Access control system and access control method
By projecting the access control channel on the floor, combining the reader support structure and camera device, and controlling user access using the control unit, the problem of large area and heavy structure in the prior art is solved, and higher space efficiency and economy are achieved.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202411201027.7
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Priority Date
- 2023-09-05
- Filing Date
- 2024-08-29
- Publication Date
- 2025-03-07
AI Technical Summary
The existing access control system has a large area, heavy structure, complex and expensive, making it difficult to improve space efficiency.
The access control channel is projected on the floor through the projector device, combined with the reader support structure and the camera device, and the user access is controlled by a control unit to realize access control.
Improves the space efficiency of the access control system, reduces the area occupied by the reader support structure, and makes the system lighter and more economical.
Smart Images
Figure CN119580383A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention generally relates to the technical field of access control. In particular, the present invention relates to an access control system. Background Art
[0002] In various user entry points (i.e., user access points), an access control system can be used to control the access of users through the user entry points. The access control system allows only authorized users to access through the user entry points. Typically, the access control system includes at least one access gate device, such as a turnstile, a security barrier or a security door, for providing access only to authorized users.
[0003] The access door device generally uses a light curtain type sensor to detect a user approaching the access door device. Only when the user has been authorized, the user can be granted access via the access door device. Figure 1 An example of a conventional access gate device 100 is shown. Figure 1 A top view of a conventional access door device 100 is shown. The conventional access door device 100 includes two parallel side walls, such as guide elements 102a, 102b, extending in a horizontal direction (i.e., a depth direction). Light curtain type sensors are arranged on the side walls 102a, 102b of the access door device 100 to generally form two or more detection zones on both sides of the access door device 100. The physical user restriction device 104 can divide the entry door device 100 into two sides, such as a first side (e.g., an entrance side 106a) and a second side (e.g., an exit side 106b). At least one disadvantage of conventional access door devices may be that the footprint (i.e., coverage area) of the access door device 100 is quite large, which results in each access door device requiring a considerable space. In addition, since the sensors and all technologies are integrated in the access door device, a heavy, complex and expensive structure is resulted.
[0004] Therefore, there is a need to further develop solutions to improve access control. Summary of the invention
[0005] A simplified overview is presented below to provide a basic understanding of some aspects of various invention embodiments. This overview is not an extensive overview of the present invention. It is neither intended to identify key or important elements of the present invention nor to describe the scope of the present invention. The following overview merely presents some concepts of the present invention in a simplified form as a preface to a more detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention.
[0006] The object of the present invention is to provide an access control system and an access control method. Another object of the present invention is to improve the space efficiency of the access control system by using the access control system and the access control method.
[0007] The objects of the invention are achieved by an access control system and an access control method as defined by the respective independent claims.
[0008] According to a first aspect, an access control system is provided, wherein the access control system comprises: a projector device configured to project at least two access control channels on a floor, wherein each access control channel comprises an entrance area and an exit area; a reader support structure for each access control channel, wherein each reader support structure comprises a reader device arrangement configured to provide user authorization data; a camera device configured to provide detection data from the at least two access control channels; and a control unit configured to control user access along the two access control channels, wherein controlling user access along each access control channel comprises the control unit being configured to: detect a user within the entrance area of the access control channel based on the detection data provided by the camera device, and control the projector device based on user authorization data associated with the detected user provided by the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel and / or the detection data provided by the camera device.
[0009] Controlling the projector device may include a control unit configured to: if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an authorized user, control the projector device to project an access permission guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel; if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an unauthorized user, control the projector device to project an access denial guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel; or if it is further detected based on the detection data provided by the camera device that the detected user enters the exit area of the access control channel, and the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel does not provide the user authorization data, control the projector device to project an access denial guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel.
[0010] Alternatively or additionally, each reader support structure may further comprise a restriction device for restricting access to an exit area of the corresponding access control channel by unauthorised users, and wherein control of access along each access control channel may comprise the control unit being further configured to control the restriction device based on user authorization data relating to a detected user provided by the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel.
