Security inspection system and security inspection method

Abstract

The security inspection system according to the present invention essentially comprises: a baggage loading area for loading personal baggage in at least one baggage carrier; A baggage inspection station for imaging testing of baggage; a baggage claim area having at least one buffer (22) for a number of loaded baggage carriers, each buffer being paired with a number of removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) and with a service system for transferring the loaded baggage carriers from the buffer to one of the removal stations, the service system being designed to transfer each loaded baggage carrier found in the buffer to each of the corresponding removal stations in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carriers are introduced into the buffer; a transport system (8) for transporting the loaded baggage carriers from the baggage loading area through the baggage inspection station to the baggage reclaim area and for returning the empty baggage carriers to the baggage loading area.

Description

[Technical Field]

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

[0002]

[0003] Security screening of people, particularly passengers and their carry-on baggage, is an essential part of every flight. Whether within Europe or internationally, the procedures and appearance of the equipment involved have evolved only slightly over recent decades, due in particular to regulatory requirements that specify the equipment to be used and the procedures to be followed. However, in recent years, technological innovations have been explored and the use of more modern techniques, such as the use of computed tomography to generate images for carry-on baggage screening, has increasingly been approved.

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

[0004] In European Patent No. 2684166(B1), an automated passenger screening system is proposed for this purpose, in which passengers deposit their baggage on a baggage carrier in a baggage loading area, and their personal identifiers are recorded and linked to the baggage carrier. The passengers undergo personal screening while their baggage undergoes imaging baggage inspection. The passengers then proceed to the baggage reclaim area, where a baggage carrier linked to their personal identifiers is made available for unloading.

[0005] WO 2020 / 249192(A1) also discloses an automated security inspection system in which, after the baggage reclaim area, an inspection device is provided for determining the loading status of the baggage carriers and the degree of soiling of the loading platform. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The present invention is based on the object of further increasing the efficiency of security checks.

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

[0008] The security inspection system according to the present invention essentially comprises: a baggage loading area for loading personal baggage in at least one luggage carrier; a baggage inspection station for imaging examination of baggage; a baggage collection area comprising at least one buffer for a plurality of baggage-loaded baggage carriers, each buffer paired with a plurality of removal stations, and a delivery system for transferring the baggage-loaded baggage carriers from the buffer to one of the removal stations, the delivery system being designed to find in the buffer and transfer each baggage-loaded baggage carrier to each of the corresponding removal stations in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carriers are introduced into the buffer; a transport system for transporting loaded baggage carriers from the baggage loading area through a baggage inspection station to a baggage reclaim area and returning empty baggage carriers to the baggage loading area.

[0009] The security inspection method according to the present invention comprises: - in a baggage loading area, a person places his / her baggage on at least one baggage carrier; - a method step in which baggage in a baggage carrier is subjected to an imaging test in a baggage inspection station; - a method step in which the baggage carriers are transported together with the baggage to and introduced into a baggage collection area having at least one buffer for a plurality of baggage carriers, the buffer being paired with a plurality of removal stations; - a method step in which loaded baggage carriers are made available for emptying from the buffer at removal stations, and each loaded baggage carrier located in the buffer can be transferred to each of the corresponding removal stations in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carrier was introduced into the buffer; the empty baggage carriers are returned to the baggage loading area.

[0010] In conventional systems, the order in which people / passengers arrive at the baggage reclaim area is determined by the order in which they pass through personnel screening. However, it often happens that an individual must undergo a manual personnel screening process, and the next person cannot be screened until the manual follow-up screening is completed. In addition, baggage carriers with baggage therein are made available in the baggage reclaim area in the order in which they pass through the baggage inspection station. Therefore, in the current system, it is virtually impossible to pass someone who must undergo prolonged personnel screening.

[0011] Thus, according to the invention, the baggage carriers loaded with baggage are first fed into a buffer in the baggage reclaim area, and then the person / passenger can go to any pick-up station and the baggage carriers with baggage will be available from the buffer at this pick-up station.

