Aircraft baggage managing system

Abstract: A system for computer-managing information of a baggage (1) to be loaded in an aircraft. The system comprises a response circuit (3) attached to the baggage and a reader disposed at a classification point of the baggage. The response circuit operates to input and store the baggage information indicative of at least a flight name of the aircraft and the owner of the baggage and is responsive to a question electromagnetic wave to output as a response electromagnetic wave the baggage information, and the reader transmits the question electromagnetic wave to the response circuit means to receive the response electromagnetic wave from the response circuit to read out the baggage information on the basis of the received response electromagnetic wave so that the baggage is classified in accordance with the read baggage information. Also included is a computer (9) for inputting and storing the baggage information read by the reader and for inputting and storing information representative of the owner of the baggage, the computer performing a verification between the baggage owner and the baggage on the basis of the inputted baggage information and the inputted owner information.

Description: The present invention relates to an aircraft baggage managing system according to claim 1. An aircraft baggage managing system of that type is known from US-A-4 058 217. This reference discloses an aircraft baggage managing system for managing information of a baggage to be loaded into an aircraft, wherein a tag is attached to the respective baggage, the tag comprising a response circuit means for inputting and storing baggage information, the respective information being exchanged with an external reader means. The reader means is able to classify the corresponding baggage on the basis of the information received from the tag. This information, in turn, can be used to fully automatically manage the transport of the baggage from and to the aircraft for which the passenger has checked in. The present invention provides an aircraft baggage managing system of the a.m. type in which the information exchange is based on the usage of electromagnetic waves; to this end, there are provided means for receiving a first electromagnetic wave (feature [b1] of claim 1), means being responsive to the first electromagnetic wave for outputting a second electromagnetic wave indicative of the baggage information (see feature [b2] of claim 1), and reader means for transmitting the first electromagnetic wave to the response circuit means and for receiving the second electromagnetic wave from the response circuit means, and for reading out the baggage information indicated by the second electromagnetic wave in such a way that the baggage is classified in accordance with the baggage information (see feature [c] of claim 1). These electromagnetic waves are however radiated even then when the tag is no longer used. These radiated electromagnetic waves possibly will generate an electromagnetic interference with other devices so that these other devices can be disturbed or even jammed. It is therefore the object of the present invention to improve an aircraft baggage managing system of the claimed type in such a way that any unnecessary disturbance of other devices can be avoided. This object, according to the present invention, is solved by the advantageous measures indicated in features [a1] and [b3] of claim 1. The present invention thus suggests to provide a verification slip which is a detachable part of the tag (feature [a1]) and means for stopping the operation of the response circuit means when the verification slip is removed from the tag (feature [b3]). As the verification slip is always removed after the usage of the tag, the operation of the response circuit means is ended so that it is no longer able to radiate any electromagnetic waves. Any electromagnetic interference with other devices is therefore impossible so that these other devices can not be disturbed or jammed. The documents GB-A-2 238 210 and US-A-4 918 296 disclose various types of tags or article identifying systems which further comprise a transmission system on the basis of electromagnetic waves; these references, however, do not disclose the idea to provide a verification slip and an interupting means being responsive thereto in the sense of the features [a1] and [b3] of claim 1. The object and features of the present invention will become more readily apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which: Fig. 1 is an illustration of a schematic arrangement of an aircraft baggage managing system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figs. 2 and 3 show an arrangement of a tag to be attached to a baggage to be loaded in an aircraft; Fig. 4 is a circuit diagram showing an arrangement of a response circuit attached to a baggage tag; Figs. 5A and 5B show different arrangement of an antenna constructed in the response circuit; Fig. 6 illustrates the state that the response circuit is attached to a baggage tag; Fig. 7 is an illustration of an arrangement of a tag issuing device; Fig. 8 is an illustration of an