Abstract:
A security system includes machine readable passenger and employee wrist bracelets and baggage tags in conjunction with a computerized control system, electrically remotely actuated locks, alarms, and communications links to monitor and control the movement of passengers, employees, and baggage. The system prevents security breaches through lost security badges, misplaced keys, or access codes being given to or obtained by unauthorized individuals, and may include double doors having remotely actuated locks to selectively detain unauthorized individuals between a pair of locked double doors. The wrist bracelets and baggage tags are preferably constructed so as to be difficult to remove and may include electronic circuitry to provide an indication of tampering or removal. The system preferably includes a database associated with at least one data display and input terminal to maintain information pertaining to flight data, passenger data, employee data, baggage data, and facility data. The system may employ a relational type of database structure to provide convenient access to all types of data pertaining to a particular individual, flight, bag, or facility. The system may include GPS sensors to enable current real time display of status and location information associated with a particular bag, flight, or individual.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is a continuation in part of Ser. No. 10/016,664, filed on Dec. 10, 2001, pending. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The present invention is directed to the field of security systems, and more particularly pertains to a security system for tracking and monitoring airport passengers and their baggage as well as corporate security.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0003]     Security in the field of travel in general, and particularly within airports and airlines is a critical issue. The ease of access of unauthorized individuals within airports and to airline craft is of great concern. The viability of typical increased security in airports, trains, and other mass transport systems is of concern, particularly when measured against the expense, time consumption and discomfort of travelers and employees. Also, the ability to carry-on items onto airliners is counterbalanced between the comfort of the traveler and the security of the airliner and its passengers.  
         [0004]     The field of travel and airport security in general, and the field of passenger and baggage tracking security systems in particular, is relatively crowded. Representative examples of such systems can be found in the following patents: U.S. Pat. No. 5,401,944, issued Mar. 28, 1995 to Bravman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,600,303, issued Feb. 4, 1997 to Husseiny et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,608,382, issued Mar. 4, 1997 to Webb et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,648,765, issued Jul. 15, 1997 to Cresap et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,692,029, issued Nov. 25, 1997 to Husseiny et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,815,467, issued Sep. 29, 1998 to Deering; U.S. Pat. No. 5,866,888, issued Feb. 2, 1999 to Bravman et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 5,914,671, issued Jun. 22, 1999 to Tuttle; U.S. Pat. No. 5,933,098, issued Aug. 3, 1999, to Haxton; U.S. Pat. No. 6,119,096, issued Sep. 12, 2000 to Mann et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,127,917, issued Oct. 3, 2000 to Tuttle; U.S. Pat. No. 6,211,790 B1, issued Apr. 3, 2001 to Radomsky et al.; U.S. Pat. No. 6,222,452 B1, issued Apr. 24, 2001 to Ahistrom. The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing patents is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.  
         [0005]     Security systems including double doors operating according to associated control systems for detaining unauthorized individuals between two sets of doors are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,481,887, issued Nov. 13, 1984 to Urbano; U.S. Pat. No. 5,992,094, issued Nov. 30, 1995 to Diaz; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,298,603 B1, issued Oct. 9, 2001 to Diaz. The entire disclosure of each of the foregoing patents is hereby incorporated herein by this reference.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0006]     An airport security system according to the present invention includes machine readable passenger and employee wrist bracelets and baggage tags in conjunction with a computerized control system, electrically remotely actuated locks, alarms, and communications links to monitor and control the movement of passengers, employees, and baggage. The system prevents security breaches through lost security badges, misplaced keys, or access codes being given to or obtained by unauthorized individuals, and may include double doors having remotely actuated locks to selectively detain unauthorized individuals between a pair of locked double doors. The wrist bracelets and baggage tags are preferably constructed so as to be difficult to remove and may include electronic circuitry to provide an indication of tampering or removal. The system preferably includes a database associated with at least one data display and input terminal to maintain information pertaining to flight data, passenger data, employee data, baggage data, and facility data. According to one aspect of the invention, the system may employ a relational type of database structure to provide convenient access to all types of data pertaining to a particular individual, flight, bag, or facility. The system may include GPS sensors to enable current real time display of status and location information associated with a particular bag, flight, or individual.  
