Advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access

Abstract

The present invention relates to an advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access comprising: - An inner chassis or frame (1), - A chassis fairing or covering (23, 24, 25, 26), - A rotating arm module (16) for controlling passageway access which incorporates a motor (28), a rotating shaft of the motor (31), a gearbox (32), an electromagnetic clutch (36), a swing gate (19) made of tempered glass, a 3D detection module, - Other components such as a motor driver, power supplies, an electronic control board of the device, one or more access credential readers (22), and a communication module, contained in the control board (42). It is a strong and lightweight modular device that covers the entire passage volume of the controlled passageway, both inside (presence zone) and outside (approach zone) same, allowing advanced functions of person detection and counting, object or obstacle detection, capacity control, and anomaly detection.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention is comprised in the field of access control, specifically in physical pedestrian access control systems. It relates to an advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access which is characterized by its ultrahigh strength and lightweight design, as well as its modular approach, which simplifies both manufacture and installation. Furthermore, it has advanced capabilities for the 3D spatial detection and counting of people both inside and outside the controlled passageway, and presents a highly innovative and customizable aesthetic design as a result of the use of high-quality decorative technical materials, which are novel in products of this type.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Access control passageways, also known as turnpikes, turnstiles, or passage gatelines, are crucial elements to guarantee safety and control in restricted access areas, such as office buildings, factories, theaters, airports, train stations, sports venues, theme parks, and other public and private places. Their main function is to ensure that only authorized people can enter a restricted area, while at the same time maintain an entry and exit record for security, capacity control, and monitoring purposes. Over the years, these systems have experienced significant technological advances which have improved their efficiency and functionality.

[0003] However, despite the advances experienced by these devices, the complexity of their manufacturing and installation processes continues to be a major challenge for the industry, with new methods and solutions being constantly sought in an attempt to overcome these limitations.

[0004] Today, the manufacturing of the mechanical structure of these access control passageways is still a critical aspect that requires special attention. Most of these structures are manufactured from stainless steel, a material which is renowned for its strength and durability, although it is also heavy. Choosing this material ensures that these devices can withstand stress and continuous use, which is essential for their reliable operation over time.

[0005] However, manufacturing mechanical structures from steel poses significant challenges. The assembly often requires a manual and highly specialized process, involving expert welders, which increases costs and slows down production. Precise welding of these structures is essential to guarantee their mechanical rigidity and prevent subsequent problems, such as deformations, premature wears, or stability failures.

[0006] Moreover, the installation of access control passageways remains a specialized task which requires certain training, experience, and technical knowledge. These devices are usually delivered as prefabricated units that must be installed and configured in the site of use. This installation involves the precise positioning of the components of the access control passageway, the suitable fixing of the mechanical structure to then ground, a complex wiring of the components, and the configuration of the parameters of the management software and / or the electronic control board. Errors made during installation can lead to operative and safety problems, so it is essential to have specialized personnel. In this context, the implementation of significant improvements in the design of these devices is imperative in order to simplify their manufacturing, installation, and maintenance processes. This, in turn, will reduce the associated costs and guarantee a safe and correct operation of these systems in any operating environment.

[0007] Another crucial aspect to note is the considerable weight and volume of most of the current access control passageways. The average weight of many of these devices may exceed 100 kg, depending on the material used in manufacturing the structure thereof and the type of gates installed. This poses significant logistic challenges, both in the manufacturing phase and in the installation phase. The transport of these devices to the target locations and their subsequent handling in the installations often require specialized equipment and considerable human resources.

[0008] Current access control passageways use various technologies for people detection and counting. Most of these systems use of industrial photocells which are spatially distributed along the controlled passageway, which oftentimes entails an additional complexity in the internal wiring and the precise alignment of these sensors. Moreover, some more modern systems resort to person detection and counting technologies that depend on cameras located on the ceiling or supports close to the passageway. However, this choice may pose additional challenges during installation, such as high ceilings which complicate or hinder the mounting of the cameras, complex wiring management, or software configuration. Furthermore, from an aesthetic viewpoint, these detection solutions are not directly integrated in the control device itself, which can generate rejection among end customers in terms of design and appearance.

[0009] Current systems only detect the presence or the passage of people when they are within the controlled physical passageway, without extending their detection to surrounding areas. This limitation significantly restricts the capacity of these systems to anticipate user movements and to more efficiently manage the controlled passage environment. A typical example of a more efficient management of the passage environment, as a result of an early user detection, would be to keep the gates of the passageway open to allow the smooth passage of several people in a row, thereby reducing bottlenecks in high traffic areas.

[0010] Moreover, although many of these systems are capable of monitoring and counting people in normal passage conditions, they tend to be less efficient in more complex situations. This includes intrusions in the opposite direction, people passing under or over the gates of the controlled passageway, those who sneak behind authorized individuals without their consent (tailgating) or with their help (piggybacking), the passage of people with suitcases or large packages, small children, and forced openings of the gates, among other cases. These limitations in people detection in complicated situations are mainly due to the restrictions of the technology used, based chiefly on localized photocells distributed along the monitored passageway. In this sense, there is a considerable room for improvement for implementing more advanced solutions of person detection and counting, capable of dealing effectively with complicated passage situations in any operating environment.

[0011] In addition to detecting the presence of and counting people, these systems use magnetic card, RFID proximity card, or mobile telephone readers for access control. Registered users must pass their credential through a reader which verifies the validity thereof and allows or prevents access based on the permissions assigned to said credential. In some cases, the access control passageways also include fingerprint or facial recognition biometric readers. These biometric authentication methods provide a higher level of security by guaranteeing that only people with registered biometric credentials can gain access.

