Systems and methods for self-service check-in

Abstract

Some embodiments relate to a self-service check-in system. The system comprises a kiosk manager configured to receive data associated to a passenger; a caching module; and a bag drop manager. The caching module may be configured to: receive passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network, store the passenger booking data received from the kiosk manager in a data cache, query a centralised booking management system over a second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system, the second data network different to the first data network, and store the passenger booking data received from the centralised booking management system in the data cache. The bag drop manager may be configured to: receive a bag tag identifier and query the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking from the caching module. Other embodiments relate to a method of providing self-service check-in, a self-service bag drop system, and a method of providing self-service bag drop.

Description

SYSTEMS AND METHODS FOR SELF-SERVICE CHECK-INFIELD

[0001] The invention relates to systems and methods for providing self-service check-in and / or self-service bag drop to passengers prior to travel.BACKGROUND

[0002] As travel becomes more accessible, there are greater numbers of passengers passing through airports in order to reach their destinations. Airlines and airports offer self-service channels to improve the customer experience and passenger processing volume capabilities with customer convenience and more efficient use of space in an increasingly busy airport environment.

[0003] During the travel process passengers often check baggage for travel at the airport concourse area or off airport prior to proceeding to travel. One such self-service channel utilised by airlines and airports is a self-service bag drop device. A passenger first interacts with a self-service kiosk remote from the self-service bag drop device to print a baggage tag for each item of checked baggage. The passenger attaches the baggage tag(s) to their checked baggage, and proceeds to a self-service bag drop device.

[0004] The passenger then interacts with the self-service bag drop device. The passenger places their baggage to be checked on a conveyor belt system. The baggage tag attached to each item of baggage can be verified before being accepted by the baggage handling system. Information retrieved from baggage tags is used by the airline and airports to route the associated bags to ensure that the bag reaches the destination of the passenger. The bag is handled by the airport and airline from the self-service bag drop through to the point of collection.

[0005] Self-service bag drop uses data provided by airline systems over a network that can become congested and slow during periods of peak activity. This congestion has the potential to restrict the throughput capacity of the operations of airports and airlines.

[0006] Airlines and airports are responsible for routing checked bags from the self-service bag drop device to the point of collection. This routing may involve multiple steps of baggage handling and transportation. There is a potential for checked bags to suffer damage during the routing process. There is a risk that an airline or airport may receive a claim in relation to bags that were damaged prior to the occasion of travel and / or bags that have a high likelihood of suffering damage.

[0007] For security reasons, there is often a need to verify that a person depositing a checked bag at a self-service bag drop device is the same person that is identified on a corresponding booking for travel. The verification process has the potential to slow the baggage check process significantly for each passenger. The process has the potential to reduce the efficiency of self-service bag drop technology.

[0008] One or more embodiments of the present disclosure address or ameliorate at least one disadvantage or shortcoming of prior techniques, or at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

[0009] Any discussion of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present disclosure as it existed before the priority date of each of the appended claims.SUMMARY

[0010] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-service check-in system. The system comprises: a kiosk manager configured to receive data associated to apassenger; a caching module configured to: receive passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network, store the passenger booking data received from the kiosk manager in a data cache, query a centralised booking management system over a second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system, the second data network different to the first data network, and store the passenger booking data received from the centralised booking management system in the data cache; and a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking from the caching module.

[0011] The term 'comprising' as used in this specification means 'consisting at least in part of'. When interpreting each statement in this specification that includes the term 'comprising', features other than that or those prefaced by the term may also be present. Related terms such as 'comprise' and 'comprises' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0012] The bag drop manager may be further configured to: query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.

[0013] The bag drop manager may further comprise a query manager, the query manager configured to: receive a first timestamp associated to a time of at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager; receive a second timestamp associated to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager, the second timestamp greater than the first timestamp; compare a time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp to a time threshold; and based at least partly on the comparison between the time difference and the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query either the caching module over the first data network or the centralised booking system over the second data network.

[0014] The query manager may be configured to: responsive to determining that the time difference is lower than the threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the caching module over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and responsive to determining that the time difference is greater than the threshold,causing the bag drop manager to query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.

[0015] The query manager may be configured to receive the first timestamp from the caching module.

[0016] The kiosk device may include a user interface configured to present information to a passenger and to receive data input from the passenger.

[0017] The data from the passenger may include one or more of booking reference data, passport data, and boarding pass data.

[0018] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of providing self- service check-in. The method comprises: a kiosk manager receiving data associated to a passenger; a caching module receiving passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network; the caching module transmitting a caching module query over a second data network, the second data network different to the first data network; the caching module receiving passenger booking data over the second data network in response to transmitting the caching module query; a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query to the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier; and the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data from the caching module over the first data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query.

[0019] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-service bag drop system. The system comprises: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier; at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the item of baggage while the baggage is received by the bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module configured to perform an assessment of the item of baggage at least partly from theat least one captured image; and an alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.

[0020] The baggage assessment module may be configured to perform the assessment of the item of baggage so as to determine at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.

[0021] The baggage assessment module may be configured to: transmit the at least one image over the data network; and receive, over the data network, a determination that at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.

[0022] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of providing self- service bag drop. The method comprises: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network; the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.

[0023] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a self-service bag drop system. The system comprises: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier from a person; at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the person delivering the item of baggage to the bag deposit apparatus; an identity assessment module configured to determine an identity of the person at least partly from the at least one captured image; and an alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the determination of the identity of the person.

[0024] The identity assessment module may be configured to perform at least one of: biometric recognition, and image matching of at least part of the at least one image with at least part of the passenger booking data.

[0025] The alert module may be configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person does not match an identity of a passenger associated to the passenger booking data.

[0026] The alert module may be configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person cannot be determined.

