U.S. patent application number 10/824732 was filed with the patent office on 2004-10-07 for method and apparatus for transporting passenger baggage.
Invention is credited to Ananda, Mohan.
Application Number | 20040199403 10/824732 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 33096363 |
Filed Date | 2004-10-07 |
United States Patent
Application |
20040199403 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Ananda, Mohan |
October 7, 2004 |
Method and apparatus for transporting passenger baggage
Abstract
This invention comprises a baggage transport system for handling
passenger baggage for transport. In accordance with one or more
embodiments of this invention, when a passenger makes a reservation
to travel, a passenger identifier number, which may be a ticket or
reservation number, is issued and placed in a data collection
together with the passenger's transport number, date of travel,
time of travel and method of carrier compensation. When the
passenger obtains a ticket to a destination, the ticket identifies
the passenger identifier, the transport number and date of
departure. Rather than check baggage for carriage at the transport
check-in counter, under one embodiment of this invention, baggage
is checked for carriage to a destination before departure at a
baggage collection facility that is separate from the departure and
arrival facility. In the proposed system, passengers will obtain
their ticket or passenger identifier at any time in advance of
travel and leave off their baggage at a convenient baggage
collection center, which may feature drive-in service. The baggage
collection center will then accept the baggage for transport to the
passengers' ultimate destinations, not merely to the destination
transport arrival facilities, which may be airports. Passengers
will be able to have their baggage delivered directly to their
homes, hotels, offices or other locations, rather than having to
struggle with baggage at transport arrival facility baggage pickup
carousels. Thus, passengers will be able to enter and leave
transport arrival facilities quickly and conveniently.
Inventors: |
Ananda, Mohan; (Westlake
Village, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
THE HECKER LAW GROUP
1925 CENTURY PARK EAST
SUITE 2300
LOS ANGELES
CA
90067
US
|
Family ID: |
33096363 |
Appl. No.: |
10/824732 |
Filed: |
April 15, 2004 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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10824732 |
Apr 15, 2004 |
|
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10183962 |
Jun 26, 2002 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
705/500 ;
705/331 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G06Q 10/02 20130101;
G06Q 10/08 20130101; G06Q 10/0831 20130101; G06Q 99/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
705/001 |
International
Class: |
G06F 017/60 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A method for handling passenger baggage, comprising: obtaining a
passenger identifier for a passenger associated with a ticket to a
destination arrival facility; obtaining passenger baggage for
carriage to said destination in at least one passenger baggage
collection facility before said passenger's departure, said
passenger baggage identified by said passenger identifier;
obtaining a destination address at said destination to which said
passenger baggage is to be delivered; and delivering said passenger
baggage to said destination address after said passenger has
departed.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates in general to travel and to handling
and transporting passenger baggage and, more specifically, to the
development of a system that substantially changes baggage handling
procedures in order to achieve increased efficiency, security and
convenience for the traveling public.
[0003] 2. Background Art
[0004] Since the beginning of commercial transportation services,
carriers have transported limited quantities of baggage for
passengers without charge, even though the cost to the carriers was
substantial. The transportation of passenger baggage represents a
major operating cost for carriers and ads substantially to the
price of passenger tickets. Baggage transportation is particularly
expensive for air carriers.
[0005] Air travel has become the principal means of passenger
travel on long trips in recent years and the volume of air travel
has increased considerably due to reduced fares. This has caused
substantial congestion at airports that were never designed to
accommodate the number of passengers now traveling. The problem has
become more acute with recent terrorist attacks that have led to
the implementation of increased security measures at airport
terminals. Although technology has advanced substantially in the
travel industry, the current baggage handling system, in which
passengers and their baggage travel together, predates air and rail
travel.
[0006] Furthermore, the present system in use at airports requires
an enormous amount of expensive airport space, both at the area
where the passenger deposits the baggage at the airport and at the
area where the passenger retrieves the baggage after the completion
of travel. Valuable space on aircraft could also be used more
effectively in terms of revenue generation. If baggage were carried
separately from passengers, the space currently occupied by baggage
in commercial aircraft could be filled with freight, generating
higher revenue. Further, if the baggage area on aircraft was
converted to passenger cabin space, the space could be used to
accommodate additional passengers. Moreover, the number of
personnel necessary to administer and manage the current baggage
handling system is significant and could be reduced, cutting costs,
if the current system is radically changed.
[0007] Elimination of baggage on passenger flights would reduce
airport congestion, airport space requirements and would facilitate
the transfer of people at connecting hubs where passengers change
aircraft. For shorter flights, baggage could be transported by
truck or train in advance of the need for travel and would be
available soon after passenger arrival. In addition to saving space
on aircraft, elimination or reduction of baggage would reduce the
weight to be carried by the aircraft. Consumption of costly fuel by
aircraft is directly proportional to the weight being carried.
Maintenance cost would also be reduced if the aircraft, as a result
of elimination of baggage, carried less weight.
