Luggage retrieval and distribution

A computer-implemented method, system, and computer program product for distributing luggage among a plurality of outlet ports of a luggage distribution unit is provided. The method includes associating, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit, and assigning, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. The method also includes detecting a location of the passenger key, providing a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit, and signaling the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. The method includes receiving the association to access the at least one luggage unit, and releasing the luggage unit responsive to receiving the association.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to airport luggage distribution and management, and more specifically, to methods, systems and computer program products for efficient and flexible luggage retrieval in a luggage retrieval system.

As airplane capacity increases for both passenger seating and storage space, the baggage claim areas of airports are becoming increasingly crowded. Accordingly, there is a greater need for effective crowd management in baggage claim areas. Crowding in baggage claim areas can take a variety of forms, including, for example, the clustering of passengers near the single egress points of the baggage claim carousels, as well as the need for passengers who have retrieved their luggage to work their way through the densely packed crowds with their bulky luggage in tow. Security is an even greater concern in crowded baggage claim areas because, as the number of passengers and luggage increases, the probability of a passenger collecting the wrong luggage also increases.

SUMMARY

According to one or more embodiments of the present invention, a computer-implemented method for distributing luggage among a plurality of outlet ports of a luggage distribution unit is provided. The method includes associating, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit, and assigning, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. The method also includes detecting a location of the passenger key, providing a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit, and signaling the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. The method includes receiving the association to access the luggage unit, and releasing the luggage unit responsive to receiving the association.

According to one or more embodiments, a system for distributing luggage among a plurality of outlet ports of a luggage distribution unit is provided. The system includes a dispensing unit, a plurality of sensors, a display unit, and a processor. The processor of the system is configured to associate, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit, and assign, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. The system is further configured to detect a location of the passenger key, provide a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit, and signal the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. The system is configured to receive the association to access the luggage unit, and release the luggage unit responsive to receiving the association.

According to yet one or more embodiments, a computer program product for distributing luggage among a plurality of outlet ports of a luggage distribution unit, the computer program product including a computer readable storage medium having program instruction embodied therewith, wherein the computer readable storage medium is not a transitory signal per se, the program instructions executable by a system to cause the system to perform a method is provided. The method includes associating, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit, and assigning, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. The method also includes detecting a location of the passenger key, providing a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit, and signaling the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. The method includes receiving the association to access the luggage unit, and releasing the luggage unit responsive to receiving the association.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In one or more embodiments, a baggage claim carousel and a target outlet port can be assigned to a passenger by an origin airport. In one or more embodiments, the baggage claim carousel and target outlet port can be assigned by the destination airport, as the origin airport may not have knowledge of the destination airport's availability and baggage load. Additionally, a preferred baggage claim carousel and target outlet port can be requested by a passenger and confirmed during the flight by the destination airport. In one or more embodiments, a passenger can request a particular type of dispensing unit and/or outlet port during check-in or during the booking process. In one or more embodiments, airlines are able to pair luggage with a boarding ticket or a smart device of a passenger where the pairing can be based on the number of passengers checked-in for a particular flight or the number of passengers expected to be in the neighboring baggage claim area, type of luggage, or the like. In one or more embodiments, the luggage distribution system performs load balancing of luggage for a single dispensing unit and can further perform load balancing of luggage across a plurality of dispensing units.

One or more embodiments include a technique for secure luggage retrieval where the luggage will not be released from an assigned outlet port until the passenger notifies the system that they are in a location near the assigned outlet port to collect their luggage. In one or more embodiments, a passenger who has been assigned an outlet port at check-in time can select a different outlet port by scanning their key at a key reader of an outlet port of a dispensing unit. A successful assignment will be signaled to the passenger if capacity is available, otherwise an indication of rejection will be signaled to the passenger.

In one or more embodiments, the carousel is able to track luggage by using sensors, readers and/or cameras that detect the luggage at the belt entry and at the location of each outlet port. In one or more embodiments, once a specific piece of luggage is detected and the tracking process has started, an output screen can display the estimated time for releasing the luggage for a specific passenger. The time information is continuously updated as the luggage moves through the carousel. Once the luggage passes the sensor located before the target outlet, the display will indicate the luggage presence at the outlet port. After the passenger has retrieved their luggage from the outlet port, the availability for the outlet port can be returned to the luggage distribution system for reassignment.

Thus, as configured inFIG. 1, the system100includes processing capability in the form of processors101, storage capability including system memory114and mass storage104, input means such as keyboard109and mouse110, and output capability including speaker111and display115. In one or more embodiments, a portion of system memory114and mass storage104collectively store an operating system to coordinate the functions of the various components shown inFIG. 1.