arrangement of a writer for writing baggage information in the response circuit; Fig. 9 shows an arrangement of a classification device for classifying a baggage to which a tag is attached; Fig. 10 shows an arrangement of a reader for reading the baggage information from the response circuit; Fig. 11 shows a reading arrangement for reading the baggage information when the baggages are encased in a plurality of containers to be loaded into a corresponding aircraft; Fig. 12 shows a reading arrangement for reading the baggage information when the baggage is delivered to the baggage owner; Fig. 13 is a flow chart showing an operation to be executed for registering the baggage information when the tag is issued; Fig. 14 is a flow chart showing an operation to be executed for registering the baggage information when the baggage is encased in a container; Fig. 15 is a flow chart showing an operation to be executed when a passenger boards an aircraft; Fig. 16 is a flow chart showing an checking operation between a passenger and a baggage; Fig. 17 is a flow chart showing a detailed operation to be executed in a baggage check routine. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION An embodiment of the present invention will be described hereinbelow with reference to the drawings. Fig. 1 shows a conceptual arrangement of the embodiment of this invention. In Fig. 1, first the baggage information such as the flight name, date and ID number (which is the number indicative of the baggage owner and which is registered together with the passenger in a host computer) is inputted in a response circuit 3 of a tag 2 through an issuing device of the tag 2 in accordance with the boarding ticket at a boarding counter A, and the information corresponding to the baggage information is also written in a surface of the tag 2. Further, the tag 2 inputted is attached to a baggage 1 which is in turn conveyed through a belt conveyer 5, acting as a classifying device, after the baggage stub is handed to the passenger. At each of the classifying points of the belt conveyer 5, a reader 6 transmits a question electromagnetic wave to the response circuit 3 which in turn transmits an answering electromagnetic wave to the reader 6 whereby the information of the tag 2 recorded in the response circuit 3 is provided to the reader 6. On the basis of the response information, the baggage 1 is classified in connection with the aircraft into which the baggage 1 is loaded. This classification operation can continuously be effected without stopping the belt conveyer 5. The classified baggage 1 is encased in a container 7 and then loaded into the target aircraft. After the aircraft arrives at the target airport, the baggage 1 is taken out from the aircraft and then placed on a belt conveyer 8 so as to be conveyed toward the passenger. The passenger carries the private baggage up to a baggage check counter B. Here, the ID number written in the tag 2 attached to the baggage 1 is checked against the baggage stub of the passenger and the baggage 1 is delivered to the passenger. At this time, the response circuit 3 of the tag 2 is withdrawn in order to prevent the next classification operation from being impeded (due to interference). Here, although a detailed illustration is not made, a plurality of containers 7 are prepared, and in encasing the containers 7 a reader reads the information indicative of the aircraft and container into which the baggage 1 is loaded and encased, and the read information is inputted through a terminal 9a in a host computer 9 and recorded in a data base 10. In addition, in inputting the baggage information the baggage information is inputted through the issuing device 4 in the host computer 9, and further when the passenger gets on the aircraft, the information is inputted through a terminal 9b in the host computer 9. These information are recorded in the data base 10 so as to be used for the management of the baggage information which will be described hereinafter. Secondly, a description will be made in terms of a detailed arrangement of this embodiment. First, an arrangement of the tag 2 will be described hereinbelow. Fig. 2 is a perspective view showing the state that the tag 2 is attached to the baggage 1 and Fig. 3 is a cross-sectional side view showing a structure of the tag 2. In Figs. 2 and 3, the tag 2 comprises three slips of paper: a main tag slip 11 attached to the baggage 1; a verification slip 12 for verifying the baggage owner; and a baggage slip (keeping slip) 13 delivered to the baggage owner, and further comprises the response circuit 3 for storing the baggage information. The slips 11 to 13 have on both surfaces writing columns a , b and c , respectively. Further, between the respective slips 11 to 13 there are made slittings or the like whereby the slips 11 to 13 are easily detachable from each other. In addition, the response circuit 3 is integrally caught by adhesives 14 provided between the paired slips 11 to 13 of the tag 2. The baggage slip 13 is cut away from the tag 2 and handed to the baggage owner. Secondly, a description will be made hereinbelow in terms of the response circuit 3. Fig. 