Control method for controlling a luggage inspection system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a control method for controlling a luggage inspection system (100) comprising a first inspection stage (110) for inspecting items of luggage (G) and comprising a second inspection stage (120) having an X-ray diffraction system (122) for inspecting items of luggage (G) which in the first inspection stage (110) were selected for the second inspection stage (120), characterised by the following steps: - detecting an actual capacity utilisation (IA) of the second inspection stage (120); - comparing the detected actual capacity utilisation (IA) of the second inspection stage (120) with at least one limit capacity utilisation (GA) of the second inspection stage (120); and, - adapting an inspection speed (UG) of the second inspection stage (120) on the basis of the comparison.

Description

[0001] Control procedure for checking a baggage screening system

[0002] The present invention relates to a control method for a control of a baggage screening system with a first screening stage and with a second screening stage, a computer program product for carrying out such a control method, a control device for carrying out such a control method and a baggage screening system with such a control device.

[0003] It is known that baggage must be screened for hazardous materials before entering sensitive areas. Checks for prohibited items can also be part of such a baggage screening system. These systems are particularly common in airports, where they are used, for example, to screen checked baggage.

[0004] Furthermore, it is known that such baggage screening systems are designed in multiple stages to accommodate different screening levels with varying levels of detection difficulty and screening accuracy. In particular, a two-stage configuration is known, in which, for example, a first stage allows for a relatively high-speed screening of baggage items, such as using an X-ray transmission system or a computed tomography scanner. This first screening process allows for the differentiation between secure and potentially unsafe baggage items, with only the potentially unsafe items then proceeding to the second screening stage and thus undergoing a second inspection.

[0005] In conventional baggage screening systems, such second screening stages are equipped, for example, with an X-ray diffraction system. X-ray diffraction systems allow the measurement of X-rays diffracted by objects in the luggage, thus enabling a more precise determination of the materials used. This makes it possible to distinguish between different materials and, in particular, to identify indications of unwanted, prohibited, or even dangerous objects and materials in the luggage. While these second screening stages offer the advantage of increased accuracy, they also have the disadvantage of reduced speed. Therefore, they are only used in the second stage and thus only for those pieces of luggage that were selected for the second screening stage in the first stage—that is, those that triggered a Stage 1 alarm in the first stage.

[0006] A disadvantage of existing solutions is that the installation space for such baggage screening systems is typically limited. Therefore, conveyor systems for transporting baggage from the first screening stage to the second are designed to be as short as possible to avoid wasting valuable space within an airport. However, this can lead to a bottleneck in the conveyor system during peak times, which can then extend back to the first screening stage. In such a case, existing screening procedures offer only two possible responses. One is to allow baggage with a Level 1 alarm to pass through and be immediately subjected to manual inspection by airport staff. However, this solution involves a significant amount of manual rework and verification.The second, alternative solution is to reduce the overall speed of the first screening stage until the backlog in the second screening stage has cleared and the normal screening sequence with the two different speeds can resume. However, this could lead to significant restrictions in the throughput of the baggage screening system for the duration of the reduction and, in particular, to delays in the delivery of baggage to individual aircraft and its subsequent processing.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome the disadvantages described above. In particular, it is an object of the present invention to ensure the throughput of a baggage screening system in a cost-effective and simple manner while simultaneously guaranteeing the required security.

[0008] The foregoing problem is solved by a control method with the features of claim 1, a computer program product with the features of claim 9, a control device with the features of claim 10, and a baggage screening system with the features of claim 11. Further features and details of the invention will become apparent from the dependent claims, the description, and the drawings. Features and details described in connection with the control method according to the invention naturally also apply in connection with the computer program product, the control device, and the baggage screening system according to the invention, and vice versa, so that the disclosure of the individual aspects of the invention always makes, or can make, reciprocal references.