Now referring toFIG. 2, a block diagram of a system200for performing luggage retrieval using the disclosed luggage distribution system is provided. System200depicts a sensor network204including a plurality of sensors, scanners, or detectors, communicatively coupled to a processing system100as shown inFIG. 1. Sensor network204is also configured to detect a luggage ID device202that is attached to a luggage unit to track the luggage unit through a luggage distribution system. The system200also includes a plurality of scanners410-414(scanners410-414also shown inFIG. 4) that are capable of receiving a passenger key206and is also capable of communicating with the plurality of displays416-420(displays416-420also shown inFIG. 4). In one or more embodiments, the scanners410-414can be configured as the key readers. In one or more embodiments, the system200is configured to perform the disclosed method.

Now referring toFIG. 3, a method300for performing luggage retrieval using the disclosed luggage distribution system is provided. Block302includes associating, using a processor system, a passenger key and a luggage identification (ID) device of a luggage unit. In one or more embodiments, the association includes identification information of a passenger and identification information of the luggage. The association can be stored in a device, such as a database or server, to manage the passenger and flight information. The association can include data about the passenger including their name, flight number, seat number, or any other type of information that can be used to associate the passenger with their luggage. The luggage can be identified by a tag, index, or other identifier used for tracking the luggage. The association is provided to the passenger in the form of a key which can be used for luggage retrieval. The key can be linked to a passenger's ticket, QR codes, data matrices, RFIDs, etc. A digital key can be provided to the passenger through a mobile application of a mobile device.

Block304includes assigning, using the processor system, the luggage ID device to a dispensing unit based at least in part on a determination of a desired distribution of luggage units among the plurality of outlet ports. In one or more embodiments, the assignment can be based on a particular preference or need of the passenger. In one or more embodiments, the system can include a plurality of dispensing units and the assignment of the dispensing unit can be based on the projected load for the plurality of dispensing units. Data entered at the time of check-in or booking regarding checked baggage can be used to distribute the load at a destination airport. The projection can further include information about the arrival time of passengers and their luggage. Also information regarding delayed flights and currently used baggage claim carousels can be used to distribute the load among the plurality of dispensing units. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing unit is a baggage claim carousel and each dispensing unit can include a plurality of outlet ports to provide multiple access points for passengers to retrieve their luggage. The plurality of outlet ports can alleviate the crowding of passengers at a single access point for collecting luggage of a baggage claim carousel.

Block306includes detecting a location of the passenger. In one or more embodiments, the location of a passenger is signaled to the dispensing unit using a passenger key so the luggage will be retrieved by the system. For example, a passenger can scan their ticket, which is the key related the pairing of the passenger and their luggage, that was provided at check-in or at the time of booking at a key reader located at the dispensing unit. By scanning the key at the key reader, the system will know that the passenger is located at the proper dispensing unit and is ready to receive their luggage. If a passenger goes to the wrong dispensing unit and scans their key at the associated key reader, the system will indicate to the passenger that they are in the wrong location. The clustering of passengers can be managed by steering the passengers to the assigned dispensing unit. In one or more embodiments, each dispensing unit having a plurality of outlet ports have their own associated key readers or scanners. A passenger can be assigned a particular outlet port that is physically spaced out among the dispensing unit. The system can further ascertain which outlet port the passenger is located at based on which key reader is scanned.

In one or more embodiments, a passenger using a mobile device is able to communicate with the system through a mobile application of a mobile device. The baggage retrieval system is capable of detecting the location of a passenger based on geo-location information, status information communicated through an application, or the passenger accessing the airport Wi-Fi system upon entering the terminal. A passenger can send an indication to the system that they have arrived at the destination airport. The dispensing unit may be equipped to determine whether a passenger is within proximity of the assigned dispensing unit and/or outlet port and responsive to the determination, the system can prompt the user to confirm they are in correct location.

At block308, the method300includes providing a status of the luggage ID device of the luggage unit. In one or more embodiments, the dispensing unit is equipped with a display to present passengers with the approximate arrival time of their luggage. In addition the display can present an order in which the luggage will be delivered based upon the sequence in which the passengers scanned or confirmed their assigned keys. In one or more embodiments, passengers using a mobile device to communicate with the system are able to confirm their presence through the mobile application and will be able to have their luggage information added to the display. In one or more embodiments, each of the plurality of outlet ports are equipped with their own displays and the information for each passenger assigned to an outlet port associated can be displayed on their respective displays. After the passenger has been detected at the appropriate outlet port, the system can retrieve their luggage based on a key scan, mobile confirmation, or detection of the passenger being within proximity of the assigned dispensing unit and/or outlet port.