[0012] In summary, as a general conclusion of the state of the art, it should be noted that current access control passageways present various challenges in terms of manufacture, installation, maintenance, and operation. Most of these devices are bulky and heavy, which makes the transport and handling thereof difficult. Furthermore, they have complex mechanical structures the assembly of which requires considerable time and resources, such as large installations and specific machinery.

[0013] Moreover, the integration of various technologies for user detection, counting, and authentication adds an additional layer of complexity in the management, protection, and internal wiring of the components of these devices, which increases the probability of possible technical problems during the manufacturing, installation, or maintenance process.

[0014] Finally, considering the aesthetic design, most of the current access control passageways are manufactured with painted sheet metal, stainless steel, or glass coverings, featuring a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and types of gate systems (glass swing gates, laterally displacing gates, rotating arms or barriers), in addition to a wide range of signaling elements (pictograms, LED lighting strips, LCD screens, displays, and others). However, despite the diversity of existing models, all of them share a similar, generally unrefined and industrial aesthetic appearance, due to the covering materials, such as sheet metal, steel, or glass. The aesthetic customization of these devices is usually very limited, offering at best different color finishing options or the possibility of including some silkscreen printing with the customer's logotype.

[0015] In this context, aesthetic customization emerges as a priority need in the current offer, particularly when these devices are to be installed in architectural spaces with a careful aesthetic, such as hotels, luxury residences, theaters, museums, corporate buildings, shopping malls, and others. In such scenarios, it is essential that these devices integrate harmoniously with the other elements of their environment, merging as an integral part of the surrounding furniture.

[0016] The following documents are known in the state of the art: 1. CN110042782 (Zeng, W. et. al.), Quick-opening swing gate for closing people access. 2. CN218712439 (U) (Wei, W.), Locking and fixing structure for pedestrian gate. 3. CN215714837 (U) (Wang, W.), Special swing gate machine to prevent obstruction by a wheelchair. 4. CN106991741 (A) (Zhou, Q.), A type of smart recognition quick-opening gate. 5. US2021340815 (A1) Puerto I.D, Swing / wing gate turnstile. 6. CN214328632 (U) (Tang, J. et. al.), Pedestrian barrier device. 7. CN213681853 (U) (Deng, H. et. al.), Subway gate mechanism capable of preventing clamping damage. 8. CN207097091 (U) (Zeng, H. et. al.), Current system of intelligence tripod turnstile and intelligence. 9. CN217128076 (U) (Chen, Y. et. al.), Smart tripod turnstile and smart traffic system. 10. CN215718082 (U) (Wang, W.), Swing door gate capable of conveniently adjusting door opening and closing positions. 11. KR20110024024 (A) (Kim, D.S. et. al.), Turnstile apparatus and method for operating same. 12. MY165071 (A) (Zhang, L. et. al.), Turnstile blocking apparatus with adjustable blocking width of gate leaf. 13. GB2610414 (A) (Derek H.), Anti-climb system. 14. AU2017202227 (A1) (Ebner J.), Access control device for persons or device for counting persons designed as a turnstile. 15. EP3503045 (A1) (Zanghellini S.), Turnstile with tailgating detection and alarm. 16. KR20220009827A (Park Y.), Swing door system for unmanned access control. DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0017] As indicated in the title of this document, the purpose of the present invention is to introduce an advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access. This access control passageway stands out as a result of its ultrahigh strength and lightweight design, modularity, and advanced 3D detection capabilities for monitoring and counting people both inside and outside the controlled passageway. Furthermore, its innovative aesthetic design considerably expands the possibilities of customization in terms of available finishings, as a result of the use of high-quality decorative technical materials.

