Abstract:
An improved transportation security system and methodology, based on imaging a passenger and providing a passage and passenger specific security boarding pass, is disclosed. An improved baggage security system and methodology, based on imaging a passenger and providing a passage and passenger specific baggage claim tag, is also disclosed.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     The present invention relates to transportation security generally and more particularly to methodologies and systems for employing passenger images for verification purposes.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     The following U.S. patents were found in a computerized search directed to the field of the invention:  
         [0003]     U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,335,688; 6,137,895 and 6,106,020.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0004]     The present invention seeks to provide methodologies and systems for employing passenger images for verification purposes.  
         [0005]     There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of providing transportation security including imaging a passenger and providing a passage and passenger specific security boarding pass to the passenger, which boarding pass includes an image of the passenger.  
         [0006]     There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a transportation security system including a passenger imager and a boarding pass generator, providing a passage and passenger specific security boarding pass to the passenger, which boarding pass includes an image of the passenger.  
         [0007]     There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a system for providing transportation security including at least one of: 
        departure security check functionality,     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality;     arrival passport control functionality; and     arrival baggage verification functionality, 
 
 at least one of the functionalities employing passenger imaging and a passage and passenger specific security boarding pass including an image of the passenger. 
       
 
         [0015]     Preferably, the system also includes a communication network operative to communicate at least passenger image information between at least two of the functionalities.  
         [0016]     There is also provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a passage and passenger specific security boarding pass including an image of a passenger.  
         [0017]     Preferably, the passage and passenger specific security boarding pass is printed using security ink.  
         [0018]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the image is employed as part of the at least one of the following functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality;     arrival passport control functionality; and     arrival baggage verification functionality.        
 
         [0026]     Most preferably, the image is employed as part of each of the following functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality;     arrival passport control functionality; and     arrival baggage verification functionality.        
 
         [0034]     Preferably, the image is employed as part of each of the following functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality; and     arrival passport control functionality.        
 
         [0041]     Also preferably, the image is employed as part of each of the following functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality; and     transportation vehicle entry check functionality.        
 
         [0047]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage and passenger specific security boarding pass is employed as part of at least one of the following functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality;     arrival passport control functionality; and     arrival baggage verification functionality.        
 
         [0055]     Preferably, the method also includes employing automatic feature recognition for comparing a stored image of the passenger with a current image of the passenger.  
         [0056]     More preferably, the use of automatic feature recognition for comparing a stored image of the passenger with a current image of the passenger is employed in at least one of the at least one of the functionalities: 
        departure security check functionality;     departure check in functionality;     departure passport control functionality;     departure gate functionality;     transportation vehicle entry check functionality;     arrival passport control functionality; and     arrival baggage verification functionality.        
 
