Access control solution for a passage arrangement

Abstract

The invention relates to an access control system (100) for a passage arrangement (110). The system (100) comprises a first imaging device (120a) having a first field of view (140a) to an entrance area (150) of the passage arrangement (110) for providing first image data, a second imaging device (120b) having a second field of view (140b) to the entrance area (150) of the passage arrangement (110) for providing second image data, and a control unit (130) for performing a face recognition based access control process on the first image data and / or the second image data. The first imaging device (120a) is arranged to or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement (110) and the second imaging device (120b) is arranged to or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement (110) such that the second field of view (140b) is at least partially different from the first field of view (140a). The invention also relates to an access control method for a passage arrangement (110).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates generally to the technical field of access control. The present invention relates in particular to access control of a passage arrangement. BACKGROUND

[0002] Generally, a passage arrangement, such as a security door, an elevator door frame, an automatic door, and a revolving door, comprises access control. The access control enables only authorized users to access through the passage arrangement. The access control can be based on the use of a key card; a tag; an identification code, such as a personal identification number (PIN) code, an ID number; and / or a biometric technology, such as a fingerprint, facial recognition, iris recognition, retinal scanning, voice recognition, etc.

[0003] The reliability of the access control of the passage arrangement is generally affected by unwanted tailgating and / or multi-user access. In tailgating, a user without access rights to the passage arrangement passes through the passage arrangement after an authorized user once accesses. In multi-user access, one or more users without access rights pass through the passage arrangement immediately after an authorized user once accesses.

[0004] Therefore, there is a need to develop further solutions to improve the reliability of the access control of the passage arrangement. SUMMARY

[0005] The following presents a simplified summary in order to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various application embodiments. The summary is not an extensive overview of the application. Neither is it intended to identify key or critical elements of the application nor to delineate the scope of the application. The sole purpose of the summary is to present some concepts of the application in a simplified form as a prelude to the more detailed description of example embodiments of the application.

[0006] It is an object of the present invention to propose an access control system and method for access control of a passage arrangement. It is a further object of the present invention to improve the efficiency of preventing tailgating with the access control system and method for access control of a passage arrangement.

[0007] According to a first aspect, there is provided an access control system for a passage arrangement, wherein the system comprises a first imaging device having a first field of view to an entrance area of the passage arrangement for providing first image data, a second imaging device having a second field of view to the entrance area of the passage arrangement for providing second image data, and a control unit for performing a face recognition based access control process on the first image data and / or the second image data, wherein the first imaging device is arranged to the passage arrangement or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement and the second imaging device is arranged to the passage arrangement or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement so that the second field of view is at least partly different from the first field of view.

[0008] The passage device can be one of the following: a security door, an elevator door, an automatic door, a building door, a revolving door.

[0009] The first imaging device can be arranged to a frame of the passage device, inside the passage device, or beside the passage device.

[0010] Alternatively, the first imaging device can be arranged to a first frame of the passage device and the second imaging device can be arranged to a second frame of the passage device.

[0011] The first imaging device can be communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the communicatively coupling can be based on one of the following technologies: wired, wireless.

[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the second imaging device can be communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the communicatively coupling can be based on one of the following technologies: wired, wireless.

[0013] The first imaging device can be one of the following: a camera, a video camera, and the second imaging device can be one of the following: a camera, a video camera.

[0014] The control unit can be further configured to: detect at least one object within the first field of view and / or within the second field of view, in case of detecting at least one object within the first field of view, perform a face recognition based access control process on the first image data, and / or in case of detecting at least one object within the second field of view, perform a face recognition based access control process on the second image data, and generate an access control action in accordance with at least one recognition result, wherein, if the at least one recognition result indicates a denial of access, the access control action comprises a denial of access indication, and otherwise the access control action comprises a grant of access indication.

[0015] The denial of access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, a closing of a barrier device of the passage device, and / or a sending of image data causing the indication of the denial of access to an external security entity.

[0016] Alternatively or additionally, the grant of access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or an opening of a barrier device of the passage device.

[0017] The face recognition based access control process can comprise: generating at least one facial feature from the image data; comparing the generated at least one facial feature with a plurality of stored facial images; and in response to the at least one facial feature matching one of the plurality of stored facial images, generating a recognition result indicating a grant of access; or in response to the at least one facial feature not matching any of the plurality of stored facial images, generating a recognition result indicating a denial of access.

[0018] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of access control of a passage arrangement, wherein the method comprises: obtaining first image data from a first imaging device having a first field of view to an entrance area of the passage arrangement; and / or obtaining second image data from a second imaging device having a second field of view to the entrance area of the passage arrangement, wherein the first imaging device is arranged to the passage arrangement or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement and the second imaging device is arranged to the passage arrangement or in the vicinity of the passage arrangement such that the second field of view is at least partially different from the first field of view.

[0019] The passage arrangement can be one of the following: a security door, an elevator door, an automatic door frame, a building door, a revolving door.

[0020] The first imaging device can be arranged to a frame of the passage arrangement, inside the passage arrangement, or beside the passage arrangement.

[0021] Alternatively, the first imaging device can be arranged to a first frame of the passage arrangement and the second imaging device is arranged to a second frame of the passage arrangement.

[0022] The first imaging device can be communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the communicative coupling can be based on one of the following technologies: wired, wireless.

[0023] Alternatively or additionally, the second imaging device can be communicatively coupled to the control unit, wherein the communicative coupling can be based on one of the following technologies: wired, wireless.

[0024] The first imaging device can be one of the following: a camera, a video camera, and the second imaging device is one of the following: a camera, a video camera.

[0025] The method can further comprise: detecting at least one object within the first field of view and / or within the second field of view, performing a face recognition based access control procedure on the first image data in case at least one object is detected within the first field of view, or performing a face recognition based access control procedure on the second image data in case at least one object is detected within the second field of view, and generating an access control action in dependence on at least one recognition result, wherein the access control action comprises a deny access indication if the at least one recognition result indicates a denial of access, and otherwise the access control action comprises a grant access indication.

