Security, tracking devices, data collection, baggage source message generation including security information, and more.

The system automates baggage handling by using tracking devices to load security screening information and communicate efficiently, addressing inefficiencies and cost issues in existing systems, thereby reducing labor costs and enhancing operational efficiency.

JP2026509335APending Publication Date: 2026-03-18マティーアクレーグ
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-01-30
Publication Date
2026-03-18

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing baggage handling systems in airline carriers, particularly on cruise ships, are inefficient and costly, requiring significant human resources for baggage check-in and handling, and are prone to data entry errors, which increase labor costs and reduce profitability.

Method used

A system and method that utilizes a tracking device associated with passenger baggage to load security screening information, generate a baggage information message, and communicate using various protocols to streamline the baggage handling process, reducing the need for re-screening and minimizing human intervention.

Benefits of technology

The system reduces labor costs and streamlines baggage handling by automating the process, minimizing data entry errors, and optimizing resource allocation, thereby enhancing operational efficiency and profitability.

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Abstract

The disclosed system may include a processor and non-temporary, tangible memory for storing instructions. The processor may be configured to execute instructions to: generate a baggage information message containing IATA baggage tag data, which includes an IATA license plate number that uniquely identifies a checked baggage item and a pseudo-ID that identifies a passenger's checked baggage item subject to screening by a security screening imaging device. The processor may be configured to execute at least one instruction to: compare the IATA license plate number in the baggage information message with the IATA license plate number in the manifest and extract the pseudo-ID from the baggage information message; obtain a security screening image using one or more of the extracted pseudo-IDs or IATA license plate numbers; and provide the security screening image to a security screening workstation.
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Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] Cross-references to related applications This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 543,667, “A Baggage Manifest Creation System and Method,” filed on 11 October 2023. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Applications No. 18 / 514,015, 18 / 514,195, 18 / 514,295, 18 / 514,369, 18 / 514,826, 18 / 514,877, 18 / 514,914, 18 / 514,924, 18 / 514,937, 18 / 515,004, and 18 / 515,060 (all filed on 20 November 2023), and claims priority to those applications. Each of the above-mentioned U.S. Patent Application Nos. 63 / 543,667, filed on 11 October 2023, is a continuation-in-part application claiming priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 197,840, filed on 16 May 2023, and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 337,288, filed on 19 June 2023. The disclosures of each of the above-mentioned applications are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

[0002] This application is also a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 197,840, “Multimodal Transport Baggage Screening and Image Sharing System,” filed on 16 May 2023, and claims priority to said application. This application is also a continuation-in-part application of the following applications, claiming priority: U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 337,288 (filed on 19 June 2023), “Baggage Check-in Method and System,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 332,377; and U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 332,377, filed on 9 June 2023, “Digital Reconstruction of Baggage Tag Identifiers,” which is a continuation-in-part application of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 201,908 (issued as U.S. Patent No. 11,881,057 dated 23 January 2004), filed on 25 May 2023. and a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 311,566 (filed 3 May 2023) entitled “Remote Return Passenger Check-in from Baggage Tag Identifiers,” where U.S. Patent Applications No. 18 / 337,288, 18 / 332,377, 18 / 201,908, and 18 / 311,566 each directly claim the benefit of priority from U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 104,359, filed 1 February 2023, issued U.S. Patent No. 11,682,241 on 20 June 2023, entitled “Remote Return Passenger Check-in.” For the avoidance of doubt and without limiting the aforementioned generality, application No. 18 / 311,566 is a continuation of U.S. Patent Application No. 18 / 104,359. The disclosures of each of the above applications are incorporated in their entirety by reference in this Disclosure. background 1. Field

[0003] This disclosure pertains to asset management in general. Specifically, it concerns systems and methods for extracting data that would otherwise be discarded and reusing it to reduce data entry. 2. Explanation of related technologies [Background technology]

[0004] Airline carriers typically offer passengers the service of checking in their personal baggage, with or without a baggage fee. Baggage is often weighed to determine whether an additional fee is required. After that, baggage tags printed by the airline are attached to the baggage. Each airline carrier may have its own unique format for printing baggage tags at its counters. This process consumes human resources as staff working behind the counter complete passenger check-in, print boarding passes, check in baggage, and print and attach baggage tags. Airline carriers have also introduced kiosk terminals where passengers can print their own baggage tags, freeing up the time of counter staff. This allows passengers to attach pre-printed tags without using the human resources of counter staff.

[0005] According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the average daily passenger count for fiscal year 2021 was approximately 1.6 million. In fiscal year 2019, the average daily passenger count was approximately 2.9 million. Some of these passengers are returning from their trips. Furthermore, this group of returning passengers includes those returning from cruise ships and large resorts.

[0006] Numerous attempts have been made to reduce baggage handling costs, particularly those related to baggage handling from accommodations, passenger departures, and return flight check-in. To simplify baggage handling in transit, passengers are offered the option to select services from third-party vendors as needed, and request pickup (collection) of themselves and / or their baggage and transportation to the airport. Baggage can be collected from any location, such as home, office, or hotel, and delivered to a designated location without the passenger's presence.

[0007] Another method of handling baggage is to utilize hotel and other accommodation staff for this purpose. The biggest drawback of this is that employees cannot handle baggage in addition to their regular duties, as they cannot respond to tasks arising from other passengers using the accommodation's facilities. In recent years, hiring additional staff has become difficult due to the impact of COVID-19. Furthermore, labor costs have risen. For facilities such as cruise ships, increasing the number of staff to handle additional tasks is not only unrealistic from a cost perspective, but it would also reduce the profitability of the cruise by sacrificing paying passengers to cover the employment costs of the staff. Printing baggage tags and boarding passes occupies space on the cruise ship that could be used for passenger accommodation or as additional revenue opportunities.

[0008] Some baggage handling services attach valet receipts or tags to baggage. This process also requires the acceptance of IATA-standard printed baggage tags (with baggage identification numbers) as an alternative to valet receipts or tags. In the highly competitive accommodation business, this process is not cost-effective. Overall, baggage handling services require passengers to order the service via a website or mobile app, enter various passenger information that may be prone to errors, and pay the fee. Passengers can remotely check in for flights by providing necessary flight information for their travel itinerary in advance via a website or mobile app. While this process may seem fine at first glance, it is susceptible to data entry errors and can become very expensive when combined with baggage handling fees and the additional cost of temporary valet tickets. In many cases, baggage tags are removed and discarded upon arrival to make space for return baggage tags after the passenger arrives at their destination. [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0009] The average large cruise ship has a capacity of approximately 3,000 passengers. Larger ships can accommodate up to 5,400. All passengers returning home using airlines or other mobile carriers need to check in for their return flights. While onboard staff can handle pre-check-in and baggage check-in for return flights, this consumes valuable human resources that should be allocated to disembarkation. There is a need for a system and process that addresses these challenges, streamlines costs and time, and is easy for all passengers to use. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The disclosed method may include, by at least one processor, tracking a tracking device associated with a passenger's baggage during the journey; and by at least one processor, loading security screening information into the memory of the tracking device after the baggage item has been screened according to a first baggage screening requirement for travel using a first means of transport. The method may include, by at least one processor, generating a baggage information message containing security screening information to a network interface of a computing system associated with a security screening workstation, screening the baggage item for a security threat level requiring a second screening requirement equivalent to or lower than the first baggage screening requirement, and performing one of the following: (a) bypassing the re-screening of the baggage item under the second baggage screening requirement and transferring travel from the first means of transport to the second means of transport; or (b) terminating travel using the first means of transport and releasing the baggage item.

[0011] In various ways, security screening information includes a pseudo-identifier (ID) associated with screening of baggage items by an imaging device operable to apply a first screening requirement. Further, the method includes loading the pseudo-ID into the memory of a tracking device by at least one processor. The baggage information message is compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) B-type message.

[0012] In various ways, the baggage information message further includes at least one of a passenger name record (PNR) number and an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number. The disclosed method may further include loading the baggage information message into the memory of a tracking device by at least one processor.

[0013] In various ways, security screening information further includes a content list identified by a machine learning algorithm of a first baggage screening requirement. The disclosed method may further include loading, by at least one processor, into the memory of a tracking device, the content list, or a content list identifier for accessing the content list from a content list database.

[0014] In various ways, security screening information further includes information representing a first baggage screening requirement.

[0015] The disclosed method may further include capturing, by an imaging device, an image of a baggage item, and loading, by at least one of at least one processor, the image of the baggage item into the memory of a tracking device. In various ways, the baggage information message further includes an image of the baggage item.

[0016] The disclosed method can further include loading personal identification information into the memory of the tracking device by at least one of the at least one processors.

[0017] In various ways, the personal identification information includes at least one of a traveler's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, or government-issued identification number of the traveler.

[0018] In various ways, the second means of transportation is any one of a cruise ship, train, bus, ferry, airline carrier, or accommodation facility.

[0019] In various ways, the first baggage screening requirement requires an explosives detection system (EDS) certified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or an EDS that meets the European Union / Civil Aviation Conference of Europe (EU / ECAC) EDS standards.

[0020] The disclosed method may further include determining location information representing the geographical location of the tracking device by the tracking device and transmitting the location information to at least one processor by the tracking device.

[0021] The disclosed method may further include loading baggage source message (BSM) information into the memory of the tracking device by at least one of the at least one processors.

[0022] In various ways, the BSM information may include: a passenger name record (PNR) number; and an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number.

[0023] The disclosed method may further include transmitting at least one of a PNR number, an IATA license plate number, or security screening information to an electronic device by the tracking device, and the electronic device may be configured to perform a mobility function associated with the baggage item.

[0024] In various ways, the tracking device may be configured to communicate using any of the following: Wi-Fi communication protocol, Bluetooth® communication protocol, cellular communication protocol, long-range radio frequency communication protocol, short-range communication protocol, near-field wireless communication protocol, and GSM (Global System for Mobile Communications). The disclosed method further includes the tracking device communicating current geographic location information to at least one processor associated with tracking the tracking device.

[0025] This disclosure discloses a system comprising at least one processor and at least one non-temporary, tangible memory. The at least one memory is communicatively connected to the at least one processor and stores at least one instruction. In various system embodiments, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one instruction and to: track a tracking device associated with a passenger's baggage item during the journey; load security screening information into the tracking device's memory after the baggage item has been screened according to a first baggage screening requirement for travel on a first means of transport; and generate a baggage information message, which includes security screening information to a network interface of a computing system associated with a security screening workstation, and screens the baggage item for a security threat level requiring a second screening requirement equivalent to or less than the first baggage screening requirement, and to: bypass re-screening of the baggage item under the second baggage screening requirement and transfer travel from the first means of transport to the second means of transport; or terminate travel on the first means of transport and release the baggage item.

[0026] In various system embodiments, security screening information includes a pseudo-identifier (ID) associated with screening baggage items by a security screening imaging device capable of performing a first screening requirement. In various system embodiments, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one instruction to: load the pseudo-ID into the memory of a tracking device, where the baggage information message is compatible with an International Air Transport Association (IATA) Type B message.

[0027] In various system embodiments, the baggage information message further includes at least one of a passenger name record (PNR) number and an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number, and at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one instruction to load the baggage information message into the memory of the tracking device.

[0028] In various system embodiments, the security screening information further includes a content list identified by a machine learning algorithm for a first baggage screening requirement, and at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one of the following instructions: load the content list, or a content list identifier for accessing the content list from a content list database, into the memory of the tracking device.

[0029] In various system embodiments, the security screening information further includes information representing a first baggage screening requirement.

[0030] In various system embodiments, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one of the following instructions: load a baggage item image into the memory of the tracking device, where the baggage information message further includes the baggage item image.

[0031] In various system embodiments, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one of the following instructions: loading personally identifiable information into the memory of a tracking device.

[0032] In various system embodiments, the personal identification information includes at least one of the passenger's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, or passenger's government-issued identification number.

[0033] In various system embodiments, the second means of transportation is one of the following: a cruise ship, a train, a bus, a ferry, an airline, or accommodation.

[0034] In various system embodiments, the first baggage screening requirement is a Transport Security Administration (TSA) certified Explosives Detection System (EDS) or an EDS that meets the European Union / European Civil Aviation Conference (EU / ECAC) EDS standards.

[0035] In various system embodiments, the tracking device is configured to determine location information representing the geographical location of the tracking device. The tracking device is also configured to transmit the location information to at least one processor.

[0036] In various system embodiments, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one instruction to load baggage source message (BSM) information into the tracking device's memory.

[0037] In various system embodiments, BSM information includes the Passenger Name Record (PNR) number and the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number.

[0038] In various system embodiments, the tracking device is configured to transmit at least one of the PNR number, IATA license plate number, or security screening information to an electronic device, which is configured to perform a movement function associated with the baggage item.

[0039] In various system embodiments, the tracking device is configured to communicate using one of the following: Wi-Fi communication protocol, Bluetooth communication protocol, cellular communication protocol, long-range radio frequency communication protocol, short-range communication protocol, near-field wireless communication protocol, and Global System for Mobile Communications, and the tracking device is configured to communicate current geolocation information to at least one processor associated with tracking the tracking device.

[0040] The disclosed method may include, by at least one processor, obtaining a first baggage information message associated with the arrival of a passenger's checked baggage in a manifest, wherein the first baggage information message includes the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) number of the checked baggage at the airline carrier, and by at least one of the at least one processor, extracting the IATA license plate number and PNR number from the first baggage information message. The disclosed method may further include, by at least one of the at least one processor, using the extracted PNR number to associate with the airline carrier This may include retrieving personally identifiable information from a PNR database communicating with a computer system, and retrieving a second baggage information message created by the baggage handling system by at least one of the at least one processors. This second baggage information message includes the IATA license plate number and a primary identifier (ID) linked to a security screening image (SSI) of the checked baggage item.

[0041] In various ways, the second baggage information message is the IATA Baggage Processing Message (BPM).

[0042] In various ways, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth.

[0043] In various ways, personally identifiable information may include a passenger's social security number, driver's license number, or government-issued identification number.

[0044] The disclosed method may further include: matching the IATA license plate number of a second baggage information message with an extracted IATA license plate number by at least one processor; obtaining a primary ID from the second baggage information message in response to the matching with the extracted IATA license plate number by at least one processor; and obtaining the SSI of a baggage item from memory based on the primary ID associated with the SSI by at least one processor. The disclosed method may further include: assembling at least one communication packet containing at least one SSI and at least one IATA license plate number by at least one processor; and generating a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information by at least one processor.

[0045] In various ways, generating a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information by at least one processor includes having a printing device print the marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information.

[0046] In various ways, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on a marker using steganography.

[0047] In various ways, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker using an encrypted quick-response (QR) code.

[0048] In various ways, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on a marker using ink invisible to the naked eye.

[0049] In various ways, the first baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a forward baggage source message (BSM). The disclosed method may further include sorting multiple BSMs before reception based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether the BSM is a terminal BSM or a forward BSM.

[0050] Various disclosed systems may include: at least one processor; and at least one non-temporary and tangible memory communicably connected to the at least one processor. The at least one memory stores at least one instruction. In various disclosed systems, the at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to retrieve a first baggage information message associated with the arrival of a passenger's checked baggage item in a manifest, wherein the first baggage information message includes the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) number of the checked baggage item at the airline carrier; and to extract the IATA license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) number from the first baggage information message. Furthermore, the at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to retrieve personal identification data from a PNR database communicating with a computer system associated with the airline carrier using the extracted PNR number; and to retrieve a second baggage information message created by the baggage handling system. The second baggage information message includes the IATA license plate number and a primary identifier (ID) that links to the security screening image (SSI) of the checked baggage item.

[0051] In various disclosure systems, the second baggage information message is the IATA Baggage Processing Message (BPM).

[0052] In various disclosure systems, personally identifiable data may include the passenger's date of birth.

[0053] In various disclosure systems, personally identifiable data may include a passenger's social security number, driver's license number, or government-issued identification number.

[0054] In various disclosure systems, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one instruction: matching the IATA license plate number of a second baggage information message with an extracted IATA license plate number; retrieving a primary ID from the second baggage information message in response to the matching of the extracted IATA license plate number; and retrieving the SSI of a baggage item from memory based on the primary ID associated with the SSI. In various disclosure systems, at least one processor is further configured to assemble at least one communication packet containing at least one SSI and and IATA license plate number, and to generate a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information.

[0055] In various disclosure systems, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one of the following instructions when generating a marker: to cause a printing device to print a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information.

[0056] In various disclosure systems, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on a marker using steganography.

[0057] In various disclosed systems, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's travel date printed on the marker using an encrypted quick-response (QR) code.

[0058] In various disclosure systems, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on a marker using ink invisible to the naked eye.

[0059] In various disclosure systems, the first baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a forward baggage source message (BSM). At least one processor is configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: sort a number of BSMs before reception based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether the BSM is a terminal BSM or a forward BSM.

[0060] Various embodiments of non-temporary computer-readable media are disclosed. According to one embodiment, a non-temporary computer-readable medium is provided which stores instructions prompting at least one processor to perform a method when executed by at least one processor. A method executed by at least one processor includes: at least one of the at least one processors obtaining a first baggage information message associated with the arrival of a passenger's checked baggage item in a manifest, the first baggage information message including the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) number of the checked baggage item at the airline carrier; and at least one of the at least one processors extracting the IATA license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) number from the first baggage information message. The method performed by at least one processor may further include: at least one of the at least one processors using the extracted PNR number to retrieve personal identification information in a PNR database to communicate with a computer system associated with the airline carrier; and at least one of the at least one processors retrieving a second baggage information message created by the baggage handling system. The second baggage information message includes the IATA license plate number and a primary identifier (ID) linked to a security screening image (SSI) of the checked baggage item.

[0061] In various non-temporary computer-readable media embodiments, the second baggage information message is an IATA baggage processing message (BPM).

[0062] In various non-temporary computer-readable media embodiments, the personally identifiable information may include the passenger's date of birth.

[0063] In various non-temporary computer-readable media embodiments, personally identifiable information may include a passenger's social security number, driver's license number, or government-issued identification number.

[0064] In various embodiments of non-temporary computer-readable media, the method implemented by the processor may further include: matching the IATA license plate number of a second baggage information message with an extracted IATA license plate number by at least one of the at least one processors; and obtaining a primary ID from the second baggage information message in response to the matching with the extracted IATA license plate number by at least one of the at least one processors. In various embodiments of non-temporary computer-readable media, the method implemented by the processor may further include: obtaining the SSI of a baggage item from memory based on the primary ID associated with the SSI by at least one of the at least one processors; assembling at least one communication packet containing at least one of the SSI and the IATA license plate number; and generating a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information by at least one processor.

[0065] In various non-temporary computer-readable media embodiments, generating a marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification data by at least one processor includes having a printing device print the marker containing the IATA license plate number and personal identification information.

[0066] In various embodiments of non-temporary computer-readable media, the first baggage information message is either a termination baggage source message (BSM) or a forwarding baggage source message (BSM). In various embodiments of non-temporary computer-readable media, the method implemented by the processor may further include: sorting a plurality of BSMs before reception based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether the BSM is a termination BSM or a forwarding BSM.

[0067] The disclosed methods include: at least one processor matching first movement information, including the passenger name and International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number, relating to a passenger's baggage item in a flight manifest, with second movement information from a created Type B message, including a reference indicator representing a baggage item on a non-routine route; at least one processor generating an abnormal baggage manifest record for the baggage on a non-routine route associated with the flight manifest. Further disclosed methods may include: at least one of the at least one processor obtaining third movement information for the baggage on a non-routine route, generated by the baggage handling system before and after the created Type B message; and at least one of the at least one processor locating the baggage item on a non-routine route.

[0068] Various disclosed methods may further include: generating a delivery instruction by at least one of at least one processor to reroute a located baggage item based on passenger booking information in the manifest of the next means of transport to meet the passenger.

[0069] In various disclosed ways, a Type B message represents one of the following from an airline: Baggage Unconfirmed Message (BNS); Baggage Processing Message (BPM); Baggage Transfer Message (BTM); Baggage Source Message (BSM).

[0070] The various disclosed methods may further include: training a model using reference indicators for baggage items on non-stationary routes associated with one or more Type B messages, with at least one processor; and inputting representative data into the model to create stationary route information, with at least one processor. The various disclosed methods may further include: inputting data into the model from one or more current Type B messages associated with the transport of baggage items having IATA license plate numbers, with at least one processor; and training the model using each baggage handling system handling the baggage item, with at least one processor. In the various disclosed methods, the model uses a machine learning algorithm to detect that a baggage item is a baggage item on a non-stationary route where the difference between the current route and the stationary route exceeds a threshold.

[0071] Furthermore, the various disclosed methods may include, prior to matching, having at least one processor receive the origin BSM and determine the normal route of the baggage based on the origin reference indicator.

[0072] Various disclosed methods may further include: determining by at least one of at least one processor that a reference indicator represents a deviation in time or distance between the steady path of a baggage item and the current path of the baggage item that exceeds a threshold.

[0073] Various disclosed methods may further include: determining by at least one of the at least one processor that a reference indicator indicates that the baggage item is unconfirmed; notifying the passenger about the unconfirmed baggage item by at least one of the at least one processor; and filing a claim with the airline carrier regarding the unconfirmed baggage item by at least one of the at least one processor.

[0074] Various disclosed methods may further include: receiving a flight manifest on the day of travel by at least one of the at least one processors, wherein the flight manifest includes first travel information of a registered passenger traveling on that day; and receiving a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or transfer BSM including second travel information by at least one of the at least one processors.

[0075] Various disclosed methods may further include: determining by at least one of the at least one processor that a reference indicator represents a non-stationary route of a baggage item; tracking the current location of the baggage item by accessing location data generated by a tracking device on the baggage item by at least one of the at least one processor; and generating a delivery instruction for rerouting the recovered baggage item using the current location from the tracking device by at least one of the at least one processor.

[0076] In each disclosure method, the tracking device is configured to communicate using one of the following: Wi-Fi communication protocol, Bluetooth communication protocol, cellular communication protocol, long-range radio frequency communication protocol, short-range communication protocol, near-field wireless communication protocol, and Global System for Mobile Communications. Each disclosure method may further include: the tracking device communicating its current location information to a computing system for tracking the tracking device.

[0077] Embodiments of various computing systems for baggage retrieval are disclosed. Embodiments of various computing systems may include: at least one processor; and at least one non-temporary, tangible memory, communicably connected to the at least one processor, and storing at least one instruction. In embodiments of various computing systems, the at least one processor is configured to execute at least one instruction to: match first movement information, including the passenger name and International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number, relating to a passenger's baggage item in a flight manifest, with second movement information from a created Type B message, including a reference indicator representing a baggage item on a non-routine path; and generate an abnormal baggage manifest record for the non-routine baggage associated with the flight manifest. In embodiments of various computing systems, the at least one processor is further configured to: obtain third movement information of a baggage item on a non-routine path generated by a baggage handling system before and after the generated Type B message; and locate the baggage item on a non-routine path.

[0078] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one of the following instructions: to generate a delivery instruction for rerouting a localized baggage item based on passenger reservation information in a manifest regarding the next means of transport to meet the passenger.

[0079] In various embodiments of computing systems, a Type B message represents one of the following from an airline: baggage unconfirmed message (BNS); baggage processing message (BPM); baggage transfer message (BTM); baggage source message (BSM).

[0080] In various embodiments of the computing system, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one of the following instructions: to train a model using a reference indicator for baggage items on a non-stationary route associated with one or more B-type messages; to input representative data into the model to create information for stationary routes; and to input data into the model from one or more current B-type messages associated with the transport of baggage items having an IATA license plate number. In various embodiments of the computing system, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one instruction for training a model using each baggage handling system that handles baggage items. In various embodiments, the model uses a machine learning algorithm to detect that a baggage item is a baggage item on a non-stationary route where the difference between the current route and the stationary route exceeds a threshold.

[0081] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is further configured to execute at least one instruction prior to matching: receive the origin BSM and determine the steady route of the baggage item based on the origin reference indicator.

[0082] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: determine that a reference indicator indicates that the deviation in time or distance between the steady-state route of a baggage item and the current route exceeds a threshold.

[0083] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: determine that a reference indicator indicates that a baggage item is unidentified; notify the passenger about the unidentified baggage item; and file a claim with the airline carrier about the unidentified baggage item.

[0084] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: receiving a flight manifest on the day of travel, the flight manifest including first travel information of a registered passenger traveling on that day; and receiving a Terminal Baggage Source Message (BSM) or Transfer BSM including second travel information.

[0085] In various embodiments of computing systems, at least one processor is further configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: determining that a reference indicator represents a non-stationary route for a baggage item; accessing location data generated by a tracking device on the baggage item to track the current location of the baggage item; and using the current location of the baggage item from the tracking device to generate a delivery instruction for rerouting the recovered baggage item.

[0086] Various embodiments of the computing system may further include the tracking device communicating its current location. Furthermore, the tracking device may be configured to communicate using any of the following: Wi-Fi communication protocol, Bluetooth communication protocol, cellular communication protocol, long-range radio frequency communication protocol, short-range communication protocol, near-field communication protocol, and Global System for Mobile Communications.

[0087] The disclosed methods include: generating a baggage information message containing International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage tag data by at least one processor, wherein the IATA baggage tag data includes an IATA license plate number and a pseudo-ID that uniquely identifies the checked baggage item, wherein the pseudo-ID identifies the checked baggage item of a passenger to be screened by a security screening imaging device and may be linked to a security screening image of the checked baggage item created by the security screening imaging device. Various disclosed methods may further include: extracting a pseudo-ID from the baggage information message corresponding to the checked baggage item by at least one processor by matching the IATA license plate number in the baggage information message with the IATA license plate number in the manifest; retrieving a security screening image stored in a storage cloud system by the security screening imaging device using at least one of the extracted pseudo-ID or IATA license plate number; and providing information associated with the security screening image to one of the security screening workstations by at least one of the at least one processor.

[0088] Various disclosed methods may further include: obtaining a passenger name record (PNR) number from a baggage information message or baggage item tracking device using at least one of the at least one processors; and extracting the passenger's personal identification information from a PNR database associated with an airline carrier's computing device using the obtained PNR number using at least one of the at least one processors.

[0089] In various ways of disclosure, personally identifiable information may include any of the following: a passenger's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, passport identifier, or government-issued identification number.

[0090] Various disclosed methods may further include: generating a marker containing the IATA license plate number, passenger name, and passenger personal identification information using at least one processor; and causing a printing device to print the marker containing the IATA license plate number, passenger name, and personal identification information using at least one processor.

[0091] In various disclosed methods, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on a marker using steganography.

[0092] In various disclosed methods, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on the marker using an encrypted quick-response (QR) code.

[0093] In various disclosed methods, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, printed on a marker using ink invisible to the naked eye.

[0094] The various disclosed methods may further include, using at least one processor, receiving personally identifiable information from a passenger using a graphical user interface that provides authorization in a data entry field, and transmitting the personally identifiable information to a designated party.

[0095] Various disclosed methods may further include generating a marker containing an IATA license plate number, passenger name, and passenger personal identification information using at least one processor, and causing at least one printing device to print the marker containing the IATA license plate number, name, and personal identification information using at least one processor.

[0096] In various disclosed methods, the baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a forward baggage source message (BSM). The various disclosed methods may further include sorting multiple BSMs based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether a BSM is a terminal BSM or a forward BSM, before matching, to extract a pseudo-ID.

[0097] Various system embodiments for security, tracking devices, and data collection are disclosed. In at least one embodiment, the system may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one non-temporary, tangible memory, which is communicatively connected to the at least one processor and stores at least one instruction. In various system embodiments, the at least one processor is configured to execute at least one instruction and to perform: generating a baggage information message containing International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage tag data, which includes an IATA license plate number and a pseudo-ID that uniquely identifies the checked baggage item. The pseudo-ID that identifies the passenger's checked baggage item being screened by the security screening imaging device is linked to a security screening image of the checked baggage item created by the security screening imaging device. In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to match the IATA license plate number in the baggage information message with the IATA license plate number in the manifest and extract a pseudo-ID from the baggage information message corresponding to the checked baggage item; to use at least one of the extracted pseudo-ID or IATA license plate number to retrieve a security screening image stored in the storage cloud system by a security screening imaging device; and to provide information associated with the security screening image to one of the security screening workstations.