Block310provides signaling the presence of the luggage ID device and the luggage unit at the dispensing unit. In an exemplary embodiment, passengers will be notified of the availability of their luggage for collection as it is placed on the dispensing unit. In one or more embodiments, the passenger can be notified by the display associated with the assigned dispensing unit and/or outlet port. In one or more embodiments, the passenger can be notified through a mobile application of a device by receiving a signal indicating the availability of their luggage at the dispensing unit.

The method300further provides at block312, receiving the association to access the at least one luggage unit. In one or more embodiments, the passenger can re-scan their key at the key reader to provide the association to the system. In one or more embodiments, a passenger using a mobile device can transmit their association having their key to the system. An added level of security is provided by having the passenger submit their key prior to retrieving their luggage. Block314, in response to receiving the association, releases the at least one luggage unit from the assigned dispensing unit and/or outlet port. After the passenger retrieves their luggage, the dispensing unit and/or outlet port can be reassigned to balance the remaining load of luggage.

In one or more embodiments, a passenger can further request a specific dispensing unit and/or outlet port while in the baggage claim area. A passenger can submit a request for a dispensing unit and/or outlet port after entering the baggage claim area and assessing the crowds around the different dispensing units (carousels). The passenger can request to have the luggage delivered to a less crowded or free dispensing unit, which helps alleviate the cluster at the crowded dispensing unit. In one or more embodiments, the passenger scans their key at an outlet port to indicate their presence and submit a request.

Referring now toFIG. 4, a block diagram of a side view of a luggage distribution system400according to one or more embodiments is shown. The basic schematic of a dispensing unit402of the luggage distribution system400is illustrated having three outlet ports404-408.FIG. 4also illustrates the basic flow of the luggage on the dispensing unit. Although three outlet ports are shown, any number of outlet ports may be selected for the configuration to manage the distribution of luggage and to manage the crowding of passengers around the luggage carousel. Provided at each outlet port404-408is a scanner type device410-414which are configured to read a key from a passenger. It is known to one of ordinary skill in the art the scanner type device can be any type of device including other scanners, readers, and detectors. Upon scanning the key, displays416-420will be updated to notify the passenger of their position in the queue of a plurality of passengers and the estimated time for the luggage to arrival. The internal network of sensors tracking the location of the luggage that has been added to the dispensing unit is not shown inFIG. 4. The network of sensors communicate with the system for load balancing the luggage and also communicates with the display units416-420. In one or more embodiments, the network of sensors are also able to communicate with a smart device of a passenger provide an update on the status of their luggage. In one or more embodiments, if a pre-defined percentage of the total luggage count is released, and the remaining luggage has crossed the carousel a pre-defined number of turns without the registration of their owners, the unclaimed luggage will be transferred to a specific store and the carousel will stop.

Referring now toFIG. 5, a distribution system500is shown. Dispensing unit502is illustrated including a conveyor560and a plurality of outlet ports504-514for luggage retrieval. In this illustration six outlet ports504-514are shown, however any number of outlet ports can be utilized to manage the passenger crowding issues of the baggage claim area. The dispensing unit502is equipped with a plurality of sensors. It is known to one having one of ordinary skill in the art various sensing type devices can be used including cameras, readers, RFID detectors, and the like. The sensor516detects luggage once it has been placed on the dispensing unit. Outlet sensors518-522detect the luggage as it approaches each of the plurality of outlet ports. Scanners524-534are configured to scan a key associated with a passenger. Upon scanning the key the luggage associated with the key will be retrieved and a display536-546will update the state of the luggage indicating a queue of passengers waiting for their luggage. Additional information on the display536-546can include the estimated arrival time for the passenger's luggage which will continuously be updated as the luggage is conveyed to the assigned outlet port.

When the luggage reaches the assigned outlet port as it is travels along the conveyor belt560, a scanner518-522will detect the luggage has reached the assigned outlet port. In one or more embodiments, as the luggage passes the scanner associated with the assigned outlet port, an electromechanical arm can be actuated by a signal from the scanner to steer the luggage from the conveyor560onto a staging area for the assigned outlet port. The scanners518-522will update the status shown on the displays536-546. Upon arriving at the staging area of the assigned outlet port, the passenger will be notified that their luggage has arrived at the assigned outlet port and passengers can subsequently scan their key at the key reader524-534to release their luggage. Releasing mechanisms548-552are actuated to release the luggage when the passenger provides their key to the key reader524-534. In one or more embodiments, the releasing mechanism is an electromechanical device that is configured to push the luggage from a staging area of the assigned outlet port onto a ramp of the assigned outlet port in response to receiving a signal from the key reader. In one or more embodiments, the releasing mechanism can be actuated responsive to a signal received from a mobile device. As the passenger removes their luggage, the system is able to re-assess the luggage load and reassign the outlet port for further luggage distribution.FIG. 5illustrates a passenger556capable of interacting with the system500using the key554, where the key can be provided to the system by a physical ticket or mobile device.