[0018] The proposed access control passageway comprises the following elements: An inner chassis or frame made up of a framework of aluminum sheet metal plates of several millimeters thick. These aluminum sheet plates are first subjected to a laser cutting process and are then folded, which guarantees a clean finishing that is reproducible and economically efficient. Furthermore, they are designed with reinforcement folds that provide great rigidity to the structure, eliminating the need to use a thicker sheet metal. These plates are specifically designed to allow easy assembly by means of stitching attachments, which significantly facilitates and accelerates the process for the assembly and final welding of the structure. This, in turn, improves the repeatability of the manufacturing process by minimizing structural deviations and twisting, reducing costs and production times. The designed chassis provides exceptional rigidity to the assembly while significantly reducing its weight. This innovative structure, which combines lightweightness and robustness, represents a significant improvement compared to the current offer. Most of the existing devices may weigh up to 100 kg, depending on their size and the type of gates they incorporate. In contrast, the proposed design is characterized by a total weight of only 25 kg, of which 11 kg correspond to the chassis and 14 kg to the rest of the elements of the passageway. This feature means a reduction in the total weight of the device of between 50% and 75%, which significantly simplifies transportation logistics and mounting, reducing costs and installation times. The proposed chassis incorporates a reinforced anchoring system. The lower base of the chassis of the access control passageway has been reinforced with machined aluminum flats having a thickness of 8 mm, which provides the assembly with additional strength with respect to twisting and impacts. Furthermore, this base has openings located at the ends and in the center, specifically designed to allow the fixing thereof to the ground by means of using chemical bolts. The designed chassis incorporates a system for leveling by means of screws located in its support base. This innovative leveling system allows effectively correcting ground unevenness or deficiencies, thereby improving the stability of the device in any type of surface. This feature significantly contributes to minimizing the movements of the chassis, enhancing its robustness and stability, which is particularly useful in adverse situations such as acts of vandalism and impacts. The proposed chassis includes an alignment and separation tool designed for simplifying the installation of the access control passageway at the customer's location. In particular, the designed chassis has holes intended for the fixing of this tool by means of screws. The alignment and separation tool is made up of two horizontal bars made of an aluminum profile of different lengths (generally 600, 900, or 1000 mm), according to the width of the passageway. These bars are screwed at the ends to the front and rear portion of the two chassis making up the passageway, firmly attaching them to form a parallelogram. This attachment between the chassis allows a perfect alignment in axes X, Y, and Z of the two devices making up access control passageway. Therefore, the proposed alignment and separation tool represents a substantial improvement compared to the current commercial systems, since it simplifies and significantly speeds up the passageway installation and adjustment process. A fairing of the chassis which is characterized by the extremely quick, simple, and direct mounting thereof, in addition to offering a wide variety of finishing options. This fairing is made up of panels made of decorative technical materials commonly used in architecture, with a wide range of high-quality finishings, high rigidity, and high dimensional stability. The upper, front, and rear covering panels of the fairing of the chassis have an approximate thickness of about 12 mm, and allow a perfect fitting of the metal supports, generally made of machined aluminum, intended for housing the credential readers. These panels are fixed to the edge of the chassis from the inner face thereof by means of screws, which are concealed and not visible from the outside. The side walls of the chassis are covered with panels made of the same technical material of about 6 mm thick. These side panels are secured to the chassis of the device by means of a set of magnets uniformly distributed along the rear edge of the panel. The side edge of the chassis has windows or openings covered by a sheet metal that serve as a housing for the magnets of the panel, guaranteeing a strong adhesion. This securing system with magnets for the side panels of the chassis allows a quick covering process without requiring screws, achieving a firm fixing that can only be released with the help of a suction cup, such as that used by glaziers. The proposed fixing system for the fairing of the chassis, together with the use of high-quality technical materials for the covering, thus represents a significant innovation compared to the commercial conventional systems, which tend to use standard materials such as stainless steel, sheet metal, or glass for the fairing of the devices, furthermore fixing same by means of screws or permanent adhesives. Therefore, the solution being considered stands out as a result of its highly refined and elegant aesthetic design, along with a quick, simple, and modular assembly process, which offers a wide range of finishings as a result of the use of high-quality decorative technical materials that had not been used up until now in products of this type. Lastly, the way the fairing of the device is designed, if the building is renovated and the type of decoration is changed, the appearance of the device can be quickly and easily changed. A rotating arm of the access control passageway, designed as an independent modular part, which incorporates several components which are essential for the operation of the device. These components include support parts made of machined aluminum for accommodating the mechanical and electronic elements of the rotating arm, a motor, a rotating shaft of the motor, a gearbox, an electromagnetic clutch, a gate of made of glass or another material, a people detection and counting module, a sound-light signaling module, and an aluminum fairing for the rotating arm. To facilitate installation, the chassis of the device has a positioner in the lower base thereof specifically designed for fitting and securing the rotating arm. This securing greatly simplifies the process of assembling and connecting the rotating arm, which may weigh up to 12 kg. Once the connection of the arm with the rest of the elements of the device has been completed, it is fixed to the body of the chassis by means of screws to ensure the complete immobilization thereof. A signaling system for indicating the operations performed and the state of the device, which can include sound and light signals. This sound-light signaling module is integrated in the rotating arm of the device and consists of a series of RGB LED signaling strips for light indications and a buzzer for sound signals. This signage provides useful information to the users about the state of the device and the accesses: device blocked, device free, presence detected, passage allowed, passage denied, emergency mode, intrusion warning, passage or credential presentation timeout notification, etc. A 3D people detection and counting system which allows an effective control of the pedestrian access passageway with security, room or building capacity control, and user monitoring purposes. This system guarantees a robust and safe operation of the device in different scenarios, such as free passage, access with credential, emergency mode, passage with large packages or suitcases, passage of small children, intrusions in the opposite direction, simultaneous passage of several people, and incomplete passage, among others. This people detection and counting module is integrated in the rotating arm of the device and consists of a set of 8x8 ToF matrix sensors (64 detection zones) with a square field of view (FoV) of 60° horizontally and 60° vertically (90° diagonally). In total, at least 6 of these ToF matrix sensors are used, with at least 3 sensors located in each rotating arm of the passageway, arranged at different angles in order to cover both the inner passage area of the controlled passageway (presence zone) and an outer zone (approach zone). However, it is possible to use a larger number of sensors at different heights and angles in order to further increase the security and robustness of the detection module. The range of detection distances in the approach zone is configurable, varying between 60 and 120 cm. Some of the highlighted functionalities of this people detection and counting module include the detection of people or objects close to the passageway (approach zone), the detection of the presence of people or objects within the passageway (presence zone), the counting of people, and the detection of unauthorized accesses such as tailgating or piggybacking, among others. The placement of the sensors and the 3D detection technology used in this module distinguish it from other commercial systems. Unlike conventional devices which use localized industrial photocells distributed along the controlled passageway, this 3D detection module encompasses a much larger detection volume in a three-dimensional space (greater point resolution), both inside and outside the access control passageway. This feature allows the implementation of advanced functionalities for person detection and counting, such as early user detection and differentiation of obstacles, children, or suitcases, which improves safety and efficiency in device management. Likewise, the integration of this detection module in the rotating arm of the device simplifies installation and eliminates wiring complexity. A gate motor driver located inside the chassis of the device and connected to the module of the rotating arm of the access control passageway. This driver is responsible for controlling the motor of the gate to achieve a smooth and precise movement. It is important to note that motors with more power than required are used, which allows the use of smaller gearboxes to increase the sensitivity of the motor (fine control of the speed and torque) in the case of impact situations, such as when the gate hits a person, allowing the movement to be stopped in milliseconds. Furthermore, the rotating arm of the device incorporates an electromagnetic clutch system activated by the driver in situations of sudden impacts, such as kicks or blows, or forced opening attempts. This function keeps the accesses safe in the event of acts of vandalism and prevents damage to the electronic mechanism of the motor. The control program of the motor can also detect dangerous situations in real time, such as entrapments or impacts of the gate against objects or people. When a risk situation is identified, the driver can take the necessary safety measures, such as stopping the movement of the gate, reducing its speed, or freeing it, in order to eliminate the danger and safeguard the physical integrity of the users. Finally, the driver includes a unique self-calibration functionality for positioning the gates, which eliminates the need of manual adjustments and maintenance of the device. Every time the device is turned on, it makes a complete rotation of the gates (a 180° scan) until detecting the side ends thereof (side panels). Once this is done, it automatically determines the central point between both ends (a 90° position), this position corresponding with the closed gate position. In this way, the equipment is capable of automatically determining the open gate position in both directions of passage and the closed gate position. This self-calibration function of the gates is a distinctive feature compared to the current systems, where said task is performed manually by an operator. One or more biometric readers for fingerprint, RFID proximity card, mobile credential (by means of reading from smart telephones through NFC or Bluetooth ®< ), or for any other type of access credential, both biometric and non-biometric. Furthermore, the designed device may incorporate state-of-the-art contactless biometric readers for user identification by means of finger or palm recognition. These elements will be part of an access control system capable of managing the entries and exits of registered personnel and granting permissions to access through the controlled passageway. An electronic control board capable of managing the operation of the device. This board may include functionalities such as the reading of access credentials through the credential readers connected to the control board, access controls based on the security policies configured in the system, recording of access-related events (entries, exits, capacity control, unauthorized access attempts, and other security-related events), communication with other internal and external devices (video surveillance systems, alarm systems, and others), user interface for administrators and security personnel, firmware and software updates, and management of all the hardware components of the device, among others. These hardware components include the people detection and counting module, the sound-light signaling module, the gate opening and closing system (motor driver and electromagnetic clutch), the primary and secondary power supply system, the input and output module (power supply and data connection strips), and the communication module, which may use different interfaces such as NFC, RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth ®< , I2C, RS-485, USB, TPC / IP, OSDP, and others for communication with the outside. A power supply system which supplies power to the different hardware modules of the device, such as the credential readers, motor driver, gate motor, gearbox, electromagnetic clutch, sound-light signaling module, people detection and counting module, and control board, among others. Furthermore, this power supply system has a battery backup to guarantee the continuity of the operation of the device in the case of a power outage.