[0008] One of the main causes of delayed flights is the delay in
baggage handling, particularly at airline hubs where passengers
transfer from plane to plane to complete their travel. Substantial
time at airline hubs is required for loading and unloading baggage
in order to transfer baggage from one plane to another under the
present system, where baggage travels on the same plane as the
passengers. With the hub and spoke system now prevalent in the
airline industry, mountains of baggage are moved between dozens of
planes at airline hubs located in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas and
other cities, typically within a half hour. This process is
repeated every hour of every day of the year. Baggage handling
delays often lead to flight delays that propagate through hub and
spoke airline systems causing passengers to miss their connecting
flights. Aircraft that are late to depart from the hubs cause
arriving planes to be late also. Passengers can typically be
transferred to different planes at hubs much faster than their
baggage because the passengers can get up and move on their own,
whereas baggage has to be moved by an airline baggage handler.
Passengers on planes that are late arriving at hubs may be able to
get on their connecting flights, only to find that their baggage
was not transferred due to a lack of time at the connecting point,
causing unexpected long waiting times for their baggage at their
destinations. Much of the baggage "lost" during flights is due to
insufficient baggage handling time at the various airline hubs for
transferring the baggage from one aircraft to another for the
passengers' connecting flights.
[0009] The security of the baggage is another major issue. With the
need for rapid transfer of large amounts of baggage, inadequate
attention is paid to searching baggage for explosives, weapons,
drugs or other contraband due to a lack of time. Until recently,
the baggage on domestic airline flights was rarely x-rayed, or
otherwise searched, due to the shear volume of baggage and the time
and cost involved. The result of not searching can be a disaster
such as occurred when Pan American flight 103 exploded over
Lockerby, Scotland in 1988. Drug smugglers typically rely on the
inability of customs to carefully search every piece of baggage due
to time constraints. Elimination of baggage transport in the same
aircraft as the passengers would allow the conduct of more
extensive baggage searches by customs and security and would also
eliminate the threat of passengers placing bombs in their baggage
to collect flight life insurance. Separating the passengers from
their baggage during travel would greatly decrease the long waiting
time currently experienced by passengers passing through security
check points as baggage could be searched to the extent desired
without impeding passengers' travel.
[0010] There is a need for a less costly alternative to the present
baggage handling system, as a means of reducing passenger waiting
time, reducing departure and arrival area congestion and increasing
security and cost control.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0011] This invention comprises a baggage transport system and
method with a unique collection and distribution system for
handling passenger baggage. More particularly, the invention
separates the transport of baggage from the transport of
passengers, thereby increasing the convenience of commercial
transportation services to passengers by reducing waiting times for
transport check-in, reducing travel area congestion, improving
passenger connecting times with other transport, improving security
and reducing costs.
[0012] In one embodiment of the baggage transport system,
passengers deposit their baggage at convenient baggage collection
centers located away from departure facilities. After the
passengers arrive at their destinations, their baggage is delivered
to them at a destination address provided by the passenger, thereby
avoiding the need for passengers to haul baggage from their
transport arrival areas. The passenger baggage is transported
separately from passengers and may travel by a different mode of
transport.
[0013] In accordance with one or more embodiments of this
invention, when a passenger makes a reservation to travel, a
passenger identifier number, which may be a ticket or reservation
number, is issued and placed in a data collection, which may reside
in a database in a computer, together with the passenger's
transport number, date of travel, time of travel and method of
carrier compensation. When the passenger purchases a ticket to a
destination, the ticket comprises information concerning the
passenger identifier, the transport number and date of departure.
If the passenger is traveling by other means than a purchased
ticket, such as a pass, travel award or government travel request,
the passenger identifier can serve as a means of uniquely
identifying the passenger in place of a ticket.
[0014] Rather than check baggage for carriage at the transport
check-in counter, under one embodiment of this invention, baggage
is checked for carriage to a destination before departure at a
baggage collection facility that is separate from the departure and
arrival facility. In one embodiment of this invention, the
departure and arrival facility is an airport, although the system
is equally applicable to other modes of passenger travel,
comprising trains, buses and ships. Many baggage collection
facilities might be operated in various locations throughout a
city, as well as in rural areas, either cooperatively by the
carriers or by an independent commercial concern. In the proposed
system, passengers will obtain their passenger identifier or ticket
at any time in advance of travel and deposit their baggage at a
convenient baggage collection center, which may feature drive-in
service. The baggage collection center will then accept the baggage
for transport to the passengers' ultimate destinations, not merely
to the destination transport arrival facilities, which may be
airports.
[0015] On arrival, passengers will be able to have their baggage
delivered directly to their homes, hotels, offices or other
locations without having to struggle with the baggage at transport
arrival facility baggage pickup carousels. Passengers will not have
to carry baggage to their cars or to buses in order to bring the
baggage to their homes, hotels or offices. Thus, passengers will be
able to enter and leave transport arrival facilities quickly.
Passengers changing transport at hubs will be able to transfer to
connecting carriers quickly, unencumbered by baggage.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0016] FIG. 1 comprises a map of a typical metropolitan area
showing the baggage collection and distribution system and the
relationship between the baggage collection center, baggage
consolidation center, departure point, arrival point and baggage
distribution center.