[0026] The deny access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, a closing of a barrier device of the passage arrangement, and / or a sending of image data causing the recognition result indicating the denial of access to an external security entity.

[0027] Alternatively or additionally, the grant access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or an opening of a barrier device of the passage arrangement.

[0028] A face recognition-based access control process may include: generating at least one facial feature from image data; comparing the generated at least one facial feature with a plurality of stored facial images; and generating a recognition result indicating permission to access in response to a match between at least one facial feature and one of the stored facial images; or generating a recognition result indicating denial of access in response to a mismatch between at least one facial feature and one of the stored facial images.

[0029] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the present invention relating to construction and operation methods, together with their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of particular exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the following accompanying drawings.

[0030] The verbs “include” and “contain” are used in this document as open-ended restrictions, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of unlisted features. Furthermore, it should be understood that this document uses “one” throughout, meaning that the singular form does not exclude the plural form. Attached Figure Description

[0031] The embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings by way of example and not limitation.

[0032] Figure 1A An example of an access control system for a channel device according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0033] Figure 1B and 1C An example of a channel device is shown, to which an access control system according to the invention can be implemented.

[0034] Figure 2 schematically illustrates another example of an access control system for a channel device according to the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 An example access control scenario of the access control system according to the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0036] Figure 4A Another example of access control according to the access control system of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0037] Figure 4B Another example of access control according to the access control system of the present invention is illustrated schematically.

[0038] Figure 5 An example of the method according to the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0039] Figure 6 Another example of the method according to the invention is illustrated schematically.

[0040] Figure 7 An example of a face recognition based access control process according to the present application is schematically illustrated.

[0041] Figure 8 An example of a control unit according to the present application is schematically illustrated. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Figure 1A An example of an access control system 100 for a passage device 110 according to the present application is schematically illustrated. The access control system 100 comprises a first imaging device 120a, a second imaging 120b and a control unit 130. The first imaging device 120a can be a camera or a video camera. The second imaging device 120b can be a camera or a video camera. The first imaging device 120a can be communicatively coupled, i.e. connected, to the control unit 130. The communicative coupling between the first imaging device 120a can be based on any known wired or wireless technology. Alternatively or additionally, the second imaging device 120b can be communicatively coupled, i.e. connected, to the control unit 130. The communicative coupling between the second imaging device 120b can be based on any known wired or wireless technology.

[0043] Figure 1B and 1C An example of a passage device 110 is shown, to which the access control system 100 according to the present application can be implemented. Figure 1B The passage device 110 is shown from above, Figure 1C A front view of the passage device 110 is shown. The passage device 110 can be one of the following: a security door, an elevator door, an automatic door, a building door, a revolving door or any other passage. The passage device 110 comprises a frame structure. Furthermore, the passage device 110 can comprise a barrier device 114, e.g. a door panel, a door, a boom or any other barrier device, for preventing unauthorized access through the passage device 110. Figure 1B and 1C The example passage device 110 is a security door comprising a door panel as barrier device 114. The door panel, i.e. the barrier device 114, is in Figure 1B and 1CThe passage device 110 can initially be closed, i.e. the barrier device 114 remains closed and is opened to provide access through the passage device 110. Alternatively, the barrier device of the passage device 110 can initially be open, i.e. the barrier device 114 remains open and is closed to prevent access through the passage device 110. The frame structure of the passage device 110 can comprise a first vertical frame 112a and a second vertical frame 112b. The barrier device 114 can be arranged between the first vertical frame 112a and the second vertical frame 112b to prevent unauthorized access between the first vertical frame 112a and the second vertical frame 112b. The frame structure of the passage device 110 can further comprise a first horizontal frame and / or a second horizontal frame arranged between the first and second vertical frames 112a, 112b provided at the end of the first and second vertical frames 112a, 112b. The wiring of the first imaging device 120a and / or the second imaging device 120b can be arranged to run within one or more frames of the passage device 110 to make the installation of the wiring easy and neat.

[0044] The access control system 100 can be provided to the passage device 110 to control one-way access through the passage device 110. The control unit 130 is configured to monitor the passage of one or more users through the passage device 110 by performing a face recognition based access control process to detect unauthorized user passage through the passage device 110 and / or to prevent unauthorized user access through the passage device 110. The passage device 110 can comprise a separate control unit to control the operation, e.g. opening or closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. For example, an elevator door and / or an automatic door can comprise a door control unit for controlling the operation of the door. The separate door control unit of the passage device 110 can be controlled by the control unit 130, e.g. by generating at least one control signal. Alternatively, the control unit 130 can control the operation, e.g. opening or closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. The access control is a face recognition based access control, which will be described later in this application. The access control system and method according to the present application can utilize machine vision in the access control.

[0045] The first imaging device 120a has a first field of view 140a for the entrance region 150 of the channel device 110. The second imaging device 120b has a second field of view 140b for the entrance region 150 of the channel device 110. The second field of view 140b is configured to be at least partially different from the first field of view 140a. The field of view (FOV) is the solid angle at which the image sensors of the imaging devices 120a and 120b are sensitive to electromagnetic radiation, i.e., the angle at which the imaging devices 120a and 120b can obtain electromagnetic radiation. The fields of view 140a and 140b of the imaging devices 120a and 120b can be defined at least by the focal length and image sensor of the imaging devices 120a and 120b. Figure 2A A non-limiting example of a first field of view 140a and a second field of view 140b is shown. Figure 2A In the example, passageway device 110 is shown from above. In this example, the example passageway device 110 is a security door without barrier device 114. Entrance area 150 may be an imaginary area located on one side of passageway device 110 in front of it, and access through passageway device 110 from this side is controlled. An object intending to pass through passageway device 110, such as a person, passes through entrance area 150 to be able to pass through passageway device 110. Entrance area 150 may extend from a first end (e.g., first frame 112a) of passageway device 110 (e.g., second frame 112b) to a second end (e.g., second frame 112b) of passageway device 110, at least in the longitudinal direction DL, i.e., the horizontal direction. In the transverse direction DT, i.e., the direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction DL, the entrance area may extend from passageway device 110 to a predetermined distance, e.g., from 0.5 meters to 10 meters. The first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b can preferably be oriented such that most of the entrance area 150 of the passage device 110 can be covered by the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b. However, at the same time, the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b may not cover too wide an area to reduce unnecessary face recognition-based access control processes for objects that do not intend to pass through the passage device 110.