[0012] If there are multiple pick-up stations, they can also be divided into two or more zones, each paired with a buffer. On their way between screening and the baggage reclaim area, people are informed of which zone they need to go to next. However, they can also choose any free pick-up station within their assigned zone, and the delivery system will provide them with the corresponding baggage carrier.

[0013] Thus, the system according to the invention makes it possible to overtake people who, for example, need to undergo additional manual people screening, or who simply move more slowly in the baggage reclaim area.

[0014] Compared to conventional systems currently on the market, in which all incoming baggage carriers are arranged in a line in a collection area, the system according to the present invention has the advantage that baggage can be removed unhindered and there is no concern about individual baggage being stolen.

[0015] To ensure that the principle of free choice of pick-up station works satisfactorily and that baggage carriers loaded with corresponding baggage are available in the shortest time possible, the buffer and provision system is designed so that any baggage carrier in the buffer can be transferred to any existing pick-up station in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carrier entered the buffer, and therefore regardless of which pick-up station a person goes to and requests that baggage carrier.

[0016] Further embodiments of the invention are the subject of the dependent claims.

[0017] The experiments on which the present invention is based have shown that it is advantageous if the buffer has a number of buffer spaces arranged in one plane; in particular the buffer can have a number of parallel buffer rows, each with a number of buffer spaces.

[0018] According to a further embodiment of the invention, the supply system comprises at least one conveyor unit for displacing the load carriers in the x-direction and at least one transport unit for displacing the load carriers in the x- and y-directions, the transport unit being provided between the buffer and the removal stations and designed to transport the load carriers supplied from the buffer to the transport unit to each of the removal stations. The transport of the requested load carriers to the removal stations also preferably takes place in one plane, which ensures a particularly rapid transport.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the supply system comprises at least one lifting mechanism for lifting one or more load carriers in the z-direction, the lifting mechanism being designed to lift one or more load carriers in the row of buffers to a raised position, such that the gap created during lifting is sufficient to allow other load carriers to pass under the load carrier in the raised position. In this way, load carriers introduced later into the buffer can overtake other load carriers introduced earlier if they are requested in advance at one of the removal stations. In principle, it is of course also conceivable to lower a load carrier instead of lifting it so that it can pass behind it.

[0020] The buffer preferably has at least twice as much buffer space as pick-up stations, preferably at least three times as much, and the number of buffer spaces and pick-up stations is ultimately based on actual demand and available space.

[0021] Furthermore, each buffer space can be designed with an independently controllable conveyor unit for moving the load carriers in the x-direction. In addition, each pick-up station can have a displacement unit for displacing the load carriers between the pick-up station and the transfer unit, allowing the load carriers to be transported in the x-direction from the buffer to the transfer unit and then further transported in the x-direction to the next pick-up station, or to be first transported in the y-direction to the required pick-up station and then transported in the x-direction to this pick-up station.

[0022] For a particularly rapid transport of the load carriers from the buffer to the removal station, belt and roller conveyors or a combination of both conveyor types have proven to be particularly advantageous.

[0023] Since the space available for transporting the loaded baggage carriers and the returned empty baggage carriers is usually limited, it makes sense for the return of the empty baggage carriers to take place at least partially in a second plane, which can be located both above and below the transport path of the loaded baggage carriers. In a further embodiment of the invention, the transport unit cooperates with at least one empty crate lifting mechanism designed to transport the empty baggage carriers displaced from the removal station to the transport unit, which empty crate lifting mechanism is connected to a return transport path for returning the empty baggage carriers to the baggage loading area. However, within the scope of the invention, it is also conceivable that the emptied baggage carriers are already at the removal station and are, for example, lowered and transported to the return transport path. This allows the transport unit to be used in parallel for the transport of the next baggage carrier.

[0024] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at each drop-off station there is provided a first identification device for detecting a personal identifier, in particular a biometric characteristic, of the person, which identification device interacts with a data processing device for linking the personal identifier of the person with the baggage carrier on which the person's baggage is located. Thus, at each drop-off station the person's personal identifier can be detected by the first identification device and the person's personal identifier is linked by the data processing device to the baggage carrier on which the person's baggage is located.