[0017] FIG. 2 comprises a flow diagram illustrating an embodiment
of the baggage transport system.
[0018] FIG. 3 comprises an illustration of the first page or screen
displayed in an embodiment of the baggage transport system data
collection, which may be a computer database. The Figure shows
baggage identification and delivery information.
[0019] FIG. 4 comprises an illustration of the second page or
screen displayed in an embodiment of the baggage transport system
data collection and illustrates the way that baggage is traced at
every step during the movement of the baggage through the baggage
transport system.
[0020] FIG. 5 comprises an illustration of a two part baggage claim
check used in one embodiment of the baggage transport system for
tracking and delivery. The top portion of the claim check is
applied to baggage in the baggage transport system for tracking and
delivery and the bottom portion is a receipt given to passengers to
be surrendered upon delivery of the baggage.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0021] A method and apparatus for transporting passenger baggage is
described. In one embodiment of the method and system, passengers
deposit their baggage at convenient baggage collection centers
located away from departure facilities. The passenger baggage is
transported separately from passengers to their destinations. After
the passengers arrive at their destination arrival facility, their
baggage is delivered to them at an address provided by the
passenger, thereby avoiding the need for passengers to haul their
own baggage from their arrival areas. In the following description,
numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more
thorough description of the present invention. It will be apparent,
however, to one skilled in the art, that the present invention may
be practiced without these specific details. In other instances,
well-known features have not been described in detail so as not to
obscure the invention. It will be understood, however, that many of
the specific details of the passenger baggage transport system and
method illustrated in the drawings could be changed, modified or
even eliminated in some cases without departing significantly from
the spirit of the invention.
[0022] In the present invention, the baggage transport system is a
combination of an information management subsystem and a
transaction management subsystem. In accordance with one or more
embodiments of this invention, when a passenger makes a reservation
to travel, a passenger identifier number, which may be a ticket or
reservation number, is issued and placed in a data collection,
which may reside in a database in a computer, together with the
passenger's transport number, date of travel, time of travel and
method of carrier compensation. When the passenger purchases a
ticket to a destination, the ticket comprises information
concerning the passenger identifier, the transport number and date
of departure. If the passenger is traveling by other means than a
purchased ticket, such as a pass, travel award or government travel
request, the passenger identifier can serve as a means of uniquely
identifying the passenger in place of a ticket.
[0023] Rather than check baggage for carriage at the transport
check-in counter, under one embodiment of this invention, baggage
is checked for carriage to a destination before departure at a
baggage collection facility that is separate from the departure and
arrival facility. In one embodiment of this invention, the
departure and arrival facility is an airport, although the system
is equally applicable to other modes of travel, comprising trains,
buses and ships. Many baggage collection facilities might be
operated in various locations throughout a city, as well as in
rural areas, either cooperatively by the carriers or by an
independent commercial concern. In the proposed system, passengers
will obtain their ticket or passenger identifier at any time in
advance of travel and deposit their baggage at a convenient baggage
collection center that may feature drive-in service. The baggage
collection center will then accept the baggage for transport to the
passengers' ultimate destinations, not merely to the destination
arrival facilities, which may be airports. Passengers will be able
to have their baggage delivered directly to their homes, hotels,
offices or other locations, rather than having to struggle with
baggage at transport arrival facility baggage pickup carousels.
Passengers will not have to carry baggage to their cars or to buses
and eventually bring the baggage to their homes, hotels or offices.
Thus, passengers will be able to enter and leave transport arrival
facilities quickly. Passengers changing transport will be able to
transfer to connecting carriers quickly, unencumbered by
baggage.
[0024] In one embodiment of the invention, the method for handling
passenger baggage comprises obtaining a passenger identifier for a
passenger, associated with a ticket, to a destination. The method
further comprises obtaining passenger baggage for carriage to the
destination in at least one passenger baggage collection facility
before the passenger's departure, where the passenger baggage is
identified by the passenger identifier. The method further
comprises obtaining an address at the destination to which the
passenger baggage is to be delivered and delivering the passenger
baggage to the destination address after the passenger has
departed.
[0025] FIGS. 1-5 comprise illustrations of one embodiment of the
invention. FIG. 1 comprises a map of a typical metropolitan area
showing the baggage collection and distribution system and the
relationship between the baggage collection center, baggage
consolidation center, departure facility, arrival facility and
baggage distribution center. In FIG. 2, a flow diagram illustrates
an embodiment of the baggage transport system. The first page or
screen displayed in an embodiment of the baggage transport system
data collection is shown in FIG. 3 and provides baggage
identification and delivery information. FIG. 4 comprises an
illustration of the second page or screen displayed in an
embodiment of the baggage transport system data collection and
shows the way that baggage is traced at every step of the transport
of the baggage through the baggage transport system. The two part
baggage claim check used in the baggage transport system for
tracking and delivery is shown in FIG. 5. The top portion of the
claim check is applied to baggage in the baggage transport system
for tracking and delivery and the bottom portion is a receipt given
to passengers to be surrendered upon delivery of the baggage.
