Fully-automated self-divesting screening system and method

1. A screening system comprising:

a chamber scanner configured to scan a user to identify whether the user is carrying an item that is to be divested;

a divestment scanner configured to obtain a detailed item characterization of the item divested from the user;

the screening system being configured to compare the detailed item characterization with a database of items; and

the screening system being configured to collect information provided by operating agents on-the-fly in field to assist item characterization of the item, and update detection algorithms for items based on the information provided by the operating agents on-the-fly in the field to fine-tune its algorithm sensitivities for encountering future operations.

2. The screening system of claim 1 , further comprising a one-way drop box configured to permit the user to forfeit the item.

3. The screening system of claim 2 , further comprising a sensor adapted to detect when the item is deposited in the one-way drop box.

4. The screening system of claim 1 , wherein the chamber scanner and the divestment scanner comprise a plurality of different scanning technologies, and the screening system is configured to:

selectively direct the user based on the user indicating a preference to access a divestment item scanner configured to scan liquids; and

allow the user to proceed with liquids to a secure area after confirming no prohibited liquids are carried by the user.

5. The screening system of claim 1 , wherein the divestment scanner is configured to determine that the item is a high-threat item, hold the high-threat item, and summon an operator.

6. The screening system of claim 1 , the database of items comprising at least one of a whitelist of allowed items and a blacklist of prohibited items and high-threat items.

7. The screening system of claim 1 , the screening system being configured to update the database of items with i) the detailed item characterization of the item, and ii) feedback regarding whether the item is allowed, prohibited, or high-threat.

8. A method for screening a user, comprising:

determining, by a screening system, whether to scan the user based on whether an assigned screening window of time and an assigned screening location preassigned to the user correspond to a current time and current screening location;

when the assigned screening window of time and the assigned screening location correspond, scanning the user via a chamber scanner to identify whether the user is carrying an item that is to be divested;

obtaining, by a divestment scanner, a detailed item characterization of the item divested from the user;

comparing, by the screening system, the detailed item characterization with a database of items; and

collecting, by the screening system, information provided by operating agents on-the-fly in field to assist item characterization of the item, the screening system updating detection algorithms for items based on the information provided by the operating agents on-the-fly in the field to fine-tune its algorithm sensitivities for encountering future operations.

9. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

scanning the item with the divestment scanner;

identifying that the item is not prohibited;

allowing the user to collect the item from the divestment scanner; and

allowing the user to proceed carrying the item to a secure area.

10. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

determining that the user is not associated with 1) membership in a registered traveler program, or 2) an assigned screening window of time and an assigned screening location corresponding to current conditions at the screening system;

directing the user to wait;

directing a second user to make use of a next available chamber, wherein the second user is associated with 1) membership in the registered traveler program or 2) a relevant assigned screening window of time and a relevant assigned screening location; and

directing the user to the next available chamber, after having directed the second user.

11. The method of claim 8 , further comprising:

determining that the user is associated with membership in a registered traveler program; and

directing the user to a next available chamber without introducing lag time.

12. A screening system comprising:

a plurality of chamber scanners configured to scan corresponding users; and

a plurality of divestment scanners configured to scan corresponding items divested from the corresponding users, the screening system being configured to collect information provided by operating agents on-the-fly in field to assist item characterization of items, and update detection algorithms for items based on the information provided by the operating agents on-the-fly in the field to fine-tune its algorithm sensitivities for encountering future operations;

the screening system being configured to:

coordinate availability of the plurality of chamber scanners based on information known about the corresponding users;

selectively direct a user, based on the information, to a chamber scanner that is available;

scan the user at the chamber scanner; and

obtain a detailed item characterization of an item divested from the user at a divestment scanner.

13. The screening system of claim 12 , further comprising the screening system being configured to:

selectively direct the user based on the user indicating a preference to access a divestment item scanner configured to scan liquids; and

allow the user to proceed with liquids to a secure area after confirming no prohibited liquids are carried by the user.

14. A method for screening a user, comprising:

scanning, by a chamber scanner, a user to identify whether the user is carrying an item that is to be divested;

obtaining, by a divestment scanner, a detailed item characterization of the item divested from the user;

comparing the detailed item characterization with a database of items; and

collecting information provided by operating agents on-the-fly in field to assist item characterization of the item, and updating detection algorithms for items based on the information provided by the operating agents on-the-fly in the field to fine-tune its algorithm sensitivities for encountering future operations.

15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising:

determining that the item is allowed in a secure area;

releasing the item back to the user; and

releasing the user to proceed carrying the item to the secure area.

16. The method of claim 14 , the database of items comprising at least one of a whitelist of allowed items and a blacklist of prohibited items and high-threat items.

17. The method of claim 16 , further comprising updating the database of items with i) the detailed item characterization of the item, and ii) feedback regarding whether the item is allowed, prohibited, or high-threat.

18. The method of claim 14 , further comprising determining whether to scan the user based on whether an assigned screening window of time, and an assigned screening location, preassigned to the user correspond to a current time and current screening location.

19. The method of claim 14 , further comprising determining that the user is unscheduled for screening, and introducing a lag time between the chamber scanner becoming available, and directing the user to proceed to the chamber scanner that is available.

20. The screening system of claim 1 , the screening system being configured to share the information provided by operating agents on-the-fly in the field by electronically transmitting the information to a centralized database for storage, to further improve initial and secondary detection algorithm performance based on iterative feedback and learning.