[0009] According to the invention, a control method serves to control a baggage screening system. Such a baggage screening system is equipped in a known manner with a first screening stage for checking baggage items. A second screening stage, which includes an X-ray diffraction system, enables a further second screening stage for the baggage items selected for this second screening stage in the first screening stage. A control method according to the invention is characterized by the following steps:

[0010] - Recording the actual utilization rate of the second review stage,

[0011] - Comparison of the recorded actual capacity utilization of the second review stage with at least one limit capacity utilization of the second review stage,

[0012] - Adjusting the second-stage verification speed based on this comparison.

[0013] A control method according to the invention builds upon known baggage screening systems and can also be used with or even retrofitted to these systems. As described above, the baggage screening system is designed with a first and a second screening stage. The first screening stage can, for example, include an X-ray transmission system; however, other technologies can also be used for this first screening stage. For the second screening stage, the control method incorporates an X-ray diffraction system as part of the baggage screening system, which offers the advantages already explained regarding material specificity and the disadvantages also explained regarding the speed of the screening.

[0014] The core concept of the invention is based on the recording of the actual utilization for this second inspection stage. This actual utilization refers in particular, as will be explained in more detail later, to the current lead time for the inspection in this second inspection stage. This flow can also be described as the backlog between the second inspection stage and the first inspection stage. Typically, the baggage inspection system will have a distribution mechanism that makes it possible to move, redirect, or push baggage items selected for the second inspection stage into this lead time. This creates a lead time that, for example, provides one or more waiting positions for baggage items that have been selected for the second inspection stage but are not yet due for inspection.This means that the second screening stage, using the X-ray diffraction system, now performs a second screening using X-ray diffraction technology for the selected pieces of luggage, albeit at a slower speed compared to the first screening stage. This second screening stage, operating at a slower speed than the first, therefore only processes the selectively chosen pieces of luggage that triggered an alarm signal in stage 1.

[0015] To prevent backlogs and undesirable disruptions to baggage flow according to known solutions, the actual occupancy of the second inspection stage is continuously monitored and compared with a target occupancy of the second inspection stage. This target occupancy can be a fixed setpoint, such as a defined number of occupied waiting positions, a defined number of pieces of baggage approaching the second inspection stage, or similar. This comparison allows a conclusion to be drawn as to whether the current actual occupancy exceeds or falls below the predefined or variably adjustable target occupancy. This comparison thus determines whether the second inspection stage is currently experiencing a congestion, whether a congestion is developing, or whether there is no congestion or a developing congestion.

[0016] In the control method according to the invention, it is now possible not only to detect or even predict this congestion situation through the described comparison step, but also to react to it in a targeted manner. The reaction, as part of the control method, is an adjustment of the inspection speed of the second inspection stage based on the comparison. Adjusting the inspection speed can, for example, involve adjusting the conveying speed of a second conveying device in the second inspection stage. Thus, for instance, when a congestion situation is detected, i.e., when the actual capacity exceeds the permitted and specified limit, the inspection speed can be increased. Increasing the inspection speed directly results in a higher conveying volume, so that a correspondingly higher number of pieces of luggage can be processed and inspected by the second inspection stage per unit of time.The increased speed, however, comes at the cost of reduced accuracy in the second verification stage, necessitating a correspondingly higher false alarm rate to maintain the same level of safety. Once the congestion eases, and particularly when the actual occupancy falls below the limit, the verification speed is adjusted again. At this point, the verification speed can be reduced, allowing the second verification stage to be performed with greater accuracy. The false alarm rate is then also reduced back to the preferred limit, as the second verification stage can be operated more slowly and therefore more accurately.

[0017] The correlation between speed and inspection accuracy, as well as the false alarm rate, can be explained primarily by the operating principle of an X-ray diffraction system. X-ray diffraction requires a relatively large number of photons, the diffraction angles of which are subsequently determined in the X-ray diffraction system and evaluated as an indicator of different materials. The higher the conveyor speed, the fewer photons per piece of luggage and / or per object are available for detection by X-ray diffraction and subsequent evaluation. To still ensure a sufficient detection rate, the threshold for triggering a Stage 2 alarm in the second inspection stage must be lowered accordingly, which in turn leads to an increased false alarm rate.