[0025] In this way, the baggage carrier loaded with baggage is unambiguously assigned to the person to whom the baggage belongs. The first identification device can be designed to detect a person's personal identifier for the first time, or can be used to identify a person if the personal identifier is already stored in the system. For example, a person's personal identifier can be detected when entering an airport building or when unloading large baggage. It is also conceivable that a person generates their own personal identifier prior to traveling, for example using a smartphone, and uploads it to the airline. In addition to a person's biometric characteristics, other personal identifiers, such as a code on a boarding pass, are also conceivable. However, biometric characteristics have the advantage that they can be easily captured with a camera, eliminating the need for the person to scan their boarding pass or other token.

[0026] To ensure that the correct baggage carrier is provided to the baggage reclaim area, each removal station preferably includes a second identification unit for detecting the personal identifier of the person standing in front of the removal station, which is linked to a delivery system for transferring the baggage carrier linked to the person's personal identifier from the buffer to this removal station. Furthermore, input and / or output units, particularly monitors and speakers, can be provided at existing removal stations, designed to provide information to the person and / or to confirm the process of emptying the baggage carrier by the person. In particular, the input and / or output units can be used to draw the person's attention to the fact that there are still baggage / object items in the baggage carrier. Once collection is complete, it is possible to wish the person a good flight and / or display the departure gate, if this information is available. Another option would be to include advertising, thereby developing additional revenue sources.

[0027] Additionally, a monitoring device can be provided at each removal station to, for example, alert a person standing at the removal station if all items have not been removed from the luggage carrier. Removal of the luggage carrier can also begin automatically if the luggage carrier is recognized as empty by the monitoring device, thus avoiding the passenger having to manually complete the removal process after removing their items.

[0028] In an advantageous embodiment, a sensor unit, for example formed by a second identification unit, can be provided at an existing pick-up station, designed to determine the presence of a person in front of the pick-up station and linked to the monitoring unit and the provision system so that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the pick-up station and the luggage carrier is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the emptied luggage carrier. In this way, the pick-up station can be made available to the next person as quickly as possible. Of course, it is also conceivable that after emptying the luggage carrier at the pick-up station, the person completes the emptying process by making an entry in the input unit or by closing a lid or cover, after which the luggage carrier is taken away.

[0029] In the baggage reclaim area, at least one waiting area can also be provided for people who want to collect their baggage, the waiting area being paired with all existing pick-up stations or all pick-up stations paired with the zone, and the waiting area being provided with at least one third identification device for detecting the personal identifier of at least a person who can next go to one of the pick-up stations, the third identification device interacting with the delivery system for accelerated transport of baggage carriers linked to the personal identifier. Thus, baggage carriers stored in the rear of the buffer can be transported forward on the transport unit, so that the baggage carriers only need to be transported across in front of the pick-up station to which the detected person is moving.

[0030] In conventional drop-off and retrieval stations, baggage is unloaded and retrieved in the presence of security personnel. According to the above-described system / procedure, it is no longer necessary for security personnel to be present at each drop-off or retrieval station. In many cases, it is sufficient for security personnel to be responsible for several drop-off or retrieval stations. Therefore, the system / method according to the invention is also characterized by a significant reduction in personnel, since the drop-off and retrieval stations require little or no personnel. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0031] Further embodiments and advantages of the present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following description and drawings.

[0032] The drawings are as follows: [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a block diagram of a security inspection system. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a baggage loading area with a drop-off station. [Figure 3] 1 is a schematic diagram of a baggage reclaim area with a collection station. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view of a baggage reclaim area with a buffer and a removal station. [Figure 5] 5 is a schematic side view of the baggage reclaim area according to FIG. 4. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0033] 1 shows a block diagram of an exemplary embodiment of a security inspection system according to the present invention. It provides a baggage loading area 1 having one or more drop-off stations 1a, 1b, 1c for unloading baggage into at least one baggage carrier 2. The loaded baggage carrier 2 is sent to a baggage inspection station 3 for imaging examination of the baggage, preferably using computed tomography.