[0046] The first imaging device 120a is configured to provide first image data of a first field of view 140a. The second imaging device 120b is configured to provide second image data of a second field of view 140b. The first imaging device 120a is arranged to the passage device 110, e.g. to a frame of the passage device 110 or to an interior of the passage device 110; or arranged in the vicinity of the passage device 110, e.g. to a wall, ceiling or separate support structure at a distance from the passage device 110 at which face recognition can be performed. The frame of the passage device 110 to which the first imaging device 120a can be arranged can be one of the vertical frames 112a, 112b or a horizontal frame arranged between the vertical frames 112a, 112b at the top end of the vertical frames 112a, 112b. The second imaging device 120b is arranged to the passage device 110, e.g. to a frame of the passage device 110 or to an interior of the passage device 110; or arranged in the vicinity of the passage device 110, e.g. to a wall, ceiling or separate support structure at a distance from the passage device 110 at which face recognition can be performed, such that the second field of view 140b is at least partly different from the first field of view 140a, i.e. the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b can partly overlap. The frame of the passage device 110 to which the second imaging device 120b can be arranged can be one of the vertical frames 112a, 112b or a horizontal frame arranged between the vertical frames 112a, 112b at the top end of the vertical frames 112a, 112b. The term vicinity of the passage device 110 refers in this application to the environment surrounding the passage device 110 at a distance from the passage device 110 at which face recognition can be performed. When the imaging devices 120a, 120b are arranged in the vicinity of the passage device 110, the imaging devices 120a, 120b are separate from the passage device 110, i.e. are independent entities. The imaging devices 120a, 120b can be arranged to the passage device 110 by mounting the imaging devices 120a, 120b to the frame of the passage device 110 by any known mounting means, e.g. brackets, nuts and bolts etc., and / or by integrating the imaging devices 120a, 120b into the frame of the passage device 110 or the barrier device 114, e.g. by integrating the imaging devices 120a, 120b into the door panel. According to an example embodiment, the second field of view 140b can be completely different from the first field of view 140a, i.e. the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b do not overlap at least within the entrance area 150. The first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b can be arranged in the vertical direction at a height at which the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b are capable of providing, e.g. capturing, image data comprising a face of a subject, e.g. a person. The first imaging device 120a can continuously provide first image data and / or the second imaging device 120b can continuously provide second image data.Alternatively, the access control system 100 according to the present application can comprise at least one detector, e.g. a motion detector or a proximity detector, to detect at least one object approaching the passage arrangement 110, e.g. to detect at least one object approaching the passage arrangement 110 within the entrance area 150 of the passage arrangement 110. In response to detecting at least one object, the first imaging device 120a can be configured to provide first image data and / or the second imaging device 120b can be configured to provide second image data.

[0047] According to example embodiments of the present application, the first imaging device 120a can be arranged to the first frame 112a of the passage arrangement 110 and the second imaging device 120b can be arranged to the second frame 112b of the passage arrangement 110, as shown in the example of Figure 2A If the control unit 130 is arranged to the passage arrangement 110, this enables an easy and simple wired coupling of the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b with the passage arrangement 110 and / or the control unit 130. But the present application is not limited thereto, the first imaging device 120a and / or the second imaging device 120b can be wirelessly connected to the passage arrangement 110 and / or the control unit 130.

[0048] Figure 2B An example embodiment of the access control system 100 according to the present application is schematically shown, wherein the first imaging device 120a is arranged to the passage arrangement 110, e.g. in the present example to the first frame 112a of the passage arrangement 110, and the second imaging device 120b is arranged in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110, e.g. in the present example to the wall 202b in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110. For the sake of clarity, Figure 2A and 2B the control unit 130 is not shown. Alternatively, the first imaging device 120a can be arranged in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110, e.g. to the wall 202c in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110, and the second imaging device 120b can be arranged to the passage arrangement 110. Alternatively, both the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b can be arranged in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110, e.g. the first imaging device can be arranged to the wall 202c in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110, the second imaging device 120b can be arranged to the wall 202a in the vicinity of the passage arrangement 110. In the example of Figure 2B The passage arrangement 110 is shown from above. In this example, the example passage arrangement 110 is a security gate without a barrier arrangement 114. In the example of Figure 2BIn the example of Fig. 2, the second imaging device 120b is arranged to a wall 202a perpendicular to the passage device 110, but alternatively the second imaging device 120b can be arranged to a wall 202b parallel to the passage device 110. If the second imaging device 120b is arranged elsewhere than to the passage device 110 itself, a wireless connection to the control unit 130 and / or the passage device 110 is preferred, but the application is not limited thereto, a wired connection can also be possible.

[0049] According to exemplary embodiments of the application, the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b can be configured to provide first image data and second image data for a face recognition based access control process from different distances to the passage device 110. For example, the first imaging device 120a can be configured to provide first image data from a first distance to the passage device 110 and the second imaging device 120b can be configured to provide second image data from a second distance to the passage device 110, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different from each other.

