A door access device and a method for controlling a door access device

Abstract

The invention relates to a door access device (200). The door access device comprises one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a-210d) arranged at least on an entrance side (212) of the door access device (200) and a control unit (220). Each of the one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a-210d) is configured to provide 3D depth data of a field of view range of the 3D camera (210, 210a-210d). The control unit (220) is configured to define at least two consecutive volume detection zones (206a-206d) in front of the door access device (200) at least on the entrance side (212), to detect a presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) inside at least one volume detection zone (206a, 206b) on the entrance side (212) based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the at least one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b), and to generate detection data in response to detecting the presence of the at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) for controlling access of the user via the door access device (200). The invention also relates to a method for controlling a door access device (200).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention generally relates to the technical field of access control devices. In particular, this invention relates to providing data for controlling access control devices. Background Technology

[0002] Access control devices at various user access points, such as turntables, security fences, or security doors, can use light curtain-type sensors to detect users approaching the access control device. A user can only be authorized to access the device if they have been identified and / or authorized. Figure 1 An example of a typical structure of the access control device 100 is shown. Figure 1 A top view of a typical access control device 100 is shown. The typical access control device 100 includes two parallel sidewalls, such as guide elements 102a, 102b extending in the horizontal direction (i.e., the depth direction). Light curtain type sensors are arranged on the sidewalls 102a, 102b of the access control device 100 to form two or more typical detection zones 106a-106d on both sides of the access control device 100. A physical user restriction device 104 can divide the access control device 100 into two sides, for example, into a first side (e.g., an entrance side) and a second side (e.g., an exit side). For example, in... Figure 1 In the example, the light curtain type sensor forms two detection areas 106a and 106b on the first side and two detection areas 106c and 106d on the second side. At least one disadvantage of using a light curtain type sensor to detect users' access control devices is that the access control device 100 occupies a considerable amount of space (i.e., the coverage area), which results in each access control device requiring a considerable amount of space.

[0003] Therefore, further solutions need to be developed to improve the operation of access control equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0004] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various embodiments of the invention, a simplified overview is given below. This overview is not a comprehensive summary of the invention. It is neither intended to identify key or essential elements of the invention nor to depict the scope of the invention. The following overview merely presents some concepts of the invention in a simplified form as a prelude to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the invention.

[0005] One object of the present invention is to provide an access control device and a method for controlling the access control device. Another object of the present invention is that the access control device and the method for controlling the access control device can reduce the space occupied by the access control device.

[0006] The object of the present invention is achieved by an access control device and a method for controlling the access control device, the method being defined by the respective independent claims.

[0007] According to a first aspect, an access control device is provided, comprising: one or more three-dimensional (3D) cameras arranged at least on the entrance side of the access control device, each of the one or more 3D cameras being configured to provide 3D depth data of the field of view of the 3D camera; and a control unit configured to: define at least two consecutive volume detection zones in front of the access control device at least on the entrance side, wherein the field of view of the one or more 3D cameras arranged on the entrance side covers the at least two volume detection zones on the entrance side; detect the presence of at least one user within at least one volume detection zone on the entrance side based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the at least one 3D cameras arranged on the entrance side; and generate detection data in response to detecting the presence of at least one user for controlling user access via the access control device.

[0008] Access control devices may include at least two 3D cameras, which are positioned at least on the entrance side of the access control device.

[0009] Alternatively or additionally, the access control device may further include one or more 3D cameras arranged on the exit side of the access control device, wherein the control unit may be further configured to: define at least two consecutive volume detection zones in front of the access control device on the exit side, wherein the field of view of the one or more 3D cameras arranged on the exit side can cover the at least two volume detection zones on the exit side; detect the presence of at least one user within at least one volume detection zone on the exit side based on 3D depth data from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras arranged on the exit side; and generate further detection data in response to detecting the presence of at least one user for controlling user access via the access control device.

[0010] Access control devices may include at least two 3D cameras positioned on the exit side of the access control device.

[0011] Alternatively, the access control device may also include at least one sensor device arranged on the exit side of the access control device to provide sensor data, wherein the control unit may be configured to: detect at least one user approaching the access control device from the exit side based on the sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor device, and generate further detection data in response to detecting at least one user approaching the access control device for controlling the user's access via the access control device.

[0012] At least one sensor device can be an infrared camera.