[0018] The core concept of the invention now allows for a targeted response to the adverse congestion situations described above by influencing the verification speed of the second verification stage. However, it is no longer necessary to react with an increased manual verification rate in the first verification stage, nor with a backlog from the second verification stage into the first. Instead, the current congestion situation can be actively influenced, and the avoidance or even reduction of the congestion situation can be ensured essentially solely by increasing the acceptable false alarm rate while maintaining the same safety functionality and by increasing the verification speed of the second verification stage.

[0019] It can be advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, the limit capacity represents an existing or anticipated backlog of baggage from the second inspection stage into the first inspection stage. This can be defined, for example, by the number of baggage items or the number of occupied waiting positions in a run leading up to the second inspection stage. It should also be noted that the limit capacity can also reflect an anticipated backlog of baggage in a predictive situation, thus enabling proactive intervention by the control method to prevent a backlog in the first inspection stage in advance or at least to reduce its probability of occurrence.

[0020] Further advantages are also gained if, in a control method according to the invention, the actual utilization exhibits at least one of the following configurations:

[0021] - Number of occupied waiting positions between the first and second inspection stages,

[0022] The number of pieces of luggage selected for the second screening stage within a defined time period. While the increase and decrease in the number of pieces of luggage in the run-up to the second screening stage can generally define the actual capacity utilization, more elaborate and complex relationships can also be considered. For example, if feedback and sensors are available from the first screening stage, the number of pieces of luggage selected over a defined period can be taken into account for this second screening stage. This allows for even more proactive detection, not only of the pieces of luggage currently in the run-up, but also of the pieces of luggage being added to this run-up with regard to a level 1 alarm gradient in the incoming luggage. Of course, other or combined training methods can also be used to determine the actual capacity utilization.

[0023] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, the adjustment of the verification speed is achieved at least partially by switching between at least two predefined positioning / verification speeds. While, in principle, any form of adjustment is possible for the control method within the scope of the present invention, defined and predefined positioning / verification speeds can offer advantages. This is particularly true when a baggage screening system must have a defined and prescribed certification; in such cases, the corresponding selectable and predefined positioning / verification speeds can correlate with this certification. In other words, switching occurs exclusively between defined and correspondingly certified positioning / verification speeds.This could involve, for example, a slow and precise first positioning check speed and a fast second positioning check speed with a higher false alarm rate. Of course, switching between three or even more different predefined positioning check speeds is also fundamentally conceivable within the scope of the present invention.

[0024] Furthermore, it can be advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, the adjustment of the verification speed is at least partially variable. Variable adjustment deviates from a selection of predefined positioning verification speeds and can react variably to a corresponding change in the actual workload. In particular, a combination of fixed, preset positioning verification speeds and variable adjustment is also possible. This is especially true if the variable adjustment always only involves a slowdown relative to the permitted and, for example, certified positioning verification speed. In other words, in such a case, the reduction of the verification speed will always lead to an increase in accuracy and thus to an increase in the associated safety.

[0025] A further advantage is that, in a control method according to the invention, when adjusting the verification speed, the selection accuracy for a selection of luggage items in the second verification stage is maintained or substantially maintained for a third, particularly manual, verification stage. This selection accuracy can also be understood as being correlated with the false alarm rate, such that with the same selection accuracy, an increased false alarm rate is to be expected when the second verification speed is increased. Conversely, the false alarm rate decreases if the selection accuracy remains the same, but the second verification speed is reduced again.

[0026] Furthermore, a further advantage is that in a control method according to the invention, the limit utilization is adjusted to at least one of the following parameters:

[0027] - current total utilization of the baggage screening system,

[0028] - Risk data for the luggage items in the first screening stage.