[0027] Some embodiments of the present disclosure relate to a method of providing self- service bag drop. The method comprises: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network; the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0028] Preferred forms of systems and methods for providing self-service check-in and / or self-service bag drop will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying figures in which:

[0029] Figure 1 shows an example of a self-service check-in system;

[0030] Figure 2 shows an example of a method performed by the self-service kiosk of figure1;

[0031] Figure 3 shows an example of a method performed by the self-service bag drop of figure 1;

[0032] Figure 4 shows an example of a modification of the self-service check-in system of figure 1 to perform extraction of passenger booking data;

[0033] Figure 5 shows an example of a process of extraction of passenger booking data in the self-service check-in system of figure 4;

[0034] Figure 6 shows an example of a modification of the self-service check-in system of figure 1 to perform further analysis of baggage;

[0035] Figure 7 shows an example of a process for performing assessment of a bag placed in a bag deposit area of the self-service check-in system of figure 6;

[0036] Figure 8 shows an example of a modification of the self-service check-in system of figure 1 to perform verification of the integrity of the custodianship of a given piece of luggage;

[0037] Figure 9 shows an example of a process for ensuring valid single custodianship of a bag being checked in a self-service check-in system of figure 8; and

[0038] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a computing device configured to implement components of the systems for self-service check-in and / or self-service bag drop.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0039] Figure 1 shows an example of a self-service check-in system 100. In an embodiment, system 100 is configured to enable a passenger to check-in for a travel service on an aircraft, train, ferry, or cruise ship.

[0040] System 100 may include a self-service kiosk 105. Kiosk 105 may include kiosk device 110. Kiosk 110 may include, or be connected to, a user interface 115. User interface 115 may comprise a touchscreen display, speaker and / or microphone interface, or other interface that can be used to present information to a passenger and receive input from the passenger.

[0041] In an embodiment, user interface 115 is configured such that a passenger interaction causes user interface 115 to scan an identifying document, for example a boarding pass or passport. User interface 115 may be configured to permit the passenger to interact with user interface 115 by manually entering personal details associated to the passenger.

[0042] In an embodiment, user interface 115 is configured to obtain from a passenger personally identifiable information (PH), also referred to as passenger information. Examples of PH include a passenger full name, date of birth, passport number, nationality, travel itinerary, frequent flyer number, and contact information (email, phone number).

[0043] Kiosk device 110 may include, or be connected to, at least one kiosk manager. One example of a kiosk manager includes a first kiosk manager, shown in figure 1 as modern kiosk application 120. Kiosk device 110 may include, or be connected to, a second kiosk manager, shown in figure 1 as legacy kiosk application 125. In an embodiment, at least some of the functions of first kiosk manager 120 and second kiosk manager 125 are provided by a single manager application.

[0044] In an embodiment, kiosk manager 120 may use at least some of the personal details or Pll received from the passenger to query a centralised booking management system 130. Booking management system 130 may be associated to an airline carrier in the following example. It will be appreciated that booking management system 130 may alternatively be associated to a train, ferry, or cruise ship operator.

[0045] Kiosk manager 120 may be configured to execute queries based on at least some of the passenger information data so as to retrieve, from booking management system 130, passenger booking data associated to the passenger. Passenger booking data is typically associated to a passenger reservation and is stored in a passenger name record (PNR).

[0046] Kiosk manager 120 may receive the passenger booking data retrieved from booking management system 130. Once received, the passenger booking data may be stored in memory 135 for subsequent retrieval by kiosk manager 120. Booking management system 130 may need to be queried multiple times in order to retrieve all the passenger booking data that is required to handle a passenger check-in.

[0047] In an embodiment, kiosk manager 120 may use at least some of the personal details or PH received from the passenger to query booking management system 130. The queries are made so as to retrieve, from booking management system 130, passenger booking data associated to the passenger.

[0048] In a similar manner to kiosk manager 120, kiosk manager 125 may receive the passenger booking data retrieved from booking management system 130. Once received, the passenger booking data may be stored in memory 135 for subsequent retrieval by kiosk manager 120 and / or kiosk manager 125. Booking management system 130 may need to be queried multiple times in order to retrieve all the passenger booking data that is required to handle a passenger check-in.

[0049] Once kiosk manager 120 and / or kiosk manager 125 has retrieved the passenger booking data associated to the passenger, at least some of the passenger booking data is printed on a bag tag by a bag tag printer 140. A bag tag is typically printed for each individual piece of luggage a passenger wishes to check. The passenger attaches the printed bag tags to respective pieces of luggage and commences a self-service bag drop process further described below.

[0050] As shown in figure 1, kiosk manager 120 is connected to booking management system 130 via a first data network 160. Kiosk manager 120 may be configured to receive passenger booking data from booking management system 130 over first data network 160.

[0051] Similarly to kiosk manager 120, kiosk manager 125 is connected to booking management system 130 via first data network 160. Kiosk manager 125 may be configured to receive passenger booking data from booking management system 130 over first data network 160.

[0052] In an embodiment, kiosk manager 120 may be connected to a caching module 150 via a second data network 170. Caching module 150 may in turn include, or be connected to, a data cache 155. Caching module 150 may be configured to receive passenger booking data from kiosk manager 120 over second data network 170 and store the passenger booking data received from the kiosk manager 120 in data cache.

[0053] In an embodiment, first data network 160 comprises a different and separate data network to second data network 170.

[0054] In an embodiment, kiosk manager 120 is connected to at least one other component of system 100 via second data network 170 and is also connected to at least one other component of system 100 via first data network 160. Kiosk manager 120 is connected to both second data network 170 and second data network 160.

[0055] Kiosk manager 125 on the other hand is connected to at least one other component of system 100 via first data network 160 but is not also connected to any other component of system 100 via second data network 170. Kiosk manager 125 is connected to first data network 160 but is not connected to second data network 170.

[0056] Booking management system 130 is connected to both kiosk manager 120 and kiosk manager 125 via first data network 160. Booking management system 130 may be connected to caching module 150 over first data network 160 as described below with reference to figure 4. However, booking management system 130 is not also connected to any other component of system 100 via second data network 170. Booking management system 130 is connected to first data network 160 but is not connected to second data network 170.

[0057] Self-service check-in system 100 may further include a self-service bag drop 180 that includes a self-service bag drop device 185. Device 185 is typically managed by a bag drop manager 190. A passenger who has used self-service kiosk 105 to check in, may have baggage to drop off. The passenger arrives at a location proximate to self-service bag drop device 185. The passenger has with them one or bags having bag tags attached to respective bags.