[0050] According to one example embodiment of the present application, the control unit 130 can be configured to detect at least one object within the first field of view 140a and / or within the second field of view 140b. The detection can be performed from the obtained first image data or from the obtained second image data. In response to detecting at least one object within the first field of view 140a and / or within the second field of view 140b, the control unit 130 can be configured to perform a face recognition based access control procedure on the first image data obtained from the first imaging device 120a in case at least one object is detected within the first field of view 140a and / or on the second image data obtained from the second imaging device 120b in case at least one object is detected within the second field of view 140b. The face recognition based access control procedure will be described later in this application. The control unit 130 is configured to generate an access control action based on at least one recognition result of the face recognition based access control procedure. If the at least one recognition result indicates that access is denied, the access control action can comprise a deny access indication, otherwise the access control action can comprise a grant access indication. The deny access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 and / or sending image data leading to the recognition result indicating deny access to an external security entity. If the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the deny access indication can comprise closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. Alternatively, if the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the deny access indication can comprise keeping the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 closed. The grant access indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication and / or opening the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. If the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the grant access indication can comprise opening the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. Alternatively, if the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the grant access indication can comprise keeping the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 open. If the passage device 110 does not have a barrier device 140, the access control action can comprise a visual indication and / or a voice indication. Alternatively or additionally, if the passage device 110 does not have a barrier device 140, the deny access indication can also comprise sending image data leading to the recognition result indicating deny access to an external security entity, e.g. a remote server, a cloud server, a network of computing circuits, computing devices. This makes it possible to identify an unauthorized person even if the unauthorized person passes the passage device 110.

[0051] The visual and the voice indication can be provided via a user interface of the passage device 110. The user interface of the passage device 110 can comprise one or more light devices and / or one or more displays for providing the visual indication, the light devices being for example light emitting diodes (LEDs), the visual indication being for example a warning light and / or a warning symbol on the display and / or projected on the floor in front of the passage device 110. Alternatively or additionally, the user interface of the passage device 110 can comprise one or more loudspeakers for providing the voice indication, the voice indication being for example a warning sound. According to one example, the visual denial of access indication can comprise turning on one or more LEDs arranged to the passage device 110, for example along the first vertical frame 112a and / or the second vertical frame, emitting a first color (e.g. red) indicating denial of access. According to one example, the visual granting of access indication can comprise turning on one or more LEDs arranged to the passage device 110, for example along the first vertical frame 112a and / or the second vertical frame, emitting a second color (e.g. green or white) indicating granting of access.

[0052] Figure 3 An example access control situation is schematically illustrated, in which an object 300, i.e. a person, is detected within the first field of view 140a but not within the second field of view 140b. For the sake of clarity, Figure 3 The control unit 130 and the entrance area 150 are not illustrated in Fig. 2. In this example, the barrier device 114 of the passage device is initially open, i.e. the barrier device 114 remains open until a denial of access indication comprising closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is generated. If at least one recognition result of the face recognition based access control process indicates granting of access, i.e. the person 300 has the right to access the passage device 110, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising a granting of access indication, the granting of access indication being for example a visual indication and / or a voice indication. When the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the barrier device 114 remains open in response to the granting of access indication. Alternatively, if at least one recognition result of the face recognition based access control process indicates denial of access, i.e. the person 300 does not have the right to access the passage device 110, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising a denial of access indication, the denial of access indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 and / or sending image data causing the recognition result indicating denial of access to an external security entity.

[0053] Figure 4A An example access control situation is illustrated, in which a first object, i.e. a first person, 300a is detected within the first field of view 140a and / or the second field of view 140b, and a second object, i.e. a second person, 300b is detected only within the second field of view 140b. In this example, the control unit 130 is configured to generate an access control action comprising a granting of access indication, the granting of access indication being for example a visual indication and / or a voice indication. When the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the barrier device 114 remains open in response to the granting of access indication. Alternatively, if at least one recognition result of the face recognition based access control process indicates denial of access, i.e. the person 300 does not have the right to access the passage device 110, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising a denial of access indication, the denial of access indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 and / or sending image data causing the recognition result indicating denial of access to an external security entity. Figure 4AIn an example access control situation of the second person 300b behind the first person 300a, such that the second person 300b cannot be detected within the first field of view 140a and is not shown 120a in the first image data obtained by the first imaging device. In this example, the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, i.e. the barrier device 114 remains closed until an access-permitting indication comprising opening the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is generated. If both the first person 300a and the second person 300b have access rights to the passage device 110, the recognition result of the face recognition based access control process of the first image data and the second image data indicates access-permission, so the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising an access-permitting indication, e.g. a visual indication and / or a voice indication, and opening the passage device to allow the first person 300a and the second person 300b to pass through the passage device 110. However, e.g. if the person 300a has access rights to the passage device 110 and the person 300b does not have access rights to the passage device 110, i.e. the second person 300b is trying to pass through the passage device 110 using tailgating behind the authorized first person 300a, the recognition result of the face recognition based access control process of the first image data indicates access-permission, while the recognition result of the face recognition based access control process of the second image data indicates access-denial. Therefore, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising an access-denying indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or sending the image data causing the recognition result indicating access-denial to an external security entity. When the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the barrier device 114 remains closed in response to the access-denying indication to prevent access of the unauthorized second person 300b as well as the authorized first person 300a. If the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the access-denying indication can comprise closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 to prevent access of the unauthorized second person 300b as well as the authorized first person 300a. The access control system 100 according to the present application comprises two imaging devices 120a, 120b having at least partially different fields of view, which enables more effectively preventing tailgating. If only the first imaging device 120b is used, tailgating as shown in the example access control situation of the second person 300b behind the first person 300a cannot be prevented, because the unauthorized second person would not be detected by the first imaging device 120a. Figure 4A