[0029] The preceding list is also non-exhaustive. While the control methods according to the invention generally achieve the described advantages through a fixed, predetermined capacity limit, further variability can improve their functionality even more. For example, if the overall capacity of the baggage screening system increases, the capacity limit can be adjusted accordingly to detect and prevent bottlenecks early on, which would otherwise quickly lead to a complete backup and a blockage of the first screening stage at high overall capacity. It is also possible to incorporate risk data on the baggage items, structured, for example, by passenger, origin of the baggage, or destination, into the adjustment of the capacity limit.

[0030] Furthermore, it is advantageous if, in a control method according to the invention, the limit capacity is adjusted to the current availability of a third inspection stage. This means, for example, that a third, manual inspection takes place of those pieces of luggage that triggered an alarm in the first and second inspection stages. To avoid overloading this third inspection stage, the limit capacity can be adjusted accordingly, allowing the increased false alarm rate due to exceeding the limit capacity only if sufficient availability exists in the third inspection stage. Conversely, it is also possible, when the third inspection stage is readily available, to proactively reduce a build-up of luggage in the second inspection stage.In other words, reducing the limit capacity while maintaining the availability of the third verification stage accepts a higher false alarm rate, which can then be systematically addressed by the third verification stage and its available resources. This allows for proactive reduction of potential backlogs for the second verification stage, even before there is a risk of a backup affecting the first.

[0031] Also related to the present invention is a computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a control method according to the invention. Thus, a computer program product according to the invention offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to a control method according to the invention.

[0032] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a control device for monitoring a baggage screening system comprising a first screening stage and a second screening stage. Both screening stages serve to inspect baggage. The second screening stage includes an X-ray diffraction system for checking baggage selected for the second screening stage in the first screening stage. Such a control device is characterized by a detection module for recording the actual utilization of the second screening stage. A comparison module is also provided for comparing the recorded actual utilization of the second screening stage with at least one limit utilization of the second screening stage. An adjustment module is used to adjust the screening speed of the second screening stage based on this comparison.The detection module, the comparison module, and / or the adaptation module are designed for carrying out a control method according to the invention. Such a control device also offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to a control method according to the invention.

[0033] Furthermore, the present invention also relates to a baggage screening system for checking baggage items, comprising a first screening stage for checking baggage items. The baggage screening system further includes a second screening stage with an X-ray diffraction system for checking baggage items selected in the first screening stage for the second screening stage. Such a baggage screening system is characterized by having a control device according to the present invention. Thus, a baggage screening system according to the invention also offers the same advantages as those explained in detail with reference to a control method according to the invention.

[0034] Further advantages arise if, in a baggage screening system according to the invention, a third screening stage is arranged below the second screening stage for a third inspection of baggage items selected for this third inspection in the second screening stage. The third screening stage can be a manual inspection, for example, opening each individual baggage item selected for this third screening stage. Alternatively, the third screening stage can involve a more detailed analysis of the X-ray images generated in the first stage. Preparatory work for the third screening stage, such as sorting and moving the selected baggage items to a screening station for the third screening stage, can also be part of this baggage screening system.

[0035] Furthermore, it is advantageous if the baggage screening system according to the invention includes at least one sensor device for recording the actual occupancy and / or for recording a variable adjustment of the limit occupancy. Such a sensor device can, for example, consist of camera sensors, motion sensors, light barriers, or similar devices.

[0036] Further advantages, features, and details of the invention will become apparent from the following description, in which exemplary embodiments of the invention are described in detail with reference to the drawings. The drawings schematically show:

[0037] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a baggage screening system according to the invention,

[0038] Fig. 2 shows the embodiment of Figure 1 in a traffic jam situation,

[0039] Fig. 3 shows another embodiment of a baggage screening system according to the invention,

[0040] Fig. 4 shows a possible adjustment of the verification speeds,

[0041] Fig. 5 shows another possible adjustment of the verification speeds,

[0042] Fig. 6 shows a representation of the adjustment of the selection accuracies for the different positioning verification speeds.