[0013] One or more 3D cameras may include one or more time-of-flight (ToF) cameras, one or more stereo cameras, and / or one or more structured light-based cameras.

[0014] The control unit can also be configured to adjust at least one dimension of at least one of at least two volume detection zones.

[0015] The access control device may further include at least one user restriction device and at least one user identification device, or provide user identification data, wherein the control unit may be further configured to control at least one user restriction device to allow access via the access control device when the identification data relates to an identified user, and to control at least one user restriction device to restrict access via the access control device when the identification data relates to an unidentified user.

[0016] 3D depth data can represent at least one depth image and / or 3D point cloud data.

[0017] Access control equipment may include two vertical bars that form an access control channel.

[0018] One or more 3D cameras may be positioned on at least one of the two vertical bars on the entrance side of the access control device.

[0019] According to a second aspect, a method for controlling an access control device as described above is provided, wherein the method includes: defining at least two consecutive volume detection zones at least on the entrance side of the access control device in front of the access control device by a control unit; providing 3D depth data of the field of view of each of one or more 3D cameras arranged at least on the entrance side of the access control device, wherein the field of view of the one or more 3D cameras arranged on the entrance side covers at least two volume detection zones on the entrance side; detecting the presence of at least one user inside at least one volume detection zone on the entrance side by the control unit based on the 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras arranged on the entrance side; and generating detection data by the control unit in response to detecting the presence of at least one user for controlling the user's access via the access control device.

[0020] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention with respect to structure and operation methods, as well as their additional objects and advantages, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0021] The verbs “comprising” and “including” are used herein as limitations on disclosure, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of any uncited features. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the features described in the dependent claims may be freely combined with each other. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of “a” or “an” throughout this document, i.e., the singular form, does not exclude the plural. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 An example of a typical structure of an access control device according to the prior art is illustrated schematically.

[0023] Figure 2A and 2B An example of an access control device is shown schematically.

[0024] Figure 3 schematically shown Figure 2A and 2B A perspective view of an example access control device.

[0025] Figure 4A and 4B Another example of an access control device is illustrated schematically.

[0026] Figure 4C An example of a possible tailing situation is illustrated.

[0027] Figure 5A and 5B Another example of an access control device is illustrated schematically.

[0028] Figure 6 Another example of an access control device is illustrated schematically.

[0029] Figure 7 An example of priority ordering is illustrated.

[0030] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling access control devices is shown schematically.

[0031] Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another example of a method for controlling access control devices is shown schematically.

[0032] Figure 10 An example of a component of the control unit of an access control device is shown schematically. Detailed Implementation

[0033] Figure 2A and 2B An example of access control device 200 is shown schematically. Figure 2A A top view of the access control device 200 is shown. Figure 2BA front view of the access control device 200 as seen from a first side (e.g., entrance side 212) is shown. At least one user 300 can approach the access control device 200 from either side, either from the first side, such as the entrance side 212, or from the second side, such as the exit side 214. Although throughout the application, the first side of the access control device 200 is referred to as the entrance side 212 and the second side as the exit side 214, either side of the access control device 200 can be used as the entrance side 212, and the other side can be used as the exit side 214. The access control device 200 can be, for example, a security door, a revolving door, a ticket gate, or any other entry point. The access control device 200 includes one or more three-dimensional (3D) cameras 210, 210a-210d and a control unit 220, at least arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 2A and 2B In the example, access control device 200 includes a 3D camera 210 disposed on the entrance side 212 of access control device 200. However, access control device 200 may also include more than one 3D camera 210, 210a-210d disposed on the entrance side 212 and / or the exit side of access control device 200. Control unit 220 is implemented as part of access control device 200. In other words, control unit 220 is inside access control device 200. Control unit 220 can be configured to control the operation of access control device 200. One or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d are communicatively coupled to control unit 220. Communication between one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d and control unit 220 can be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.