[0011] Controlling the restriction device may include a control unit configured to: if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an authorized user, control the restriction device to allow the detected user to enter the exit area of the access control channel; if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an unauthorized user, control the restriction device to restrict the detected user from entering the exit area of the access control channel; or if the user authorization data is not provided by the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel, control the restriction device to restrict the detected user from entering the exit area of the access control channel.
[0012] Alternatively or additionally, the access control system may further include a facial recognition camera device configured to provide facial recognition data for facial recognition-based identification of a detected user.
[0013] Alternatively or additionally, the camera device may be a 2D camera, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, or a stereo camera.
[0014] Alternatively or additionally, the reader device arrangement of each reader support structure may include: a quick response (QR) code reader device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device, a near field communication (NFC) reader device and / or an identification card (ID card) reader device.
[0015] According to a second aspect, an access control method is provided, wherein the access control method comprises: projecting at least two access control channels on a floor by a projector device, wherein each access control channel comprises an entrance area and an exit area, wherein a reader support structure is arranged for each access control channel, each reader support structure comprising a reader device arrangement for providing user authorization data; providing detection data from the at least two access control channels by a camera device; and controlling user access along the two access control channels by a control unit, wherein the controlling user access along each access control channel comprises: detecting a user within the entrance area of the access control channel based on the detection data provided by the camera device by the control unit; and controlling the projector device by the control unit based on user authorization data related to the detected user provided by the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel and / or the detection data provided by the camera device.
[0016] Controlling the projector device may include: if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an authorized user, the control unit controls the projector device to project an access permission guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel; if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an unauthorized user, the control unit controls the projector device to project an access rejection guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel; or, if it is further detected based on the detection data provided by the camera device that the detected user enters the exit area of the access control channel and the user access data is not provided by the reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel, the control unit controls the projector device to project the access rejection guide on the floor at the exit area of the access control channel.
[0017] Alternatively or additionally, controlling user access along each access controlled channel may further comprise controlling, by the control unit, a restriction device of the reader support structure based on user authorization data associated with a detected user provided by a reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access controlled channel.
[0018] The control restriction device may include: if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an authorized user, the control unit controls the restriction device to allow the detected user to enter the exit area of the access control channel; if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user is an unauthorized user, the control unit controls the restriction device to restrict the detected user from entering the exit area of the access control channel; or if the access reader device arrangement of the reader support structure of the access control channel does not provide the user authorization data, the control unit controls the restriction device to restrict the detected user from entering the exit area of the access control channel.
[0019] Alternatively or additionally, the method may further include providing, by the facial recognition camera device, facial recognition data for facial recognition-based identification of the detected user.
[0020] Alternatively or additionally, the camera device may be a 2D camera, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, or a stereo camera.
[0021] Alternatively or additionally, the reader device arrangement of each reader support structure may include: a quick response (QR) code reader device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device, a near field communication (NFC) reader device and / or an identification card (ID card) reader device.
[0022] Various exemplary and non-limiting embodiments of the invention, both as to constructions and methods of operation, together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific exemplary and non-limiting embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings.
[0023] The verbs "comprise" and "include" are used in this document as open limitations, neither excluding nor requiring the presence of unrecited features. The features recited in the dependent claims are mutually freely combinable unless expressly stated otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that the use of "a" or "an" throughout this document, i.e. the singular, does not exclude a plurality. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0024] Embodiments of the invention are illustrated by way of example and not limitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.
[0025] Figure 1 An example of a conventional access door device according to the prior art is schematically illustrated.
[0026] Figure 2 Examples of entities of an access control system are schematically shown.
[0027] Figure 3 An example of an access control system is schematically shown, where two access control channels are projected on the floor by a projector device.
[0028] Figure 4 Examples of entry and exit areas of two access controlled channels are schematically shown.
[0029] Figure 5 An example of a reader device arrangement of a reader support structure is schematically shown.
[0030] Figure 6 An example of an access control system is schematically shown, the access control system comprising a camera arrangement for generating user detection data from two access control channels projected on a floor by a projection arrangement.
[0031] Figures 7A-7E An example access control situation is schematically illustrated.