[0034] During baggage inspection, the person goes to a person screening station 4. For example, metal detectors and body scanning devices, as well as other devices, may be used.

[0035] The people screening station 4 preferably has a queuing and routing system that can specifically control the synchronization between baggage status and people screening. Once the people screening is complete, the person is detected at the information device 5, which is equipped with a further identification unit for detecting the personal identifier of the person standing in front of the information device 5, and then receives information about whether to proceed to a baggage reclaim area 6 with one or more removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c for receiving and emptying the baggage carrier assigned to the person, or to a follow-up inspection area 7 for manual follow-up inspection of their baggage. Passenger routes are illustrated in Figure 1 by solid arrows.

[0036] The dashed arrows indicate a transport system 8 for transporting baggage carriers 2 from the baggage loading area 1 via the baggage inspection station 3 to the baggage reclaim area 6 or the follow-up inspection area 7, and a transport system 8' for returning empty baggage carriers to the baggage loading area 1. After the baggage inspection station 3, a switch 9 is provided for diverting baggage rejected at the baggage inspection station 3 to the follow-up inspection area 7. Before reaching the switch, the operator of the baggage inspection station (CT device) must decide whether a follow-up inspection is necessary. If the decision is not made in time, the baggage carrier 2 is automatically transported to the follow-up inspection area 7 to prevent the mixing of rejected and non-rejected items en route to the baggage reclaim area 6.

[0037] In the area of ​​the return transport path, a device 18 is provided for ejecting luggage carriers 2' that are not completely emptied and / or soiled, preventing them from reaching one of the drop-off stations. Such luggage carriers are then transported to a service station or a lost and found station. Since the luggage carriers are linked to the personal identifier of the associated person, the associated person can be specifically called and asked to go to the lost and found station.

[0038] With reference to Figure 2, the baggage loading area 1 will be explained in more detail below using drop-off station 1a as an example. Drop-off station 1a therefore has a first identification device 10 for detecting a person's personal identifier (in particular a biometric characteristic), which is preferably designed as a camera. The person's personal identifier is linked to a baggage carrier 2 provided at drop-off station 1a by a data processing device 11, and a label attached to the baggage carrier is read by a reading device (not shown in detail) and linked to the person's personal identifier. The label on the baggage carrier can be formed, for example, by an RFID, QR code or similar identifier.

[0039] As soon as the person's personal identifier is detected, the cover 12 opens and the luggage carrier 2 is released for loading. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, the luggage carrier 2 is box-shaped and open at the top. The person can then load their baggage onto the luggage carrier 2, and visual and / or acoustic instructions can be given to the person via the first information device 13, which in particular comprises a monitor and a speaker. In particular, it can be indicated that a certain maximum load limit must not be exceeded. For this purpose, the luggage carrier can have corresponding markings. However, it is also conceivable that the luggage carrier 2 is loaded in such a way that the baggage 14 does not exceed the dimensions of the luggage carrier 2.

[0040] A first monitoring device 15, for example formed by a camera, recognizes the loading state of the luggage carrier 2 and in case of an undesirable loading state, corresponding instructions are given via the first information device 13. If the luggage 14 exceeds the dimensions of the luggage carrier 2 in the example shown, the person can be prompted to insert the luggage properly or to request a second luggage carrier. There is also the option to request assistance from an employee if a person is having trouble.

[0041] If the baggage is properly loaded in the baggage carrier 2, the baggage drop-off process can be completed automatically, in particular after a predetermined time, by checking that no one is present at the drop-off station 1a, so that automatic removal of the baggage carrier 2 can be initiated. However, it is also possible for a person to close the baggage carrier with a cover or lid. Alternatively, the process can be completed by pressing a button or in a similar way. If a person leaves the removal station without confirmation, they can be prompted to confirm via the first information device 13. If the person leaves despite this, this can be prevented by a blockable exit, but automatic removal can also be initiated after a preset time has elapsed.

