a GTE-BSM including the registered passenger's PNR number using a unique identifier representing the digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with the multi-mode baggage handling service.

[0311] The method 660 may include, at block 666, retrieving, by at least one processor, check-in information for the passenger's travel segment with the specified travel carrier using information associated with the PNR number.

[0312] The method 660 may include, at block 668, checking in, by at least one processor, the first baggage item with the specified travel carrier based on the retrieved travel segment check-in information. The check-in process may vary depending on the type of travel vehicle. For example, check-in for a travel segment via a cruise ship may differ from the process for check-in for a travel segment via an airline. The airline check-in process is described in conjunction with FIG. 10B. An exemplary process 668' for checking in with an airline for a return flight is described in conjunction with FIG. 6C. Checking in to a cruise ship may require the presentation of a passport, driver's license, Real ID, birth certificate, or other proof of citizenship as required by the government of each country.

[0313] The method 660 may include, at block 670, automatically creating, by the processor, a baggage manifest record from the digital GMMT data record and the PNR number. The baggage manifest record may include data for check-in of the baggage item's travel segment with a designated travel carrier. The check-in data may vary based on the traveling vehicle.

[0314] In one or more embodiments, the baggage manifest record may be merged or loaded into the VOT manifest. This may be part of the check-in process for a particular VOT. The VOT check-in process may verify that a ticket has been purchased. The VOT check-in process may verify the identity of the passenger.

[0315] With particular reference to FIG. 6C , process 668′ may include, at block 672, determining whether the check-in is a return flight check-in. If the determination at block 672 is “no,” process 668′ may end at block 676. If the determination at block 672 is “yes,” process 668′ may include, at block 674, electronically capturing, by an electronic capture device, a representation of an originating airline bag tag identifier (A-BTI) associated with or printed on a printed bag tag from the originating airline on the first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital A-BTI data record linked to the originating airline. The A-BTI includes the IATA license plate, and the A-BTI data record represents the IATA license plate number. The capture device may scan a barcode on the IATA bag tag or another marker bearing the IATA license plate number and convert the barcode to a digital license plate number. Creating a baggage manifest record may include using information from the digital A-BTI data record and the PNR number at block 670.

[0316] The process 668' may include, at block 678, checking in, by at least one processor, the first baggage item or passenger and the first baggage item with a designated return travel carrier based on the retrieved or stored return flight data after scanning the IATA bag tag to obtain a return flight, for example, from a PNR database associated with the air travel agency. The process may check in other baggage items in the same process.

[0317] Process 668' may include, at block 679, causing at least one processor to cause a printing device to print an IATA bag tag for the return flight with the specified return travel carrier. Once the baggage item is checked in, the DCS may generate the IATA bag tag for the return flight. However, scanning one of the originating IATA bag tag or GMMT bag tag may also be used to print the IATA bag tag for the return flight later using a graphical user interface.

[0318] The check-in process can be repeated for unregistered passengers as described in connection with Figures 10B-10C. Thus, the process of Figure 6C can be performed for unregistered passengers that include IATA bag tags from the departing flight. This process can be repeated for additional baggage items.

[0319] With particular reference to Figure 6D, block 664 may include various steps as shown in Figure 6D. Method 660 or the process of block 664' may include, in block 663A, acquiring from an electronic acquisition device a representation of a captured Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code display associated with a global bag tag on a substrate that is located on a first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger.

[0320] The method 660 or process of block 664′ may include, in block 663B, electronically obtaining, by at least one processor, a representation of at least one Priority Multi-Mode (PMM) travel code display representing at least one PMM travel code on a substrate associated with a bag tag on the first baggage item to create a digital PMM data record linked to the registered passenger.

[0321] The method 660 or process of block 664′ may include, in block 663C, receiving, by the processor, an electronic communication from the capture device, the communication including tracking information including the capture device, time, date, and geographic location data associated with the GMMT data record or the PMM data record.

[0322] The method 660 or the process of block 664' may include, in block 665, accessing, by at least one processor, PMM movement information associated with the digital PMM data record in a database of a computer system associated with the multi-mode baggage handling service.

[0323] The method 660 or the process of block 664' may include, at block 665', recording, by at least one processor, the tracking information in a registered passenger profile or a registered passenger travel history database.

[0324] 7 illustrates an exemplary confirmed itinerary 718 for an airline flight, according to an embodiment. The confirmed itinerary 718 includes at least one of a PNR number 630, a passenger name, flight booking information, and a purchased ticket number.

[0325] FIG. 8 shows an Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) 800 for an airline. The airline generates and / or stores one or more B-type messages. One or more of the B-type messages may be generated by the BHS 63B (FIG. 1B) as baggage items are transported and tracked through the airport environment. The B-type messages may include one or more of a Baggage Transfer Message (BTM), a Baggage Source Message (BSM), a Baggage Processing Message (BPM), a Baggage Unloading Message (BUM), a Baggage Not Confirmed Message (BNS), a Baggage Control Message (BCM), a Baggage Manifest Message (BMM), and a Baggage Request (BRQ). The IATA bag tag number is part of the baggage message. The system 100 can store or access B-type messages generated by the BHS 63B (FIG. 1B) for airlines for their registered passengers and associated unregistered passengers on a travel day to also assist in the recovery of abnormal baggage items.

[0326] The A-BSM 800 can be communicated via teletex or other communication methods. It should be understood that each airline has its own unique A-BSM format. The A-BSM being accessed should include the passenger name record (PNR) number. The PNR number may contain alphanumeric characters. The A-BSM is an IATA-compliant BSM created by an airline's computing system, for example, when a passenger checks in for their flight, and may indicate, for example, the intent to check in baggage items. The A-BSM is created by an airline's computer system, for example, when a passenger checks in for their flight at an airline counter.

[0327] An A-BSM is a BSM that is a B-type message. The "A" is used to distinguish global BSMs created by the system 100. A B-type message may include multiple data fields containing coded characters. For example, the coded characters may include one of the following: American Standard Code for Information Interchange (ASCII) code, Baudot, and Padded Baudot. The codes and formats of baggage information messages or B-type messages are described, for example, in "Recommended Practice 1745 Baggage Information Messages" by IATA, in the Passenger Services Resolution Manual, June 2010, 30 th Edition, pgs.1110-1205.

[0328] A B-type message may include a field or line 802 containing a header. For example, the header may be labeled "BSM," representing the header at the beginning of the A-BSM. The field or line 804 may include a ".V / " at the beginning of the line followed by a set of alphanumeric characters. As a non-limiting example, the ".V / " at the beginning of the line may indicate version and supplemental data. For example, the supplemental data may include a transfer station in an airline environment. The .V / data field may indicate whether a B-type message, such as a BSM, is a terminating BSM. The .V / data field includes a number after the " / " that indicates the version number of the data dictionary. The next character may be a baggage source indicator, indicated by "L" for Local, "T" for Transfer, "X" for Terminating, or "R" for Remote. The baggage source indicator is followed by a three-digit airport code. In this example, the BSM is a transfer BSM with version number 1 and an airport code of JFK.

[0329] Field or row 806 may contain a series of alphanumeric characters after the prefix ".F / " that represent the flight number and date of the departure flight. The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the symbol " / ". For example, the data "22MAY" may represent the arrival date. The code "IST" represents Istanbul Airport.

[0330] Field or row 808 may contain a ".I / " prefix followed by a series of alphanumeric characters representing the flight number and date of arrival. The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the " / " symbol. For example, the data "12MAY" may represent the departure date. The code "SLC" represents Salt Lake City Airport.

[0331] Field or line 812 may contain a leading ".N / " followed by a set of numbers, some of which represent the A-BTI printed on the IATA bag tag. Field or line 810 may contain a leading ".P / " followed by a set of letters, which represent the passenger's name. The name may be separated from the surname by the symbol " / ".

[0332] Field or line 818 may contain the prefix ".L / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters, which represents a passenger reservation record (PNR) number. A PNR number also refers to a locator. Field or line 820 may contain an end-of-message indicator, such as "ENDBSM."

[0333] Between lines 802 and 820, there may be other fields or lines, such as fields 814 and 816. Field or line 814 has the prefix ".S / " and is matching data. Field or line 816 has the prefix ".W / " associated with the weight, pieces, dimensions, and type data of the baggage item. Thus, airline B-type messages are known in the art. B-type messages will not be described further. Some of the fields / lines are required and others are optional depending on the B-type message.

[0334] The exemplary A-BSM 800 is provided for illustrative purposes and is not meant to be limiting in any way. Each airline may make modifications to the airline BSM. While the B-type message has required fields, some fields may be modified at the airline's discretion.

[0335] FIG. 9A illustrates a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) 900 (i.e., GTE-BSM 141) according to an embodiment. FIG. 9B illustrates a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) link structure 950 according to an embodiment. The GTE-BSM link structure 950 will be described in conjunction with FIG. 9A. The GTE-BSM link module 173 may be configured to link information together as described in the GTE-BSM link structure 950 by addressing, indexing, and storing information that may be accessible by scanning a registered passenger's global bag tag during a travel leg and / or by scanning an IATA bag tag if an air travel agency is used for at least one of the travel legs.

[0336] The GTE-BSM 900 may be permanent, lasting for the same registered passenger, with the same name and P-BTI, for a predetermined validity period, such as one month up to 10 years, one month up to 20 years, or until death. The information in the GTE-BSM 900 may be updated with new booking information associated with a new PNR number for each new journey. As a non-limiting example, the new booking information may include arriving and departing flight information, accommodation information, or other multi-modal travel information, including information about cruise ship voyages, bus reservations, or train reservations. The fields in the GTE-BSM 900 are not limited to airline information. Instead, the GTE-BSMs in the GTE-BSM link structure 950 may include multiple vehicle trip information. The GTE-BSM may be used for the first trip leg, for example, with a priority for the trip leg performed by the airline. The GTE-BSM template (hereinafter referred to as the "BSM template") may vary by vehicle of travel (VOT). For example, if an airline is not used for any travel segments between the end of the current journey, not all fields are required. The GTE-BSM may not normally require certain fields in the A-BSM; only fields with relevant information for baggage tracking and handling may be required and retained. BSM templates for other travel vehicles may be required, including information about location, check-in time, departure time, gate, station, etc.

[0337] A B-type message may include a field or line 902 containing a header. For example, the header may be labeled "GTEBSM," representing the header at the beginning of the GTE-BSM 900. The field or line 904 may include a ".V / " at the beginning of the line followed by a set of alphanumeric characters. As a non-limiting example, the ".V / " at the beginning of the line may indicate version and supplemental data. For example, the supplemental data may include a transfer station in an airline environment. For example, the supplemental data may include a transfer station in an airline environment. The .V / data field may indicate whether a B-type message, such as a BSM, is a terminating BSM. The .V / data field includes a " / " followed by a number indicating the version number of the data dictionary. The next character may be a baggage source indicator, indicated by "L" for Local, "T" for Transfer, "X" for Terminating, or "R" for Remote. The baggage source indicator may be followed by a three-digit airport code. The GTE-BSM may use a baggage source indicator in a manner similar to IATA B-type messages. However, in one or more embodiments, if a traveler is traveling by another moving vehicle rather than by airplane, the three-digit airport code may be replaced with another encoding scheme to reflect the moving vehicle or mode of transportation. VOT codes may be created using both numbers and letters. In one or more embodiments, VOT codes may include more than two or three digits.

[0338] Field or line 906 may contain a series of alphanumeric characters, after the prefix ".F / ", representing the flight number and date of the departing flight. The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the symbol " / ". Instead of a flight number, a train number, a voyage number or a bus number may be used.

[0339] Field or line 908 may contain a ".I / " prefix followed by a series of alphanumeric characters representing the flight number and date of the arrival flight. The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the " / " symbol. Instead of a flight number, a train number, a voyage number or a bus number may be used.

[0340] Field or row 912 may include a prefix ".N / " followed by a set of numbers, some of which represent the A-BTI digital BTI data record of the registered passenger's baggage item. Field or row 910 may include a prefix ".P / " followed by a set of letters, which represent the passenger's first name. The first name may be separated from the last name by the symbol " / ".

[0341] Field or line 918 may contain the prefix ".L / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters, which represents a passenger reservation record (PNR) number. A PNR number also refers to a locator. Field or line 920 may contain an end-of-message indicator, such as "ENDGTEBSM."

[0342] Between rows 902 and 920, there may be other fields or rows, such as fields 914 and 916. Field or row 914 has the prefix ".S / " and is matching data. Field or row 916 has the prefix ".W / " associated with weight, piece, dimension, and type data of the baggage item. Thus, airline B-type messages are known in the art. B-type messages will not be further described.

[0343] The GTE-BSM 900 may include a field or line 922 with, for example, the prefix ".Z / " for the GMMT bag tag number. The GMMT bag tag number may be "000123456 / 111". The code "000" may be an IATA code assigned to a non-flying airline. However, other codes may be used. The series "123456" may be, for example, a passenger bag number. The code "111" may represent a PMM code. A " / " may separate the two numbers or may be omitted.

[0344] The GTE-BSM 900 may include the GMMT bag tag number in the ".Z / " field or another available field. The GTE-BSM 900 of the GTE-BSM link structure 950 may include a field in the BSM outside the airline infrastructure to add current location data 984 to the field from the tracking device 40 attached to the baggage item. The tracking device 40 may receive primary ID (PID) data from the baggage handling device as described in connection with FIG. 16A. The tracking device ID may be stored in the GTE-BSM 900 of the GTE-BSM link structure 950 with the location data.

[0345] The GTE-BSM 900 can include fields in the BSM outside the airline infrastructure for adding links or locator numbers to banking information, for example. The GTE-BSM 900 can include fields in the BSM outside the airline infrastructure for adding links or locator numbers to personal information, such as information from a driver's license 982, as shown in FIG. 9B.

[0346] The term "link" as used herein may include, for example, Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) or Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS). The GTE-BSM 900 may communicate using a variety of protocols, such as, but not limited to, Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTS), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP). Data may be indexed or addressed using hypertext links.

[0347] In one or more embodiments, if any of the moving vehicles are airlines, the GTE-BSM 900 is updated and merged with the A-BSM data when baggage items are checked in with the airline. Airlines may have priority over other moving vehicles. This is because, if necessary, the originating hardcopy bag tag with a printed A-BTI 961 or an RFID bag tag displaying an IATA bag tag number (i.e., A-BTI), shown as 960 in FIG. 9B of the GTE-BSM linking structure 950, can be used to obtain return flight information. The originating hardcopy (airline) bag tag with a printed A-BTI or RFID bag tag can be used as a secondary linking mechanism for unregistered passengers in a group linked to a registered passenger. The originating hardcopy bag tag, shown as 960 in FIG. 9B, can also display a PNR number. This PNR number can be used to access PNR data from a database connected to a computer system associated with the airline. The PNR data in the PNR database 63C (FIGS. 1B and 6A) may include reservation data.

[0348] The GTE-BSM link module 173, when executed, may include programming instructions that, in one or more embodiments, may link one or more temporary baggage source messages (T-BSMs) 146 to the GTE-BSM 900, as shown in dashed box 990 in the GTE-BSM link structure 950. The T-BSM 146 may include similar fields to the GTE-BSM, except that field or line 902 includes the header "TBSM." Additionally, field or line 918 may include the leading ".L / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters, which represents the passenger name record (PNR) number. The PNR number may be the same as or different from the registered passenger's PNR number.