[0019] In summary, as a result of the innovative features of the proposed design, a passageway for controlling pedestrian access having superior performance is achieved. It is distinguished by its exceptional strength and lightweightness, as well as by its modular approach which significantly simplifies the manufacturing, installation, and maintenance processes, which translates into cost and time reduction. Furthermore, it integrates advanced capabilities for the 3D detection and counting of people both inside and outside the controlled passageway, improving efficiency and safety in access management. It also stands out as a result of its attractive aesthetic design and of being highly customizable due to the use of high-quality decorative technical materials commonly used in architectural spaces.

[0020] Throughout the description and the claims of this document, the word "comprise" and its variants are not intended to exclude other technical features, functionalities, components or steps. For those skilled in the art, other objects, advantages and features of the invention will be deduced from both the description provided and the practical use of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] To complement the description provided herein, and for the purpose of making the features of the invention more readily understandable, said description is accompanied by a set of drawings constituting an integral part of the same, which by way of illustration and not limitation represents the following: Figure 1. Inner chassis or frame of the access control passageway made up of a structure consisting of laser-cut and folded aluminum sheet parts. Figure 2. Process of manufacturing the aluminum sheet metal parts of the chassis. This figure illustrates the process for producing the aluminum sheet metal parts used in the chassis of the device. Step 1: Laser cutting the sheet metal parts, and step 2: Subsequently folding the parts. The stitching attachments designed to facilitate the assembly of the parts are also observed. Figure 3. Reinforced anchoring system of the chassis and mechanism for fixing to the ground with chemical bolts. Figure 4. Alignment and separation tool designed to facilitate the installation of the access control passageway in a configuration with several devices. This figure illustrates the tool designed for simplifying the installation of the access control passageway at the customer's location. The folds of the aluminum sheet metal parts of the chassis, providing a greater rigidity to the structure without increasing its weight, are also highlighted. Figure 5. System for leveling the chassis by means of screws. Figure 6. Rotating arm of the device and the assembly process. In this figure, the rotating arm of the device is designed as an independent modular part. The process for assembling the rotating arm on the chassis of the device by means of screws is shown in detail, highlighting the speed and ease of installation of this configuration. Figure 7. Main components integrated in the rotating arm and in the inner trays of the chassis of the device. This figure shows the effective integration of the main components of the device both in the module of the rotating arm and in the inner trays of the chassis. Figure 8. People detection and counting module of the device. This figure depicts the people detection and counting module, which is integrated in the rotating arm of both gates of the access control passageway. The module includes a set of 8x8 ToF matrix sensors (64 detection zones) arranged at different angles in order to cover both the inner passage area of the controlled passageway (presence zone) and an outer zone (approach zone). Figure 9. Process for assembling the device. This figure illustrates the process for assembling the fairing of the chassis of the device, characterized by its extraordinary speed, simplicity, and versatility in the finishing options. The innovative system for securing with magnets for the side panels of the chassis is highlighted, which allows a quick covering of same without needing screws, guaranteeing a firm fixing of the panels that can only be released with the help of a suction cup, such as that used by glaziers. PREFERRED EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION

[0022] A preferred embodiment of the proposed invention is described below in view of the mentioned figures.