[0032] Figure 8 An example of a reader support structure including a restraining arrangement is schematically shown.
[0033] Fig. 9 A flow chart of an example of an access control method is schematically shown.
[0034] Fig.10 A flowchart schematically shows another example of an access control method.
[0035] Fig.11A flow chart schematically shows another example of an access control method.
[0036] Fig.12 An example of components of a control unit of an access control system is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0037] Figure 2 An example of an entity of an access control system 200 for controlling the access of a user through a user entry point is schematically shown. The entry point may be located in an environment where the access of a user from one area to another is restricted. Some non-limiting examples of such an environment may, for example, include an elevator environment (e.g., an elevator lobby), an airport, a train station, etc. The access control system 200 allows only authorized users to access through the user entry point. An authorized user is a user who is allowed to access through the user entry point. An unauthorized user is a user who is not allowed to access through the user entry point. A user may approach the user entry point from both sides, either from a first side of the user entry point (e.g., an entry side), or from a second side of the user entry point (e.g., an exit side). Although the first side of the user entry point is referred to as the entry side, and the second side of the user entry point is referred to as the exit side, throughout the application, either side of the user entry point may be used as the entry side, and the other side of the user entry point may be used as the exit side.
[0038] The access control system 200 includes a projector device 210, a camera device 220, and a control unit 230. The projector device 210 projects at least two access control passages 310a, 310b on a floor 320. Authorized users can access through a user entry point along at least two access control passages 310a, 310b from an entry side of the user entry point to an exit side of the user entry point. The access control passages 310a, 310b can be projected on the floor 320 as parallel lines, for example, to represent the access control passages 310a, 310b. Figure 3An example of an access control system 200 is schematically shown, in which two access control channels 310a, 31b are projected on a floor 320 by a projector device 210. However, the number of access control channels 310a, 310b is not limited to two, and more than two access control channels 310a, 310b may be projected on a floor 320 by a projector device 210. Each access control channel 310a, 310b includes a first area (e.g., an entrance area 410a, 410b) and a second area (e.g., an exit area 420a, 420b). The entrance area 410a, 410b of each access control channel 310a, 310b may be on the entrance side of a user entry point. The exit area 420a, 420b of each access control channel 310a, 310b may be on the exit side of a user entry point. Although the first area 410a, 410b is referred to as an entrance area and the second area 420a, 420b is referred to as an exit area, throughout the application, any one of these areas of the access control channel 310a, 310b can be used as the entrance area 410a, 410b, and another area of the access control channel 310a, 310b can be used as the exit area 420a, 420b. Figure 4 An example of an entrance area 410a, 410b and an exit area 420a, 420b of two access control channels 310a, 310b is schematically shown. Figure 4 310a, 310b. According to the example, each access control channel 310a, 310b may also include at least one other area. The at least one other area may, for example, include a central area between the entrance area 410a, 410b and the exit area 420a, 420b. The projector device 210 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 230. The communication between the projector device 210 and the control unit 230 may be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.
[0039] The access control system 200 also includes a reader support structure 330a, 330b for each access control channel 310a, 310b. The projected access control channels 310a, 310n and the corresponding reader support structures 330a, 330b can be considered to form an access door together, wherein the reader support structures 330a, 330b are the only physical structures of the access door. Figure 3 and Figure 4In the example of , the access control system 200 includes a reader support structure 330a for the access control channel 310a and a reader support structure 330b for the access control channel 310b. Each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged near the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b. Preferably, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged near the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b so that the reader support structure 330a, 330b does not substantially interfere with the access control channel 310a, 310b. For example, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged on one side of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b, such as Figure 3 and Figure 4 According to an example, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged between the entrance area 410a, 410b and the exit area 420a, 420b of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b, as shown in FIG. Figure 3 and Figure 4 As shown in the example. According to another example, if the access control channel 310a, 310b includes a central area between the entrance area 410a, 410b and the exit area 420a, 420b, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged at the central area of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b, for example, on one side of the corresponding central area. According to yet another example, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged at the entrance area 410a, 410b of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b or before the entrance area 410a, 410b of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b. Alternatively, each reader support structure 330a, 330b can be arranged at any other position near the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b. The reader support structures 330a, 330b are preferably lightweight structures that do not interfere with the projection generated by the projector device 210 and the field of view of the camera device 220. This allows the footprint (i.e., coverage area) of each reader support structure 330a, 330b (i.e., the only physical structure of the access door) to be relatively small, which in turn allows each reader support structure 330a, 330b to require relatively little space, thereby improving the space efficiency of the access control system 200. According to an example, the reader support structures 330a, 330b can be implemented as Figure 3The reader support structures 330a, 330b may be arranged, for example, on the floor 320. For example, the reader support structures 330a, 330b may be fixedly mounted on the floor 320, or the reader support structures 330a, 330b may be movably arranged on the floor 320. Alternatively, the reader support structures 330a, 330b may be arranged to be suspended from the ceiling.