[0042] For removal, cover 12 is first closed and optionally present gate 17 is opened to allow baggage carrier 2 to be removed. Baggage carrier 2 is transported via conveying system 8 and / or offering system 16 connected to conveying system 8, and first monitoring device 15 is coupled to offering system 16 and / or conveying system 8 such that if an undesirable loading state of baggage carrier 2 is detected, removal of baggage carrier 2 from drop-off station 1 a is prevented (cover 12 remains open and gate 17 remains closed). Baggage carrier 2, properly loaded with baggage, is then sent to baggage inspection station 3 and people proceed to person screening station 4.

[0043] A buffer area 19 for returned empty luggage carriers 2 is paired with the drop-off station 1 a, and the next empty luggage carrier is provided to the drop-off station 1 a via the conveying system 8 or the providing system 16 .

[0044] In the following, the baggage reclaim area 6 will be explained in more detail with reference to FIG. 3, using the removal station 6a as an example.

[0045] The pick-up station 6a can, in principle, be configured similarly or identically to the drop-off station 1a. The pick-up station 6a therefore has a second identification device 20 for detecting the personal identifier of a person standing in front of the pick-up station, and the second identification unit 20 is linked to a second dispensing system 21 for transferring baggage carriers 2 linked to the person's personal identifier to this pick-up station 6a. For this purpose, the baggage reclaim area 6 has at least one buffer 22 for multiple baggage-loaded baggage carriers 2, and multiple pick-up stations, such as pick-up stations 6a, 6b, and 6c, are paired with the buffer 22. The second dispensing system 21 is designed to transfer the baggage-loaded baggage carriers 2 from the buffer 22 to one of the pick-up stations 6a, 6b, and 6c, and the buffer 22 can transfer the baggage carriers 2 to each of the corresponding pick-up stations 6a, 6b, and 6c in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carriers 2 were introduced into the buffer 22. Thus, a person wishing to collect their baggage can go to any available pick-up station 6a, 6b, 6c, where the baggage carrier 2 identified by the second identification device 20 and linked to their personal identifier will be transferred from the buffer 22 to this pick-up station.

[0046] As soon as a corresponding baggage carrier 2 is presented at the removal station, the cover 23 opens and the baggage carrier 2 becomes accessible for unloading. Information can be provided to the person via the input and / or output unit 24. A second monitoring device 25, for example formed by a camera, detects the loading status of the baggage carrier 2. The input and / or output unit 24 can be used to draw the person's attention to the fact that there are still items of baggage / objects in the baggage carrier 2. Once retrieval is complete, it is possible, for example, to wish a good flight and / or to display the departure gate.

[0047] In an advantageous embodiment, a sensor unit, for example formed by a second identification unit 20, is provided at an existing pick-up station, the sensor unit being designed to determine the presence of a person in front of the pick-up station and linked to the second monitoring unit 25 and the second provision system 21 such that if the sensor unit does not detect a person in front of the pick-up station 6a and the luggage carrier 2 is empty, the emptying process is completed by removing the emptied luggage carrier 2. In this way, the pick-up station can be made available to the next person as quickly as possible.

[0048] Once the removal process is complete, the cover 23 closes first and / or an optionally present gate 26 opens to allow the baggage carrier 2 to be removed. The baggage carrier 2 is transported via the second offering system 21 and / or the transport system 8, to which the second monitoring device 25 is coupled such that removal of the baggage carrier 2 from the removal station 6a is prevented (the cover 23 remains open and the gate 26 remains closed) if there are still objects in the baggage carrier 2. If the baggage carrier 2 is empty, its return to the baggage loading area 1 is initiated. The next removal process can be initiated by the second identification device 20 detecting the next person standing in front of the removal station.