[0034] Access control device 200 may further include one or more other access control-related devices, such as user restriction devices, user identification devices, screens, etc. According to an example, access control device 200 may further include at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b for restricting access to unidentified and / or unauthorized users via access control device 200. At least one user restriction device 204a, 204b may include at least one physical restriction device 204a, such as a door panel, barrier, or any other physical user restriction device. At least one physical restriction device 204a can provide physical restrictions to limit access to unidentified and / or unauthorized users via access control device 200. Figure 2A and 2BIn the example, access control device 200 includes two door panels as at least one physical restriction device 204a. If access control device 200 includes at least one physical restriction device 204a, the at least one physical restriction device 204a can divide access control device 200 into a first side, such as an entrance side 212, and a second side, such as an exit side 214. Alternatively or additionally, at least one restriction device 204a, 204b may include at least one visual restriction device 204b and / or an auditory restriction device (not shown in the figures for clarity). At least one visual restriction device 204b can generate a visual alarm to restrict access to access control device 200 for unidentified and / or unauthorized users. At least one auditory restriction device can generate an auditory alarm to restrict access to access control device 200 for unidentified and / or unauthorized users. Figure 2B In the example, access control device 200 includes a visual restriction device 204b. At least one user restriction device 204a, 204b can be communicatively coupled to control unit 220. Communication between the at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b and control unit 220 can be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.

[0035] According to another example, the access control device 200 may further include at least one user identification device 208 for providing user identification data to be used in user identification. User identification may be based on the use of key cards; tags; identification codes such as personal identification numbers (PINs), ID numbers; and / or biometric technologies such as fingerprints, facial recognition, iris recognition, retinal scanning, voice recognition, etc. The control unit 220 may be configured to control at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b to allow access via the access control device 200 when the identification data pertains to an identified and / or authorized user, and to control at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b to restrict access via the access control device 200 when the identification data pertains to an unidentified and / or unauthorized user. The control unit 220 may obtain user identification data from at least one user identification device 208. Preferably, the control unit 220 can obtain user identification data, as will be described, after detecting the presence of at least one user 300, 300a, 300b approaching the access control device 200 from the entrance side 212 and / or from the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. At least one user identification device 208 may be arranged on the entrance side 212 for providing user identification from the entrance side 212, and / or at least one user identification device 208 may be arranged on the exit side 214 for providing user identification from the exit side 212. At least one user identification device 208 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 220. Communication between the at least one user identification device 208 and the control unit 220 can be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.

[0036] Each of one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d of the access control device 200 is configured to provide 3D depth data of the field of view of the 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d. The term "field of view of a 3D camera" in this application refers to a 3D space, i.e., a scene from which the 3D cameras can provide 3D depth data. The 3D depth data can represent at least one depth image and / or 3D point cloud data. In other words, the 3D depth data may include at least one depth image and / or 3D point cloud data. One or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d can provide 3D depth data continuously. One or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d may include one or more time-of-flight (ToF) cameras, one or more stereo cameras, and / or one or more structured light-based cameras. Preferably, at least one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200 may be ToF cameras. More preferably, one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d arranged on the entrance side 212 and exit side 214 of the access control device 200 can be Time-of-Flight (ToF) cameras. ToF cameras are relatively fast and can provide 3D depth data in real time. ToF cameras provide non-invasive 3D depth data, which improves privacy protection. ToF cameras do not require ambient lighting to achieve optimal performance, allowing them to be used in low-light or complete darkness. The structure of a ToF camera is very simple. Each ToF camera 210, 210a-210d includes a light source configured to emit light, such as an infrared (IR) light source, and a sensor array device configured to acquire reflected light. The ToF cameras 210, 210a-210d are configured to create depth image data, including at least one depth image, based on the acquired reflected light. The depth image data can be converted into 3D point cloud data using the optical parameters of the ToF cameras 210, 210a-210d. In 3D point cloud data, each image pixel has its own 3D coordinates in space. The conversion of depth image data to 3D point cloud can be performed by ToF cameras 210, 210a-210d and / or control unit 220. If the access control device 200 includes at least two ToF cameras 210, 210a-210d arranged on the same side 212, 214 of the access control device 200, the control unit 220 can be configured to combine depth image data from at least two ToF cameras 210, 210a-210d into the same 3D point cloud data.