[0349] Field or line 910 may include a prefix ".P / " followed by a set of letters, which represent the name of the unregistered passenger. Field or line 912 may include a prefix ".N / " followed by a set of numbers, some of which represent a digital BTI data record of the A-BTI of the registered unregistered passenger's baggage item. The A-BTI in T-BSM 146 may be printed on an originating hardcopy bag tag 965 attached to the unregistered passenger's baggage item. In one or more embodiments, T-BSM 146 may input airline carrier information if at least one means of transportation is an airline.

[0350] The T-BSM 146 may be linked to the GTE-BSM 900 so that whenever an originating hard copy bag tag 965 is scanned, the scanning or capture device may provide the baggage handler information about the group, but limited to the appropriate unregistered passenger. For example, in the case of a cruise ship, the baggage handler may be presented with the cabin number of a particular unregistered passenger when scanning the originating hard copy bag tag 965. This may conserve valuable resources by recycling the airline's printed originating hard copy bag tags 965 for other moving vehicles.

[0351] If the flight is the same, the other information will be the same. However, if the flight is different, the information in the T-BSM 146 may be different.

[0352] The T-BSM may include the GMMT bag tag number in the ".Z / " field or another available field. This links the T-BSM to the registered passenger's GTE-BSM900. The field may use other prefixes allowed by IATA regulations. The field may use two or three digit prefix characters such as ".XXX / ", where X represents a letter.

[0353] The system 100 can include a vehicle on the move (VOT)-BSM generator 149 (FIG. 1A) that can include programming instructions that, when executed, can generate a VOT-BSM. A VOT-BSM can be assigned to a registered passenger and linked to a GTE-BSM 900. Each VOT-BSM can be created for each additional trip segment and used to build a trip record that includes arrival and departure times and dates, and location. A VOT-BSM can contain its own PNR number or can be linked to a single PNR number or Super PNR number.

[0354] The VOT-BSM 151 for the registered passenger can include the GMMT bag tag number in the ".Z / " field or another available field, which can link the VOT-BSM 151 to the registered passenger's GTE-BSM 900 in the GTE-BSM link structure 950. In one or more embodiments, the PNR number can be a PMM code or travel member number that links with the travel segment reservation for the current journey. Field or line 910 can include the prefix ".P / " followed by a set of characters, which represent the registered passenger's name. If the VOT does not have a baggage bag tag number, field or line 912 can include the prefix ".N / " followed by a set of numbers, some of which may represent the digital BTI data record of the A-BTI of the registered passenger's baggage item or may replicate the GMMT bag tag number. In one or more embodiments, the three-digit airport code can be replaced with another encoding scheme to reflect the vehicle or mode of transportation.

[0355] Dashed box 995 includes at least one VOT-BSM 151 linked to a GTE-BSM 900 in the GTE-BSM link structure 950. Because each T-BSM 146 for each unregistered passenger may also travel on one or more VOTs with registered passengers, one or more VOT-BSMs, indicated by dashed box 995′ in the GTE-BSM link structure 950, may be created via a VOT generator 149 for each unregistered passenger and linked to their corresponding T-BSM 146. The PNR number may be the same as or different from the registered passenger; however, the VOT location, date frame, and time frame should be the same so that bookings generally overlap.

[0356] In one or more embodiments, a registered passenger may have a longer stay reservation than at least one unregistered passenger.

[0357] Data from the T-BSM and VOT-BSM may be stored in the member's travel history and linked as part of the GTE-BSM link structure 950. Unregistered passengers may similarly have their travel history stored for use in data analysis for future travel, resource allocation, and advertising.

[0358] Because a registered passenger may check in multiple baggage items, an extra baggage BSM called "gte-BSM" 955 may be created when checking in a registered passenger's baggage. Here, the lowercase "gte" is used for distinction. The Gte-BSM 955 may contain similar fields to the GTE-BSM 900. In this case, field or line 912 may include a leading "N / " followed by a set of numbers, some of which represent digital BTI data records of the A-BTIs of the registered passenger's additional baggage items. The originating hard copy (IATA) bag tag 962 may contain the A-BTIs of the additional baggage items and may be affixed to the baggage items, for example, as required by the airline. In some cases, the travel agency bag tag may be an RFID bag tag. An e-ink RFID display may display the A-BTI, which can be scanned by a scanner or received by an RFID reader. The ".Z / " field may contain the GMMT bag tag number. In one or more embodiments, an RFID reader captures the RF signal to obtain an electronic representation of the A-BTI.

[0359] An unregistered passenger may also check in more than one baggage item, in which case more than one T-BSM 146 may be generated for each unregistered passenger.

[0360] The description herein describes an IATA B-type message code format for the GTE-BSM. However, based on the description herein, other encoding formats and schemes can be used to create unique identifiers, structured message formats, and electronic linking media to link baggage items together across multiple moving vehicles and communicate using Transport Control Protocol (TCP) / Internet Protocol (IP) communication technologies and control protocols available now and in the future.

[0361] Each of the T-BSM, gte-BSM, and / or VOT-BSM can be populated with the corresponding passenger's name, a link to the GMMT bag tag number, and a PNR or Super PNR number. Each of the T-BSM, gte-BSM, and VOT-BSM can be updated with travel parcel information or reservation data and location data as the corresponding baggage item enters its journey concurrently and / or independently of its owner.

[0362] 10A-10C illustrate a flowchart of a method 1000 for generating a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) for a registered passenger and / or a T-BSM for a current journey for one or more unregistered passengers, according to an embodiment. The current journey can have one or more vehicles on the move (VOT). Method 1000 will be described with reference to the GTE-BSM 900 of FIG. 9A and the GTE-BSM link structure 950 of FIG. 9B.

[0363] Method 1000 may include, by a processor, retrieving a GTE-BSM template in block 1002 and inputting information related to the P-BTI into the GTE-BSM 900 (FIG. 9A) in block 1004. The GTE-BSM may include the P-BTI and the name of the registered passenger. Block 1001 includes blocks 1002 and 1004, which may be executed when a global bag tag is created. With every journey of the registered passenger, other fields in the GTE-BSM 900 (FIG. 9A) may be updated. For simplicity, a template for a BTM may include a structure for storing or arranging information necessary to track and handle baggage items along an end-to-end journey using multiple travel or vehicle modes.

[0364] The method 1000 may include, at block 1006, obtaining, by the processor, a PNR number for the current travel leg.

[0365] The method 1000 may include, at block 1008, accessing, by the processor, a computer system of a reservation system associated with the PNR number to obtain passenger list and travel itinerary information.

[0366] Method 1000 may include, at block 1010, determining by a processor whether there is a match between a passenger in a passenger list associated with the PNR number and the registered passenger. If the determination at block 1010 is "no," method 1000 ends at block 1012, meaning that a registered passenger may not be associated with the PNR number or the PNR may be an incorrect number. System 100 may store programming instructions for accessing pre-stored instructions for accessing PNR data from a computer system associated with the source of the PNR number (travel carrier or PMM movement information).

[0367] If the determination at block 1010 is yes, the method 1000 may include populating, by the processor, the GTE-BSM template with the PNR number at block 1014. The method 1000 may include obtaining, by the processor, one or more VOTs from the PNR number of the baggage journey record at block 1016.

[0368] Method 1000 may include, at block 1018, inputting, by the processor, inbound (arrival) and / or outbound (departure) information for the baggage item of the first VOT from the PNR number, if available, into the GTE-BSM. A travel journey may include multiple VOTs. The GTE-BSM may be input with the first VOT occurring in the time sequence of the travel vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the GTE-BSM may include information merged from non-airline booking information, as described below, but subsequently updated with merged data from the registered passenger's A-BSM.

[0369] The GTE-BSM can be expanded to include other fields or notes. Additionally, the GTE-BSM may be updated during the current travel leg. For example, fields in the GTE-BSM may be merged with the A-BSM during the airline's baggage and / or passenger journey. Added fields may be used to add links to other vehicles on the move (VOTs) or VOT-BSMs. In one or more embodiments, the GTE-BSM 900 may have the original hard copy bag tag number from the IATA license plate in the ".N / " field 912 if one of the VOTs is an airline. The ".Z / " field or other designated field may have the GMMT bag tag number.

[0370] Method 1000 may include determining whether an airline reservation exists at block 1019. If the determination at block 1019 is no, method 1000 may proceed to block 1046 of Figure 10C. If the determination at block 1019 is yes, method 1000 may proceed to block 1020 of Figure 10B.

[0371] 10B , method 1000 may include, at block 1020, determining by a processor whether the passenger has checked in with the airline. For example, in one or more embodiments, if a registered passenger is traveling through an airline, they are required to check in with the airline within a check-in window. In order for the baggage handling service to check in a baggage item into a check-in window, the airline may require the passenger to check in before checking in the baggage item. If the determination at block 1020 is “no,” method 1000 may check in the passenger at block 1022. Method 1000 may include, at block 1025, sending a communication to the passenger including the passenger's boarding pass and / or a message indicating that the passenger has checked in for their flight. Block 1025 may proceed to block 1026.

[0372] The check-in process at blocks 1022 or 1026 is also described in connection with Figure 6A. For example, when a passenger and / or their baggage are checked in, such as for an outgoing flight with an airline, the passenger's identity may need to be confirmed, as described in Figure 6A, and / or for a confirmed ticket purchase. The passenger's identity may need to be verified regardless of whether the passenger and / or their baggage are checked in from home, lodging, a resort, or a cruise ship, or whether they are checked in from a flight (outbound or return).

[0373] When a passenger designates baggage items to be checked in, a computer system associated with the airline may create an A-BSM including the IATA bag tag number. This process may result in a ticket being sent to the passenger by the computer system associated with the airline. Consequently, if the determination at block 1020 is "yes," method 1000 may, at block 1024, include accessing the A-BSM associated with the airline's computer system for, for example, the passenger name and one of the PNR number or airline reservation information for the checked-in passenger. The A-BSM may include arriving and departing flight information that may be extracted and added to the GTE-BSM for the current travel leg.

[0374] The method 1000 may include, at block 1026, checking in a baggage item for the registered passenger using information from the A-BSM.

[0375] The method 1000 may include, at block 1028, obtaining the A-BTI from an A-BSM associated with the airline's computer system, for example, if the passenger is a registered passenger, and merging data from the A-BSM into the GTE-BSM 900.

[0376] Method 1000 may include, by a processor, accessing return flight information with the specified airline based on one of the PNR number or the airline reservation information and adding the return flight information to the baggage manifest record at block 1030. Method 1000 may include, by a processor, causing a printer to print an IATA bag tag of the origin of the checked-in baggage item at block 1032.

[0377] The method 1000 may include, at block 1034, counting, by the processor, the checked-in baggage items.

[0378] A registered passenger may wish to check in more than one baggage item. This requires checking in each baggage item. Thus, method 1000 may include, at block 1036, determining whether there is another baggage item. If the determination at block 1036 is "yes," method 1000 may include repeating blocks 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, and 1032 for each extra baggage item (XL) to be checked by the registered passenger. In the extra baggage item scenario, at block 1028, method 1000 may include obtaining an A-BTI from an A-BSM associated with the airline's computer system and, for example, if the passenger is a registered passenger, merging the data from the A-BSM into the gte-BSM. Here, the new A-BTI is inserted into the ".N / " field 912, but within the gte-BSM. The gte-BSM is linked to the registered passenger's GTE-BSM. The link to the GTE-BSM is described in relation to block 507.

[0379] If the determination at block 1036 is "no," the method 1000 may include determining at block 1038 whether there are any other non-registered (NR) passengers in the group.

[0380] The registered passenger may be, but is not required to be, the lead passenger in the PNR number. For example, a parent may travel with a child. Data associated with the PNR number may list the child and the parent. The registered passenger may be the parent. Method 1000 enables tracking and handling of other baggage items using the registered passenger's P-BTI. System 100 may link an unregistered passenger with a PNR number different from the registered passenger's PNR number for a group including the unregistered passenger and the registered passenger, such as for a cruise ship voyage, baggage pickup or delivery to a resort or lodging.

[0381] Method 1000 can also check in unregistered passengers and their baggage items, or just their baggage items. This is accomplished by blocks 1020, 1022, 1024, 1026, 1028, 1030, and 1032, but for unregistered passengers. In this case, when A-BTI information is obtained, instead of merging the data into the GTE-BSM, the data is merged into the T-BSM, which is linked to the GTE-BSM of registered passengers.

[0382] If the determination at block 1038 is yes, method 1000 may include creating and linking a T-BSM to the registered passenger's GTE-BSM at block 1040. Block 1040 may return to block 1020 and block 1042, and method 1000 may include tracking the unregistered passenger name, baggage item, and PNR number.

[0383] If block 1038 determines "no," the method 1000 may include proceeding to block 1046 of FIG. 10C.

[0384] Referring to Figure 10C, many travel journeys include two moving vehicles. The first moving vehicle may be a mode of transportation such as an airplane, train, bus, ferry, cruise ship, or rental car. The second moving vehicle may be a lodging facility. In some cases, the mode of transportation may also provide a moving vehicle such as a lodging facility. In other examples, the travel journey may include a single moving vehicle.

[0385] Method 1000 may include determining whether there is another VOT for the current trip leg at block 1046. If the determination at block 1046 is no, method 1000 may end at block 1048. If the determination at block 1046 is yes, method 1000 may proceed to block 1050, where a VOT-BSM may be created and linked to a GTE-BSM for a registered passenger or a T-BSM for an unregistered passenger. An example operation of block 1050 is described below.

[0386] At block 1050, the method 1000 may include obtaining a VOT-BSM template for the VOT at block 1052, entering information related to the VOT reservation into the VOT-BSM at block 1054, and linking the VOT-BSM with the GTE-BSM if the passenger is a registered passenger or with the T-BSM if the passenger is an unregistered passenger at block 1056.

[0387] Method 1000 may include determining whether there is another unregistered passenger at block 1058. If the determination at block 1058 is yes, method 1000 may return to the beginning of block 1050 and repeat blocks 1052, 1054, and 1056. If the determination at block 1058 is no, method 1000 may include determining whether there is another VOT at block 1060. If the determination at block 1060 is no, method 1000 may end at block 1062. If the determination at block 1060 is yes, method 1000 may repeat block 1050 for the next VOT, which includes blocks 1052, 1054, and 1056 described above.

[0388] Method 1000 may include determining whether there is another unregistered passenger at block 1064. If the determination at block 1064 is yes, method 1000 may return to the beginning of block 1050 and repeat blocks 1052, 1054, and 1056. If the determination at block 1064 is no, method 1000 may include returning to block 1060.

[0389] Once all moving vehicles have been entered into the BSM template and linked to the GTE-BSM for the registered passengers and any unregistered passengers associated with them, the method 1000 may end at block 1062 .

[0390] 11A-11C illustrate a Baggage Tracking Record (BTJR) according to an embodiment, which can create one or more records for a baggage manifest.