[0043] Figure 1 schematically shows a baggage screening system 100 in a two-stage configuration. A first screening stage 110 is equipped, for example, with an X-ray transmission system or a computed tomography scanner and checks all pieces of baggage G that are conveyed to and through the first screening stage 110 via a first conveyor device 114. Because the first screening stage 110 is equipped with a relatively imprecise X-ray transmission system, a relatively high first screening speed UG can be provided, which is represented here by an extended arrow for the screening speed UG of the first screening stage 110. In this embodiment, if a stage 1 alarm is triggered in the first screening stage 110, the corresponding piece of baggage G is conveyed laterally downwards in Figure 1 into the feeder to the second screening stage 120.This second inspection stage 120 is equipped with an X-ray diffraction system 122. Due to the technological conditions, the inspection speed UG of the second conveying device 124 is correspondingly lower than that of the first conveying device 114, as is shown by the reduced arrow length in Figure 1, due to the increased accuracy and the larger photon requirement of an X-ray diffraction system 122.

[0044] Figure 1 depicts a straightforward situation in which two waiting positions WP are occupied by luggage G in the run-up to the second inspection stage 120. Further, unspecified waiting positions WP are free and can accommodate additional luggage G in this run-up without creating a bottleneck. Accordingly, in this situation, the control device 10, for example, using individual position sensors as sensor device 140, will detect the actual occupancy IA via the detection module 20 and transmit it to the comparison module 30. In this situation, the actual occupancy IA falls below the permissible limit occupancy GA, so the adjustment module 40 maintains the inspection speed UG at a slower setting to avoid compromising the increased accuracy and reduced false alarm rate.

[0045] In certain situations, as shown in Figure 2, a situation may arise in which the lead-up to the second inspection stage 120 is essentially completely full. All available waiting positions WP are occupied, and this occupancy is also reflected in the actual occupancy and the corresponding readings from the sensor device 140. In this situation, the actual occupancy IA exceeds a fixed or variably adjusted limit occupancy GA, so that the adjustment module 40 adjusts the inspection speed UG. This is shown here by the extended speed arrow for this inspection speed UG for the second conveyor device 124. Once this speed has been increased, a correspondingly higher number of pieces of luggage G per unit of time are checked in the second inspection stage 120, and the luggage backlog G decreases accordingly.For example, once a situation according to Figure 1 has been reached, a reset can take place, since the actual utilization IA is now below the limit utilization GA again due to the detection with the help of the control device 10 and accordingly it is possible to reduce the check speed UG back to the arrow length shown in Figure 1.

[0046] Figure 3 shows a further development of the baggage screening system 100. Here, a third screening stage 130 is provided, which includes, for example, a manual check, such as manually opening the selected piece of baggage G. In particular, an additional feedback mechanism (not shown) regarding the occupancy or current availability of this third screening stage 130 can be used to adjust the maximum capacity GA.

[0047] Figures 4 and 5 schematically illustrate two different methods for adjusting the verification speed UG. Figure 4 shows a simple switching operation between two predefined verification speeds SUG: a slow and a fast verification speed UG. Figure 5 shows a combination where, after switching to the fast verification speed SUG, the verification speed UG is gradually and continuously reduced back to the slow verification speed SUG after a defined period.

[0048] Figure 6 illustrates again how the different positioning and verification speeds SUG behave with regard to the actual selection accuracy AG and the false alarm rate. Preferably, the selection accuracy AG, i.e., the recognition accuracy of the objects O to be recognized, is maintained and set constantly for all positioning and verification speeds SUG as the threshold for the alarm rate. However, this leads to a correspondingly higher false alarm rate due to the reduced accuracy at faster positioning and verification speeds SUG, represented here by the lower part of the graph. 5 The preceding explanation of the embodiments describes the present invention exclusively by way of examples.