         [0007]     In a preferred aspect of the invention, the security system is employed in conjunction with a security policy to preclude or limit the use of carryon items by passengers, so as to provide an enhanced measure of security and to minimize costs and delays associated with handling, storage, and security screening of carryon items.  
         [0008]     In one preferred embodiment, the wrist bracelets or other identification devices are time sensitive to expire within a set time period, such as on a hourly, daily, or other time period. Different periods may be assigned for differing levels of security. For example, a passenger&#39;s security device may expire upon the departure of the airplane or other transportation device. An employee&#39;s security device may expire on a daily or weekly period.  
         [0009]     In another aspect of the present invention, the database and wrist bracelet cooperate to provide personalized consumer information to enable targeted marketing of travel related goods and services to passengers. In one aspect of the invention, such targeted marketing may include a travel pack provided free or for an extra fee to passengers traveling with children, the travel pack including carrying handles, 4-6 diapers, wipes, sample size ointment, disposable bibs, a snack, and a toy. The travel pack may be customized so as to be age and sex appropriate for newborns, 4-9 month old babies, 9-18 month babies, toddlers, toddler, children, and may also include promotional sponsored offers with advertising, discount coupons, an entry to a giveaway or sweepstakes or other similar contests.  
         [0010]     These and various other advantages and features of novelty that characterize the invention are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed hereto and forming a part hereof. However, for a better understanding of the invention, its advantages, and the objects obtained by its use, reference should be made to the drawings which form a further part hereof, and to the accompanying descriptive matter, in which there is illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0011]      FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an airport security system according to the present invention.  
         [0012]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram illustrating a database for use in the airport security system according to the present invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 3  is a diagrammatic view illustrating an example travel pack which may be provided through targeted marketing to passengers using passenger data maintained by a database of the airport security system of the present invention. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0014]     The present invention provides security systems for mass transport or other areas where security is of concern for a large amount of people. A preferred embodiment of the present invention is discussed below with particular relevance to airport security. It is to be expressly understood that this descriptive embodiment is provided for explanatory purposes only and is not meant to limit the scope of the claimed invention. Other types and uses of such security systems are also considered to be within the scope of the present invention. For example, the security system of the present invention may be used for trains, buses, ships and other mass transport systems as well in buildings, campuses and other areas accessible by large numbers of people.  
         [0015]     With reference now to the drawings, and in particular to  FIG. 1 , an airport security system  10  according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention includes at least one and preferably a plurality of data entry terminals  20  connected to a database  30 . The data entry terminals preferably include a display screen and a keyboard, and may also include other data entry devices such as a mouse or joystick, a finger print scanner, a bar code reader, an optical scanner, a magnetic card strip reader, or any other conventional mechanism or device for the entry of data into a computer system. The security system  10  may be implemented in connection with a computer mainframe connected to a plurality of terminals, or may take the form of a personal computer network. In any event, the data terminals  10  provide access to at least one database  30  for the purpose of storing, retrieving, and displaying information, and also for the entry of information into the database  30 . The data entry terminals  20  may take the form of stationary or portable devices, and may be connected to the system by cabling, or by wireless technologies such as radio frequency network links, satellite communications, infrared data links, or the like.  
         [0016]     As shown in  FIG. 2 , the database  30  preferably includes means for storing FLIGHT DATA, PASSENGER DATA, EMPLOYEE DATA, BAGGAGE DATA, and FACILITY DATA. The types of data that may be included in each portion of the database within each category appears under the associated heading below. It is to be expressly understood that other data may be included as well or in place of these types of data.  
         [0017]     FLIGHT DATA  
         [0018]     flight number  
         [0019]     current location  
         [0020]     type of aircraft (may also include or have links to detailed aircraft log including flight log, maintenance records, fueling records, etc.)  
