Authentication gate

Abstract

To suppress an increase in size of an installation place for an authentication data reading device included in an authentication gate, and also give strength and waterproofness to the installation place.SOLUTION: An authentication gate includes an upper surface of a gate main body, first and second side surfaces of the gate main body and an inclined surface of the gate main body. The upper surface and the first side surface extend in a longitudinal direction of the gate main body. The first and second side surfaces are provided perpendicular to the upper surface. The first side surface connects to the upper surface along the longitudinal direction. The second side surface extends in a vertical direction of the gate main body and connects to the first side surface at an end in the longitudinal direction. The inclined surface connects to the upper surface, the first side surface and the second side surface at the end in the longitudinal direction. The inclined surface includes a support region that supports a circumference of an authentication data reading device. The first side surface includes a center region adjacent to the upper surface, and a reading part side region adjacent to the second side surface and the inclined surface. The support region and the reading part side region are composed of a metal single member.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an authentication gate.

Background Art

[0002] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-174197 discloses an automatic ticket gate installed at ticket checkpoints of stations such as railway stations. This automatic ticket gate reads data recorded on a ticket and performs entry and exit processing. A housing constituting the automatic ticket gate includes an upper surface and a side surface connected to the upper surface. On the upper surface of the housing, a front portion (an entrance-side portion) is inclined toward the front. An antenna that communicates with a non-contact ticket is provided in this inclined portion. Providing the antenna on the front inclined portion makes it easier for a user to recognize the antenna. Therefore, a user using a non-contact ticket can smoothly pass through the ticket gate.

[0003] Examples of documents showing the state of the art in the technical field related to the present disclosure include, in addition to Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2005-174197, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2023-045442, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 11-213184, Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2021-196887, and Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2001-243509.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Summary of the Invention

Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Passenger trains, such as railways, are used by passengers traveling long distances from their homes. Therefore, stations may not be used for short-distance trips. In other words, the automatic ticket gates installed at station ticket gates are not necessarily used by the same person every day.

[0006] This disclosure considers residential areas, including the centers of people's lives. Residents who have their base within these residential areas are expected to frequently make short-distance trips as part of their daily lives. Therefore, unlike automatic ticket gates at train stations, the entrances and exits to residential areas may be used by the same person every day. Furthermore, residents making short-distance trips are expected to include a wide range of age groups, from children to the elderly. Consequently, in addition to walking, they may also pass through with strollers, bicycles, or wheelchairs.

[0007] This disclosure also considers an authentication gate that can accommodate these various passage methods. Here, a typical configuration of the authentication gate is one in which authentication data is read from a card or device carried by the user to determine whether or not the user is allowed to pass. Therefore, this disclosure further considers an authentication gate equipped with an authentication data reader that can accommodate the aforementioned passage methods.

[0008] First, the location of the reader should be easily recognizable by users. In addition, it is desirable that it accommodates various methods of inputting authentication data by residents (e.g., contactless, light contact, strong contact). In other words, the location of the reader should be easily recognizable by users and have a certain level of strength. Furthermore, depending on the location of the entrance and exit, the authentication gate may be installed outdoors. Therefore, it is desirable that the location of the reader also has a certain degree of water resistance.

[0009] However, if the installation location of the reader is made stronger or waterproof, the size of this installation location tends to increase. When the size of the installation location increases, the following problem arises when users perform the authentication data input operation: The distance from the hands of some users (e.g., children or wheelchair users) to the reader increases, making it difficult for these users to input authentication data.

[0010] One of the purposes of this disclosure is to provide strength and waterproofing to the installation location of the authentication data reader that is installed in the authentication gate, while keeping the size of the installation location small. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] This disclosure is an authentication gate and has the following features: The authentication gate comprises a top surface of the gate body, first and second side surfaces of the gate body, and an inclined surface of the gate body. The top surface extends in the longitudinal direction of the gate body. The first side surface is provided perpendicular to the top surface. The first side surface also extends in the longitudinal direction and connects to the top surface along the longitudinal direction. The second side surface is provided perpendicular to the top surface. The second side surface also extends in the vertical direction of the gate body and connects to the first side surface at its longitudinal end. The inclined surface connects to the top surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface, respectively, at its longitudinal end. The inclined surface includes a support area that supports the outer periphery of the authentication data reading unit. The first side surface includes a central region adjacent to the upper surface and reading portion side regions adjacent to the second side surface and the inclined surface, respectively. The support region and the reading portion side region are composed of a single metal member. [Effects of the Invention]