[0040] Each reader support structure 330a, 330b includes a reader device arrangement 240 configured to provide user authorization data. Each reader support structure 330a, 330b forwards the provided user authorization data to the control unit 230. The authorization data is used for the user authorization process. During the user authorization process, the control unit 230 defines whether the user associated with the provided user authorization data is allowed to access through the user entry point. During the user authorization process, the control unit 230 can compare the provided user authorization data with, for example, pre-stored access control related data to define whether the provided user authorization data is related to an authorized user (i.e., a user allowed to access through the user entry point) or an unauthorized user (i.e., a user not allowed to access through the user entry point). The reader device arrangement 510 of each reader support structure 330a, 330b can, for example, include a quick response (QR) code reader device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device, a near field communication (NFC) reader device, and / or an identification card (ID card) reader device. Figure 5 A simple example of a reader device arrangement 240 of a reader support structure 330a, 330b is schematically shown. Figure 5 In the example reader device arrangement 240 of FIG. 1 , each reader device (i.e., QR code reader, NFC reader, ID card reader, and RFID reader) of the reader device arrangement 240 is shown with a specific symbol. Each reader device arrangement 240 may be communicatively coupled to the control unit 230. The communication between each reader device arrangement 240 and the control unit 230 may be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.
[0041] The camera device 220 provides detection data from at least two access control channels 310a, 310b. The detection data provided by the camera device 220 can be used to detect users within the at least two access control channels 310a, 310b, as will be described later in this application. The camera device 220 forwards the provided detection data to the control unit 230. Figure 6Schematically shown is an example of an access control system 200 comprising a camera device 220 for providing user detection data from two access control channels 310a, 310b projected onto a floor 320 by a projector device 210. The field of view of the camera device 220 is Figure 6 . The camera device 220 may be a 2D camera or a 3D camera. The detection data provided by the 2D camera may be 2D image data. The 2D image data may include at least one 2D image or at least one 2D video image. The detection data provided by the 3D camera may be 3D depth data. The 3D depth data may include at least one depth image and / or 3D point cloud data. The 3D camera may be, for example, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera or a stereo camera. The camera device 220 is communicatively coupled to the control unit 230. The communication between the camera device 220 and the control unit 230 may be based on any known communication technology, wired or wireless.
[0042] The projector device 210 and the camera device 220 may be arranged to the ceiling, for example, suspended from the ceiling. For the sake of clarity, the ceiling is not shown. Figure 3 and Figure 5 . The projector device 210 can be arranged to the ceiling so that it can project at least two access control channels 310a, 310b on the floor 320. The camera device 220 can be arranged to the ceiling so that it can generate detection data from at least two access control channels 310a, 310b. This allows detection data from multiple access control channels 310a, 310b to be generated by one camera device 220. This also improves the space efficiency of the access control system 200. Since only the reader arrangement 240 (not the camera device 220 and the projector device 210) is integrated into each reader support structure 330a, 330b, it results in a simple and lightweight structure.
[0043] The control unit 230 controls the access of the user through the user entry point along the two access control channels 310a, 310b projected by the projector device 210. Next, the control of the access of the user 710 through the user entry point along one access control channel 310a by the control unit 230 is described. However, the control of the access along the other access control channels 310a, 310b can be similarly performed by the control unit 230. The implementation of the control unit 230 can be implemented as an independent control entity or as a distributed control environment between multiple independent control entities that provide distributed control resources.
