Remote Return Bag Tag Generation From Outbound Tag Data
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing baggage handling processes for return travel legs are inefficient, costly, and labor-intensive, particularly in high-volume lodging entities like cruise ships, due to the need for manual data entry and the use of printed bag tags, which can lead to errors and resource constraints.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that digitizes the information from the original printed bag tag of a passenger's luggage, using RFID or barcode scanning to extract passenger and flight information, thereby automating the check-in process for return travel and creating a passenger manifest without manual input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual data entry and printed bag tags are used for return leg check-in, then the check-in process can be completed, but human resource consumption increases and data entry errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service by automatically retrieving passenger information from the original outbound bag tag data. The bag tag scanner reads the barcode on the returned luggage's original tag, and the system autonomously populates the check-in manifest without requiring manual data entry by staff or interaction with passengers, making the process self-sufficient
Solution Approach 2:
The system recovers and reuses data that would otherwise be discarded - specifically, the barcode information on the original outbound bag tag attached to returned luggage. Instead of treating this as waste material to be removed, the system scans and extracts passenger identification data from these tags to automatically reconstruct the return leg manifest
2Loss of information
If manual data entry is performed for return leg check-in, then passenger information can be captured, but data entry errors increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates an exact digital copy of the passenger information originally captured during outbound check-in by scanning the barcode on the bag tag. This copy is then used to automatically populate the return leg manifest, ensuring data accuracy without manual transcription errors while maintaining high processing speed
3Reliability
If printed bag tags are used for each passenger, then individual luggage identification is achieved, but resource consumption and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The original outbound bag tag serves multiple functions: it identified the luggage during outbound travel and now serves as the identification medium for return leg check-in. This multi-functional use eliminates the need to create new printed tags for return travel, reducing material consumption while maintaining reliable luggage identification through the same barcode system
4Productivity
If automated scanning systems are implemented, then check-in speed increases, but initial resource investment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the bag tag scanning function with the existing return leg check-in process. By integrating the scanning capability into the luggage handling workflow, the system achieves automated data capture without requiring separate dedicated scanning stations or complex additional infrastructure, thus improving speed while limiting initial resource investment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach reduces human resource consumption, minimizes data entry errors, and enhances efficiency by utilizing the discarded bag tag information to streamline the check-in process for multiple passengers, saving time and costs.
Implementation Method 1
reading, by a radio frequency identifier (RFID) reader, RFID information associated with the OP-BTI
Implementation Method 2
scanning, by a barcode scanner, the originating paper bag tag identifier (OP-BTI) on a printed bag tag
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure presents a method for luggage handling processes for passengers on return travel. The process includes acquiring, by an acquiring device, an originating bag tag identifier (O-BTI) or International Air Transport Association (IATA) license plate associated with a bag tag affixed to a luggage item of the passenger. This O-BIT is used to create a digital BTI data record linked to the travel carrier. The method includes printing, by a printing device, a return leg travel IATA-formatted bag tag for a return flight linked to the originating printed bag tag. Additionally, the method may remotely check in the passenger for the return flight by accessing a B-type message using the digital BTI data record, the B-type message containing a passenger name record (PNR) number.