Methods and systems for efficient security screening

Abstract

The present invention relates to systems and methods relating to security checkpoints. In some embodiments the present invention includes a security checkpoint system that is optimized in one or more of design and décor, audio characteristics, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint and generating revenue with adverting and sponsorships.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A security checkpoint system comprising:
 a line management system;   an identification checking station   a security station; and   a recomposure station;   wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to one more aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, audio characteristics, information presentation, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint.   
     
     
         2 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein said line management system is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of minimizing customers' wait time, providing appointments for customers' security checkpoint appearance, tracking one or more customers' progress through the security checkpoint, providing information, and diverting one or more customers to other security checkpoints having lesser wait times. 
     
     
         3 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the identification checking station is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of verification of the authenticity of an ID identifier and determining whether a customer is a person of interest. 
     
     
         4 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the security station comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a screening device and a remote security station. 
     
     
         5 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the recomposure station comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a shelf, a table, a bench, a post to facilitate a customer's replacement of his/her shoes. 
     
     
         6 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to design and décor and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of integrating the design of the security checkpoint with other parts of the facility, creating a décor and design of a security checkpoint that is substantially similar to a security checkpoint at another location, utilizing a color scheme that has a positive effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint and utilizing materials that have a positive effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         7 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to audio characteristics and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reduction of extraneous noise in and around the security checkpoint, providing audio instructions at appropriate sound levels and using a voice that has a positive effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint and playing music that has a positive effect on customer behavior in and around a security checkpoint. 
     
     
         8 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to information presentation and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reducing provision of extraneous information, modifying the type of advertising presented, modifying the content of advertising presented, modifying the amount of advertising presented, modifying the placement of advertising and use of integrated signage. 
     
     
         9 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 1 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint and wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements from the group consisting of optimization of décor and design, optimization of audio characteristics, optimization of customer service, and optimization of information presentation. 
     
     
         10 . A security checkpoint system comprising:
 integrated signage configured to provide one or more of the group consisting of advertising, travel information, checkpoint information;   an identification checking station, wherein the identification checking station is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of verification of the authenticity of an ID identifier and determining whether a customer is a person of interest;   a security station, wherein a customer or an item in customer's possession is inspected; and   a remote security station, wherein said remote security station inspects the customer or an item in customer's possession;   
       wherein the security checkpoint system is optimized with respect to one more aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, audio characteristics, information presentation, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         11 . A method comprising: optimizing a security checkpoint with respect to one more aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, audio characteristics, information presentation, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint, wherein said optimizing may occur at one or more of the group selected from a line management system, an identification checking station, a screening device; and a recomposure station of the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         12 . A method comprising: optimizing the presentation of advertising at a security checkpoint, wherein the optimizing includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of modifying the type of advertising presented, modifying the content of advertising presented, modifying the amount of advertising presented, modifying the placement of advertising and use of integrated signage to provide advertising, analyzing usage of a security checkpoint with respect to one or more aspects selected from the group consisting of date, time, customer flow, and customer demographics. 
     
     
         13 . A method for managing the set-up and/or maintenance of a security checkpoint or a set of security checkpoints comprising: selection and integration of optimal atmospheric conditions, environment, technology, materials and/or advertising wherein the selection and integration includes designing the security checkpoint to establish a seamless combination of fowl and function to deliver high security in an inviting atmosphere designed, deployed, maintained and updated with form equal to function to maximize available technology and the unique space or footprint associated with each environment. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13  further comprising: configuring the security checkpoint or the set of security checkpoints to generate revenue for the entity that runs the checkpoint or security area. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 14  wherein the revenue generated is sufficient to pay for the maintenance or redesign of the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         16 . A security checkpoint system comprising:
 a line management system or queuing process;   an identification checking station;   a security station(s); and   a recomposure station;   
       wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to one more aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, audio characteristics, information presentation, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         17 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16  wherein the line management or queuing system is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of minimizing customers' time on line, providing appointments for customers' security checkpoint appearance, tracking one or more customers' progress, calculating and communicating wait times, increasing throughput at the security checkpoint, providing information, and diverting one or more customers to other security checkpoints and/or screening stations having lesser wait times. 
     
     
         18 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16  wherein the line management or queuing system is configured to accommodate a special security process lane. 
     
     
         19 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 18  wherein the special security process lane is for one or more of the group selected from: Registered Travelers, frequent or preferred or premium customers, employees, and customers having an appointment. 
     