[0391] 11A illustrates a BTJR 1154A created for a passenger registered for a round-trip travel itinerary using multiple travel modalities, according to an embodiment. The passenger can receive communications to a mobile communication device designated by the passenger or other computing device via messaging 178. Messages can be sent by text, email, or computer-generated communication. Messages can indicate status updates as described herein.

[0392] The system uses a scanner or other acquisition device to acquire the P-BTI (FIG. 2B) from the global bag tag 230. The scanner may be part of the system described in U.S. Patent No. 11,682,241, issued June 20, 2023, entitled "RETURN LEG REMOTE PASSENGER CHECK-IN," which is incorporated herein by reference. The scanner may be located at the dockside, in a moving vehicle, or carried by baggage delivery and handling personnel and configured to scan at least a barcode, such as the P-BTI, and communicate the P-BTI to the system 100. The system can update BTJRs 1154A, 1154B, and 1154C, for example, with confirmation of the presence of a passenger's baggage item ready to be loaded onto any moving vehicle in the currently listed PNR. The system uses a scanner or other acquisition device to acquire a representation of the originating hardcopy bag tag identifier (OH-BTI) associated with or printed on a bag tag from the originating airline, or an IATA bag tag license plate for use on a computing device.

[0393] With each scan, the scanner or capture device communicates the scanner and capture device's location and P-BTI to the system. Messages to the system may also include date and time data. For scanners or capture devices with GPS or positioning capabilities, GPS data or other location data may be sent to the system to identify the location of the package item. The GPS data from the scanner or capture device is compared to expected map location data to correlate the expected location (EL) in the BTJR with the scan point (POS). If there is a correlation between the EL and POS, an indicator box, described below, may change color, symbol, or status.

[0394] In one or more embodiments, a passenger's mobile communication device or personal computing device may include a graphical user interface (GUI) configured to access a BTJR, such as BTJR 1154A, 1154B, or 1154C, to be notified of the current location and / or status of their baggage items.

[0395] In one or more embodiments, a baggage item may have a tracking device 40 attached to it. Such a tracking device may include a display device for displaying details of the BTJR. Passengers may have access to location data associated with the tracking device 40.

[0396] The BTJR 1154A may include one or more baggage handling fields 1102, 1104, 1106, 1108, 1110, 1112, 1114, 1116, 1118, 1120, 1122, 1124, 1126, 1128, and 1130. Each field includes an indicator box 1101 on a first side of the field. Each indicator box may indicate the status of a baggage item when a P-BTI on a global bag tag 230 is scanned. For example, scanning a P-BTI on a global bag tag for arrival or departure may cause the indicator box 1101 to display an icon or color representing the status. A first color or icon may indicate an expected baggage item that has not been scanned for arrival or departure. A second color or icon may indicate an expected baggage item that has been scanned for arrival or departure. A third color or icon may indicate an "in transit" status between expected locations. Other colors and icons may be used to indicate other status conditions.

[0397] The baggage handling field provides instructions to the display device as to how the package should be handled, such as for pickup or delivery. In some cases, for example, the package may need to be sent through customs.

[0398] Each baggage handling field may include various icons 1132 on a second side opposite the first side of the field. The icons 1132 may distinguish different locations and modes of travel or vehicles that a baggage item may travel in its journey, whether parallel or independent of its owner. As a non-limiting example, the icons 1132 are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to be limiting in any way. The BTJR may be displayed on a display device associated with a computing device, scanner, acquisition device, or web server of the system 100.

[0399] Some fields may be omitted to prevent clutter. For example, possible additional fields related to cruise ship dockside baggage pickup and delivery in fields 1118 and 1120 shown in bracket 1140 are described in connection with Figure 11B. For example, fields 1118 and 1120 may include baggage handling fields 1152, 1153, 1156, 1158, and 1160, as described below in Figure 11B.

[0400] In an example, a registered passenger may be requesting pickup of a package from a specified address, such as, but not limited to, a home address, as shown in field 1102. Once baggage delivery and handling personnel have processed the package and / or passenger, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag 230, which may cause indicator box 1101 to change color or display an icon representing a status update.

[0401] As a non-limiting example, system 100 may check in a baggage item for a flight with ABC Airlines. Personnel processing the check-in for the baggage item may scan the P-BTI on global bag tag 230, which may cause indicator box 1101 to change color or display an icon indicating a status.

[0402] In one or more embodiments, the system can automatically update the status of field 1104 when a baggage item is checked in, for example, by electronically receiving communication with an IATA bag tag license plate. The system can automatically update the status of field 1104 when a baggage item is checked in by printing an IATA bag tag for a flight.

[0403] Once the status is updated in the BTJR 1154A, a message may be sent to the passenger. In one or more embodiments, the passenger may also be checked in by the system.

[0404] When baggage delivery and handling personnel process baggage items and / or passengers for check-in with the airline, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag 230, which may cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status field 1104. Baggage items and passengers may be checked, for example, up to 24 hours before flight departure.

[0405] When baggage delivery and handling personnel deliver the baggage item to the originating airport / airline for the flight, the P-BTI can be scanned on the global bag tag 230. This can cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status field 1106. The BTJR 1154A can receive updates regarding the flight. The indicator box in field 1108 can display a color or icon representing an itinerary change for a flight arrival. Similarly, the indicator box in field 1106 can display a color or icon representing an itinerary change for a flight departure or cancellation.

[0406] When baggage delivery and handling personnel collect the baggage from the flight's destination airport / airline, the P-BTI can be scanned on the Global Bag Tag 230. This can cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status in field 1110 to indicate the collection of the baggage from that location. The status can also represent "in transit" to another vehicle or, for example, a hotel.

[0407] When baggage delivery and handling personnel deliver the baggage item to the next moving vehicle, such as a hotel, the P-BTI can be scanned on the global bag tag 230, which can cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status field 1112. The reservation status can also be communicated in field 1114 with any changes, including the passenger and time for checkout. As a non-limiting example, fields 1112 and 1114 may be used as a baggage manifest record for the accommodation.

[0408] When baggage delivery and handling personnel pick up the baggage from the hotel, the P-BTI can be scanned on the global bag tag 230. This can cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status in field 1116 to indicate the pickup of the baggage for that location. The status can also represent "in transit" to another vehicle or to, for example, a hotel.

[0409] The operation of fields 1118 and 1120 will become apparent from the following description of Figure 11B. As a non-limiting example, fields 1118 and 1120 may be used as a manifest record for a lodging facility or VOT.

[0410] When baggage delivery and handling personnel retrieve the baggage item from the cruise ship, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag 230, which may cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status of field 1122 to indicate the baggage item's removal from that location. In this example, the passenger may return home via a return flight with the designated travel carrier.

[0411] In one or more embodiments, the system can automatically update the status in field 1124 when a baggage item is checked in, for example, by receiving an IATA bag tag license plate. The system can automatically update the status in field 1124 when a baggage item is checked in, for example, by printing an IATA bag tag for a flight.

[0412] Once the status is updated in BTJR1154A, a message may be sent to the passenger. In some examples, the passenger may also be checked in by the system. The message may include an IATA barcode with an IATA license plate and / or an IATA license plate representing receipt indicating that the baggage item has been checked in on an airline flight.

[0413] When baggage delivery and handling personnel process baggage items and / or passengers for airline check-in, the P-BTI may be scanned on the Global Bag Tag 230, which may cause an indicator box to change color or display an icon representing the status field 1124. Baggage items and passengers may be checked up to 24 hours prior to flight departure.

[0414] The operation of fields 1126 and 1128 is similar to that of fields 1106 and 1108 described above, and therefore will not be further described.

[0415] When baggage delivery and handling personnel arrive at a location to collect the baggage from the airport, the P-BTI can be scanned on the global bag tag, allowing field 1130 to indicate the status of the baggage being collected from the airport for delivery to a specified address, such as a home address.

[0416] Other fields may be provided for each location to which the package is delivered or picked up from. In this case, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag when the package is delivered to a home address or other designated address. This allows another field, such as field 1164 (FIG. 11B), to indicate the status of the delivery of the package to the home address.

[0417] Figure 11B shows a BTJR 1154B created for a registered passenger with baggage delivered for a cruise voyage, according to an embodiment. The registered passenger already has a P-BTI for use with any travel mode. The description herein also applies to the similar baggage handling fields 1118 and 1120 within bracket 1140 of Figure 11A.

[0418] In this case, BTJR 1154B may include field 1156 for boarding the cruise from a port for LMN Cruise Line. Field 1156 may reference cabin number "1234." While the illustration in Figure 11B is for a travel leg on a cruise ship, BTJR 1154B may also be created when, for example, the registered passenger's baggage is delivered to a resort, lodging facility, or other travel vehicle.

[0419] The messaging component 178 can identify when a cabin is ready for occupancy. Although the system 100 may not have delivered luggage items to the cabin, the system 100 can still provide registered passengers with updated messages regarding the reservation status, including any delays in cabin availability.

[0420] BTJR 1154B can include one or more baggage handling fields 1150, 1152, 1153, 1156, 1158, 1160, 1162, and 1164. Each field includes an indicator box 1151 on a first side thereof. Each indicator box may indicate the status of a baggage item when the P-BTI on the global bag tag 230 is scanned. For example, scanning the P-BTI on the global bag tag for arrival or departure can cause the indicator box 1151 to display an icon or color representing the status. A first color or icon can indicate an expected baggage item that has not been scanned for arrival or departure. A second color or icon can indicate an expected baggage item that has been scanned for arrival or departure. Field 1152 displays the code "MNO." This code is intended to represent a location code. However, an address may be used instead. Other code formats may be used and should not be limited to three characters.

[0421] Each baggage handling field may include various icons 1166 on a second side of the field opposite the first side. The icons 1166 may be parallel or independent of their owners to distinguish different locations and modes of travel or vehicles that the baggage items may travel in their journey.

[0422] In some examples, a registered passenger may request pickup of a baggage item from a specified address, such as, but not limited to, a home address, as shown in field 1150. Once baggage delivery and handling personnel process the baggage item and / or passenger, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag, which may cause indicator box 1151 to change color or display an icon representing the status. Once the baggage item arrives at a cruise line location (i.e., dockside), the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag, which may cause indicator box 1151 to change color or display an icon representing the status.

[0423] When the baggage item arrives dockside, the global bag tag 230 may be scanned by a scanner or other acquisition device to obtain the P-BTI (FIG. 2B). The scanner may be dockside and may be configured to scan at least a barcode, such as the P-BTI, and communicate the P-BTI to the system 100. The system can update the BTJR 1154B with confirmation of the presence of the registered passenger's baggage item ready to board the cruise listed in the currently listed PNR.

[0424] In an example, the luggage item may be handled by delivery and handling personnel or other personnel to deliver the luggage item to the guest room, once the luggage item is delivered to the guest room, a scanner or capture device to scan the P-BTI and record its location in system 100. Field 1156 may thereby indicate the status of the delivery of the luggage item to the guest room.

[0425] In an example, the luggage item may be handled by delivery and handling personnel or other personnel to retrieve the luggage item from the cabin, and once the luggage item is retrieved from the cabin, a scanner or capture device may scan the P-BTI and record its location in system 100. A message may be communicated to the registered passenger via the designated communication device of the luggage item's location, such that field 1158 may indicate the status of the luggage item's retrieval from the cabin.

[0426] The security clearance fields 1153, 1160 are described below. The security clearance fields apply to travel legs that may cross borders, for example. In other embodiments, TSA screening may be added. For example, in the scenario of Figure 11B, if the flight crosses a border, security checks may be by customs at the airport, for example.

[0427] Any scanner or barcode capture device on the cruise ship or dockside may be configured to communicate with system 100 to record the location of the baggage item by obtaining a P-BTI from a global bag tag 230, such as by providing location data of the scanner or capture device.

[0428] Additional baggage handling fields can be added to the BTJR 1154B whenever the P-BTI is scanned by a scanning or acquisition device, and a communication is sent to the system 100 along with the P-BTI to communicate the location data of the baggage item.

[0429] When a registered passenger disembarks the cruise ship, a scanner or barcode capture device can retrieve a representation of the P-BTI from the substrate of the global bag tag 230 for use by the computing device. The location data may also be transmitted to the system 100 to update the BTJR 1154B to indicate that the baggage item has left the location.

[0430] The BTJR 1154B may include security screening fields 1153 and 1160. By way of non-limiting example, baggage items and / or passengers may be required to pass through customs, a second travel mode security screening location, or other government security screening point. The security check may be a designated location within or associated with a vehicle or moving vehicle. The customs may be a designated location at, for example, an airport.

[0431] Any scanner or barcode capture device on the cruise ship or at a security screening point can be configured to communicate with system 100 to record the location of the baggage item by obtaining a representation of the P-BTI from the substrate of global bag tag 230, such as by providing location data of the scanner or capture device. Additionally, information related to passing or failing security screening can be transmitted to and recorded by system 100.

[0432] In some examples, a registered passenger may be requesting pickup of a baggage item from a specified address, such as, but not limited to, a cruise ship address, as shown in field 1162. When baggage delivery and handling personnel arrive at a location to pick up the baggage, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag, allowing field 1162 to indicate the status of the baggage pickup from the cruise ship. When the baggage is delivered to a home address or other specified address, the P-BTI may be scanned on the global bag tag, allowing field 1164 to indicate the status of the baggage pickup from the cruise ship. As a non-limiting example, fields 1162 and 1164 may be used as a baggage manifest record for delivery to a specified address, such as a home address, business address, or other address.

[0433] FIG. 11C illustrates a BTJR 1154C created for a registered passenger's baggage arriving dockside for a cruise voyage, according to an embodiment. In this example, the baggage arrives dockside with the passenger and includes a global bag tag 230. In other words, shipping and handling personnel did not deliver the baggage to dockside. The BTJR 1154C may include a field 1174 for cruise boarding from port. The field 1174 may reference cabin number "1234." While the illustration in FIG. 11C describes travel on a cruise ship, the BTJR 1154C may also be created, for example, when the registered passenger's baggage arrives at a resort, lodging facility, or other moving vehicle.

[0434] The BTJR 1154C includes one or more baggage handling fields 1170, 1172, 1174, 1176, 1178, and 1180. Each field includes an indicator box 1171 on a first side of the field. Each indicator box may be adapted to indicate the status of a baggage item when the P-BTI on the global bag tag 230 is scanned. For example, scanning the P-BTI on the global bag tag for arrival or departure may cause the indicator box 1171 to display an icon or color representing the status. In one or more embodiments, the field 1170 is created when a baggage item arrives and the GMMT bag tag is scanned. This baggage item may not have arrived using a taxi, UBER, LYFT, or other ground vehicle without previously checking into the system. The BTJR 1154C may be generated in advance if the system 100 has received a voyage reservation in advance. Alternatively, the BTJR 1154C may be generated on the fly upon arrival of a moving vehicle or mode of transportation. Upon leaving security at field 1178, the GMMT bag tag can be scanned to record the baggage's departure from security and the cruise ship.

[0435] Each baggage handling field may include various icons 1182 on a second side of the field opposite the first side. The icons 1182 may be parallel or independent of their owners to distinguish different locations and modes of travel or vehicles that the baggage items may travel in their journey.