[0012] According to the present disclosure, a support region that supports an outer periphery of an authentication data reading unit and a reading unit-side region respectively adjacent to a second side surface and an inclined surface of a gate body are formed of a single metal member. Since the support region and the reading unit-side region are formed of a single metal member, it is possible to impart constant strength to the periphery of the reading unit. Further, since the support region and the reading unit-side region are formed of a single member, it is possible to eliminate a joint between these regions and impart constant waterproofness to the periphery of the reading unit. Furthermore, it is also possible to suppress an increase in size from the support region to the reading unit-side region. Therefore, it is possible to impart strength and waterproofness to the periphery of the reading unit while suppressing an increase in size around the reading unit. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] [Figure 1] It is a perspective view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a front view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a plan view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a side view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a partial exploded view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. [Figure 6] It is a partial exploded view of the authentication gate according to the embodiment. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

[0014] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, structures and the like described in the embodiments shown below are not necessarily essential to the present disclosure, unless otherwise explicitly specified or clearly specified in principle.

[0015] 1. Overall Configuration FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an authentication gate according to an embodiment. Three authentication gates G1, G2 and G3 are illustrated in FIG. 1. FIG. 2 is a front view of these authentication gates. FIG. 3 is a plan view of these authentication gates. For convenience of explanation, X, Y and Z axes are illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3. The X axis indicates the longitudinal direction of the authentication gate. The Y axis indicates the arrangement direction of the three authentication gates. The Z axis indicates the height direction of the authentication gate, and coincides with the vertical direction. The directions indicated by the X, Y and Z axes are common to all figures other than FIGS. 1 to 3.

[0016] The authentication gates G1, G2 and G3 are provided, for example, at an entrance / exit of a residential area. The residential area may be a site of one or a plurality of detached houses, or may be a site of one or a plurality of multi-family houses (for example, condominiums). The residential area may be provided with various facilities other than houses (for example, commercial facilities, public facilities, educational facilities, medical and welfare facilities, etc.). In this case, the authentication gates G1, G2 and G3 may be provided at entrances / exits of the various facilities. In the following description, it is assumed that the residential area is located in the negative direction of the X axis.

[0017] The basic configurations of the authentication gates G1 to G3 are the same. The configuration of the authentication gate G1 and that of the authentication gate G3 are common. The authentication gate G1 authenticates a person exiting the residential area. The authentication gate G3 also authenticates a person entering the residential area. Unlike the authentication gates G1 and G3, the authentication gate G2 is provided with authentication data reading units in both the positive direction and the negative direction of the X axis (details will be described later). The reason for this is that the authentication gate G2 authenticates not only a person exiting the residential area but also a person entering the residential area. The number of installed authentication gates G2 is arbitrarily determined according to the width of the entrance / exit (the width in the Y-axis direction). For example, when the width of the entrance / exit is large, the number of installed gates is two or more, and when the width of the entrance / exit is small, the number of installed gates is zero.

[0018] Hereafter, unless otherwise specified, authentication gates G1 to G3 will be collectively referred to as "authentication gate G". Authentication gate G is a normally closed flapper type authentication gate. Authentication gate G comprises a gate body 1, a transparent flapper 2, an authentication data reading unit 3, and a camera 4. Authentication gate G authenticates a person entering the gate using at least one of the reading unit 3 and the camera 4, and controls the opening and closing state of the transparent flapper 2 according to the authentication result.

[0019] The gate body 1 has a housing structure comprising a top surface 11, a first side surface 12, a second side surface 13, a third side surface 14, and a fourth side surface 15. The main surfaces of this housing structure are made of, for example, a metal plate. A portion of the main surfaces (for example, the central area of ​​the top surface 11) may be made of a resin plate.

[0020] The top surface 11 extends in the longitudinal direction (i.e., the X-axis direction) of the gate body 1. The plane direction of the top surface 11 is parallel to the XY plane. Similar to the top surface 11, the first side surface 12 and the third side surface 14 extend in the X-axis direction. The first side surface 12 and the third side surface 14 form a pair. The first side surface 12 and the third side surface 14 are connected to the top surface 11 along the X-axis direction. The plane direction of the first side surface 12 and the third side surface 14 is parallel to the XZ plane.

[0021] Openings are formed in the central portions of the first side 12 and the third side 14, and these openings are connected. A transparent member 5 (for example, a glass plate or an acrylic plate) is provided in this connecting opening. This transparent member 5 is provided to make it easier for users with a low eye level, such as children and wheelchair users, to understand the situation on the other side of the gate body 1. However, if the effect of the connecting opening is not expected, such as when the authentication gate G is positioned along a wall, this connecting opening does not need to be formed, and the transparent member 5 does not need to be provided.