[0058] The passenger places a checked bag in a bag deposit area 195. Bag deposit area 195 may include a conveyor. The passenger operates a user interface device 198. User interface 198 may include a touch screen to permit the passenger to provide data to bag drop manager 195. User interface 198 may include a handheld bar code scanner configured to retrieve a bag tag identifier from a printed bag tag. Bag drop manager 190 may be configured to retrieve the bag tag identifier automatically from the printed bag tag.

[0059] In an embodiment, bag drop manager 190 is connected to caching module 150 via second data network 170. Bag drop manager 190 may be configured to query caching module 150 over second data network 170 using the retrieved bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking data from caching module 150.

[0060] In an embodiment, bag drop manager 190 is connected to booking management system 130 via first data network 160. Bag drop manager 190 may be configured to query booking management system 130 over first data network 160 using the retrieved bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking data from booking management system 130.

[0061] In an embodiment, bag drop manager 190 is connected to both caching module 150 via second data network 170, and to booking management system 130 via first data network 160.

[0062] Bag drop manager 190 may include, or be interfaced to, a query manager 199. Query manager 199 may be configured to select caching module 150 from which to retrieve passenger booking data via second data network 170. Query manager may be configured to select booking management system 130 from which to receive passenger booking data via first data network 160. Examples of criteria for query manager 199 to select second data network 170 and / or first data network 160 are further discussed below. Bag drop manager 195 then queries caching module 150 and / or booking management system 130 depending on the selection of query manager 199.

[0063] Kiosk manager 120 and / or kiosk manager 125 may assign a first timestamp to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with self-service kiosk 105. In an embodiment, the first timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with user interface115. In an embodiment, the first timestamp represents a time at which bag tag printer 140 prints the bag tag for the passenger to attach to an item of luggage.

[0064] Bag drop manager 190 may assign a second timestamp to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with self-service bag drop 180. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with user interface 198. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which user interface 198 receives the bag tag identifier. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger places an item of luggage in bag deposit area 195.

[0065] A passenger will typically interact with self-service kiosk 105 to complete a check in process. Where the passenger has checked bags, the passenger will then interact with self- service bag drop 180. Therefore, the second timestamp is likely to be greater than the first timestamp.

[0066] In an embodiment, bag drop manager 190 may compare a time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp. This time difference may represent a time value defined as a difference between a first time when the passenger interacts with self- service kiosk 105 and a second time when the passenger interacts with self-service bag drop 180.

[0067] The first timestamp and / or the second timestamp may be maintained by caching module 150. Bag drop manager 190 may be configured to retrieve the first timestamp and / or the second timestamp from caching module 150 via second data network 170.

[0068] Bag drop manager 190 may determine, or receive, a time threshold. The time threshold may represent a usual or expected time difference between a passenger interaction with self-service kiosk 105 and a passenger interaction with self-service bag drop 180. The time threshold may include a fixed time value, for example a value selected from the range 5 minutes to 20 minutes. The time threshold may include a calculated time value, for example a median time value or an average time value based on prior interactions of passengers.

[0069] The time threshold may represent, for example, a maximum allowed time between when a passenger prints a bag tag and when bag drop manager 190 retrieves the information from caching module 150. The information maintained by caching module 150 is typically accurate at the time a bag tag is printed. However, it is possible that some critical information about a passenger booking may have changed between the first timestamp representing a time of data collection and the second timestamp representing a time that bag drop manager 190 requests the information.

[0070] If a passenger takes longer than the time threshold, it becomes more likely that a key item has changed on the passenger booking and therefore the passenger booking data maintained by caching module 150 is incorrect and / or out of date. In an embodiment, caching module 150 may maintain passenger booking data temporarily for the duration of the time threshold during which the passenger booking data is presumed to be valid.

[0071] As described above, query manager 199 may be configured to cause bag drop manager 190 to query either caching module 150 over second data network 170, or booking management system 130 over first data network 160.

[0072] One example of criteria for this determination by query manager 199 is based at least partly on the comparison between the calculated time difference and the time threshold. The comparison may include a comparison between an observed time difference between a passenger interaction with self-service kiosk 105 and a passenger interaction with self-service bag drop 180, and a usual or expected time difference between a passenger interaction with self-service kiosk 105 and a passenger interaction with self-service bag drop 180.

[0073] Where the observed time difference is lower than the time threshold, query manager 199 may be configured to cause bag drop manager 190 to query caching module 150 over second data network 170. This action may be a first preference for faster turnaround of the passenger booking retrieval process. As booking management system 130 is not connected to second data network 170, an expected performance speed of second data network 170 may be greater than an expected performance speed of first data network 160.Caching module 150 may be queried over a faster network in cases where it is likely that the passenger booking data maintained by caching module 150 is valid.

[0074] Where the observed time difference is greater than the time threshold, query manager 199 may be configured to cause bag drop manager 190 to query booking management system 130 over first data network 160. This action may be a second preference for a slower turnaround of the passenger retrieval process. As booking management system 130 is connected to first data network 160, an expected performance speed of first data network 160 may be less than an expected performance speed of second data network 170. Booking management system 130 may be queried over a slower network in cases where it is unlikely that the passenger booking data maintained by caching module 150 is valid.

[0075] It will be appreciated that where the observed time difference is equal to the time threshold, query manager 199 may cause bag drop manager 190 to query either caching module 150 or booking management system 130. In an embodiment, query manager 199 is configured in advance to select either caching module 150 or booking management system 130.

[0076] Figure 2 shows an example of a method 200 performed by a self-service kiosk, for example self-service kiosk 105 described above with reference to figure 1.

[0077] Self-service kiosk 105 may detect 205 an interaction with a passenger. As described above, this interaction could include user interface 115 being caused to scan an identifying document. This interaction could include user interface 115 receiving manually entered personal details associated to the passenger. This interaction could include a bag printer 140 being caused to print a bag tag for the passenger to attach to an item of luggage.