[0436] When the baggage item arrives dockside, the global bag tag 230 may be scanned by a scanner or other acquisition device to acquire the P-BTI (FIG. 2B). The scanner may be dockside and may be configured to scan at least a barcode, such as the P-BTI, and communicate the barcode (e.g., P-BTI) to the system 100. The system can update the BTJR 1154C with confirmation of the presence of the registered passenger's baggage item ready to board the cruise listed in the currently listed PNR.

[0437] When a registered passenger disembarks the cruise ship, a scanner or barcode capture device can retrieve a representation of the P-BTI from the substrate of the global bag tag 230 for use by the computing device. The location data may also be transmitted to the system 100 to update the BTJR 1154C to indicate that the baggage item has left the location.

[0438] The BTJR 1154C may include security check fields 1172 and 1178. By way of non-limiting example, baggage items and / or passengers may be required to pass through customs, a second travel modality security screening location, or other government security screening point. Any scanner or barcode capture device on the cruise ship or security screening point may be configured to communicate with the system 100 to record the location of the baggage items by obtaining a representation of the P-BTI from the substrate of the global bag tag 230, such as by providing location data of the scanner or capture device. Additionally, information related to passing or failing the security screening may be transmitted to and recorded by the system 100.

[0439] In view of the above, global bag tags can be used to record the arrival and departure of baggage items for any travel modality without the baggage items traveling by air during the end-to-end journey.

[0440] In view of the above, global bag tags can be used to record the arrival and departure of baggage items to any travel mode without the baggage items traveling by air prior to arriving at the travel mode.

[0441] In view of the above, the systems and methods described herein link a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel membership number of a registered passenger to access reservation information associated with at least one travel vehicle associated with the registered passenger's at least one travel membership number. This allows the systems and methods to collect reservation information for the current journey of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in the registered passenger's profile linked to the GMMT bag tag number. The systems and methods can construct a Baggage Travel Journey Record (BTJR) for the pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, and the BTJR is linked to the GMMT bag tag number.

[0442] The system and method can link one or more baggage items of a registered passenger to the GMMT bag tag number and PNR number of the current journey.

[0443] The system and method may, for example, link one or more baggage items of a group of unregistered passengers who share a PNR number with a registered passenger. The travel reservation data of the unregistered passengers may be linked by the GMMT bag tag, the group PNR number, and, in some cases, an undiscarded IATA bag tag placed on the baggage item.

[0444] 13A-13B show a flowchart of a method 1300 for managing the recovery of missing, lost, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled baggage items, according to an embodiment. As used herein, an anomalous baggage item may be missing, lost, rerouted, delayed, or mishandled. The baggage recovery manager 180 (FIG. 1B) may be configured to perform one or more of the following blocks of method 1300 to electronically locate and / or recover anomalous baggage items and manage the rerouting of recovered anomalous baggage items. Baggage items can be associated with registered passengers or unregistered passengers associated with the GTE-BSM link structure 950 by matching passenger names in either the GTE-BSM field, the gte-BSM field, or the T-BSM field. For anomalous baggage items lost while traveling using another moving vehicle, data in the VOT-BSM field is used.

[0445] Method 1300 may include, at block 1302, generating, by a processor, a master travel manifest. The master travel manifest 109 (FIG. 1A) may include those passengers traveling on the current day. The passengers may include registered passengers. Once the travel manifest 109 is generated at block 1302, method 1300 may proceed to blocks 1304 and 1310. In one or more embodiments, the baggage item may not be traveling with the airline. As a result, a B-type message may not be received from the airline.

[0446] As the day progresses, the master movement manifest may be updated as the GTE-BSM structure 950 may be populated with unregistered passengers. For example, the master manifest may be updated as passengers check in for flights or other VOTs. In the airline example, the A-BSM may be collected first to determine departing flight data.

[0447] The A-BSM provides "normal" routing information for the route the baggage will take when it is checked in. .V / Data field 804 contains a baggage source indicator "T" indicating a transfer. The baggage source indicator is followed by the three-digit airport code "JFK." Field 806 in Figure 8 shows the departure flight number, airline code, and date "22MAY." The airline code "IST" represents Istanbul Airport. Field 808 is the arrival flight number, airline code, and date "12MAY." The airline code "SLC" represents Salt Lake City Airport.

[0448] In this example, the baggage item is routed through the BHSs at airports with codes "SLC," "IST," and "JFK." The forwarding function is provided by the baggage source indicator in the .V field. This is an international flight, and the baggage item may need to be screened through security. This is still the normal process. Each BHS has a machine associated with its airport location. The baggage item may be placed in a container containing an RFID chip that can be scanned by the machine at the BHS at that particular airport. All of the BHS scanning activity may be tracked and stored in memory by the BHS's computer system or a computer system associated with the air travel agency. For example, information related to baggage items traveling with an airline may be stored in memory and accessible by the computer system associated with the air travel agency, regardless of which BHS scanned the baggage item.

[0449] Method 1300 may include, at block 1304, receiving, by a processor of system 100, at least one B-type message. The B-type message may also be used in other methods described herein, such as, but not limited to, the method described in FIG. 4B.

[0450] Method 1300 may include, in block 1306, sorting, by a processor of system 100, the B-type messages for reference indicators representing possible non-routed baggage items. The processor of system 100 (i.e., web server 112) searches or sorts references to possible non-routed baggage items in the B-type messages. Method 1300 may, for example, sort reference indicators in the BNS for departing flights from the master movement manifest 109 in block 1307A. Reference indicators for possible non-routed baggage items may make the baggage item an abnormal baggage item. Reference indicators may include airport codes. A normal route may identify a specific airport code in the BSM information. Receiving information with an airport code different from the normal route airport code may be an indication of a non-routed route.

[0451] For example, the processor of the system 100 (i.e., web server 112) can look for any unconfirmed baggage messages for the passenger in the master movement manifest 109. To save processing time, the received or accessed BNS can focus on departing flight data for passengers associated with baggage handling services using GMMT bag tags. When an A-BSM is received, the IATA bag tag number is obtained to identify those B-type messages for searching or sorting.

[0452] In block 1307B, further reference indicators to possible non-routed baggage items in the B-type message may be found in the BPM. For example, the BPM may include a bag unidentified reference indicator. The BPM may include a bump reference indicator in field .B. The BPM may include reference indicators representing other non-routed routings of the baggage item. The BPM includes various fields, such as field .J, for communicating data regarding the scanner scanning the baggage item, including its date, time, and location. BPM data may be used to retrace routes or track the current location of unusual baggage items. The BHS may include scanner data, scan dates, and location data to find the route taken by a baggage item after its route diverges from a regular or normal route to a non-routed route. Non-routed routes may be caused by many unpredictable factors, such as flight delays, equipment failures, bad weather, or damaged bag tags.

[0453] Another reference to a possible non-routed baggage item in the B-type message may be a reference indicator for irregular behavior and / or involuntary rerouting in the BTM in block 1307C. This may be represented, for example, in the B-type message in the field ".E / IROP" from the BTM. Yet another reference to a possible non-routed baggage item in the B-type message may be a reference to an unaccompanied baggage item indicated in the field ".E / UNAC." Yet another reference to a possible non-routed baggage item in the B-type message may include a reference to a reference indicator for rerouting the baggage item indicated as ".E / RRTE." The reference indicator may represent information that may be considered for an unusual baggage item that is not following the normal route to its final destination. Delays in the arrival of a baggage item can significantly impact the travel and entertainment experience of its owner, especially if the passenger is boarding a cruise voyage or traveling a long distance from an airport.

[0454] Another reference indicator representing a possible non-routed cargo item in a B-type message may include a reference to re-tag the cargo item indicated as "E / STCK" which may be found in the BSM.

[0455] As will be appreciated, there are many scenarios in which the combination of data in a Type B message can indicate an irregularly routed baggage item that may render the baggage item abnormal. Delayed baggage for passengers aboard a cruise ship can ruin the passenger's overall enjoyment. The methods herein are intended to identify potential baggage items that may be irregularly routed so that they can be identified early in the travel process. Based on the time of the scan, the system 100 can determine that the baggage item may be delayed.

[0456] B-type messages are sent to a computing system associated with the airline, BHS63B (Figure 1B), or The A-BSM message may be received from another computer system that receives and stores B-type messages. The received B-type message may include an A-BSM message associated with the passenger in manifest 109. As described above, when the passenger begins their journey, the passenger's baggage items may receive IATA bag tags for attachment to the baggage items or may already have RFID bag tags. The A-BSM may provide departing flight information.

[0457] Method 1300 may include, at block 1308, matching, by a processor of system 100, travel information (passenger name, IATA bag tag number, and / or PNR number) from the master movement manifest 109 with the passenger name, IATA bag tag number, and / or PNR number in the B-type message. In one or more embodiments, block 1308 may be performed before block 1306.

[0458] Method 1300 may include, at block 1312 of Figure 13B, determining by a processor of system 100 whether a match associated with the non-routed baggage item reference indicator is found for any passenger in the master movement manifest. If the determination at block 1312 is "no," the method may return to the beginning of block 1312. If the determination at block 1312 is "yes," method 1300 may include baggage property finding / tracking by executing a baggage item found item process at block 1314. Baggage item finder 181 is described in more detail with reference to Figure 14.

[0459] Returning to block 1310, a determination can be made as to whether the package item is missing or abnormal. If the determination at block 1310 is "no," the method can return to the beginning of block 1310. If the determination at block 1310 is "yes," the method can proceed to block 1314.

[0460] A BHS63B (FIG. 1B) or other airport scanner or RFID reader interacting with the baggage item can determine that the baggage item was not loaded onto the airline. See "Recommended Practice 1745 Baggage Information Messages" by IATA, in the Passenger Services Resolution Manual, June 2010, 30, incorporated herein by reference. th See the International Air Transport Association (IATA) ...

[0461] In block 1314, when a reference indicator for non-routing of a cargo item is detected, routing information from BHS and / or B-type messages before or after the occurrence of the reference indicator may be retrieved and analyzed by a processor in system 100 to locate and track the cargo item.

[0462] Method 1300 may include, by the processor of system 100, determining, at block 1316, an adjusted arrival time to an intended final destination for the tracked baggage item on the non-routine path. The intended final destination may be for both the tracked baggage item and the associated passenger, or for the tracked baggage item only. Differences in the final destination may depend on the time it takes to find the baggage item, the location of the baggage item when found, and the distance to rendezvous the found baggage item with the passenger from the non-routine path.

[0463] The method 1300 may include, at block 1318, notifying, by a processor of the system 100, a passenger associated with the luggage item of the current status of the luggage item. The passenger may be alerted to the current status and any status changes of the lost, found, and / or rerouted luggage item until the passenger collects the luggage item.

[0464] Method 1300 may include, by a processor of system 100, determining a planned delivery location for the package item upon arrival from the current BTJR schedule, at block 1320. The processor of system 100 may be configured to review the BTJR of the package item for the current journey to determine a pickup and delivery location. Using data from the BTJR, including past deliveries and / or pickups, the current location of the package item, the current location of the passenger or accommodation to which the passenger will return at the end of the day, the located / tracked package item may be rerouted, for example, to meet the passenger.

[0465] Method 1300 may include, in block 1322, adjusting the BTJR by the processor of system 100 based on the change in adjusted arrival time due to the time difference from the scheduled arrival time of the passenger according to the original schedule and / or any delays, the current time, the vehicle mode for rerouting the found / tracked baggage item, and the new arrival time to meet the passenger and baggage item on the passenger's route.

[0466] Method 1300 may include, at block 1324, verifying, by a processor of system 100, that the luggage item is matched upon pickup for delivery. This may include scanning an IATA bag tag to match an IATA license plate with an IATA license plate number in profile 122. Alternatively, a global bag tag may be scanned to match a GMMT bag tag number with a GMMT bag tag number in profile 122. Still further, an image of the luggage item may be compared to a stored image of the luggage item in profile 122. Method 1300 may include, at block 1326, notifying the passenger of the arrival and / or delivery of the luggage item.

[0467] 14 illustrates a flowchart of a method of block 1304 for finding anomalous baggage items (hereinafter referred to as "method 1304"), according to an embodiment. Baggage item finder 181 may be configured to find anomalous baggage items according to the steps of FIG. 14. The blocks of FIG. 14 are airline-specific. However, some blocks may be used for other travel carriers.

[0468] The method 1304 may include, at block 1402, determining, by a processor of the system 100, whether a tracking device 40 is available for the baggage item. If the determination at block 1402 is no, the method 1304 may proceed to block 1412. If the determination at block 1402 is yes, the method 1304 may include, at block 1404, retrieving, by a processor of the system 100, location data 984 from the tracking device 40. The location data 984 is linked to the baggage item via the IATA license plate and the GMMT bag tag number of a global bag tag affixed to the baggage item.

[0469] The method 1304 may include determining, by a processor of the system 100, whether the package item has been found, at block 1406. If the determination at block 1406 is no, the method 1304 proceeds to block 1412. If the determination at block 1406 is yes, the method 1304 proceeds to block 1416, as described in more detail below.

[0470] The method 1304 may include, at block 1412, searching the BHS's B-type message data for an IATA bag tag number associated with a matching baggage item in the B-type message associated with the IATA baggage item or GMMT bag tag number, by the processor of the system 100. In other words, the system 100 may search any B-type message or machine reading before or after the B-type message having a reference indicator representing a non-routed baggage item to find where the baggage item was last recorded or is currently recorded. The routing of the baggage item may be due, for example, to a damaged or missing IATA bag tag. The BHS includes a scanner for scanning the barcode of the IATA bag tag. The BHS may include an RFID reader for receiving an RFID signal representing the IATA bag tag.

[0471] The BHS 63B (FIG. 1B) creates many Type B messages as package items are tracked and routed. Each Type B message may contain tracking information for the package item, generated by the BHS 63B (FIG. 1B), for example, before or after creation of the Type B message with the detected reference indicator. The tracking information within a particular Type B message provides location information for past and future locations where the package item has been scanned. This information may be useful for retracing and tracking the route traveled by the package item to its current location, even if the package item is mislocated or rerouted.

[0472] For training purposes, the scanner, B-type messages, reference indicators, and / or BHS information can be used to find patterns to find cause and effect.

[0473] The method 1304 may include, at block 1414, finding, by the processor, a route to the abnormal baggage item that will bring the baggage item to its intended destination or meet the passenger. The route may be a back-on-track route. When a route is found by the processor of the system 100, the route may include travel within the airline and along the BHS to the final destination. The back-on-track route may include removing the baggage item from the airline and another route using a different vehicle mode for the baggage item.

[0474] Analysis to find a back-on-track route can be accomplished by using artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms that use data from retrieved Type B messages before or after the occurrence of a reference indicator of irregular routing of a baggage item being detected by the system 100. The data can include other information, such as if the IATA bag tag is damaged or missing, which may prevent the baggage item from being routed to the correct airline. The point of the last scan or the point of the current scan can determine the proximity for retrieval of the lost baggage item. The baggage route data analyzer 182 can analyze data from the Type B message database 107, flight information, and / or location data from the tracking device 40 to develop a route to find the baggage item or find a back-on-track route that will carry the unusual baggage item to its destination and intersect with the passenger's travel path.

[0475] The method 1340 may include, at block 1416, generating, by the processor, a claim for the anomalous baggage item. A claim may be generated once a baggage item is lost and its proximity is determined. In one or more embodiments, a baggage handler may search and locate the anomalous baggage item within the airport based on the retrieved B-type message data.