[0098] In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to obtain a passenger name record (PNR) number from a baggage information message or baggage item tracking device; and to use the obtained PNR number to extract passenger personal identification information from a PNR database associated with an airline carrier's computing device.

[0099] In various system embodiments, personal identification information includes one of the following: passenger's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, passport identifier, or government-issued identification number.

[0100] In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to generate a marker containing the IATA license plate number, passenger name, and passenger personal identification information; and to cause a printing device to print the marker containing the IATA license plate number, name, and personal identification information.

[0101] In various system embodiments, personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on a marker using steganography.

[0102] In various system embodiments, personally identifiable information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker using an encrypted quick-response (QR) code.

[0103] In various system embodiments, personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on a marker using ink invisible to the naked eye.

[0104] In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: receiving personally identifiable information from a passenger using a graphical user interface that provides authorization in a data input field, and transmitting the personally identifiable information to a designated party.

[0105] In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: to generate a marker containing the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the passenger's personal identification information; and to cause a printing device to print the marker containing the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the personal identification information.

[0106] In various system embodiments, the baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a forward baggage source message (BSM). In various system embodiments, at least one processor may be configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: sort a plurality of BSMs based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether a BSM is a terminal BSM or a forward BSM, and extract a pseudo-ID before matching.

[0107] The methods to be disclosed include: at least one processor obtaining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number of a checked baggage item at an airline carrier from a field in a first baggage information message, a computer system associated with the airline carrier that issued the IATA license plate, or a manifest; at least one processor generating a second baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and at least one primary identifier (ID) from a baggage handling system, where the primary ID is linked to information associated with a security screening image or content list of the checked baggage item.

[0108] In various disclosure methods, the second baggage information message is one of the following: an IATA baggage processing message (BPM); or an IATA baggage transfer message (BTM).

[0109] In the various ways disclosed, the information associated with the content list includes one of the following: a list of content associated with security screening images; or a content list identifier indicating the location of the content list in a secure database.

[0110] In various disclosed methods, the generation of a second baggage information message by at least one processor further includes: obtaining security screening imaging requirements by at least one processor, wherein the second baggage information message includes security screening imaging requirements.

[0111] In various disclosed methods, the first baggage information message is a termination baggage source message (BSM). The various disclosed methods may further include: causing a communication device to receive a termination BSM by at least one of the at least one processors.

[0112] In various disclosed methods, the first baggage information message is a forwarded baggage source message (BSM). The various disclosed methods may further include: causing a communication device to receive a forwarded BSM by at least one of at least one processors.

[0113] Various disclosed methods may further include: generating a third baggage information message, which includes the IATA license plate number and information associated with the reference baggage image, by at least one of the at least one processors.

[0114] In various disclosed methods, information related to a reference baggage image includes either: reference image data of the baggage item; or a baggage image identifier to the location of the reference image data in a secure database.

[0115] Various disclosed methods may further include: capturing real-time image data of a baggage item at a given location using an image capture device; recognizing the baggage item at a given location by performing feature recognition of the captured real-time baggage image data against reference image data using at least one of the at least one processors; and determining the location of the baggage item using at least one of the at least one processors.

[0116] Various disclosed methods may further include: generating a fourth baggage information message by at least one of the at least one processors, which includes the IATA license plate number and information relating to the location of the baggage item based on captured real-time baggage image data.

[0117] The disclosed system may comprise: at least one processor; and at least one non-temporary, tangible memory, communicatively connected to the at least one processor, and storing at least one instruction. The at least one processor is configured to execute at least one instruction and performs: retrieving the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number of a checked baggage item at an airline carrier from either a field in a first baggage information message, a computer system associated with the airline carrier that issues the IATA license plate, or a manifest; and generating a second baggage information message containing the IATA license plate number and at least one primary identifier (ID) from a baggage handling system, where the primary ID is linked to information associated with a security screening image or content list of the checked baggage item.

[0118] In various systems, the second baggage information message is either an IATA baggage processing message (BPM) or an IATA baggage transfer message (BTM).

[0119] In various systems, the information associated with a content list may include one of the following: a list of content associated with a security screening image, or a content list identifier indicating the location of the list of content in a secure database.

[0120] In various systems, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one additional instruction when generating a second baggage information message: to obtain security screening imaging requirements. In various systems, the second baggage information message includes security screening imaging requirements.

[0121] In various systems, the first baggage information message is the termination baggage source message (BSM). The various methods disclosed may further include: causing a communication device to receive the termination BSM by at least one processor.

[0122] In various systems, the first baggage information message is a forwarded baggage source message (BSM), and at least one processor is configured to execute at least one further instruction: cause a communication device to receive the forwarded BSM.

[0123] In various systems, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one further instruction: to generate a third baggage information message containing the IATA license plate number and information associated with the reference baggage image.

[0124] In various systems, information associated with a reference baggage image may include one of the following: reference image data of the baggage item; or a baggage image identifier indicating the location of the reference image data in a secure database.

[0125] In various systems, at least one processor is configured to perform at least one of the following instructions: receiving real-time image data of a baggage item from an image capture device located at a given location; performing feature recognition on the captured real-time baggage image data against reference image data to recognize the baggage item at the given location; and determining the location of the baggage item.

[0126] In various systems, at least one processor is configured to execute at least one further instruction: to generate a fourth baggage information message containing the IATA license plate number and information associated with the location of the baggage item based on captured real-time baggage image data. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0127] For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, please refer to the following detailed description in conjunction with the attached drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0128] [Figure 1A] Figure 1A shows a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment that creates at least one baggage manifest triggered by a termination type B message.

[0129] [Figure 1B] Figure 1B shows a block diagram of a system for checking in passengers for the return leg of their journey, according to one embodiment.

[0130] [Figure 1C] Figure 1C shows a block diagram of a system for checking in passengers' baggage for the return leg of their journey after disembarking from their accommodation, according to one embodiment.

[0131] [Figure 1D] Figure 1D shows a block diagram of a system according to one embodiment that creates at least one baggage manifest triggered by a non-terminal B-type message.

[0132] [Figure 1E] Figure 1E shows a block diagram of a system for retrieving abnormal baggage items based on one or more Type B messages, according to one embodiment.

[0133] [Figure 2A] Figure 2A shows a partial diagram of a conventional airline baggage tag.

[0134] [Figure 2B] Figure 2B shows a conventional airline baggage tag marker.

[0135] [Figure 2C]Figure 2C shows an example of attaching a baggage tag marker to passenger baggage.

[0136] [Figure 2D] Figure 2D shows a partial diagram of another conventional airline baggage tag.

[0137] [Figure 3A] Figure 3A shows a scanner according to one embodiment.

[0138] [Figure 3B] Figure 3B shows an electronic acquisition device for capturing an image of a hard copy baggage tag from the place of origin, according to one embodiment.

[0139] [Figure 3C] Figure 3C shows an electronic acquisition device for capturing an image of a hard copy baggage tag from the place of origin, according to one embodiment.

[0140] [Figure 3D] Figure 3D shows an electronic acquisition device, according to one embodiment, that captures an image of a printed medium having at least a portion of passenger information on a departure hard copy baggage tag.

[0141] [Figure 3E] Figure 3E shows an electronic acquisition device with a display message according to one embodiment.

[0142] [Figure 4A] Figure 4A shows a block diagram of a programming module according to one embodiment for checking in baggage or baggage and passenger using a departure baggage tag identifier for the return flight and generating a manifest for boarding the travel segment.

[0143] [Figure 4B]Figure 4B shows a block diagram of a programming module according to one embodiment for checking in baggage or baggage and passengers and generating a manifest for boarding a travel segment, using digitized departure passenger information associated with a first mode travel carrier on a departure hard copy printed baggage tag.

[0144] [Figure 4C] Figure 4C shows a block diagram of a programming module according to one embodiment for checking in passenger baggage, generating a manifest for boarding a travel segment, and generating an extended Type B message.

[0145] [Figure 5] Figure 5 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for checking in baggage, passengers, or both passengers and baggage according to one embodiment.

[0146] [Figure 6] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a programming module for generating a master manifest according to one embodiment.

[0147] [Figure 7] Figure 7 shows a computing system according to one embodiment.

[0148] [Figure 8A] Figure 8A shows a flowchart illustrating a method for checking in luggage for passengers departing from an accommodation facility, according to one embodiment.

[0149] [Figure 8B] Figure 8B shows a flowchart of a method for checking in luggage departing from an accommodation facility, or luggage and passengers, according to one embodiment.

[0150] [Figure 9A] Figure 9A shows a flowchart illustrating a method for integrating passenger manifests and accommodation information according to one embodiment.

[0151] [Figure 9B] Figure 9B shows a flowchart illustrating a method for integrating passenger manifests and accommodation information according to one embodiment.

[0152] [Figure 9C] Figure 9C shows a flowchart illustrating a method for initiating an extended Type B message according to one embodiment.

[0153] [Figure 9D] Figure 9D shows a method for generating a universal type B message for a passenger's return journey according to one embodiment.

[0154] [Figure 10A] Figure 10A shows a flowchart of a method for generating return flight information from a passenger name record (PNR) using a PNR number obtained from scan data, according to one embodiment.

[0155] [Figure 10B] Figure 10B shows a flowchart of a method for generating return flight information from PNR using PNR numbers captured from imaging data, according to one embodiment.

[0156] [Figure 11] Figure 11 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for creating a digital personal information (DPI) data record according to one embodiment.

[0157] [Figure 12A] Figure 12A shows a flowchart of a method for performing image processing on image data associated with a departure hard copy baggage tag or printed medium, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B shows a flowchart of a method for performing image processing on image data associated with a departure hard copy baggage tag or printed medium, according to one embodiment. [Figure 12C]Figure 12C shows a flowchart of a method for performing image processing on image data associated with a departure hard copy baggage tag or printed medium, according to one embodiment.

[0158] [Figure 13] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of a method for forming a machine-encoded text sequence of an IATA license plate according to one embodiment.

[0159] [Figure 14A] Figure 14A shows a conventional baggage source message (BSM) for airline carriers.

[0160] [Figure 14B] Figure 14B shows a simulated BSM according to one embodiment.

[0161] [Figure 14C] Figure 14C shows an extended (universal) Type B message for multi-mode travel and accommodation, as well as for the recycling of departure baggage tags, according to one embodiment.

[0162] [Figure 14D] Figure 14D shows an extended (universal) Type B message for return flights according to one embodiment.

[0163] [Figure 14E] Figure 14E shows an extended (universal) Type B message for multimode travel and accommodation on a departing flight, according to one embodiment.

[0164] [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram illustrating the process of generating a baggage authorization stamp for bypassing additional baggage screening or indicating completion of screening, according to one embodiment.

[0165] [Figure 16]Figure 16 shows a Security Screening Integration Assistance (SSIA) system according to one embodiment.

[0166] [Figure 17A] Figure 17A shows a graphical user interface (GUI) for acquiring at least one security screening image according to one embodiment.

[0167] [Figure 17B] Figure 17B shows how the GUI of Figure 17A screens at least one security screening image according to one embodiment.

[0168] [Figure 17C] Figure 17C shows a GUI of Figure 17A, which performs screening of at least one security screening image by a screener according to one embodiment.

[0169] [Figure 18A] Figure 18A shows a flowchart of a method for screening a second moving means according to one embodiment. [Figure 18B] Figure 18B shows a flowchart of a method for screening a second moving means according to one embodiment.

[0170] [Figure 19] Figure 19 shows a flowchart of a method for detecting the presence of potentially prohibited objects according to one embodiment.

[0171] [Figure 20] Figure 20 shows a block diagram of a programming module for analyzing security screening images according to one embodiment.

[0172] [Figure 21] Figure 21 shows a conceptual messaging graphical user interface on a mobile phone that communicates the process of moving passenger baggage.

[0173] [Figure 22] Figure 22 shows a flowchart illustrating a method for calculating baggage fees according to one embodiment.

[0174] [Figure 23] Figure 23 shows a flowchart of a method for checking in baggage items when baggage tags and / or markers are lost, according to one embodiment.

[0175] [Figure 24] Figure 24 shows a block diagram of a baggage item brain (LIB) programming module according to one embodiment.

[0176] [Figure 25] Figure 25 shows a graphical user interface on a mobile communication terminal for capturing passenger identification information according to one embodiment.

[0177] [Figure 26A] Figure 26A shows a file processing method in an integrated security screening process for baggage items that need to pass through a security screening station, according to one embodiment.

[0178] [Figure 26B] Figure 26B shows a method for reporting and processing baggage item status in an integrated security screening process for baggage after passing through a security screening station, according to a location embodiment.

[0179] [Figure 27] Figure 27 shows a smart luggage handling system for multi-mode travel and accommodation according to one embodiment.

[0180] [Figure 28] Figure 28 shows a flowchart illustrating a passenger baggage check-in method according to one embodiment.

[0181] [Figure 29] Figure 29 shows a block diagram of the link to the extended data for multimode travel and accommodation data according to one embodiment.

[0182] [Figure 30] Figure 30 shows a block diagram of a link to extended data for multimode travel and accommodation data of a departing flight according to one embodiment.

[0183] [Figure 31] Figure 31 shows a digitalized baggage drop-off and baggage check-in system according to one embodiment.

[0184] [Figure 32] Figure 32 shows an example of a confirmed flight itinerary according to one embodiment.

[0185] [Figure 33] Figure 33 shows a flowchart of a simulated baggage source message generation method according to one embodiment.

[0186] [Figure 34] Figure 34 shows a passenger itinerary recording method according to one embodiment.

[0187] [Figure 35] Figure 35 shows a flowchart of the process for tracking baggage items before loading them onto an aircraft, according to one embodiment.

[0188] [Figure 36] Figure 36 shows a mobile communication device displaying the FIND MY application according to one embodiment.

[0189] [Figure 37A] Figure 37A shows a flowchart of a method for retrieving and managing lost, missing, route-alternated, delayed, or mishandled baggage items according to one embodiment. [Figure 37B] Figure 37B shows a flowchart of a method for retrieving and managing lost, missing, route-alternated, delayed, or mishandled baggage items according to one embodiment.

[0190] [Figure 38] Figure 38 shows a flowchart of a method for detecting abnormal baggage items according to one embodiment.

[0191] [Figure 39] Figure 39 shows a diagram of an abnormal baggage detection model according to one embodiment.

[0192] [Figure 40A] Figure 40A shows a flowchart of a baggage security screening reanalysis method based on threat security level according to one embodiment.

[0193] [Figure 40B] Figure 40B shows a schematic diagram of an embodiment illustrating a reliable baggage handler with baggage authorization who moves baggage between a first means of transport and a second means of transport, according to one embodiment.

[0194] [Figure 41A] Figure 41A shows a flowchart of a method for providing personally identifiable information for use by security authorities according to one embodiment. [Figure 41B] Figure 41B shows a flowchart of a method for providing personally identifiable information for use by security authorities according to one embodiment.

[0195] [Figure 42A] Figure 42A shows a block diagram of a tracking device according to one embodiment.

[0196] [Figure 42B] Figure 42B shows a block diagram of a contactless baggage tag printing and management device according to one embodiment.

[0197] [Figure 42C]Figure 42C shows a block diagram of a security screening management device according to one embodiment.

[0198] [Figure 42D] Figure 42D shows a block diagram of a mobile terminal and tracker pairing management device according to one embodiment.

[0199] [Figure 42E] Figure 42E shows a block diagram of a non-steady-state reference indicator detection and management device according to one embodiment.

[0200] [Figure 43A] Figure 43A shows a block diagram of a contactless baggage tag printing process using a tracking device according to one embodiment.

[0201] [Figure 43B] Figure 43B shows a block diagram of a pseudo-identification (ID) recording process using a tracking device according to one embodiment.

[0202] [Figure 43C] Figure 43C shows a diagram illustrating the process of communicating location information from a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) platform according to one embodiment.

[0203] [Figure 43D] Figure 43D shows a diagram illustrating the process by which a tracking device according to one embodiment communicates location information with at least one radio frequency (RF) access point.

[0204] [Figure 44] Figure 44 shows a block diagram of a tracking system according to one embodiment.

[0205] [Figure 45] Figure 45 shows a flowchart of one embodiment of how to assign a tracking device and start tracking baggage items.

[0206] [Figure 46] Figure 46 shows a baggage item in which a pattern is embedded in the body of the baggage item according to one embodiment.

[0207] [Figure 47] Figure 47 shows a flowchart of a method for generating a baggage information message according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0208] Embodiments are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, similar or equivalent elements are designated using similar reference numerals. The drawings are not to scale and are provided solely for the purpose of illustrating the embodiments disclosed herein. Several embodiments disclosed are described below with reference to non-limiting illustrative applications for illustrative purposes. It should be understood that numerous specific details, relationships, and methods are described in order to fully understand the embodiments disclosed herein. However, a person of ordinary skill in the relevant art will readily recognize that the disclosed embodiments can be implemented without one or more specific details, or by other means. In other examples, well-known structures or operations are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the embodiments disclosed herein. Embodiments are not limited by the order of the illustrated operations or events, for some operations may occur in a different order and / or in parallel with other operations or events. Furthermore, not all illustrated operations or events are required to implement the methodology according to the embodiments.

[0209] While the numerical ranges and parameters that define a broad range are approximations, the numerical values ​​shown in specific, non-limiting examples are reported as accurately as possible. However, any numerical value inherently contains a certain degree of error that inevitably arises from the standard deviation in each test measurement. Furthermore, all ranges disclosed herein should be understood to include all subranges contained therein. For example, the range "less than 10" includes all subranges between the minimum value of zero and the maximum value of 10 (including both ends), i.e., all subranges where the minimum value is greater than or equal to zero and the maximum value is less than or equal to 10 (e.g., 1 to 4).

[0210] Baggage handling and delivery Providing a seamless and virtually error-free experience in the handling and transfer of baggage items as passengers travel along their itinerary contributes to a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience. Passengers know their destination, but their baggage does not. Baggage is handled physically and handed over from the passenger to airline staff with a 10-digit license plate attached. Furthermore, the 10-digit IATA license plate from the point of origin may expire or be removed within the airport infrastructure before the passenger and baggage need to check in for their return flight.

[0211] Outside the airport Airline infrastructure may generate a Type B message, which is either a Terminal Type B message or a Terminal Baggage Source Message (BSM). This message specifies the terminal airport and city where the baggage item will be handled and transported, as described in the BSM "Recommended Practice 1745 Baggage Information Message" in the IATA Passenger Service Resolution Manual (June 2010, 30th edition, pp. 1110-1205). The full text of that description is incorporated into this disclosure by reference. Alternatively, other IATA-compatible messages may specify the terminal airport and city where the baggage will be handled and transported. An IATA Type B message may include a 10-digit IATA license plate number and other information linking the baggage to the passenger.

[0212] The Departure Control System (DCS) manages various airline operations, including airport check-in, baggage check-in (drop-off), passenger baggage tag identifier (BTID) generation, and baggage tag printing. Baggage tags are formatted according to rules published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and include, for example, a 10-digit license plate. Typically, one or more IATA Type B messages are generated, containing the 10-digit license plate and flight information.

[0213] What has traditionally been considered waste (i.e., discarded airline baggage tags) is, in fact, a missing link in the cost-effective and time-efficient handling of baggage by high-volume accommodations such as resorts and cruise lines, as an unspecified example.

[0214] In this specification, "passenger baggage verification" is an international regulation that determines whether a passenger boarded an air flight carrying checked baggage. If passenger boarding cannot be confirmed, the baggage is removed from the flight. In the United States, a similar requirement is stipulated in 49 United States Code (USC) §44901. Thus, the "waste" left behind at the final destination of a passenger's journey contains valuable security information for accommodations such as resorts and cruise ships, as well as for other means of transportation following the air flight.

[0215] Typically, passengers are instructed to remove their printed baggage tags after receiving their luggage from the baggage claim conveyor belt at their destination. However, the printed baggage tags from the point of origin contain useful information and can be used instead of discarding them: 1) as an alternative to printing and / or attaching temporary valet tags, and 2) to save passengers and other employees the trouble of retrieving passenger personal information and return flight information through autonomous data entry and retrieval.

[0216] Passenger baggage may be tagged by airline carriers with adhesive markers or bingo markers, which may include an IATA license plate barcode. These markers can be attached anywhere on the baggage and can be used as temporary valet tags or as replacements for lost IATA baggage tags. For example, airline IATA baggage tags may be damaged or detached during transit through the airline's baggage handling system. Therefore, airline baggage markers can be used in the processes disclosed herein.

[0217] In some cases, airline IATA baggage tags and other special-purpose tags may include printed IATA license plates and / or RFID-readable radio frequency identification (RFID). However, the use of RFID technology is currently not widespread, at only about 10%. The systems and methods disclosed herein can utilize RFID as part of a baggage tag in non-limiting cases, such as, for example, when printed baggage tags on departing flights are damaged or unreadable by barcode scanners. As is known, RFID is used throughout airline baggage handling systems because scanning 10-digit license plates can be difficult for scanners. This is because the printed characters may be damaged or the attached baggage tag may be positioned in a way that obstructs barcode capture. The system can use an RFID reader to acquire the 10-digit license plate in parallel with a barcode scanner, or as needed.

[0218] Not only can the original IATA baggage tags from departing flights that are not discarded be used as a substitute for valet tags, but leveraging IATA baggage tags can automate processes, reduce the rate of data entry errors, lessen the burden on passengers, save time, and increase cost efficiency.

[0219] Furthermore, materials previously considered waste can be converted into smart baggage tags for non-airline infrastructure. These tags hold passenger information necessary for baggage delivery to hotel rooms or cabins, as well as return flight information, and include a mechanism that enables remote baggage check-in without the passenger needing to be present when the return baggage tag is printed. The smart baggage tag links the IATA license plate to the stored data for the return flight and the baggage check-in route.

[0220] The system disclosed herein employs a parallel method for acquiring baggage identification information to address scenarios involving damaged or lost IATA baggage tags. This enables the acquisition of a 10-digit license plate without input from passengers or other employees. For example, by scanning or imaging airline IATA baggage tags from departure flights that have not been discarded (hereinafter also referred to as "departure hard copy baggage tags"), it is possible to acquire all passenger information (particularly return flight information) and autonomously retrieve passenger records and return flight information for remote check-in of baggage items for passengers on their return journey. Printed IATA baggage tags from departure flights that have not been discarded can be used as machine-readable media for locating and tracking baggage items for a portion of the return journey using multiple modes of transport prior to the return flight, by a smart baggage tracking system independent of the airline infrastructure.

[0221] Scanning of all baggage tags that have not been discarded may include scanning at the pier of accommodations such as cruise lines, scanning at the destination airport or intermediate transport carrier upon arrival, scanning at accommodations such as hotel resorts, and / or scanning at any location between the destination airport or intermediate transport carrier and the accommodation facility.

[0222] In one or more embodiments, scanning all non-discarded baggage tags may include scanning non-discarded baggage tags at stations of any mode of transport before baggage items are loaded onto transport vehicles (e.g., vans, trains, buses, ferries).

[0223] Imaging of baggage tags that have not been discarded may include imaging after the departure hard copy baggage tag has been printed, imaging at the pier of accommodations such as cruise lines, imaging at the destination airport or intermediate mobile carrier upon arrival, imaging at accommodations such as hotel resorts, and / or imaging at any location between the destination airport or intermediate mobile carrier and the accommodation. Imaging may include imaging of printed media (instruments) on which at least some of the information has been printed on the departure hard copy baggage tag. This information may include BSM data or B-type message data, and the B-type message may include the PNR number.

[0224] In one or more embodiments, the image is obtained from a printed departure hardcopy baggage tag. This tag has departure passenger information printed on it that is associated with the first mode of travel carrier on the departure hardcopy baggage tag. The image can be obtained at any time after the departure hardcopy baggage tag has been printed, and the image is obtained or captured by an imaging device such as a smart communication device. The departure hardcopy baggage tag is printed in accordance with IATA guidelines for a barcode, a 10-digit license plate, and other flight information. However, airlines may, at their sole discretion, add other passenger / airline information to the baggage tag template.

[0225] Printed / d纸质 baggage tags from the origin by the first-mode carrier (e.g., airline) contain valuable information that can be used for automating the check-in process of passengers and / or baggage on the return journey in the first-mode carrier, and / or for creating passenger manifests used by accommodation facilities. After arrival at the destination related to the accommodation facility, instead of peeling off the origin-printed baggage tag, the code embedded in the license plate on the origin-printed tag can be electronically acquired, digitized, and personal information such as the passenger name related to the passenger from the first-mode carrier can be matched with the passenger name used by or registered with the accommodation facility or the next means of transportation.

[0226] By creating a baggage manifest or a passenger manifest using a passenger name record (PNR) number, passenger name, and / or IATA 10-digit number plate, personal identifiable information (PII) other than information visible to the naked eye can be held in a secure location without the need to transfer or access it between entities. This maintains the security of PII.

[0227] In one or more embodiments, after the origin baggage tag is printed, by acquiring the text of the passenger information associated with the first-mode carrier printed on the baggage tag with an imaging device, the passenger name can be directly obtained from the printed baggage tag without additional personal information or PII associated with the passenger from the first-mode carrier. The printed text is optically recognized and converted into a searchable machine-encoded text that can identify the airline code or airline name, passenger name record (PNR) number, passenger name, and / or IATA 10-digit license plate. <00009​Furthermore, by using the license plate on the printed baggage tag at the departure location (which may be referred to as the "departure hard copy baggage tag" in this specification), the passenger himself or an employee of the accommodation facility can autonomously obtain the return flight information of the passenger without manually entering the itinerary information of the return flight for both the baggage item or both the baggage and the passenger. For example, this can be achieved by the passenger using a printed baggage tag issued by the airline carrier in a non-seated state.

[0229] Furthermore, by using the specific passenger / airline company information on the departure hard copy baggage tag, the passenger or an employee of the accommodation facility can autonomously obtain the return flight information for both the baggage item or both the passenger and the baggage item without manually entering the itinerary information of the return flight. [[ID=�]]

[0230] Security Screening Integration Other modes of transport (i.e., vehicles) may use screening techniques that are less stringent, different, or of equivalent quality than those required by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) for travel by air when screening baggage items upon boarding trains, buses, cruise ships, or entering accommodations. High-tech security screening images regulated by the TSA for travel by air can be used for screening by cruise ships, other airlines, accommodations / resorts, government agencies, etc., when there is a direct connection, when a passenger departs from an air carrier (first mode of transport) and begins the next segment of travel, including screening by a second mode of transport (i.e., a second vehicle) or bus, train, cruise ship, other airline, accommodation / resort, government agency, etc., and can be used to reduce the number of baggage screenings on other modes of transport. These security screening images required by the TSA may be shared for analysis in accordance with regulations related to other modes of transport or screening, without compromising the effectiveness of the screening process. To maintain the integrity of image-based mode of transport analysis, the corresponding tagged baggage items are stored under trusted control until they are handed over to the next mode of transport (bus, train, cruise ship, second airline, accommodation / resort) and / or the next government agency conducting border immigration checks. Past challenges can be resolved by this method and system by obtaining security images and data of the contents of baggage items using the IATA license plate and / or linked PNR number and / or passenger name. This eliminates the need to transfer and access other personally identifiable information (PII) related to the passenger, thereby expediting baggage item processing at customs and border checkpoint security screenings. The same IATA license plate and / or linked PNR number and / or passenger name can be used to create manifests for other modes of transport and baggage manifests for the handling and delivery of baggage items, independently of the owner.

[0231] In this specification, "means of transportation" and "means of transport" are used interchangeably. Similarly, "means of transportation" and "vehicles" are used interchangeably. However, "means of transportation" and "vehicles" may also include accommodation and resort facilities.

[0232] While this specification describes U.S. government regulatory agencies, other countries, or groups of countries under treaties, may also have transportation security regulations that require security screening of baggage items boarding vehicles, other destinations, or countries.

[0233] The one-way travel processes and systems described herein also apply to the reverse journey, which involves returning passengers.