[0026] As noted above, FIG. 1 comprises an illustration of the
operation of the baggage transportation system functions as
indicated by a map of a metropolitan area showing the relationship
between the baggage collection center, the baggage consolidation
center, the departure facility, the arrival facility and the
baggage distribution center. A passenger will initially request a
reservation for travel and obtain a passenger identifier that
identifies a data collection entry concerning the travel. The data
collection, which may be a computer database, comprises such
information as date of travel, destination city and destination
address for baggage delivery. Passengers paying for tickets may do
so at the time of the reservation or at a later time using the
passenger identifier or passenger's name and travel information.
Some people will be using passes, prepaid tickets, government
travel orders, frequent travel awards or other methods of
compensating the carrier for transportation.
[0027] In the simplified map of a city shown in FIG. 1, the
passenger, after making a reservation for travel to a destination
by a preferred mode of travel, deposits his or her baggage at a
baggage collection center. In the simplified map, the lines
indicate freeways traversing a city on a body of water with the
coastline indicated by the line at the bottom of the Figure. The
baggage collection center may offer amenities comprising curbside
baggage collection for passengers embarking upon domestic travel.
At the baggage collection center, the passenger will provide the
center with his passenger identifier or ticket, if any. Depending
on the size of the city, there will be a number of baggage
collection centers, identified by 110 in FIG. 1. Large numbers of
baggage collection centers may be placed throughout a metropolitan
area as well as throughout rural areas for the convenience of
passengers to enable them to deposit their baggage at locations
near their homes, hotels or offices. For those passengers who
prefer to leave their baggage near the departure facility, a
baggage collection center will be provided near, but not in, the
transportation departure area of the departure facility. The
baggage collection centers are located outside of and relatively
remote from the transportation departure facility for the express
purpose of reducing the congestion there and to move such functions
as security, baggage searches, x-raying of baggage and customs
inspections out of the transportation departure facility.
[0028] The baggage collection centers may be operated by individual
transportation carriers or collectively by a group of
transportation carriers to reduce cost. At some time after
depositing the baggage at the baggage collection center, the
passenger will proceed to the departure facility 100. After
check-in, which may include a security check, the passenger will be
transported to his destination. Passenger baggage will be
transported to a baggage consolidation center 115, where baggage
may be consolidated from the various baggage collection centers 110
prior to sorting for shipment to the passenger's destination.
[0029] In addition to showing departure facilities, FIG. 1 also is
representative of the type of facilities provided at the
passengers' destinations. Passengers arriving the arrival facility,
also designated by 100, will proceed directly to their homes or
hotels after disembarkation from their transport. It is anticipated
that, in most cities, facility 100 will comprise both the departure
and arrival facility. Arriving passengers' baggage will be
transported to a regional baggage distribution center 120 where the
baggage will be sorted and assigned to carriers for local
transportation to the passengers' homes, hotels or offices.
[0030] In FIG. 2, a flow diagram of an embodiment of the baggage
transport system processing is illustrated for this invention.
Initially, a passenger makes a travel reservation 200 comprising
travel on a specific date, at a specific time, from a departure
point to a destination by means of a carrier comprising airlines,
buses, trains and ships. Information on the ultimate destination
address (a home, hotel or office) is also provided if known. Before
completing the reservation, the passenger is assigned a passenger
identifier 202 that can be used to locate the passenger's
reservation, both in ticketing and in baggage handling. The
reservation also comprises information needed to contact the
passenger, if needed, to advise the passenger of delays and
schedule changes. Additionally, the reservation comprises
information on the compensation for carriage. Compensation
comprises purchased tickets, that may require advance purchase
requirements, carrier passes, purchased passes, prepaid tickets,
government travel orders and frequent traveler awards. If the
compensation requires a ticket purchase, the passenger provides the
passenger identifier or the passenger's name, destination, travel
date and departure time and then purchases the ticket at step 204
by telephone, through a travel agent or at a baggage collection
center.
[0031] Prior to departure, the passenger visits a convenient
baggage collection center 110 and deposits his baggage at step 206.
The baggage collection center can provide curbside baggage checking
if desired. As part of the baggage checking procedure at the
baggage collection center, the passenger provides the passenger
identifier or ticket or name, destination, travel date and
departure time at step 208. The passenger also provides at 210
updates on his ultimate destination address for baggage delivery,
if known, at the baggage collection center. The passenger has the
option of providing this information at the destination also if
necessary. At step 212, the passenger pays fees comprising
overweight charges and excess baggage charges, over and above
established limits. Next, if international travel is contemplated,
the passenger fills out papers comprising entrance declarations and
customs declarations for his baggage at step 214 and provides other
information, comprising passport and visa information. Also, at
step 214, other charges, comprising customs fees and landing fees
and taxes, are paid to the extent that they are ascertainable.