[0476] The method 1304 may include generating, by the processor, delivery instructions for the billing at block 1418. Once the actual location of the found package item is found, the system 100 may determine a delivery location for the package item to be sent based on the current BTJR 154 (FIG. 1B). The delivery instructions may include coordination with the passenger depending on whether any of the passenger's travel segments have changed in the current journey.

[0477] The method 1304 may include, at block 1420, submitting, by the processor, the claim to the VOT.

[0478] The method 1304 may include, by the processor, notifying the passenger of the claim submission at block 1422. The system 100 may communicate confirmation of receipt of the claim submission using the passenger's email address, mobile communication device phone number, or other communication medium. The system 100 may also send an alert or communication to the passenger regarding the claim submission to the VOT.

[0479] FIG. 15 shows a diagram of an abnormal baggage item determination model. Model 1500 can receive data-related B-type messages. By way of non-limiting reference, model 1500 can receive reference indicators associated with one or more BSMs on line 1504, BPMs on line 1506, BTMs on line 1508, or BNSs on line 1510. While there is a single line, it should be understood that various information for each message may need to be entered, including date, fields, airport data, flight information, etc. The original A-BSM can be used to predict the expected route of a baggage item within normal limits. Reference indicators from the BPM data, BTM data, or BNS data can be used to predict an abnormal route.

[0480] Model 1500 may receive location data on line 1512 if the package item has a tracking device 40. In an embodiment, if location data is used to detect non-stationary route reference indicators, reliance on tracking B type message data may be weighted less than location data from the tracking device.

[0481] Model 1500 can receive B-type message training data on line 1520, indicating reference indicators that are regular and reference indicators that are non-regular. Model 1500 can receive BHS training data on line 1522, associated with scanners and other devices associated with the airport's BHS. Model 1500 can receive current flight delays or flight changes on line 1524 from the airline or airport. Model 1500 can receive a variable threshold on line 1526. Depending on the next travel leg of the itinerary, the threshold for deviation between the current route and the normal route can vary depending on the type and location of the next travel leg. For example, boarding a cruise ship can be very expensive due to the need to deliver delayed or lost baggage after passengers have set sail.

[0482] Model 1500 may receive, for example, a passenger name (PN) on line 1530. In one or more embodiments, model 1500 may also receive a PNR number or an IATA license plate number on line 1530. Model 1500 may receive flight data on line 1532 to derive a regular route using the originating BSM. Model 1500 may use various machine learning or artificial intelligence algorithms to 1) predict a regular route for a baggage item and / or 2) predict a non-regular route for a baggage item to find anomalous baggage items. In one or more embodiments, the non-regular route may require deviating from the regular route by a predetermined amount of time and / or a predetermined distance.

[0483] Model 1500 can output information indicative of the abnormal baggage item on line 1540. The output information can include flight data, IATA license plate number, passenger name, and / or PNR number. The output information can include non-routine route location information, time difference between the expected normal route and the current non-routine route. Distance thresholds can be expressed in miles, airport codes, or city codes. Time thresholds can be expressed in days, hours, minutes, and seconds.

[0484] The machine learning (ML) or artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms 1502 can include neural networks, Bayesian networks, tree-based models, supervised learning algorithms, and reinforcement learning algorithms. In one or more embodiments, the ML / AI algorithms can use classification models based on reference indicators.

[0485] As used herein, the terms “model” and / or “machine learning model” shall have their ordinary technical meaning to broadly refer to various types of machine learning models, as understood by those skilled in the art. Each of the various types of machine learning models is suited to different types of tasks and has relative advantages and disadvantages. Exemplary machine learning models may include, for example, (1) supervised learning, (2) unsupervised learning, (3) semi-supervised learning, (4) reinforcement learning, and (5) deep learning. Each of these models is described broadly below, along with various subtypes and their more detailed implementations. In embodiments according to the present disclosure, the various types of models described below may be combined and modified to suit the particular task at hand.

[0486] Machine Learning Algorithms Supervised Learning: Supervised learning machine learning algorithms are trained using labeled data, i.e., input data tagged with the correct output. The model learns to predict the output from the input data. There are several different subtypes of supervised learning models, such as (1) linear regression, (2) logistic regression, (3) decision trees, (4) random forests, (5) support vector machines, and (6) neural networks.

[0487] Linear regression: Linear regression machine learning algorithms can be useful for predicting a continuous outcome variable based on one or more predictor variables. These types of algorithms model the relationship between dependent and independent variables by fitting a linear equation to observed data.

[0488] Logistic regression: The logistic regression machine learning algorithm can be useful for predicting the probability that a given instance belongs to a particular class.

[0489] Decision Tree: A decision tree model can use a tree-like graph of decisions to make predictions. In various embodiments that implement decision tree models, such algorithms can be useful for both regression and classification tasks.

[0490] Random Forest: Random forest machine learning algorithms can include an ensemble of decision trees that are typically used to improve prediction accuracy and control overfitting.

[0491] Support Vector Machine (SVM): Support vector machine learning algorithms may be particularly well suited to determining and / or solving a variety of problems surrounding classification of problems and objects. These types of algorithms are effective in high-dimensional spaces and work by finding a hyperplane that optimally separates classes in feature space.

[0492] Neural Networks: This type of machine learning algorithm is often used as a catch-all for many different types of algorithms. The term "neural network" is inspired by the structure of the human brain, and these models are particularly effective at complex problems such as image and speech recognition. They can model nonlinear relationships and learn complex patterns in data. For example, image analysis training and decision making.

[0493] Unsupervised learning: These algorithms are used when the training data is not labeled. The system attempts to learn patterns and structure from the data. Examples of unsupervised learning algorithms are described below.

[0494] Clustering algorithms (e.g., K-means, hierarchical clustering): used to group data points into clusters such that data points within the same cluster are more similar to each other than to data points in other clusters.

[0495] Principal Component Analysis (PCA): A technique used to highlight variation in a dataset and bring out strong patterns, often to make the data easier to explore and visualize.

[0496] Autoencoder: A type of neural network used to learn efficient representations of data, typically for the purpose of dimensionality reduction.

[0497] Additional machine learning algorithms are discussed below.

[0498] Semi-supervised learning: These algorithms fall somewhere between supervised and unsupervised learning, as they use both labeled and unlabeled data for training.

[0499] Reinforcement learning: This type of machine learning uses a system of rewards and penalties to get a computer to solve problems on its own. It is used in a variety of applications, such as training models to play video games and robotic hands to grasp objects.

[0500] Deep learning: A subset of machine learning in which neural networks, especially those with many layers (deep networks), are used. They are particularly powerful for processing unstructured data such as images and text. Examples of deep learning models are described below.

[0501] Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs): Primarily used in image recognition and processing, they are able to capture spatial and temporal dependencies within an image by applying relevant filters.

[0502] Recurrent Neural Networks (RNNs): Due to their ability to use their internal memory to remember information about previous inputs, they are well suited to processing sequential data such as time series or natural language.

[0503] Each of these models and algorithms has its own advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different types of data and problems. The choice of algorithm often depends on the size, quality, and nature of the data, the task to be performed, and the available computational resources.

[0504] FIG. 16A shows a block diagram of a tracking device 1640 (i.e., tracking device 40 or 40′) according to an embodiment. The tracking device 1640 may include a subscriber identity module (SIM) card 1641, a GPS-GSM tracking component 1642, and an antenna ANT. The GPS-GSM tracking component 1642 may be configured to perform cell tower positioning via GSM / cellular positioning protocol 1656, WI-FI positioning via WI-FI positioning protocol 1652, GNSS positioning via GNSS positioning protocol 1658, and BLUETOOTH positioning via BLUETOOTH positioning protocol 1654. In one or more embodiments, the subscriber identity of the SIM card 1641 may be associated with a baggage handling service, a baggage tracking service, an air travel agency, or a moving vehicle. In one or more embodiments, the subscriber identity of the SIM card 1641 may be associated with a passenger. The GPS-GSM tracking component 1642 may include at least one processor. The tracking device 1640 may include at least one processor 1644 .

[0505] The tracking device 1640 may route within a building, along above-ground and / or underground journeys, which may result in a GNSS-denied environment. Thus, the tracking device 1640 can provide location information in a GNSS-denied environment. However, for use outside of airport infrastructure, the tracking device 1640 may have GNSS access. Thus, the tracking device 1640 can provide location information derived from GNSS data.

[0506] While GSM or cellular networks are readily available, these networks do not have 100% global coverage. For example, in underground buildings, cellular communications may be blocked. Communications within a building may be blocked or intermittent depending on the building's construction or nearby buildings. As a result, as package items move through buildings and underground, as well as outside, the tracking device may need to be able to acquire location information using various methodologies and adapt to its surroundings and situational communication parameters.

[0507] In one or more embodiments, the tracking device 1640 may use available RF access points, which may include BLUETOOTH access points and / or WI-FI access points, as described below.

[0508] In an example, tracking device 1640 may include an RFID unit 1643 configured to communicate using RFID frequencies. As a non-limiting example, tracking device 1640 with RFID unit 1643 may be configured to communicate with an RFID receiver of a baggage handling system. Some baggage handling systems have RFID receivers that read or receive RFID signals from IATA-compliant RFID bag tags.

[0509] In one or more embodiments, the tracking device 1640 can function as an RFID bag tag that is IATA compliant while within the airport infrastructure, but also provides tracking capabilities outside of the airport infrastructure.

[0510] The tracking device 1640 may include at least one digital certificate 1646. In embodiments, the digital certificate 1646 may be an organization-level digital certificate that enables encryption and decryption of organization-level information. As a non-limiting example, the organization-level digital certificate may be for interacting with an airline kiosk 1710 ( FIG. 17A ) and / or a BHS device 1760 ( FIG. 17B ). The tracking device 1640 may include a digital certificate 1646 to enable a passenger's mobile device to pair with the tracking device 1640. The tracking device 1640 may include a digital certificate 1646 for communicating with various communication platforms.

[0511] The tracking device 1640 may include a display 1648 having a display screen, a power source, and memory 1650. The memory 1650 may store BSM information 1660. The BSM information 1660 may include at least one of a GMMT bag tag number 1662, a PNR number 1664, or an IATA license plate number (IATA LPN) 1666. The BSM information 1660 may be extracted from a GTE-BSM, an originating A-BSM, or an terminating BSM, depending on when the tracking device was assigned to the baggage item. In one or more embodiments, the memory 1650 may be loaded with itinerary information 1674. For example, the itinerary information 1674 may include a PNR number, a reservation number, or other confirmation number for a moving vehicle.

[0512] In one or more embodiments, the power source may be a battery having one or more battery saving modes. A first battery saving mode may be based on the detected altitude of the tracking device. A second battery saving mode may be based on the detected speed of the tracking device. For example, when the tracking device is onboard during flight, the tracking device may be turned off or placed in sleep mode. A third battery saving mode may be based on a selected communication mode of the tracking device. For example, a BLUETOOTH communication protocol may use less power than other communication protocols. As a result, the tracking device may select a communication protocol to conserve battery power.

[0513] In one or more embodiments, the display 1648 may be configured to display the stored information. As a non-limiting example, the display 1648 may display the IATA license plate number and the corresponding IATA license plate. The display 1648 may be compatible with an RFID bag tag.

[0514] In one or more embodiments, the BSM information 1660 may include information printed on an IATA-compliant bag tag, including arrival flight information, departure flight information, PNR number, passenger name, etc., as described in connection with FIG. 8.

[0515] In one or more embodiments, the surface of the tracking device 1640 may include a GMMT bag tag number 1662. In one or more embodiments, a display may display the GMMT bag tag number 1662.

[0516] In an example, memory 1650 can store a primary ID (PID) 1668 created by a baggage handling system via BHS device 1760 (FIG. 17B). The primary ID can be, for example, a pseudo-ID sent from the baggage handling system to security screening machine 1762 (FIG. 17B). In an example, primary ID 1668 can be a TSA compatibility number that must be sent by the baggage handling system to security screening machine 1762 to identify the baggage item.

[0517] In an example, memory 1650 may store passenger personally identifiable information (PII) 1670. PII 1670 may include a passenger's date of birth associated with the passenger. In an example, PII 1670 may include a driver's license, social security number, passport identifier, or government-issued identification number. In one or more embodiments, the primary ID and / or passenger personally identifiable information may be obtained from a tracking device for use in obtaining security screening images stored in a cloud storage system, so that the security screening images may be obtained and re-analyzed by a security inspection station.

[0518] Access to memory 1650 may be controlled by different authentication procedures. For example, pairing with a kiosk may be different from pairing with the baggage item's owner's (i.e., passenger's) mobile device.

[0519] In an example, tracking device 1640 can operate in an RFID mode in which display 1648 can display an IATA license plate and other IATA compliant information from an IATA RFID bag tag.

[0520] In an example, the memory 1650 can store various applications 1672 for implementing different operational modes, as described in Figures 16B, 16C, 16D, and 16E. The applications 1672 can include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination thereof. The applications 1672 include programming modules configured to be executed by the processor to perform the functions and operations described below.

[0521] A tracking device may be configured to communicate with one or more service devices to cause different types of service devices to perform functions, as will become apparent from the description below.

[0522] FIG. 16B shows a block diagram of a contactless bag tag printing manager 1680B according to an embodiment. FIG. 17A shows a block diagram of a contactless baggage bag tag printing process 1700A using a tracking device according to an embodiment. Currently, a checked-in passenger can walk up to a kiosk 1710 to print an IATA bag tag. In one example, the passenger can enter their PNR number or itinerary confirmation number using keys 1716, which may be displayed on a screen 1712. Alternatively, the passenger may have already checked themselves in using an airline application and be required to digitally check in their baggage items. In this case, the passenger receives a boarding pass with a code, such as a QR code. At the kiosk 1710, the passenger places their mobile device 1701 under a scanner 1714. However, it may be difficult to get the scanner to capture a QR code or other code to be scanned. Typically, a passenger's hands are filled with personal belongings, including a wallet, jacket, coat, or carry-on luggage items.

[0523] The contactless bag tag print manager 1680B may include a tracker printer pairing unit 1682B and an authentication unit 1684B. The contactless bag tag print manager 1680B may include a print code sequence communication unit 1686B. The print code sequence may be, for example, a PNR number or another code sequence sent from the tracking device memory to a kiosk 1710 ( FIG. 17A ) to cause a printer to print an IATA bag tag for the passenger. The contactless bag tag print manager 1680B may include the PNR number or other code sequence required by the air travel agency. In this example, the PNR number or other code sequence for printing may be a travel request number. In one or more embodiments, the kiosk may print tickets or other tags for other moving vehicles.

[0524] The pairing unit 1682B may use BLUETOOTH pairing, for example, to pair with the BLUETOOTH enabling unit 1720. The BLUETOOTH enabling unit 1720 may be configured to pair with the tracking device with the strongest signal strength. For example, the luggage item 1750 may be placed directly in front of the kiosk 1710. The authenticator 1684B may require a specific digital certificate to enable BLUETOOTH pairing with the kiosk 1710 and the tracking device 1640 for security purposes.