[0049] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second monitoring device 25 at the pick-up station 6a, 6b, 6c may also be able to detect soiling of the luggage carrier 2, for example by a leaking liquid. The soiled luggage carrier can then be emptied in the device 18 (FIG. 1). Ejection can also occur if the luggage carrier is not emptied or is not completely emptied, if a person leaves the pick-up station 6a, 6b, 6c before the luggage carrier is completely emptied.

[0050] In the following, the provision of the baggage carriers 2 in the baggage reclaim area 6 will be explained in more detail below with reference to Figures 4 and 5. The buffer 22 preferably has a plurality of buffer spaces 22a-22i arranged in a plane, the buffer in particular providing a plurality of parallel buffer rows each having a plurality of buffer spaces 22a-22c, 22d-22f and 22g-22c.

[0051] The second supply system 21 comprises a transport unit 27 for moving the load carriers 2 in the x and y directions, the transport unit 27 being provided between the buffer 22 and the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c and designed to transfer a load carrier 2 supplied from the buffer 22 to the transport unit 27 to each of the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c. The transfer of a requested load carrier 2 to one of the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c preferably takes place in the same plane, which ensures a particularly fast transfer.

[0052] To transport the load carriers 2 within the buffer 22, each buffer space 22a-22i is designed with an individually controllable conveyor unit 28 (schematically indicated as an arrow) for moving the load carriers 2 in the x-direction. Furthermore, at each removal station 6a, 6b, 6c, a displacement unit 29 is provided for displacing the load carriers 2 between the removal station 6a, 6b, 6c and the transfer unit 27. In this way, the load carriers 2 can be transported from the buffer 22 to the transfer unit 27 in the x-direction and then further transported in the x-direction to the next removal station 6a, 6b, 6c, or first transported in the y-direction to the desired removal station 6a, 6b, 6c and then transferred in the x-direction to this removal station 6a, 6b, 6c. The individually controllable conveyor units 28, the transfer unit 27, and the displacement unit 29 together constitute the second delivery system 21, which is designed in particular as a belt or roller conveyor, or as a combination of both conveyor types.

[0053] In the illustrated exemplary embodiment, in the buffer, the load carriers 2 can only be transported in a row formed, for example, by the buffer spaces 22a, 22b, and 22c. However, if, for example, a load carrier 2 located in the buffer space 22a is required at the removal station 6a, the conveyor line may be blocked by the load carriers 2 located in the buffer spaces 22b and / or 22c. Nevertheless, to allow the load carrier to be provided by the buffer space 22a as quickly as possible, the second providing system 21 provides in each buffer space 22a-22i a lifting mechanism 30 for lifting the associated load carrier 2 in the z-direction, such that the lifting mechanism 30 brings the load carrier 2 in the buffer row into a raised position (see FIG. 5), the gap created during the lifting being sufficient to allow other load carriers 2, in this case the load carrier in the buffer space 22a, to pass under the load carrier in the raised position (arrow 31). In this way, a later-introduced baggage carrier 2 in the buffer 22 can overtake other previously introduced baggage carriers if they are requested in advance at one of the removal stations. In principle, it is also conceivable to lower a baggage carrier instead of raising it so that it can pass behind it. In principle, it is not necessary to equip the rear buffer spaces 22a, 22d, and 22g with a lifting mechanism. However, in this case, even a baggage carrier 2 currently being transported to the buffer 22 by the transport system 8 can be transferred to one of the removal stations 6a, 6b, and 6c. To introduce the baggage carriers 2 into the buffer 22, a distribution device 32 is also provided, which is arranged between the transport system 8 and the buffer 22. Similar to the transfer unit 27, the distribution device 32 is designed to displace the baggage carriers 2 in the x- and y-directions, thus allowing the next baggage carrier 2 to be introduced into each of the rows of buffers extending in the x-direction.