[0234] Figure 1A shows at least one baggage manifest 121 1 , ..., 121 x A block diagram of system 100, which creates the system, is shown. The system may be triggered by a termination type B message according to one or more embodiments. System 100 facilitates baggage handling of baggage items, whether traveling or not, from a mobile carrier facility such as an airport to accommodation 126 (Figure 1B) or the next mobile vehicle. A termination type B message is a type B message that includes an IATA license plate and / or passenger name record (PNR) number.

[0235] In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may include a server 148. The system 100, as described later in relation to Figure 1B, provides baggage manifests 121 to multiple accommodations located at destination point (DP) 107. 1 , ..., 121 x Parallel data streams can be used to create the data for delivery to or from mobile carriers such as cruise ships, hotels, resorts, railway operators, bus operators, and car rental companies. In one or more embodiments, baggage items may be delivered to other designated addresses such as a home address, office address, or designated address.

[0236] Each baggage item record file within the baggage manifest is an electronic baggage item brain (LIB) 2450, which is accessible, in particular, by scanning the departure hard copy baggage tag after leaving the airline or airport facility, or by accessing the baggage item manifest using a computing device. The baggage manifest may be stored on server 148 or a memory device or computing device connected to the server. Baggage Item Manifest 121 1 , ..., 121 x The baggage item manifest record within the system may include a baggage item brain programming module 2400 (Figure 24), which, when executed, generates an electronic baggage item brain that identifies the location where the baggage item should be delivered or cleared through customs without the owner's presence. The LIB programming module 2400 is described in more detail in relation to Figure 24. The LIB programming module 2400 is an example of turning a paper IATA baggage tag into a smart baggage tag. However, if the origin IATA baggage tag is lost or damaged, the LIB programming module 2400 or LIB2450 can smarten bingo markers or other markers by linking a barcode or QR code (registered trademark) to the stored baggage data. Furthermore, any markers generated or affixed to baggage that have a unique identifier linked to the origin hard copy baggage tag can be smartened outside of airport infrastructure by linking that unique identifier to the stored baggage data.

[0237] In one or more embodiments, a 10-digit IATA license plate may function as a primary key or linking index key for determining baggage item route and delivery data without requiring the passenger to be present to check in baggage items for the return flight or other segments of the passenger's travel. Each baggage item record links the passenger's itinerary to the baggage item, allowing the baggage item to move regularly, seamlessly, independently, and in parallel along its owner's travel route.

[0238] Server 148 may include a programming module 149. One or more programming modules 149 may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware.

[0239] In one or more embodiments, the server 148 can communicate with a passenger's mobile communication device 15 and a travel information system 108. The travel information system 108 will be described in more detail with reference to Figure 1B. In one or more embodiments, the server 148 can communicate with the mobile communication device 15 to receive a departure hard copy baggage tag, or a printed medium on which at least a portion of the information printed on the departure hard copy baggage tag is printed.

[0240] In one or more embodiments, an image of data printed on electronic paper using electronic ink displayed on an RFID device or RFID baggage tag display device can be captured. The layout of the baggage tag or the format of the BSM data placed on the RFID display may vary depending on the airline. In this configuration, the image data is converted to machine-readable text.

[0241] BSM generation The DCS (Data Control System) begins the process of generating the data used to print the departure hard copy baggage tag when the passenger checks in for their flight. This occurs within the check-in window. In some cases, the check-in window is 24 hours prior to the flight time. However, not all passengers check in early. Therefore, the timing of when the BSM (Bandage Slip Data) arrives at System 100 varies.

[0242] For air transport carriers, IATA baggage tags include a standardized numerical sequence or barcode to identify baggage items and match them with passengers. If a passenger does not board, already checked baggage items may not be loaded onto the aircraft. In some cases, baggage items may be lost. In such cases, the baggage handling system generates a corresponding Type B message.

[0243] Naturally, BSM data may change after it is created due to normal operation of the mobile carrier, passenger changes, and / or adverse weather conditions. Therefore, the origin (original) BSM created at check-in may not be identical to the final BSM transmitted to system 100. BSM data changes as baggage items move within the airport infrastructure.

[0244] Airport Terminal Type B Message Data The travel information system 108 generates a Type B message 152 when a baggage item (e.g., passenger baggage 138 in Figure 1B) is checked in for a passenger. The travel information system 108 may include a flight manifest 151 stored in a database associated with, for example, an airline carrier's computer system. Details of the flight manifest will be described later in relation to Figure 23. A passenger may check in multiple baggage items. This process is essentially replicated for all baggage items checked in by the passenger. The Type B message data from the airport is continuously used outside the airport infrastructure and is utilized to construct manifests for one or more of the following: secondary means of transport, security integration support, and / or baggage handling and delivery. This continuous use is achieved through a unified Type B message format via Universal Type B Messaging, which is communicated using Internet Protocol over the Internet or a web-based network.

[0245] As a non-limiting example, a Type B message may be a baggage source message (BSM), which will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 14A. For example, as described in relation to Figure 2A, a departure hard copy baggage tag contains various information that is included in the BSM when printed. The travel information system 108 or other computer systems associated with the airline may transmit the terminal BSM to or via the destination / terminal airport. The baggage handling system may generate other Type B messages in accordance with standard operating procedures for baggage handling at the airport. Although this specification describes terminal BSMs, other terminal Type B messages, including terminal codes, IATA license plates, passenger names, and PNR numbers, may be used now or in the future.

[0246] The travel information system 108 may include a Type B message communication device 153 configured to transmit a termination BSM to the server 148. In one or more embodiments, the Type B message 152 and the Type B message communication device 153 may be associated with a computer system or server system associated with an airline mobile carrier. In one or more embodiments, the Type B message may include other Type B messages, including a BSM created for baggage items checked in for an upcoming return flight. The Type B message may include other messages indicating the status of the baggage items. The Type B message may be retrieved by the server 148 by an upload or download operation.

[0247] Server 148 can include programming instructions that cause the terminal B type message receiving unit 158 of the programming module 149 to receive B type messages such as terminal BSMs at runtime. The terminal B type message receiving unit 158 may be a terminal BSM receiving unit. The terminal BSM may be, for example, for an airline carrier and / or baggage handling system at an airport where a flight carrying checked baggage terminates at the final airport destination. At the final airport destination, the baggage item leaves the airport infrastructure. The terminal airport coding within the terminal BSM is described in connection with FIG. 14A.

[0248] Printed BSM image data The programming module 149 may include programming instructions that cause the image data receiving unit 402B, which is described in detail in FIG. 4B at runtime, to receive image data. This image data is transmitted from the passenger's mobile communication device 15. Instead of the mobile communication device, it is also possible to use another computing device related to the passenger. For example, a method where the passenger emails the image data to themselves can be considered. For example, log in to a public computing device and transmit the image data to the server 148.

[0249] Before the trip, the passenger can register for the baggage handling service using a personal computing device or a mobile communication device 15. The system 100 can provide a registration graphical user interface for the passenger to register for the service. The registration may include providing biometric authentication information for authenticating or verifying the identity of the user / passenger. The biometric authentication information may be used to unlock information that can identify the passenger, such as driver's license data or passport information saved by the system 100.

[0250] The receiving unit 402B includes a network interface and can extract passenger information to enable the linking of the image of the baggage item with the passenger record and / or baggage item record linked to the appropriate passenger.

[0251] The departure hardcopy baggage tag and / or text on the printed medium include at least a portion of the BSM data. A passenger who has completed check-in and handed over their baggage to the airline or airport infrastructure may take an image of the printed BSM data and transmit the printed BSM data as proof that the passenger and baggage items have been checked in for a flight or first mode of transport for a first segment of travel. In one or more embodiments, a passenger can print a departure hardcopy baggage tag at a kiosk. A passenger can take an image of the printed departure baggage tag and / or a marker or receipt attached to the end of the departure hardcopy baggage tag, or a marker or receipt enclosed in the boarding pass jacket / folder, from the kiosk. In one or more embodiments, the marker or receipt is sent to the passenger by text message or email. A passenger can provide system 100 with such information (i.e., text, email, or image data) to capture or recognize printed BSM data such as the IATA license plate number. In this specification, the terms "IATA license plate number" and "IATA license plate" may be used interchangeably.

[0252] In one or more embodiments, the image initiates the creation of a baggage manifest record within a specific passenger's baggage manifest.

[0253] For example, passengers can submit a photograph of their IATA baggage tag, including the 10-digit license plate, which is also recorded in the BSM (Bags and Baggage Information Sheet). This provides a link between the passenger and their baggage item via the 10-digit license plate. The BSM also includes the PNR (Personal Return Number), which allows access to the passenger's return flight information. The PNR number may be a Super PNR number, providing information about accommodations, rental cars, and other travel details.

[0254] The BSM can be used to obtain PNR numbers. Using the obtained PNR numbers, passenger itinerary information is retrieved and verified, and baggage items are routed from the destination to the correct accommodation. Furthermore, by using the integrated data of passenger information provided by the airline carrier and the BSM, it becomes possible to verify baggage items and delivery instructions even when the passenger is absent, by utilizing the electronic BSM and hard copy baggage tags from the point of origin.

[0255] As will be discussed later in relation to Figures 2A and 3B to 3C, the departure hardcopy baggage tag may also include the PNR number and passenger name. The printed text in the image can be converted into searchable machine-encoded text. For example, image information from the passenger and information from the BSM are correlated and verified to generate a key fob from the departure hardcopy baggage tag. This key fob tracks the baggage item outside the airport infrastructure until it is checked in for the return flight. Once the baggage item is checked in for the return flight, a new IATA license plate is assigned. Subsequently, the LIB2450 is updated, and the IATA license plate is linked to the delivery location, pickup location, government security facility, and the newly printed IATA license plate.

[0256] Each Manifest MX may include pre-entered information related to passengers (arriving clients) scheduled to arrive on a specific date for the purpose of continuing their itinerary at an accommodation. Each Manifest MX may be associated with a specific accommodation, resort, or vehicle. A Manifest MX may include entries for arriving clients whose luggage is to be delivered to their home address or other designated address.

[0257] Security screening support trigger - next move A termination type B message matching the passenger name is used to trigger the security screening integrated support system 190 (Figure 16) for the purpose of expediting or bypassing security screening in the next mode of transport (vehicle).

[0258] The inventors have confirmed that IATA number plates, obtained as a link key to airline information on a passenger's return journey and for creating a baggage item manifest record, can also be used to access security images and data previously obtained by security screening devices that inspect baggage items for boarding an airline.

[0259] After check-in and handover, baggage items pass through the automated conveyor system of the First Security Screening Machine System (FSSMS) 40 in the baggage handling area before being loaded into the aircraft's cargo hold. The initial screening process may involve the use of large X-ray equipment, as detailed in Figure 16. These devices are designed to detect a variety of substances, including explosives and other prohibited items. Baggage is inspected using a dual-energy X-ray system, allowing security personnel to distinguish between organic and inorganic materials based on their atomic number. This enables the identification of potentially hazardous materials. If suspicious items are detected during the X-ray scan, the baggage is separated for further inspection. Typically, a physical inspection is performed by trained security personnel, sometimes in conjunction with advanced scanning techniques such as CT (computed tomography) scanners (i.e., CT imaging devices 45, 50). This provides more detailed 3D images of the baggage contents. In some cases, explosive trace detection devices (ETDs) may also be used. These devices can detect traces of explosives on items on the outside or inside of the baggage. In one or more embodiments, the screening involves wiping luggage or an item and analyzing the wiped sample to detect explosive residue.

[0260] Security images, such as 3D images, are stored in a non-temporary, tangible memory 113 for security screening images and data. FSSMS 40 may be performed by or on behalf of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) or other authorized contractors. However, items permitted as checked baggage may vary depending on the baggage brought onto the cruise ship, what is permitted at the resort, or in some countries.

[0261] The government agency responsible for security screening for airlines is the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), which is under the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Meanwhile, the screening process for cruise ships may be regulated by the Coast Guard or the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) of the DHS. The DHS may allow cruise companies to establish additional rules, provided they meet minimum government regulations. The TSA may also regulate baggage screening on rail systems and buses.

[0262] As a non-limiting example, the Security Screening Integrated Assistance System (SSIA) 190, described in relation to Figure 16, could be used to assist in bypassing security screenings independently conducted by cruise ships, train stations, bus terminals, resorts, and accommodations. This would allow the secure storage of baggage items removed from airline cargo holds to be handed over to a trusted storage provider, maintaining the security integrity of baggage items at their next mode of transport. This would reduce the processing load on security screening lines at cruise ships, train stations, bus terminals, resorts, and accommodations. More importantly, by reducing the processing of already screened baggage items stored under trusted management, processing lines can be sped up with minimal changes to security screening algorithms. Otherwise, long queues could reduce the effectiveness of security screening, causing delays in passenger connections and post-customs itinerary arrangements.

[0263] The security screening trigger generation unit 170 can identify, for example, baggage items that need to undergo security screening by the next means of transportation based on the match between the passengers on the passenger manifest and the terminal BSM. The security screening trigger generation unit 170 generates, for example, a trigger for accelerating the processing of images and data files from the departure airline's FSSMS 40 before the baggage item is unloaded from the airline's cargo hold. This eliminates the need to unnecessarily re-image baggage items for which TSA-quality images already exist that already contain information useful for the next means of transportation, thus saving valuable machine resources.

[0264] The system 100 is configurable to construct baggage manifests 121 for each accommodation facility based on passenger information correlated with the received terminal BSM associated with the passenger information system 108 1 ,..., 121 x The baggage manifest 121 1 ,..., 121 x identifies handling and delivery instructions for baggage items arriving at a destination where collection and delivery to a carrier such as an airline carrier or to an accommodation facility 126 (FIG. 1B) such as a cruise ship, hotel, resort, etc. are scheduled. The baggage manifest 121 1 ,..., 121 x identifies handling and delivery instructions regarding the round-trip experience of baggage items, including security screening locations mandated by government agencies (i.e., customs and border protection or coast guard) or entities. The baggage manifest record may indicate the airline baggage fees associated with the designated return flight or baggage fee waivers. The baggage item manifest can include the LIB2450 for each piece of baggage for each specific means of transportation or a general manifest for delivery to a home address or designated address.

[0265] Airport Terminal B Type Message Processing System 100 may include a non-temporary, tangible memory device 162 for storing received Type B messages (i.e., termination BSMs). The programming module 149 may include a Type B message receiving unit 158 ​​and a Type B message processing module 160. Each received Type B message is processed by the Type B message processing module 160. The Type B message processing module 160 includes programming instructions that cause a Type B message sorting unit 164 to sort the Type B messages and separate the termination BSMs at runtime. This sorting process may include sorting by destination or airport location code, date, arrival time, or moving carrier. This allows for the setting of resource schedules for handling baggage volume so that the baggage item's transport route experience is on schedule and accurate, based on the baggage item's electronic brain.

[0266] The Type B message processing module 160 may include one or more message sorting units 164. The message sorting units 164 sort Type B messages and identify Type B messages that match IATA license plates set to terminate at a terminal airport for a specific day of the week or time period. This enables the construction of a baggage manifest consisting of baggage items of passengers disembarking at the terminal airport, and enables baggage handling and delivery, and / or security clearance processing using system 100.

[0267] In one or more embodiments, baggage items terminating at an airport may be required to undergo security screening, such as border control. In another example, baggage items terminating at an airport may be required to undergo security screening for either accommodation or another mode of transportation.

[0268] The processing of terminated BSMs or B-type messages will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 14A. B-type messages, such as BSMs, may include baggage source indicators that indicate terminated and non-terminating BSMs. Non-terminating BSMs or B-type messages can be local, forwarded, or remote, as described in relation to Figure 14A.

[0269] System 100 can filter, for example, Type B messages related to passengers scheduled to arrive on a particular day. However, if a passenger changes their reservation to arrive earlier than originally planned, the image of the departure hard copy baggage tag may notify System 100 of this change when the Type B message processing module 160 processes the final Type B message. The manifest MX may not be updated with the new arrival information in time for processing. System 100 may be configured to generate a baggage item manifest record and update the manifest even if the manifest MX from the accommodation, destination, or other means of transportation contains outdated or incomplete information.

[0270] As a non-limiting example, system 100 may include a programming module 149 which includes programming instructions and may be configured to receive Type B messages from each airport at runtime and initiate sorting and matching of the received Type B messages based on the airport's schedule and operating hours.

[0271] The Type B message processing module 160 includes programming instructions that activate the Type B message matching unit 166 at runtime to match the passenger name (PN) in the termination BSM with the arriving client name in the manifest file. Passenger information in the Type B message is matched with information preloaded into each manifest MX corresponding to accommodation, destination, or mode of transport. For example, some baggage items may require delivery to a train station, bus terminal, or home.

[0272] The terminal BSM contains various movement data for the first mode of transport of checked baggage items at the airline carrier. The manifest MX may contain partial data. Therefore, in one or more embodiments, the matching by the Type B message matching unit 166 may include a programming instruction to match the passenger name of the passenger in the BSM received at runtime with the passenger name in the manifest of a second mode of transport different from the first mode of transport. The second mode of transport may be local to an airport related to an airport code. The manifest can be any manifest, including a delivery manifest, a security manifest, an accommodation manifest, or a manifest for a different mode of transport.

[0273] In one or more embodiments, the matching by the Type B message matching unit 166 may include a programming instruction that causes at least one processor to match the passenger name record (PNR) number of a passenger in the received BSM with the PNR number in the manifest of a second mode of transport that is different from the first mode of transport. The second mode of transport may be local to an airport associated with an airport code.

[0274] In one or more embodiments, the matching by the Type B message matching unit 166 may include a programming instruction that causes at least one processor to match the airline information and flight number of a passenger in the received BSM with the airline information and flight number in the manifest of a second mode of transport different from the first mode of transport. The second mode of transport may be local to the airport associated with the airport code.

[0275] System 100 handles the baggage items of an arriving client (i.e., a passenger) using a baggage manifest 121. 1 , ..., 121 xThis system is constructed to allow luggage items to move independently of and / or alongside the passenger. The system also generates a master manifest for the passenger, as illustrated in relation to Figure 6, enabling notifications of accommodation readiness and reservation changes.

[0276] Baggage manifest 121 1 , ..., 121 x The data may be based on text captured by the passenger on a hard copy baggage tag at the point of departure, or on text converted from printed media (such as markers or bingo markers) that contains at least some of the information from the hard copy baggage tag at the point of departure.

[0277] The Type B message processing module 160 may include program instructions, and when executed, the Type B message data extraction unit 168 extracts baggage identification information (LII) from the Type B message and processes that data into the baggage manifest 121. 1 , ..., 121 x The data is merged into the manifest. As a non-limiting example, manifest MX may indicate the next mode of transport or vehicle. For example, manifest MX may be for ABC Cruise Line. Extracted data may include data on missing (lost) baggage items required by the baggage manifest. For example, extracted information may include the IATA license plate number, passenger name, airline, flight number, and / or PNR number.

[0278] Therefore, when a match is detected, the IATA license plate and / or passenger name are extracted from the terminated B-type message. Furthermore, if a match is detected, a trigger is sent to the Security Screening Integrated Assistant (SSIA) system 190 (Figure 16) via the Security Screening Trigger Generation Unit 170 using a wired or wireless communication protocol. The Trigger Generation Unit 170 may, at runtime, include programming instructions to send, for example, the IATA license plate (IATA-LP) 171 and / or passenger name (PN) 172 and / or PNR number 173 associated with the baggage item to be screened to the SSIA system 190 (Figure 16). This may be based on sorting of the terminated B-type messages.

[0279] In one or more embodiments, a Security Screening Integrated Assistant (SSIA) process in at least one processor is triggered by matching passenger names or other travel data in an airline's Type B message with passenger names in a flight manifest. This process is performed within system 100 or by a remote system 190. The SSIA process includes accessing and assembling security screening images and associated data acquired during security screening on the first means of transport using the IATA license plate number, and transmitting the assembled security screening images and associated data to an integrated security screening station.

[0280] In one or more embodiments, a Security Screening Integrated Assistant (SSIA) process is triggered in at least one of the processors based on a match between travel data in an airline's Type B message and available passenger information in a manifest MX of a second mode of transport. This process can be performed within system 100 or by a remote system 190. The SSIA process includes accessing and assembling security screening images and associated data acquired during security screening on the first mode of transport using the IATA license plate number, and transmitting the assembled security screening images and associated data to an integrated security screening station.

[0281] Analysis according to ISSS2670 (Figure 26A) may use shared image files and security data from the memory 113 of the first security screening machine system (FSSMS) 40. However, system 100 may access security image and data files in memory 113 using data from the terminal BSM, including the IATA license plate, PNR number, and / or passenger name, without needing to access additional personally identifiable information (PII). System 100 may obtain the PNR number, passenger name, and / or IATA license plate for accessing the shared security image file using data in at least one image of a departure hard copy baggage tag or printed medium, which includes some of the information from the BSM, without needing to access additional PII.

[0282] The marker data may be updated with information related to the pass / fail indicators of the security screening analysis shown in Figures 26A and 26B. The marker may include room or cabin numbers, floor numbers, etc., for baggage item delivery within the accommodation. The marker is described in relation to Figure 15. The marker may be generated by the marker generation unit 412 in Figures 4A, 4B, or 4C. As described herein, the marker MK may be printed for baggage handling, sorting, and transport. For example, the printing of the marker may be triggered based on security clearance status, booking data updates, etc.

[0283] The programming module 149 may include programming instructions that trigger a PNR number matching unit 176 and a PNR data verification unit 180 to verify the accessed PNR data at runtime. Based on the PNR number in the Type B message and the PNR number in the image data, the PNR number matching unit 176 performs a PNR number matching. If a match is confirmed, the PNR number is added to the baggage item record. However, PNR data may be required to determine the travel information for the next travel segment of the baggage item. For example, the data in PNR 112 (Figure 1B) may include data related to accommodation, rental cars, air travel carriers, etc. In one or more embodiments, the programming module retrieves PNR data from PNR 112 (Figure 1B). The PNR data verification unit 180 verifies the PNR data from PNR 112 (Figure 1B) for the next travel segment and creates a digital baggage item record for the baggage item manifest.

[0284] Generally, airlines update their PNR112 whenever there are changes. Therefore, passengers may experience updates to their PNR data while on a cruise or during their travel experience. Passengers can receive such changes (i.e., updates) during their trip. However, baggage manifests may need to periodically validate the stored PNR data for baggage item records. This ensures that baggage items arrive where they are needed and on time with minimal action from the baggage item owner. Here, "validation" also includes obtaining updates to the PNR data.

[0285] In one or more embodiments, System 100 includes a manifest MX from the accommodation provider, which contains information about the passenger's scheduled arrival time. In real-time operation, itineraries change for thousands of passengers traveling around the world every day. As mentioned above, passengers know their destination, but their baggage does not. Changes and delays can lead to misdelivery, delayed arrival, and loss of baggage, which degrades the overall quality of the baggage travel experience. The baggage travel experience can directly impact the travel experience of its owner.

[0286] The programming module 149, at runtime, generates the corresponding baggage manifest 121 in the baggage manifest record creation unit 185. 1 , ..., 121 x It may include programming instructions that cause a baggage manifest record to be created for input to the baggage item record and / or simulated Type B message. The baggage item record is entered into the baggage manifest 121 for a specific accommodation or the travel carrier for the next travel segment. 1 , ..., 121 xIt is loaded into the system. In one or more embodiments, the digital baggage item manifest record remains "pending" until the baggage item is unloaded from the airline mobile carrier's aircraft and the barcode on the IATA baggage tag on the origin hard copy baggage tag is scanned by the acquisition device of system 100. This registers the arrival of the baggage item in system 100. In one or more embodiments, system 100 may be used outside the airport computing infrastructure. In one or more embodiments, system 100 may overlap with the airport computing infrastructure, but access to baggage data may be extended to off-site computing systems, for example, using the IATA license plate number to enable the availability of accommodation and other means of transport.

[0287] In one or more embodiments, it may be necessary to match passenger names from any number of manifests based on a terminal B-type message to construct a baggage item manifest record. Examples include home delivery, security screening, and security screening with transit. A home delivery manifest may include a list of registered passengers who have arranged for their baggage items to be delivered to their home address or other designated address.

[0288] Figure 1D shows a block diagram of a system 100 that, according to one embodiment, creates at least one baggage manifest triggered by a non-terminated B-type message. A non-terminated B-type message is a B-type message containing the IATA license plate number, passenger name, and / or passenger name record (PNR) number. Non-terminated B-type messages may be sorted by a baggage source indicator, multiple baggage source indicators, or all baggage source indicators. Since Figure 1D is similar to Figure 1A, only the differences will be described in detail.

[0289] Non-terminating B-type message processing Figure 1D shows a non-terminated B-type message receiving unit 158'. As a non-limiting example, system 100 may include a programming module 149 that can be configured to receive B-type messages from airports and initiate sorting and matching of non-terminated B-type messages based on airport schedules and operating hours. As described in relation to Figure 26B, the first mode mobile carrier 104 may be an air mobile carrier for flights originating from other countries.

[0290] The description of "non-terminated type B messages" applicable to airlines and airport infrastructure may, in one or more embodiments, have the non-terminated message receiver 158' overridden or controlled as an all-type B message receiver. In this configuration, the type B message receiver 158' receives all type B messages and may sort all passengers against the flight manifest for security screening purposes, for example.

[0291] In one or more embodiments, in order to construct a baggage item manifest record, it may be necessary to match passenger names from any number of manifests based on any type of Type B message.

[0292] When an airline departs from abroad and lands at an airport corresponding to an airport code (for example, the first border crossing point), system 100 receives the entire flight manifest 151 and a non-terminated B-type message. The terminated B-type message is received and processed as shown in Figure 1A. Messages arriving at airports where customs security clearance is also required are matched by comparing the passenger name in the flight manifest with the sorted B-type message. Thus, when a match is detected and the IATA license plate and passenger name and / or PNR number are extracted from the non-terminated B-type message, a trigger is sent to the Security Screening Integration Assistance (SSIA) system 190 (Figure 16) via the Security Screening Trigger Generator 170. The trigger generator 170 may include programming instructions at runtime to send, for example, the IATA license plate and / or passenger name and / or PNR number associated with the baggage item to be screened to the SSIA system 190.

[0293] The Type B message processing module 160' may include programming instructions that cause the message sorting unit 164' to sort messages for non-terminal airports at runtime and construct baggage manifests for baggage items that will pass through customs at non-terminal airports. In one or more embodiments, the manifest may be a security auxiliary processing manifest; that is, some baggage items are not handled by system 100 outside of airport infrastructure.

[0294] In other embodiments, passenger name matching within manifest MX can also be added to a separate manifest. For example, depending on the flight's departure point, baggage items may need to be processed through a first security checkpoint using a non-terminal B-type message at a first airport location, and then through a second security checkpoint using a terminal B-type message at a second airport location.

[0295] The Type B message processing module 160' may include programming instructions that cause the Type B message matching unit 166' to match the passenger name in the non-terminated Type B message with the name of the arriving client (i.e., registered passenger) in the general manifest file at runtime. The passenger information in the Type B message is matched with information preloaded into the manifest MX corresponding to the accommodation or mode of transport. See Figure 14A for non-terminated Type B messages (such as non-terminated BSMs).

[0296] The B-type message processing module 160', at runtime, has a B-type message data extraction unit 168' that extracts information from the non-terminal B-type message, and this data is then processed into the baggage manifest 121. 1 , ..., 121 x It may include programming instructions to be integrated into the baggage item manifest record.

[0297] As illustrated in Figure 26B, non-terminating B-type messages can trigger the LIB item manifest record creation unit 185 prior to terminating B-type messages. However, due to delays and changes occurring in the aviation industry, the LIB2450 (Figure 24) may be updated with new LIB data based on information from terminating B-type messages such as terminating BSMs.

[0298] For example, each change may generate a new PNR number that includes new flight or travel information.

[0299] As illustrated in Figure 1B, the first travel segment may have been by air. However, the baggage items may have been picked up from a train station, bus terminal, hotel, etc., by a System 100 employee or other baggage handler before being scanned to register their arrival at the accommodation in accordance with the baggage manifest. At the accommodation, the baggage items begin their next travel segment, which may be a cruise ship or resort.