[0525] Kiosk 1710 includes a processor 1705 and a printer 1718. In this case, the PNR number or another code sequence may be a travel request number used to control the functionality of kiosk 1710. Processor 1705 may receive the travel request number to authorize printing of an IATA bag tag.

[0526] In one or more embodiments, the kiosk 1710 may be at an airport or remote location where baggage items are processed for affixing IATA bag tags.

[0527] In one or more embodiments, the tracking device 1640 may include a button or mechanism to activate transmission of a code to a kiosk or other printing device to print an IATA bag tag.

[0528] In one or more embodiments, the tracking device 1640 is independent of the passenger P's mobile communication device but may be configured to receive information from or control signals from the passenger P's mobile communication device 1701 via a graphical user interface.

[0529] In one or more embodiments, the tracking device 1640 can receive information from the mobile communication device and program the BSM information or mobility application number into memory.

[0530] Figure 16C shows a block diagram of a security inspection manager 1680C according to an embodiment. The security inspection manager 1680C is described in conjunction with Figure 17B. Figure 17B shows a diagram of a pseudo-ID (i.e., primary ID) recording process 1700B using a tracking device 1640 according to an embodiment. In an example, the memory 1650 can store a pseudo-ID (i.e., PID 1668) created by the baggage handling system via a BHS device 1760 (Figure 17B) and presented to a security inspection machine 1762 (Figure 17B).

[0531] The security screening manager 1680C may include a pairing unit 1682C and an authentication unit 1684C of the tracker BHS device. The pairing unit 1682C may use, for example, Bluetooth pairing. The authentication unit 1684C may require a specific item digital certificate to enable Bluetooth pairing between the BHS device 1760 ( FIG. 17B ) and the tracking device on the baggage item 1750 for security purposes. When the tracking device / baggage item is in proximity to the BHS device 1760 entering the security screening machine 1762, the BHS device and tracking device can pair. The BHS device may be programmed to communicate a primary ID, pseudo ID, or other TSA compatible number to the tracking device to identify the baggage item entering the security screening machine.

[0532] In an example, the IATA LPN communicator 1686C can communicate the IATA LPN to the BHS device 1760 (FIG. 17B) before receiving the primary ID, pseudo ID, or other TSA compatible number. In this case, the IATA LPN can function as a travel application number. The primary ID, pseudo ID, or other TSA compatible number can be received by the PID receiver 1688C. The received PID is then stored in the memory of the tracking device.

[0533] FIG. 16D shows a block diagram of a mobile-to-tracker pairing manager 1680D according to an embodiment. The mobile-to-tracker pairing manager 1680D may include a tracker-to-mobile pairing unit 1682D and an authenticator 1684D. The mobile-to-tracker pairing manager 1680D may include a print code sequence receiver 1688D and a personally identifiable information receiver 1690D. In one or more embodiments, a passenger can communicate the print code sequence to the tracking device via data entry using a display on the tracking device or via wireless communication. In one or more embodiments, a passenger can communicate personally identifiable information via data entry using a display on the tracking device or via wireless communication to the tracking device. The personally identifiable information can be stored using an authentication protocol to authenticate the identity of the user or passenger.

[0534] Mobile-to-tracker pairing manager 1680D may include a travel information communicator 1686D configured to communicate any BSM or itinerary information stored in memory, which may be transmitted to a display or via wireless communication.

[0535] 16E shows a block diagram of a non-stationary reference indicator detection manager 1680E according to an embodiment. The non-stationary reference indicator detection manager 1680E may include a tracker and second device pairing unit 1682E and an authentication unit 1684E. The second device may include a device in a baggage handling system.

[0536] The non-stationary reference indicator detection manager 1680E may include a reference indicator receiver 1688E and a non-stationary reference indicator detector 1690E. The reference indicator may include an airport code. The original BSM information may include a reference indicator of a normal route for the flight. Receipt of a reference indicator representing a non-stationary indicator as described herein from within the airport may be detected.

[0537] The non-stationary reference indicator detection manager 1680E may include a notification communicator 1692E configured to communicate a notification of the non-stationary route in response to detecting one or more non-stationary reference indicators.

[0538] 17C shows a diagram of a process 1700C for communicating location information from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) platform, according to an embodiment. Satellite 1765C represents a GNSS in communication with a tracking device 1640 attached to a package item 1750. The tracking device 1640 can communicate the location information with a cell tower 1767C. The cell tower can communicate the location information over a network 1775 to a computing device 1763C configured to track the package item via the tracking device 1640. The network 1775 can be the Internet or a utility network.

[0539] 17D shows a diagram of a process 1700D of a tracking device 1640 for communicating location information with at least one radio frequency (RF) access point, according to an embodiment. In the figure, the RF access points are shown as 1777A, 1777B, 1777C, and 1777D. The tracking device 1640 is closest to RF access point 1777B and can pair with it and transmit the location information to computing device 1763C over network 1775 (FIG. 17C). The tracking device can select RF access point 1777B based on signal strength, in one or more embodiments.

[0540] 18 shows a block diagram of a tracking system 1800 according to an embodiment. The tracking system 1800 can include multiple tracking devices 1640 that communicate with a tracking station 1810 (i.e., a computing device) via a network 1830. The network 1830 can be the Internet or other utility communication network.

[0541] The tracking station 1810 may include a display 1815 that displays the location of the tracking device as indicated by a locator 1820. The tracking station 1810 may display a comment window 1825 associated with the locator 1820. The comment window 1825 may include a notification of a non-stationary route due to non-stationary reference indicator detection. The comment window 1825 may include address or location information. The location information may include granular information including building level, floor, room number, building number, etc. The location information may include information related to nearby or surrounding Internet of Things (IoT) devices, mobile communication devices, or other RF access points.

[0542] 12 is a block diagram illustrating an electronic device in a network environment, according to one or more embodiments. As used herein, electronic device 1201 may include, for example, tracking device 40, computing device 50, web server 112, components of reservation systems 60, 62, 64, 66, 68, and 70, components of TMS 74, acquisition device 195, processor 610, at least one second processor 626, computer system 628, and computing device 648.

[0543] The systems described herein may be implemented via one or more electronic devices operating in a network environment. For example, an electronic device 1201 (e.g., computing device 50) in network environment 1200 may communicate with an electronic device 1202 via a first network 1298 (e.g., a short-range wireless communication network) or may communicate with at least one of an electronic device 1204 or a server 1208 via a second network 1299 (e.g., a long-range wireless communication network). According to an embodiment, electronic device 1201 may communicate with electronic device 1204 via server 1208. According to an embodiment, electronic device 1201 may include processor 1220, memory 1230, input module 1250, audio output module 1255, display module 1260, audio module 1270, sensor module 1276, interface 1277, connection terminal 1278, haptic module 1279, camera module 1280, power management module 1288, battery 1289, communication module 1290, subscriber identity module (SIM) 1296, or antenna module 1297. In particular embodiments, at least one of the components (e.g., connection terminal 1278) may be omitted from electronic device 1201, or one or more other components may be added to electronic device 1201. In particular embodiments, some of the components (e.g., sensor module 1276, camera module 1280, or antenna module 1297) may be implemented as a single component (e.g., display module 1260). The processor 1220 may, for example, execute software (e.g., program 1240) to control at least one other component (e.g., hardware or software component) of the electronic device 1201 coupled to the processor 1220, and may perform various data processing or calculations.According to an embodiment, as at least a part of the data processing or calculation, the processor 1220 can store commands or data received from another component (e.g., the sensor module 1276 or the communications module 1290) in the volatile memory 1232, process the commands or data stored in the volatile memory 1232, and store the resulting data in the non-volatile memory 1234. According to an embodiment, the processor 1220 can include a main processor 1221 (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU) or an application processor (AP)), or an auxiliary processor 1223 (e.g., a graphics processing unit (GPU), a neural processing unit (NPU), an image signal processor (ISP), a sensor hub processor, or a communications processor (CP)) that can operate independently of or in conjunction with the main processor 1221. For example, if the electronic device 1201 includes the main processor 1221 and the auxiliary processor 1223, the auxiliary processor 1223 can be adapted to consume less power than the main processor 1221 or to be specific to a designated function. The auxiliary processor 1223 may be implemented separately from the main processor 1221 or as part of the main processor.

[0544] The auxiliary processor 1223 can control at least some of the functions or states associated with at least one of the components of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., the display module 1260, the sensor module 1276, or the communication module 1290) on behalf of the main processor 1221 while the main processor 1221 is in an inactive (e.g., sleep) state, or together with the main processor 1221 while the main processor 1221 is in an active state (e.g., executing an application). According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1223 (e.g., an image signal processor or a communication processor) may be implemented as part of another component (e.g., the camera module 1280 or the communication module 1290) functionally associated with the auxiliary processor 1223. According to an embodiment, the auxiliary processor 1223 (e.g., a neural processing unit) may include a hardware structure designated for artificial intelligence model processing. The artificial intelligence model may be generated by machine learning. Such learning may be performed, for example, by the electronic device 1201 on which the artificial intelligence is executed or via a separate server (e.g., the server 1208). The learning algorithm may include, but is not limited to, supervised learning, unsupervised learning, semi-supervised learning, or reinforcement learning. The artificial intelligence model may include multiple artificial neural network layers. The artificial neural network may be, but is not limited to, a deep neural network (DNN), a convolutional neural network (CNN), a recurrent neural network (RNN), a restricted Boltzmann machine (RBM), a deep belief network (DBN), a bidirectional recurrent deep neural network (BRDNN), a deep Q-network, or a combination of two or more thereof. The artificial intelligence model may additionally or alternatively include a software structure other than a hardware structure.

[0545] The memory 1230 can store various data used by at least one component (e.g., the processor 1220 or the sensor module 1276) of the electronic device 1201. The various data can include, for example, input data or output data of software (e.g., the program 1240) and associated instructions. The memory 1230 can include volatile memory 1232 or non-volatile memory 1234.

[0546] The programs 1240 may be stored in the memory 1230 as software and may include, for example, an operating system (OS) 1242 , middleware 1244 , or applications 1246 .

[0547] Input module 1250 may receive commands or data from outside electronic device 1201 (e.g., a user) for use by another component (e.g., processor 1220) of electronic device 1201. Input module 1250 may include, for example, a microphone, a mouse, a keyboard, keys (e.g., buttons), or a digital pen (e.g., a stylus).

[0548] The audio output module 1255 may output audio signals external to the electronic device 1201. The audio output module 1255 may include, for example, a speaker or a receiver. The speaker may be used for general purposes such as playing multimedia or playing recordings. The receiver may be used to receive incoming calls. According to an embodiment, the receiver may be implemented separately from the speaker or as part of the speaker.

[0549] Display module 1260 can visually provide information to an external (e.g., user) of electronic device 1201. Display module 1260 can include, for example, a display, a hologram device, or a projector, and control circuitry for controlling the corresponding one of the display, the hologram device, and the projector. According to an embodiment, display module 1260 can include a touch sensor adapted to detect a touch or a pressure sensor adapted to measure the intensity of a force generated by a touch.

[0550] Audio module 1270 can convert sound into electrical signals and vice versa. According to an embodiment, audio module 1270 can acquire sound via input module 1250 or output sound via audio output module 1255 or headphones of an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202) either directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly coupled to electronic device 1201.

[0551] The sensor module 1276 may detect an operational state (e.g., power or temperature) of the electronic device 1201 or an environmental state (e.g., a user state) external to the electronic device 1201, and then generate an electrical signal or data value corresponding to the detected state. According to an embodiment, the sensor module 1276 may include, for example, a gesture sensor, a gyro sensor, a barometric pressure sensor, a magnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a grip sensor, a proximity sensor, a color sensor, an infrared (IR) sensor, a biometric sensor, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, or an illuminance sensor.

[0552] Interface 1277 may support one or more specified protocols to be used for electronic device 1201 to couple directly (e.g., wired) or wirelessly with an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202). According to an embodiment, interface 1277 may include, for example, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface (HDMI), a Universal Serial Bus (USB) interface, a Secure Digital (SD) card interface, or an audio interface.

[0553] The connection terminal 1278 may include a connector that allows the electronic device 1201 to be physically connected to an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1202). According to an embodiment, the connection terminal 1278 may include, for example, an HDMI connector, a USB connector, an SD card connector, or an audio connector (e.g., a headphone connector).

[0554] Haptic module 1279 may convert the electrical signals into mechanical stimuli (e.g., vibration or movement) or electrical stimuli that can be perceived by the user via the user's sense of touch or kinesthetic sensation. According to an embodiment, haptic module 1279 may include, for example, a motor, a piezoelectric element, or an electrical stimulator.

[0555] Camera module 1280 may capture still or video images. According to an embodiment, camera module 1280 may include one or more lenses, an image sensor, an image signal processor, or a flash.

[0556] The power management module 1288 may manage the power supplied to the electronic device 1201. According to an embodiment, the power management module 1288 may be implemented, for example, as at least part of a power management integrated circuit (PMIC).

[0557] Battery 1289 may provide power to at least one component of electronic device 1201. According to an embodiment, battery 1289 may include, for example, a non-rechargeable primary battery, a rechargeable secondary battery, or a fuel cell.

[0558] Communications module 1290 may support establishing a direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication channel between electronic device 1201 and an external electronic device (e.g., electronic device 1202, electronic device 1204, or server 1208) and performing communication over the established communication channel. Communications module 1290 may include one or more communications processors operable independently of processor 1220 (e.g., an application processor (AP)) and supporting direct (e.g., wired) or wireless communication. According to an embodiment, communications module 1290 may include wireless communication module 1292 (e.g., a cellular communication module, a short-range wireless communication module, or a global navigation satellite system (GNSS) communication module) or wired communication module 1294 (e.g., a local area network (LAN) communication module or a power line communication (PLC) module). Corresponding ones of these communication modules may communicate with external electronic devices via a first network 1298 (e.g., a short-range communication network such as Bluetooth™, Wireless Fidelity (Wi-Fi) Direct, or Infrared Data Association (IrDA)) or a second network 1299 (e.g., a long-range communication network such as a legacy cellular network, a 5G network, a next-generation communication network, the Internet, or a computer network (e.g., a LAN or wide area network (WAN))). These various communication modules may be implemented as a single component (e.g., a single chip) or multiple components separate from each other (e.g., multiple chips). The wireless communication module 1292 may use subscriber information (e.g., an International Mobile Subscriber Identity (IMSI)) stored in the subscriber identity module 1296 to identify and authenticate the electronic device 1201 within a communication network such as the first network 1298 or the second network 1299.

[0559] The wireless communication module 1292 may support 5G networks, which are the next generation of 4G networks, and next-generation communication technologies, such as new radio (NR) access technology. NR access technologies may support enhanced mobile broadband (eMBB), massive machine-type communications (mMTC), or ultra-reliable low-latency communications (URLLC). The wireless communication module 1292 may support high frequency bands (e.g., mmWave bands) to achieve high data transmission rates. The wireless communication module 1292 may support various technologies to ensure performance in high frequency bands, such as beamforming, massive multiple-input multiple-output (massive MIMO), full-dimensional MIMO (FD-MIMO), array antennas, analog beamforming, or large-scale antennas. The wireless communication module 1292 may support various requirements specified by the electronic device 1201, an external electronic device (e.g., the electronic device 1204), or a network system (e.g., the second network 1299). According to an embodiment, the wireless communication module 1292 may support peak data rates (e.g., 20 Gbps or more) for implementing eMBB, loss coverage (e.g., 164 dB or less) for implementing mMTC, or U-plane latency (e.g., 0.5 ms or less, or 1 ms or less round trip for each of the downlink (DL) and uplink (UL)) for implementing URLLC.