[0054] Since the space available for transporting loaded baggage carriers and returned empty baggage carriers is usually limited, it makes sense for the transport system 8' to be at least partially arranged in a second plane for returning empty baggage carriers 2. In the illustrated exemplary embodiment (FIG. 5), the transfer unit 27 has at least one empty crate lifting mechanism 33, which is designed to transfer emptied baggage carriers 2 displaced from the removal stations 6a, 6b, 6c to the transfer unit 27. The empty crate lifting mechanism 33 is connected to the transport system 8' for returning empty baggage carriers 2 to the baggage loading area 1.

[0055] In the baggage reclaim area 6, at least one waiting area 34 (FIG. 4) can also be provided for people 35 who want to collect their baggage, which waiting area 34 is paired with all existing pick-up stations or all pick-up stations paired with a zone, here 6a, 6b, 6c, and at least one third identification device 36 is provided in the waiting area 34, which identification device detects the personal identifier of a person who can next go to at least one of the pick-up stations 6a, 6b, 6c, and the third identification device 36 interacts with the second providing system 21 for the accelerated transfer of a baggage carrier 2 linked to the personal identifier. The linked baggage carrier 2 can therefore be transported forward on the transport unit 27 while the person is still in the waiting area or is currently moving to a free pick-up station. The baggage carrier 2 can then be transported particularly quickly to the pick-up station 6a, 6b, 6c, and then this person actually turns around.

Claims

1. 1. A security inspection system, comprising: a luggage loading area (1) for loading person's luggage in at least one luggage carrier (2); a baggage inspection station (3) for imaging examination of said baggage; a baggage collection area (6) having at least one buffer (22) for a plurality of baggage-laden baggage carriers (2), each buffer (22) being paired with a plurality of pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c), and a delivery system (21) for transporting the baggage-laden baggage carriers (2) from the buffer (22) to one of the pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c); a transport system (8, 8') for transporting the loaded luggage carriers from the luggage loading area through the luggage inspection station to the luggage recovery area and returning empty luggage carriers to the luggage loading area; 1. A security inspection system, characterized in that the supply system (21) is designed to transport each baggage carrier (2) loaded with baggage and located in the buffer (22) to each of the corresponding removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carriers (2) were introduced into the buffer (22).

2. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the buffer (22) has a plurality of buffer spaces (22a to 22i) arranged in a plane.

3. 2. The security inspection system of claim 1, wherein the buffer (22) comprises a plurality of parallel rows of buffers, each having a plurality of buffer spaces (22a-22b, 22d-22f, 22g-22i).

4. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, wherein the supply system (21) comprises at least one conveyor unit (28) for displacing the luggage carriers (2) in the x-direction and at least one transfer unit (27) for displacing the luggage carriers (2) in the x-direction and the y-direction, the transfer unit (27) being provided between the buffer (22) and the removal stations (6 a, 6 b, 6 c) and designed to transfer the luggage carriers (2) supplied from the buffer (22) to the transfer unit (27) to each of the removal stations (6 a, 6 b, 6 c).

5. 4. The security inspection system according to claim 3, characterized in that the provision system (21) has at least one lifting mechanism (30) for lifting one or more luggage carriers (2) in the z-direction, the lifting mechanism (30) being designed to lift one or more luggage carriers (2) in the row of buffers to a raised position, and the created gap generated during lifting is sufficient to allow other luggage carriers (2) to pass under the luggage carriers (2) in the raised position.

6. 4. The security inspection system according to claim 3, wherein the buffer (22) has a plurality of buffer spaces (22a-22i), a plurality of pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c) are paired with the buffer (22), and at least twice as many buffer spaces are provided as there are pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c).

7. 2. The security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that the buffer (22) comprises a plurality of buffer spaces (22a-22i), each buffer space (22a-22i) being designed with an independently controllable conveyor unit (28) for displacing the luggage carriers (2) in the x-direction.

8. 5. A security inspection system according to claim 4, characterized in that each removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) has a displacement unit (29) for displacing the luggage carrier (2) between said removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) and said transfer unit (27).