[0300] Non-terminating B-type message processing Figure 1E shows a block diagram of a system for recovering abnormal baggage items based on one or more B-type messages, according to one embodiment. In Figure 1E, a B-type or baggage information message receiving unit 158'' is provided. In a non-limiting example, system 100 may include a programming module 149 configurable to receive B-type or baggage information messages from one or more airports and perform sorting and matching of B-type messages based on a reference indicator that indicates a non-routine path for checked baggage. A non-routine path may cause delays in the arrival of baggage items or indicate lost or missing baggage items.

[0301] The Type B or baggage information message receiving unit 158'' receives Type B or baggage information messages for passengers with a departure airline BSM in the flight manifest, receives subsequent Type B messages as these passengers' baggage items interact with the baggage handling system 63, and sorts the reference indicators in the Type B messages that indicate abnormal baggage items. The server may receive the flight manifest.

[0302] In one or more embodiments, the Type B or baggage information message receiving unit 158'' receives Type B or baggage information messages for passengers with a departure airline BSM in manifest MX from a hotel, accommodation, resort, or flight manifest, and then receives subsequent Type B or baggage information messages as these passengers' checked baggage items interact with the baggage handling system 63, and sorts reference indicators representing abnormal baggage items within the Type B or baggage information messages. Manifest MX may identify the passenger's reservation, including the delivery address for the baggage items, the reservation date, and the reservation period.

[0303] In one or more embodiments, it may be necessary to generate a master manifest. Alternatively, an abnormal baggage item manifest record may be constructed by using a flight manifest, matching the passenger name from the manifest based on a Type B or baggage information message, and sorting a reference indicator that indicates travel on a non-routine route.

[0304] In one or more embodiments, the Type B or baggage information message receiving unit 158'' receives Type B or baggage information messages from a hotel, accommodation, or resort for passengers whose departure airline BSM is on a flight manifest or manifest MX, and then receives subsequent Type B or baggage information messages as these passengers' baggage items interact with the baggage handling system 63, and then sorts the Type B or baggage information messages for reference indicators representing abnormal baggage items. The manifest MX identifies the passenger's booking information, including the delivery address, booking date, and booking period for the baggage items.

[0305] When one or more reference indicators within a Type B or baggage information message are detected, indicating the presence of an abnormal baggage item, the reference indicator information and the Type B or baggage information message information are transmitted to the baggage item retrieval management unit 182. The baggage item retrieval management unit 182 processes the reference indicator information and the Type B or baggage information message information to enable the baggage item finder 184 to retrieve or find the baggage, as will be explained in more detail in Figures 37A to 37B and 38.

[0306] The Type B or baggage information message processing module 160'' may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause the message sorting unit 164'' to sort reference indicators that show the non-regular routes of baggage items.

[0307] The Type B or baggage information message processing module 160'' may include a programming instruction at runtime to the Type B message matching unit 166' to match the passenger name in the Type B or baggage information message with the passenger name in the manifest MX or flight manifest. The passenger information in the Type B or baggage information message is matched with the pre-registered information in the manifest MX corresponding to the accommodation or mode of transport.

[0308] The Type B or baggage information message processing module 160'' operates the Type B or baggage information message data extraction unit 168'' during execution, extracts information from the Type B or baggage information message, and processes that data into the abnormal baggage manifest 119 1 , ..., 119 x and / or may include programming instructions to be integrated into the baggage item manifest record. Delays and changes occurring in the aviation industry may result in LIB2450 (Figure 24) or abnormal baggage manifest 119 1 , ..., 119 x This may be updated with new LIB data based on the information from the terminal BSM.

[0309] For example, a change in the transport route of baggage or passengers may generate a new PNR number containing new flight or movement information. New flight or movement information in a Type B or baggage information message may generate a new regular route for finding, locating, or recovering abnormal baggage items.

[0310] The programming module 149 causes the abnormal baggage item manifest record creation unit 185' to create an abnormal baggage item manifest record at runtime, and the corresponding abnormal baggage manifest 119 1 , ..., 119 x It may include programming instructions that enable registration to [a specific system / platform].

[0311] Baggage tag information for the return leg In one or more embodiments, check-in for the return leg of the journey using the airline baggage tag from the departure point (departing flight) can address a major flaw in the current remote check-in process. Cruise ship check-in has revolved around valet tags, which allow cruise ships to check passengers for flights and collect boarding passes and valet tags while at sea, but the entire check-in process relies on heavily overworked onboard staff under strict time constraints. Implementing this process on board requires building a hybrid airline check-in function, making check-in difficult and unreliable. Another challenge is that, despite extending the airline check-in window to 48 hours to reduce the burden on cruise ships, securing processing time remains difficult. Efforts to reduce the onboard workload include patents for single-page documents to expedite document printing for all passengers checking in on board, and methods for delivering valet tags and boarding documents to each cabin of every passenger using the service. All of these barriers limit the volume of products handled and their economic success. This invention eliminates the need for onboard staff work and cabin document delivery to each passenger. A lightweight and simple technology, or a Type B message-based check-in process using baggage tags (traditionally waste) at the point of departure, enables seamless check-in outside the ship, as baggage already has important searchable data attached, allowing passengers to access the airline's check-in process. This seamless baggage handling allows already tagged baggage to flow through the process with its identifier, enabling an information flow for airline check-in. The IATA baggage tag scanning at the point of departure can also be applied to other remote operations at hotels and resorts, and can be operated with limited technology, workstations, printers, and space. This enables a seamless and cost-effective system across the entire remote check-in network, making it an economically sustainable process.

[0312] Route travel experience from the starting point Figure 1B shows a block diagram of a system 100 for checking in passenger baggage items on the return leg of a journey, according to one embodiment. In some embodiments, system 100 can also be used for checking in passengers on the return leg and / or activating the LIB2450 for arriving baggage items.

[0313] Figure 1B shows an example of the movement route of luggage items along multiple travel segments towards accommodation or the next mode of transportation.

[0314] System 100 is shown between line AA and line BB. System 100 can communicate with the travel information system 108 of the first mode mobile carrier 104, the travel information system 110 of any intermediate mobile carrier 106, and / or the travel information system 128 of the accommodation 126. In embodiments disclosed herein, the accommodation 126 is a cruise ship. The travel information systems 108, 110, and 128 may include, for example, web-based servers connected to the Internet. One or more components of System 100 are located in proximity to the destination point DP107, which is also in proximity to the accommodation. In some embodiments, the accommodation 126 may be a resort or a hotel.

[0315] The first mode mobile carrier 104 is either an airline, a bus company, or a railway company. However, for the sake of explanation, the first mode mobile carrier will be described as an airline carrier in the example. Any intermediate mobile carrier 106 is either an airline, a bus company, or a railway company.

[0316] The travel route 140 (shown by a dashed line) shows the routes of travel segments L1, L2, and L3 from the starting point (i.e., home 102) to the accommodation 126 or boarding point via route L4. Segment L1 is the travel route from home 102 to the first-mode travel carrier 104. Segment L2 is the travel route using the first-mode travel carrier 104 to the destination point DP107, or to any segment L3 related to the intermediate travel carrier 106. Any segment L3 is the travel route using the intermediate travel carrier 106 to the destination point DP107. For example, the passenger may end their travel route at the end of segment L2, board a different travel carrier or flight, and begin travel to the destination point DP107 along segment L3. Furthermore, it should be noted that the travel route of segment L3 may include one or more intermediate travel carriers. In some cases, the passenger's itinerary may have zero (0) intermediate travel carriers. For example, this applies to direct or indirect itineraries following travel route 140 to destination DP.

[0317] Return route travel experience Figure 1C shows a block diagram of a system 100 for checking in passenger baggage on the return journey after disembarking from an accommodation facility, according to one embodiment. The system in Figure 1C is identical to the system 100 in Figure 1B. However, the components of system 100 may be dispersed and located in different locations outside the airport in order to acquire OP-BTI.

[0318] According to one or more embodiments, the return route may include travel sections L2' and L1' after leaving the accommodation on travel section L4'. The return route may include, for example, L3', L2', and L1'. In some embodiments, the passenger itinerary may include a temporary accommodation reservation after L2' and before the start of itinerary L1'. Thus, a passenger travel experience can consist of numerous means of transportation (modes of travel) and accommodation stays.

[0319] On the return journey, the printed baggage tag 142' from the departure point (departure flight) may be used for at least one of the following purposes: tracking, location, or information gathering on other modes of transport before baggage check-in on the return flight. In some embodiments, baggage items may be separated from the passenger on certain modes of transport. The passenger may, in some cases, travel without baggage using other modes of transport.

[0320] In one or more embodiments, system 100 is integrated with or connected to systems 2700 (Figure 27) and / or 3100 (Figure 31) to separate baggage from passengers in other means of transport for checking in for return flights within a limited check-in window, print and affix baggage tags for return flights to baggage, and hand over baggage under the control of the airline carrier. In one or more embodiments, system 100 may be integrated with or connected to systems 2700 and / or 3100.

[0321] According to one or more embodiments, systems 100, 2700, and / or 3100 can cause a printer associated with an airline carrier or an airline carrier kiosk to print return IATA-compatible baggage tags for return flights by the airline carrier. In some embodiments, systems 100, 2700, and / or 3100 may include a printing device to print IATA baggage tags for return flights, replacing recycled universal pre-printed baggage tags with return IATA baggage tags.

[0322] In one or more embodiments, the printed IATA baggage tag number on the return flight IATA baggage tag is recycled as a unique identifier for use in off-airport facilities and temporary accommodations during the return leg of the journey, after the baggage has been unloaded from the airline carrier and recovered from the airline's infrastructure. The return flight IATA baggage tag functions as a machine-readable baggage tag that is not discarded at other means of transportation or accommodations (including temporary accommodations) after the return leg of the journey has been completed by the airline carrier.

[0323] Destination point DP107 is located within the area of ​​the port of embarkation of accommodation 126. System 100 or one or more components of the system may be managed and operated by a third-party service provider independent of any mobile carrier. System 100 may be managed and operated by a mobile carrier located within the area of ​​destination point DP107. The mobile carrier located within the area of ​​destination DP107 may be an airline carrier, a rail carrier, a bus carrier, a cruise ship carrier, or a combination thereof. The acquisition devices disclosed herein may be distributed at off-airport facilities for locating and tracking baggage items in alternative means of transport, etc.

[0324] In some cases, the route taken by the first mode mobile carrier and the route taken by the arbitrary intermediate mobile carrier 106 may be reversed. In this case, the route taken by the passenger in section L2 will be that of the intermediate mobile carrier 106, and the route taken by the passenger in section L3 to destination DP107 will be that of the first mode mobile carrier.

[0325] The components of system 100 may include a scanner 116 for scanning baggage tags (BTs) 142. An example of a BT 142 provided by an airline will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 2A. A BT 142 is a paper baggage tag (OP-BT) issued by a first-mode mobile carrier 104 or the like for the first travel segment, having a baggage tag identifier (O-BTI) 114 of the departure point (departing flight). The O-BTI 114 may be stored in a database by the first-mode mobile carrier 104.

[0326] In one or more embodiments, a passenger having a mobile communication device 15 can capture an image of the BT142. According to one example, the BT142 may be printed at an airport kiosk and affixed to the passenger's luggage.

[0327] In one or more embodiments, a passenger having a mobile communication device 15 may capture an image of a printed medium containing at least a portion of the passenger information on a departure hardcopy baggage tag. In a non-limiting example, the printed medium may be a baggage tag printed at home. In another example, the printed medium may be a conventional airline tag marker 212 as described in relation to Figure 2B. In a non-limiting example, the printed medium may be another printed document containing passenger / airline information from which the PNR number can be directly extracted from or accessed by a computer system associated with the airline. The airline is the source of the printed text and layout of the departure hardcopy baggage tag to be printed, and / or the printed medium contains at least a portion of the printed text of the departure hardcopy baggage tag.

[0328] In one or more embodiments, the components of system 100 may also include a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader or a near-field communication (NFC) identification reader. Both of these are referred to herein as RFID-R150 and are indicated by a dashed box to show they are optional. The RFID reader receives an electromagnetic field and automatically identifies and tracks the tag. In some cases, passenger baggage 138 may use an RFID tag or an NFC-compatible tag that generates a 10-digit license plate or equivalent identifier. However, most baggage still uses printed or paper tags as the primary means of identifying passenger baggage 138.

[0329] Baggage items may include RF communication devices (not shown). RF communication devices as used herein include, for example, 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 a long-range communication device using a compatible wireless communication protocol.

[0330] The term passenger baggage 138 may include one or more baggage items. One or more baggage items may include the first baggage item. In some cases, it may be necessary to scan only BT142 of the first baggage item in order to digitally reproduce the passenger's baggage number.

[0331] The stored digital O-BTI114 may be converted to a format compatible with IATA baggage tag codes and other standardized formats of the carrier. For example, an airline's baggage tag may include an IATA code that includes a three-letter alphanumeric geographic code specifying the airport and metropolitan area. The IATA code is also known as the IATA Location Identifier. IATA also publishes industry standard rules for creating baggage tags for the aviation industry. The printed BT142 may include a 10-digit license plate and a corresponding barcode, as shown in Figure 2A. The O-BTI114 may include IATA geographic code generation information, original flight information, a 10-digit license plate, and other BT information printed on the BT142, as described later in Figure 2A. The BT142 can utilize license plates used by other mobile carriers.

[0332] The components of system 100 may include an imaging device 118 for capturing an image of passenger baggage 138. The components of system 100 may include an optional printing device 120 configured to print a marker (MK) 136 onto a substrate. An exemplary marker 136 is described with reference to Figure 15.

[0333] The components of system 100 may include a computing device 122, which will be described in more detail in relation to Figure 7. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and the printing device 120 via wireless communication, indicated by reference numeral 130. In one or more embodiments, the computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, the imaging device 118, and / or the printing device 120 using a wired communication protocol. The printing device 120 may be a laser printer, an inkjet printer, or other printing device.

[0334] What should be understood from this disclosure is that the system addresses many possible outcomes that various passengers may experience. MK136 is needed because some baggage arriving at its destination may not have the originally printed baggage tag or airline marker (both potentially including IATA barcodes). In such situations, the system needs to prepare a marker for temporarily tagging the baggage.

[0335] Furthermore, MK 136 may be used in one or more embodiments for baggage items passing through an integrated security screening station as shown in Figure 26A.

[0336] In one or more embodiments, a baggage item may be provided with a wireless tracking device 175. In a non-limiting example, the wireless tracking device 175 is a tracking device including an accelerometer (ACC), a gyroscope, a Global Positioning System (GPS), and / or an inertial navigation device (INU), which can determine its own location and transmit its location information to a computing device of System 100 (i.e., Server 148). The wireless tracking device 175 has a unique identifier, such as a registration serial number, a Media Access Control (MAC) address, or other assigned unique identifier, which is stored in a manifest of any accommodation, means of transport, or other manifest, an extended Type B message, another Type B message, and / or LIB2450. The wireless tracking device 175 may also be programmed with a unique identifier for the passenger and / or baggage item (such as passenger name, PNR number, Super PNR number, IATA license plate number, part of the data in a Type B message, or any combination thereof). In one embodiment, the wireless tracking device 175 may be a temporary or removable tracker.

[0337] The wireless tracking device 175 may be Apple's AIRTAG, a Global Positioning System (GPS) tracker, a Mobile Communications System (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, or a long-range communication device using a compatible wireless communication protocol.

[0338] For short-range communication devices (including, but not limited to, Wi-Fi-enabled communication devices, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices, and Bluetooth-enabled communication devices), system 100 may include remote network devices 127 within the accommodation facility 126. In one or more embodiments, the remote network devices 127 belong to the accommodation facility 126 and are used by system 100 to transmit location data via the wireless tracking device 175. Alternatively or additionally, some of the remote network devices 127 may be owned by system 100 and others by the accommodation facility 126.

[0339] In one or more embodiments, the wireless tracking device 175 may be temporarily assigned to a baggage item. For example, the wireless tracking device 175 is configured to communicate in a designated area D10, such as on a cruise ship, and in a nearby area, such as around the pier. For example, when the baggage item disembarks and is checked in for the return flight, or at some other point, the wireless tracking device 175 is removed and reassigned to another baggage item for the cruise ship's next voyage.

[0340] For example, the cruise ship area (i.e., designated area D10) includes the cruise ship itself and a radius of 100 feet (approximately 30 meters) around it. The cruise ship area (i.e., designated area D10) is equipped with a receiver or network communication device for receiving signals from the radio tracking device 175. The radius can be 10 to 50 feet, 10 to 75 feet, or 10 to 100 feet. The radius around the cruise ship can be up to 200 feet, up to 300 feet, up to 500 feet, or up to 1000 feet.

[0341] For long-range communication devices, for example, Apple's AIRTAG, Global Positioning System (GPS) trackers, Mobile Communication System (GSM) trackers, and GSM-5G trackers can communicate with cellular, satellite, and GSM communication service providers. The position signal is transmitted to server 148 or other designated computing device for access and / or storage by LIB2450. In one or more embodiments, the long-range communication device may also be configured to communicate using a short-range communication protocol. In this case, the wireless tracking device 175 may communicate in designated area D10 using a short-range communication protocol or a long-range communication protocol with a remote network device 127.

[0342] The wireless tracking device 175 may use long-range or short-range communication, depending on its configuration, to track its position while traveling by any means of transport or the next means of transport.

[0343] This system can retrieve basic passenger information by scanning a barcode or QR code associated with the boarding pass for a departing flight. In some cases, the passenger's ticket may contain information related to a 10-digit license plate, which can be retrieved from the passenger and affixed to their baggage without the need to print MK136. For example, a passenger may receive an adhesive-backed marker from an airline employee when checking in their baggage at the airport.

[0344] This marker may include a 10-digit license plate number or other information. This marker can be used by passengers to identify their luggage, for example, in the event of lost baggage.

[0345] This system, using a printing device that communicates with at least one processor, creates an MK136 with a marker identifier for linking a passenger manifest record to the first baggage item if the paper baggage tag identifier (OP-BTI) of the origin (departure flight) associated with or on the printed baggage tag of the first baggage item is damaged or lost, and enters the marker identifier into the passenger manifest record. The marker identifier is a barcode readable by a barcode scanner device and includes either the OP-BTI or a new passenger tracking identifier.

[0346] The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, imaging device 118, and / or printing device 120 using the NFC protocol and the Bluetooth protocol. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, imaging device 118, and / or printing device 120 using wireless LAN (Wi-Fi) communication based on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) 802.11 standard. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, imaging device 118, and / or printing device 120 using, for example, ZIGBEE® wireless technology compatible with IEEE 802.15. The computing device 122 can communicate with the scanner 116, imaging device 118, and / or printing device 120 using long-range communication protocols, short-range communication protocols, cellular radio frequency protocols, and other mobile radio frequency protocols.

[0347] In other embodiments, the scanner 116 may be a software application stored on the computing device 122, programmed to interact with a video device or camera device incorporated into, integrated with, or connected to the computing device 122 via a cable. In one or more embodiments, the computing device 122, the imaging device 118, and the scanner 116 are a single device, such as a smartphone, tablet, or other portable computing device with video capabilities, and are hereinafter referred to as the “smart communication device.” In one or more embodiments, the system 100 may include a local computing device or server 148 for communicating with the smart communication device and the travel information systems 108, 110, and / or 128. The local computing device (i.e., server 148) communicates with at least one smart communication device and / or the travel information systems 108, 110, and 128 using wired or wireless communication.

[0348] The computing device 122 and / or server 148 can communicate with the mobile communication device 15 or other wired or wireless communication devices.

[0349] In one or more embodiments, the computing device 122, imaging device 118, scanner 116, and RFID-R150 are a single device such as a smartphone, tablet, or other portable computing device with video capabilities, and are hereafter referred to as the “smart communication device”.

[0350] The imaging device 118, scanner 116, and RFID-R150 may be electronic devices that acquire barcodes or other information related to IATA license plates, such as a 10-digit license plate. As should be understood from this disclosure, the IATA standard uses a 10-digit license plate, but other license plate formats with different numbers of digits are also usable. For example, a 10-digit license plate may be acquired by optical character recognition (OCR), a computer vision machine learning algorithm, or other artificial intelligence algorithms that can recognize alphanumeric characters and convert the recognized characters into machine-coded text.

[0351] Acquisition devices may provide extended Type B messages to the server 148 of system 100 from, for example, outside the airport infrastructure. However, if some acquisition devices overlap with the airport infrastructure, those acquisition devices may provide extended Type B messages to the server 148 from, for example, inside the airport infrastructure. As a non-limiting example, an acquisition device may generate an extended baggage handling message (BPM), which includes at least the recycled IATA license plate and the passenger's name. The extended BPM may also include the acquisition device's unique identifier and location data. The extended BPM is sent to the server 148 associated with system 100, and the location data in the LIB2450 and / or extended Type B message described in relation to Figures 14C to 14E is updated. While extended BPMs have been described, system 100 can generate and send other extended Type B messages to the server 148, which are generated after the baggage item arrives at DP107, using the recycled IATA license plate of the corresponding baggage item. For example, extended type B may be used to update location data from an acquisition device within LIB2450 and / or to trigger the processes described herein for the delivery and handling of baggage items independently of passengers. Extended type B messages may, in one or more embodiments, use an IATA-compatible coding format structure. Alternatively, extended type B messages may use a coding format structure that propagates a message structure different from but similar to the IATA coding format.

[0352] The components of system 100 may include an optional baggage receiving device 124 for transporting received baggage on a conveyor belt or the like. While the passenger baggage 138 moves on the conveyor belt, at least one scanner 116 and at least one imaging device 118 may scan or capture information representing O-BTI 114. In one or more embodiments, the imaging device 118 captures images of one or more pieces of passenger baggage 138. Furthermore, the RFD-R 150 may read RFD tags or NFC tags installed on the baggage receiving device 124. In one or more embodiments, the scanner 116 may scan QR code-enabled baggage tags. RFID, NFC, and QR code-enabled baggage tags may contain certain personal information or PU. This passenger personal information and PNR 112 information are used for personal information verification. The RFID tags or NFC tags should be compatible with, for example, IATA RP1740c. PNR112 represents the storage location where an airline carrier stores passenger PNRs. PNR number 230 is also called the PNR locator. PNR data can be searched using at least PNR number 230. In non-limiting examples, PNR data may be stored in a passenger service system (PSS) or order management system (OMS). However, the location of the PNR data storage device may change over time. Therefore, the system uses and updates PNR access commands specific to each airline to determine how to reach PNR112. Communication exchanges may include Internet Protocol (IP), Extended Markup Language (XML) standards, and XML messaging.

[0353] In other embodiments, the baggage claim device 124 includes a designated pad or surface for placing a single passenger baggage 138, and is equipped with a scanner, imaging device 118 and / or RFD-R1503 near the pad that can scan the O-BTI 114 and / or capture an image of the passenger baggage 138. The scanner 116 and imaging device 118 may be the same device and can be operated to search and scan a barcode having the O-BTI 114 in one process and to find a part or side of the body of the passenger baggage 138 and capture identifiable baggage features in a second optional process. In some embodiments, if the printed BT 142 cannot be read, the scanned O-BTI data receiving unit 402 may be bypassed. In this case, the user directly inputs the 10-digit license plate 210 and inputs it into the license plate analysis unit 404 to identify the mobile carrier identification information and the passenger baggage number. The scanner 116, imaging device 118, and RFID-R150 can be integrated into the same device. If a printed baggage tag does not exist, the RFID-R150 reads the RFID tag or NFC tag and generates personal information for the manifest.

[0354] In the process of capturing baggage identification features using methods such as computer vision, it may be determined that passenger baggage 138 does not have an original paper baggage tag. In this case, the information received from RFID-R150 is used. In some cases, passenger baggage 138 may have both an RFID tag or NFC tag and an original paper baggage tag. This is because the original paper baggage tag may contain information related to the mobile carrier on the return journey to home 102.

[0355] In one or more embodiments, the computing device 122 and / or server 148 of system 100 may establish a communication session with the travel information system 108 or 110 to access the PNR 112 based on the scanned BT 142 and obtain information representing the original O-BTI 114, including the embedded code of the passenger's baggage number, as described below.

[0356] In one or more embodiments, the computing device 122 and / or server 148 of system 100 can generate a communication session with the travel information system 108 or 110 to access the PNR 112 based on images of BT142 and obtain passenger information including at least the PNR number captured from BT142, as described below.

[0357] The travel information system 108 or 110 can generate communication with passenger file data 132, which includes passenger return information, while keeping personally identifiable information (PII) in the PNR confidential. The received passenger file data 132 is assembled into a manifest file 134 or sent to the travel information system 128 where the manifest file 134 is created. In some cases, the server 148 may create the manifest file. Either the computing device 122 and / or the server 148 transmits the manifest file to the travel information system 128 of the accommodation facility 126.

[0358] The computing device 122 and / or server 148 may consolidate all passenger file data 132 into a single manifest file 134 for checked passenger baggage. The computing device 122 and / or server 148 then transmit the manifest file 134 to the travel information system 128 of the accommodation 126.

[0359] A departure management system (DCS) may control the management of the airline's check-in process. A travel information system 108 or 110 may include a check-in indicator 144 that indicates whether those baggage items have been checked in for travel within a specific time window. In one or more embodiments, the travel carrier may include a check-in database 146 for those passengers and / or baggage that have been checked in for travel.

[0360] Example 1 An exemplary scenario is described in detail. A passenger, ready for travel, begins, for example, at their home 102, from which their passenger baggage 138 departs, and travels segment L1 of the travel itinerary 140. The passenger baggage 138 travels with the passenger or via baggage transport service to the airline transport carrier 104, where segment L2 of the travel begins. At the airline transport carrier 104, the passenger baggage 138 receives a BT142 as shown in Figure 2A. The BT142 contains printed information representing O-BTI114, which conforms to the International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage tag format. The BT142 may be printed on paper or a paper composite at an airline counter by airline staff, baggage transport service, or by the passenger themselves using a kiosk. The BT142 remains attached to the passenger baggage 138 as it travels segment L3, as used as described below. In one or more embodiments, once the BT142 is printed, the passenger may capture at least one image of the BT142 and / or the printed medium, as described below, and transmit that at least one image to a computing device 122 or server 148.

[0361] The passenger's travel itinerary includes accommodation 126. In this example, we assume that accommodation 126 is a cruise ship. In one or more embodiments, before the passenger boards the cruise (i.e., accommodation 126), a BT142 containing an O-BTI114 is scanned by a scanner 116, and the printed representation of the O-BTI114 is digitized, or the passenger's personal information printed on the BT142 is captured by an imaging device and digitized. The passenger's personal information may include a unique PNR number. The passenger's personal information may include the passenger's name. The passenger's personal information may include the O-BTI114 generated by optical character recognition in, for example, machine-encoded text format.

[0362] In various scenarios, a passenger's travel itinerary may include travel segments L2 and L3. For example, if the airline is the only travel carrier, travel segment L3 is omitted. In this case, the airline travel carrier may provide direct flights to a city or destination near or within the vicinity of accommodation 126. In other examples, the passenger's travel route includes an intermediate travel carrier 106 and provides travel segment L3. For example, the passenger's travel route may include at least one connecting flight or segment to a city or destination close to accommodation 126. This connecting segment is shown as segment L3, starting from the end point of segment L2 and ending at destination DP107.

[0363] Figure 2A shows a partial view of a prior art printed airline baggage tag 200 (i.e., BT142). Baggage tag 200 is half of a baggage tag. Baggage tag 200 includes two faces, which are mirror images of each other, so that the ends of baggage tag 200 can be glued together. In the illustrated example, baggage tag 200 includes a three-digit departure airport flight identifier 202 and a three-digit destination airport flight identifier 204. Baggage tag 200 includes at least one barcode flight identifier 206. In this illustrated example, baggage tag 200 includes a first barcode flight identifier 206 with the barcode bars oriented in a first orientation and a second barcode flight identifier 208 with the barcode bars oriented in a second orientation different from the first orientation. The format of baggage tags may vary slightly depending on the country and airline.