         [0064]     There is further provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a method of providing baggage security including imaging a passenger checking in a piece of baggage and attaching a passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag to the piece of baggage, which baggage claim tag includes an image of the passenger.  
         [0065]     There is additionally provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a baggage security system including a passenger imager and a baggage claim tag generator, providing a passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag, which baggage claim tag includes an image of the passenger.  
         [0066]     Preferably, the passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag is employed as part of at least one of the following functionalities: departure check in functionality and arrival baggage verification functionality.  
         [0067]     More preferably, the passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag is employed as part of each of the following functionalities: departure check in functionality and arrival baggage verification functionality.  
         [0068]     Preferably, the passenger image is employed as part of at least one of the following functionalities: departure check in functionality and arrival baggage verification functionality.  
         [0069]     More preferably, the passenger image is employed as part of each of the following functionalities: departure check in functionality and arrival baggage verification functionality.  
         [0070]     There is also provided in accordance,with a preferred embodiment of the present invention a passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag including an image of a passenger.  
         [0071]     Preferably, the passage and passenger specific security baggage claim tag is printed using security ink.  
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0072]     The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the drawings in which:  
         [0073]      FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G and  1 H are a series of simplified pictorial illustrations showing various functionalities forming part of a transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0074]      FIG. 2  is a simplified pictorial illustration showing part of an alternative transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0075]      FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E and  3 F are a series of simplified pictorial illustrations showing various functionalities forming part of a computerized alternative transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0076]      FIG. 4  is a simplified illustration showing data flows between various parts of transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0077]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 1A, 1B ,  1 C,  1 D,  1 E,  1 F,  1 G and  1 H, which are a series of simplified pictorial illustrations showing various functionalities forming part of a transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. As seen in  FIG. 1A , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a passenger presents himself/herself at a pre-check in security checkpoint location. A security agent receives the passenger&#39;s travel document  100 , such as a passport or other photo identification, and compares it with passenger data made available from other sources, preferably on a computer display  102 , such as the transportation carrier&#39;s reservation system and/or an appropriate security data base. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passenger is photographed, preferably by a digital camera  104 , preferably having a wireless link to a local area network (not shown), which is connected to a printer  106 .  
         [0078]     Printer  106  preferably prints a set of transparent overlay stickers  108  bearing the photographed image of the passenger together with passenger identity details, such as his/her passport number. Preferably, overlay stickers  108  are printed using security ink, such as a security ink containing UV pigmentation. It is appreciated that the information contained in the set of transparent overlay stickers  108  thus connect the image of the person presenting himself/herself to the security checkpoint with passenger identity information which may have a source independent from the documents presented by the passenger.  
         [0079]     The passenger then proceeds with his/her baggage to a check in counter, as seen in  FIG. 1B . At check in, the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  100  and on the set of stickers  108  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by a check in person.  
         [0080]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at the check in counter by a camera  120 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  124 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  120  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  at the security checkpoint, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the check in person.  
         [0081]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  100  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  126 . Additionally or alternatively, the genuineness of the stickers  108  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  126 .  
         [0082]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified, a boarding pass  130  and baggage tags  132  are printed, as seen in  FIG. 1C . Preferably, one image sticker, here designated  134 , from the set of stickers  108 , is non-removably affixed to overlay a main portion  136  of the boarding pass  130 , while another image sticker, here designated  138 , is non-removably affixed to overlay a stub portion  140  of the boarding pass  130 . Additional image stickers, here designated  142 , may each be non-removably affixed to overlay the baggage tags  132 . It is appreciated that any other suitable technique for non-alterably and non-removably applying an image of the passenger to the boarding pass  130  and to the baggage tags  132  may be employed.  
         [0083]     Following attachment of the image bearing baggage tags  132  to the baggage, the baggage is placed on a conveyor and the passenger may proceed to a travel document check, such as passport control, if such a check is mandated.  
         [0084]     Preferably as part of the travel document check, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1D , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  100  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by a travel document check person and, additionally, may also be compared with the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint.  
         [0085]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at a travel document check station by a camera  150 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  154 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  150  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the travel document check person.  
         [0086]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  100  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  156 .  
         [0087]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, the passenger is allowed to proceed to the departure gate.  
         [0088]     At the departure gate, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1E , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s boarding pass  130  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by a departure gate attendant. In addition, the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  100  may be compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by the departure gate attendant.  
         [0089]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at the departure gate by a camera  160 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  164 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  160  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the departure gate attendant.  
         [0090]     Additionally, the genuineness of the boarding pass  130  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  166 .  
         [0091]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, the main portion  136  of the passenger&#39;s boarding pass is collected, and the stub  140  is retained by the passenger, as the passenger is allowed to proceed to the transport vehicle, in this case, an aircraft.  