4 shows a detailed arrangement of the response circuit 3. In Fig. 4, the response circuit 3 comprises an IC chip 31 for performing the internal signal processing, an antenna 32 for receiving a question electromagnetic wave S1 and transmitting a response electromagnetic wave S2, a battery 33 for driving the IC chip 31, an operation starting line 34 for stopping the operation of the response circuit 3 before start of using, and an operation ending line 35 for ending the operation of the response circuit 3 after the completion of using. The operation starting line 34 is provided within the baggage slip 13 and the operation ending line 35 is provided within the main tag slip 11. Further, the IC chip 31 comprises a detector 31a for deriving the information included in the question electromagnetic wave S1 received through the antenna 32, a level comparator 31b for deciding the reception of the question electromagnetic wave S1 on the basis of the level of the signal from the detector 31a to supply a power to circuits, a memory 31c for storing the baggage information and others, a CPU 31d responsive to the power from the level comparator 31b to perform the transmission operation on the basis of the baggage information stored in the memory 31c, a clock generator 31e for generating a clock signal for the operation of the CPU 31d, a modulator 31f for modulating the question electromagnetic wave S1 on the basis of the output signal of the CPU 31d to transmit the response electromagnetic wave S2 through the antenna 32. For use of the response circuit 3, punched holes 36a and 36b are formed by a punching device when the baggage information is written by the issuing device 4 which will be described hereinafter. With this formation of the punched holes 36a and 36b, the operation start line 34 is cut off whereby a drive circuit 31g starts to operate to start to operate the response circuit 3. Further, when the baggage information is written by the issuing device 4 at the boarding counter A, a writing command and the baggage information are given with respect to the first transmission signal from the issuing device 4 and the CPU 31d decides the writing of the baggage information in response to the reception of the writing command so that the baggage information is written in the memory 31c. The memory 31c is arranged to be operable immediately before the writing operation of the response circuit 3 so as to be backed up by the battery 33 to keep the baggage information. After the baggage information is written in the memory 31c, when the antenna 32 receives the question electromagnetic wave S1, the level comparator 31b starts its power supply operation in response to the reception signal whereby the power is supplied to portions of the response circuit 3. The CPU 31d modulates the question electromagnetic wave S1 in accordance with the baggage information stored in the memory 31c to as to transmit the response electromagnetic wave S2 through the antenna 32. Here, when the verification slip 12 is cut off after the use of the tag 2, the operation ending line 35 provided within the main tag slip 11 is taken out whereby a discharging circuit 31h operates to discharge the power remaining in the battery 33. As the antenna 32 for the response circuit 3 there can be used an antenna as illustrated in Fig. 5A or 5B. Fig. 5A shows a dipole antenna comprising two antenna elements 321 and 322, and Fig. 5B shows a coil antenna comprising a coil 323 and a capacitor 324. Here, although in this embodiment the modulation and demodulation are effected with one antenna, it is appropriate to use two or more antennas which are respectively for the modulation and the demodulation. Since each of the aforementioned two antennas has at both front and back a directivity, it is possible to read out the information in the response circuit 3 from both front and back sides of the tag 2, whereby the baggage information can surely be read out irrespective of the direction of the tag 2 attached to the baggage 1 during the operation of the belt conveyer. Further, it is appropriate to use as the antenna 32 a different antenna such as a slot antenna if they have directivities at its front and back sides. Moreover, it is also appropriate to use the same two antennas such as microstrip patch antennas so that the two antennas are coupled to each other and disposed to be directed to both the front and back sides thereof. Fig. 6 shows the structure where the response circuit 3 is actually attached to the tag 2. In Fig. 6, the response circuit 3 spreads over the three slips: the main tag slip 11, the verification slip 12 and the baggage slip 13. For making easy separation of the main tag slip 11 and the baggage slip 13 from the verification slip 12, a material such as polyester and paper which can easily be cut is used as a substrate material of the response circuit 3, and further cuts 36 are respectively made in the response circuit 36 and slittings 37 are formed in the tag 2. Here, the cut 36 is for easy cutting, and hence it is also appropriate to entirely form fine notches at the circumferential portion of the response circuit 3 in place of the formation of