[0364] In one or more embodiments, the passenger's name may be inscribed on the baggage tag 200.

[0365] The IATA baggage tag 200 is equipped with a 10-digit license plate number 210 in accordance with IATA regulations. This 10-digit license plate number consists of a first integer in the range of 0 to 9, followed by a 3-digit airline code, and then a 6-digit license plate number. The last 6 digits of the license plate number correspond to the passenger baggage number. The font of the numbers may be difficult to read. The 10-digit license plate 210 is positioned adjacent to the first barcode flight identifier 206 and / or the second barcode flight identifier 208.

[0366] Human-readable license plates display a two- or three-digit IATA airline code. For example, "AA509795" or "001509795" would show "AA" as the two-digit IATA code for American Airlines (registered trademark) and "001" as the three-digit IATA airline code. However, barcodes are always in their complete 10-digit form.

[0367] The first barcode flight identifier 206 is a label that can conceal personal and flight information. For example, the first barcode flight identifier 206 is coded to include information such as the passenger's name, baggage destination (i.e., destination), and other information such as the name of the arrival airport, departure time, the IATA airport code of the arrival airport, the airline code, the flight number, and the passenger's name (last name, first name) associated with the baggage. The first barcode flight identifier 206 is a modified version of license plate 210.

[0368] The baggage tag number consists of a two-character airline code and a six-digit number. The six-digit number represents the passenger's baggage number. Using the passenger's baggage number, it is possible to access a Type B message containing the PNR number, as described below, and search for PNR112. In one or more embodiments, the passenger's baggage number may also conceal the passenger's personal information.

[0369] The airline generates and stores one or more Type B messages 152. A Type B message 152 may include one or more of the following: Baggage Transfer Message (BTM), Baggage Source Message (BSM), Baggage Processed Message (BPM), Baggage Unloading Message (BUM), Baggage Unconfirmed Message (BNS), Baggage Management Message (BCM), Baggage Manifest Message (BMM), and Baggage Request (BRQ). The baggage tag number may be part of the baggage message. In one or more embodiments, the Type B message may include the passenger name and PNR. This allows access to other information based on the baggage tag number.

[0370] The license plate 210 embedded in either the first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 is known as the index number (IN), and it links the baggage source message (BSM) transmitted from the airline's DCS to the airport baggage handling system. Each digit of the license plate 210 has a specific meaning. For example, the BSM contains flight details and passenger information for the second segment L2.

[0371] The inventors have confirmed that an index number (IN) embedded in the license plate 210, the first barcode flight identifier 206, or the second barcode flight identifier 208 can be used to access the passenger's PNR 112.

[0372] Figure 2A shows an example of a self-tagged airline baggage tag printed by a passenger via an airport kiosk. All airline baggage tags include at least one IATA license plate format. However, as shown in Figure 2D, each airline may arrange passenger / airline information on the printed baggage tag in a different way.

[0373] In Figure 2A, the passenger name record (PNR) number 230 may be printed on the top of baggage tag 200. The format of the PNR number 230 varies depending on the airline carrier. In this example, the code term "PNR" 231 (hereinafter referred to as the "PNR indicator") is prepended to the PNR number 230. A colon ":" follows the PNR indicator. However, not all airlines use an explicit PNR indicator like "PNR". In such cases, it may be necessary to extract the PNR number based on assumed information above, below, and / or to the side of the PNR number for a particular airline.

[0374] Baggage tag 200 may also include passenger name 235. However, each airline may place PNR number 230 and passenger name 235 in different positions. Furthermore, PNR number 230 may be preceded or followed by a string of letters, numbers, or alphanumeric characters. Therefore, unless it is known that the airline provides a general layout template, it can be difficult to identify PNR number 230.

[0375] Passenger name 235 may appear, for example, at the bottom of baggage tag 200. However, at least one conventional airline tag marker 212 may be printed immediately before the end of baggage tag 200 and removed before or after the baggage tag is attached to the baggage item. The conventional airline tag marker 212 may be given to the passenger as a receipt with at least an IATA baggage tag license plate and barcode.

[0376] In this layout, passenger name 235 can be placed near the PNR number. Passenger name 235 will appear above or below the PNR number. The name will be displayed in the format last name / first name, and the name will contain only alphabetic characters.

[0377] Figure 2B shows a conventional airline baggage tag marker 212. The airline baggage tag marker 212 may include a passenger name 214, a departure airport flight identifier 215, a destination airport flight identifier 216, a 10-digit license plate 218, and an adjacent barcode flight identifier 220.

[0378] In one or more embodiments, the airline baggage tag marker 212 is fixed to one end of a conventional airline baggage tag 200 and is removable for passenger storage. The airline baggage tag marker 212 is printed on paper or a paper composite material.

[0379] The MK136 printed by the printing device 120 may contain personal information from the PNR112 for entering the passenger's name. In some cases, the MK136 may include a temporary baggage tag with the accommodation code 126 or return code embedded in it.

[0380] The layout of airline tag marker 212 (i.e., printed media) may vary slightly.

[0381] Figure 2D shows a partial view of a baggage tag 200' from another airline using prior art. As is evident from the figure, the layout of the Southwest Airlines® departure hardcopy baggage tag 200' differs from that of American Airlines®. Figures 2A and 2D are just two examples of many different layouts. Southwest Airlines®'s IATA two-digit letter code is "WN". Its IATA license plate number is "0526371073". Southwest Airlines®'s IATA three-digit numeric code is "526". Of particular note is that the airline name "Southwest Airlines" is displayed vertically along the edge of the baggage tag 200'.

[0382] The airline code "WN", passenger name, and PNR number are enclosed in dashed boxes. The IATA license plate number is also enclosed in a dashed box for explanatory purposes only. In this example, the PNR indicator is not displayed before the PNR number "3UPQFT". However, the PNR number is placed on the same line as a string displayed in date format such as XX / XX / XXXX. Furthermore, the IATA license plate number is listed below the PNR number. Therefore, even without an explicit PNR indicator, it is possible to identify the PNR number using this layout.

[0383] Figure 3A shows a scanner 116 according to one embodiment. The scanner 116 includes a software application (i.e., scanner application 310) that is loaded onto a computing device 302, such as a computing device 122. The user of the scanner 116 points the camera lens 308 towards the printed baggage tag 200. The camera lens 308 is located on the back side of the device, opposite to the side where the display screen 304 is located. The processor of the computing device displays an image (input) representing the printed baggage tag 200 captured by the camera lens 308 on the display screen 304.

[0384] The scanner application 310 provides a barcode window 306 (indicated by a dashed line) positioned to capture, for example, all bars of a second barcode flight identifier 208, making it possible to highlight and identify printed barcodes in an image and guide the user toward the barcode. The scanner application 310 may, alternatively or additionally, scan a first barcode flight identifier 206. The barcode window 306 may be displayed automatically when the scanner application 310 is launched. The scanner application 310 may, for example, search for linear or 1D barcodes and convert the barcodes of the first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 to generate a series of numbers representing, for example, a license plate 210. Humans can visually recognize the license plate 210. However, manually entering each number is time-consuming and prone to human error.

[0385] The first barcode flight identifier 206 or the second barcode flight identifier 208 associated with the license plate 210 is used, for example, as an index number (IN) that links to a baggage source message (BSM) containing passenger information, enabling the retrieval and access of the PNR 112 corresponding to the passenger and their return flight information.

[0386] In one or more embodiments, the scanner application is also used to capture the QR code baggage tag identifier on the QR code baggage tag affixed to the passenger baggage 138. This information is used for verifying the PNR 112 and accessing personal information.

[0387] Example 2 In relation to Figure 3B, another illustrative scenario is described in which image data is used to obtain one or more PNR numbers, passenger names, and / or IATA license plates. This information can be used, for example, to initiate the LIB2450 construction process. This data can be used for various tasks described herein. Furthermore, when a segment of travel is completed or one of the modes of transport is terminated, the LIB2450 moves on to the next mode of transport, and the expired mode of transport data is left behind.

[0388] Figure 3B shows, according to one embodiment, how an electronic acquisition device (i.e., an imaging device 118) captures an image 340 of a place-of-origin hardcopy baggage tag 200. The imaging device 118 may be integrated with a computing device (i.e., a mobile communication device 15). The imaging device 118 may be part of a system 100. In this example, the image 340 has a gray background on a display screen 304. However, the background of the display screen 304 may include other items and colors, as is the case when an image is taken against an ambient background. The imaging device 118 includes a software application (i.e., application 311) loaded onto a computing device 302 (e.g., computing device 122 or mobile communication device 15). In one or more embodiments, application 311 running on computing device 122 may be configured to perform optical character recognition (OCR). In one or more embodiments, an application 311 running on a mobile communication device 15 may be configured to perform optical character recognition (OCR) and transmit both at least one image and a DPI data record. The DPI data record is stored in a LIB (Figure 1A). The application 311 can be downloaded to the mobile communication device 15 via the system 100, for example, by using a server 148.

[0389] The images include at least one image 340 of printed passenger information related to an airline mobile carrier, and are images of a departure hardcopy baggage tag 200 taken from multiple different positions. The baggage tag is long, and some printed text may be difficult to read. The printed passenger information related to an airline mobile carrier may include printed BSM data, such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number. In one or more embodiments, the license plate number may include a two-digit airline alphanumeric code or a three-digit numeric code. The printed passenger information related to an airline mobile carrier may include a passenger name record (PNR) number. The printed information related to an airline mobile carrier may include an airline code or airline name. The printed passenger information related to an airline mobile carrier may include the passenger's name.

[0390] Printed passenger information associated with an airline or travel carrier may include a unique identifier associated with the passenger's itinerary, or a unique identifier that can be used to navigate to the passenger's saved return flight information on the specified travel carrier.

[0391] Printed passenger information associated with an airline or carrier may include a unique identifier that serves as a link index to the passenger's itinerary, or passenger return flight information from a computer system associated with the airline or carrier. In one or more embodiments, the unique identifier is a super PNR number. In the case of multi-segment flights or multiple airlines / carriers, the super PNR number can link all PNRs for each segment together. Each carrier may maintain different PNRs for each flight segment.

[0392] Digital passenger information (DPI) data records linked to an airline mobile carrier may include, for example, an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number, a passenger name record (PNR) number, an airline code, an airline name, a passenger name, or any combination thereof. An example of printed passenger information on the image of the departure hard copy baggage tag 200 is enclosed in a dashed frame. In one or more embodiments, once the airline name or airline code is verified, the system may not need to look up any further airline codes. The airline code or airline name may be used to determine the airline baggage tag (BT) layout of the departure hard copy baggage tag 200, for example, to quickly identify specific printed passenger information in the image.

[0393] In one or more embodiments, the DPI data record may include a passenger name record (PNR) number and an airline code or airline name. In some examples, the DPI data record may include a passenger name record (PNR) number, an airline code or airline name, and a passenger name. This DPI data record allows the system or server 148 to directly access the PNR 112.

[0394] DPI data records may include digital baggage item records.

[0395] In certain embodiments, information may be obtained by scanning the barcode of the IATA baggage tag, but by using an image, the 10-digit license plate can be obtained, and if necessary, the airline code can be derived from a portion of it. As mentioned above, baggage tags or parts thereof can be damaged. Therefore, alternative means for deriving passenger / airline information in a hands-free and accurate manner are proposed herein. Furthermore, in one or more embodiments, the 10-digit IATA number plate can be created using an image, and access to a Type B message can be made to obtain PNR information leading to the passenger's PNR112.

[0396] The departure hard copy baggage tag 200 may include space in its layout for printing supplementary information at the discretion of the airline carrier. The passenger information printed on the image and the resulting DPI data record may also include supplementary information for navigating to a storage device that stores the passenger's return flight information.

[0397] The images are captured by an application 311 that allows a passenger or other user to send the images to the system 100 (i.e., the server 148) via a send button 360. In one or more embodiments, the imaging device 118 may be part of the system 100 or part of the mobile communication device 15.

[0398] Figure 3C shows how an electronic acquisition device 118 captures an image of a departure hard copy baggage tag 200' according to one embodiment. The embodiment in Figure 3C, i.e., image capture of the departure hard copy baggage tag 200' by the electronic acquisition device, is essentially identical to the embodiment described in Figure 3B. Therefore, only the differences will be described. The image can be acquired by a mobile communication device 15.

[0399] The departure hardcopy baggage tag 200' shown on display screen 304 is an example of a departure hardcopy baggage tag from another airline with a different layout. For example, it may be necessary to identify the PNR number and the 10-digit IATA license plate based on the layout of a specific airline.

[0400] Example 3 As another illustrative scenario, a method for obtaining one or more of the PNR number, passenger name, and / or IATA license plate using image data from a marker will be described in relation to Figure 3D.

[0401] Figure 3D shows how an electronic acquisition device (i.e., imaging device 118) captures an image of a printed medium containing passenger information, at least partially, printed on a hard copy baggage tag at the point of departure, according to one embodiment. In this example, the printed medium is displayed on the display screen 304 and includes the marker 212 described in relation to Figure 2C. In one or more embodiments, other printed medium may be used, such as one printed at home by the passenger. In this example, application 311 may optically recognize some or all of the text characters on the marker 212, indicated by the dashed frame.

[0402] In this case, the license plate can include at least 10 digits, which can include a DPI data record. The DPI data record can include, for example, the passenger name for additional verification when searching for the PNR number within a Type B message and then navigating to PNR112 to create a digital baggage item record.

[0403] Example 4 The example shown in Figure 3E provides delivery location data when an IATA license plate 200, marker 212, MK136, or other barcode identifier associated with a baggage item is scanned. The location data may be, for example, the current status of a passenger cabin or passenger compartment.

[0404] In Figure 3E, the computing device 302 displays a display message 360 ​​according to one embodiment. The message 360 ​​may include text representing the cabin number to which the baggage item scanned by the printed baggage tag in Figure 3A will be delivered. The display message also includes a message 355 indicating that the cabin is ready. In one or more embodiments, the display message may include a message 350 representing the name of the accommodation. Furthermore, the display message may include the scanned baggage number.

[0405] In the case of other accommodations such as hotels and resorts, the cabin number may be replaced with a room number, or a building number, floor number, and room number. In some embodiments, messages 350, 355, and / or 360 are generated and communicated by the messaging system 2790 via the server 2710 in Figure 27, as described later.

[0406] Digital BTI Data Figure 4 shows a block diagram of a programming module 400A according to one embodiment, for checking in baggage or baggage and passenger return flights using departure baggage tag identifiers, and generating manifests for boarding (boarding) the travel segment. The programming module 400A may be located on a computing device 122, a server 148, or a combination thereof.

[0407] One or more programming modules 400A may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The computing device 122 and / or server 148 may include at least one processor and / or hardware for executing instructions of the programming modules 400A.

[0408] The programming module 400A may include a scanned O-BTI data receiving unit 402A and a license plate analysis unit 404A. The scanned O-BTI data receiving unit 402A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, receives a 10-digit number embedded in the captured barcode of a first barcode flight identifier 206 or a second barcode flight identifier 208. The license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, analyzes the series of digits received from the scanner application 310. The license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, may track the digits using a mobile carrier ID locator 420A to identify the mobile carrier identifier (ID). The license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, may track the digits (e.g., the last 6 digits) using a baggage number locator 422A to identify the baggage number.

[0409] The license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, extracts the first digit of the converted barcode. In this example, it is the number 7. This digit may be discarded. Next, the license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, extracts the next three digits using the mobile carrier ID locator 420A. In this case, the next three digits include "001" which corresponds to the mobile carrier ID. In this case, the travel agency ID corresponds to American Airlines®. Subsequently, the license plate analysis unit 404A may include a program instruction, which, when executed, extracts the next six digits ("509795") using the baggage number locator 422A. These six digits correspond to the passenger's baggage number.

[0410] In one or more embodiments, if the printed BT142 cannot be read, the scanned O-BTI data receiver 402 can be bypassed in the event. In this case, the user may directly input a 10-digit license plate 210, which the license analysis unit 404A receives to identify the mobile carrier identifier and the passenger baggage number.

[0411] The programming module 400A may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication session generation unit 406 to communicate with at least one of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106. The communication session generation unit 406 may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address lookup database 424 for the mobile carriers and PNR access instructions 426. The mobile carrier ID on the license plate 210 is used to look up predetermined instructions for generating electronic communication packets to the servers of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106 associated with the mobile carrier ID. The communication session generation unit 406 may also include program instructions, which, when executed, use a digitally generated passenger baggage number extracted from a first barcode flight identifier 206 or a second barcode flight identifier 208 associated with the license plate 210 to extract stored instructions for accessing return segment information from the stored PNR access instructions 426. Communication instructions may identify information related to tools (i.e., programming instructions) compatible with Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0412] In one or more embodiments, the command may identify a link in the scanned license plate 210 to a baggage source message (BSM) containing passenger information, and retrieve and access the passenger's PNR 112 and its return flight information. The link may include, but is not limited to, an HTTP-compatible link in one or more embodiments.

[0413] During the communication session, the computing device 122 executes programming instructions for the passenger return journey acquisition unit 408. Here, the return journey refers to the route or part of the route taken to return to home 102. For example, if the passenger returns home on the same carrier as the original printed baggage tag, the PNR 112 will contain the return journey information. Otherwise, the return journey information may be marked as null by the system 100.

[0414] The programming module 400A may contain program instructions, which, when executed, cause the baggage recognition module 410 to recognize baggage items corresponding to stored images. Image data from the imaging device 118 may be processed by machine learning software to generate images of passenger baggage 138. These images are stored in a database for the passenger baggage recognition process. In some cases, it may be necessary to search for or identify the passenger's baggage. The computing device 122 or server 148 may store images of passenger baggage 138 that can be retrieved later. The baggage is then recognized using a machine learning algorithm and matched with the passenger. Image data of baggage items is stored as baggage feature data 411A. The baggage feature data 411A may also include the barcode of the IATA license plate and features of the baggage item itself. Features include color, texture, shape, brand, and other identifying features of the baggage item itself. The baggage feature data 411A is used to grant access to certain information in the baggage item manifest record. For example, baggage feature data 411A may be required to access return flight information during baggage item check-in. The baggage recognition module 410 may include program instructions to store passenger image data as passenger biometric data 411B linked to the baggage item manifest record at runtime. Passenger biometric data 411B may be used to unlock access to specific information within the baggage item manifest record. For example, passenger biometric data 411B provides access to return flight information during baggage item check-in. In one or more embodiments, passenger biometric data 411B is verified if the departure hardcopy baggage tag, marker 212 and / or MK136 are lost or damaged.

[0415] In some scenarios, a baggage item may have only one of the following: a hard copy baggage tag from the departure point, a Marker 212, or an MK136. A non-limiting example is when Marker 212 is the only tag attached to a baggage item, and the passenger's name is not printed on it. In this example, even if Marker 212 is attached to the baggage, if the passenger's name is not printed on the original printed material issued by the airline, passenger authentication may be required to unlock the baggage item manifest record and subsequently check in the baggage.

[0416] In one or more embodiments, even if a hard copy baggage tag from the departure point is affixed to the baggage item, if the passenger name is not displayed on the airline's hard copy baggage tag from the departure point, passenger authentication may be required to unlock the baggage item manifest record and subsequently check in the baggage item.

[0417] The computing device 122 or server 148 can use a machine learning algorithm to identify whether a particular baggage item was handled by one or more components of system 100.

[0418] In some cases, captured image data of baggage items may be used to unlock baggage item manifest records for purposes such as check-in.

[0419] The programming module 400A may include a marker generation unit 412. The marker generation unit 412 may include program instructions, which, when executed, generate a barcode for use in the MK136 format, which can be printed by the printing device 120 and affixed to passenger baggage 138. As described above, the MK136 is used when the original baggage tag or airline marker is unusable or unscannable due to damage or other reasons.

[0420] The programming module 400A may include a passenger manifest record generation unit 414, a return-trip manifest generation unit 416, and a manifest communication unit 418. The passenger manifest created from the discarded printed baggage tags at the departure point may be used to verify the arrival of passengers at the accommodation and to determine their room number or cabin number. The discarded printed baggage tags registered in the manifest are used to transport passengers' baggage to their rooms and / or accommodations without the need to generate, for example, temporary valet tags. The discarded printed baggage tags are also used, for example, when passengers depart from the accommodations to return home, eliminating the need to print yet another temporary valet tag.

[0421] The passenger manifest record generation unit 414 may store passenger information 428 and associated PNR 112 in one or more files for passengers with passenger baggage 138 scanned by system 100. Passenger information may include the passenger's first name, middle name or initials, last name, and contact information. For example, contact information may also include the passenger's address. Passenger information may include personal information (PII).

[0422] The components of system 100 store passenger lists for one or more accommodations 126 located within the area of ​​destination DP107, thereby preventing baggage 138 of passengers not traveling through the accommodations 126 from being mixed with baggage 138 destined for the accommodations 126. In one or more embodiments, passenger information 428 may include passenger information related to prepaid services with a third-party service provider, a first-mode mobile carrier 104, or the accommodations 126. In one or more embodiments, the passenger information file 428 may include cabin numbers assigned to passengers. Thus, the marker generation unit 412 can communicate with the passenger manifest record generation unit 414 to obtain information such as cabin numbers and passenger names, format the fields of the markers to be printed by the marker generation unit 412, and input the information.

[0423] The marker generation unit 412 may include program instructions that, at runtime, print the passenger name, cabin number, the IATA license plate barcode on the departure hard copy baggage tag, and / or the associated 10-digit IATA license plate. The IATA license plate or IATA barcode on the departure hard copy baggage tag is used as a primary key for the baggage item's information and manages the entire travel experience of the baggage, including check-in for the return flight.

[0424] The return segment manifest generation unit 416 may include program instructions to extract information from the PNR 112, including return segment travel information, at runtime. This includes, but is not limited to, the carrier of the return mode of transport, the departure time of the return mode of transport, the flight number, and / or the estimated number of pieces of baggage that need to be checked in for the return segment of the journey. The return segment manifest generation unit 416 may include program instructions to register the return segment travel information in the corresponding data fields of the manifest file at runtime.

[0425] DPI data record Figure 4B shows a block diagram of a programming module 400B for checking in baggage or baggage and passengers and generating a boarding manifest for a travel segment, according to one embodiment, using digitized departure passenger information associated with a first mode travel carrier on a departure hardcopy printed baggage tag. The programming module 400B may include program instructions at runtime to create DPI data records for digital baggage item records.

[0426] Figures 4A and 4B are similar; therefore, only the differences will be described in detail. The programming module 400B may be located on the computing device 122, the server 148, or a combination thereof.

[0427] One or more programming modules 400B may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The computing device 122 and / or server 148 may include at least one processor and / or hardware for executing instructions of the programming modules 400B. One or more associated programming modules 400B that generate machine-encoded text from images of baggage tags may be included in software, firmware, hardware, or a combination thereof within the mobile communication device 15.

[0428] The programming module 400B may include an image data receiving unit 402A. The image data receiving unit 402A may include program instructions that, when executed, cause the reception of a printed medium having at least an image of the departure hard copy baggage tag, or a portion thereof, or a portion of the printed information of the departure hard copy baggage tag. The programming module 400B may include a passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B. In one or more embodiments, the passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B may, at runtime, include program instructions that optically recognize text characters in the image and convert them into searchable text sequences (i.e., machine-coded text) to identify the mobile carrier code and / or name by the mobile carrier locator 420B. The mobile carrier locator 420B may, at runtime, include program instructions that access the airline code list database 432 and determine an airline name that matches an available airline code. Alternatively, if an airline name is found, the airline's two-digit alphanumeric code or three-digit numeric code may also be found, enabling verification of the airline carrier associated with the departure hard copy baggage tag. The mobile carrier locator 420B may include a program instruction at runtime to detect one airline code and verify it against the detected airline name or another airline code in the expected location or license plate.

[0429] The passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause a BT layout in the BT layout database to be retrieved based on the detected airline code and / or airline name. In one or more embodiments, the BT layout may indicate the format of a PNR number, including whether or not a PNR indicator is present. The BT layout identifies text lines and their positions, and the text expected in those lines. In one or more embodiments, the BT layout identifies text constraints, such as the format of passenger names (e.g., last name followed by first name separated by a " / "). These are just examples of possible layouts, and each airline may display specific information at its own discretion.

[0430] The passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B may include program instructions, which, when executed, optically recognize text characters in an image and convert them into searchable text sequences (i.e., machine-encoded text) to identify the passenger name by the passenger name locator 421B.

[0431] The passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B may include program instructions, which, when executed, optically recognize text characters in an image, convert them into searchable text sequences (i.e., machine-encoded text), and identify the PNR number by the PNR number locator 422B.

[0432] The passenger / airline information analysis unit 404B may contain program instructions that, when executed, optically recognize text characters in an image and convert them into searchable text sequences (i.e., machine-encoded text) to identify the IATA license plate. Currently, IATA license plates are 10 digits long and may be expanded in the future. If necessary, the mobile carrier code can be identified from the IATA license plate.

[0433] The programming module 400B may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication session generation unit 406 to communicate with at least one of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106. The communication session generation unit 406 may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address lookup database 424 for the mobile carriers and PNR access instructions 426. The mobile carrier ID on the license plate 210 may be used to look up predetermined instructions for generating electronic communication packets to the servers of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106 associated with the mobile carrier ID. The communication session generation unit 406 may also include program instructions, which, when executed, extract stored instructions for accessing return segment information from the stored PNR access instructions 426 using the DPI data record. If the DPI data record does not contain a PNR number from the origin hardcopy baggage tag, the license plate can be used to access the PNR number in a Type B message. This Type B message includes the license plate as a link index (locator) to the PNR number. On the other hand, if the DPI data record includes the PNR number and airline name or airline code from the origin hard copy baggage tag, the command to access PNR112 can be looked up without requiring the acquisition of the PNR number using a Type B message.

[0434] Communication instructions can identify information associated with tools (i.e., programming instructions) compatible with Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0435] In one or more embodiments, programming modules 400A and 400B overlap. This may occur, for example, when certain data cannot be read by barcode scanning to access baggage item data records in a baggage manifest, but can be obtained by optical character recognition (OCR). Programming modules 400A, 400B, and 400C may be integrated in one or more embodiments.

[0436] The manifest file contains a conduit for the baggage check-in of multiple passengers to a designated return travel carrier. The conduit may include a graphical user interface for remotely checking in each baggage item of passengers departing from their accommodation within a designated (time) window before the departure of the return flight. In one or more embodiments, the passenger manifest record may include digital BTI data, DPI data records, and / or data for baggage or passenger check-in on the return segment to the designated return travel carrier for the return flight based on the accessed PNR. The passenger manifest record may include other information such as passenger name and airline code / airline name. The passenger manifest record may include a DPI data record.

[0437] The manifest communication unit 418 may include program instructions and, when executed, is configured to establish a communication session with a travel information system 128 associated with the accommodation 126. The manifest communication unit 418 may have different instructions for each travel information system 128 of multiple cruise ship carriers. The communication instructions may identify information related to the tools (i.e., programming instructions) disclosed herein.

[0438] As explained in relation to Figure 1A, certain data may be marked as “pending.” However, when the IATA barcode associated with the license plate is scanned by the acquisition device or received by an RFID / NFC receiver associated with or linked to System 100, LIB2450 is activated for the registered baggage item.

[0439] Extended Type B message (outside airport) Figure 4C shows a block diagram of a programming module 400C for checking in passenger baggage, generating a boarding manifest for a travel segment, and generating an extended Type B message, according to one embodiment. The programming module 400C may be located on a computing device 122, a server 148, or a combination thereof. Some redundant descriptions may be omitted as long as the programming module 400C is similar to the programming modules 400A or 400B.

[0440] The programming module 400C may include a scanned O-BTI data receiving unit 402C and a license plate analysis unit 404C. The scanned O-BTI data receiving unit 402C may include a program instruction, which, when executed, receives a 10-digit number embedded in the captured barcode of a first barcode flight identifier 206 or a second barcode flight identifier 208. The license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction, which, when executed, analyzes the sequence of digits received from the scanner application 310. The license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction, which, when executed, tracks the digits to identify the mobile carrier identifier (ID) by the mobile carrier ID locator 420C. The license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction, which, when executed, tracks, for example, the last six digits to identify the baggage number by the baggage number locator 422C.