[0032] At step 216, the baggage collection center generates baggage
tags and a claim check for the passenger comprising the passenger's
passenger identifier, name, destination, time and date of travel
and destination delivery address for the baggage. Each item of
baggage also carries a baggage checking identifier, associated with
the passenger identifier, to uniquely identify each separate piece
of checked baggage. After this step, the passenger and the baggage
go off to their destination in different ways. At step 250, the
baggage collection center applies the baggage tag to each item of
baggage and information on the baggage enters the data collection
at step 252, where the information is associated with the passenger
identifier. The information entered into the data collection
comprises the number of items of baggage, the baggage checking
identifier for each piece of baggage and unusual baggage
characteristics such as size, weight, shape and fragility. Other
information entered comprises the destination, passenger transport
number, passenger departure time and date, current date and time,
and the current baggage location for tracing purposes.
[0033] At step 254, the baggage is transported to a baggage
consolidation center 115 where the baggage tags are scanned or read
and their new location and the current date and time are entered
into the data collection at step 256. Baggage is sorted by
destination at step 258 and a decision on the mode of shipment is
made at step 260. The baggage may be transported to the baggage
distribution center in the destination city by air cargo carrier,
truck, train, ship, bus or other means. At step 262, shipment of
the baggage by a mode of transport is authorized and the baggage
tags are supplemented with the new information on the selected
carrier and the mode of transport. This information, together with
the current date and time, are entered into the data collection.
The baggage is sent to the selected carrier at step 263, where the
carrier comprises an air cargo carrier 264, trucking carrier 266,
railroad carrier 268 and ship carrier 270.
[0034] At step 272, the baggage arrives at the destination baggage
distribution center 120, where the baggage arrival location,
current date and current time are entered into the data collection
at step 273. At step 274, the data collection records passenger
arrival data, if any. At step 276, the system checks to see if the
passenger has arrived. If the passenger has arrived, the data
collection is searched for revised delivery instructions at step
290. The baggage tag is supplemented with any revised instructions
for delivery. Local delivery of the baggage at the destination is
then authorized at step 292 and information concerning the delivery
authorization, current date and current time are entered into the
data collection at step 294. At step 296, baggage may be sorted
according to final local destination and assigned to a local
carrier at step 297 for delivery to the passenger's final local
destination. At step 298, the baggage is transferred to a local
carrier for delivery to the final destination address and this
transfer is noted in the data collection at step 299 along with the
current date and time. At step 240, the passenger receives the
baggage and at step 242 an entry is made in the data collection
denoting delivery.
[0035] If the passenger has not arrived at step 276, then the
system queries the data collection at step 278 for revised
instructions. The bags are then sent to storage at step 280 and
their location, current date and current time are noted in the data
collection at step 282. At step 284, when information about
passenger arrival is received from step 236, the baggage is removed
from storage and moved to the delivery area. Information about bag
removal from storage is recorded in the data collection and a
search is again made for revised delivery instructions at step 290.
The delivery instructions are then supplemented with any new
information. If there are revised instructions, local delivery of
the baggage at the destination in accord with the new or existing
instructions is authorized at step 292 and information concerning
the delivery authorization, current date and current time are
entered into the data collection at step 294. At step 296, baggage
may be sorted according to final local destination and is assigned
to a local carrier at step 297 for delivery to the final local
destination. At step 298, the baggage is transferred to a local
carrier for delivery to the final destination address and this
transfer is noted in the data collection at step 299 along with the
current date and time. At step 240, the passenger receives the
baggage and at step 242 an entry is made in the data collection
denoting delivery.
[0036] During the time when the baggage has been processed and
transported, the passenger traveled from the baggage collection
center to the departure point at step 218. At step 220, the
passenger checks in at the departure point. At step 222, the
passenger provides the passenger identifier, his ticket if any, or
his name, destination, departure time and departure date during
check-in. At step 224, a boarding pass and seat assignment are
printed for the passenger if seats are assigned. At step 226, the
passenger's arrival for check-in is recorded in the data
collection. The passenger boards the transport at step 228 and his
boarding is recorded at step 230. At step 232, the Baggage
Distribution Center is notified that the passenger has boarded the
transport. The passenger travels to the destination at step 234 and
at step 236, the Baggage Distribution Center is notified of his
arrival so that the passenger's baggage can be released for
delivery. At step 238, the passenger travels locally to his final
destination and receives his baggage at step 240. Final delivery of
the baggage is noted at step 242. Should customs require additional
payment or have unresolved questions about the baggage of
international passengers, the passenger will be notified of the
need for payment or of the need to resolve customs issues, either
upon disembarkation from the transport or at his destination
address.