[0037] The control unit 220 is configured to define at least two consecutive volumes, i.e., 3D detection zones 206a-206d, in front of the access control device 200, at least on the entrance side 212. The defined at least two volume detection zones 206a-206d are virtual, i.e., imaginary detection zones. The at least two volume detection zones 206a-206d are continuous in the passage direction of the access control device 200, i.e., in the depth direction. Figure 2A The example shows two consecutive volume detection areas 206a and 206b in front of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 3 It shows Figure 2A and 2B A perspective view of an exemplary access control device 200 is provided to show the three dimensions of two consecutive volume detection areas 206a, 206b defined in front of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 2A and Figure 3 In the example, at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206a, 206b are defined in front of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. However, the control unit 220 may further define at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206c, 206d also in front of the access control device 200 on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, as will be described later in this application. The at least two volume detection zones 206a-206d can be defined in a 3D coordinate system. The dimensions of the detection zones 206a-206d can be defined in absolute coordinates, such as in meters, or in relative coordinates. Figure 3 In the example, each volume detection area 206a, 206b has a rectangular box shape. However, at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can also have any other shape. The field of view of one or more 3D cameras 210 arranged on the entrance side 212 covers at least two volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212. In other words, 3D depth data can be provided from at least two volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212.

[0038] According to the example, the control unit 220 can also be configured to adjust at least one dimension of at least one of the at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d. This adjustment allows the dimensions of the detection areas 206a-206d to be adjusted as needed. Preferably, the at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can have the same dimensions in the height direction (i.e., the vertical direction) and the width direction. According to the example, the height dimension of the at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can be defined according to the height of the access control device 200. According to another example, the width dimension of the at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can be defined according to the width of the access control device 200, i.e., the channel width of the access control device 200. The at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can each have different dimensions in the depth direction, at least one of the at least two detection areas 206a-206d can have different dimensions in the depth direction, or the at least two volume detection areas 206a-206d can all have the same dimensions in the depth direction.

[0039] The control unit 220 is also configured to detect the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one of at least two volume detection zones 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b arranged on the entrance side 212. The control unit 220 can obtain 3D depth data from one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b arranged sequentially on the entrance side 212. For example, in Figure 3 In the example, control unit 220 can detect the presence of user 300 within volume detection areas 206a, 206b of entrance side 212 based on 3D depth data obtained from 3D camera 210 arranged on entrance side 212. In response to detecting the presence of at least one user 300, control unit 220 is also configured to generate detection data for controlling user access via access control device 200. The generated detection data can indicate the presence of at least one user 300.

[0040] One or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d are used in conjunction with at least two consecutive volumetric detection zones 206a-206d for detecting users, thereby reducing the space occupied by the access control device 200, i.e., the coverage area. This allows the structure of the access control device 200 to be formed by two vertical bars 202a, 202b, such as a first bar 202a and a second bar 202b, which are arranged adjacent to each other at a predetermined distance. The predetermined distance can be the width of the access passage of the access control device 200. In other words, as shown in Figures 2a, 2b and Figure 3As shown in the example, access control device 200 includes two vertical bars 202a, 202b forming a passageway for access control device 200. The space occupied by access control device 200 can be reduced to the coverage area defined by the two vertical bars 202a, 202b. Access control device 200, using one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d and at least two consecutive volume detection areas 206a-206d for detecting user 300, simulates (i.e. mimics) an access control device that uses a light curtain type sensor to detect the user (e.g., Figure 1 The access control device 200 operates similarly to the one shown, but it does not require physical sidewalls on the entrance side 212 and the exit side 214, nor does it require light curtain-type sensors. Therefore, the access control device 200 requires less space than access control devices that use light curtain-type sensors to detect users.

[0041] At least one of one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d can be arranged on at least one of two vertical bars 202a, 202b on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. If the access control device 200 includes a 3D camera 210 arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, then the 3D camera 210 can preferably be arranged on one of the bars 202a, 202b, substantially as high as possible. This makes the field of view of the 3D camera 210 as unobstructed as possible. For example, if more than one user 300, 300a, 300b is located within at least two consecutive volume detection areas 206a, 206b, if a 3D camera 210 is arranged vertically below the bars 202a, 202b, the user closer to the 3D camera 210 may prevent the detection of other users behind the user closer to the 3D camera 210. For example, in Figure 2B and Figure 3 In the example, a 3D camera 210 is positioned as high as possible on the first rod 202a.