[0441] The license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction at runtime to extract the first digit of the converted barcode. In this example, it is the number 7. This digit may be discarded. Next, the license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction at runtime to extract the next three digits using the mobile carrier ID locator 420C. In this case, the next three digits include "001", which corresponds to the mobile carrier ID. In this example, the travel agency ID corresponds to American Airlines®. The license plate analysis unit 404C may include a program instruction at runtime to extract the next six digits ("509795") using the baggage number locator 422C. These six digits correspond to the passenger's baggage number.

[0442] In one or more embodiments, if the printed BT142 cannot be read, the scanned O-BTI data receiver 402C is bypassed. In this case, the user can directly input the 10-digit license plate 210, which the license plate analysis unit 404C receives to identify the mobile carrier identification information and the passenger's baggage number.

[0443] The programming module 400C may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause the communication session generation unit 406 to communicate with at least one of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106. The communication session generation unit 406 may include an Internet Protocol (IP) address lookup database 424 for the mobile carriers and PNR access instructions 426. The mobile carrier ID on the license plate 210 may be used to look up predetermined instructions for generating electronic communication packets to the servers of the first mode mobile carrier 104 and / or intermediate mobile carrier 106 associated with the mobile carrier ID. The communication session generation unit 406 may also include program instructions, which, when executed, are configured to also extract stored instructions for accessing return information from the stored PNR access instructions 426, using a digitally generated passenger baggage number extracted from a first barcode flight identifier 206 or a second barcode flight identifier 208 associated with the license plate 210. The communication instructions can identify information related to the tools (i.e., programming instructions) described herein.

[0444] In one or more embodiments, the instruction can identify a link between the scanned license plate 210 and a baggage source message (BSM) containing passenger information, and can identify and access the PNR 112 corresponding to the passenger and their return flight information. The link may, in one or more embodiments, be an HTTP-compatible link, but is not limited thereto. Each airline may format the BSM or other B-type message by adding additional data fields, provided that the B-type message is compatible with IATA B-type codes.

[0445] During a communication session, computing device 122 may execute programming instructions for passenger return journey acquisition unit 408. The return journey refers to the route or part of the route taken to return to home 102. For example, if the passenger returns home on the same carrier as the original printed baggage tag, the PNR 112 will contain return journey information. Otherwise, the return journey information may be marked as null by system 100.

[0446] The programming module 400C may include program instructions that cause the passenger baggage recognition module 410 to recognize baggage items from at least one baggage image at runtime. Image data from the imaging device 118 or other camera-equipped device is processed by machine learning software to generate an image of the passenger baggage 138. This image may be stored in a database for the passenger baggage recognition process. In some cases, it may be necessary to find or identify the passenger's baggage. The computing device 122 or server 148 can store the image of the passenger baggage 138 for later retrieval. Then, in one or more embodiments, a machine learning algorithm is used to recognize the baggage and match the passenger with the baggage.

[0447] The computing device 122 or server 148 can use a machine learning algorithm to identify whether a particular baggage item was handled by one or more components of system 100.

[0448] The programming module 400C may include a marker generation unit 412. The marker generation unit 412 may include program instructions that generate a barcode for the format of MK136, which can be printed by the printing device 120 at runtime and affixed to passenger baggage 138. As described above, MK136 may be used when the original baggage tag or airline marker is unusable or unscannable due to damage or other reasons.

[0449] The marker generation unit 412 may include program instructions, which, when executed, associate a unique identifier of a marker medium with baggage that lacks a baggage tag or marker, or with baggage that has a baggage tag or marker but lacks a passenger name. The marker medium may be a paper tag or electronic tag that can be temporarily used to associate a unique identifier with a baggage item. The intended operation of system 100 is to maintain a baggage tag, marker, or bingo marker from the place of origin on the baggage item. However, these paper items may be damaged or lost. In this case, the scan used to capture the IATA baggage tag can be overridden to scan for an alternative unique identifier to replace the missing IATA baggage tag.

[0450] The LIB2450 is generated using this alternative or temporary unique identifier. In some cases, if a baggage item does not have other transit segments, the unique identifier may be used within the means of transport to create a LIB2450 for that baggage. The system within the accommodation can use this unique identifier as the primary key.

[0451] The programming module 400C may include a passenger manifest record generation unit 414, a return-trip manifest generation unit 416, and a manifest communication unit 418. Passenger manifests created from discarded departure printed baggage tags may be used to verify passengers arriving at accommodations and to determine room numbers or cabin numbers. Discarded printed baggage tags registered in the manifest are used to transport passengers' baggage to their rooms or accommodations without the need to generate temporary valet tags, for example. Discarded printed baggage tags are also used, for example, when passengers depart from accommodations returning home, eliminating the need to print yet another temporary valet tag.

[0452] The passenger manifest record generation unit 414 may include program instructions, which, when executed, store passenger information 428 and associated PNR 112 in one or more files for passengers with passenger baggage 138 scanned by system 100. The passenger information may include the passenger's first name, middle name or initials, last name, and contact information. For example, the contact information may also include the passenger's address. The passenger information may include personal information such as PII (Personally Identifiable Information). However, PII within a designated manifest is protected and not shared. The IATA license plate, passenger name (optional), and PNR number are used as links to keep the PII confidential.

[0453] The components of system 100 store passenger lists for one or more accommodations 126 located within the area of ​​destination DP107, thereby preventing luggage 138 of passengers not traveling through the accommodations 126 from being mixed with passenger luggage 138 destined for the accommodations 126. In one or more embodiments, passenger information 428 may include information relating to prepaid services with a third-party service provider, a first-mode mobile carrier 104, or the accommodations 126. In one or more embodiments, passenger information 428 may include a cabin number assigned to the passenger. Thus, the marker generation unit 412 can communicate with the passenger manifest record generation unit 414 to obtain information such as cabin number and passenger name, format the fields of the markers to be printed by the marker generation unit 412, and input the information.

[0454] The marker generation unit 412 may include a program instruction, which, when executed, generates a marker indicating whether the baggage item can bypass security screening at the next mode of transport. The instruction may also generate information about the next mode of transport (e.g., cabin number, passenger cabin number, and / or other baggage item delivery information). In other embodiments, if the baggage item does not pass the security screening process by ISSS2670, MK136 indicates a screening failure and the need to send the baggage item for security screening at the next mode of transport.

[0455] The return segment manifest generation unit 416 may include program instructions at runtime to extract information from the PNR 112, including return segment travel information. This includes, but is not limited to, the carrier of the return mode of transport, the departure time of the return mode of transport, the flight number, and / or the estimated number of pieces of baggage that need to be checked in on the return trip. The return segment manifest generation unit 416 may include program instructions at runtime to register the return segment travel information in the corresponding data fields of the manifest file.

[0456] The manifest file may contain a conduit for the baggage check-in of multiple passengers to a designated return travel carrier. The conduit may include a graphical user interface for remotely checking in each baggage item of passengers departing from their accommodation within a designated (time) window before the departure of the return flight. In one or more embodiments, the passenger manifest record includes digital BTI data, a PNR number, and data for the check-in of the passenger or their baggage items for the return travel segment by the designated return travel carrier.

[0457] In one or more embodiments, servers 148 and 2710 may include a conduit for checking in passengers' return flight baggage to at least one airline carrier.

[0458] The manifest communication unit 418 may include program instructions and, when executed, is configured to establish a communication session with a travel information system 128 associated with the accommodation 126. The manifest communication unit 418 may have different instructions for each travel information system 128 of multiple cruise ship carriers. The communication instructions may identify information associated with the tools described herein (i.e., programming instructions).

[0459] The programming module 400C may include an extended B-type message generation unit 430. The B-type message is a baggage information message. The baggage information message may be in IATA format, extended format, or other format. An example of an extended B-type message is shown in Figure 14C, as described later. The programming module 400C may include a departure IATA baggage tag recycling unit 409A and a return departure IATA baggage tag recycling unit 409B. The return departure IATA baggage tag recycling unit 409B may include program instructions configured to start the extension of the B-type message created for the return trip at runtime. The departure IATA baggage tag recycling unit 409A may include program instructions configured to start the extension of the B-type message for the departure flight at runtime. For example, when baggage check-in processing for the return flight begins, the recycling process by the departure IATA baggage tag recycling unit 409A must be terminated.

[0460] The programming module 400 may include program instructions that cause the simulated B-type message generation unit 431 to generate a simulated B-type message for a return or departure flight at runtime, as shown and described in relation to Figure 14B. According to one or more embodiments, the extended B-type message may include at least three data fields from the airline B-type message. The first field may include a field containing the IATA baggage tag number. The second field may include the passenger name. The third field may include the PNR. These fields allow return flight information to be retrieved at any time using the departure IATA baggage tag number (including update information). In one or more embodiments, if the IATA baggage tag number is unavailable when generating the simulated B-type message, a temporary unique identifier is used in a field or row having the ".N / " prefix used for the numeric string representing the baggage tag number. In the example of a departing flight, a field or row beginning with the prefix ".N / " may contain a temporary unique identifier until the IATA baggage tag number can be retrieved from a simulated DCS that generates the IATA baggage tag number at a location away from the airline or airport infrastructure. In one or more embodiments, the simulated DCS may have its own two-letter or two-digit IATA code.

[0461] A simulated Type B message or simulated BSM can be used as a placeholder for pre-entering a BSM or other Type B message for baggage item check-in to which an IATA license plate number is to be assigned. The simulated BSM can be used to print a baggage item marker, as described later in relation to Figure 15. In one or more embodiments, a marker (i.e., MK) needs to be printed because the departure baggage tag is damaged or lost. If there is no baggage tag associated with a baggage item (for example, if required for a new baggage item), a simulated BSM may be created to create a marker MK136 (Figure 1B) to be affixed to the baggage item.

[0462] The programming modules 400A and 400B may include program instructions that cause the runtime-simulated Type B message generation unit 431 to generate a simulated Type B message for a return or departure flight, as shown and described in relation to Figure 14B.

[0463] The programming module 400C may include program instructions at runtime to synchronize the booking of baggage or passengers and their baggage travel itineraries with the multimode booking synchronizer 433. Each passenger's itinerary to accommodation such as a resort or cruise ship may include air travel and other modes of transport selected from bus carriers, rail carriers, additional air carriers, and ferry carriers. Ferries may include accommodation for travel from one port to another. These ports may be in different countries. This type of travel differs from cruises where passengers depart from and return to the same port.

[0464] Passenger itineraries may include multimode bookings involving multiple accommodation stays across multiple states or countries. The departure baggage tag number from the printed airline license plate, and / or the associated RF unique identification code representing the departure baggage tag number linked to the baggage item, are used as the primary key for logging and tracking all travel bookings and their updates accessible via recycled, non-discarded machine-readable tags.

[0465] System 2700 may include a universal travel passenger itinerary 2714. The stored data of the universal travel passenger itinerary 2714 may be modified before departure to the first segment of the journey, after departure to the first segment and arrival at the destination, or before departure to any segment of the return journey. Systems 100, 2700, and / or 3100 can synchronize multiple modes of transport by updating reservation data with updated information from the universal travel passenger itinerary 2714 and communicating that update information to the passenger.

[0466] In one or more embodiments, before the start of the travel segment, server 148 or 2710 may contact one of the reservation systems associated with the universal travel passenger itinerary 2714 to obtain changes to flight information, bus information, train information, or accommodation information. Extended Type B messages may be updated.

[0467] The programming module 400C may contain program instructions, which, when executed, cause the baggage tracker 434 to track the location of the baggage item. The origin (original) IATA baggage tag is used as a recycled machine-readable tag and remains attached to the baggage item without requiring any other tags, for example, until the passenger disembarks from their accommodation and begins their journey home. However, this does not apply if the original IATA baggage tag is damaged or lost. If the recycled unique identifier of a machine-readable baggage tag that has not been discarded is obtained by scanning or using an RF communication device, a location code or geotag can be added to the communication stream of the generated image data and logged along with the data. This allows the acquiring device to track the location of the baggage item as it moves.

[0468] Recycling of IATA baggage tags for use outside the airport The LIB 2450 and Extended Type B messages described herein are examples of mechanisms that provide an electronic brain to baggage items linked to passengers. Extended Type B messages provide an example of an encoding scheme. Airlines allow baggage items to be checked in for flights via remote check-in at off-airport facilities (such as cruise ships and train stations), but the inventors have confirmed that printed baggage tags from the departure flight (origin) can be used as markers and conduits after the flight to check in baggage for the return flight. Remote check-in processing at off-airport facilities requires robust workstations and printers. These printers capable of printing IATA baggage tags at off-airport facilities are very expensive and can sometimes become overloaded. The inventors have confirmed that by recycling the IATA printed baggage tags and associated unique identifiers from the departure flight (origin), accessing return flight information within a regulated check-in window, and printing the return flight baggage tags at a designated printing location away from the cruise ship, the baggage check-in process can be expedited and the need for valet tags can be eliminated.

[0469] As a non-limiting example, passenger baggage disembarking from a cruise ship needs to be processed within 24 or 48 hours. This may require printing of boarding passes, valet tags, baggage tags, or a combination thereof. However, cruise ships carry thousands of passengers, each potentially carrying multiple pieces of baggage. One attempt to address this logistical challenge is the “Separable Single-Page Printable Boarding Pass and Tag Identification Document” described in U.S. Design Patent D862590 dated October 8, 2019. This document allowed boarding passes and baggage tags to be printed on a single document. The document included perforations for detaching baggage tags and adhesive for attaching them to baggage items. However, such advances, which save human resources, paper resources, and other processing infrastructure, remain insufficient for processing thousands of passengers disembarking from cruise ships and other high-capacity resorts, and it is even more difficult to cope with delays caused by wireless communication disruptions, equipment failures due to bad weather, and other computer technology malfunctions. Furthermore, printing baggage tags on a cruise ship requires space on board, which could potentially be used for other revenue streams.

[0470] In one or more embodiments, passengers may travel a different route than their own baggage items for part of their itinerary. Current processes do not provide seamless baggage identification throughout the entire travel experience. This can result in a cumbersome and costly travel experience for all parties involved in the travel and destination network. Examples include lost or delayed baggage due to itinerary changes, or a reduced seamless baggage transfer experience. Delays in cruise ship departures or lost baggage during travel can have devastating consequences for passengers.

[0471] The inventors determined that the printed baggage tag attached to the baggage item, indicating the departure point (departure flight), should remain attached to the baggage item and be recycled until the baggage item is checked in for the return flight. This ensures that the IATA baggage tag number for the departure flight (departure point), already recorded on the machine-readable medium, is retained and remains linked to the verified passenger identity.

[0472] Before a passenger lands from their departure flight, System 100 or 2700 may initiate a recycling process to recycle the IATA baggage tag number of the departure point (departure flight) into a universal baggage tag unique identifier for use outside of airport infrastructure. The transition to the universal baggage tag unique identifier is seamless and does not require the passenger to be present; the passenger's baggage becomes available for use in off-airport facilities the moment it is unloaded from a first-mode mobile carrier or intermediate mobile carrier aircraft and leaves the control of airport infrastructure.

[0473] The (recycled) IATA baggage tag number from the place of origin is acquired by an acquisition device at an off-airport facility, creating a digital data record to be used as a primary key or unique identifier, and used to log the baggage's means of transport, its location along the journey, and a timestamp. This can trigger updates to information that identifies the location of the baggage item without the passenger's presence. The acquisition device (such as a scanning device, mobile communication device, video-enabled computing device, or RF communication device) may provide a location information code by communicating with the image data acquired by the acquisition device or by RF communication from the RF communication device.

[0474] The programming module 400C may include program instructions, which, when executed, cause the accommodation coordinator 436 to determine if there have been any changes to the accommodation reservation (such as room number or cabin number) and to notify the passenger or baggage handler of any reservation changes before baggage check-in. In one or more embodiments, the room number or cabin number may not be in a cleaned / ready state. When the room number or cabin number becomes ready, the extended B type message is updated with the current status. The accommodation coordinator 436 can communicate with and receive communications from the smart baggage travel system 2700. In a non-limiting example, the extended B type message may be extended by a link to the passenger's itinerary reservation data.

[0475] The programming module 400C may include a smart baggage transfer communication unit 438. If information related to an extended type B message is changed, the smart baggage transfer communication unit 438 may include a program instruction, which, when executed, is configured to transmit the updated information to a computing device of either the baggage handler or the passenger. The computing device may be a mobile communication device or an acquisition device. Details of the communication will become clearer in the following description. The communication instruction can identify information related to the tools (i.e., programming instructions) disclosed herein. The smart baggage transfer communication unit 438 can communicate with the smart baggage transfer system 2700 shown in Figure 27, described later. The communication instruction identifies information related to tools (i.e., programming instructions) compatible with Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol (TCP / IP), File Transfer Protocol (FTP), Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP), Secure Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTPS), Secure Sockets Layer (SSL), Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP), and User Datagram Protocol (UDP).

[0476] The method described below represents a specific sequence of operations. This sequence may be modified without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, some of the operations shown may be performed in parallel or in a different order, without substantially affecting the function of the method. In other examples, different components of an exemplary apparatus or system implementing the method may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a specific order.

[0477] Figure 5 shows a method 500 for checking in baggage items, passengers, or both passengers and baggage, according to one embodiment. In one or more embodiments, it may be required that the passenger be checked in first, followed by the baggage. In one or more embodiments, it may be required that the passenger be checked in first, then the boarding pass be printed or received on a personal computing device (i.e., a mobile computing device), followed by the baggage. A DCS or other designated system may provide a sequence number used to trigger each step of the check-in process.

[0478] Method 500 may include, in block 501, accessing the passenger's PNR using the PNR number and generating a passenger manifest record. An exemplary process for performing this function is shown in Figure 10A. In one or more embodiments, Figure 10B may be performed in block 501.

[0479] Method 500 generates a digital license plate number from a printed BT for use, for example, to obtain return flight information. In one or more embodiments, Method 500 is initiated after the travel segment of a passenger arriving at DP107 has been completed.

[0480] Figure 10A shows a flowchart of Method 1001A for generating return flight information from a PNR using a PNR number obtained from scan data, according to one embodiment (e.g., obtained in Figure 1A). Referring to Figure 10A, in block 1002A, Method 1001A is initiated after the passenger has completed a travel segment on a first mode travel carrier. In block 1004A, Method 1001A includes obtaining an O-BTI, such as a 10-digit license plate. The process of obtaining the O-BTI may include scanning the O-BTI on a printed baggage tag of a first baggage item with a scanner to generate scanned or digital BTI data. The printed O-BTI is linked to the first mode travel carrier. In a non-limiting example, the scanner may be a barcode scanner.

[0481] In some cases, obtaining the baggage tag identifier at the point of departure may involve receiving an RFID signal containing information representing that baggage tag identifier at the point of departure. In other embodiments, obtaining the 10-digit license plate may involve scanning an adhesive-backed airline marker attached to the baggage. The adhesive-backed airline marker may be part of the (original) boarding pass at the point of departure, received from airline staff when checking in for the flight at the point of departure.

[0482] In summary, assume that the first mode mobile carrier is an airline. In this case, electronic acquisition by at least one electronic acquisition device includes at least one of the following: i) scanning of the OP-BTI on an airline-issued printed paper baggage tag attached to the passenger's first baggage using a barcode scanner; ii) scanning of the OP-BTI on an airline-issued printed marker attached to the first baggage using a barcode scanner; iii) reading or acquiring RFID information associated with the OP-BTI using an RFID reader; and iv) receiving radio communications including the OP-BTI via radio frequency communication.

[0483] In block 1006A, method 1001A may include extracting the IATA license plate number of a baggage item from scanned O-BTI data using at least one processor. Block 1006A may include extracting a mobile carrier code from scanned or digital BTI data. In one or more embodiments, block 1006A may include optically recognizing printed text, converting it to a searchable text format to retrieve and identify printed passenger information, and creating a DPI data record therefrom.

[0484] In block 1008A, method 1001A may include accessing a passenger name record (PNR) from a second processor associated with a first mode mobile carrier, based on a digitally generated O-BTI or a digitally generated 10-digit license plate of a passenger's baggage item, by at least one processor.

[0485] In block 1010A, method 1001A may include, by at least one processor, autonomously creating a baggage item manifest record or passenger manifest record for the return travel segment of a baggage item or passenger and baggage item by a designated return airline / mobile carrier from an accessed PNR 112. The passenger manifest record includes digital BTI data and a PNR, and includes data for checking in the passenger or their baggage item for the return travel segment by the designated return mobile carrier. The passenger manifest record may be populated with a mobile carrier code embedded in the scanned O-BTI or the accessed PNR 112. The passenger manifest record is associated with the passenger's digital BTI data for tracking and handling of the passenger's baggage item before and after their stay at a high-volume accommodation. For example, the accommodation may be located within a Disney® property or another resort with accommodation.

[0486] A passenger manifest record may contain different information than a baggage item manifest record. For example, in one embodiment, a passenger boards a cruise ship but arrives a day early and rents a car. In this scenario, the passenger may stay overnight at a hotel without needing checked baggage items. Information about the rental car is not required in the baggage item manifest. Furthermore, baggage items may be transported separately from the passenger and delivered directly to the cruise ship, skipping transport to the hotel.

[0487] In block 512, method 500 may include repeating block 501 for multiple baggage items and / or passengers boarding (boarding) a travel segment that includes accommodation.

[0488] Method 500 may include setting a Origin Hardcopy Baggage Tag Identifier (OP-BTI) as the baggage item primary key (i.e., a 10-digit license plate) for baggage handling and tracking in block 514.

[0489] Method 500 may include, in block 516, creating a simulated baggage source message (BSM) for each of the multiple passengers added to the manifest, filled with a digital BTI data record from the departure hardcopy baggage tag and / or machine-encoded text. Block 516 is executed when baggage items and / or passengers cannot check in for the return flight. For example, a passenger may disembark from a cruise ship and stay at nearby accommodation. System 100 can create a simulated BSM as a placeholder for checking in baggage items and / or passengers for the return flight within a defined check-in window.

[0490] Method 500 may include, in block 518, electronically acquiring an OP-BTI (Open Local Baggage Tag Identifier) ​​associated with or printed on an airline mobile carrier's OP-BTI attached to a passenger's baggage using at least one electronic acquisition device, creating a digital BTI data record within the check-in window, and checking in the baggage item or the passenger and baggage item. In one or more embodiments, information can be acquired by accessing a simulated BSM.

[0491] In other embodiments, a designated button in the GUI or a key on the keyboard can be used as a trigger. The OP-BTI acquired in block 518 may reside on MK136 as shown in Figure 15. The OP-BTI may reside on a printed medium such as marker 212. The OP-BTI may be associated with an RFID or NFC device.

[0492] In block 520, method 500 may include performing a check-in process for the return leg of each passenger by the designated return travel carrier using a graphical user interface (GUI) associated with the acquired OP-BTI and filled with information from the passenger manifest record.

[0493] Block 501 may autonomously form a baggage manifest file with check-in conduits for multiple baggage items to a designated return carrier, or a passenger manifest file with check-in conduits for multiple passengers to a designated return carrier, repeated for each piece of baggage of multiple passengers commencing a stay associated with the accommodation.

[0494] In one or more embodiments, method 1001A may include inputting each created passenger manifest record or baggage item manifest record for the accommodation into a manifest file using at least one processor.

[0495] Block 1008A of Method 1001A may include identifying a mobile carrier from scanned O-BTI data and identifying a stored communication session procedure for communicating with the mobile carrier based on the scanned or digital O-BTI data. The stored communication session procedure may identify a communication protocol by at least one processor for accessing a passenger name record (PNR) using the communication format described herein from a remote second processor (i.e., travel information system 108 or 110) associated with the mobile carrier via a communication network.

[0496] The process of executing the check-in process of block 520 for the return segment by the designated return travel carrier may also involve using stored communication commands to control a remote second processor to check in the passenger for the return segment (return home) within a predetermined check-in window, for example. The check-in process performed may be for baggage items, passengers, or both baggage items and passengers. For example, a passenger can check in themselves online using a standard process specified by the airline travel carrier and the aviation industry. Therefore, system 100 may only need to check in the baggage items for the return flight. However, if the passenger does not check in themselves before system 100 is ready to check in the baggage for the return flight, system 100 will check in both the passenger and the baggage items for the return flight.

[0497] For example, a passenger may use a computing device or mobile communication device such as a smartphone, tablet, notebook, or laptop to check in for their return flight with an airline carrier or other operator. Passenger check-in may be completely independent of the baggage check-in process. In one or more embodiments, a passenger may be checked in by a computing system at the accommodation facility that communicates with, for example, the airline carrier for the return flight.

[0498] Figure 10B shows a flowchart of Method 1001B, according to one embodiment, for generating return flight information from a PNR using a PNR number captured from image data. For example, Method 1001B is executable in block 501 of Method 500. In block 1002B, Method 1001B is initiated after printing of a departure hardcopy baggage tag associated with a first mode (departure) travel carrier, such as an airline, for a passenger's checked baggage items. Images can be captured at any time. Alternatively, the image may be an image of a printed medium containing at least some of the passenger / airline information on the departure hardcopy baggage tag.

[0499] It should be understood that the method disclosed herein is applicable to any mobile carrier that generates a hard copy of the baggage tag and a structured numerical sequence for identifying the baggage tag attached to the baggage item.

[0500] In block 1004B, method 1001B may include, by at least one processor, electronically receiving image data of at least one image representing printed passenger information associated with an airline mobile carrier on a departure hardcopy baggage tag or on a printed medium having at least a portion of the passenger information on a departure hardcopy baggage tag, and creating a digital passenger information (DPI) data record linked to the airline mobile carrier. The departure hardcopy baggage tag is issued by the departure airline mobile carrier for a passenger's checked baggage items.

[0501] Method 1001B may include, in block 1006B, accessing passenger return flight information from a computer system associated with an airline mobile carrier, based on DPI data records, using at least one processor.

[0502] Figure 6 shows a block diagram of a programming module 600 for generating a master manifest according to one embodiment. The programming module 600 can communicate with multiple computing devices on which programming module 400A (or alternatively, programming module 400') is running. The programming module 600 may be stored on a computing device associated with the travel information system 128 or other travel management system. In one or more embodiments, one or more programming modules 600 may be stored on the server 148.

[0503] In one or more embodiments, the server 148 and the travel information system 128 may be integrated into the same computing system. In other embodiments, the server 148 may be integrated into the travel information system 108 or 110.

[0504] The programming module 600 may include a manifest integration unit 602, a master manifest generation unit 604, and a return section sorting unit 606. One or more programming modules 400A, 400B (or alternatively, 400C) may include software, hardware, firmware, or a combination of software, hardware, and firmware. The computing device associated with the travel information system 128 may include at least one processor and / or hardware for executing instructions of one or more programming modules 600.

[0505] The programming module 600 includes a manifest graphical user interface (GUI) 608, which may include program instructions that, when executed, cause the manifest integration unit 602 to integrate (merge) passenger manifest files from multiple computing devices 122, a server 148, or a system 100 for the current voyage. For example, a computing device associated with the travel information system 128 may be able to communicate with multiple systems 100, and each system 100 may have multiple computing devices 122. The passenger manifest file includes multiple passenger manifest records created by the passenger manifest record generation unit 414 and the return section manifest generation unit 416, which consist of information accessed from the PNR 112. The passenger manifest record generation unit 414 may be used to create a baggage manifest (Figure 1A or Figure 1D) linked to the passenger manifest. The baggage manifest may include information on the return flight segment of the designated return airline or other means of transport, and the designated government agency screening location for entering or leaving the country before the next mode of transport.

[0506] What should be understood from this disclosure is that there may be multiple local destinations, each potentially served by a different system 100. For example, destination DP107 may be located at a local train station within the port area of ​​accommodation 126. Destination DP107 may be located at a local bus terminal within the port area of ​​accommodation 126. Destination DP107 may also be located at various regional airports within the port area of ​​accommodation 126. "Local (within the area)" means, for example, that the travel distance to accommodation 126 is between 5 and 20 miles, 20 and 50 miles, or 51 and less than 100 miles. For example, accommodation may be docked at a state port with multiple airports, train stations, bus terminals, etc., and passengers can use any of these to arrive at a point as close to the port as possible, based on their point of origin and travel costs.