the cuts 36. Further, a description will be made hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 7 in terms of an arrangement of the issuing device 4 for writing the baggage information in the response circuit 3 to issue the tag 2. In Fig. 7, the issuing device 4 is equipped with a keyboard 41 to input the baggage information. When the baggage information is inputted through the keyboard 41 in accordance with the information stated in the boarding ticket, the baggage information is displayed on a display 42 and an operation is made for the verification of its contents, before the baggage information is supplied to the host computer 9 and further to a writer and a printer which will be described hereinbelow. In addition, in the main portion of the issuing device 4 there is provided a holder 43 for holding non-written tags 2 before writing the information. The non-written tags 2 are taken out one by one from the holder 43 and the punched holes 36a and 36b are formed at predetermined portions of the tag 2 in order to cut the operation starting line 34 of the tag 2. Thereafter, the baggage information is inputted through the keyboard 41 in a computer 48, and a writer 45 is operated under control of the computer 48 to write the baggage information in the response circuit 3 and a printer 46 is operated to print the baggage information on the surface of the tag 2. In response to the completion of the writing operation, the tag 2 is derived from an output opening 47. Here, all the necessary control are effected by the computer 48. Further, it is not required that the information writing due to the writer 45 and the printing due to the printer 46 are simultaneously performed but it is appropriate that both are effected at different timings. Fig. 8 shows a detailed arrangement of the writer 45. In Fig. 8, the baggage information supplied from the computer 48 is inputted in the CPU 45a. The CPU 45a causes a modulator 45b to modulate a carrier wave from a carrier generator 45c in accordance with the inputted baggage information. This modulated signal is supplied through a circulator 45d to an antenna 45e so as to be transmitted as a transmission signal from the antenna 45e to the response circuit 3 of the tag 2. In response to the transmission signal, the response circuit 3 stores the baggage information in the memory 31c and then supplies a confirmation signal to the writer 45 after the completion of the storing operation. This confirmation signal is supplied through the antenna 45e and the circulator 45d to a demodulator 45f to be demodulated and further supplied to the CPU 45a. When detecting the reception thereof, the CPU 45a ends the writing operation with respect to the response circuit 3. Here, the reference 45g represents a clock generator for supplying clocks to the CPU 45a for the operation. The tag 2 issued by the aforementioned issuing device 4 is attached to the baggage 1 and automatically classified after the baggage slip 13 is handed to the passenger. In addition, a description will be made hereinbelow in terms of an arrangement to automatically classify the baggage, having the aforementioned tag 2, through the belt conveyer 5. In Fig. 9, the reader 6 transmits the question electromagnetic wave S1 in relation to the tag 2 of the baggage 1 and then inputs the response electromagnetic wave S2 from the response circuit 3 of the tag 2. The reader 6 reads the baggage information on the basis of the response electromagnetic wave S2 and, if satisfying the classification condition, rotationally drives a classifying plate 60 to discharge the baggage 1 from the belt conveyer 5. With this classifying operation being effected at every classifying point of the belt conveyer 5, it is possible to automatically classify the baggage 1 to the corresponding aircraft. Fig. 10 shows a detailed arrangement of the reader 6. In Fig. 10, for performing the aforementioned automatic classification, the reader comprises an oscillator 61 for generating a transmission carrier wave, a modulator (MOD) 62 for producing the question wave S1 by modulating the carrier wave if required, a circulator 63 for performing the separation between the transmission wave and the reception wave, a transmission and reception antenna 64 for transmitting the question wave S1 and for receiving the response wave S2, a demodulator 65 for demodulating the received response wave S2, and a processing section for controlling the modulator 62 in accordance with the information from the demodulator 65 and further for deciding whether the baggage 1 satisfies the classification condition on the basis of the demodulated information so as to drive the classification plate 60 when satisfying the classification condition. Here, the detailed arrangement shown in Fig. 10 is similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 8. After the completion of the automatic classification, the baggage 1 is encased in the container 7. Fig. 11 shows the state that each of 5 baggages 1a to 1e respectively having tags 2a to 2e are encased into either of three aircraft containers 7a to 7c which are loaded into the same aircraft. Three readers 71 to 73 are respectively