         [0021]     schedule  
         [0022]     arrival airport  
         [0023]     departure airport  
         [0024]     baggage claim  
         [0025]     arrival concourse  
         [0026]     arrival gate  
         [0027]     departure concourse  
         [0028]     departure gate  
         [0029]     crew list  
         [0030]     passenger list  
         [0031]     baggage list (may link to baggage data)  
         [0032]     PASSENGER DATA  
         [0033]     name  
         [0034]     wrist bracelet identification  
         [0035]     current location  
         [0036]     addresses  
         [0037]     telephone numbers  
         [0038]     email addresses  
         [0039]     ticketing information (for example type of ticket, where purchased, price paid, bonus miles, etc.)  
         [0040]     travel history records  
         [0041]     medical history records  
         [0042]     relatives and contact information  
         [0043]     traveling companion information (identity, etc.)  
         [0044]     itinerary  
         [0045]     hotel  
         [0046]     rental car  
         [0047]     finger print  
         [0048]     DNA  
         [0049]     dental records  
         [0050]     digital photograph  
         [0051]     psychological profile  
         [0052]     criminal history  
         [0053]     physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.)  
         [0054]     special dietary requirements  
         [0055]     seating preferences  
         [0056]     special handicap accommodation (wheelchair, etc.)  
         [0057]     (authorized flights, airports, concourses, gates, baggage claims, service vehicles, permissible doors, etc.)  
         [0058]     EMPLOYEE DATA  
         [0059]     name  
         [0060]     wrist bracelet identification  
         [0061]     current location  
         [0062]     addresses  
         [0063]     telephone numbers  
         [0064]     email  
         [0065]     DNA  
         [0066]     finger print  
         [0067]     digital photograph  
         [0068]     physical description (height, weight, hair color, eye color, etc.)  
         [0069]     work history  
         [0070]     criminal history  
         [0071]     psychological profile  
         [0072]     work records  
         [0073]     schedule  
         [0074]     facility access  
         [0075]     job title  
         [0076]     job description  
         [0077]     job number  
         [0078]     financial records  
         [0079]     medical records  
         [0080]     relatives  
         [0081]     dental records  
         [0082]     (authorized flights, airports, concourses, gates, baggage claims, service vehicles, permissible doors, etc.)  
         [0083]     BAGGAGE DATA  
         [0084]     name of associated passenger (may include relational data base linkage)  
         [0085]     baggage tag identification  
         [0086]     physical description (size, color, type, maker, etc.)  
         [0087]     weight  
         [0088]     contents  
         [0089]     current location  
         [0090]     authorization information (authorized flights, airports, concourses, gates, baggage claims, service vehicles, permissible doors, etc.)  
         [0091]     FACILITY DATA  
         [0092]     name  
         [0093]     physical description  
         [0094]     address  
         [0095]     telephone numbers  
         [0096]     baggage claims  
         [0097]     concourses  
         [0098]     flights  
         [0099]     doors (may include authorization information)  
         [0100]     alarms  
         [0101]     employees  
         [0102]     passengers using or scheduled to use facility  
         [0103]     flight information  
         [0104]     fire fighting services information  
         [0105]     medical services information  
         [0106]     security services information  
         [0107]     weather information  
         [0108]     The database  30  may comprise one or more databases, which may or may not be linked, and may be relational databases providing convenient linkage between the related aspects of the FLIGHT DATA, PASSENGER DATA, EMPLOYEE DATA, BAGGAGE DATA, and FACILITY DATA, so as to provide maximum flexibility and ease of use. The database  30  may further include object oriented programming features such that the various categories of data may be displayed through graphical interfaces, rather than, or in conjunction with, text mode type data display. For example, the FACILITY DATA may provide a graphical display of a map of the airport, airplanes, and buildings, such that clicking a mouse pointer on, or otherwise selecting, one or portion of the graphical representations displayed provides further information. Such further information may take the form of a more detailed or “zoomed” type of display, or may provide a windowed linkage to related data. For example, selection of a particular graphical airplane icon appearing on an airport map may open one or more database windows showing the FLIGHT DATA, PASSENGER DATA, EMPLOYEE DATA, BAGGAGE DATA and FACILITY DATA related to the particular icon. Similarly, selecting a particular airport concourse may open one or more database windows displaying FLIGHT DATA, PASSENGER DATA, EMPLOYEE DATA, BAGGAGE DATA, and FACILITY DATA related at that particular time to that particular concourse.  