[0507] The manifest GUI 608 interacts with the master manifest generation unit 604 and the return segment sorting unit 606. The master manifest generation unit 604 may include program instructions, which, when executed, integrate files received from one or more systems 100 and the manifests of booked passengers stored in the travel information system 128 into a master manifest file consisting of information derived from digitized O-BTI or DPI data records. The master manifest file stores accessed information of PNR 112 related to the return segment of the trip for passengers whose BT 142 has been scanned and processed by system 100.

[0508] For example, at a cruise ship's port of call, some passengers arrive on the day of embarkation. In other cases, some passengers arrive more than a day before embarkation. Furthermore, it is possible to consolidate the PNR112s of multiple passengers on the same cruise voyage into a master manifest file. In a non-limiting example, a third-party service provider may manage baggage for multiple cruise ships at a port.

[0509] Each cruise ship has its own master manifest file. The manifest passenger records, entered based on the PNR112 information, are displayed on the display device using the manifest GUI608. The manifest GUI608 is a computer program that allows users to view passenger information records, return flight information, and other details. Passenger records may also include the passenger's cabin number for the current voyage. Return flight information may include, but is not limited to, one or more mobile carrier information, the mobile carrier's geographical location, flight number, flight departure time, and flight arrival time. The manifest GUI608 may display information used to create DPI data records.

[0510] The master manifest generation unit 604 may include program instructions that, when executed, cause the master manifest file generated using the manifest GUI 608 to be displayed on a display device. The manifest GUI 608 also, when executed, allows the return segment sorting unit 606 to sort the manifest by data related to the return flight or means of return travel that fills the check-in window for the return travel segment.

[0511] While not intended to be constrained by theory, accessing PNR112 data based on a digital reproduction of the PNR number on a 10-digit license plate or baggage tag, and using that accessed data to automate the manifest creation and / or check-in process for passengers (or their baggage) on the return journey, could save valuable human resources on the cruise ship and resources on the return journey carrier.

[0512] Passenger itineraries regarding disembarking from a cruise ship (i.e., accommodation) vary. Some passengers may want to explore the state, city, or town where the cruise ship is docked and may arrive a few days before disembarking.

[0513] In one or more embodiments, system 100 may initiate receiving or capturing termination type B messages indicating the completion of handling of a passenger's baggage on the current segment (such as from a computer system associated with the airline mobile carrier or a baggage handling system that issues type B messages, on a first means of transport in the airline mobile carrier), for example via server 148. In other embodiments, system 100 may access these termination type B messages stored in a computer system associated with the airline mobile carrier or a baggage handling system that issues type B messages, via server 148.

[0514] Server 148 may sort the termination B-type messages and compare the passenger names in the B-type messages with the passenger names in the manifest file.

[0515] The processor may use the manifest GUI 608 to sort the master manifest file, which contains information associated with the passenger manifest record, by the return flight time or other designated time. Based on the sorted master manifest file, the processor can perform baggage check-in processing for the return segment for each passenger's designated return travel carrier. In one or more embodiments, the master manifest file is for a resort destination that may include at least one hotel.

[0516] In one or more embodiments, baggage check-in data for the return leg may include at least the return leg flight time, airline carrier, and PNR. The method may include sorting a master manifest file containing information related to the return leg flight times of multiple passengers by at least one processor, and performing remote baggage check-in processing for each passenger's designated return leg carrier based on the sorted master manifest file by at least one processor.

[0517] Computer hardware Referring to Figure 7, in the basic configuration, the computing device 700 (i.e., computing device 122 or local computing device) can include any type of fixed computing device, server 148, personal computer (PC), or mobile computing device.

[0518] The computing device 700 may include one or more processing devices 706 and system memory in a hard drive. Depending on the exact configuration and type of the computing device 700, the system memory may be volatile (e.g., RAM 702), non-volatile (e.g., read-only memory (ROM 704), flash memory, etc.), or a combination of both. The system memory may store the operating system and one or more applications 724 and may include program data for executing at least one of the programming modules 149, 400A to 400B (and 400C) described above in relation to Figures 1A and 1D, the programming module 600 described above in relation to Figures 4A to 4C, the programming module 2000 described above in relation to Figure 6, the programming module 2400 described above in relation to Figure 20, and the programming module 2400 described in relation to Figure 24.

[0519] The computing device 700 can execute one or more blocks of the following methods via application 724: Method 500 in Figure 5, Methods 800A and 800B in Figures 8A to 8B, Methods 900A, 900B, 900C, and 900D in Figures 9A to 9D, Method 1001A or 1001B shown in Figure 10A or 10B, Method 1100 shown in Figure 11, Method 1102 shown in Figures 12A to 12C, and Method 1300 shown in Figure 13. The computing device 700 can execute one or more blocks of the methods shown in Figures 18A to 18B (method 1800), Figure 19 (method 1900), Figure 22 (method 2200), Figure 23 (method 2300), Figures 26A to 26B (methods 2600A and 2600B), Figure 28 (method 2800), Figure 33 (method 3300), Figure 34 (method 3302), and Figure 35 (method 3500) via application 724. The computing device 700 may have additional functions or features. As a non-limiting example, the computing device 700 may also include additional data storage medium devices 708 (removable and / or non-removable), such as magnetic disks, optical disks, or tapes. Computer storage media devices 708 may include volatile and non-volatile, non-temporary, removable and non-removable media implemented in any way or technique for storing data such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, and other data. System memory, removable storage devices, and non-removable storage devices are all non-exclusive examples of computer storage media. Computer storage media include RAM 702, ROM 704, electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory and other memory technologies, compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs) and other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tapes, magnetic disk storage and other magnetic storage devices, or other physical media capable of storing desired data and accessible by computing device 700.Such computer storage media may be part of a device.

[0520] The computing device 700 may also include an input / output (I / O) interface 712 for input modules 714 such as a keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, and touch input device. The input modules 714 may include a video device, imaging device 118, and / or scanner 116 as shown in Figure 1B. The computing device has or has an I / O interface 712 for connecting to output devices such as a display, presentation module 716, and speakers. A graphical user interface (GUI) 718 is displayed on the presentation module 716. The computing device 700 includes a peripheral bus 710 for connecting to peripheral devices. The computing device 700 may include communication connections that enable it to communicate with other computing devices via a network or wireless network.

[0521] Exemplary examples of communication connections include, but are not limited to, wired media such as wired networks and direct wired connections, and wireless media such as acoustic, radio frequency (RF), infrared, and other wireless media. The computing device 700 may include a network interface 720 (e.g., a network interface card) for connecting (by wire or wireless) to a network or other communication channel 722.

[0522] In one embodiment, the computing device 700 includes an accelerometer (ACC) 735, a gyroscope, a Global Positioning System (GPS) 737, and / or an inertial navigation unit (INU) 740, and can locate the computing device 700, such as a mobile communication device, scanning device, computing device, or other RF communication device. The location data of the computing device 700 used to acquire the OP-BTI includes the location data of the baggage item and a timestamp associated with the location data.

[0523] The computer program code for performing the operations described above can be written in a variety of programming languages, including but not limited to high-level programming languages ​​such as C, C++, Python®, and Java, for convenience of development. Furthermore, the computer program code for performing the operations of the embodiments described herein can also be written in other programming languages, including but not limited to interpreted languages. Some modules and routines may be written in assembly language or microcode to improve performance and memory usage efficiency. In addition, some or all of the functions of the program modules can be implemented using individual hardware components, one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), or programmable digital signal processors (DSPs) or microcontrollers. The code in which the programs of the embodiments are written can be included as firmware in RAM, ROM, or flash memory. Alternatively, the code can be stored in tangible computer-readable storage media such as magnetic tape, flexible disks, hard disks, compact disks, photomagnetic disks, or digital versatile disks (DVDs).

[0524] This embodiment can be configured for use in a computer or data processing device that includes a central processing unit (CPU), RAM, ROM, and storage media such as a hard disk.

[0525] In some embodiments, when the computing device is a server, the server may be one or more servers, and the server may be a virtual server.

[0526] Figure 8A shows a flowchart of Method 800 for checking in luggage (i.e., luggage items) of a passenger departing from or leaving an accommodation, according to one embodiment. While Exemplary Method 800A shows a specific sequence of operations, the order can be changed without departing the scope of this disclosure. For example, some of the illustrated operations may be performed in parallel or in a different order without substantially affecting the functionality of Method 800A. In other examples, different components of an exemplary device or system implementing Method 800A may perform functions substantially simultaneously or in a specific order. In some embodiments, one or more blocks disclosed herein may be omitted or additional blocks may be added.

[0527] According to some examples, Method 800A includes checking in the passenger's return flight baggage from the accommodation in Block 802. If the Mode 1 travel carrier is an airline, Method 800A may determine whether the baggage check-in window has opened. For example, passengers and / or their baggage may be allowed to check in 24 to 48 hours before the departure time of the return flight. Rail carriers may set different check-in times.

[0528] According to some examples, method 800A includes generating a baggage tag identifier and an IATA license plate in block 804. In some examples, the IATA license plate for the return flight may be generated by DCS or another airline host computer system designated to generate IATA license plates for the airline carrier. "Generating" may vary from airline to airline, mode to mode, and situation to situation. For example, server 1310 or server 148 may include a programming module for assigning a unique identifier compatible with the IATA license plate and associated barcode. Server 1310 or server 148 may include a programming module for formatting the baggage tag in a format compatible with the IATA baggage tag format, such as shown in Figure 2A or Figure 2D.

[0529] According to some examples, method 800A includes printing a baggage tag with a license plate by a printing device in block 806. When a passenger's baggage is checked in for a flight or the like, one or more IATAB type messages are generated that include the arrival airport code and departure airport code, the date, and baggage details such as a 10-digit baggage tag identifier, passenger name, and PNR information.

[0530] In some embodiments, the printing device can print marker tags that can be adhesively attached to luggage.

[0531] In one or more embodiments, the method includes communicating information to the passenger related to the 10-digit baggage tag identifier of the return flight, thereby enabling the passenger to search and track their baggage using the IATA 10-digit baggage tag identifier, etc., upon arrival at the final leg of the journey.

[0532] Method 800A may include, during the remote / return baggage check-in process, obtaining airline baggage tag information for the return leg for the passenger's checked baggage using at least one processor, and printing a new baggage tag for the return leg compatible with the IATA license plate for each of the passenger's checked baggage using a printer. System 100 may send the printed BSM data (e.g., IATA license plate number) to the passenger via email or text message, similar to a receipt for baggage items or baggage tags.

[0533] Method 800A may include replacing the printed baggage tag for the departure flight with a new return flight baggage tag for the return leg of the journey.

[0534] In one or more embodiments, if the printed baggage tag at the point of departure is removed and replaced, a new return baggage tag can be used to track the passenger's baggage items along the other means of transport and deliver the baggage items to a designated location. The new return baggage tag is used to track the location of the baggage for delivery to accommodation, home address, other designated address, or other vehicle along the return route.

[0535] Figure 8B shows a flowchart of a method 800B for checking in baggage items, passengers, or combinations of baggage items and passengers departing from an accommodation facility, according to one embodiment. The baggage item or passenger and baggage item check-in processor is triggered based on a barcode scan of the IATA license plate number on the departure hard copy baggage tag, a printed medium having at least some of the passenger information on the departure hard copy baggage tag, or a created marker with the IATA license plate number associated with the departure hard copy baggage tag. In one embodiment, the trigger may be user interaction with a GUI. The trigger may require authentication / verification of the passenger's identity, as shown in Figure 23.

[0536] Method 800B determines in block 801 whether a trigger has been received. If the result of the determination in block 801 is "YES", the method proceeds to block 802.

[0537] If the result of the check in block 801 is "NO", the method returns to the beginning of block 801 and waits for a trigger. This is because baggage check-in is not possible until the airline carrier opens the check-in window. In some cases, passengers may be able to check in themselves immediately after the check-in window opens using the airline's online portal (known in the art).

[0538] According to some examples, method 800B includes checking in baggage items for a return flight or passengers and baggage items from the accommodation in block 802, as described in relation to Figure 8A.

[0539] According to some examples, method 800B may include creating a baggage tag identifier and an IATA license plate in block 804.

[0540] In one embodiment, system 100 may be a non-flying airline carrier configured to create IATA license plates internally. In one embodiment, system 100 obtains IATA baggage tag information for the return flight using a DCS associated with a designated return airline carrier.

[0541] Method 800B determines in block 805 whether a trigger has been received. If the determination result in block 805 is "YES", the method proceeds to block 806. If the determination result in block 805 is "NO", the method returns to the beginning of block 805. For example, block 806 is triggered within the check-in window for the return flight in response to a subsequent scan, acquisition of the OP-BTI, and / or creation of a digital BTI data record. The trigger may require a key press on a computing device or a scan by a scanning device, which triggers the printing of a new baggage tag stored for the return or return journey segment.

[0542] According to some examples, Method 800B may include printing an IATA baggage tag with a license plate in Block 806. When a passenger checks in for a flight, one or more IATA Type B messages are generated that include the outbound and return flight numbers and dates, baggage details such as a 10-digit baggage tag identifier, passenger name, and PNR information (i.e., PNR number). The PNR number is also called a PNR locator.

[0543] The passenger and baggage check-in process for the return flight may include electronic communication of the boarding pass to the passenger's mobile phone or computing device. This communication may include an email containing the return flight boarding pass. This communication may include a text message containing the return flight boarding pass.

[0544] In one or more embodiments, the communication may include information associated with a 10-digit baggage tag identifier, which allows the passenger to search and track their baggage using the IATA 10-digit baggage tag identifier, etc., as soon as they return from their final travel segment.

[0545] For example, method 800B may be triggered in block 805 by electronically acquiring, using at least one electronic acquisition device, a Destination Hardcopy Baggage Tag Identifier (OP-BTI) associated with or printed on a Destination Hardcopy Baggage Tag from an airline mobile carrier attached to a passenger's baggage, thereby creating a digital BTI data record within the check-in window and checking in the baggage item or the passenger and baggage item.

[0546] Various remote check-in processes are publicly known. For example, U.S. Patent No. 11,348,040, “Integrated End-to-End Travel Instrument (TI) Device Generation System and Integrated Instrument Device,” is incorporated herein by reference. U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0211418, “Baggage Tagging System and Method Having Data from Multiple Sources,” is incorporated herein by reference.

[0547] Method 800A or 800B may include, during the remote check-in process, obtaining airline baggage tag information for the return journey of the passenger's checked baggage items by at least one processor. It may also include, by printer, printing a new baggage tag for the return journey that is compatible with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate for each of the passenger's checked baggage items.

[0548] Method 800A or 800B may include replacing a printed baggage tag issued by the first mode mobile carrier with a new baggage tag for the return journey.

[0549] Method 800A or 800B may include, during the remote check-in process, obtaining boarding pass information for the passenger's return journey segment by at least one processor, and transmitting the boarding pass information to the passenger's electronic communication device by at least one processor.

[0550] The boarding pass information may include barcoded boarding pass information. The boarding pass information may be in electronic ticket format.

[0551] Passenger manifesto Figure 9A shows a flowchart of Method 900A for integrating passenger manifests and accommodation information according to one embodiment. In some examples, Method 900A may include, in block 902A, retrieving and finding accommodation information from an accommodation database for each passenger in the manifest file. In non-limiting examples, the accommodation database may include the passenger's room number, suite or cabin number. The accommodation information may include the accommodation address, building number, floor number, level number, and other location delivery identifiers for baggage item delivery. This information may also be communicated to the passenger.

[0552] In some examples, method 900A may include updating a manifest file with accommodation information in block 904A. In some examples, method 900A may include selectively providing accommodation information to the passenger from the updated manifest in block 906A. In some examples, method 900A may include providing the updated manifest to the accommodation in block 908A. The updated manifest includes accommodation information from the accommodation and passenger information (passenger name, at least return flight information of the first mode mobile carrier, departure baggage tag ID, etc.). The manifest may include a baggage manifest, which includes baggage items to be delivered to the accommodation. System 100 may prepare a unified master baggage item manifest for tracking, delivering, and picking up all baggage items under its control. In some cases, system 100 may assist baggage items in bypassing or expediting security screening stations at customs or border crossings.

[0553] The check-in data for the return leg may include at least the return flight time and the airline carrier (i.e., the designated return flight carrier). This method may include sorting a master manifest file by information related to the return flight times of multiple passengers using at least one processor, and performing a remote check-in process for each passenger's return leg to the designated return carrier using at least one processor based on the sorted master manifest file.

[0554] Figure 9B shows a flowchart of a method 900B for integrating passenger manifests and accommodation information according to one embodiment.

[0555] Accommodation may include cruise ships, resorts, hotels, short-term rental homestays, long-term rental homestays, houses, buildings, etc.

[0556] According to some examples, method 900B may include, in block 902B, retrieving and identifying accommodation information from an accommodation database for each passenger in the manifest file. In a non-limiting example, the accommodation database may include the passenger's room, suite, or cabin number.

[0557] Method 900B may be an inbound process for handling passenger baggage upon arrival of the passenger or their baggage at the accommodation. In one or more embodiments, the passenger does not need to be present at the destination or accommodation when the baggage is inbound registered. The manifest file 2716 may be from the airport. Other reservation information may be obtained from manifests of the rail (train) reservation system 2718, bus reservation system 2720, ferry reservation system, and accommodation reservation system 2722 shown in Figure 27. The disclosure is not limited to these examples.

[0558] In one or more embodiments, travel reservations for multiple modes of transport and / or accommodations can be integrated, and passenger baggage delivery and check-in information can be centrally managed independently of the passenger. In some cases, the centralized integrated manifest may not be tied to a specific mode of transport or accommodation.

[0559] According to some examples, method 900B may include updating a manifest file with accommodation information in block 904B. According to some examples, method 900B may include selectively providing accommodation information to passengers from the updated manifest in block 906B. According to some examples, method 900B may include providing the accommodation facility with the updated manifest in block 908B. The updated manifest includes accommodation information from the accommodation facility, and passenger information such as the passenger name, at least return flight information of the first mode mobile carrier, and baggage tag ID from the departure point.

[0560] According to some examples, method 900B may include transmitting accommodation information to a type B message server 2710 (Figure 27). According to some examples, method 900B may include determining in block 912B whether an update to the accommodation information has been received. If the determination result is "YES", the method returns to block 910B and transmits the updated accommodation information to the type B message server 2710. If the determination result in block 912B is "NO", line 930B of the method returns to block 912 and waits for the update.

[0561] Figure 11 shows a flowchart of a method 1100 for creating a DPI data record according to one embodiment.

[0562] Method 1100 may include, in block 1102, performing image processing on an image to optically recognize printed text of printed passenger information relating to an airline mobile carrier on a departure hard copy baggage tag and convert the printed text into a searchable machine-encoded text sequence, provided that the image is a printed medium having at least a portion of the passenger information on the departure hard copy baggage tag.

[0563] Image processing algorithms for optical character recognition (OCR) may include computer vision machine learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, or conventional image processing for recognizing printed text.

[0564] Method 1100 may include, in block 1104, creating a DPI data record linked to an airline mobile carrier from a machine-encoded text sequence of passenger information for accessing a return flight by a designated return mobile carrier.

[0565] From printed text to machine-encoded text Figures 12A to 12C show a flowchart of method 1102 for performing image processing of image data associated with a departure hardcopy baggage tag or printed media, according to one embodiment. Method 1102 may include identifying the departure hardcopy baggage tag in at least one image. This may, in one example, include using a background subtraction machine learning algorithm to separate the pixels of the departure hardcopy baggage tag from the background in the image. In another example, an edge detection algorithm may be used to detect the boundaries of the departure hardcopy baggage tag and separate the pixels of the departure hardcopy baggage tag from there. Furthermore, method 1102 may include identifying the location of the printed media in at least one image.

[0566] The type of printed passenger information may indicate the location on the departure hardcopy baggage tag where the relevant printed passenger information can be found. For example, the layout in Figure 2A is a typical layout for some airlines. The layout may include an IATA barcode and license plate near the bottom of the baggage tag. The layout may include a destination airport field, in this example Miami International Airport printed with the representative code "MIA". The destination airport field may be located above the IATA barcode. Furthermore, the destination airport field may also have the airline code "AA" printed on it, indicating the airline used when the baggage item and passenger travel to the destination airport.

[0567] The layout may include a departure airport field, in this example Tampa International Airport printed with the representative code "TPA". The departure airport field may be placed above the destination airport field on the departure hard copy baggage tag. Additionally, the departure airport field may have the airline code "AA" printed on it, indicating the airline carrier from which the baggage items and passengers will travel from the departure airport.

[0568] The layout may include a separate space on the departure hard copy baggage tag for printing the passenger's name. For example, the passenger's name may be printed below the IATA barcode or IATA license plate.

[0569] The layout may include additional space for printing the PNR number on the departure hard copy baggage tag. As a non-limiting example, the PNR number may be printed above the departure airport field on the departure hard copy baggage tag.

[0570] The layout may include additional space to print the airline name on the departure hard copy baggage tag. As a non-limiting example, the airline name could be printed above the departure airport field on the departure hard copy baggage tag.

[0571] The layout may include space for additional information to be printed on the departure hard copy baggage tag at the airline's discretion. This additional information may include supplementary information that can be used for passenger identification to access passenger movement information stored on a memory device associated with the airline's mobile carrier.

[0572] However, as shown in Figure 2D, the layout of the departure hard copy baggage tag differs between airlines. Therefore, it may be useful to identify the airline code, either alphabetically or numerically, on the departure hard copy baggage tag or other printed material.

[0573] Method 1102 can convert a text image into machine-readable text format using optical character recognition (OCR) processing. The text image allows for the retrieval of standardized codes within the entire text image, forming a DPI data record. However, origin hardcopy baggage tags can be damaged. Therefore, some or all of the text may not be optically readable using OCR processing. Depending on the passenger / airline information that is unavailable, other printed media, including a portion of the origin hardcopy baggage tag, may be used. For example, baggage tag marker 212 is used to create a DPI data record by capturing an image of baggage tag marker 212. Method 1102 may be performed using an image of the baggage tag marker. For example, the airline code is embedded in the numbers on the IATA license plate.

[0574] Method 1102 may include optically recognizing the text of an airline code or airline name in at least one image of a hard copy baggage tag originating from the destination in block 1206.

[0575] Method 1102 may include forming an airline code image or a machine-encoded text sequence of an airline name in block 1208. In this specification, the term “form” is used interchangeably with “convert.”

[0576] Method 1102 may include, in block 1210, matching the formed airline code with an airline code in a list of airline codes in database 432. Database 432 includes a memory device and information from airline codes to airline names.

[0577] Method 1102 determines in block 1212 whether a match for the airline code was found. If the result of the determination in block 1212 is "YES", Method 1102 retrieves the airline travel carrier layout in block 1216 and proceeds to block 1218 in Figure 12B. The BT layout is looked up from the BT layout database 430. The database 430 contains both memory devices and information regarding the presentation of baggage tag layouts and specific passenger / airline information.

[0578] If the determination in block 1212 is "NO", method 1102 loops back to block 1206 in Figure 12A, where it attempts to look up the airline code again. The airline code is used to retrieve the airline information and the layout of passenger information associated with that airline printed on the departure hard copy baggage tag. The loopback to block 1206 includes a determination block 1214 that determines whether the maximum number of attempts has been reached. As a non-limiting example, the initial lookup of the airline code may include looking up a two-character airline code in the departure airline field or in the image of the IATA-compatible license plate. Other methods exist for obtaining printed airline codes or airline names based on the disclosures herein.

[0579] If the result of the determination in block 1214 is "NO", method 1102 proceeds to block 1206 in Figure 12A and continues searching for a valid airline code or airline name. If the determination in block 1214 is "YES", method 1102 loops to Figure 13 and uses a different PNR number search method.

[0580] Method 1102 may include optically recognizing the printed text of the PNR number in at least one image of the origin hard copy baggage tag in block 1218.

[0581] Method 1102 may include forming a machine-encoded text sequence of PNR numbers in block 1222.

[0582] Method 1102 may determine in block 1224 whether a PNR number has been found. A PNR number is a unique string of six alphanumeric characters. In one or more embodiments, the phrase "PNR" may be prepended to the PNR number, with or without other characters such as spaces, hyphens, or colons, but this may be at the discretion of the airline. If the determination in block 1224 is "YES", method 1102 proceeds to block 1228. If the determination in block 1224 is "NO", method 1102 loops back to block 1218, where it attempts to search for a PNR number again. However, in block 1226, the number of attempts is limited to a maximum number of attempts. If the determination result in block 1226 is "NO", method 1102 proceeds to block 1218. If the determination in block 1226 is "YES", method 1102 proceeds to Figure 13, where the IATA license plate text is used as a link index to the PNR information (i.e., PNR number) in the type B message.

[0583] Method 1102 may include optically recognizing the printed text of the passenger's name in at least one image of the origin hard copy baggage tag in block 1228.

[0584] Method 1102 may include forming a machine-encoded text sequence of passenger names in block 1232.

[0585] Method 1102 determines in block 1234 whether the passenger name was found. If the determination in block 1234 is "YES", method 1102 proceeds to block 1240 in Figure 12C. If the determination in block 1234 is "NO", method 1102 loops back to block 1228, where it attempts to search for the passenger name again. However, in block 1236, the number of attempts is limited to the maximum number of attempts. If the determination in block 1236 is "NO", method 1102 proceeds to block 1228. If the determination in block 1236 is "YES", method 1102 loops back to Figure 13, or, if available, uses an image of the printed medium (not shown in this method).

[0586] In some cases, the passenger's name can be obtained by using the IATA license plate and accessing a Type B message containing the passenger's name. However, if the departure hard copy baggage tag is damaged, it may also be possible to extract or obtain the passenger's name from the printed material.

[0587] Method 1102 may include optically recognizing the text of auxiliary information (AI) printed on the layout of a hard copy baggage tag of origin in at least one image in block 1240.

[0588] Method 1102 may include forming a machine-encoded text sequence of auxiliary information in block 1242.

[0589] Method 1102 may determine in block 1244 whether an AI has been detected. If the result in block 1244 is "YES", Method 1102 proceeds to block 1248 to determine whether any further AI types are printed on the baggage tag or printed medium. If the result is "YES", Method 1102 returns to block 1240 to search for further text sequences. If the result in block 1244 is "NO", Method 1102 forms a DPI data record in block 1250 and terminates in block 1252.

[0590] The AI's detection attempts are limited to a maximum number of attempts in block 1246. If the result in block 1246 is "NO", method 1102 proceeds to block 1240. If the result in block 1246 is "YES", the method proceeds to block 1250 as described above and terminates in block 1252.

[0591] Figure 13 shows a flowchart of Method 1300 for forming a machine-coded text sequence of an IATA license plate according to one embodiment. If the PNR number cannot be obtained from an image of a printed origin hardcopy baggage tag, the PNR number can be obtained from a Type B message. Method 1300 may include, in block 1302, optically recognizing the printed text of the IATA license plate in at least one image of the origin hardcopy baggage tag. Method 1300 may include, in block 1304, forming a machine-coded text sequence of the IATA license plate. Method 1300 may also include looking up the passenger name.

[0592] Figure 14A shows a conventional BSM1400A for airline carriers. BSM is a Type B message. A Type B message may have multiple data fields containing encoded characters. For example, encoded characters may include the U.S. Standard Information Interchange Code (ASCII code), BODT, padded BODT, etc. The code and format of baggage information messages (Type B messages) are described, for example, in IATA's "Recommended Practice 1745 Baggage Information Messages" (Passenger Services Resolution Manual, June 2010, 30th edition, pp. 1110-1205). Type B messages may be transmitted over the internet using Extended Markup Language (XML) messages.