[0037] FIGS. 3 and 4 comprise an illustration of the organization
of the data collection that tracks the movements of each
passenger's baggage. FIG. 3 illustrates the first page or screen
displayed in an embodiment of the baggage transport system data
collection and shows baggage identification and delivery
information. FIG. 4 illustrates the second page or screen displayed
in an embodiment of the baggage transport system data collection
and shows the way that baggage is traced at every step of baggage
travel through the system. The first screen of the baggage
transport data collection, shown in FIG. 3, comprises a number of
entries. The first set of entries comprise a record number in the
system, the passenger identifier (denoted as 432744058892384343283
in column 2 of FIG. 3), passenger name (John Passenger), and
departure information comprising the departure street address (1000
Ocean Blvd.), city (Long Beach), state (Calif.), postal code
(90251), country (USA) and passenger telephone number
(310-555-1234). Next, the screen displays additional travel
information, comprising the destination city (Washington-Dulles
airport), departure date (Jan. 4, 2002), departure time (8:45 AM)
and transport number (UA 51). The next items comprise destination
information comprising the destination home, hotel or office
(referred to as the Washingtonian), street address (705 5.sup.th
St. NW), city (Washington), state (D.C.), postal code (10456),
country (USA) and passenger telephone number (202-555-1245).
Additional items displayed comprise the fare ($1567.00), fare basis
or type of fare (Y), and mode of payment (VISA 80081948445809).
Next, the screen shows data comprising whether the baggage was
collected (YES), the baggage claim check numbers (7432490773912.1,
7432490773912.2, 7432490773912.3), related to the passenger
identifier, overweight amount (105 pounds), overweight charge
($134.00), excess baggage amount (1 bag), excess baggage charge
($25.00), customs declaration (N/A), and customs payments (N/A).
Finally, the screen displays information concerning passenger
departure check-in (YES), passenger destination arrival (YES),
baggage delivery authorization (YES) and the baggage carrier that
will deliver the baggage to the ultimate destination (Washington
Delivery Service). The last entry indicates whether the passenger
has signed for the baggage at the passenger's final destination
(YES).
[0038] FIG. 4 comprises an illustration of the second screen or
page of the data collection entry for the traveler of FIG. 3. The
Baggage Trace Data comprises the baggage claim check number,
location of the baggage, and the date and time the information was
entered into the data collection. Letters and numbers following
dash after the facility name indicate the bin or container number
where the baggage can be found within these large buildings. The
transport of the baggage can be followed at each step of baggage
transport to facilitate tracing of lost baggage and to provide the
passenger with the status of the baggage. As an example, the Screen
of FIG. 4 also comprises information on the date and time the
baggage was deposited at the Long Beach Baggage Collection Center
(Long Beach BCC in the entry shown in column two of FIG. 4, showing
the data screen), arrival of the baggage at the Los Angeles Baggage
Consolidation Center (Los Angeles BConC), and the transfer of the
baggage to Quick Baggage Transport (Los Angeles Qck Bag Trns) for
transport from Los Angeles to Washington overnight. In Washington,
the arrival of the baggage at Quick Baggage Transport in Washington
(Washington Qck Bag Trns) is shown and the arrival of the baggage
at the Washington Baggage Distribution Center (Washington BDC) is
noted, with information on the location of the baggage within the
Washington Baggage Distribution Center. This entry is followed by
information on the passenger, comprising the passenger's check-in
for transport in Los Angeles, boarding the transport in Los Angeles
and arrival in Washington. Upon the passenger's arrival, the
Washington Baggage Distribution Center authorized local delivery
and released the baggage (entry showing RELEASED BDC in column two
of FIG. 4) to the Washington Delivery Service (Washington Delivery
Serv), again noting the date and time. Finally, the data collection
comprises a note about the delivery of the baggage at the
passenger's hotel (John Passenger Washingtonian) indicating the
name of the person signing for the baggage.
[0039] FIG. 5 comprises an illustration of the two part baggage
claim check used in the baggage transport system for tracking and
delivery. The top portion of the claim check is applied to baggage
in the baggage transport system for tracking and delivery and the
bottom portion is a receipt given to passengers to be surrendered
upon delivery of the baggage. The baggage claim check generated at
step 216 is shown in FIG. 5 and is applied to each bag. The baggage
claim check applied to the baggage comprises a list indicating the
claim check number (7432490773912.1), which is related to the
passenger identifier, the number of bags per claim check, usually
one, and the bag weight (105 pounds in this example). Next, the
claim check lists information comprising the passenger identifier
(7432490773912), passenger name (John Passenger), departure point
for the baggage or initially check-in point (LB-CA-BCC referring to
the Long Beach Baggage Collection Center), and destination city
baggage distribution center (Wash-DC-BCC, referring to the
Washington DC Baggage Distribution Center). Other information
listed comprises the passenger transport number (UA 51), passenger
date of transport departure(Jan. 4, 2002), departure time (8:45
AM), baggage drop off date at the departure city Jan. 3, 2002) and
drop off time (3:05 PM) in Long Beach, Calif. The bottom portion of
the baggage claim check, which constitutes the passenger's receipt
for the baggage, also comprises information on the claim check
number, which is related to the passenger identifier, the number of
bags per claim check, usually one, and the bag weight. Next, the
bottom of the claim check lists information comprising the
passenger identifier, passenger name, departure point for the
baggage or where the passenger initially checked in, destination
city baggage distribution center, passenger transport number,
passenger date of transport, departure time, baggage drop off date
and drop off time.