[0022] The second side 13 and the fourth side 15 extend in the Z-axis direction. The second side 13 and the fourth side 15 form a pair. The second side 13 connects to the first side 12 and the third side 14 at the end of the gate body 1 in the positive X-axis direction. The fourth side 15 connects to the first side 12 and the third side 14 at the end of the gate body 1 in the negative X-axis direction. The plane direction of the second side 13 and the fourth side 15 is parallel to the YZ plane.

[0023] A slit is formed along the Z-axis direction on the second side surface 13, and an LED light 6 is provided at the location of this slit. The LED light 6 is provided to make the entrance of the authentication gate G and the location of the reading unit 3 easily recognizable from a distance. The LED light 6 is also expected to have the effect of conveying the shape of the authentication gate G to visually impaired people. The control of the LED light 6 (for example, control of the light emission mode and color of the LED element) may be performed by a data processing device (not shown) that performs authentication processing, or by a control processing device (not shown).

[0024] The gate body 1 also includes a first inclined surface 16 and a second inclined surface 17. The first inclined surface 16 is connected to the top surface 11, the first side surface 12, the second side surface 13, and the third side surface 14 at the end of the gate body 1 in the positive X-axis direction. The second inclined surface 17 is connected to the top surface 11, the first side surface 12, the third side surface 14, and the fourth side surface 15 at the end of the gate body 1 in the negative X-axis direction. A reading unit 3 is provided on the first inclined surface 16. A reading unit 3 is also provided on the second inclined surface 17 of the authentication gate G2. Details of the reading unit 3 will be described later.

[0025] The transparent flapper 2 is located in the central part of the first side surface 12 of the authentication gate G. The transparent flapper 2 is also located in the central part of the third side surface 14 of the authentication gate G2. The transparent flapper 2 is rotatably supported by a support member 21 positioned in the Z-axis direction. The transparent flapper 2 opens and closes according to the result of the authentication process by the data processing device. For example, the transparent flapper 2 opens according to a first output (passage permitted) from the authentication process and closes according to a second output (passage denied).

[0026] The operation of the transparent flapper 2 may be performed by a data processing device that performs authentication processing, or by an operation processing device (not shown). The operation of the transparent flapper 2 is performed in pairs. For example, when authentication processing is performed at authentication gate G2, the transparent flapper 2 provided on the first side surface 12 of authentication gate G2 and the one provided on the first side surface 12 of authentication gate G1 are operated synchronously. When authentication processing is performed at authentication gate G3, the transparent flapper 2 provided on the first side surface 12 of authentication gate G3 and the one provided on the third side surface 14 of authentication gate G2 are operated synchronously.

[0027] The reading unit 3 is provided on the first inclined surface 16. The reading unit 3 reads, for example, at least one of the authentication data stored in the IC chip of the card and the authentication data encrypted by the two-dimensional barcode, and transmits it to the data processing device. The plane direction of the reading unit 3 is parallel to the plane direction of the first inclined surface 16. The height position of the reading unit 3 is approximately the same as that of the first inclined surface 16. The reading unit 3 is also provided on the second inclined surface 17 of the authentication gate G2. The plane direction of the reading unit 3 provided on the second inclined surface 17 is parallel to the plane direction of the second inclined surface 17. Also, the height position of the reading unit 3 provided on the second inclined surface 17 is approximately the same as that of the second inclined surface 17.

[0028] Camera 4 is mounted on a support column 41 that extends above the top surface 11. This support column 41 is located in the center of the top surface 11. The support column 41 has a hollow structure, and the wiring for camera 4 is housed there. Two cameras 4 are mounted back-to-back on the support column 41 of the authentication gate G2. Camera 4 acquires images of the area around the authentication gate G. The images acquired by camera 4 (hereinafter also referred to as "camera images") are transmitted to a data processing device (not shown).

[0029] At the authentication gate G, authentication processing (hereinafter also referred to as "personal data authentication processing") is performed based on the authentication data read by the reader 3. In the personal data authentication processing, for example, the personal data registered in advance is compared with at least one of the authentication data stored in the IC chip of the card and the authentication data encrypted by the two-dimensional barcode.