         [0092]     At the entrance to the aircraft, which is illustrated in  FIG. 1F , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s boarding pass stub  140  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by a flight attendant or other boarding control person. In addition, the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document (not shown) may be compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by the flight attendant or other boarding control person.  
         [0093]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at the entrance of the aircraft by a camera  170 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  174 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  170  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the flight attendant.  
         [0094]     Additionally, the genuineness of the boarding pass stub  140  may be verified by the use of an automated reader (not shown).  
         [0095]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, he is allowed to enter the aircraft.  
         [0096]     During travel, typically as shown in  FIG. 1G , the image of the passenger, typically as acquired by camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint and/or by any other image acquisition device during pre-travel passenger processing, together with any other relevant passenger data, is preferably communicated to the passenger&#39;s destination for use by immigration, customs or other personnel.  
         [0097]     As seen in  FIG. 1G , preferably as part of an arrival travel document check at the destination, the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  100  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger and with the image, typically as acquired by camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ), and other information received from the departure point, by a travel document check person.  
         [0098]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at a travel document inspection station by a camera  180 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  184 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  180 , the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint at departure, which was communicated in the interim to the destination, and the passenger travel document  100 , an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the travel document check person.  
         [0099]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  100  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  186 .  
         [0100]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, the passenger is allowed to proceed.  
         [0101]     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a destination baggage check, such as a customs check, may be carried out, as illustrated in  FIG. 1H . The image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  100  is compared with the image appearing on the baggage tags  132  and with visual appearance of the passenger by a custom&#39;s official.  
         [0102]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at a custom&#39;s check station by a camera  190 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  194 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  190  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  104  ( FIG. 1A ) at the security checkpoint at departure, which was communicated in the interim to the destination, and which also appears on the baggage tags  134 , an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the customs official.  
         [0103]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  100  may be verified by the use of an automated reader (not shown). Additionally or alternatively, the genuineness of the baggage tags  132  may be verified by the use of an automated reader (not shown).  
         [0104]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 2 , which is a simplified pictorial illustration showing another preferred embodiment of the present invention where portions of the system and methodology of  FIGS. 1A-1C  are combined into one function. As seen in  FIG. 2 , a passenger presents himself/herself for security check and check in at a check in counter. A check in person, who is also responsible for the security check, receives the passenger&#39;s travel document  200  and compares it with passenger data made available from other sources, preferably on a computer display  202 , such as the transportation carrier&#39;s reservation system and/or an appropriate security data base. In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passenger is photographed, preferably by a digital camera  204 , having a link to a local area network (not shown), which is connected to a printer  206 .  
         [0105]     Printer  206  preferably prints a boarding pass  208 , including a main portion  210  and a stub portion  212 , as well as a number of baggage tags  214 , each bearing the photographed image of the passenger together with passenger identity details, such as his/her passport number. Preferably, boarding pass  208  and baggage tags  214  are printed using security ink, such as a security ink containing UV pigmentation. It is appreciated that the information contained in the boarding pass  208  and the baggage tags  214  thus connects the image of the person presenting himself/herself for check in with passenger identity information which may have a source independent from the documents presented by the passenger.  
         [0106]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  200  may be verified by the use of an automated reader  226 .  
         [0107]     Following attachment of the image bearing baggage tags  214  to the baggage, the baggage is placed on a conveyor and the passenger may proceed to a travel document check, such as passport control, if such a check is mandated.  
         [0108]     Reference is now made to  FIGS. 3A, 3B ,  3 C,  3 D,  3 E, and  3 F which are a series of simplified pictorial illustrations showing various functionalities forming part of an alternative transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The system of  FIGS. 3A-3F  employs automated subsystems at various stages. Portions of the system and methodology of  FIGS. 1A-1H  and of  FIG. 2  may be combined as appropriate with portions of the system and methodology of  FIGS. 3A-3F .  
         [0109]     As seen in  FIG. 3A , in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a passenger presents his/her travel document  300 , such as a passport or other photo identification, for security check and check in at a check in subsystem  302 . Subsystem  302  may ask the passenger required security questions and evaluate the passenger&#39;s answers. Subsystem  302  also preferably compares the passenger&#39;s travel document  300  with passenger data made available from other sources, such as the transportation carrier&#39;s reservation system and/or an appropriate security data base.  
         [0110]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passenger is photographed, preferably by a digital camera  304 , preferably having a wireless link to a local area network (not shown), which is connected to a printer  306 .  
         [0111]     Printer  306  preferably prints a boarding pass  308 , including a main portion  310  and a stub portion  312 , as well as a number of baggage tags  314 , each bearing the photographed image of the passenger together with passenger identity details, such as his/her passport number. Preferably, boarding pass  308  and baggage tags  314  are printed using security ink, such as a security ink containing UV pigmentation. It is appreciated that the information contained in the boarding pass  308  and the baggage tags  314  thus connects the image of the person presenting himself/herself for check in with passenger identity information which may have a source independent from the documents presented by the passenger.  
         [0112]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  300  may be verified by the use of an automated reader which may be incorporated in subsystem  302 .  
         [0113]     Following attachment of the image bearing baggage tags  314  to the baggage, the baggage is placed on a conveyor and the passenger may proceed to a travel document check, such as passport control, if such a check is mandated.  
         [0114]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 3B , which is a simplified pictorial illustration of an automated travel document verification subsystem  328 . As seen in  FIG. 3B , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  300  are compared with the visual appearance of the passenger and, optionally, other biometric data, such as fingerprint data, by an automated verification subsystem  328 . Subsystems of this type are known in the art and commercially available, inter alia from EDS.  