[0054] Figure 4B ​Another example access control situation is shown, in which an object, i.e. a person 400, is detected within the first field of view 140a and within the second field of view 140b, i.e. the same object 300 is detected within both fields of view. In this example, the barrier device 114 of the passage device is initially open, i.e. the barrier device 114 remains open until a denial of access indication comprising closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is generated. If the person 300 has access rights to the passage device 110, the recognition results of the face recognition based access control process of the first image data and the second image data both indicate a grant of access. Thus, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising a grant of access indication, e.g. a visual indication and / or a voice indication. When the barrier device 114 of the passage device is initially open, the barrier device 114 remains open in response to the indication of the grant of access to allow the person 300 to pass through the passage device 110. Alternatively, if the person 300 has no access rights to the passage device 110, the recognition results of the face recognition based access control process of the first image data and the second image data both indicate a denial of access. Thus, the control unit 130 can be configured to generate an access control action comprising a denial of access indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or sending the image data leading to the recognition results indicating the denial of access to an external security entity; and closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 to prevent the unauthorized person 300 from accessing. Thus, the access control system 100 according to the present application comprises two imaging devices 120a, 120b having at least partially different fields of view, which at least partially improves the reliability of the face recognition based access control. Alternatively or additionally, the second imaging device 120b can be used to verify the face recognition based access control performed with the first imaging device 120b. In Figure 4B example access control situations, in which the same object 300 is detected within the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b, if the recognition results of the face recognition based access control process of the first image data and the second image data contradict each other, i.e. one of the recognition results indicates a grant of access while the other one indicates a denial of access, an access control action comprising a denial of access indication can be generated. Contradicting recognition results can indicate a flaw in the face recognition based access control process, in one of the imaging devices 120a, 120b and / or in the obtained image data.

[0055] The face recognition based access control process used in different embodiments of the present application can be based on any known face recognition based access control process, e.g. traditional algorithm based 2D recognition, 3D recognition, skin texture analysis, or a combination of one or more of these processes. The face recognition based access control process for the first image data and the second image data can be based on the same face recognition based access control process. Alternatively, the face recognition based access control process for the first image data and the second image data can be based on different face recognition based access control processes. The face recognition based access control process can comprise at least the following steps: face detection, feature extraction and / or recognition. The face recognition based access control process can be performed on each obtained image data to recognize one or more subjects, i.e. persons, from the obtained image data and to verify whether the one or more persons have the right to access the access passage arrangement. The obtained image data can comprise images captured from still images or video images. A simple example of some basic steps of the face recognition based access control process is described next. First, in a face detection step, a face of each at least one subject, i.e. person, can be extracted from the obtained image data. The face of each at least one subject can be directly facing the imaging device 120a, 120b, or a side profile of the face of each at least one subject can face the imaging device 120a, 120b, or anything in between. Next in a feature extraction phase, at least one facial feature of each at least one subject can be generated. The at least one facial feature can comprise, for example, relative positions, sizes and / or shapes of eyes, nose, cheekbones, forehead and / or chin; and / or distances between any of these, etc. The generated facial features can be used to distinguish the face of a subject from the faces of other subjects. In a recognition step, the generated at least one facial feature of each at least one subject can be compared to a plurality of stored face images. The face images can be stored to a database. The database can be stored in a storage unit of the control unit 130, or it can be an external database. Each of the plurality of stored face images can represent a person having the right to access the access passage arrangement 110. In response to the generated at least one facial feature of each at least one subject matching one of the stored plurality of face images, a recognition result indicating the access being granted can be generated. Alternatively, in response to the generated at least one facial feature of at least one of the at least one subjects not matching any of the stored plurality of face images, i.e. the generated at least one facial feature of at least one of the at least one subjects not matching the stored plurality of face images, a recognition result indicating the access being denied can be generated. The generated at least one facial feature of a subject can be defined to match a stored face image if the at least one facial feature of the subject can be found from the stored face image.If none of the at least one facial feature of the subject is found from the stored facial images, the generated at least one facial feature of the subject can be defined as not matching the stored facial images. The control unit 130 can be configured to perform the face recognition based access control process by itself, the control unit 130 can be configured to indirectly perform the face recognition based access control process by providing the obtained image data to an external computing unit which performs the face recognition based access control process steps, or the control unit 130 can be configured to perform the face recognition based access control process together with an external computing unit.

[0056] According to one example embodiment of the present application, a full face recognition based access control process, e.g. a face recognition based access control process according to the basic steps of the face recognition based access control process described above, can be performed on first image data obtained from the first imaging device 120a to recognize one or more subjects, i.e. persons, from the obtained first image data and to verify whether the one or more persons have access rights to the passage device. A simplified face recognition based access control process can be performed on second image data obtained from the second imaging device 120b. The simplified face recognition based access control process can e.g. only comprise a face detection step to extract one or more human subjects from the second image data. In response to not detecting one or more human subjects from the second image data, an identification result can be generated indicating that access is granted. Alternatively, in response to detecting one or more human subjects from the second image data, an identification result can be generated indicating that access is denied. This enables to distinguish between inanimate non-human objects, e.g. a trolley being dragged behind an authorized person, and a person trying to gain access to the passage device 110 by tailgating the authorized person.

[0057] The above describes that the present application relates to an access control system for a passage device. Next reference is made to Figure 5 An example of a method for access control of a passage device according to the present application is described. Figure 5 The present application is schematically illustrated in a flowchart. The method comprises obtaining 510 first image data from a first imaging device 120a having a first field of view 140a to an entrance area 150 of the passage device 110, and / or obtaining 510 second image data from a second imaging device 120b having a second field of view 140b to the entrance area 150 of the passage device 110. The first imaging device 120a is arranged at or in the vicinity of the passage device 110, the second imaging device 120b is arranged at or in the vicinity of the passage device 110 such that the second field of view 140b is at least partially different from the first field of view 140a as described above. The method further comprises performing 520 an access control process on the obtained first image data and / or the obtained second image data. Next reference is made to Figure 6Step 520 is described in more detail.

[0058] According to example embodiments of the present application, the first imaging device 120a and the second imaging device 120b can provide first image data and second image data for a face recognition based access control process from different distances to the passage device 110. For example, the first imaging device 120a can provide first image data from a first distance to the passage device 110, and the second imaging device 120b can provide second image data from a second distance to the passage device 110, wherein the first distance and the second distance are different from each other.