[0078] A component of self-service kiosk 105, for example kiosk manager 120 and / or kiosk manager 125, may assign 210 a first timestamp to the passenger interaction. In an embodiment, the first timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with the user interface 115. In an embodiment, the first timestamp represents a time at which bag tag printer 140 prints the bag tag for the passenger to attach to an item of luggage.

[0079] A component of self-service kiosk 105, for example kiosk manager 120, may execute queries against booking management system 130 so as to retrieve 215 passenger booking data associated to the passenger. The passenger booking data may be retrieved from booking management system 130 over first data network 160.

[0080] The retrieved passenger booking data may be transmitted 220 to caching module 150 over second data network 170. The first timestamp may also be transmitted to caching module 150 over second data network 170.

[0081] Figure 3 shows an example of a method 300 performed by a self-service bag drop, for example self-service bag drop 180 described above with reference to figure 1.

[0082] Self-service bag drop 180 may detect 305 an interaction with a passenger. As described above, this interaction could include a passenger interacting with user interface 198. A passenger interaction could include a passenger placing an item of luggage in bag deposit area 195.

[0083] A component of self-service bag drop 180, for example bag drop manager 190, may assign 310 a second timestamp to the passenger interaction. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with user interface 198. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which user interface 198 receives a bag tag identifier. In an embodiment, the second timestamp represents a time at which a passenger places an item of luggage in bag deposit area 195.

[0084] Bag drop manager 190 may determine an observed time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp. This observed time difference is compared 315 with a time threshold.

[0085] If the observed time difference is within a time threshold then bag drop manager may be configured to retrieve 320 passenger booking data from caching module 150 over second data network 170.

[0086] On the other hand, if the observed time difference is greater than a time threshold then bag drop manager may be configured to retrieve 325 passenger booking data from booking management system 130 over first data network 160.

[0087] Figure 4 shows an example of a modification of self-service check-in system 100 to perform extraction of passenger booking data.

[0088] As described above, kiosk manager 120 may be configured to transmit passenger booking data to caching module 150 over second data network 170. Kiosk manager may also be configured to cause printer 140 to print at least one bag tag associated to an item of luggage. The bag tag(s) include at least one bag tag identifier.

[0089] As shown in figure 4, kiosk manager 120 may be configured to transmit print content to a data extractor 400 over second data network 170 where it can be decoded. Passenger booking data is extracted by data extractor and transmitted to caching module 150 over second data network 170.

[0090] In this example, caching module 150 is configured to query booking management system 130 over first data network 160 in order to obtain complete passenger booking data. This passenger booking data is then available for queries from bag drop manager 190 over second data network 170 for example.

[0091] In an embodiment, caching module 150 stores passenger booking data temporarily for a time period during which the passenger booking data is presumed to be valid. The data may be presumed to be valid, for example, where an observed time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp is lower than a time threshold.

[0092] Figure 5 shows an example of a process 500 for extraction of passenger booking data.

[0093] In an embodiment, extraction of the passenger booking data is performed from the bag tag printing action initiated by kiosk manager 120 and performed by printer 140.Passenger booking data may be decoded and transmitted to caching module 150 over second data network 170 for later use.

[0094] Kiosk manager 120 initiates a bag tag print by sending 500 print content to bag tag printer 140 via the kiosk device 110. The bag tag is printed 505 normally by the bag tag printer device 140.

[0095] In parallel, the generated print content may also be sent 510 to data extractor 400 where it can be decoded. Passenger booking information is decoded and extracted 515 and transmitted 520 to caching module 150.

[0096] Upon receipt of the booking information, caching module 150 is able to make requests to booking management system 130 in order to complete the set of data so it is usable for later requests from self-service bag drop, for example. Caching module 150 stores the booking information temporarily for a time period during which the data is presumed to be valid, as described above.

[0097] Figure 6 shows an example of a modification of self-service check-in system 100 to perform further analysis of passengers and baggage.

[0098] As described above with reference to figure 1, self-service bag drop 180 is shown as including, or connected to, bag deposit area 195. Bag deposit area 195 may include bag deposit apparatus that is configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier. Bag deposit apparatus may include, for example, a conveyor.

[0099] Shown in figure 6 are examples of devices configured to record and store various properties of an item of checked baggage while the item of checked baggage is received by bag deposit apparatus in bag deposit area 195. The devices may be configured, for example, record properties of the item of checked baggage while it is placed on the conveyor.

[0100] One example of a recording device is an image capture device 600 configured to capture at least one image of the item of checked baggage. Image capture device 600 may be configured to capture a single image, or a video sequence comprising a plurality of images.Other recording devices include one or more of: a dimension sensor device 605, an infrared / LIDAR device 610, a proximity detection device 615, and other sensor devices 620.

[0101] System 100 may include a baggage assessment module 625 in communication with bag drop manager 190. Baggage assessment module 625 may be configured to perform an assessment of the item of baggage at least partly from the at least one image captured by image capture device 600. One example of an assessment is to determine whether or not an item of baggage is damaged. One example of an assessment is to determine whether or not an item of baggage is likely to be damaged during the baggage handling process.

[0102] Baggage assessment module 625 may be interfaced to a computer vision system, pre-trained machine learning model, or other comparison system to analyse and identify if the item of baggage is damaged or is of another shape or type which may require indemnity for the airline or airport as the carrier. A confidence-based process may be used to make this determination.

[0103] In an embodiment, baggage assessment module 625 is configured to perform the assessment locally proximal to self-service bag dropl80. In an embodiment, baggage assessment module 625 is configured to transmit the images(s) captured by image capture device 600 over first data network 160 and / or second data network 170 for assessment by a system or service remote from self-service bag drop 180. Baggage assessment module 625 may be configured to receive, over first data network 160 and / or second data network 170, an assessment of the item of baggage.

[0104] A bag alert module 630 may be configured to generate an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module 625. For example, if the item of baggage is identified as requiring indemnity or similar agreement to be made by the passenger, then bag alert module 630 may generate an alert indicating a request for human airline staff / agent assistance. In an embodiment, an alert generated by bag alert module 630 is provided to other components of system 100 for automatic processing.