In one or more embodiments, the dispensing unit comprises a plurality of outlet ports. The number of outlet ports is dependent on the size of the dispensing unit and the ability to manage the clustering of passengers. The outlet port of each of the dispensing units can be equipped with a scanner or proximity detector. Further the outlet port can be equipped with a releasing mechanism to release the luggage as it arrives at the outlet port. In one or more embodiments, the luggage is released after the passenger triggers the release of the luggage. For example, passenger can trigger the release of the luggage by scanning the key or by transmitting a signal through a mobile application on their mobile device.

In one or more embodiments, a passenger can request a specific baggage claim dispensing unit and/or outlet port through a website or an application. The request can be made at the time of booking the flight or a request can be transmitted upon arriving at the destination airport and entering the baggage claim area. For example, an elderly individual or an individual requiring special assistance, such as the use of a wheel chair, may request a dispensing unit that is in a less crowded or designated area for individuals requiring further assistance. In another example, a passenger transporting important items preferring to have secure retrieval of their luggage at their destination can make request for a dispensing unit and/or outlet port providing secure retrieval. In another example, heavy luggage can be sent to a specified outlet port which can be equipped with an outlet port that is closer to the floor level to reduce difficulty and removing the luggage from the carousel.

In one or more embodiments, display units are associated with each outlet port for indicating a queue of passengers' luggage to be dispensed. As a passenger scans their key or their presence is detected at the appropriate dispensing unit, an identity of the passenger can be added to the queue on the display. In one or more embodiments, the status of the passenger's luggage can be provided on the display, indicating an estimated time for the luggage to arrive at the outlet port. In one or more embodiments, passengers can receive the status of their luggage through their mobile device.

A passenger can request a new assignment through the mobile application or by scanning their key at an available outlet port scanner of a dispensing unit. An indication can be provided to the mobile device or the display of the outlet port can be updated to provide the notification of the acceptance of the re-assignment. If accepted, the passenger's identifier can be queued on the display associated with the output port and/or a the notification can be provided to the passenger's mobile application indicating an estimated time of arrival and the position the passenger is in the queue for delivery of their luggage.

In an example, a passenger can receive a key that is associated with a destination carousel during check-in at an origin airport. Upon arriving at the destination airport the passenger will approach the assigned dispensing unit and outlet port to scan their key at the carousel outlet key reader. The carousel outlet can indicate to the passenger the luggage has arrived and can subsequently release the luggage when the passenger scans the key at the carousel outlet key reader. After the passenger retrieves their luggage, the system will reassign the carousel outlet port to continue balancing the load of the luggage on the carousel.

In another example, the passenger receives a key associated with their luggage and a carousel outlet port. The passenger can approach a preferred outlet port and scan the key at an outlet key reader. The carousel outlet will display a message to indicate if the outlet change request has been accepted. If accepted, the carousel outlet will indicate when the luggage arrives and releases the luggage after the passenger scans the key. Upon retrieval of the luggage, the system will reassign the carousel outlet port to balance the load on the carousel.

Thus, it may be seen from the foregoing detailed description and illustrations that one or more embodiments of the present disclosure provide technical effects and benefits. For example, the disclosed configuration of dispensing units and outlet ports can achieve a balance of the overall load placed on the disclosed luggage distribution system. By using the disclosed configuration of sensors, readers and detectors, the data gathered by each dispensing unit can be shared among the plurality of other dispensing units to locate a dispensing unit that is available for luggage distribution. Accordingly, the disclosed luggage retrieval and distribution system can efficiently deliver passenger luggage to the correct passenger, as well as relieve baggage claim area crowding by evenly distributing passengers among the multiple baggage claim outlet ports provided according to one or more embodiments. The disclosed embodiments provide passenger benefits in that passengers will no longer have to compete for position at a single outlet to retrieve their luggage. Utilizing the disclosed embodiments, passengers will have the option to request a particular outlet port based on their preferences, the clustering of passengers will be reduced and the traffic flow of passengers through the baggage claim area will be more efficient.