[0059] According to Figure 6 According to one example embodiment of the present application as shown, the method can comprise detecting 610 at least one object within the first field of view 140a and / or within the second field of view 140b. In case at least one object (e.g. at least one person) is detected within the first field of view, a face recognition based access control process can be performed on the first image data, and / or in case at least one object is detected within the second field of view, a face recognition based access control process can be performed on the second image data, at step 620. Based on at least one recognition result of the face recognition based access control process, an access control action can be generated at steps 640, 650. If the at least one recognition result of step 630 indicates a denial of access, the access control action can comprise a denial of access indication at step 640, otherwise the access control action can comprise a grant of access indication at step 650.

[0060] The access denial indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication, closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 and / or sending image data resulting in the identification result indicating the denial of access to an external security entity. If the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the access denial indication can comprise closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. Alternatively, if the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the access denial indication can comprise keeping the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 closed. The access grant indication can comprise a visual indication, a voice indication and / or opening the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. If the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the access grant indication can comprise opening the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110. Alternatively, if the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the access grant indication can comprise keeping the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 open. If the passage device 110 does not have a barrier device 140, an access control action comprising a visual indication and / or a voice indication can be generated. Alternatively or additionally, if the passage device 110 does not have a barrier device 140, the access denial indication can also comprise sending image data resulting in the identification result indicating the denial of access to an external security entity, e.g. a remote server, a cloud server, a network of computing circuits, computing devices. This makes it possible to identify an unauthorized person even if the unauthorized person passes the passage device 110.

[0061] According to an example embodiment of the method of the present application, at step 610 an object 300, i.e. a person, can be detected within the first field of view 140a but not within the second field of view 140b, as shown in the example access control situation in Fig. 6B. Figure 3 At step 620, a face recognition based access control process can be performed on the first image data. If at least one identification result of the face recognition based access control process at step 630 indicates a grant of access, i.e. the person 300 has the right to access the passage device 110, at step 650 an access control action comprising an access grant indication, e.g. a visual indication and / or a voice indication, can be generated. Since in this example the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially open, the barrier device 114 remains open in response to the access grant indication. Alternatively, if at least one identification result of the face recognition based access control process indicates a denial of access, i.e. the person 300 does not have the authorization to access the passage device 110, an access control action comprising an access denial indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, closing the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 and / or sending image data resulting in the identification result indicating the denial of access to an external security entity can be generated.

[0062] According to an example embodiment of the method according to the present application, at step S610, a first object, i.e. a first person 300a, is detected within the first field of view 140a, and at step S610, a second object, i.e. a second person 300b, is detected within the second field of view 140b, as shown in the example access control situation Figure 4A S620, a face recognition based access control procedure can be performed on the first image data and the second image data. If both the first person 300a and the second person 300b have access rights to the passage device 110, the recognition result of the face recognition based access control procedure of the first image data and the second image data at step 630 indicates a permission to access, and thus, the method can comprise generating an access control action comprising a permission to access indication, e.g. a visual indication and / or a voice indication, and opening the passage device to allow both the first person 300a and the second person 300b to pass through the passage device 110 at step 640. However, for example, if the person 300a has access rights to the passage device 110, while the person 300b does not have access rights to the passage device 110, i.e. the second person 300b is trying to pass through the passage device 110 by tailgating the authorized first person 400a, the recognition result of the face recognition based access control procedure of the first image data at step 630 indicates a permission to access and the recognition result of the face recognition based access control procedure of the second image data at step 630 indicates a denial to access, then the method comprises generating an access control action comprising a denial to access indication comprising a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or sending the image data leading to the recognition result indicating a denial to access to an external security entity at step 650. Since in this example the barrier device 114 of the passage device 110 is initially closed, the barrier device 114 remains closed in response to the denial to access indication to prevent access of the unauthorized second person 300b as well as the authorized first person 300a. Thus, the access control method according to the present application obtains image data from two imaging devices 120a, 120b having at least partially different fields of view, which enables a more effective prevention of tailgating. If only the first imaging device 120b is used, tailgating as shown in the example access control situation Figure 4A cannot be prevented, since the unauthorized second person would not be detected by the first imaging device 120a.

[0063] Alternatively, according to another example embodiment of the method according to the present application, an object 300, i.e. a person, is detected within the first field of view 140a and within the second field of view 140b at step 610, i.e. the same object 300 is detected within both fields of view, as shown in Figure 4BIn the example access control scenario shown, at step 620, a facial recognition-based access control process can be performed on the first image data and the second image data. If person 300 has permission to access the access channel device 110, the recognition results of the facial recognition-based access control process for both the first and second image data at step 630 indicate authorized access, and therefore the method may include generating an access control action including an authorized access indication at step 640, such as a visual indication and / or a voice indication. When the barrier device 114 of the access channel device initially opens, the barrier device 114 remains open in response to the authorized access indication to allow person 300 to pass through the access channel device 110. Alternatively, if person 300 does not have permission to enter access device 110, the recognition results of the facial recognition-based access control process for both the first and second image data at step 630 indicate access denied. The method may include generating an access control action including an access denied indication at step 650, which includes a visual indication, a voice indication, and / or sending image data to an external security entity resulting in the access denied indication; and closing the barrier device 114 of access device 110 to prevent unauthorized access by person 300. Therefore, the access control method according to the invention obtains image data from two imaging devices 120a, 120b having at least partially different fields of view, which at least partially improves the reliability of facial recognition-based access control. Alternatively or additionally, the second imaging device 120b may be used to verify facial recognition-based access control performed using the first imaging device 120b. Figure 4B In an example access control scenario, where the same object 300 is detected in both the first field of view 140a and the second field of view 140b, if the recognition results of the face recognition-based access control process for the first and second image data contradict each other at step 630—that is, one recognition result indicates permitted access while the other indicates denied access—an access control action including a denied access indication can be generated. The contradictory recognition results may indicate defects in the face recognition-based access control process, in one of the imaging devices 120a and 120b, and / or in the acquired image data.

