Expanded Baggage Information Using OP-BTI for Return Check-In
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current baggage handling systems are inefficient and costly, particularly for return flights, as they require manual data entry and consume valuable human resources, leading to increased costs and reduced revenue opportunities in lodging entities like cruise ships.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilizes the originating hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) from an airline to electronically acquire and digitize passenger information, allowing for automated retrieval of return flight data and printing of compatible bag tags, reducing the need for manual input and minimizing resource consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual data entry and processing is used for return flight baggage check-in, then passenger information can be captured and processed, but human resources are consumed and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary action by capturing and storing passenger baggage information during the outbound flight check-in process. The hardcopy bag tag identifier is obtained in advance, and return flight data is pre-retrieved from databases, so that when the passenger returns, the baggage check-in can be completed automatically without manual data entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses copying by creating a digital replica of the hardcopy bag tag identifier through scanning or optical recognition. This digital copy is then used to retrieve passenger information and automate the baggage check-in process, eliminating the need for manual data entry while maintaining accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If counter personnel are used to finalize check-in and print bag tags, then passenger service is provided, but human resources and operational costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by allowing passengers to complete their own baggage check-in for return flights using automated kiosks or mobile devices. The system automatically retrieves passenger information using the hardcopy bag tag identifier, generates return flight bag tags, and provides them to passengers without requiring counter personnel assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical system of manual data entry and tag printing by counter personnel with an automated electronic system. Computers and printers automatically retrieve passenger data from databases using the hardcopy bag tag identifier and generate return flight bag tags, eliminating the need for human operators in this process.
3Productivity
If third-party baggage handling services are used, then baggage transport is provided, but additional costs are incurred
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves universality by creating a multi-functional automated check-in system that can handle both outbound and return flight baggage processing. The same system infrastructure, databases, and automated processes used for outbound check-in are leveraged to process return flight baggage, eliminating the need for separate third-party services and reducing costs.
4Ease of operation
If data entry is performed manually for remote check-in, then passenger information is captured, but data entry errors occur which are costly
Solution Approach 1:
The system eliminates data entry errors by using copying technology to automatically capture the hardcopy bag tag identifier through scanning or optical recognition. This digital copy is then used to retrieve passenger information from databases, ensuring 100% data accuracy without manual transcription errors.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure describes a method for luggage management involving electronically acquiring an originating hardcopy bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) from a luggage item's bag tag associated with an originating travel carrier. The method uses the OP-BTI as a unique identifier to query a database for expanded baggage information messages that enumerate a passenger's travel path using a different mode of travel from the originating travel carrier. This process includes checking in a luggage item for the passenger using information from the expanded baggage information messages. The method accommodates various modes of travel and lodging entities, and it includes different acquiring devices for the OP-BTI, such as scanning or radio-frequency communication.