[0023] Figure 1 shows the inner chassis or frame (1) of the designed device. This chassis is made up of a framework of laser-cut and folded aluminum sheet metal parts (2) of a few millimeters thick. These parts are perfectly assembled and welded to one another to create a rigid and durable structure, that is at the same time lightweight, serving as a structural base of the device, providing support and stability to the other integrated components.

[0024] Figure 2 illustrates the process for producing the aluminum sheet metal parts used in the construction of the chassis of the device. This process consists of two steps: laser cutting the aluminum sheet metal parts (3), and subsequently folding same (5), ensuring a clean and cost-effective finishing. Furthermore, the stitching attachments (4) designed to facilitate the assembly of the parts, which significantly speeds up the process for assembling the chassis and the final welding of the structure, can be seen. This does not only simplify production, reducing costs and manufacturing times, but also improves process repeatability by minimizing deviations and structural twisting, which is crucial for the future industrialization of the device.

[0025] The designed chassis provides the device with exceptional rigidity without compromising its weight. This innovative structure, which combines lightweightness and robustness, represents a significant improvement compared to current devices. As a result, the transportation logistics and the installation process of the device are simplified, which entails a significant reduction in installation times.

[0026] Figure 3 shows the reinforced anchoring system of the chassis of the device (1). The lower base of the chassis (6) has been reinforced with machined aluminum flats having a thickness of 8 mm (9) which, together with the folds (13) of the aluminum sheet metal parts of the chassis (2), provide the assembly with greater rigidity and stability with respect to twisting and impacts. The base of the chassis has holes located at the ends and in the center (8), specifically designed to allow the fixing of the chassis to the ground by means of chemical bolts. Furthermore, holes of a larger diameter (7) have been incorporated along the base of the chassis to allow the passage of the cables of the installation.

[0027] Figure 4 illustrates the tool designed to facilitate the installation of the access control passageway in the target location. The designed chassis (1) has holes (11) which allow the fixing of this tool by means of screws. The alignment and separation tool consists of two horizontal bars made of an aluminum profile (10) of variable lengths, according to the required passageway width. These horizontal bars are secured to the ends of the two chassis making up the access control passageway, forming a solid parallelogram. This attachment between the chassis allows a perfect alignment in the X, Y, and Z axes of the two devices of the passageway, which could be verified with a level (12). Therefore, the proposed alignment and separation tool, and the system for the fixing same to the chassis, represent a significant improvement compared to current commercial systems, which lack specific tools of this type for the alignment and separation of the devices of the passageway, therefore requiring the participation of technician qualified for suitably installing these devices. Therefore, this tool considerably simplifies the passageway installation process, as well as the need to have qualified personnel to carry out this task.

[0028] Moreover, the folds (13) of the aluminum sheet metal parts of the chassis, providing significant rigidity and lightweightness to the assembly, are also highlighted in this figure.

[0029] Figure 5 shows the leveling system of the device. The designed chassis (1) incorporates an innovative system for leveling by means of screws. The lower support base of the chassis (6) is equipped with leveling screws (15) located in the holes which are arranged at the ends and in the center of the base of the chassis (14). This system allows effectively correcting ground unevenness or deficiencies, providing a simple and practical solution to improve the stability of the device on any type of surface. This feature significantly contributes to reducing the movements of the chassis, which enhances its robustness and stability, particularly in adverse situations such as acts of vandalism or accidental impacts.

[0030] Figure 6 shows the rotating arm (16) of the passageway and the processing for assembling same on the chassis of the device (1) by means of screws (27). This rotating arm (16) has been designed as an independent modular part which incorporates several components which are essential for the operation of the device. These components include support parts made of machined aluminum for accommodating the mechanical and electronic components of the rotating arm (33, 34, 35, 37), a motor (28), a rotating shaft of the motor (31), a gearbox (32), an electromagnetic clutch (36), a swing gate (19) made of glass or another material, a people detection and counting module (30), a sound-light signaling module (20), and an aluminum fairing for the rotating arm (18), among others. Figure 7 provides a more detailed description of all the components integrated in the rotating arm of the device.

[0031] Moreover, to facilitate an efficient installation of the rotating arm (16), the chassis of the device (1) is equipped with a positioner in the lower base thereof (17), specifically designed for accommodating and securing the rotating arm (16). This feature greatly simplifies the process for assembling the rotating arm, allowing a quick and comfortable connection with the other components of the device located in the chassis. Once the connection of the rotating arm has been completed, it is firmly fixed to the chassis of the device (1) by means of screws (27) to ensure the complete immobilization thereof.

[0032] Figure 7 shows the main components of the access control passageway, which are located both in the module of the rotating arm (16) and in the inner trays of the chassis of the device (1). Starting with the rotating arm (16), it incorporates several key components, including: a swing gate (19) made of tempered glass or another material, light signaling RGB LED strips (20) which are protected by a diffusing plastic part, a buzzer for sound signaling (not visible), person detection and counting sensors (30) protected by windows made of tempered glass measuring 9 x 7 x 0.7 mm, a motor for actuating the gate (28), a gearbox (32), a support part made of machined aluminum for accommodating the gearbox (33), a rigid coupling part made of machined aluminum (34) between the gearbox and the rotating shaft of the gate, a support part made of machined aluminum for accommodating the electromagnetic clutch (35), an electromagnetic clutch (36), a support part made of machined aluminum for the longitudinal base of the rotating arm (37), a rotating shaft of the gate (31), and an aluminum fairing of the rotating arm of the device (18).