[0064] The face recognition based access control process used in different embodiments of the present application can be based on any known face recognition based access control process, e.g. the face recognition based access control process. The face recognition based access control process can be based on an algorithm based 2D recognition, 3D recognition, skin texture analysis or a combination of one or more of these procedures. The face recognition based access control process can comprise at least the steps of face detection, feature extraction and / or recognition. The face recognition based access control process can be performed on each obtained image data to recognize one or more subjects, i.e. persons, from the obtained image data and to verify whether the one or more persons have the right to access the access passage arrangement. The obtained image data can comprise images captured from still images or video images. Next reference is made to Figure 7 A simple example of some basic steps of the face recognition based access control process is described, wherein an example method step of the face recognition based access control process 620 is shown. First, in a face detection step, a face of each at least one subject, i.e. person, is extracted from the obtained image data. The face of each at least one subject can be directly facing the imaging device 120a, 120b or a side profile of the face of each at least one subject can face the imaging device 120a, 120b or anything in between. Next in a feature extraction phase, at least one facial feature of each at least one subject can be generated 710. The at least one facial feature can comprise, for example, relative positions, sizes and / or shapes of the eyes, nose, cheekbones, forehead and / or chin; and / or distances between any of these etc. The generated facial features can be used to distinguish the face of a subject from the faces of other subjects. In a recognition step, the generated at least one facial feature of each at least one subject can be compared 720 to a plurality of stored face images. The face images can be stored to a database. The database can be stored in a storage unit of the control unit 130 or it can be an external database. Each of the plurality of stored face images can represent a person having the right to access the access passage arrangement 110. In response to the generated at least one facial feature of each at least one subject matching one of the plurality of stored face images, a recognition result indicating the access granted can be generated 740. Alternatively, in response to the generated at least one facial feature of at least one of the at least one subject not matching any of the plurality of stored face images, i.e. the generated at least one facial feature of at least one of the at least one subject not matching the plurality of stored face images, a recognition result indicating the access denied can be generated 750. The generated at least one facial feature of a subject can be defined to match the stored face image if the at least one facial feature of the subject can be found from the stored face image. The generated at least one facial feature of a subject can be defined to not match the stored face image if at least one of the at least one facial feature of the subject is not found from the stored face image.

[0065] According to an example embodiment of the method according to the present application, a full face recognition based access control procedure, e.g. a face recognition based access control procedure 710-750 according to the basic steps of the face recognition based access control procedure described above, can be performed on first image data obtained from the first imaging device 120a to recognize one or more objects, i.e. persons, from the obtained first image data and to verify whether the one or more persons have access rights to the passage device. In addition, a simplified face recognition based access control procedure can be performed on second image data obtained from the second imaging device 120b. The simplified face recognition based access control procedure can e.g. only comprise a face detection step to extract one or more human objects from the second image data. In response to not detecting one or more human objects from the second image data, an identification result can be generated indicating that access is granted. Alternatively, in response to detecting one or more human objects from the second image data, an identification result can be generated indicating that access is denied. This enables to distinguish between inanimate non-human objects, e.g. a trolley being dragged behind an authorized person, and a person trying to gain access to the passage device 110 by tailgating the authorized person.

[0066] Figure 8 An example of a control unit 130 according to the present application is schematically illustrated. The control unit 130 can comprise a processing unit 802 comprising one or more processors, a storage unit 804 comprising one or more memories, a communication unit 808 comprising one or more communication devices, and a user interface (UI) 806. The mentioned elements can be communicatively coupled to each other by e.g. internal buses. The one or more processors of the processing unit 802 can be any suitable processor for processing information and controlling the operation of the control unit 130 and other tasks. The storage unit 804 can store portions of computer program code 805 and any other data, and the processing unit 802 can cause the control unit 130 to perform the one or more method steps described by executing at least some portions of the computer program code 805 stored in the storage unit 804. Furthermore, the one or more memories of the storage unit 804 can be volatile or non-volatile. Furthermore, the one or more memories are not limited to a specific type of memory, but any memory type suitable for storing the pieces of information described can be applied in the context of the present application. The communication unit 808 can be based on at least one known wired or wireless communication technology in order to exchange pieces of information as previously described. The communication unit 808 provides an interface for communicating with any external units, e.g. the first imaging unit 120a, the second imaging unit 120b, a door control unit, a database, and / or any external system or unit. The user interface 806 can comprise I / O devices, e.g. buttons, a keyboard, a touch screen, a microphone, a speaker, a display, etc., for receiving input and outputting information.

[0067] The control unit 130 can be an internal computing unit of the access device 110 or an external control unit. Some non-limiting examples of the external control unit 130 can be, for example, a remote server, a cloud server, a remote access control unit, a computing circuit, a network of computing devices. The external unit here refers to a unit located separately from the access device 110. The use of an external control unit as the control unit 130 makes it possible to use sufficiently large computing resources compared to the use of an internal control unit. The implementation of the control unit 130 can be done as a standalone entity or as a distributed computing environment between multiple independent devices, for example, multiple servers providing distributed computing resources.

[0068] The above-described access control system and method for an access device according to the present application improve the reliability of face recognition-based access control and / or improve the efficiency of preventing tailgating, since the access control system according to the present application is more difficult to be deceived. In addition, the above-described access control system and method can effectively prevent tailgating with a substantially simple algorithm and reduced processing power. The above-described access control system according to the present application can be implemented by an imaging device and a control unit that are cost-effective, and a simple configuration of the access control system can be achieved, thereby reducing the response time of the access control system.

[0069] The specific examples provided in the above given description should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the accompanying claims. The list and groups of examples provided in the above given description are not exhaustive unless explicitly stated otherwise.