[0049] Reference symbol list

[0050] 10 Control device

[0051] 20 Data acquisition module

[0052] 30 Comparison module

[0053] 40 Customization module

[0054] 100 baggage screening system

[0055] 110 first review stage

[0056] 114 first conveying device

[0057] 120 second review stage

[0058] 122 X-ray diffraction system

[0059] 124 second conveying device

[0060] 130 third review stage

[0061] 140 Sensor device

[0062] G piece of luggage

[0063] UG review speed

[0064] SUG Positioning Check Speed

[0065] WP waiting position

[0066] IA Actual Utilization

[0067] GA limit occupancy

[0068] AG Selection Accuracy

Claims

Patent claims 1. Control procedure for a control of a baggage screening system (100) comprising a first screening stage (110) for screening baggage items (G) and a second screening stage (120) comprising an X-ray diffraction system (122) for screening baggage items (G) which have been selected in the first screening stage (110) for the second screening stage (120), characterized by the following steps: - Recording an actual utilization (IA) of the second review stage (120), - Comparison of the recorded actual utilization (IA) of the second review stage (120) with at least one limit utilization (GA) of the second review stage (120), - Adjusting the second review stage's review speed (UG) (120) based on the comparison.

2. Control method according to claim 1, characterized in that the limit occupancy (GA) represents an existing and / or an expected backlog of baggage items (G) from the second inspection stage (120) into the first inspection stage (110).

3. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the actual utilization (IA) has at least one of the following configurations: - Number of occupied waiting positions (WP) between the first inspection stage (110) and the second inspection stage (120), - Number of pieces of luggage (G) selected for the second screening stage (120) within a defined time period.

4. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment of the verification speed (UG) is carried out at least partially by switching between at least two predetermined positioning verification speeds (SUG).

5. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustment of the verification speed (UG) is at least partially variable.

6. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that when adjusting the verification speed (UG), the selection accuracy (AG) for a selection of luggage items (G) in the second verification stage (120) is maintained or substantially maintained for a third, in particular manual, verification stage (130).

7. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limit utilization (FUT) is adjusted to at least one of the following parameters: - Current total capacity utilization of the baggage screening system (100), - Risk data for the baggage items (G) in the first check stage (110).

8. Control method according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the limit utilization (GA) is adjusted to a current availability from a third verification stage (130).

9. Computer program product comprising instructions which, when executed by a computer, cause the computer to perform the steps of a control procedure having the features of any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. Control device (10) for checking a baggage screening system (100) with a first screening stage (110) for checking baggage items (G) and with a second screening stage (120) comprising an X-ray diffraction system (122) for checking baggage items (G) which have been selected in the first screening stage (110) for the second screening stage (120), characterized by a detection module (20) for recording an actual utilization (IA) of the second screening stage (120), a comparison module (30) for comparing the recorded actual utilization (IA) of the second screening stage (120) with at least one limit value. Utilization (GA) of the second verification stage (120) and an adjustment module (40) for adjusting a verification speed (UG) of the second verification stage (120) based on the comparison, wherein the acquisition module (20), the comparison module (30) and / or the adjustment module (40) are configured for carrying out a control procedure with the features of one of claims 1 to 8.

11. Baggage inspection system (100) for checking baggage items (G) comprising a first inspection stage (110) for checking baggage items (G) and a second inspection stage (120) comprising an X-ray diffraction system (122) for checking baggage items (G) which have been selected in the first inspection stage (110) for the second inspection stage (120), characterized by a control device (10) with the features of claim 10 for carrying out a control method with the features of any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. Baggage screening system (100) according to claim 11, characterized in that a third screening stage (130) is arranged downstream of the second screening stage (120) for a third screening of baggage items (G) selected for a third screening in the second screening stage (120).

13. Baggage screening system (100) according to one of claims 11 or 12, characterized in that at least one sensor device (140) is provided for recording the actual occupancy (IA) and / or for recording a variable adjustment of the limit occupancy (GA).

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