[0040] In an embodiment of the invention, the baggage transport
system comprises baggage handling and ticketing and is a
combination of an information management subsystem and a
transaction management subsystem. These two subsystems interface
with each other and also interface with other operating systems,
comprising schedule and ticketing systems and other shipping
related systems. Both the information management subsystem and the
transaction management subsystem are designed to use a
client/server architecture. The server computer is managed and
operated by the carrier. The client computers are remotely located
and distributed throughout the country and internationally. The
client computer and the server computer are connected through
available communication links, comprising the Internet, land line
and wireless systems. Communication between the client computer and
the server computer is secured by the use of state of the art
encryption protocols.
[0041] In one embodiment of this invention, a passenger can have
access to the information management subsystem with a personnel
computer that functions as a client computer in the client/server
system. As the information management subsystem interfaces with the
carrier schedule and ticketing systems, the passenger, through the
client computer, by connecting to the server computer, can purchase
a ticket electronically. Prior to the purchase of the carrier
ticket, a passenger registers with the server computer by providing
certain personal information including a confidential password
selected by the passenger. For future access to the server data
collection, the passenger has to use the password for
authentication. The passenger can also print a copy of the ticket
through a standard printer connected to the client computer. The
payment for the purchase of the ticket comprises the use of credit,
debit or smart cards. Furthermore, the system allows the passenger
to select seating and obtain a seating assignment in the transport.
Through this system, a valid boarding document can be downloaded to
the client computer and be printed on a standard printer.
[0042] Next, the server computer prepares a travel record for the
passenger and stores the travel record in the data collection
accessible to the passenger at any time with proper authentication.
Passenger authentication in this embodiment comprises passenger
password verification. Many other methods of authentication might
be employed.
[0043] Authorized carrier personnel have access to the passenger
travel record through the use of client computers with a
communication links to the server computer. Various security
measures are implemented in the system to achieve traceability for
the purpose of identifying persons with access to the system.
Furthermore, the system captures and records the identity of any
person reviewing or changing a record.
[0044] Once a passenger completes the ticket purchase transaction,
the server computer prepares the copy of the ticket that can be
printed by a standard printer connected to a client computer by the
passenger. This printed ticket copy is primarily for the purpose of
record keeping for the passenger. However, the boarding document
that is prepared by the server computer and printed with the use of
a standard printer connected to a client computer by the passenger
is a valid document for boarding the transport. Another form of
identification that contains a photograph of the passenger may be
necessary. Acceptable identification comprises a valid driver's
license issued by a State or a valid passport issued by a Country
along with the boarding document to board the transport. The
availability of a pre-printed valid boarding document to a
passenger makes the boarding process at the departure gate more
efficient and cost effective for the carrier.
[0045] In this embodiment, the boarding document, prepared by the
server computer, comprises, in readable text, pertinent information
regarding the transport segments, including passenger
identification, transport number, date of travel, departure time,
and destination. The boarding document also contains seating
assignments for the various carrier segments and barcodes that
contain the pertinent transport information of the passenger
including a digital identification of the passenger. For example,
if there were three transport segments from the place of departure
to the final destination, there would be three barcodes identifying
each of the transport segments. Single dimension and
two-dimensional barcodes could be used on the boarding document.
Two-dimensional barcodes can contain more information for similar
size compared to the single dimensional barcode.
[0046] At the time of passenger boarding, the barcode on the
boarding document is scanned with the use of a hand held scanner to
record the boarding of the passenger. The scanner is connected to
the server computer data collection through any of the available
communication links, comprising the Internet, virtual private
networks and wireless systems. Through scanning, the barcode
information is compared with the passenger travel record stored in
the server computer database. This process validates the
authenticity of the boarding document. After scanning, the
passenger travel record in the database is updated to reflect the
boarding of the aircraft by the passenger.
[0047] The passenger does not bring any accompanying baggage, other
than one piece of hand carried baggage, to the airport. Instead,
the passenger takes the accompanying baggage to any one of the
nearby baggage collection centers distributed throughout the region
on the day of travel or the day prior to the travel departure date.
These baggage collection centers are created by utilizing various
airline carrier offices distributed throughout the region or by
agreements between the carriers and various shipping and mailing
outlet centers distributed throughout the country. The baggage
collection centers function as agents of the carrier for shipping
the baggage accompanying the passengers.
[0048] In this embodiment, the passenger purchased a ticket prior
to bringing the baggage to the collection center. The baggage
collection centers are equipped with client computers and can be
connected to the server computer through a number of communication
links. Each of the baggage collection centers can be individually
authenticated and communication between client computers in the
baggage collection centers and the server is totally secure. By
accessing the information management subsystem, the client computer
at the baggage collection center can verify passenger travel
information. If the passenger travel record in the information
management subsystem shows that the passenger has not printed a
valid boarding document, then a boarding document is printed at the
baggage collection center, through a standard printer connected to
the client computer, for the passenger. The system records the
printing of the boarding document for the passenger at the baggage
collection center and updates the passenger travel record. This
procedure facilitates tracing access to passenger travel records if
needed.