         [0115]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at subsystem  328  by a camera  330 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  334 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  330 , the image on the passenger&#39;s travel document  300  and the image of the passenger supplied by camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at check in, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided to the passenger by subsystem  328 .  
         [0116]     Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  300  may be verified by the use of an automated reader which may be incorporated in subsystem  328 .  
         [0117]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, the passenger is allowed to proceed to the departure gate.  
         [0118]     At the departure gate, which is illustrated in  FIG. 3C , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s boarding pass  308  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by an automated departure gate subsystem  340 .  
         [0119]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at the departure gate by a camera  360 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  364 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  360  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at check in, an appropriate indication is provided. Preferably, the genuineness of the boarding pass  308  is also verified by the use of an automated reader which is incorporated in subsystem  340 . Conventional apparatus is employed to collect the main portion  310  of the passenger&#39;s boarding pass  308 , and to return the stub  312  to the passenger, as the passenger is allowed to proceed to the transport vehicle, in this case, an aircraft.  
         [0120]     At the entrance to the aircraft, which is illustrated in  FIG. 3D , the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s boarding pass stub  312  may be compared automatically with the visual appearance of the passenger by an automated on board passenger identity verification subsystem  368 .  
         [0121]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at the entrance of the aircraft by a camera  370 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display (not shown). If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  370  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at the security checkpoint, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided.  
         [0122]     Additionally, the genuineness of the boarding pass stub  312  may be verified by the use of an automated reader which may be incorporated in subsystem  368 .  
         [0123]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, he is allowed to enter the aircraft.  
         [0124]     During travel, typically as shown in  FIG. 3E , the image of the passenger, typically as acquired by camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at check in and/or by any other image acquisition device during pre-travel passenger processing, together with any other relevant passenger data, is preferably communicated to the passenger&#39;s destination for use by immigration, customs or other personnel.  
         [0125]     As seen in  FIG. 3E , preferably, as part of an arrival travel document check at the destination, the image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document  300  is compared with the visual appearance of the passenger by an automated travel document check subsystem  378 .  
         [0126]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at subsystem  378  by a camera  380 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown) and to a display  384 . If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  380 , the image on the passenger&#39;s travel document  300  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at check in upon departure, which was communicated in the interim to the destination, an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided. Additionally, the genuineness of the travel document  300  may be verified by the use of an automated reader which may be incorporated in subsystem  378 .  
         [0127]     If the passenger&#39;s identity is suitably verified and his/her documents are found to be in order, the passenger is allowed to proceed.  
         [0128]     Additionally in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a destination baggage check, such as a customs check, may be carried out automatically, as illustrated in  FIG. 3F . The image and other information on the passenger&#39;s travel document (not shown) is compared with the image appearing on the baggage tags  314  and with visual appearance of the passenger by a baggage verification subsystem  388 .  
         [0129]     In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, known face recognition technology may also be employed for this functionality. In such a case, the passenger is imaged at subsystem  388  by a camera  390 , which is connected via a local area network (not shown) to a face recognition system (not shown), to a display (not shown) and to a baggage tag reader  396 , including at least one image reader. If acceptable similarity is found between the image of the passenger captured by camera  390  and the image of the passenger supplied by the camera  304  ( FIG. 3A ) at departure, which was communicated in the interim to the destination, and which also appears on the baggage tags  314 , an appropriate visual and/or other indication is provided and the passenger is allowed to proceed.  
         [0130]     Additionally or alternatively, the genuineness of the baggage tags  314  may be verified by the use of an automated reader which may be incorporated in subsystem  388 .  
         [0131]     Reference is now made to  FIG. 4 , which is a simplified illustration showing data flows between various parts of transportation security system and method constructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0132]     As seen in  FIG. 4 , passenger information, which preferably includes image data in most cases, is preferably communicated between various passenger screening and processing stations at departure and arrival and is communicated from a departure location to an arrival location preferably during travel, in order to enable required processing of the information at the arrival side prior to passenger arrival.  
         [0133]     As seen in  FIG. 4 , passenger information, which preferably includes passenger face and other biometric images, may originate from an appropriate security or other governmental database  400 , as well as from the transportation carrier&#39;s reservation/ticketing database  400 , and is preferably accessible on-line in real time at security check points  402 . Suitable portions of this information, as well as other passenger information, including image information acquired at security check points  402 , are preferably provided to check in locations  404 , travel document control points  406  and departure gates  408 . Passenger information acquired at check in locations  404  is preferably provided also to travel document control points  406  and to departure gates  408 . The travel document control points  406  may, of course, share information with police or other governmental databases  410  as appropriate.  
         [0134]     Appropriate information concerning passengers, preferably including passenger face image information, is preferably provided by means of a suitable computer network  412 , such as the Internet, to a destination location, where it is received by appropriate authorities, such as passport control officials at a passport control point  414 . This information may be shared with a police or other governmental database  416  and with customs  418 . Local data inputs from government agencies at the arrival location, such as an FBI database  420 , may also be received.  
         [0135]     It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited by what has been particularly shown and described hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present invention includes both combinations and subcombinations of the various features described hereinabove as well as variations and modifications which would occur to persons skilled in the art upon reading the specification and which are not in the prior art.