         [0109]     The data entry terminals  20  and the database  30  are connected to a control system  40  operably connected to at least one communications link  50 . The communication link  50  may utilize any known form, or combination of known forms for the communication of information including wireless infrared, microwave, radio frequency, magnetic or electromagnetic devices, or also cabled communication apparatus such as computer cabling, fiber optic cabling, telephone line modems, or the like. The control system  40  and communications link  50  may comprise separate components, or may be integrated with a mainframe or personal computer.  
         [0110]     The present invention contemplates the use of a boarding pass wrist bracelet  60  that preferably includes means for storing individualized identification data and means for communicating such data to at least one, and preferably a plurality of remote detection devices associated with aircraft and facility doors. Optionally, the wrist bracelet  60  may include a GPS transponder so as to provide an immediate real time indication of a particular passenger&#39;s location. The means for storing individualized identification data may include labels bearing alpha, numeric, or alpha-numeric indicia, machine readable indicia such as magnetic ink, optical recognizable characters, bar code, or any combination of the foregoing types of indicia. The means for storing individualized identification data may also take the form of electromagnetic strips of the type readable by credit card readers, programmable chips, optically or electromagnetically readable computer disks, or any other known type of data storage device. As an alternative to the storage of personalized information, the wrist bracelet  60  may include a unique identification number or code that is associated with personalized identification data maintained in the database  30 , rather than stored by the bracelet  60 . Alternatively, a portion of the personalized identification data may be stored by the bracelet  60 , with additional data stored by the database  30 .  
         [0111]     In another preferred embodiment, the wrist bracelet includes a security strip affixed within the bracelet or on the inside of the bracelet. The information on the security strip is readable by scanners, such as magnetic sensors, or other sensors that can retrieve the information without that information being easily viewable by others. Also, the information could be encoded on a Radio Frequency Identification tag that is becoming more prevalent in retail and other industries. This provides an additional measure of security without the information being viewed by unauthorized individuals.  
         [0112]     Preferably, the wrist bracelet  60  is constructed so as to be difficult to cut and remove, such as by forming it from a reinforced material, for example a heavy grade of plastic, Kevlar, plastic reinforced by metal strands, metal, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the bracelet  60  may include a fastener or clasp that is difficult to open without a special tool or implement. Fasteners of this type are per se known, for example of the type used to secure theft deterrent tags to merchandise in retail stores. As a further mechanism to prevent its removal, the bracelet  60  preferably includes means for providing an electronic indication of removal or tampering. This may take a variety of forms within the scope of the invention. For example, the bracelet  60  may include a metal linkage the severance of which opens a circuit and provides an electronic alarm, preferably communicable over a wireless communications link. Alternatively, the bracelet  60  may include circuitry operative to detect a wearer&#39;s body temperature and operative to sound an alarm when the sensed temperature falls outside a predetermined range. Also, the bracelet will become inoperable if it is tampered with or removed.  
         [0113]     In addition to the wrist bracelet  60 , the present invention also provides one or more baggage tags  70  that preferably include means for storing individualized baggage identification data and means for communicating such data to at least one, and preferably a plurality of remote detection devices associated with aircraft and facility doors. Optionally, the baggage tag  70  may include a GPS transponder so as to provide an immediate real time indication of a particular bag&#39;s location. The means for storing individualized identification data may include labels bearing alpha, numeric, or alpha-numeric indicia, machine readable indicia such as magnetic ink, optical recognizable characters, bar code, or any combination of the foregoing types of indicia. The means for storing individualized baggage identification data may also take the form of electromagnetic strips of the type readable by credit card readers, programmable chips, optically or electromagnetically readable computer disks, or any other known type of data storage device. As an alternative to the storage of personalized information, the baggage tag  70  may include a unique identification number or code that is associated with personalized identification data maintained in the database  30 , rather than stored by the tag. Alternatively, a portion of the personalized identification data may be stored by the tag  70 , with additional data stored by the database  30 . This allows information to be easily changed in the database as opposed to reissuing the bracelets.  