9. A security inspection system as described in claim 7, characterized in that the transfer unit (27) cooperates with at least one empty crate lifting mechanism (33) designed to transport empty luggage carriers (2) displaced from the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) to the transfer unit (27), and the empty crate lifting mechanism (33) is connected to a return conveying path for returning the empty luggage carriers (2) to the luggage loading area (1).

10. 2. A security inspection system according to claim 1, characterized in that a first identification device (10) for detecting a personal identifier of the person is provided in the baggage loading area (1), the identification device interacting with a data processing device (11) for linking the personal identifier of the person to the baggage carrier (2) on which the person's baggage is located.

11. 11. The security inspection system according to claim 10, characterized in that each pick-up station (6a, 6b, 6c) comprises a second identification device (20) for detecting the personal identifier of the person standing in front of said pick-up station (6a, 6b, 6c), and the second identification unit (20) is linked to the provision system (21) for transporting the luggage carrier (2) linked to the personal identifier of the person to said pick-up station (6a, 6b, 6c).

12. 12. The security inspection system according to claim 11, characterized in that the baggage reclaim area (6) has at least one waiting area (34) for people who want to collect their baggage, the waiting area (34) being paired with the plurality of pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c), and at least one third identification device (36) is provided in the waiting area (34) to detect at least the personal identifier of the person who can then go to one of the pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c), the third identification device (36) interacting with the offering system (21) for accelerated transport of the baggage carrier (2) linked to the personal identifier.

13. 13. The security inspection system according to claim 12, characterized in that the baggage reclaim area (6) is divided into at least two zones, each having a buffer (22), and at least one removal station (6a, 6b, 6c) is paired with said buffer (22).

14. A person screening station (4) is provided between the baggage loading area (1) and the baggage collection area (6), the baggage reclaim area (6) is designed for baggage that has not been rejected at the baggage inspection station (3); a follow-up inspection area (7) is provided for baggage rejected at said baggage inspection station (3); 11. The security inspection system of claim 10, characterized in that after the person screening station, an information device (5) is provided, the information device (5) having a further identification device for detecting the personal identifier of a person standing in front of the information device (5), the information device (5) being further designed to provide an indication, the indication indicating whether the baggage is being provided to the baggage reclaim area (6) or to the follow-up inspection area (7).

15. A security inspection method, comprising the steps of: In said baggage loading area (1), a person places his / her baggage in at least one baggage carrier (2), The baggage in the baggage carrier (2) is subjected to an imaging test in the baggage inspection station (3); the luggage carriers (2) are transported together with the luggage to and introduced into a luggage collection area (6) having at least one buffer (22) for a plurality of luggage carriers (2), the buffer (22) being paired with a plurality of pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c); the baggage carriers (2) loaded with baggage are transferred from the buffer (22) to the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) and can be emptied at the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c); The empty luggage carriers (2) are returned to the luggage loading area (1), A security inspection method characterized in that each baggage carrier (2) loaded with baggage and located in the buffer (22) can be transferred to each of the corresponding removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) in any order, regardless of the order in which the baggage carriers (2) were introduced into the buffer (22).

16. 15. The security screening method according to claim 14, characterized in that in the baggage loading area (1), the personal identifier of the person is detected by a first identification device (10) and linked to the baggage carrier (2) on which the person's baggage is located.

17. 16. The security inspection method according to claim 15, characterized in that the personal identifier of the person standing in front of one of the removal stations (6a, 6b, 6c) is detected by a second identification device (20) and the luggage carrier (2) linked to the personal identifier of the person is transferred from the buffer (22) to the removal station (6a, 6b, 6c).

18. 17. The security inspection method according to claim 16, characterized in that the baggage reclaim area (6) has at least one waiting area (34) for people who want to collect their baggage, the waiting area (34) is paired with the plurality of pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c), the personal identifier of at least the person who can then go to one of the pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c) is detected by a third identification device (36), and the transfer from the buffer (22) of the person has already started before the person moves to one of the pick-up stations (6a, 6b, 6c) in order to accelerate the provision of the baggage carrier (2) linked to the personal identifier of the person.

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