Automated Baggage Manifest via Image Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baggage handling systems are inefficient and costly, particularly for high-volume lodging entities like cruise ships, where manual processes consume valuable human resources and lead to data entry errors.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize image processing to extract passenger information from printed bag tags, creating a digital passenger information record that can be used to automate the check-in process for return flights, reducing the need for manual data entry and minimizing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual baggage handling processes are used at travel carriers, then baggage can be processed with simple equipment, but human resources are consumed and data entry errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service baggage check-in by allowing passengers to print their own bag tags at kiosks or through mobile devices, eliminating the need for counter personnel to manually process each baggage item. The automated manifest system then independently extracts and processes baggage data without human intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical data entry processes with automated optical character recognition (OCR) technology that extracts baggage information from images of bag tags. This substitution eliminates the need for personnel to manually type baggage details into the manifest system.
2Productivity
If kiosk machines are deployed for self-service bag tag printing, then counter personnel time is freed up, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The baggage manifest system is designed to work with multiple data input sources including kiosk machines, mobile devices, and direct airline system integrations. This multi-functionality allows the system to accommodate various self-service platforms without requiring separate specialized systems for each input method.
3Reliability
If automated manifest systems are implemented, then data entry errors are reduced, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates accurate digital copies of baggage information by extracting data directly from images of official bag tags using OCR technology. This copying process eliminates manual data entry errors while maintaining data accuracy through automated extraction from the source document.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated manifest system incorporates validation mechanisms that verify extracted baggage data against airline database records. This feedback loop identifies and corrects potential errors automatically, ensuring data accuracy while maintaining system reliability.
4Device complexity
If manual baggage manifest creation is performed, then system simplicity is maintained, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary data extraction and validation of baggage information before the manifest is finally generated. By pre-processing baggage data through automated extraction from bag tag images and validating it against airline records, the system reduces the time required for final manifest preparation and submission.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated manifest system operates continuously by processing baggage images and extracting data in real-time as bags are checked in. This continuous processing eliminates the need for batch manual data entry and maintains constant progress on manifest creation, significantly reducing overall preparation time.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a system and method for creating a luggage manifest. The method includes: obtaining, by at least one processor, image data representative of at least one image of printed passenger information associated with an airline travel carrier on an originating hardcopy bag tag or a printed instrument including at least a portion of the passenger information on the originating hardcopy bag tag to create a digital passenger information (DPI) data record linked to the airline travel carrier, wherein the originating hardcopy bag tag is issued for a checked-in luggage item of a passenger, and wherein the DPI data record includes an International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number, a passenger name record (PNR) number, an airline code, an airline name, a name of the passenger, or any combination thereof; accessing, by the at least one processor, passenger return flight information from a computer system associated with the airline travel carrier, based on the DPI data record; and, checking in, by the at least one processor, the luggage item, the passenger, or a combination thereof for a return flight with a designated return airline travel carrier associated with the accessed passenger return flight information.