         [0114]     As with the wrist bracelet  60 , the baggage tags  70  according to the present invention may be constructed so as to be difficult to cut or remove, such as by forming it from a reinforced material, for example a heavy grade of plastic, Kevlar, plastic reinforced by metal strands, metal, etc. In addition, or alternatively, the tag  70  may include a fastener or clasp that is difficult to open without a special tool or implement. Fasteners of this type are per se known, for example of the type used to secure theft deterrent tags to merchandise in retail stores. As a further mechanism to prevent its removal, the tag  70  preferably includes means for providing an electronic indication of removal or tampering. This may take a variety of forms within the scope of the invention. For example, the tag  70  may include a metal linkage the severance of which opens a circuit and provides an electronic alarm, preferably communicable over a wireless communications link.  
         [0115]     The airport security system according to the present invention may also include an alarm system  80  operative to initiate audible and/or visible alarms when receiving an indication of an alarm condition via the communications link  50 . In this regard, the present invention may include a plurality of detectors or sensors  90 ,  100 ,  110 ,  120 ,  130 ,  140 , and  150 , associated with, respectively, CONCOURSE DOORS, GATE DOORS, BOARDING DOORS, AIRPLANE DOOR, COCKPIT DOORS, OVERHEAD BAGGAGE DOORS, and BAGGAGE CLAIM AREA DOORS, and operative to provide an indication of unauthorized opening, tampering, or attempted opening of the various respective associated doors. Each of the foregoing doors preferably include sensors for detecting the wrist bracelets  60  and/or baggage tags  70 , and may also include communications links for accessing the database  30  for the purpose of verifying whether a particular individual or bag has been granted permission to unlock and/or pass through a particular door or enter a particular part of a facility. The following provides a partial exemplary listing of permissions that might be associated with particular individuals and bags. It should be noted that such permissions may be assigned individually, or preferably at least in part automatically by assigning necessary permissions to baggage and passengers to complete certain flights and pickup their baggage.  
         [0116]     PASSENGER PERMISSIONS  
         [0117]     access concourse  
         [0118]     access gate  
         [0119]     access plane  
         [0120]     access overhead baggage storage  
         [0121]     access seat assignment  
         [0122]     access baggage claim area  
         [0123]     leave baggage claim area with only associated bags  
         [0124]     leave or enter predetermined facility areas only with associated passengers (to prevent kidnapping or loss of children, for example)  
         [0125]     BAGGAGE PERMISSIONS  
         [0126]     access baggage conveyor  
         [0127]     access service vehicle  
         [0128]     access plane, flight number  
         [0129]     access baggage claim area  
         [0130]     depart baggage claim area  
         [0131]     access baggage carousel  
         [0132]     associate with particular passenger  
         [0133]     destination routing  
         [0134]     automatic calculation of total weights for plane load determinations  
         [0135]     access particular overhead baggage storage bin  
         [0136]     EMPLOYEE PERMISSIONS  
         [0137]     access to only particular portions of facility  
         [0138]     access to only particular flights  
         [0139]     access only during permitted times  
         [0140]     verification of hours and locations worked  
         [0141]     association only with permitted group of coworkers  
         [0142]     access to only particular baggage claim areas  
         [0143]     access to only particular service vehicles  
         [0144]     AIRCRAFT PERMISSIONS  
         [0145]     permit departure only with full and properly assigned crew  
         [0146]     permit departure only with authorized passengers  
         [0147]     permit departure only with authorized baggage  
         [0148]     In addition to providing an alarm for unauthorized opening of any of the foregoing doors, the present invention may also provide an indication of an unauthorized passage of an individual or bag into a particular area. For example, if a passenger attempts entry into a concourse not associated with their scheduled flight, or if a baggage handler attempts to load a bag onto the wrong plane, service vehicle, or baggage carousel, the system may provide an appropriate alarm or condition indication dependent upon the severity of the particular event. It is contemplated that the system may be provided with suitable user selectable or programmable permissions and associations to control passengers, employees, baggage, aircraft, and facility access as desired, as illustrated by the example listing of permissions appearing above.  