[0042] As described above, the access control device 200 includes one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210b arranged at least on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. This enables the detection of at least one user 300, 300a, 300b approaching the access control device 200 from the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 4A and 4B An example of access control device 200 is shown, wherein access control device 200 is otherwise similar to Figure 2A , 2BThe access control device 200 shown in Figure 3 and discussed above includes at least two 3D cameras 210a, 210b, such as a first 3D camera 210a and a second 3D camera 210b, arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Using at least two 3D cameras 210a, 210b together with at least two consecutive volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the same side of the access control device 200 for user detection also enables the detection of users located behind the user closer to the at least two 3D cameras 210a, 210b, which makes tailgating possible. In tailgating, an unidentified and / or unauthorized user passes through the access control device 200 after an identified and / or authorized user has passed through an entrance. In other words, an unidentified and / or unauthorized user attempts to access the access control device 200 by tailgating after an identified and / or authorized user. Figure 4C An example of a possible tailgating scenario is shown, where the first user 300a is an identified user authorized to access via access control device 200, while the second user 300b is an unidentified user unauthorized to access via access control device 200. If access control device 200 includes only one 3D camera, for example in... Figure 4C In the example where the first 3D camera 210a is positioned behind the first pole 202a, the second user 300b cannot be detected within at least one of the at least two volumetric detection zones 206a, 206b based on the 3D depth data obtained from the first 3D camera 210a. However, if the access control device 200 includes at least two 3D cameras, for example in Figure 4C In the example, a first 3D camera 210a is positioned on a first pole 202a, and a second camera 210b is positioned on a second pole 202b. The presence of a second user 300b within at least one of at least two volumetric detection zones 206a and 206b can then be detected based on 3D depth data obtained from the second 3D camera 210b. Therefore, unwanted tailing of the second user 300b from the entrance side 212 can be avoided by using at least two 3D cameras 210a-210b, which are positioned at least on the entrance side 212.

[0043] Two 3D cameras 210a and 210b can be arranged on two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200, such that one of the two 3D cameras 210a and 210b is arranged on one of the two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200, and the other of the two 3D cameras 210a and 210b is arranged on the other of the two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200. Preferably, the two 3D cameras 210a and 210b can be arranged on the two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200, such that one of the two 3D cameras 210a and 210b is arranged on one of the two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200 at substantially as high as possible, and the other of the two 3D cameras 210a and 210b is arranged on the other of the two poles 202a and 202b of the access control device 200 at substantially as low as possible. This ensures that the field of view of the two 3D cameras, 210a and 210b, is as unobstructed as possible. Figure 4B In the example, the first 3D camera 210a is positioned on the first rod 202a, substantially as high as possible, while the second 3D camera 210b is positioned on the second rod 202b, substantially as low as possible.

[0044] The operation of the access control device 200 has been described above, in which one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b are arranged on a first side 212 of the access control device 200, i.e., the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. However, the access control device 200 may also include one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on a second side 214 of the access control device 200, i.e., the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. This enables the detection of at least one user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. The control unit 220 may also be configured to define at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206c, 206d on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 in front of the access control device 200. The field of view of one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214 covers at least two volume detection areas 206c, 206d on the exit side 214, similar to that described above with reference to one or more 3D cameras 210a, 210b and at least two volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212. The control unit 220 can also be configured to detect the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one volume detection area 206c, 206d on the exit side 214 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214. The control unit 220 can obtain 3D depth data from one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged sequentially on the exit side 214. In response to detecting the presence of at least one user 300 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214, the control unit 220 may be further configured to generate additional detection data for controlling the access of the user 300 via the access gate device 200. Figure 5A An example of an access control device 200 is shown, including another 3D camera 210c arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. Figure 5A In the example, a 3D camera 210 is arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, but as mentioned above, more than one 3D camera 210, 210a, 210b may also be arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 5A The example also shows at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206c, 206d in front of the access control device 200 on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, defined by the control unit 220, and at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206a, 206b in front of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, defined by the control unit 220. Figure 5AIn the example, the 3D camera 210c, which is positioned on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, is positioned on another pole 202b, i.e., the second pole, instead of the 3D camera 210, which is positioned on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, it is positioned on pole 202a, i.e., the first pole. However, the 3D camera 210c positioned on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 can also be positioned on the same poles 202a and 202b as the 3D camera 210a positioned on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 5B Another example of the access control device 200 is shown, including two additional 3D cameras 210c and 210b arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. Figure 5B In the example, two 3D cameras 210a and 210b are arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, but as mentioned above, only one 3D camera 210 can also be arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. Figure 5B The example also illustrates at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206c, 206d in front of the access control device 200 on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, defined by the control unit 220, and at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206a, 206b in front of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, defined by the control unit 220. One or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d may be arranged to the poles 202a, 202b of the access control device 200 on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, similar to the one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b defined above with reference to the poles 202a, 202b of the access control device 200 arranged to the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. At least two 3D cameras 210c, 210c on the exit side 212 are used in conjunction with at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206c, 206c defined on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, so that tailgating from the exit side 214 can also be prevented, similar to the above reference. Figure 4C The discussion.