[0033] The rest of the components of the device are located in the inner trays of the chassis (1), and include the following: a gate motor driver (39), power supplies for the electronic components (40), distribution power strips which facilitate the connection of the cables (41), an electronic control board of the device (42), a bundle of power supply and communication cables (38), a support part made of machined aluminum for accommodating the credential reader or, otherwise, a decorative lid (23), a part made of machined aluminum with a decorative lid (optional) (21), one or more access credential readers (22) which can be biometric readers (for fingerprints, face, iris, palm, and others) or non-biometric readers (for RFID cards, mobile credentials, QR codes, barcodes, and others), and a fairing (24, 25, 26) that covers all the faces of the chassis (see Figure 9 for more details).

[0034] Due to their importance in the operation of the access control passageway, some of the key features and functionalities of the mentioned components will be highlighted below.

[0035] Unlike most current commercial devices which use motors with a power of 100-200 W and large i-40 gearboxes, the proposed design opts for motors (28) that are more powerful (400 W) and gearboxes (32) that are smaller (i-12). This provides a more precise control of motor speed and torque (thrust force of the transmission shaft of the motor on the rotating shaft of the gate), allowing a quicker response if the event of obstacles in the path of the gate, which prevents risks for users, such as entrapments or blows. Furthermore, motors with more power can readily move gates of various sizes and weights, guaranteeing a smooth and silent movement without unwanted vibrations.

[0036] The gate motor driver (39), located in the chassis of the device (1), is connected by means of a cable to the gate motor (28) of the rotating arm (16). Its main function is to control the precise movement of the swing gate (19), ensuring an efficient and safe operation during the opening and closing thereof.

[0037] Furthermore, the rotating arm of the device (16) incorporates an electromagnetic clutch system (36) which is activated through the motor driver (39) in the case of sudden impacts, such as blows, kicks, or attempts to force open the swing gate (19). The electromagnetic clutch system, with an electromagnet which engages with the gearwheels of the clutch (36) and of the rotating shaft (31), instantaneously blocks the rotating shaft of the motor (32), immobilizing the swing gate (19) to prevent damage to the motor and to guarantee the security of the accesses in the event of acts of vandalism.

[0038] Moreover, the control program of the device can detect risk situations in real time, such as entrapments or impacts of the gate (19) against objects or people. If a risk is identified, the motor driver (39) takes the necessary measures to protect the users, such as stopping the movement of the gate, reducing its speed, or freeing it. Furthermore, the control program includes a unique feature on the market which automates the centering of the gates of the passageway (19), eliminating the need for manual adjustments and maintenance.

[0039] The device can also include one or more access credential readers (22) which can be biometric readers (such as readers for fingerprint, face, iris, retina, palm, etc.) or non-biometric readers (such as RFID proximity cards, mobile credentials stored in smart telephones and read through NFC or Bluetooth ®< communications, QR codes, barcodes, etc.). It can also incorporate state-of-the-art contactless biometric readers for user identification by means of finger or palm recognition. These readers are part of a access control system which manages the entries and exits of registered users and the permissions to access through the controlled passageway.

[0040] The electronic control board of the device (42) plays a crucial role in managing the operation of the access control passageway. Its possible functionalities include: reading access credentials through the credential readers (22) connected to the control board, access control based on the security policies configured in the system, recording of access-related events (entries, exits, capacity control, unauthorized access attempts, and other security-related events), communication with other internal and external devices (video surveillance systems, alarm systems, and others), user interface for administrators and security personnel, device firmware and software update, and management of all the hardware components of the device, among others. The hardware components include, among others, the people detection and counting module (30), the sound-light signaling module (20), the gate opening and closing system of the rotating arm (16), the primary and secondary power supply system (40), the input and output connection module (40), and the communication module (42), which may use different interfaces such as NFC, RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth ®< , I2C, RS-485, USB, TPC / IP, OSDP, and other for communication with the outside.

[0041] As mentioned above, the designed device has power supplies (40) which supply the required power to all the components of the access control passageway. Furthermore, it integrates a backup power supply system that uses lead-acid batteries or other technologies to guarantee the continuity of the operation of the device for a limited time in the case of power failure.

[0042] The device is also equipped with a sound-light signaling system providing information about the operations performed and the state of the device. This signaling system is integrated in the rotating arm of the device (16) and uses both light signals by means of RGB LED strips (20) and sound signals generated by a buzzer. These signals inform the users about various operating conditions, such as the state of the passageway (blocked or free), detection, passage authorization, access denial, emergency mode, intrusion warnings, alarms and more.

[0043] The people detection and counting module of the device (30), depicted in Figure 8, deserves special mention, as it incorporates an innovative 3D detection technology for systems of this type. This module guarantees an effective control of the device and ensures a robust and safe operation of the passageway for controlling pedestrian access in various operating modes, being adapted to the specific needs of each customer. The mentioned module is integrated in the rotating arm (16) of the device and consists of a set of 8x8 ToF matrix sensors (64 detection zones) (52) providing a square field of view of 60° horizontally and 60° vertically (90° diagonally). This detection module is made up of at least 6 of these ToF matrix sensors (with at least 3 sensors in each rotating arm of the passageway), arranged at different angles to cover both the inner zone demarcated by the passageway itself (presence zones A (46) and B (47)) and the outer zone of the passageway (approach zones A (44) and B (45)). However, it is possible to use a larger number of sensors at different heights and angles in order to further increase the security and robustness of the detection module. The detection distances for the approach zones A and B can be configured using software and can vary between 60 and 120 cm.

