Remote baggage screening system, software and method

Abstract

A method of advance baggage screening includes steps of transmitting a threat file corresponding to an item under inspection to a processing center, analyzing the threat file according to a detection algorithm at the processing center to determine a screening result for the item under inspection, and transmitting the screening result to a remotely located operator interface for access by an operator.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of application Ser. No. 10 / 116,693, filed on Apr. 3, 2002, entitled “REMOTE BAGGAGE SCREENING SYSTEM, SOFTWARE AND METHOD,” which in turn claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 60 / 281,068, entitled “REMOTE ACCESS SERVER,” filed on Apr. 3, 2001.BACKGROUND [0002] 1. Field of the Invention [0003] The present invention relates to a method and system for screening items of baggage or packages which may be used, for example, in airports. [0004] 2. Discussion of Related Art [0005] Particularly at airports, it is often necessary or desirable to screen passenger baggage for potential threats or contraband items. In light of recent terrorist activities, it is becoming more important to accurately screen baggage. However, with increasing air traffic, it is also becoming more necessary to expedite the screening procedure to avoid long delays. Conventional systems for pass...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

"The patent describes a method for remotely screening baggage by analyzing threat files and information about the baggage obtained during examination. The method can be used at a first location or remotely accessed from another location. The technical effect of the patent is to provide a more efficient and effective means for screening baggage to prevent potential threats from being transported in baggage."

Problems solved by technology

Although this system expedites the customs procedure by second-tier screening only passengers who match the high risk profile model, the system relies on profiling individuals, and therefore suffers from several drawbacks.

For example, much of security profiling is based on the racial or ethnic origin of the passenger, leading to claims of racial discrimination and unlawful search and seizure.

Another problem with the system is that it does not screen all passengers, but only those that match the high risk profile model, resulting in an at least partially ineffective system which may miss some baggage that includes illegal contraband.

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