[0045] Alternatively, the access control device 200 may also include at least one sensor device 610 disposed on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 to provide sensor data. This provides a simple way to detect a user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214. However, using at least one sensor device 610 disposed on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 to detect a user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 disallows the use of at least two detection zones 206c, 206d on the exit side 214. The control unit 220 may be configured to detect at least one user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor device 610. In response to detecting that at least one user 300 is approaching the access control device 200 based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor device 610, the control unit 220 may be configured to generate further detection data for controlling user access via the access control device 200. At least one sensor device 610 may be, for example, an infrared camera. Figure 6 An example of an access control device 200 including at least one sensor device 610 is schematically shown, the sensor device 610 being arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200.

[0046] In response to detecting the approach of at least one user 300 to access control device 200 based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor device 610, or in response to detecting the presence of at least one user 300 based on sensor data obtained from at least one sensor device 610 (based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on exit side 214), additional detection data may be generated, for example, to control access of users 300, 300a, 300b via access control device 200 from exit station 214 to entrance side 212. Alternatively or additionally, the additional detection data may be used, for example, to prioritize access via access control device 200 from entrance side 212 or from exit side of access control device 200. In other words, if the detection data indicating that at least one user 300, 300a, 300b exists on the entry side 212 has been generated before the generation of another detection data, then the other detection data can be used to restrict the access of users 300, 300a, 300b from the exit side 214 to the exit side 214, and vice versa. Figure 7An example of a priority ordering scenario is illustrated, where a first user 300a is approaching the access control device 200 from the entrance side 212, while a second user 300b is approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214. The control unit 220 first detects the presence of the first user 300a within at least one volume detection area 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b arranged on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, and generates detection data in response to detecting the presence of the first user 300a for controlling user access via the access control device 200. Subsequently, the control unit 220 detects the presence of the second user 300b within at least one of the volume detection areas 206c and 206d on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the 3D cameras 210c and 210d arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, and generates additional detection data in response to detecting the presence of the second user 300b for controlling the user's access via the access control device 200. The control unit 220 can control at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b, for example by opening at least one physical restriction device 204a, generating a visual alarm by at least one visual restriction device 204b, and / or generating an auditory alarm by at least one auditory restriction device to indicate permitted access, so as to allow a first user 310a to access the access control device 200 from the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200, while restricting a second user 310b to access the access control device 200, for example by generating a visual alarm by at least one visual restriction device 204b, and / or generating an auditory alarm by at least one auditory restriction device to indicate denied access. After the first user 310a has accessed the access control device 200, the control unit 220 can control at least one user restriction device 204a, 204b, for example by opening at least one physical restriction device 204a and generating a visual alarm by at least one visual restriction device 204b, and / or generating an auditory alarm by at least one auditory restriction device to indicate permitted access, thereby allowing the second user 310b to access the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 via the access control device 200.

[0047] Figure 8 A flowchart illustrating an example of a method for controlling the aforementioned access control device 200 is shown schematically.

[0048] In step 810, the control unit 220 defines at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206a-206d on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200 as described above, in front of the access control device 200. According to an example, the control unit 220 may also adjust at least one dimension of at least one of the at least two volume detection zones 206a-206d as described above.

[0049] In step 820, each of the one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d provides 3D depth data of the field of view of the 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d as described above. The field of view of the one or more 3D cameras 210 arranged on the entrance side 212 covers at least two volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200. As described above, the one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b can be arranged on the poles 202a, 202b of the access control device 200 on the entrance side 212 of the access control device 200.

[0050] In step 830, the control unit 220 detects the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one of at least two volume detection zones 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212, based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b arranged on the entrance side 212 as described above. Using at least two 3D cameras 210a, 210b together with at least two consecutive volume detection zones 206a, 206b on the same side of the access control device 200 to detect the user 300 also enables the detection of users located behind those closer to the at least two 3D cameras 210a, 210b, which allows tailgating to be avoided, also as described above.

[0051] In step 840, as described above, in response to the detection of the presence of at least one user 300 based on 3D depth data in step 830, the control unit 220 generates detection data for controlling the user's access via the access control device 200.

