Baggage Tag Manipulation for Automated Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baggage identification systems face challenges in accurately reading baggage tags due to flexibility, concealment, multiple tags, and low readout rates, particularly for transit baggage, leading to manual intervention and increased operational costs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system utilizing a reading apparatus and manipulation apparatus to locate and mechanically manipulate baggage tags, including unfolding, drawing out, and rotating, to ensure successful reading, potentially reducing manual intervention and infrastructure requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual coding stations are used to handle unreadable baggage tags, then the readout rate of baggage tags is improved, but the device complexity and operational costs increase due to required infrastructure (outfeeders, waiting positions, workstations) and continuous manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by equipping the manipulation apparatus with sensors and control systems that automatically detect when a baggage tag is unreadable or improperly positioned, and autonomously perform manipulation operations without requiring manual intervention or complex infrastructure like outfeeders and waiting positions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical infrastructure of manual coding stations (outfeeders, waiting positions, physical workstations) with an automated manipulation apparatus that uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to perform tag manipulation tasks, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining improved readout rates
2Measurement precision
If manual coding stations are deployed to ensure accurate tag reading, then the readout rate is improved, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation apparatus operates continuously on the moving conveyor belt, performing tag manipulation actions in real-time as baggage passes by, eliminating the need to stop the conveyor or divert items to separate workstations, thus maintaining continuous processing and reducing time loss
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary manipulation actions on baggage tags before they reach the reading apparatus, ensuring tags are properly positioned and unfolded in advance, which prevents reading failures and eliminates the need for subsequent manual intervention and reprocessing
3Measurement precision
If extensive manual handling is used to manipulate baggage tags, then the readout rate is improved, but the productivity decreases due to human effort requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The manipulation apparatus autonomously detects tag issues and performs correction operations without human intervention, eliminating the need for operators to manually handle each problematic tag, thereby maintaining high readout rates while preserving productivity and operational efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual human operations with an automated manipulation apparatus that uses sensors, actuators, and control systems to perform tag manipulation tasks, eliminating the need for continuous human monitoring and intervention while maintaining high readout rates and productivity
Data Source
AI summary
The automated reading of luggage labels in airport baggage handling systems often fails since luggage labels, on which the luggage can be assigned sorting information, cannot be located and/or cannot be read since they are crumpled/creased/partially hidden. Removing and manually processing unreadable luggage items at a manual coding station requires removal conveyor sections, secure access routes and workstations. To increase the proportion of unreadable luggage items, a method and a system locate and handle a luggage label fastened to an item of luggage and which assigns sorting information to the item. If the identifier is not successfully located by a reader, the item is mechanically handled by a handling device. If the identifier is successfully located but the identifier is not successfully read, the identifier is mechanically handled by the handling device independently of the movement of the item. The item is then processed in accordance with its sorting information.