[0030] At authentication gate G, authentication processing based on camera images (hereinafter also referred to as "facial recognition processing") is also performed. Facial recognition processing is performed in place of personal data authentication processing, or in combination with personal data authentication processing. Residents of the residential area are expected to carry cards with IC chips or devices capable of outputting authentication data. However, facial recognition processing is performed to allow residents to pass through authentication gate G even if they do not have a card or device. Facial recognition processing is also performed to allow users other than residents of the residential area (for example, guests of the residential area) to pass through authentication gate G. Facial recognition processing involves comparing pre-registered facial images with facial images included in the camera images.

[0031] 2. Characteristics of the Embodiment In addition to the overall configuration described above, authentication gate G has the following features. These features will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. Figure 4 is a side view of authentication gate G2. Figure 5 is a partially exploded view of authentication gate G2. Figure 6 is a partially exploded view of authentication gate G3.

[0032] 2-1. Features of the reading unit 3 As shown in Figures 4 and 5, the first side surface 12 includes an upper central region 12a, a lower central region 12b, a lateral region 12c, and a lateral region 12d. The upper central region 12a is the region of the first side surface 12 adjacent to the top surface 11. The upper central region 12a corresponds to the “central region” in this disclosure. The lower central region 12b faces the upper central region 12a across the transparent member 5. The lateral region 12c is the region adjacent to the second side surface 13 and the first inclined surface 16. The lateral region 12c corresponds to the “reading section side region” in this disclosure. The lateral region 12c is also adjacent to the top surface 11. The lateral region 12d faces the lateral region 12c across the transparent member 5. The lateral region 12d is adjacent to the top surface 11, the fourth side surface 15, and the second inclined surface 17.

[0033] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 5, the first inclined surface 16 is composed of a support region 16a that surrounds the exposed area of ​​the reading unit 3 and supports the outer periphery of the reading unit 3. The configuration of the second inclined surface 17 of the authentication gate G2 is the same as that of the first inclined surface 16. In other words, the second inclined surface 17 of the authentication gate G2 is composed of a support region that surrounds the exposed area of ​​the reading unit 3 and supports the outer periphery of the reading unit 3.

[0034] As already explained, the first side surface 12 is made of, for example, a metal plate. Therefore, the upper central region 12a, lower central region 12b, lateral region 12c, and lateral region 12d that constitute the first side surface 12 are also made of, for example, a metal plate. Here, the lateral region 12c is continuous with the support region 16a. In other words, the lateral region 12c and the support region 16a are made of a single metal plate. Being made of a single metal plate provides a certain level of strength around the reading section 3. In addition, eliminating the joint between the lateral region 12c and the support region 16a provides a certain level of waterproofness around the reading section 3.

[0035] The lateral region 12c and the support region 16a are formed by bending a sheet metal. The connection between the support region 16a and the lateral region 12c has a curved shape. This shape of the connection is only possible because it is formed by bending a single sheet metal. The curved shape of the connection provides a certain level of safety around the reading unit 3. In particular, some users, such as children, wheelchair users, and cyclists, are prone to coming into contact with the area around the reading unit 3 when extending their arms to input authentication data. With a curved connection, it is possible to prevent injuries caused by contact with this connection.

[0036] Furthermore, the upper central region 12a and the lateral region 12c are connected by welding from the inside of the gate body 1. The connection between the upper central region 12a and the lateral region 12d, the connection between the lower central region 12b and the lateral region 12c, and the connection between the lower central region 12b and the lateral region 12c are also made by welding from the inside of the gate body 1.

[0037] Furthermore, the surface of the reading unit 3 slopes downward towards the second side surface 13 and also slopes downward towards the lateral region 12c. The support region 16a is formed in a direction parallel to the slope direction of the surface of the reading unit 3. The downward slope of the surface of the reading unit 3 and the support region 16a towards the second side surface 13 makes it easier to recognize the installation location of the reading unit 3 from a distance. The downward slope of the surface of the reading unit 3 and the support region 16a towards the lateral region 12c makes it easier to recognize the installation location of the reading unit 3 when inputting authentication data. It also makes the authentication data input operation easier.

[0038] 2-2. Characteristics of the upper surface 11 As shown in Figure 6, the top surface 11 is composed of a lid 11a extending in the X-axis direction and a frame 11b surrounding the lid 11a. The lid 11a has a parallelogram shape with rounded corners and is made of, for example, a resin plate. An opening 11c is formed in the center of the lid 11a through which the support column 41 passes. At the end of the gate body 1 near the fourth side surface 15, the frame 11b extends between the lateral region 12d and the second inclined surface 17 and connects to the fourth side surface 15. This extended portion of the frame 11b also exists between the third side surface and the first inclined surface 16.