[0052] As described above, the access control device 200 may further include one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on a second side 214 of the access control device 200, i.e., the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. This enables the detection of at least one user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 of the access control device 200. If the access control device 200 further includes one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200, then in step 810, the control unit 220 may further define at least two consecutive volume detection areas 206c, 206d on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 in front of the access control device 200. The field of view of one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214 covers at least two volume detection areas 206c, 206d on the exit side 214, similar to that described above with reference to one or more 3D cameras 210a, 210b and at least two volume detection areas 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212. In step 830, the control unit 220 may further detect the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one volume detection area 206c, 206d on the exit side 214 based on 3D depth data obtained in step 820 from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214. In step 840, in response to detecting the presence of at least one user 300 based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of the one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 214, the control unit 220 may further generate further detection data for controlling access of the user 300 via the access control device 200. In step 820, one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a, 210b arranged on the entrance side 212 and one or more 3D cameras 210c, 210d arranged on the exit side 212 can continuously provide 3D depth data. In step 830, the control unit 220 can detect (i.e., is capable of detecting) the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one volume detection area 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212, and the presence of at least one user 300 within at least one volume detection area 206c, 206d, simultaneously or not simultaneously located on the exit side 214, depending on whether at least one user is located within at least one volume detection area 206a, 206b on the entrance side 212 and / or at least one volume detection area 206c, 206d on the exit side 214. Similarly, the control unit 220 can be configured to generate detection data and another detection data simultaneously or at different times in step 840, depending on whether at least one user 300 is detected in at least one volume detection area 206a, 206b on the inlet side 212 and / or in at least one volume detection area 206c, 206d on the outlet side 214 in step 830.

[0053] As also described above, alternatively, the access control device 200 may also include at least one sensor device 610 arranged on the exit side 214 of the access control device 200 to provide sensor data. Figure 9 A flowchart illustrating another example of a method for controlling an access control device 200 is shown, the access control device 200 including at least one sensor device 610 arranged on an exit side 214 of the access control device 200. In step 910, the at least one sensor device provides sensor data. In step 920, the control unit 220 may detect at least one user 300 approaching the access control device 200 from the exit side 214 based on the sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor device 610. In step 830, in response to detecting that at least one user 300 is approaching the access control device 200 based on the sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor device 610, the control unit 220 may generate further detection data for controlling user access via the access control device 200. Steps 910-930 may be performed simultaneously or separately from one or more of steps 810-840.

[0054] Figure 10An example of the components of control unit 220 is schematically shown. Control unit 220 may include a processing unit 1010 including one or more processors, a storage unit 1020 including one or more memories, a communication interface unit 1030, and possibly a user interface (UI) unit 1010. The mentioned components may be communicatively connected to each other, for example, via an internal bus. Memory unit 1020 may store and maintain portions of computer program (code) 1025 and any other data, such as 3D depth data and / or user identification data. Computer program 1025 may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 1010 of control unit 220, cause processing unit 1010 and control unit 220 to perform desired tasks, such as operation of control unit 220 and / or at least some of the method steps described above. Therefore, processing unit 1010 may be configured to access memory unit 1020 and retrieve and store any information therein. For clarity, processor here refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of control unit 220 and other tasks. These operations may also be implemented using a microcontroller solution with embedded software. Similarly, memory unit 1020 is not limited to a specific type of memory, but any type of memory suitable for storing the described information fragments can be applied in the context of this invention. Communication interface unit 1030 provides an interface for communicating with any external unit, such as one or more 3D cameras 210, 210a-210d, at least one sensor device 610, at least one restriction device 204a, 204b, at least one user identification device 208, one or more databases, and / or any other external unit. Communication interface unit 1030 may include one or more communication devices for communicating with other units. One or more user interface units 1040 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices, such as buttons, keyboards, touchscreens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc., for receiving user input and output information. Computer program 1025 may be a computer program product, which may be contained in a tangible, non-volatile (non-transitory) computer-readable medium carrying embedded computer program code 1025 for use with a computer, i.e., control unit 220.

[0055] The specific examples provided in the description above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the list and groups of examples provided in the description above are not exhaustive.