[0105] Bag alert module 630 may be configured to transmit an alert to a human agent via network transmission to an agent-used device such as a mobile device or monitoringworkstation, or similar. The human agent may then advise the passenger of the indemnity requirement, offer that agreement to the passenger, and then capture and record if the passenger declines or accepts the agreement.

[0106] In an embodiment, responsive to bag alert module 630 generating an alert, user interface 198 advises the passenger of the indemnity requirement, offer that agreement to the passenger, and then capture and record if the passenger declines or accepts the agreement.

[0107] In an embodiment, responsive to bag alert module 630 generating an alert, a mobile application on a device operated by the passenger advises the passenger of the indemnity requirement, offer that agreement to the passenger, and then capture and record if the passenger declines or accepts the agreement.

[0108] Regardless of the method of capture of the agreement, the system may also capture and store the agreement outcome as well as the collected data of the item being checked including, but not limited to, images, video, dimensions, bag tag number, and other identifying information and metadata. The agreement outcome and collected data may be stored in a specialised system or service for storage of this data.

[0109] In an embodiment, bag drop manager 190 transmits updates to passenger booking data to booking management system 130 of the airline, airport, or other travel provider to capture the record of the passenger's agreement for later retrieval and reference if required. The passenger booking data may be transmitted over first data network 160.

[0110] Figure 7 shows an example of a process 700 for performing assessment of a bag placed in a bag deposit area 195 of a self-service bag drop system 100 such as the system described above with reference to figure 6. The process includes assessing the bag for any damage or high risk of damage.

[0111] When the bag is placed 705 in the bag deposit area 195 by the passenger, the bag is assessed 710 by one of more of the various devices and sensors indicated in figure 6 as image capture device 600, dimension sensor device 605, infrared / LIDAR device 610, proximitydetection device 615, and other sensor devices 620. The assessment is to determine if an item of baggage is damaged or has a high risk of potential for damage.

[0112] If the bag is determined or assessed 715 by baggage assessment module 625 to have such factors, the passenger may be prompted for acceptance of an indemnity agreement via user interface device 198. The passenger may then accept 720 the agreement, which is then stored 725 optionally, along with images and other data of the bag itself in its current state, in booking management system 130. If booking management system 130 is not capable or does not desire to store such data, the data may be stored 730 in a specialised data store, for example caching module 150.

[0113] The stored data and agreement capture can be retrieved later if needed in order to prove acceptance of the indemnity agreement or otherwise retrieve a record of the bag state at the time of checking.

[0114] Figure 8 shows an example of a modification of self-service check-in system 100 to perform verification of the integrity of the custodianship of a given piece of luggage. The system shown in figure 8 is configured to seek confirmation that the person placing the luggage item on a self-service bag drop or other luggage handover area is the exact individual person that is identified on the booking for travel.

[0115] During a self-service or human-assisted luggage check process, a passenger may place their baggage item on an apparatus within bag deposit area 195 that may contain sensors and systems including image capture device 600, dimension sensor device 605, infrared / LIDAR device 610, proximity detection device 615, and / or other sensor devices 620 that may capture data of the baggage item including, but not limited to, baggage dimensions, image and / or video, and other data.

[0116] Bag deposit area 195 may include bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier from a person. At least one image capture device, for example image capture device 600, may be configured to capture at least one image of the person delivering the item of baggage to the bag deposit apparatus.

[0117] During placement of the baggage item within bag deposit area 195, still or video cameras, depth and range devices, proximity devices which may utilise infra-red or Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) systems may be used to capture a set of data recording the baggage being placed on the bag deposit apparatus and the person that is placing the baggage on the bag deposit apparatus.

[0118] In an embodiment, an identity assessment module 800 may be configured to determine an identity of the person at least partly from the at least one captured image. The process of identifying the person who deposited the bag may be performed, for example, by detecting the physical proximity of the person to the bag deposit apparatus and tracking of that person as an object in the bag deposit area 195.

[0119] Identity assessment module 800 may be configured to use the apparatus of sensors and other devices to determine when a baggage object has been deposited by that person on bag deposit apparatus within bag deposit area 195. Identify assessment module 800 may also be configured to determine when the deposited baggage object and the person are physically separated, indicating that the person has placed the item down and is no longer holding the item, and that the person has cleared the deposit area.

[0120] An identity alert module 805 may be configured to generate an alert responsive to the determination of the identity of the person. For example, another person or object may be detected and observed by the identity assessment module 800 to be too close to the bag deposit area 195. Such proximity of the other person may impact the ability of identity assessment module 800 to confidently confirm an identity of the person.

[0121] In such cases, identity alert module 805 generates an alert in the bag deposit area 195 or generates an alert to be transmitted via a network-connected device to a nearby staff member device so they may be notified. Identity assessment module 800 may optionally perform a capture of the data collected to this point so that data such as passenger identifiers, luggage metadata, and other information may be stored for later retrieval.

[0122] User interface 198, for example may advise the passenger or persons to stand clear for the process to proceed. Optionally if configured, identity assessment module 800 may end the process at this point automatically and not allow the baggage check process to proceed.

[0123] Identity assessment module 800 may detect another person or object too close to the bag deposit area 195 in a way that impacts the ability of the identity assessment module 800 to confirm confidently the identity of the person depositing the bag. In such cases, a nearby staff member may be able to manually verify the integrity of the bag deposit process and provide an authorised override that allows the system to check and accept the bag.

[0124] If identity assessment module 800 can confidently confirm that the person placing the baggage on the bag deposit apparatus in bag deposit area 195 is the same person as identified on the booking record, then the bag drop manager 190 may permit the bag to be checked and accepted, and the passenger may proceed to check additional luggage if desired following the same process described above.

[0125] Figure 9 shows an example of a process 900 for ensuring valid single custodianship of a bag being checked. Process 900 is suited to application within a self-service bag drop system 100 such as the system described above with reference to figure 8. The process may determine, for example, that the passenger that places the bag on the bag deposit area 195 is the passenger identified in the current booking.

[0126] As the passenger approaches and places 905 a bag in bag deposit area 195, one or more of the sensors 600, 605, 610, 615, and / or 620 begin assessment 910 of the passenger, the bag, and the act of placing the bag in the bag deposit area 195.