[0039] The cover 11a is detachably attached to the gate body 1. A space 9 is formed below the cover 11a. The presence of space 9 allows for the accommodation of various additional devices when additional functions are added to the authentication gate G. These additional devices could include user interfaces such as displays, touch panels, and speakers. When installing additional devices, the cover 11a can be removed from the gate body 1, the additional devices can be housed in space 9, and holes can be drilled in the cover 11a to expose the necessary elements of the additional devices. The presence of space 9 also ensures ease of maintenance during simple system maintenance, such as updating the software of the reading unit 3.

[0040] A slit is also formed on the top surface 11 between the lid 11a and the frame 11b, and an LED light 8 is provided at the location of this slit. The LED light 8 is provided to make it easier to recognize the direction of travel at the authentication gate G. The LED light 8 can also emit light according to the result of the authentication process by the data processing device. The control of the LED light 8 (for example, the light emission mode of the LED element or the control of the light emission color) may be performed by the data processing device that performs the authentication process, or by a control processing device (not shown).

[0041] 2-3. Features of the transparent flappa 2 As shown in parentheses in Figures 5 and 6, the support member 21 is provided with LED lighting 7 along the Z-axis direction. The LED lighting 7 causes the surface of the transparent flapper 2 to emit light in a predetermined color (e.g., white, red, and blue). The emitted color is set according to the state of the authentication process (i.e., personal data authentication process and facial recognition process). For example, the emitted color is set to white in the standby state. Also, the emitted color is set to blue in the pass-permit state, and to red in the pass-denial state. The control of the LED lighting 7 may be performed by the data processing device that performs the authentication process, or by a control processing device (not shown). The control of the LED lighting 7 may be performed in coordination with the control of the LED lighting 8.

[0042] By controlling the LED lighting 7, the results of the authentication process can be communicated to the person passing through the authentication gate G. Controlling the LED lighting 7 is also expected to have the effect of informing visually impaired individuals of the location of the passageway to the authentication gate G. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0043] G1-G3…Authentication gate, 1…Gate body, 2…Transparent flap, 3…Reading unit, 4…Camera, 5…Transparent component, 6-8…LED lighting, 9…Space, 11…Top surface, 11a…Lid, 11b…Frame, 11c…Opening, 12…First side, 12a…Upper central area, 12b…Lower central area, 12c-12d…Lateral areas, 13…Second side, 14…Third side, 15…Fourth side, 16…First inclined surface, 16a…Support area, 17…Second inclined surface, 21…Support member, 41…Support column

Claims

1. The upper surface extending in the longitudinal direction of the gate body, A first side surface provided perpendicular to the upper surface, the first side surface extending in the longitudinal direction and connecting to the upper surface along the longitudinal direction, A second side surface provided perpendicular to the upper surface, extending in the vertical direction of the gate body and connecting to the first side surface at its longitudinal end, An inclined surface provided at the longitudinal end, which connects to the upper surface, the first side surface, and the second side surface, Equipped with, The inclined surface includes a support area that supports the outer periphery of the authentication data reading unit. The first side surface includes a central region adjacent to the upper surface and reading section side regions adjacent to the upper surface, the second side surface, and the inclined surface, respectively. The support region and the reading portion side region are composed of a single metal member. The connection portion between the support region and the reading portion side region, wherein the connection portion extending from the upper surface toward the second side surface has a curved shape. An authentication gate characterized by the following features.

2. The surface of the reading portion is inclined downward towards the second side surface, and also inclined downward towards the region on the reading portion side. The support region is formed in a direction parallel to the inclination direction of the surface of the reading portion. The authentication gate according to feature 1.

3. The aforementioned upper surface includes a removable lid, Below the lid, a space is formed along the longitudinal direction. The authentication gate according to feature 1 or 2.

4. A transparent flapper is provided in the central region, A support member that rotatably supports the transparent flapper, An LED light is provided on the support member, which illuminates the surface of the transparent flapper according to the status of the authentication process based on the authentication data, It also has The authentication gate according to feature 1 or 2.

5. A third side surface provided perpendicular to the upper surface, further comprising a third side surface that is paired with the first side surface, An opening is formed in the central portion of the first side surface and the central portion of the third side surface, A transparent member is provided in the communication opening formed by the opening on the first side and the opening on the third side. The authentication gate according to feature 1 or 2.

Images