disposed in front of the respective containers 7a to 7c so as to read the baggage information recorded in the response circuits 3a to 3e of the tags 2a to 2e attached to the baggages 1 to be encased (the arrangement of each of the readers 71 to 73 is basically similar to the arrangement shown in Fig. 10 except for the arrangement of the processing section 66 which transmits the demodulated information to the terminal 9a). The baggage information is supplied through the terminal 9a to the host computer 9 and the encasing information is stored in the data base 10. After the aircraft arrives at the destination, the baggages 1 are delivered through the belt conveyer 8 toward the passengers. Here, as illustrated in Fig. 12, similarly, a reader 81 reads the baggage information from the response circuit 3 of the tag 2 and then displays the ID number (and/or the name of the owner obtained from ID number) and others on a display 82, whereby the passenger can check, in accordance with the display information, whether the baggage 1 is own. Further, at the tag check counter B, the verification slip 12 of the three tag slips is taken off from the main tag slip 11 and collected when the baggage 1 is handed to the owner. Thus, since the response circuit 3 is built in the verification slip 12 of the tag 2, the collection thereof becomes easy, thereby facilitating the re-use and abandonment. In addition, since the verification slip 12 is taken off after the use of the tag 2 and the operation ending line 35 together with the verification slip 12 is also cut off from the IC chip 31 and further the remaining power of the battery 33 is discharged, it is possible to prevent the malfunction after the use. A description will be made hereinbelow in terms of the management of the baggage information by the host computer 9. First, a registration operation of the baggage information from the issuing device 4 for issuing the tag 2 will be described. In Fig. 13, the operation starts with a step 101 to input the baggage information from the issuing device 4 through the terminal, then followed by a step 102 to define a file of the data base 10 in accordance with the boarding flight name and date of the baggage information. Further, a step 103 follows to register the ID number at a storing area of the file corresponding to a baggage managing number (A) taken in order of issue. Accordingly, with the aforementioned operation being effected at every issue of the boarding pass, the ID number of the passenger is registered in the file corresponding to the boarding flight name and data in order of the baggage managing number (A). Secondly, a description will be made hereinbelow in terms of a registration operation at the time of the encasing into the container. In Fig. 14, this operation starts with a step 201 to input through the terminal 9a the date and the flight name of the aircraft into which the container is loaded, then followed by a step 202 to select a file in the data base 10 on the basis of the input data. Further, a step 203 follows to input the number of a reader coupled to the terminal 9a and the number of a container for which the reader is placed. After the execution of these initial inputting processes, the following reading inputting operation is effected. That is, a step 204 first follows to check an input from either of the readers. If not receiving the input, the decision of a step 205 is "NO", whereby the step 204 is repeatedly performed. On the other hand, if the input from the reader occurs, the operational flow advances to a step 206 to check the number of the container corresponding to the number of the reader which generates the input and further advances to a step 207 to register the container number at the storing area of the file in the data base 10 which corresponds to the ID number of the read baggage information. This operation continues until all the baggages scheduled are loaded (step 208). Accordingly, with this operation, the number of the container for the baggage to be loaded in the aircraft, together with the ID number of the baggage, is registered in the file of the data base 10. Further, a description will be made hereinbelow in terms of a registration operation effected when the passenger gets on the corresponding aircraft. At a gate used when the passenger loads thereinto there is provided the terminal 9b which is for inputting the boarding flight name, date and ID number on the basis of the boarding ticket of the passenger. In Fig. 15, the host computer 9 executes a step 301 to input the boarding ticket information from the terminal 9b and executes a step 302 to select the file of the data base on the basis of the inputted flight name and data and further executes a step 303 to write the board-end information (indicative of the fact that the boarding has been made) at the storing area of the file corresponding to the ID number. Thus, in the file the board-end information is written in correspondence with the ID number of the passenger. The verification between the passenger and the baggage is made in accordance with the above-described various registration information. This operation will be