[0049] The passenger provides a destination address to which the
baggage will be delivered within twenty-four hours of the transport
departure time, if the final destination is within the country, and
within forty-eight hours of departure time if the final destination
is outside the country. For international travel, due to customs
requirements, the passenger will have to prepare necessary customs
declarations before travel and appropriate digital forms will be
included in the passenger's travel record. Generally, the cost of
baggage handling and shipping will be included in the purchase
price of the ticket. In the event of excess baggage, additional
charges will be paid through the use of a credit, debit or smart
card. Customs charges, including any customs processing expenses,
can be prepaid as well.
[0050] Once baggage is collected at the baggage collection center,
the shipping of the baggage to the destination is processed through
the use of the transaction management subsystem. The transaction
management subsystem is designed to develop an optimal shipping
plan for transporting the baggage from the shipping location to the
destination address. The transportation of the baggage will involve
the use of ground carriers for transporting the baggage from the
baggage collection center to the appropriate nearby transport
departure area. Baggage transport may involve the use of air
carriers for air transportation of the baggage to the passenger
destination and ground carriers for transporting the baggage from
the destination arrival point to the final destination address.
[0051] Security considerations suggest that the baggage should be
shipped through cargo carriers. The scheduling of the various
transportation carriers is performed by the transaction management
subsystem and utilizes an optimal logistics algorithm to improve
efficiency. This can be accomplished through agreements between
passenger and cargo carriers. Land transportation of baggage is
provided by local ground carriers through agreements between the
passenger carriers and the local ground carriers. The former
baggage space in the passenger transport may be primarily filled by
commercial cargo that has undergone a security check. As there will
be no time constraint due to concern about transport delays, there
will be sufficient time to process the passenger baggage through a
comprehensive security check. Moreover, there will be an additional
opportunity for increased scrutiny of baggage belonging to certain
passengers, based on passenger profiles.
[0052] The cost associated with the ground transportation of
baggage from the baggage collection center to the departure area
and the ground transportation of baggage from the destination point
to the final destination address will be an additional cost in this
embodiment. However, the cost savings, due to the increase in
efficiency and productivity, will more than offset the additional
cost.
[0053] The transaction management subsystem is designed to have the
server computer prepare necessary shipment routing instructions,
shipping labels and tags that will be required and transmit them to
a client computer located at the baggage collection center. At the
baggage collection center, the necessary shipping labels and tags
are printed through a standard printer connected to the client
computer. Shipping labels and the tags will be attached to the
baggage as needed. The server computer also prepares shipment
pickup and delivery instructions and related shipping orders that
are electronically communicated to the various cargo and passenger
carriers, as determined by the optimal logistics algorithm. A copy
of these instructions and orders is made part of the passenger
travel record.
[0054] For increased efficiency, the baggage brought to the baggage
collection center may be accumulated for transport. The baggage
collection center will prepare and transmit pickup and delivery
orders for each item of baggage to land carriers who will transport
the baggage at specific pre-determined times on every day. For
example, baggage might be transported from the baggage collection
center at 12:00 noon and 4:00 pm every day.
[0055] When the passenger brings the baggage to the baggage
collection center, the passenger will receive a receipt with a
baggage identification number, associated with the passenger
identifier that can be used for tracking after the baggage is
processed for shipment. The receipt is prepared by the server
computer and printed at the baggage collection center through a
standard printer connected to the client computer. In the event the
baggage is not properly delivered, the baggage identification
number on the receipt can be used to track and locate the baggage
for delivery at the destination address. The transaction management
subsystem interfaces with the shipment tracking system used by the
various transportation carriers and updates the status of the
shipment of the baggage. The status of the baggage is updated in
the passenger travel record also by the interface between the
transaction management subsystem and the information management
subsystem.
[0056] In this invention, a novel system has been developed to
increase the security and convenience of passengers and to increase
security, productivity, and efficiency of the carriers by
streamlining and substantially changing the baggage handling system
that is currently used. The invention reduces the congestion at
departure areas by not using any space at the passenger terminals
for the baggage handling functions that are accomplished at a
distributed network of baggage collection centers equipped with the
client computers where the passengers deposit their baggage prior
to their travel, instead of the departure area. The invention
provides that the accompanying baggage will be directly delivered
to the destination address provided by the passenger.
[0057] The invention enables a passenger, with the help of a client
computer, to connect online to the server computer maintained by
the carrier for the purchase and printing of an electronic ticket
and a valid boarding document. The invention enables the passenger,
with the help of a client computer after proper authentication, to
have access to the passenger travel record stored on the server
computer's database that contains the delivery status of the
passenger's baggage. In conclusion, a method and apparatus for
transporting baggage separately from passengers is described with
one or more specific embodiments. The invention is defined by the
claims and the full scope of equivalents.
* * * * *