[0127] The passenger may have their identity verified during this process optionally by using a biometric recognition method or other identity verification method. Bag drop manager 190 may be confident that the same person has placed the bag in bag deposit area 195.

[0128] If identity assessment module 260 is confident 915 of single custodianship, then the bag can be successfully checked both physically and systematically in the booking management system 130. If identity assessment module 260 is unable 920 to confirm singlecustodianship of the bag in the bag deposit area 195, then bag drop manager 190 may send and store the bag data in booking management system 130.

[0129] Identity alert module 805 may then notify 925 the passenger of the error using user interface 198 and / or notify a staff member for assistance who can then potentially manually verify the passenger identity and valid custodianship of the bag. If the staff member is able to manually verify the passenger's identity and custodianship, they may override 930 and instruct bag drop manager 190 to accept the bag checking.

[0130] Bag drop manager 190 may store 935 a record of the override acceptance in booking management system 130 before accepting the bag for checking. Alternatively, if the passenger identity and custodianship cannot be verified, then the bag in bag deposit area 195 can be returned automatically to the passenger and not checked at this time.

[0131] Figure 10 illustrates an example of a computing device 1000 configured to implement components of one or more embodiments described above. Examples of such components include, but are not limited to, user interface 115, kiosk manager 120, kiosk manager 125, booking management system 130, caching module 150, bag drop manager 190, user interface 198, query manager 199, and data extractor 400.

[0132] In one configuration, computing device 1000 includes at least one processing unit 1005 and computer readable media such as memory 1010. Depending on the exact configuration and type of computing device, memory 1010 may be volatile (such as RAM, for example), non-volatile (such as ROM, flash memory, etc., for example) or some combination of the two.

[0133] In other embodiments, computing device 1000 includes additional features and / or functionality. For example, device 1000 may also include additional storage (e.g., removable and / or non-removable) including, but not limited to, magnetic storage, optical storage, and the like. Such additional storage is illustrated in figure 12 by computer readable media such as storage 1015.

[0134] In an embodiment, computer readable instructions to implement components of one or more embodiments provided herein reside in storage 1015. In an embodiment, storage 1015 also stores other computer readable instructions to implement an operating system, an application program, and the like. Computer readable instructions may be loaded in memory 1010 for execution by processing unit 1005, for example.

[0135] Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, Digital Versatile Disks (DVDs) or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium configured to store the desired information and configured to be accessed by computing device 1000. Any such computer storage media may be part of device 1000.

[0136] Computing device 1000 may include communication connection(s), shown as Comms 1020, that allows device 1000 to communicate with other devices. Communication connection(s) 1020 may include, but is not limited to, a modem, a Network Interface Card (NIC), an integrated network interface, a radio frequency transmitter / receiver, an infrared port, a USB connection, or other interfaces for connecting computing device 1000 to other computing devices. Communication connection(s) 1020 may include a wired connection or a wireless connection. Communication connection(s) 1020 may transmit and / or receive communication media.

[0137] Device 1000 may include input device(s) 1025 such as keyboard, mouse, pen, voice input device, touch input device, infrared cameras, video input devices, and / or any other input device. Output device(s) 1030 such as one or more displays, speakers, printers, and / or any other output device may also be included in device 1000. Input device(s) 1025 and output device(s) 1030 may be connected to device 1000 via a wired connection, wireless connection, or any combination thereof. In one embodiment, an input device or an output device from another computing device may be used as input device(s) 1025 or output device(s) 1030 for computing device 1000.

[0138] In an embodiment, components of computing device 1000 are connected by various interconnects, such as a bus 1035. Such interconnects may include a Peripheral ComponentInterconnect (PCI), such as PCI Express, a Universal Serial Bus (USB), firewire (IEEE 13104), an optical bus structure, and the like. In another embodiment, components of computing device 1000 are interconnected by a network. For example, memory 1010 may be comprised of multiple physical memory units located in different physical locations interconnected by a network.

[0139] Storage devices used to store computer readable instructions may be distributed across a network. For example, a remote computing device (not shown) similar to device 1000, accessible via a network (not shown), may store computer readable instructions to implement one or more embodiments provided herein. Computing device 1000 may access the remote computing device and download a part or all of the computer readable instructions for execution. Alternatively, computing device 1000 may download pieces of the computer readable instructions, as needed, or some instructions may be executed at computing device 1000 and some at remote computing device.

[0140] The term 'connected to' in relation to data or signal transfer as used in this specification includes all direct or indirect types of communication, including wired and wireless, via a cellular network, via a data bus, or any other computer structure. It is envisaged that they may be intervening elements between the connected integers. Variants such as 'in communication with', 'joined to', and 'attached to' are to be interpreted in a similar manner. Related terms such as 'connecting' and 'in connection with' are to be interpreted in the same manner.

[0141] The terms 'component', 'module', 'system', 'interface', and / or the like as used in this specification in relation to a processor are generally intended to refer to a computer-related entity, either hardware, a combination of hardware and software, software, or software in execution. For example, a component may be, but is not limited to being, a process running on a processor, a processor, an object, an executable, a thread of execution, a program, and / or a computer. By way of illustration, both an application running on a controller and the controller can be a component. One or more components may reside within a process and / or thread of execution and a component may be localized on one computer and / or distributed between two or more computers.

[0142] As used herein, the term 'computer-readable medium' should be taken to include a single medium or multiple media. Examples of multiple media include a centralised or distributed database and / or associated caches. These multiple media store the one or more sets of computer executable instructions. The term 'computer readable medium' should also be taken to include any medium that is capable of storing, encoding or carrying a set of instructions for execution by a processor and that cause the processor to perform any one or more of the methods described above. The computer-readable medium is also capable of storing, encoding or carrying data structures used by or associated with these sets of instructions. The term 'computer-readable medium' includes solid-state memories, optical media and magnetic media.