[0044] The particular features of this 3D detection module with a high resolution and a broad field of view allows the implementation of advanced functionalities for person detection and counting, which contributes significantly to improved safety and efficiency in the operation of the device. Unlike most conventional systems which are based on localized industrial photocells distributed along the controlled passageway, this detection module offers a much broader, three-dimensional coverage, encompassing both the inner passage zone and the outer zone of the monitored access passageway. Furthermore, since it is integrated in the rotating arm (16) of the device, its installation is considerably simplified by eliminating the complexity of internal wiring.

[0045] Some of the functionalities and operating modes enabled by the people detection and counting module of the device are described briefly below: Free passage mode in zones A and B of the passageway. In this mode, when a user (43) is detected by the detection module (30) in the approach zone A (44) or B (45), this detection is indicated with a color change in the light signaling LED strips (20) of the rotating arm (16). Once the user enters the presence zone A (46) or B (47), the device opens the gates in the corresponding direction of passage to allow access. However, if presence is detected on the opposite side, the gates will not open for safety reasons, and a sound-light alarm will be emitted to signal to the other person to vacate the passageway, thereby allowing the opening of the gates. Normal passage mode with credential in zones A and B of the passageway. In this mode, the operation is similar to the foregoing, but the gates will only open after the user presents a valid access credential in the reader (22). Free passage mode in zone A and normal passage with credential in zone B. In this hybrid mode, the users can move freely from zone A (46) to zone B (47) without needing accreditation. However, to go from zone B (47) to zone A (46), a valid access credential must be presented in the reader (22). Free passage mode in zone B and normal passage with credential in zone A. In this hybrid mode, the users can move freely from zone B (47) to zone A (46) without needing accreditation. However, to go from zone A (46) to zone B (47), a valid access credential must be presented in the reader (22). Emergency mode. In this configuration, the light signaling LED strips (20) remain lighted up in green, and the gates of the device remain open in the exit direction and free (that is, de-energized). People counting and anomaly detection mode. In this mode, the detection module is capable of keeping an accurate record of the number of people going through the access control passageway in both directions of passage. This functionality is useful for the capacity control of buildings and rooms, and also for the detection of intrusions. The implemented algorithm can differentiate between people and other objects, such as suitcases, carts, bags, and arms, which allows it to detect complex situations of passage, such as the passage of small children, people on wheelchairs, people who turn around inside the passageway without completing the passage, attempts to pass in the opposite direction, people passing together (tailgating or piggybacking), and attempts to pass over or under the gates, among others. The detection of obstacles or forgotten objects both inside and outside the controlled passageway is also possible. All this information is used to generate warnings, user entry and exit records, or for capacity control.

[0046] Lastly, the proposed device, which is shown in Figure 9, stands out due to its innovative and elegant aesthetic design in the chassis fairing or covering (23, 24, 25, and 26). The process for assembling the fairing of the chassis is characterized by its astonishing speed, simplicity, and versatility in the finishing options, which allows highly customizable covering materials (49). This covering consists of an upper panel (26), two front panels (25), and three or four side panels (24), according to the single or dual passageway model, respectively. All these panels are manufactured with decorative technical materials (49) widely used in architecture, such as Formica ®< , Corian ®< , Polyrey ®< , FENIX ®< and other similar materials, offering a wide range of high-quality finishings, high rigidity, and high dimensional stability. The panels for covering the upper edge of the chassis (26) and the front portions of the chassis (25) have a thickness of 12 mm and allow perfect fitting of the supports made of machined aluminum or another material (23) intended for housing the credential readers (22). These panels are fixed to the edge of the chassis from the inner face thereof by means of screws, which are concealed from the outside.

[0047] Moreover, the side panels of the chassis (24) have a thickness of 6 mm and are secured to the chassis (1) by means of an ingenious fixing system with magnets (48), which are located in the rear portion of these panels (24). This method for mounting the side panels allows covering the chassis of the device (1) in a quick and simple manner, without needing screws, furthermore guaranteeing a firm fixing that can only be released with the help of a suction cup, similar to that used by glaziers. To achieve this, the side edge of the chassis has a series of windows (50) which are covered by an aluminum sheet metal screwed onto the rear portion (51). These windows serve as a housing for the magnets of the panel (48), ensuring a strong adhesion of the covering side panels (24).

[0048] Therefore, the proposed fixing system for the fairing of the device (48), combined with the use of high-quality decorative technical materials for the covering (49), represents a significant innovation compared to the existing conventional systems. These systems tend to use standard materials such as the stainless steel, sheet metal, or glass to cover the devices, fixing said materials by means of permanent screws or adhesives. In contrast, the solution being considered is distinguished by its elegant and refined aesthetic design, furthermore characterized by a quick, simple, and modular assembly process that allows highly customizable covering panels.

[0049] Having sufficiently described the nature of the present invention and the manner of putting it into practice, it is important to indicate that, in its essence, this invention can be implemented in other embodiments that may differ in details with respect to the example provided. In such cases, these variations will also be protected by the same coverage, as long as they do not alter, change, or modify the fundamental principle of the invention.