[0560] The antenna module 1297 can transmit or receive signals or power to or from the outside of the electronic device 1201 (e.g., an external electronic device). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 1297 can include an antenna including a radiating element made of a conductive material or a conductive pattern formed in or on a substrate (e.g., a printed circuit board (PCB)). According to an embodiment, the antenna module 1297 can include multiple antennas (e.g., an array antenna). In such a case, for example, the communication module 1290 (e.g., the wireless communication module 1292) can select at least one antenna from the multiple antennas that is suitable for a communication method used in a communication network such as the first network 1298 or the second network 1299. Then, the signal or power can be transmitted or received between the communication module 1290 and the external electronic device via the selected at least one antenna. According to an embodiment, other components (e.g., a radio frequency integrated circuit (RFIC)) other than the radiating element can be additionally formed as part of the antenna module 1297.

[0561] According to one or more embodiments, antenna module 1297 may form an mmWave antenna module. According to an embodiment, the mmWave antenna module may include a printed circuit board, an RFIC disposed on or adjacent to a first surface (e.g., a bottom surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of supporting a specified high frequency band (e.g., an mmWave band), and a plurality of antennas (e.g., array antennas) disposed on or adjacent to a second surface (e.g., a top or side surface) of the printed circuit board and capable of transmitting or receiving signals in the specified high frequency band.

[0562] At least some of the above components may be connected to each other and communicate signals (e.g., commands or data) via a peripheral-to-peripheral communication scheme (e.g., a bus, a general-purpose input / output (GPIO), a serial peripheral interface (SPI), or a mobile industry processor interface (MIPI)).

[0563] According to an embodiment, commands or data may be sent or received between electronic device 1201 and external electronic device 1204 via server 1208 coupled to second network 1299. Each of electronic device 1202 or 1204 may be the same type of device as electronic device 1201 or a different type of device. According to an embodiment, all or part of the operations performed on electronic device 1201 may be performed on one or more of external electronic devices 1202, 1204, or 1208. For example, if electronic device 1201 is to perform a function or service automatically or in response to a request from a user or another device, electronic device 1201 may request one or more external electronic devices to perform at least part of the function or service instead of or in addition to performing the function or service. The one or more external electronic devices receiving the request may perform at least part of the requested function or service, or an additional function or service related to the request, and forward the results of the execution to electronic device 1201. The electronic device 1201 can provide the result as at least part of a response to the request, with or without further processing the result. For example, cloud computing, distributed computing, mobile edge computing (MEC), or client-server computing technology can be used for this purpose. The electronic device 1201 can provide an ultra-low latency service, for example, using distributed computing or mobile edge computing. In another embodiment, the external electronic device 1204 can include an Internet of Things (IoT) device. The server 1208 can be an intelligent server that uses machine learning and / or neural networks. According to an embodiment, the external electronic device 1204 or the server 1208 can be included in a second network 1299. The electronic device 1201 can be applied to intelligent services based on 5G communication technology or IoT-related technologies (e.g., smart homes, smart cities, smart cars, or healthcare).In embodiments, electronic device 1202 and / or 1204 may be a printing device, which may be an engraving device, an etching device, a computer-aided design (CAD) manufacturing device, a three-dimensional printing device, a laser printing device, or other printing device.

[0564] An electronic device according to one or more embodiments may be one of various types of electronic devices. The electronic device may include, for example, a portable communication device (e.g., a smartphone), a computing device, a portable multimedia device, a portable medical device, a printer, a camera, a wearable device, or a consumer electronics appliance. According to embodiments of the present disclosure, the electronic device is not limited to the above.

[0565] The embodiments described herein are described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used throughout the drawings to indicate similar or equivalent elements. The drawings are not drawn to scale, and they are provided solely to illustrate aspects disclosed herein. Some disclosed aspects are described herein with reference to illustrative, non-limiting, exemplary applications. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are described to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments disclosed herein. However, one skilled in the art will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or in other manners. In other instances, well-known structures or operations have not been shown in detail to avoid obscuring aspects disclosed herein. The embodiments are not limited by the illustrated order of acts or events, as some acts may occur in different orders and / or concurrently with other acts or events. Moreover, not all illustrated acts or events are required to implement a methodology in accordance with an embodiment.

[0566] Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameters setting forth broad ranges are approximations, the numerical values ​​set forth in the specific non-limiting examples are reported as precisely as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains certain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation found in their respective testing measurements. Moreover, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to encompass any and all subranges subsumed therein. For example, the range "less than 10" can include any and all subranges between (and including) a minimum value of 0 and a maximum value of 10, i.e., any and all subranges having a minimum value greater than or equal to 0 and a maximum value less than or equal to 10, such as 1 to 4.

[0567] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, each component (e.g., a module or a program) of the above-described components may include a single entity or multiple entities, and some of the multiple entities may be located separately in different components. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, one or more of the above-described components may be omitted, or one or more other components may be added. Alternatively, or additionally, multiple components (e.g., modules or programs) may be integrated into a single component. In such cases, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the integrated component may still perform one or more functions of each of the multiple components in the same or similar manner as performed by a corresponding one of the multiple components before integration. According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, operations performed by a module, a program, or another component may be performed sequentially, in parallel, iteratively, or heuristically, or one or more of the operations may be performed in a different order or omitted, or one or more other operations may be added.

[0568] Various embodiments described herein may be implemented as software (e.g., program 1240) including one or more instructions stored in a storage medium (e.g., internal memory 1236 or external memory 1238) readable by a machine (e.g., electronic device 1201). For example, a processor of the machine (e.g., processor 1220 of electronic device 1201) may call at least one of the one or more instructions stored in the storage medium and execute it with or without the use of one or more other components under the control of the processor. This may cause the machine to perform at least one function in accordance with the at least one called instruction. The one or more instructions may include code generated by a compiler or code executable by an interpreter. The machine-readable storage medium may be provided in the form of a non-transitory storage medium. Here, the term “non-transitory” simply means that the storage medium is a tangible device and does not include a signal (e.g., an electromagnetic wave), but this term does not distinguish between where data is semi-permanently stored on the storage medium and where data is temporarily stored on the storage medium.

[0569] According to various embodiments of the present disclosure, methods according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may be provided in a computer program product. The computer program product may be traded as a product between a seller and a buyer. The computer program product may be distributed in the form of a machine-readable storage medium (e.g., a compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM)), or may be distributed (e.g., downloaded or uploaded) online via an application store or directly between two user devices (e.g., smartphones). When distributed online, at least a portion of the computer program product may be temporarily generated or at least temporarily stored in a machine-readable storage medium, such as the memory of a manufacturer's server, an application store's server, or an intermediary server.

[0570] The electronic device 1201 may include an accelerometer (ACC) and / or a gyroscope 1282, a global positioning system (GPS) 1280 and / or an inertial navigation unit (INU) 1284 to determine its own position.

[0571] Aspects of the embodiments are described below with reference to flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams of methods, apparatus (systems), and computer program products according to the embodiments. It will be understood that each block of the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flowchart illustrations and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by machine-readable program instructions.

[0572] The "step-by-step process" for performing the functions claimed herein is a particular algorithm, which may be shown in the body of the specification as a mathematical formula and / or in a flowchart. The instructions of a software program create a special-purpose machine for performing the particular algorithm. Thus, in any means-plus-function claim herein in which the disclosed structure is a computer or microprocessor programmed to execute an algorithm, the disclosed structure is not a general-purpose computer, but rather a special-purpose computer programmed to execute the disclosed algorithm.

[0573] A general-purpose computer or microprocessor can be programmed to execute algorithms / steps to create a new machine. A general-purpose computer becomes a special-purpose computer when it is programmed to perform specific functions according to instructions from program software of the embodiments described herein. The software program instructions that execute the algorithms / steps electrically modify the general-purpose computer by creating electrical pathways within the device. These electrical pathways create a special-purpose machine for performing the specific algorithms / steps.

[0574] Unless otherwise defined, all terms (including technical and scientific terms) used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the embodiments belong. Terms, such as those defined in commonly used dictionaries, should be interpreted to have a meaning consistent with their meaning in the context of the relevant art, and will not be interpreted in an idealized or overly formal sense unless expressly defined as such herein.

[0575] In particular, unless otherwise specified as will be apparent from the discussion, throughout the description, discussions utilizing terms such as "processing" or "computing" or "calculating" or "determining" or "displaying" will be understood to refer to the operations and processes of a computer system or similar electronic computing device that manipulates and converts data represented as physical (electronic) quantities in the computer system's registers and memory into other data that is similarly represented as physical quantities in the computer system's memory or registers or other such data storage, transmission, or display devices.

[0576] "Communication media" typically includes computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in a modulated data signal, such as a carrier wave or other transport mechanism. Communication media also includes any informatio...

Claims

1. generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for the registered passenger's baggage item, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and the passenger name of the registered passenger; and generating, by a printing device, a GMMT code indicia representing said GMMT bag tag number on a substrate configured to be affixed to said baggage item; A method comprising:

2. receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current itinerary information representing at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger, a passenger reservation record (PNR) number of the registered passenger, or an itinerary confirmation (IC) number of the registered passenger; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items of the registered passengers, the baggage journey record including a baggage delivery location and a baggage collection location; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

3. determining, by at least one of the at least one processor, a number of baggage items associated with the registered passenger for the current journey information; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to each baggage item associated with the registered passenger for the current journey information; The method of claim 2 further comprising:

4. accessing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database associated with the at least one travel member number, the PNR number, or the IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information of the registered passenger; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number with the other passenger names associated with the current journey information; The method of claim 2 further comprising:

5. constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, the baggage journey record based on the current journey information, constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, the baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items in the other passenger names; The method of claim 4, comprising:

6. receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from the registered passenger's computing device; and generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database of stored passenger information associated with the baggage item identifying the PMM movement information linked to the GMMT bag tag number; The generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number includes: generating, by at least one of said at least one processor, at least one PMM migration code; The method of claim 1 further comprising:

7. forming the GMMT code representation on the substrate by the printing device, forming, by said printing device, at least one PMM transfer code indicia representing said at least one PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to said GMMT code indicia on said substrate; The method of claim 6 further comprising:

8. The method of claim 6 , wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more of the registered passenger's travel management system number or the registered passenger's online travel booking engine number.

9. The method of claim 6 , wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more travel membership numbers for the registered passengers.

10. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, and Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 10. The method of claim 9, comprising one or more of:

11. receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current itinerary information representing a travel member number, a PNR number, or an itinerary confirmation number; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information; The method of claim 10 further comprising:

12. said constructing said baggage journey record based on said PMM movement information comprising: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel reservation location for the baggage journey; and querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; and The method comprises: inputting, by at least one of the at least one processor, one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location into the baggage itinerary record; The method of claim 11 further comprising:

13. The method of claim 1 , wherein the period is renewable.

14. The method of claim 1 , wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

15. at least one processor; and At least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction. A system comprising: The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: generating a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for the registered passenger's baggage item, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and the passenger name of the registered passenger; and causing a printing device to form a GMMT code indicia representing said GMMT bag tag number on a substrate affixed to said baggage item; A system configured to perform

16. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: receiving current itinerary information representing at least one of the registered passenger's travel membership number, the registered passenger's passenger reservation record (PNR) number, or the registered passenger's itinerary confirmation (IC) number; and constructing a baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items of the registered passenger, the baggage journey record including a baggage delivery location and a baggage collection location; The system of claim 15 , further configured to:

17. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: determining the number of baggage items associated with the registered passenger for the current journey information; and linking said GMMT bag tag number to each baggage item associated with said registered passenger for said current journey information; The system of claim 16 , further configured to perform:

18. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: accessing a database associated with the at least one travel member number, the PNR number, or the IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information of the registered passenger; and linking said GMMT bag tag number with said other passenger names associated with said current journey information; The system of claim 16 , further configured to perform:

19. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: constructing the baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items in the other passenger names; The system of claim 18 , further configured to perform:

20. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: receiving preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from the registered passenger's computing device; generating a database of stored passenger information associated with the baggage items identifying the PMM movement information linked to the GMMT bag tag number; and generating at least one PMM movement code concurrently with said generating said GMMT bag tag number; The system of claim 15 , further configured to:

21. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: causing the printing device to form at least one PMM transfer code representation representing the at least one PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to the GMMT code representation on the substrate.

21. The system of claim 20, further configured to:

22. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more of the registered passenger's travel management system number or the registered passenger's online travel booking engine number.

23. 21. The system of claim 20, wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more travel membership numbers for the registered passengers.

24. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, and Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 24. The system of claim 23, comprising one or more of:

25. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: receiving current itinerary information representing at least one travel member number, PNR number, or itinerary confirmation number; and constructing a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information; The system of claim 24 , further configured to perform:

26. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: constructing the baggage journey record based on the PMM movement information, querying a reservation system associated with said airline for the location of the destination airport for the baggage leg; querying a reservation system associated with the hotel company for hotel reservation locations for the baggage journey; and querying a reservation system associated with the cruise line for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; [0023] The method is further configured to: The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: entering one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location into the baggage itinerary; The system of claim 25 , further configured to perform:

27. The system of claim 15 , wherein the period is renewable.

28. 16. The system of claim 15, wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

29. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) bag tag number for the registered passenger's baggage item, the GMMT bag tag number including a permanently assigned license plate that complies with International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period; generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the GMMT bag tag number and the passenger name of the registered passenger; and generating, by a printing device, a GMMT code indicia representing said GMMT bag tag number on a substrate configured to be affixed to said baggage item; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for performing a method comprising:

30. The method comprises: receiving, by the processor, current itinerary information representing at least one travel membership number of the registered passenger, a passenger reservation record (PNR) number of the registered passenger, or an itinerary confirmation (IC) number of the registered passenger; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items of the registered passengers, the baggage journey record including a baggage delivery location and a baggage collection location; 30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, further comprising:

31. The method comprises: determining, by at least one of the at least one processor, a number of baggage items associated with the registered passenger for the current journey information; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to each registered baggage item of the registered passenger for the current journey information; 31. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 30, further comprising:

32. The method comprises: accessing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database associated with the at least one travel member number, the PNR number, or the IC number to obtain other passenger names associated with the current itinerary information of the registered passenger; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number with the other passenger names associated with the current journey information; 31. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 30, further comprising:

33. constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, the baggage journey record based on the current journey information, constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, the baggage journey record based on the current journey information for the baggage items in the other passenger names; 33. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 32, comprising:

34. The method comprises: receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, preferred multi-mode (PMM) travel information from the registered passenger's computing device; and generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, a database of stored passenger information associated with the baggage item identifying the PMM movement information linked to the GMMT bag tag number; further comprising The generating, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number includes: generating, by at least one of said at least one processor, at least one PMM migration code; 30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, further comprising:

35. forming the GMMT code representation on the substrate by the printing device, forming, by a printing device, at least one PMM transfer code indicia representing said PMM transfer code in series with or adjacent to said GMMT code indicia on said substrate; 35. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 34, further comprising:

36. 35. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 34, wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more travel management system numbers of the registered passenger or online travel booking engine numbers of the registered passenger.