[0143] The foregoing description of the invention includes preferred forms thereof. Modifications may be made thereto without departing from the scope of the invention, as defined by the accompanying claims.CLAUSES DESCRIBING EMBODIMENTS:1. A self-service check-in system, comprising: a kiosk manager configured to receive data associated to a passenger; a caching module configured to: receive passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network, store the passenger booking data received from the kiosk manager in a data cache, query a centralised booking management system over a second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system, the second data network different to the first data network, and store the passenger booking data received from the centralised booking management system in the data cache; and a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, andquery the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking from the caching module.2. The system of clause 1 wherein the bag drop manager is further configured to: query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.3. The system of clause 2 wherein the bag drop manager further comprises a query manager, the query manager configured to: receive a first timestamp associated to a time of at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager; receive a second timestamp associated to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager, the second timestamp greater than the first timestamp; compare a time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp to a time threshold; and based at least partly on the comparison between the time difference and the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query either the caching module over the first data network or the centralised booking system over the second data network.4. The system of clause 3 wherein the query manager is configured to: responsive to determining that the time difference is lower than the threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the caching module over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and responsive to determining that the time difference is greater than the threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.5. The system of clause 3 or clause 4 wherein the query manager is configured to receive the first timestamp from the caching module.6. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 5 wherein the kiosk device includes a user interface configured to present information to a passenger and to receive data input from the passenger.7. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 6 wherein the data from the passenger includes one or more of booking reference data, passport data, and boarding pass data.8. A method of providing self-service check-in, comprising: a kiosk manager receiving data associated to a passenger; a caching module receiving passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network; the caching module transmitting a caching module query over a second data network, the second data network different to the first data network; the caching module receiving passenger booking data over the second data network in response to transmitting the caching module query; a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query to the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier; and the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data from the caching module over the first data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query.9. A self-service bag drop system, comprising: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier; at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the item of baggage while the baggage is received by the bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module configured to perform an assessment of the item of baggage at least partly from the at least one captured image; andan alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.10. The self-service bag drop system of clause 9 wherein the baggage assessment module is configured to perform the assessment of the item of baggage so as to determine at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.11. The self-service bag drop system of clause 9 or clause 10 wherein the baggage assessment module is configured to: transmit the at least one image over the data network; and receive, over the data network, a determination that at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.12. A method of providing self-service bag drop, comprising: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network; the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.13. A self-service bag drop system, comprising: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier from a person;at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the person delivering the item of baggage to the bag deposit apparatus; an identity assessment module configured to determine an identity of the person at least partly from the at least one captured image; and an alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the determination of the identity of the person.14. The self-service bag drop system of clause 13 wherein the identity assessment module is configured to perform at least one of: biometric recognition, and image matching of at least part of the at least one image with at least part of the passenger booking data.15. The self-service bag drop system of clause 13 or clause 14 wherein the alert module is configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person does not match an identity of a passenger associated to the passenger booking data.16. The self-service bag drop system of any one of clauses 13 to 15 wherein the alert module is configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person cannot be determined.17. A method of providing self-service bag drop, comprising: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network; the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.CLAUSES DESCRIBING FURTHER EMBODIMENTS:1. A self-service check-in system, comprising: a self-service kiosk kiosk manager configured to: receive passenger information data associated to a passenger, query a booking management system over a first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system, and transmit at least some of the passenger booking data over a second data network, the second data network different to the first data network; a user interface connected to the kiosk manager, the user interface configured to: present information to the passenger, and receive the passenger information data associated to the passenger; a caching module configured to: receive the passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over the second data network, store the received passenger booking data in a data cache; a bag drop manager configured to: receive at least one bag tag identifier, and query the caching module over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and a user interface connected to the bag drop manager, the user interface configured to: present information to the passenger, and receive the at least one bag tag identifier.2. The system of clause 1 wherein the bag drop manager is further configured to: query the booking management system over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system.3. The system of clause 2 further comprising a query manager, the query manager configured to: receive a first timestamp associated to a time of at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager;receive a second timestamp associated to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager; compare an observed time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp to a time threshold; and based at least partly on the comparison between the observed time difference and the time threshold, cause the bag drop manager to query either the caching module over the second data network or the booking management system over the first data network.4. The system of clause 3 wherein the query manager is configured to: responsive to determining that the observed time difference is lower than the time threshold, cause the bag drop manager to query the caching module over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and responsive to determining that the observed time difference is greater than the time threshold, cause the bag drop manager to query the booking management system over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system.5. The system of clause 3 or clause 4 wherein the query manager is configured to receive the first timestamp from the caching module.6. The system of any one of clauses 3 to 5 wherein the kiosk manager is configured to assign the first timestamp to the at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager.7. The system of clause 6 wherein the first timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with the user interface connected to the kiosk manager.8. The system of clause 6 further comprising a printer connected to the kiosk manager, the printer configured to print at least one bag tag associated to an item of luggage, the bag tag including at least one bag tag identifier.9. The system of clause 8 wherein the first timestamp represents a time at which the printer prints the at least one bag tag.12. The system of clause 8 or clause 9 further comprising a data extractor, wherein the kiosk manager is configured to transmit print content to the data extractor over the second data network.11. The system of clause 12 wherein the data extractor is configured to transmit passenger booking data extracted by the data extractor to the caching module over the second data network.12. The system of any one of clauses 3 to 11 wherein the bag drop manager is configured to assign the second timestamp to the at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager.13. The system of clause 12 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with the user interface connected to the bag drop manager.14. The system of clause 12 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the user interface connected to the bag drop manager receives the at least one bag tag identifier.15. The system of clause 12 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger places an item of luggage in a bag deposit area connected to the bag drop manager.16. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 15 wherein the kiosk manager is configured to query the booking management system over the first network using at least some of the received passenger information data associated to a passenger.17. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 16 wherein the passenger information data received from the passenger includes one or more of booking reference data, passport data, and boarding pass data.18. The system of any one of clauses 2 to 17 wherein the bag drop manager is configured to query the booking management system over the first data network using the at least one bag tag identifier.19. The system of any one of clauses 1 to 18 wherein the bag drop manager is configured to query the caching module over the second data network using the at least one bag tag identifier.20. A method of providing self-service check-in, comprising: a self-service kiosk manager receiving passenger information data associated to a passenger; the kiosk manager querying a booking management system over a first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system; the kiosk manager transmitting at least some of the passenger booking data to a caching module over a second data network, the second data network different to the first data network; a bag drop manager receiving at least one bag tag identifier; and the bag drop manager querying the caching module over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module.21. The method of clause 20 further comprising the bag drop manager querying the booking management system over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system.22. The method of clause 21 further comprising: receiving a first timestamp associated to a time of at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager;receiving a second timestamp associated to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager; comparing an observed time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp to a time threshold; and based at least partly on the comparison between the observed time difference and the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query either the caching module over the second data network or the booking management system over the first data network.23. The method of clause 22 further comprising: responsive to determining that the observed time difference is lower than the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the caching module over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and responsive to determining that the observed time difference is greater than the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the booking management system over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the booking management system.24. The method of clause 22 or 23 further comprising the kiosk manager assigning the first timestamp to the at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager.25. The method of clause 24 wherein the first timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with the user interface connected to the kiosk manager.26. The method of clause 24 further comprising printing at least one bag tag associated to an item of luggage, the bag tag including at least one bag tag identifier.27. The method of clause 26 wherein the first timestamp represents a time at which the printer prints the at least one bag tag.28. The method of clause 26 or clause 1 further comprising extracting passenger booking data from print content associated to the printing.29. The method of any one of clauses 22 to 28 further comprising the bag drop manager assigning the second timestamp to the at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager.30. The method of clause 29 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger first interacts with the user interface connected to the bag drop manager.31. The method of clause 29 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the bag drop manager receives the at least one bag tag identifier.32. The method of clause 29 wherein the second timestamp represents a time at which the passenger places an item of luggage in a bag deposit area connected to the bag drop manager.33. The method of any one of clauses 20 to 32 further comprising the kiosk manager querying the booking management system over the first network using at least some of the received passenger information data associated to a passenger.34. The method of any one of clauses 20 to 33 wherein the passenger information data received from the passenger includes one or more of booking reference data, passport data, and boarding pass data.35. The method of any one of clauses 21 to 34 further comprising the bag drop manager querying the booking management system over the first data network using the at least one bag tag identifier.36. The method of any one of clauses 20 to 35 further comprising the bag drop manager querying the caching module over the second data network using the at least one bag tag identifier.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A self-service check-in system, comprising: a kiosk manager configured to receive data associated to a passenger; a caching module configured to: receive passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network, store the passenger booking data received from the kiosk manager in a data cache, query a centralised booking management system over a second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system, the second data network different to the first data network, and store the passenger booking data received from the centralised booking management system in the data cache; and a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier so as to receive passenger booking from the caching module.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein the bag drop manager is further configured to: query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein the bag drop manager further comprises a query manager, the query manager configured to: receive a first timestamp associated to a time of at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the kiosk manager; receive a second timestamp associated to at least one aspect of passenger interaction with the bag drop manager, the second timestamp greater than the first timestamp; compare a time difference between the first timestamp and the second timestamp to a time threshold; andbased at least partly on the comparison between the time difference and the time threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query either the caching module over the first data network or the centralised booking system over the second data network.