Claims

1. An access control device (200), comprising: Two vertical bars (202a, 202b) form the passage of the access control device (200), and one or more three-dimensional (3D) cameras (210, 210a-210d) are arranged at least on the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200). Each of the one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a-210d) is configured to provide 3D depth data of the field of view of the 3D camera (210, 210a-210d), and The control unit (220) is configured to: At least two consecutive volume detection zones (206a-206d) are defined on at least the entrance side (212) in front of the access control device (200), wherein the field of view of one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) arranged on the entrance side (212) covers at least two volume detection zones (206a, 206b) on the entrance side (212). Based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of at least one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) arranged on the entrance side (212), the presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) within at least one volume detection area (206a, 206b) on the entrance side (212) is detected, and Detection data is generated in response to the detection of the presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) to control user access via the access control device (200). The one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) are arranged on at least one of the two vertical bars (202a, 202b) on at least the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200). The space occupied by the access control device (200) is the coverage area defined by the two vertical bars (202a, 202b).

2. The access control device (200) according to claim 1, comprising at least two 3D cameras (210a, 210b) arranged on the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200).

3. The access control device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims further includes one or more 3D cameras (210c, 210d) disposed on the exit side (214) of the access control device (200), wherein the control unit (220) is further configured to: At least two consecutive volume detection zones (206c, 206d) are defined in front of the access control device (200) on the exit side (214), wherein the field of view of one or more 3D cameras (210c, 210d) arranged on the exit side (214) covers the at least two volume detection zones (206c, 206d) on the exit side (214). Based on 3D depth data from at least one of one or more 3D cameras (210c, 210d) arranged on the exit side (214), the presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) within at least one volume detection area (206c, 206d) on the exit side (214) is detected, and In response to the detection of the presence of the at least one user (300, 300a, 300b), another detection data is generated for controlling the user's access via the access control device (200).

4. The access control device (200) according to claim 3, comprising at least two 3D cameras (210c, 210d) arranged on the exit side (214) of the access control device (200).

5. The access control device (200) according to claim 1 or 2 further includes at least one sensor device (610), said sensor device (610) being arranged on the exit side (214) of said access control device (200) to provide sensor data, wherein said control unit (220) is configured to: Based on sensor data obtained from the at least one sensor device (610), at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) is detected approaching the access control device (200) from the exit side (214), and In response to detecting that at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) is approaching the access control device (200), another detection data is generated for controlling the user's access via the access control device (200).

6. The access control device (200) according to claim 5, wherein the at least one sensor device (610) is an infrared camera.

7. The access control device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a-210d) include one or more time-of-flight (ToF) cameras, one or more stereo cameras and / or one or more structured light-based cameras.

8. The access control device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the control unit (220) is further configured to adjust at least one dimension of at least one of the at least two volume detection zones (206a-206d).

9. The access control device (200) according to claim 1, further comprising: At least one user-restricted device (204a, 204b), and At least one user identification device (208) is used to provide user identification data. The control unit (220) is further configured to control the at least one user restriction device (204a, 204b) to allow access via the access control device (200) when the identification data involves an identified user, and to control the at least one user restriction device (204a, 204b) to restrict access via the access control device (200) when the identification data involves an unidentified user.

10. The access control device (200) according to claim 1, wherein the 3D depth data represents at least one depth image and / or 3D point cloud data.

11. A method for controlling an access control device (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, the method comprising: The control unit (220) defines (810) at least two consecutive volume detection zones (206a-206d) in front of the access control device (200) at least on the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200), wherein the access control device (200) includes two vertical bars (202a, 202b) forming a passage of the access control device (200). (820) 3D depth data of the field of view of each 3D camera (210, 210a-210d) is provided by one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a-210d) arranged at least on the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200), wherein the field of view of one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) arranged on the entrance side (212) covers at least two volume detection areas (206a, 206b) at the entrance side (212). Based on 3D depth data obtained from at least one of one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) arranged on the entrance side (212), the control unit (220) detects (830) the presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b) within at least one volume detection area (206a, 206b) on the entrance side (212), wherein the one or more 3D cameras (210, 210a, 210b) are arranged on at least one of the two vertical bars (202a, 202b) on the entrance side (212) of the access control device (200), and wherein the space occupied by the access control device (200) can be reduced to the coverage area defined by the two vertical bars (202a, 202b), and In response to the detection of the presence of at least one user (300, 300a, 300b), the control unit (220) generates (840) detection data for controlling the user's access via the access control device (200).

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