     
         20 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16  wherein the identification checking station is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of verification of the authenticity of an ID identifier and determining whether a customer is a person of interest. 
     
     
         21 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16  wherein the security station comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a screening device and a remote security station. 
     
     
         22 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 21  wherein the remote security station includes remote personnel with high or special skill in interpreting images. 
     
     
         23 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 21  wherein the remote personnel are trained to interpret results of technology images such as x-rays. 
     
     
         24 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16 , wherein the recomposure station comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of a specifically designed shelf, a table, a bench, and a leaning post or rail to facilitate a customer's replacement of his/her shoes or articles of clothing with minimal time and maximum efficiency to recompose so the customer promptly moves on and away from the checkpoint relieving a common chokepoint. 
     
     
         25 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16 , wherein the security checkpoint system is optimized with respect to design and décor. 
     
     
         26 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 25  wherein the optimization with respect to design and décor takes into account one or more factors from the group consisting of architectural design, local preferences, and federal, state and local security requirements. 
     
     
         27 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 26  wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of integrating the design of the security checkpoint with other areas of the facility, creating a décor and design of a security checkpoint that is substantially similar to a security checkpoint at another location, utilizing a color scheme and atmospheric conditions that has a positive effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint, ensuring that various security checkpoints—that may have a different theme or color combination than one another—have a recognizable commonality such that they may each have a certain familiarity to a customer, and utilizing design materials with the objective that they have a positive effect on customer behavior and/or emotion in and around the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         28 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to audio characteristics. 
     
     
         29 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 28  wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reduction of extraneous noise in and around the security checkpoint, communicating audio instructions at optimal sound levels and using a voice that has a positive and/or calming effect on customer behavior in and around the security checkpoint and playing music or sounds that have a positive effect on customer behavior in and around a security checkpoint. 
     
     
         30 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 29  wherein the positive effect is calming and causes a heightened awareness and/or increased receptivity to stimuli. 
     
     
         31 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16  wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to communication or transfer of information. 
     
     
         32 . The security checkpoint of  claim 31  wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements selected from the group consisting of reducing provision of extraneous information, modifying the type or category of advertising presented, segmenting the content of advertising presented to align with the customer demographics at various times throughout the day, modifying the frequency or volume of advertising presented, modifying the placement of advertising and use of integrated signage using standards of environmental graphics and environmental engineers as well as interior and architectural design. 
     
     
         33 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 16 , wherein the security checkpoint is optimized with respect to efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         34 . The security checkpoint system of  claim 33  wherein the optimization comprises one or more elements from the group consisting of optimization of décor and design, optimization of audio characteristics, optimization of customer service, and optimization of information presentation. 
     
     
         35 . A security checkpoint system comprising:
 integrated signage configured to provide one or more of the group consisting of advertising, travel information, checkpoint information, instructions for the security process, creating an identity for the facility;   an identification checking station, wherein the identification checking station is configured to perform one or more functions selected from the group consisting of verification of the authenticity of an ID identifier or biometric verification and determining whether a customer is a person of interest;   security station(s), wherein a customer or an item in customer's possession is inspected; and   a remote security station, wherein said remote security station inspects the customer or an item in customer's possession and may be redundant to an on site officer;   
       wherein the security checkpoint system is optimized with respect to one more aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, audio characteristics, information presentation, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         36 . A method comprising: optimizing a security checkpoint with respect to one more atmospheric conditions or aspects selected from the group consisting of design and décor, architectural design, environmental graphics, local preferences, federal, state, and local security requirements, audio characteristics, olfactory characteristics, information display, and efficiency in passing customers through the security checkpoint, wherein said optimizing may occur at one or more of the group selected from a line management system, an identification checking station, screening technology; and a recomposure station of the security checkpoint. 
     
     
         37 . A method comprising: optimizing the presentation of signage including advertising at a security checkpoint, wherein the optimizing includes one or more elements selected from the group consisting of modifying the category of advertising presented, segmenting the category of advertising presented, modifying the content of advertising presented, modifying the amount of advertising presented, modifying the placement of advertising and use of integrated signage to provide advertising, and analyzing usage of a security checkpoint with respect to one or more aspects selected from the group consisting of date, time, volume, checkpoint staffing level, security threat level, customer flow, and customer demographics.