         [0149]     The security system of the present invention may also enclose means for locking and unlocking doors depending upon the coded authorization parameters of a wrist bracelet  60  or baggage tag  70 . For example, solenoid or magnetically actuated door locks of a type known per se may be provided to selectively lock or unlock selected doors. As a further optional feature of the present invention, selected passages may be secured by selectively lockable and unlockable double doors, such that an unauthorized individual may be locked between two doors.  
         [0150]     In one preferred embodiment, the wrist bracelets or other identification devices are time sensitive to expire within a set time period, such as on a hourly, daily, or other time period. Different periods may be assigned for differing levels of security. For example, a passenger&#39;s security device may expire upon the departure of the airplane or other transportation device. An employee&#39;s security device may expire on a daily or weekly period. Visitor&#39;s security devices may be assigned a defined time period. New security devices will need to be assigned once the time period expires.  
         [0151]     In another aspect of the present invention, the database and wrist bracelet cooperate to provide personalized consumer information to enable targeted marketing of travel related goods and services to passengers. With reference to  FIG. 3 , such targeted marketing may be employed to provide a travel pack  500 , either free or for an extra fee, to passengers traveling with children, the travel pack including carrying handles  510 , four to six diapers  520 , wipes  530 , sample size ointment  540 , disposable bibs  550 , a snack  560 , and a toy  570 . The travel pack  500  may be customized so as to be age and sex appropriate for newborns,  4 - 9  month old babies,  9 - 18  month babies, toddlers, toddler, children, and may also include promotional sponsored offers with advertising, discount coupons, an entry to a giveaway or sweepstakes or other similar contests.  
         [0152]     The use of the travel pack  500 , in conjunction with the airport security system of the present invention, also allows implementation of a security policy to eliminate or substantially reduce the number and size of permitted carryon items. This allows enhanced security, while at the same time obviating or eliminating delays and added costs associated with handling, storing, and security screening carryon items.  
         [0153]     In another preferred embodiment, the security bracelet will allow passengers to travel through additional airports for connecting flights, return flights and other flights within a predetermined time frame. The information may be stored in a central database that is accessible for all airports or other transportation centers.  
         [0154]     In another preferred embodiment, the security bracelet may allow wearers to go through express security lanes without the need for additional security frisking. Also, if the wearer is not carrying additional baggage as carry on, they will be able to quickly go through security as well.  
         [0155]     In another preferred embodiment, the security system as described above may be adapted for use in secured corporate environments as well. The individual is initially provided with a security bracelet at the security desk. The bracelet will identify the individual as well as the levels of permissions that the wearer is granted. This allows the wearer access only to those areas that they have clearance. Also, the whereabouts of the wearer can be tracked and monitored throughout the buildings. This bracelet may also be used as a form of time card as well as a security badge. Once the bracelet has been disabled, the wearer is no longer on the clock.  
         [0156]     In another preferred embodiment of a security system of the present invention, the system provides a double door lock to prevent unauthorized entry into the cockpit of an airliner or other secure area. Even if the first door is opened by an unauthorized individual, the second door must be opened by another person after physically identifying the individual.  
         [0157]     It is to be understood, however, that even though numerous characteristics and advantages of the present invention have been set forth in the foregoing description, together with details of the structure and function of the invention, the disclosure is illustrative only, and changes may be made in detail, especially in matters of shape, size and arrangement of parts within the principles of the invention to the full extent indicated by the broad general meaning of the terms in which the appended claims are expressed.