Claims

1. An advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access, characterized in that it comprises: - An inner chassis or frame (1) made up of a framework of aluminum sheet metal plates (2), which are assembled and welded to one another to create a structure, where this chassis also incorporates a reinforced anchoring system to allow the fixing thereof to the ground by means of chemical bolts, a mechanism for leveling by means of screws, and an alignment and separation tool, - A chassis fairing or covering (23, 24, 25, 26). - A rotating arm module (16) for controlling passageway access, designed as an independent modular part, which incorporates support parts made of machined aluminum for accommodating the mechanical and electronic elements (33, 34, 35, 37) of the rotating arm (16), a motor (28), a rotating shaft of the motor (31), a gearbox (32), an electromagnetic clutch (36), a swing gate (19) made of tempered glass or another material, a 3D people detection and counting module (30), a sound-light signaling module (20), and an aluminum fairing for the rotating arm (18), among others. Furthermore, the chassis of the device (1) has a positioner (17) in the lower base thereof, specifically designed for fitting and securing the rotating arm (16) to the body of the chassis (1) by means of screws to ensure the complete immobilization thereof. Other additional components housed in the inner trays of the chassis (1), and including: a gate motor driver (39), power supplies for the electronic components (40), backup power supply system with batteries, distribution power strips which facilitate the connection of the cables (41), an electronic control board of the device (42), a bundle of power supply and communication cables (38), a support part made of machined aluminum for accommodating the credential reader or, otherwise, a decorative lid (23), a part made of machined aluminum with a decorative lid (optional) (21), one or more access credential readers (22), and a communication module, contained in the control board (42).

2. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner chassis or frame (1) of the device is made up of the framework of aluminum sheet metal plates (2), which are designed with reinforcement folds (13) and with stitching attachments (4).

3. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, characterized in that the inner chassis or frame (1) of the device incorporates a system for leveling by means of screws, where the lower support base of the chassis (6) is equipped with leveling screws (15) located in the holes which are arranged at the ends and in the center of the base of the chassis (14).

4. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, 2, or 3, characterized in that the inner chassis or frame (1) of the device includes an alignment and separation tool, where the chassis has holes (11) which allow the fixing of this tool by means of screws, and the alignment and separation tool consists of two horizontal bars made of an aluminum profile (10) of variable lengths according to the required passageway width, where these horizontal bars (10) are secured to the ends of the two chassis (1) making up the access control passageway, forming a solid parallelogram.

5. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes an advanced 3D people detection and counting system (30) integrated in the rotating arm (16) of the device, and consists of a set of 8x8 ToF matrix sensors (64 detection zones) with a square field of view (FoV) of 60° horizontally and 60° vertically (90° diagonally).

6. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 5, characterized in that at least 6 ToF matrix sensors (52) are used, with at least 3 sensors located in each rotating arm (16) of the passageway, arranged at different angles in order to cover both the inner passage area of the controlled passageway (presence zone, 46-47) and an outer zone (approach zone, 44-45), where the range of detection distances in the approach zone (44-45) is configurable, varying between 60 and 120 cm.

7. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, 5, or 6, characterized in that it includes a 3D people detection and counting module (30) integrated in the rotating arm (16) of the device, which enables the following functionalities and operating modes: - Free passage mode in zones A and B of the passageway. In this mode, when a user (43) is detected by the detection module (30) in the approach zone A (44) or B (45), this detection is indicated with a color change in the light signaling LED strips (20) of the rotating arm (16). Once the user enters the presence zone A (46) or B (47), the device opens the gates in the corresponding direction of passage to allow access. However, if presence is detected on the opposite side, the gates will not open for safety reasons, and a sound-light alarm will be emitted to signal to the other person to vacate the passageway, thereby allowing the opening of the gates. - Normal passage mode with credential in zones A and B of the passageway. In this mode, the operation is similar to the foregoing, but the gates will only open after the user presents a valid access credential in the reader (22). - Free passage mode in zone A and normal passage with credential in zone B. In this hybrid mode, the users can move freely from zone A (46) to zone B (47) without needing accreditation. However, to go from zone B (47) to zone A (46), a valid access credential must be presented in the reader (22). - Free passage mode in zone B and normal passage with credential in zone A. In this hybrid mode, the users can move freely from zone B (47) to zone A (46) without needing accreditation. However, to go from zone A (46) to zone B (47), a valid access credential must be presented in the reader (22). - Emergency mode. In this configuration, the light signaling LED strips (20) remain lighted up in green, and the gates of the device remain open in the exit direction and free (that is, de-energized). - People counting and anomaly detection mode. In this mode, the detection module is capable of keeping an accurate record of the number of people going through the access control passageway in both directions of passage. - Furthermore, it has an algorithm which allows differentiating between people and other objects, such as suitcases, carts, bags, and arms, in addition to allowing the detection of obstacles or forgotten objects both inside and outside the controlled passageway.

8. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, characterized in that it includes an electronic control board (42) and a gate motor driver (39) which enable a self-calibration functionality for positioning the gates.

9. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to claim 1, characterized in that the chassis fairing or covering (23, 24, 25, and 26) consists of an upper panel (26), two front panels (25), and three or four side panels (24), according to the single or dual passageway model, respectively, where all the panels are manufactured with decorative technical materials (49), and where the panels for covering the upper edge of the chassis (26) and the front portions of the chassis (25) have a thickness of 12 mm, and are fixed to the edge of the chassis from the inner face thereof by means of screws, which are concealed from the outside, moreover, the side panels of the chassis (24) have a thickness of 6 mm, and are secured to the chassis (1) by means of a fixing system with magnets (48), which are located in the rear portion of these panels (24), and the side edge of the chassis has a series of windows (50) which are covered by an aluminum sheet screwed onto the rear portion (51), where these windows serve as a housing for the magnets of the panel (48), ensuring a strong adhesion of the covering side panels (24).

10. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the access credential readers are biometric readers: for fingerprints, face, iris, palm, and others; or non-biometric readers: for RFID cards, mobile credentials, QR codes, barcodes, and others.

11. The advanced automatic passageway for controlling pedestrian access according to any of the preceding claims, characterized in that the communication module, contained in the control board (42), uses one of the following interfaces: NFC, RFID, WiFi, Bluetooth®, 12C, RS-485, USB, TPC / IP, OSDP, and other, for communication with the outside.

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