Claims

1. An access control system (100) for a channel device (110), the system (100) comprising: A first imaging device (120a) having a first field of view (140a) over the entrance region (150) of the channel device (110) for providing first image data, A second imaging device (120b) having a second field of view (140b) for the entrance region (150) of the channel device (110) for providing second image data, and A control unit (130) is configured to perform a face recognition-based access control process on the first image data and / or the second image data. The first imaging device (120a) is arranged in or near the channel device (110), and the second imaging device (120b) is arranged in or near the channel device (110), such that the second field of view (140b) is at least partially different from the first field of view (140a). The control unit (130) is further configured to: Perform a face recognition-based access control procedure on the first image data to identify one or more people from the first image data; Verify whether one or more persons are authorized to enter the channel device (110); A simplified face recognition-based access control process is performed on the second image data to extract one or more human objects from the second image data; In response to the absence of one or more human objects detected in the second image data, a recognition result granting permission for access is generated; In response to the detection of the same object in the first and second fields of view, and the recognition results of the face recognition-based access control process of the first image data and the second image data contradict each other, an access control action including an access denial indication is generated.

2. The access control system (100) according to claim 1, wherein, The passage device (110) is one of the following: a security door, an elevator door, an automatic door, a building door, or a revolving door.

3. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is arranged in the frame (112a, 112b) of the channel device (110), inside the channel device (110), or next to the channel device (110).

4. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is arranged on the first frame (112a) of the channel device (110) and the second imaging device (120b) is arranged on the second frame (112b) of the channel device (110).

5. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is communicatively connected to the control unit (130), wherein the communicative connection is based on one of the following technologies: wired or wireless.

6. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The second imaging device (120b) is communicatively connected to the control unit (130), wherein the communicative connection is based on one of the following technologies: wired or wireless.

7. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is one of the following: a camera or a video camera, and the second imaging device (120b) is one of the following: a camera or a video camera.

8. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The control unit (130) is configured as follows: Detect at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) within the first field of view (140a) and / or the second field of view (140b). If at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) is detected within the first field of view (140a), a face recognition-based access control procedure is performed on the first image data; and / or if at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) is detected within the second field of view (140b), a face recognition-based access control procedure is performed on the second image data. An access control action is generated based on at least one recognition result of a facial recognition-based access control process, wherein if at least one recognition result indicates denial of access, the access control action includes a denial of access indication; otherwise, the access control action includes a permitted access indication.

9. The access control system (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The access denial indication includes: visual indication, voice indication, barrier device (114) of the closing channel device (110) and / or sending image data to an external security entity that results in an indication of access denial.

10. The access control system (100) according to claim 8, wherein, The permission access indication includes: visual indication, voice indication and / or barrier device (114) for opening the channel device (110).

11. The access control system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The facial recognition-based access control process includes: Generate at least one facial feature from image data. The generated facial feature is compared with multiple stored facial images, and In response to a match between at least one facial feature and one of a plurality of stored facial images, a recognition result indicating permission to access is generated, or In response to a situation where at least one facial feature does not match any of the stored facial images, a recognition result indicating access denied is generated.

12. An access control method for a channel device (110), the method comprising: First image data is obtained (510) from a first imaging device (120a), the first imaging device (120a) having a first field of view (140a) for the entrance region (150) of the channel device (110), and / or Second image data is obtained (510) from the second imaging device (120b), the second imaging device (120b) having a second field of view (140b) for the entrance region (150) of the channel device. The first imaging device (120a) is arranged in or near the channel device (110), and the second imaging device (120b) is arranged in or near the channel device (110), such that the second field of view (140b) is at least partially different from the first field of view (140a). The method further includes: Perform a face recognition-based access control procedure on the first image data to identify one or more people from the first image data; Verify whether one or more persons are authorized to enter the channel device (110); A simplified face recognition-based access control process is performed on the second image data to extract one or more human objects from the second image data; In response to the absence of one or more human objects detected from the second image data, a recognition result granting permission for access is generated; In response to the detection of the same object in the first and second fields of view, and the recognition results of the face recognition-based access control process of the first image data and the second image data contradict each other, an access control action including an access denial indication is generated, and a defect is indicated in the face recognition-based access control process, in one of the first and second imaging devices, and / or in the acquired image data.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein, The passage device (110) is one of the following: a security door, an elevator door, an automatic door frame, a building door, or a revolving door.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is arranged in the frame (112a, 112b) of the channel device (110), inside the channel device (110), or next to the channel device (110).

15. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, in, The first imaging device (120a) is arranged on the first frame (112a) of the channel device (110) and the second imaging device (120b) is arranged on the second frame (112b) of the channel device (110).

16. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is communicatively connected to the control unit (130), wherein the communicative connection is based on one of the following technologies: wired or wireless.

17. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The second imaging device (120b) is communicatively connected to the control unit (130), wherein the communicative connection is based on one of the following technologies: wired or wireless.

18. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The first imaging device (120a) is one of the following: a camera or a video camera, and the second imaging device (120b) is one of the following: a camera or a video camera.

19. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The method further includes: Detect at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) within the first field of view (140a) and / or the second field of view (140b). If at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) is detected within the first field of view (140a), a face recognition-based access control procedure is performed on the first image data; or if at least one object (300, 300a, 300b) is detected within the second field of view (140b), a face recognition-based access control procedure is performed on the second image data. An access control action is generated based on at least one recognition result of a facial recognition-based access control process, wherein if at least one recognition result indicates denial of access, the access control action includes a denial of access indication; otherwise, the access control action includes a permitted access indication.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The access denial indication includes: visual indication, voice indication, barrier device (114) of the closing channel device (110) and / or sending image data to an external security entity that results in an indication of access denial.

21. The method according to claim 19, wherein, The permission access indication includes: visual indication, voice indication and / or barrier device (114) for opening the channel device (110).

22. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The facial recognition-based access control process includes: Generate at least one facial feature from image data. The generated facial feature is compared with multiple stored facial images, and In response to a match between at least one facial feature and one of a plurality of stored facial images, a recognition result indicating permission to access is generated, or In response to a mismatch between at least one facial feature and multiple stored facial images, a recognition result indicating that access is denied is generated.

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