4. The system of claim 3 wherein the query manager is configured to: responsive to determining that the time difference is lower than the threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the caching module over the first data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the caching module; and responsive to determining that the time difference is greater than the threshold, causing the bag drop manager to query the centralised booking management system over the second data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system.

5. The system of claim 3 or claim 4 wherein the query manager is configured to receive the first timestamp from the caching module.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5 wherein the kiosk device includes a user interface configured to present information to a passenger and to receive data input from the passenger.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 6 wherein the data from the passenger includes one or more of booking reference data, passport data, and boarding pass data.

8. A method of providing self-service check-in, comprising: a kiosk manager receiving data associated to a passenger; a caching module receiving passenger booking data from the kiosk manager over a first data network; the caching module transmitting a caching module query over a second data network, the second data network different to the first data network; the caching module receiving passenger booking data over the second data network in response to transmitting the caching module query; a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier;the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query to the caching module over the first data network using the bag tag identifier; and the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data from the caching module over the first data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query.

9. A self-service bag drop system, comprising: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier; at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the item of baggage while the baggage is received by the bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module configured to perform an assessment of the item of baggage at least partly from the at least one captured image; and an alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.

10. The self-service bag drop system of claim 9 wherein the baggage assessment module is configured to perform the assessment of the item of baggage so as to determine at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.

11. The self-service bag drop system of claim 9 or claim 10 wherein the baggage assessment module is configured to: transmit the at least one image over the data network; and receive, over the data network, a determination that at least one of: the item of baggage is damaged, and the item of baggage is likely to be damaged.

12. A method of providing self-service bag drop, comprising: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network;the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.

13. A self-service bag drop system, comprising: a bag drop manager configured to: receive a bag tag identifier, and query a centralised booking management system over a data network so as to receive passenger booking data from the centralised booking management system; bag deposit apparatus configured to receive an item of baggage associated to the bag tag identifier from a person; at least one image capture device configured to capture at least one image of the person delivering the item of baggage to the bag deposit apparatus; an identity assessment module configured to determine an identity of the person at least partly from the at least one captured image; and an alert module configured to generate an alert responsive to the determination of the identity of the person.

14. The self-service bag drop system of claim 13 wherein the identity assessment module is configured to perform at least one of: biometric recognition, and image matching of at least part of the at least one image with at least part of the passenger booking data.

15. The self-service bag drop system of claim 13 or claim 14 wherein the alert module is configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person does not match an identity of a passenger associated to the passenger booking data.

16. The self-service bag drop system of any one of claims 13 to 15 wherein the alert module is configured to generate the alert responsive to a determination that the identity of the person cannot be determined.

17. A method of providing self-service bag drop, comprising: a bag drop manager receiving a bag tag identifier; the bag drop manager transmitting a bag drop query over a data network; the bag drop manager receiving passenger booking data over the data network in response to transmitting the bag drop query; capturing at least one image of an item of baggage received by bag deposit apparatus; a baggage assessment module performing an assessment of the item of baggage at least party from the at least one captured image; generating an alert responsive to the assessment of the baggage assessment module.

Images