Automated Baggage Tracking via IATA License Plate and PNR Data

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current baggage handling systems are inefficient and costly, particularly in high-volume lodging entities like cruise ships, due to the need for manual processing of luggage tags and boarding passes, which diverts resources from revenue-generating activities and increases employee costs, while also being prone to data entry errors and requiring additional personnel during peak periods.

Innovation Solution

A system that utilizes the International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate number and passenger name record (PNR) to generate a marker with personal identifiable information, allowing for automated luggage tracking and remote check-in, using the original printed bag tag as a machine-readable instrument to reduce manual data entry and streamline the baggage handling process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual processing of luggage tags and boarding passes is used, then employees can handle baggage operations, but employee costs increase and resources are diverted from revenue-generating activities

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaggage handling operationVSAvoidrevenue-generating activity capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service baggage handling by allowing passengers to use their own mobile devices to scan bag tags, retrieve boarding passes, and complete check-in procedures independently, eliminating the need for staffed counters for routine operations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processing of baggage tags with automated optical scanning and digital image recognition systems that can read and process tag information without human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Productivity

If more personnel are hired to handle peak periods, then baggage handling capacity increases, but employee costs rise and hiring becomes challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebaggage handling capacityVSAvoidpersonnel management complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces human personnel with automated kiosk machines and mobile device-based scanning systems that can handle unlimited baggage processing capacity during peak periods without additional hiring requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If manual data entry is used for baggage information, then flexibility in handling various tag formats is maintained, but data entry errors increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetag format handling flexibilityVSAvoiddata accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual data entry with automated optical scanning and image recognition technology that captures tag information digitally, eliminating human error while maintaining the ability to process various tag formats through software recognition algorithms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system creates digital copies of baggage tag information through scanning and image capture, allowing the original tag to remain intact while generating accurate digital records for processing without manual transcription

Inventive Principle:

Principle #26Copying

4Productivity

If kiosk machines are deployed for self-service check-in, then counter personnel time is freed up, but infrastructure investment is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecounter personnel availabilityVSAvoidkiosk infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed kiosk-based self-service to mobile device-based self-service, moving the processing capability from a stationary infrastructure element to a portable platform that passengers already possess

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The system leverages the universal presence of mobile smartphones as processing devices, allowing any passenger with a mobile device to perform check-in functions without requiring specialized kiosk infrastructure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12260681B2Security, tracking device, and personal identifiable information

Publication Date: 2025.03.25 MATEER CRAIG

AI summary

Various methods, computer systems, and computer readable media for handling luggage are disclosed. These methods, systems, and media may include obtaining, by at least one processor, a first baggage information message associated with an arrival of a checked luggage item of a passenger in a manifest, and extracting from the first baggage information message an IATA license plate number and the PNR number. Disclosed methods, systems, and media may further include retrieving a personal identifiable information in a PNR database in communication with a computer system associated with the air carrier using the extracted PNR number; and obtaining a second baggage information message created by a baggage handling system that includes the IATA license plate number and a primary identifier (ID) that links to a security screening image (SSI) of the checked luggage item.