[0593] A Type B message may include a field or line 1402 containing a header. For example, the header might be labeled "BSM" and represent a heading indicating the beginning of an airline BSM. A field or line 1404 may contain a set of alphanumeric characters followed by the line prefix ".V / ". As a non-restrictive example, the line prefix ".V / " may indicate the version and supplementary data. For example, the supplementary data may include transit points in the airline or airport infrastructure. The ".V / " data field can indicate whether a Type B message, such as a BSM, is a terminal BSM. The ".V / " data field contains a number after the " / " indicating the data dictionary version number. The following characters are baggage source indicators, where "L" represents local, "T" represents forwarding, "X" represents terminal, and "R" represents remote. The baggage source indicator is followed by a three-digit airport code. In Figure 14A, the BSM is a forwarding BSM with version number 1 and airport code JFK.

[0594] When sorting by BSM, the system receives and sorts BSMs from all airlines. As a non-restrictive example, the ".V / " field can be used to search for baggage source indicators that show "T". Furthermore, system 100 may have a large number of site locations. Therefore, for a cruise ship departing from Tampa, the system will sort by the BSM with "T" and "TPA" in the ".V" field of the baggage source indicator, and a number corresponding to the airport code.

[0595] Other Type B messages may have a similar format in the baggage source indicator, or may be modified to have a similar format.

[0596] The field or row 1406 may contain a row prefix ".F / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters representing 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.

[0597] Field or row 1408 may contain a row prefix ".I / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters representing the flight number and date of the arrival flight. 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.

[0598] Field or line 1412 may contain a set of numbers following the line prefix ".N / ", which represents the OP-BTI digital BTI data record. Field or line 1410 may contain a set of characters following the line prefix ".P / ", which represents the passenger's name. The first and last names may be separated by the symbol " / ".

[0599] Field or line 1418 may contain a line prefix ".L / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters representing the passenger name record (PNR) number. Field or line 1420 may contain a message end indicator such as "ENDBSM".

[0600] Between lines 1402 and 1420, other fields or lines may exist, such as fields 1414 and 1416. Field or line 1414 has the prefix ".S / " and is matching data. Field or line 1416 has the prefix ".W / " and relates to baggage item weight, quantity, dimensions, and type data. Since airline Type B messages are a well-known technique, a detailed explanation of Type B messages is omitted. Some fields / lines are mandatory, while others are optional depending on the Type B message.

[0601] However, system 100 can access other Type B messages from the airline's computer system to determine, for example, whether baggage is lost or undiscovered. System 100 can access other Type B messages stored in the airline's computer system to determine the status of baggage, for example, before a passenger begins their stay at accommodation or at other times when tracking the status of baggage as it moves within the airport environment.

[0602] The illustrative BSM1400A is provided for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to be limiting in any way. Each airline may make changes to its own BSM.

[0603] Simulated BSM template Figure 14B shows a simulated BSM1400B of a return flight that may be generated inside or outside a regulated check-in window according to one embodiment. This simulated BSM1400B can function as a placeholder when generating a large number of BSMs, for example, inside or outside the regulated check-in window of an airline or other mode of transport. The simulated BSM1400B is a template.

[0604] In one or more embodiments, a BSM1400B can be created that simulates the computer system of an airline carrier. In one or more embodiments, a BSM1400B can be created that simulates the processor of system 100.

[0605] A Type B message may contain a field or line 1422 that includes a header. For example, the header may be labeled "SBSM," which represents a heading indicating the beginning of an airline BSM. Alternatively, it may contain another Type B message header. For illustrative purposes, the simulated BSM in this example has the same format and layout as the BSM in Figure 14A. Therefore, only the differences will be described. For simplification, the same code references may be used. However, there may be some differences. For example, the simulated BSM header or other Type B message may begin with "S," and the header may be "SBSM." As another example, the simulated BSM header or other Type B message may end with a symbol (e.g., "*"). These examples are not limiting. The starting character "S" may contain a combination of alphanumeric characters of two characters or two digits.

[0606] Field or row 1424 may contain a set of alphanumeric characters following the row prefix ".V / ". As a non-restrictive example, the row prefix ".V / " may indicate version and supplementary data. Because this is a simulated BSM outside the regulated check-in window, the ".V / " field is marked as "NULL".

[0607] Field or row 1426 may contain a set of alphanumeric characters representing the flight number and date of the departure flight, followed by the row prefix ".F / ". The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the symbol " / ". For example, the data "31MAY" may represent the arrival date. The code "SLC" represents Salt Lake City Airport.

[0608] Field or row 1428 may contain a set of alphanumeric characters representing the flight number and date of an arriving flight, followed by the row prefix ".I / ". The alphanumeric characters may be separated by the symbol " / ". For example, the data "30MAY" may represent the departure date. The code "IST" represents Istanbul Airport.

[0609] Field or row 1430 may contain the line prefix ".N / " followed by the string "NULL". This indicates that the baggage tag identifier is unassigned. Field or row 1236 may contain the line prefix ".P / " followed by a string representing the passenger name. The first and last names may be separated by a " / " symbol.

[0610] In one or more embodiments, the simulated Type B message generation unit 431 may assign a baggage tag identifier compatible with a 10-digit IATA baggage tag number printed as a baggage tag for an airline carrier. In this case, the baggage tag identifier or 10-digit IATA baggage tag number is assigned after the ".N / " prefix. The numbers in the field following the ".N / " prefix may represent the number of checked baggage items.

[0611] The assignment of baggage tag identifiers by servers 148 or 1310 outside the Air Travel Information System may vary depending on the airline and country.

[0612] Fields or lines 1438 and 1440 may be used for remote check-in. For example, field line 1438 may contain a set of alphanumeric or alphabetic characters indicating baggage check-in details, followed by the line prefix ".D / ". Each ".D / " code field will differ based on location data depending on the type of remote check-in. For example, field 1438 may contain at least location data, date, time, etc. Fields or line 1440 may contain a string representing a company name or group name, followed by the prefix ".C / ".

[0613] Field or line 1442 may contain a line prefix ".L / " followed by a set of alphanumeric characters representing the passenger name record (PNR) number. Field or line 1244 may contain a message end indicator such as "ENDBSM".

[0614] Between lines 1422 and 1440, other fields or lines may exist, such as fields 1432 and 1434. Field 1432 has the prefix ".S / " and field 1434 has the prefix ".W / ", but both are marked as "NULL". Return flight data cannot be entered in fields or lines marked as "NULL". This is because airline systems such as DCS do not allow baggage check-in until a regulated check-in window opens.

[0615] A simulated Type B message or simulated BSM can be used as a placeholder for pre-filling BSMs or other Type B messages for baggage check-in, which can be assigned an IATA license plate number.

[0616] In one or more embodiments, a third-party provider or baggage check-in company may be configured to assign a unique identifier compatible with the IATA license plate number, which includes a barcode format for printing on the IATA baggage tag.

[0617] Figure 15 is a schematic diagram of a process 1500 for generating an authorization indicia for bypassing additional baggage screening or indicating completion of screening, according to one embodiment. The process shown in Figure 15 can produce, for example, MK136.

[0618] In Figure 15, process 1500 begins with scanning a marker 212 (Figure 2B) or a departure hard copy baggage tag 200 (Figure 2A). Marker 212 is shown in the figure to prevent congestion. Marker 212 may include passenger name 214, departure airport flight identifier 216, arrival airport flight identifier 1506, a 10-digit license plate 218, an adjacent barcoded license plate 220, and / or a BSM record indicator.

[0619] The barcode scanner 116 reads the barcode 220. The scanner 116 is communicatively connected to the server 148 to receive information from the security screening results and simulated BSM shown in Figures 26A to 26B. In one or more embodiments, the MK136 may be similar to the marker 212, however, in this case the MK136 is updated with the same or similar BSM data from 212, the cruise inline mode of travel or accommodation is represented by a maritime mode indicator mark 1516, and the indication of passing screening based on the cruise line and government security regulations is presented by a maritime approval indicator mark 1514. Additional details 1518 regarding the destination of the baggage item 138 on the cruise ship (accommodation) are enumerated from the cruise ship (accommodation) manifest, including the cruise line, cruise ship, departure date, cabin number, deck number, and reservation number. A print file of the MK136 is sent to, for example, a printer 120 and printed. The MK136 is affixed to the baggage 138.

[0620] Baggage item 138 from the airport is under trusted control and therefore only trusted personnel can access it. In other words, the passenger or owner of baggage item 138 cannot access baggage item 138, and therefore there is no opportunity to insert smuggled goods or prohibited items after the initial screening by the TSA.

[0621] In the event that the departure point hard copy baggage tag is lost and marker 212 is also missing, the baggage item must be processed individually. However, system 100 will match the passenger with the baggage item and, for example, a simulated BSM generated from image data captured by a mobile communication device. The simulated BSM and / or security data can be printed by process 1500. MK136 may contain information from the cruise ship (accommodation) manifest, including the cruise line, cruise ship, departure date, cabin number, deck number, and reservation number.

[0622] Security Screening Integrated Support System Figure 16 shows a Security Screening Integrated Assistant (SSIA) system 190 according to one embodiment. The SSIA system 190 is shown within a black frame below line L1. The SSIA system 190 is communicatively connected to a first mobile mode system (FMTS) 10 and a first security screening machine system (FSSMS) 40 shown above line L1. In non-limiting examples, the FMTS 10 may include one or more computing systems 30, 35 or server systems having memory devices directly or indirectly associated with the FMTS 10. It should be understood from this disclosure that each airline has a number of server systems and / or computing systems. The FMTS 10 may include multiple airlines 20 and 22, for example, for a particular airline.

[0623] The term "SVTS" is used to refer to a second means of transport (SVTS), such as a cruise ship, bus, train, or accommodation. In one or more embodiments, a cruise ship is accommodation. In one or more embodiments, a train may be accommodation. An SVTS may be the following means of transport: FMTS10 is the first means of transport (FVTS), an air travel transport carrier departing from anywhere in the world.

[0624] To avoid overcrowding in the diagram, FMTS10 may include multiple airlines corresponding to multiple airlines. Each airline may have its own computer system 30 and computer system 35. The term "airline carrier" may be used interchangeably with airlines and means of transport.

[0625] Computer system 30 may be a travel information system that stores, for example, passenger itinerary data and flight information and performs passenger check-in. Computer system 35 stores Type B messages generated by a baggage handling system that routes checked baggage items through airport infrastructure. Computer systems 30 or 35 may provide baggage item check-in. In one or more embodiments, a mobile carrier, such as an airline, may require passengers to print or generate a boarding pass after completing check-in. After the passenger completes check-in, baggage items may be checked in.

[0626] Passenger baggage items are checked in by the airline, which is part of FMTS10. Checked baggage items are fitted with a departure hard copy baggage tag 200, as shown in Figure 2A. After tagging, baggage items are sent to FSSMS40 via the automated conveyor system of the baggage handling system.

[0627] Although FSSMS40 is shown separately from FMTS10, both may be housed within or constitute part of the airport infrastructure. FSSMS40 may include one or more security screening imaging devices 45 and 50. FSSMS40 may include one or more computing systems 55 or server systems equipped with memory devices 113 for storing security screening images from imaging device 45. FSSMS40 may include one or more computing systems 65 or server systems equipped with memory devices 113 for storing security screening images from imaging device 50.

[0628] The government agency that oversees airline security screening may be referred to as the TSA. The CT scanners used by the TSA for baggage screening are manufactured by multiple vendors. Representative vendors include, for example:

[0629] Smith Detection: Smith Detection is a leading provider of advanced security solutions, including CT scanners. Its HI-SCAN XCT series scanners (such as the HI-SCAN 6040 XCT and HI-SCAN 7555 XCT) are designed for screening checked baggage and carry-on baggage at airports.

[0630] L3 Harris Technologies: L3 Harris Technologies is also a leading supplier of security equipment, including CT scanners for baggage screening. Its CLEARSCAN brand of CT scanners is used by the TSA at several airports across the United States.

[0631] ANALOGIC Corporation: ANALOGIC Corporation develops advanced imaging technologies, including CT scanners for airport security. Its CONNECT brand series of scanners (such as the CONNECT70 and CONNECT100) are designed to enhance airport security screening.

[0632] LEIDOS (formerly Lockheed Martin): LEIDOS is a global technology company that provides security solutions, including CT scanners for baggage screening. The company developed the VACIS M6500 system, a high-performance CT scanner for baggage inspection at airports.

[0633] CT images generated during baggage screening are typically stored in a multi-image format. This format allows for the exchange, storage, and transmission of images between different systems and devices. CT scanners capture a series of 2D cross-sectional images and reconstruct them into a 3D image of the scanned object. 3D visualization and analysis of CT images often utilizes specialized software designed for processing and rendering multi-image files. These software solutions reconstruct 2D cross-sections into 3D models, enabling security personnel to inspect scanned baggage in detail.

[0634] The DICOS (Digital Imaging and Communications for Security) standard is an image format standard developed jointly by NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturers Association) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Its aim is to improve the interoperability and effectiveness of security screening systems used in airports, critical infrastructure facilities, and other locations. DICOS is designed to meet the specific needs of security imaging, including the storage, transmission, and processing of security images. It addresses the limitations of the DICOM (Medical Digital Image Communications) standard, which primarily focuses on medical images. The DICOS standard provides the following features:

[0635] Interoperability: DICOS enables seamless communication between security imaging systems and components from different manufacturers, resulting in more efficient and effective security screening processes.

[0636] Scalability: The DICOS standard is designed to easily incorporate and adapt to the latest technologies and techniques emerging in the field of security imaging.

[0637] Flexibility: DICOS supports a wide range of security imaging mod...

Claims

1. A method, including: At least one processor matches first movement information, including the passenger name and International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for a passenger's baggage item in the flight manifest, with second movement information from a pre-created Type B message, which includes a reference indicator representing a baggage item on a non-routine path; At least one of the above-mentioned processors generates an abnormal baggage item manifest record for the baggage item on the non-routine route associated with the flight manifest; At least one of the above-mentioned processors obtains third movement information relating to the baggage item on the non-regular route, which is generated by the baggage handling system before and after the creation of the B-type message; and At least one of the aforementioned processors determines the location of the baggage item on the non-stationary route. method.

2. The method of claim 1 further includes: At least one of the above-mentioned processors generates a delivery command to reroute the located baggage item based on passenger reservation information in the manifest regarding the next means of transport to meet the passenger. method.

3. In the method of claim 1, the B-type message represents any of the following: Baggage Unconfirmed Message (BNS); Baggage handling message (BPM); Baggage Transfer Message (BTM); and, Baggage Source Message (BSM) from the airline. method.

4. The method of claim 3 further includes: At least one of the at least one processors trains a model using the reference indicators of baggage items in non-stationary paths associated with one or more B-type messages; At least one of the aforementioned processors inputs representative data into the model to create information about a steady-state path; At least one of the aforementioned processors inputs data into the model from one or more current Type B messages relating to the transport of the baggage item having the IATA license plate number; and The model is trained using at least one of the aforementioned processors, with respect to each baggage handling system that handles the baggage items. Here, the model uses a machine learning algorithm to detect that the baggage item is a baggage item on the non-stationary route where the difference between the current route and the stationary route exceeds a threshold. method.

5. The method of claim 3 further includes, before the comparison: At least one of the above-mentioned processors receives the origin BSM and determines the steady route of the baggage item based on the origin reference indicator. method.

6. The method of claim 5 further includes: At least one of the at least one processors determines that the reference indicator represents a deviation in time or distance exceeding a threshold between the steady-state path of the baggage item and the current path of the baggage item. method.

7. The method of claim 1 further includes: At least one of the aforementioned processors determines that the reference indicator indicates that the baggage item is unverified; Notifying the passenger about the unidentified baggage item by at least one of the aforementioned processors; and, At least one of the aforementioned processors files a claim with the airline carrier regarding the unidentified baggage item. method.

8. The method of claim 1 further includes: The at least one of the at least one processors receives the flight manifest on the day of travel, wherein the flight manifest includes first travel information of a registered passenger traveling on the day; and At least one of the above-mentioned processors receives a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or transfer BSM having the second movement information. method.

9. The method of claim 1 further includes: At least one of the aforementioned processors determines that the reference indicator represents the non-stationary path of the baggage item; At least one of the above-mentioned processors accesses location data generated by a tracking device on the baggage item to track the current location of the baggage item; and, At least one of the at least one processor generates a delivery command for rerouting the recovered baggage item using the current location from the tracking device. method.

10. The method of claim 9, wherein the tracking device is configured to communicate using any of the following: Wi-Fi communication protocol, Bluetooth communication protocol, cellular communication protocol, long-range radio frequency communication protocol, short-range communication protocol, near-field wireless communication protocol, and Global System for Mobile Communications; and the method further includes: The tracking device communicates its current location information to a computing system for tracking the tracking device. method.

11. A computing system for retrieving baggage, At least one processor; and, The system comprises at least one non-temporary and tangible memory, which is communicably connected to the at least one processor, The memory stores at least one instruction, The at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Matching the first movement information, including the passenger name and International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number for the passenger's baggage items in the flight manifest, with the second movement information from a pre-created Type B message that includes a reference indicator representing baggage items on a non-routine route; To generate an abnormal baggage item manifest record for the baggage item on the non-routine route associated with the aforementioned flight manifest; To obtain third movement information regarding the baggage item on the non-regular route, generated by the baggage handling system before and after the aforementioned Type B message; and, To identify the location of baggage items along the aforementioned non-routine route, system.

12. In the system of claim 11, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Based on the passenger reservation information in the manifest regarding the next means of transportation to meet the passenger, generate a delivery instruction to reroute the located baggage item. system.

13. In the system of claim 11, the B-type message represents any of the following: Baggage Unconfirmed Message (BNS); Baggage handling message (BPM); Baggage Transfer Message (BTM); and, Baggage Source Message (BSM) from the airline. system.

14. In the system of claim 13, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: The model is trained using the aforementioned reference indicators for baggage items on non-stationary routes associated with one or more Type B messages; The process involves inputting representative data into the aforementioned model to create information about the steady-state path; Inputting data into the model from one or more current Type B messages related to the transport of the baggage item having the aforementioned IATA license plate number; and, The model is trained using each baggage handling system that handles the aforementioned baggage items. Here, the model uses a machine learning algorithm to detect that the baggage item is a baggage item on the non-stationary route where the difference between the current route and the stationary route exceeds a threshold. system.

15. In the system of claim 14, at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Before matching, the origin BSM is received, and the regular route of the baggage item is determined based on the origin reference indicator. system.

16. In the system of claim 14, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: The reference indicator determines whether the time or distance deviation between the steady path of the baggage item and the current path of the baggage item exceeds a threshold. system.

17. In the system of claim 11, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: The aforementioned reference indicator indicates that the baggage item is unconfirmed; To notify the passenger of the unidentified baggage item; and, To file a claim with the airline carrier regarding the aforementioned unidentified baggage item, system.

18. In the system of claim 11, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Receiving the aforementioned flight manifest on the day of travel, wherein the aforementioned flight manifest includes first travel information of a registered passenger traveling on that day; and, Receiving a Terminal Baggage Source Message (BSM) or Transfer BSM having the second movement information, system.

19. In the system of claim 11, the at least one processor is further configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Determine that the aforementioned reference indicator represents the non-stationary path of the baggage item; Tracking the current location of the baggage item by accessing location data generated by a tracking device on the baggage item; and, Using the current location from the tracking device, generate a delivery instruction to reroute the recovered baggage item. system.

20. The system according to claim 19 further comprises a tracking device for communicating the current location, The tracking device is configured to communicate using one of the following protocols: Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, cellular, long-range radio frequency, short-range, near-field wireless communication, and Global System for Mobile Communications. system.

21. A method, including: At least one of at least one processor generates a baggage information message including International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage tag data, wherein the IATA baggage tag data includes an IATA license plate number and a pseudo-ID that uniquely identifies the checked baggage item, wherein the pseudo-ID identifies the checked baggage item of a passenger being screened by a security screening imaging device and is linked to a security screening image of the checked baggage item created by the security screening imaging device; At least one of the at least one processors compares the IATA license plate number in the baggage information message with the IATA license plate number in the manifest to extract the pseudo-ID from the baggage information message corresponding to the checked baggage item; At least one of the at least one processors acquires the security screening image stored in the storage cloud system by the security screening imaging device using at least one of the extracted pseudo-ID or the IATA license plate number; and At least one of the aforementioned processors provides information associated with the security screening image to one of the security screening workstations. method.

22. The method of claim 21 further includes: At least one of the above-mentioned processors obtains the passenger name record (PNR) number from the baggage information message or the baggage item tracking device; and At least one of the aforementioned processors extracts the passenger's personal identification information from a PNR database associated with the airline carrier's computing device using the acquired PNR number. method.

23. In the method of claim 22, the personal identification information includes any of the passenger's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, passport identifier, or government-issued identification number. method.

24. The method of claim 23 further includes: At least one of the above-mentioned processors generates a marker including the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the passenger's personal identification information; and, To cause the printing device to print the marker including the IATA license plate number, the name, and the personal identification information, by at least one of the above-mentioned processors. method.

25. In the method of claim 24, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker using steganography. method.

26. 。 In the method of claim 24, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth printed on the marker using an encrypted quick response (QR) code. method.

27. In the method of claim 24, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker using ink that is invisible to the naked eye. method.

28. The method of claim 21 further includes: At least one of the aforementioned processors receives personal identification information from the passenger using a graphical user interface that provides approval in a data input field, and transmits the personal identification information to a designated party. method.

29. The method of claim 21 further includes: At least one of the above-mentioned processors generates a marker including the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the passenger's personal identification information; and, To cause the printing device to print the marker including the IATA license plate number, the name, and the personal identification information, by at least one of the above-mentioned processors. method.

30. In the method of claim 21, the baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a forward baggage source message (BSM), and The method described above further includes: Before matching, multiple BSMs are sorted based on a baggage source indicator that shows whether the BSM is the terminal BSM or the forwarding BSM, and the pseudo-ID is extracted. method.

31. It is a system, At least one processor; and, The system comprises at least one non-temporary and tangible memory, which is communicably connected to the at least one processor, The aforementioned at least one memory stores at least one instruction, The at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: To generate a baggage information message including International Air Transport Association (IATA) baggage tag data, wherein the IATA baggage tag data includes an IATA license plate number and a pseudo-ID that uniquely identifies the checked baggage item, wherein the pseudo-ID identifies the checked baggage item of a passenger being screened by a security screening imaging device and is linked to a security screening image of the checked baggage item created by the security screening imaging device; The IATA license plate number in the baggage information message is compared with the IATA license plate number in the manifest, and the pseudo-ID is extracted from the baggage information message corresponding to the checked baggage item; Using at least one of the extracted pseudo-ID or the IATA license plate number, the security screening image stored in the storage cloud system by the security screening imaging device is acquired; and To provide the information associated with the security screening image to one of the security screening workstations, system.

32. In the system of claim 31, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: Obtaining the Passenger Name Record (PNR) number from the baggage information message or the baggage item tracking device; and, Using the acquired PNR number, extract the passenger's personal identification information from the PNR database associated with the airline carrier's computing device. system.

33. In the system of claim 32, the personal identification information includes any of the passenger's date of birth, social security number, driver's license number, passport identifier, or government-issued identification number. system.

34. In the system of claim 32, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: To generate a marker including the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the passenger's personal identification information; and, To cause the printing device to print the marker, which includes the IATA license plate number, the name, and the personal identification information, system.

35. In the system of claim 34, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker using steganography. system.

36. In the system of claim 34, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth printed on the marker using an encrypted quick response (QR) code. system.

37. In the system of claim 34, the personal identification information includes the passenger's date of birth, which is printed on the marker with ink invisible to the naked eye. system.

38. In the system according to claim 31, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: Receiving personal identification information from the passenger and transmitting the personal identification information to a designated party using a graphical user interface that provides approval in a data entry field. system.

39. In the system of claim 31, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: To generate a marker including the IATA license plate number, the passenger's name, and the passenger's personal identification information; and, To cause the printing device to print the marker, which includes the IATA license plate number, the name, and the personal identification information, system.

40. In the system of claim 87, the baggage information message is either a terminal baggage source message (BSM) or a transfer (connecting) baggage source message (BSM), and The at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Before matching, multiple BSMs are sorted based on a baggage source indicator that indicates whether the BSM is the terminal BSM or the forwarding BSM, and the pseudo-ID is extracted. system.

41. A method, including: At least one of the processors obtains the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number of the checked baggage item at the airline carrier from a field in the first baggage information message, a computer system associated with the airline carrier that issued the IATA license plate, or a manifest; and At least one of the at least one processor generates a second baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and at least one primary identifier (ID) from the baggage handling system, wherein the primary ID is linked to information associated with the security screening image or content list of the checked baggage item. method.

42. In the method of claim 41, the second baggage information message is one of the following: IATA baggage handling message (BPM); or, IATA baggage transfer message (BTM), method.

43. In the method of claim 41, the information associated with the content list includes any of the following: A list of content associated with security screening images; or, The content list identifier to the location of the content list in the secure database, method.

44. The method of claim 41, wherein the generation of the second baggage information message by at least one processor further includes: The security screening imaging requirements are obtained by at least one of the processors, and Here, the second baggage information message includes the security screening imaging requirement, method.

45. In the method of claim 41, the first baggage information message is a terminal baggage source message (BSM); and, The above method further includes: To cause the communication device to receive the termination BSM by at least one of the processors, method.

46. In the method of claim 41, the first baggage information message is a forwarded baggage source message (BSM); and, The above method further includes: To cause the communication device to receive the transfer BSM by at least one of the processors, method.

47. The method of claim 41 further includes: At least one of the processors generates a third baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and information associated with the reference baggage image. method.

48. In the method according to claim 47, the information associated with the reference baggage image includes any of the following: Reference image data of the aforementioned baggage item; or, Baggage image identifier at the location of the aforementioned reference image data in a secure database, method.

49. The method of claim 48 further includes: Capture real-time image data of the baggage item at a predetermined location using an image capture device; At least one of the processors performs feature recognition on the reference image data to recognize the baggage item at a predetermined location; and The location of the baggage item is determined by at least one of the processors, method.

50. The method of claim 49 further includes: At least one of the processors generates a fourth baggage information message, which includes the IATA license plate number and information associated with the location of the baggage item based on the captured real-time baggage image data. method.

51. It is a system, At least one processor; and, The system comprises at least one non-temporary and tangible memory, which is communicably connected to the at least one processor, The aforementioned at least one memory stores at least one instruction, The at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction and perform the following: Obtaining the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number of the checked baggage item from the field in the first baggage information message, from a computer system associated with the airline carrier that issued the IATA license plate, or from the manifest; and, To generate a second baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and at least one primary identifier (ID) from the baggage handling system, wherein the primary ID is linked to information associated with the security screening image or content list of the checked baggage item. system.

52. In the system of claim 51, the second baggage information message is one of the following: IATA baggage handling message (BPM); or, IATA baggage transfer message (BTM), system.

53. In the system of claim 51, the information associated with the content list includes any of the following: A list of content associated with security screening images; or, Content list identifier to the location of the list of content in a secure database. system.

54. In the system of claim 51, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction when generating the second baggage information message: To obtain security screening imaging requirements, Here, the second baggage information message includes the security screening imaging requirement, system.

55. In the system of claim 51, the first baggage information message is a terminal baggage source message (BSM), and The above method further includes: To cause the communication device to receive the termination BSM by at least one of the processors, system.

56. In the system of claim 51, the first baggage information message is a forwarded baggage source message (BSM), and The at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to cause the communication device to receive the transfer BSM. system.

57. In the system of claim 51, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: To generate a third baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and information associated with the reference baggage image, system.

58. In the system of claim 57, the information associated with the reference baggage image includes any of the following: Reference image data of the aforementioned baggage item; or, Baggage image identifier at the location of the aforementioned reference image data in a secure database, system.

59. In the system of claim 57, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: Receiving real-time image data of the baggage item from an image capture device located at a predetermined position; Performing feature recognition on the captured real-time baggage image data against the reference image data to recognize the baggage item at a predetermined location; and, To identify the location of the aforementioned baggage item, system.

60. In the system of claim 59, the at least one processor is configured to execute the at least one instruction to perform the following: To generate a fourth baggage information message including the IATA license plate number and information associated with the location of the baggage item based on the captured real-time baggage image data, system.