37. 35. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 34, wherein the PMM travel information includes one or more travel membership numbers for the registered passengers.

38. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, and Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 34. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 33, comprising one or more of:

39. The method comprises: receiving, by at least one of the at least one processor, current itinerary information representing at least one travel member number, PNR number, or itinerary confirmation number; and 40. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 38, further comprising constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a baggage movement journey record based on the PMM movement information and the current journey information.

40. said constructing said baggage journey record based on said PMM movement information comprising: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel reservation location for the baggage journey; and querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; and The method comprises: inputting, by at least one of the at least one processor, one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location into the baggage itinerary record; 36. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 35, further comprising:

41. 30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the period is renewable.

42. 30. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 29, wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

43. electronically acquiring, by at least one electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code representation from a substrate associated with a global bag tag on a first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, the GMMT code representation being an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant license plate; accessing, by a first processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including a passenger reservation record (PNR) number of the registered passenger using a unique identifier representing the digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with a multi-mode baggage handling service; receiving, by the first processor, information identifying the registered passenger associated with the PNR number; and linking, by at least one second processor in communication with the first processor, the GTE-BSM of the registered passenger to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) associated with each different baggage item associated with the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM; A method comprising:

44. checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, the first baggage item of the registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment on an airline; and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline; 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:

45. 45. The method of claim 44, wherein each A-BSM is an IATA-compliant Baggage Source Message (BSM).

46. accessing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a database associated with the PNR number to obtain names of unregistered passengers associated with the registered passenger's current journey information; generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a separate Temporary Baggage Source Message (T-BSM) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number; and linking the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM; 45. The method of claim 44, further comprising:

47. checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, each different baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number, wherein each different baggage item associated with the unregistered passenger has a different A-BSM; and causing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a printing device to print an IATA baggage tag having the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of the unregistered passenger; 47. The method of claim 46, further comprising:

48. The receiving, by the first processor, the information confirming the identity of the registered passenger, further comprises: capturing an image of the registered passenger with an imaging device in communication with the first processor; and performing facial recognition based on the image of the registered passenger and stored images of the registered passenger; 44. The method of claim 43, comprising:

49. capturing, by the imaging device in communication with the first processor, an image of each separate baggage item in the name of another traveling passenger associated with the PNR number prior to departure from a baggage claim location; 49. The method of claim 48, further comprising:

50. Prior to said electronically obtaining, registering, by at least one of the at least one second processor, the passenger in the multi-modal baggage handling service; and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a GTE-BSM including a passenger name of the registered passenger and the unique identifier, the unique identifier including a GMMT bag tag number representing the GMMT code designation; 44. The method of claim 43, wherein the GMMT bag tag number comprises a permanently assigned license plate that conforms to the IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

51. automatically creating, by at least one of said at least one second processor, a baggage manifest record from said digital GMMT data record and said PNR number; 44. The method of claim 43, further comprising:

52. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the period is renewable and the predetermined validity period is within the range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

53. 51. The method of claim 50, wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

54. at least one processor; and At least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction. A system comprising: The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: obtaining, from at least one electronic capture device, an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code representation associated with a global bag tag on a first baggage item of a registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, wherein the GMMT code representation is an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant license plate; accessing a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) containing the registered passenger's Passenger Reservation Record (PNR) number using a unique identifier representing the digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with a multi-mode baggage handling service; receiving information identifying the registered passenger associated with the PNR number; and linking the GTE-BSM of the registered passenger to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) for each different baggage item associated with the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM; A system configured to perform

55. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: Checking in the first baggage item of the registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment on an airline; and generating an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline; 55. The system of claim 54, further configured to perform:

56. 56. The system of claim 55, wherein each A-BSM is an IATA-compliant Baggage Source Message (BSM).

57. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: accessing a database associated with said PNR number for the name of an unregistered passenger associated with the registered passenger's current itinerary information; generating separate Temporary Baggage Source Messages (T-BSMs) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number; and linking the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM; 56. The system of claim 55, further configured to perform:

58. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: checking in each separate baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number; and causing a printing device to print an IATA baggage tag having the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of said unregistered passenger; 58. The system of claim 57, further configured to perform:

59. the information confirming the identity of the registered passenger includes an image of the registered passenger captured by an imaging device in communication with the at least one processor; The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: performing facial recognition based on the image of the registered passenger and stored images of the registered passenger; 55. The system of claim 54, further configured to perform:

60. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: receiving, from the imaging device in communication with the at least one processor, a captured image of each baggage item in the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number prior to departure from a baggage claim location; 60. The system of claim 59, further configured to perform:

61. The at least one processor, prior to the obtaining the electronic representation of the GMMT, executes the at least one instruction to: Enrolling passengers in multi-modal baggage handling services; and generating a GTE-BSM including a passenger name of the registered passenger and the unique identifier, the unique identifier including a GMMT bag tag number representing the GMMT code designation; 55. The system of claim 54, wherein the GMMT bag tag number comprises a permanently assigned license plate that conforms to the IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

62. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: automatically creating a baggage manifest record from said digital GMMT data record and said PNR number; 58. The system of claim 57, further configured to perform:

63. 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the period is renewable and the predetermined validity period is within a range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

64. 62. The system of claim 61, wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

65. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: obtaining, from at least one electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of a Global Multi-Mode Travel (GMMT) code representation from a substrate associated with a global bag tag on a first baggage item of the registered passenger to create a digital GMMT data record linked to the registered passenger, the GMMT code representation being an International Air Transport Association (IATA) compliant license plate; accessing, by a first processor, a Global Tracking Extended Baggage Source Message (GTE-BSM) including the registered passenger's Passenger Reservation Record (PNR) number using a unique identifier representing a digital GMMT data record from a computer system associated with the multi-mode baggage handling service; receiving, by the first processor, information identifying the registered passenger associated with the PNR number; and linking, by at least one second processor in communication with the first processor, the GTE-BSM of the registered passenger to each different Airline Baggage Source Message (A-BSM) associated with each different baggage item associated with the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number in the GTE-BSM; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for performing a method comprising:

66. The method comprises: checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, the first baggage item of the registered passenger within a check-in window for a travel segment on an airline; and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, an origin IATA license plate for the first baggage item associated with the travel segment with the airline; 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 65, further comprising:

67. 67. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 66, wherein each A-BSM is an IATA-compliant Baggage Source Message (BSM).

68. The method comprises: accessing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a database associated with the PNR number to obtain names of unregistered passengers associated with the current journey information of the registered passenger; generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, separate temporary baggage source messages (T-BSMs) corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger based on the PNR number; and linking the separate T-BSMs corresponding to each separate baggage item of each unregistered passenger to the GTE-BSM; 67. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 66, further comprising:

69. The method comprises: checking in, by at least one of the at least one second processor, each separate baggage item of the unregistered passenger identified in the database associated with the PNR number, wherein each baggage item associated with the unregistered passenger has a separate A-BSM; and causing, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a printing device to print an IATA baggage tag having the created IATA license plate for each checked-in baggage item of the unregistered passenger; 69. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 68, further comprising:

70. The receiving, by the first processor, the information confirming the identity of the registered passenger, further comprises: receiving a captured image of the registered passenger from an imaging device in communication with the first processor; and performing facial recognition based on the captured image of the enrolled passenger and a stored image of the enrolled passenger; 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 65, comprising:

71. The method comprises: receiving, from the imaging device in communication with the first processor, a captured image of each different baggage item for the travel passenger name associated with the PNR number prior to departure from a baggage claim location; 71. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 70, further comprising:

72. The method further comprises, prior to the obtaining, registering, by at least one of the at least one second processor, the passenger in the multi-modal baggage handling service; and generating, by at least one of the at least one second processor, a GTE-BSM including a passenger name of the registered passenger and the unique identifier, the unique identifier including a GMMT bag tag number representing the GMMT code designation; 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 65, wherein the GMMT bag tag number comprises a permanently assigned license plate that conforms to an IATA license plate format for a period that expires after a predetermined validity period.

73. automatically creating, by at least one of said at least one second processor, a baggage manifest record from said digital GMMT data record and said PNR number; 66. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 65, further comprising:

74. 73. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 72, wherein the term is renewable and the predetermined validity period is within a range of 1 month to 10 years or 1 month to 20 years.

75. 73. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 72, wherein the predetermined validity period is coextensive with the life span of the registered passenger.

76. at least one processor; and 1. A system comprising: at least one non-transitory tangible memory communicatively coupled to the at least one processor, the at least one memory storing at least one instruction; The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: linking a Global Multi-Modal Travel (GMMT) bag tag number to at least one travel membership number for a registered passenger to access reservation information associated with at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel membership number; collecting reservation information for the current journey of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger in a profile of the registered passenger linked to the GMMT bag tag number; and constructing a Baggage Tracking Record (BTJR) for the pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, the BTJR being linked to the GMMT bag tag number; A system configured to perform

77. further comprising an electronic capture device configured to capture an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on a substrate of a permanent bag tag on a first of the at least one luggage item; The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: obtaining the electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number from the electronic capture device; retrieving information from at least one baggage handling field of the BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number; and displaying the retrieved information on a display device; 77. The system of claim 76, further configured to perform:

78. 78. The system of claim 77, wherein the permanent bag tag includes a GMMT code designation including the GMMT bag tag number, the GMMT bag tag number being compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

79. 79. The system of claim 78, wherein the GMMT code representation includes at least one code representing the at least one travel membership number.

80. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, or Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 77. The system of claim 76, comprising one or more of:

81. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: The reservation information, querying a reservation system associated with said airline for the location of the destination airport for the baggage leg; querying a reservation system associated with the hotel company for hotel reservation locations for the baggage journey; or querying a reservation system associated with the cruise line for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; and inputting into the BTJR one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location; 81. The system of claim 80, further configured to perform:

82. an electronic capture device configured to obtain an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number from a permanent bag tag on a first of the at least one baggage item and to transmit the electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number, location data, and a timestamp to the registered passenger profile; 77. The system of claim 76, wherein the location data represents the current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

83. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: and performing data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with the registered passengers.

77. The system of claim 76, further configured to:

84. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: linking the GMMT bag tag number to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for the travel segment of the current journey; and Linking the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger reservation record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg.

77. The system of claim 76, further configured to perform:

85. The at least one processor may write the at least one instruction as: assigning a tracking device to a first luggage item of the at least one luggage item of the registered passenger; 77. The system of claim 76, further configured to perform:

86. linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a global multi-modal travel (GMMT) bag tag number to the at least one travel membership number for the registered passenger to access reservation information associated with the at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel membership number; collecting, by at least one of the at least one processor, reservation information in a registered passenger profile linked to the GMMT bag tag number for a current travel leg of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Baggage Tracking Record (BTJR) for the pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, the BTJR being linked to the GMMT bag tag number; A method comprising:

87. obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor from an electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on a permanent bag tag; retrieving, by at least one of the at least one processor, information from at least one baggage handling field of the BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number; and causing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a display device to display the retrieved information; 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising:

88. 88. The method of claim 87, wherein the permanent bag tag includes a GMMT code designation that includes the GMMT bag tag number, the GMMT bag tag number being compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

89. 89. The method of claim 88, wherein the GMMT code representation includes at least one code representing the at least one travel membership number.

90. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, or Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 87. The method of claim 86, comprising one or more of:

91. The collecting of the reservation information includes: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel reservation location for the baggage journey; or querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; Including, The method comprises: inputting, by at least one of the at least one processor, into the BTJR one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location; 91. The method of claim 90, further comprising:

92. and acquiring, by at least one of the at least one processor, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number collected by an electronic capture device, the GMMT bag tag number being associated with a permanent bag tag on a first baggage item of the at least one baggage item of the registered passenger, location data, and a timestamp of the electronic capture device for the registered passenger profile; 87. The method of claim 86, wherein the location data represents the current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

93. 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising performing, by at least one of the at least one processor, data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with the registered passengers.

94. linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a travel segment of the current journey; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger reservation record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg; 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising:

95. assigning, by at least one of the at least one processor, a tracking device to a first luggage item of the at least one luggage item of the registered passenger; 87. The method of claim 86, further comprising:

96. A non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon instructions that, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to: linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, a global multi-modal travel (GMMT) bag tag number to the at least one travel membership number for the registered passenger to access reservation information associated with the at least one travel vehicle associated with the at least one travel membership number; collecting, by at least one of the at least one processor, reservation information in a registered passenger profile linked to the GMMT bag tag number for a current travel leg of at least one baggage item traveling independently or in parallel with the registered passenger; and constructing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a Baggage Tracking Record (BTJR) for the pickup and delivery of the at least one baggage item based on the collected reservation information, the BTJR being linked to the GMMT bag tag number; A non-transitory computer-readable medium for performing a method comprising:

97. The method comprises: obtaining, by at least one of the at least one processor from an electronic acquisition device, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number on a permanent bag tag; retrieving, by at least one of the at least one processor, information from at least one baggage handling field of the BTJR associated with the GMMT bag tag number; and causing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a display device to display the retrieved information; 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, further comprising:

98. 98. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 97, wherein the permanent bag tag includes a GMMT code indicia including the GMMT bag tag number, the GMMT bag tag number compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate.

99. 99. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 98, wherein the GMMT code representation includes at least one code representing the at least one travel membership number.

100. The one or more travel membership numbers are: Airline frequent flyer number, Hotel membership number of the hotel company, Rental car membership number of the rental car company, or Cruise line membership number of the cruise line company 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, comprising one or more of:

101. The collecting of the reservation information includes: querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the airline for a destination airport location for the baggage leg; querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the hotel company for a hotel reservation location for the baggage journey; or querying, by at least one of the at least one processor, a reservation system associated with the cruise line company for a cruise booking location for the baggage itinerary; Including, The method comprises: inputting, by at least one of the at least one processor, into the BTJR one or more of the destination airport location, the hotel reservation location, or the cruise reservation location; 101. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 100, further comprising:

102. The method comprises: and acquiring, by at least one of the at least one processor, an electronic representation of the GMMT bag tag number collected by an electronic capture device, the GMMT bag tag number being associated with a permanent bag tag on a first baggage item of the at least one baggage item of the registered passenger, location data, and a timestamp of the electronic capture device for the registered passenger profile; 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, wherein the location data represents a current location of the first baggage item at the time the GMMT bag tag number was obtained.

103. The method comprises: performing, by at least one of the at least one processor, a data analysis to push advertisements to mobile communication devices associated with the registered passengers; 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, further comprising:

104. The method comprises: linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a travel segment of the current journey; and linking, by at least one of the at least one processor, the GMMT bag tag number to a passenger reservation record (PNR) number in a reservation system for the travel segment associated with the current travel leg; 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, further comprising:

105. The method comprises: assigning, by at least one of the at least one processor, a tracking device to a first luggage item of the at least one luggage item of the registered passenger; 97. The non-transitory computer-readable medium of claim 96, further comprising:

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