Baggage management system and a method for baggage management

A method for baggage management, the method steps being executed by a baggage administration server, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a request, from a kiosk or a mobile device, to store or retrieve a baggage item,
• determining the location of the baggage item and/or determining a free storage receptacle within a storage rack,
• determining the position of one or more automated guided vehicles (AGVs) relative to the storage rack, wherein the one or more AGVs are used to store or retrieve a baggage item,
• identifying the one or more AGVs that are to be recruited to store or retrieve the baggage item defined in the request,
• calculating a path the identified AGVs are required to follow to either store or retrieve a baggage item as defined in the request,
• providing control instructions to a controller of each of the identified AGVs to cause the identified AGVs to store or retrieve a bag as defined in the request,
• wherein the step of calculating a path comprises determining the fastest path to store or retrieve a baggage item to complete the request and determining paths of other AGVs to avoid collisions.

A method of baggage management, the method being executed by a baggage management system, the baggage management system comprising a baggage administration server, a storage rack, a plurality of automated guided vehicles (AGVs) and a kiosk for user interaction, the method comprising the steps of:

• receiving a request for storing or retrieving a baggage item from a user at the kiosk;
• the kiosk in wireless communication with the baggage administration server via a wireless communication network;
• receiving the request for storing or retrieving a baggage item at the baggage administration server;
• sending, by the server, an authentication request to the kiosk;
• the kiosk presenting an authentication request to the user;
• receiving and transmitting a user identifier to the baggage server by the kiosk;
• the baggage administration server configured to check the user identifier with a user database storing authenticated users and associated user identifiers;
• the baggage administration server configured to authenticate the user;
• determining, by the baggage administration server, a location of the baggage item if the request is a retrieval request or determining the location of a free receptacle in the storage rack;
• determining, by the baggage administration server, a position of one or more transport vehicles;
• determining, by the baggage administration server, a position of an elevator relative to the storage rack;
• determining, by the baggage administration server, a position of a carrier relative to the storage rack;
• identifying, by the baggage administration server, the transport vehicle required to complete the request;
• calculating a path of the identified transport vehicle, elevator and carrier to complete the request, by the baggage administration server, wherein the path comprises the fastest path of movement for the transport vehicle, carrier and elevator to avoid collisions and complete the request;
• generating control instructions, by the baggage administration server, defining movement instructions for the transport vehicle, elevator and carrier;
• transmitting the control instructions, by the baggage administration server, to a controller of the transport vehicle, a controller of the elevator, and a controller of the carrier;
• the transport vehicle controller, the elevator controller and the carrier controller executing the control instructions received from the baggage administration server, and the transport vehicle, elevator and carrier moving as defined in the control instructions to complete the request.