described hereinbelow with reference to Fig. 16. In Fig. 16, a step 401 is first executed in order to input the aircraft flight name and date to be checked, then followed by a step 402 to select the corresponding file in accordance with the inputted data, thereafter performing the baggage check operation. That is, the first number of the baggage managing numbers (I) is set in a step 403 and the boarding of the passenger corresponding to the baggage managing number is checked in a baggage check routine 404. This check operation is effected through steps 405 and 406 with respect to all the baggage managing numbers. Fig. 17 shows a detailed operation of the aforementioned baggage check routine 404. A step 404a is first executed to read the passenger information from the storing area corresponding to the baggage managing number in the file and a step 404b is then executed to check whether or not the baggage owner boards the aircraft. If the passenger does not get on, that is, if the answer of the step 404b is "NO", a step 404c follows to read the container number stored in correspondence with the managing number and a step 404d further follows to output a list indicative of the ID numbers of the baggage and the number of the container encasing the baggage to be taken out. Accordingly, by checking the ID number of the baggage encased in the container corresponding to the container number in accordance with the outputted list, it is possible to take out the baggage belonging to the person which does not get on. Here, if the information indicative of the number of the container in which one baggage is encased is additionally registered in the data base when the baggage is encased in the container, it is possible to roughly confirm the loaded position of the specific baggage in the container.

Claims: An aircraft baggage managing system for managing information of a baggage (1) to be loaded into an aircraft, said system comprising: [a] a tag (2) to be attached to said baggage (1), said tag (2) further containing [a1] a verification slip (12); [b] a response circuit means (3), attached to said tag (2), for inputting and storing baggage information which is indicative of at least an owner of said baggage (1), said response circuit means (3) including: [b1] a means (31a) for receiving a first electromagnetic wave (S1), [b2] a means (31c, 31d), responsive to said first electromagnetic wave (S1), for outputting a second electromagnetic wave (S2) indicative of said baggage information, [b3] and a means (31h, 35) for stopping the operation of said response circuit means (3) when said verification slip (12) is removed from said tag (2); and [c] a reader means (6) for transmitting said first electromagnetic wave (S1) to said response circuit means (3) and receiving said second electromagnetic wave (S2) from said response circuit means (3), and for reading out said baggage information indicated by said second electromagnetic wave (S2) so that said baggage (1) is classified in accordance with said baggage information. System according to claim 1, characterized in that said response circuit means (3) further includes starting means (34) for starting the operation of said response circuit means (3) when a portion of said tag (2) is cut. System according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that said means (31h, 35) for stopping the operation of said response circuit means (3) discharges power remaining in a battery (33) of said response circuit means (3) when said verification slip (12) is removed from said tag. System according to one of claims 1 through 3, characterized by a computer (9) for inputting and storing baggage information read by said reader means (6) and for inputting and storing information representative of said owner of said baggage (1), said computer (9) performing a verification between said baggage owner and said baggage (1) on the basis of the inputted baggage information and the inputted owner information. System according to one of claims 1 through 4, characterized in that said reader means (6) reads out said baggage information when said baggage (1) is encased in one of a plurality of containers (77) to be loaded into said aircraft. System according to claim 5, characterized in that a plurality of reader means (6) are provided so as to correspond to said plurality of containers (7) to be loaded into said aircraft, said plurality of reader means (6) reading out said baggage information so as to manage said plurality of containers (7) in which said baggage (1) is encased. System according to claim 5, characterized by : a means (A, 4) for inputting passenger information into a computer when a passenger boards said aircraft; and a means for verifying that said baggage (1) to be loaded into said aircraft corresponds to said passenger boarding said aircraft on the basis of the baggage information read by said reader means (6) and the inputted passenger information.

Inventors: HIRATA TATSUYA, WATANABE ATSUSHI, HIRATA, TATSUYA, WATANABE, ATSUSHI
Applicants: NIPPON DENSO CO, NIPPONDENSO CO., LTD.
Application year: 1992
Main classification: B64F1
IPC codes: B65G47, G07B15, G01S13, B64F1, B65G43