[0044] The control unit 230 detects the user 710 within the entrance area 410 a of the access control passage 310 a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220 . Fig. 7AAn example access control situation is schematically illustrated, wherein a user is detected within entrance area 410a.
[0045] In response to detecting a user 710 within the entrance area 410a of the access control channel 310a, the control unit 230 controls the projector device 210 based on user authorization data related to the detected user 710 provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a and / or detection data provided by the camera device 220. In response to a user interaction with the detected user 710, the user authorization data may be provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel. For example, the user interaction may include the user 710 presenting a credential to the reader device arrangement 240. The credential may, for example, include a QR code-based credential, an RFID-based credential, an NFC-based credential, and / or an ID card-based credential.
[0046] If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an authorized user, the control unit 230 may control the projector device 210 to project an access permission guide 720 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. Figure 7B An example access control situation is schematically shown, in which an access permission guide 720 is projected on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. The access permission guide 720 indicates that the user 710 is permitted to access, that is, the user 710 is allowed to access through the user entry point along the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. The access permission guide 720 may, for example, include text indicating permitted access, a pattern indicating permitted access, and / or a color indicating permitted access. For example, the permitted guidance may include the text "Access Permitted", such as Figure 7B As shown in the example of . Alternatively or additionally, the exit area 420a can be projected on the floor 320 with a specific color (e.g., green) to indicate authorized access. According to an example, if the access control system 200 is implemented in an elevator environment and an elevator car is assigned to the detected user 710 (e.g., based on user authorization data), the access permission guidance 720 may include elevator car assignment information. For example, the user authorization data may include an indication of a destination floor predetermined for the user to which the user authorization data relates. Figure 7C An example access control situation is schematically illustrated, in which the access permission guidance 720 includes elevator car assignment information. The elevator car assignment information may, for example, include an identifier of the assigned elevator car, guidance to the assigned elevator car (e.g., an arrow pointing to the assigned elevator car), and / or a destination floor. Figure 7CIn the example of , the elevator car assignment information included in the access permission guide 720 includes an identifier of the assigned elevator car (ie, elevator car "C"), a destination floor (ie, floor 7), and an arrow pointing to the assigned elevator car.
[0047] Alternatively, if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an unauthorized user, the control unit 230 controls the projector device 210 (e.g., by generating at least one control signal) to project an access denial guide 730 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a. Fig.7D An example access control situation is schematically shown, in which an access denied guide 730 is projected on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. The access denied guide 730 indicates that the access of the user 710 is denied, that is, the user 710 is not allowed to access through the user entry point along the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. The access denied guide 730 may, for example, include text indicating access denied, a pattern indicating access denied, and / or a color indicating access denied. For example, the access denied guide 730 may include the text "Access Denied", such as Fig.7D Alternatively or additionally, the exit area 420a may be projected on the floor 320 with a specific color (eg, red) to indicate denied access.
[0048] Alternatively, if it is further detected that the user 710 enters the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220, and the user authorization data is not provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a, the control unit 230 controls the projector device 210 to project an access denial guide 730 onto the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a.
[0049] According to an example, the control unit 230 may control the projector device 210 to project the additional guide information 740 on the floor 320 at the entrance area 410a and / or the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. Fig. 7E An exemplary access control situation is schematically shown, in which additional guide information 740 is projected on the floor 320 at the entrance areas 410a, 410a of the access control channels 310a, 310b. The additional guide information 740 projected at the entrance area 410a may, for example, include text indicating the entrance information, a pattern indicating the entrance information, and / or a color indicating the entrance information. For example, the additional guide information 740 may include an arrow indicating the direction of entry, such as Fig. 7EAs shown in the example of . The additional guide information may be projected after the user 710 is detected in the entrance area 410a of the access control channel 310a. Alternatively or additionally, the additional guide information may be projected before the user 710 is detected in the entrance area 410a of the access control channel 310a. According to the example, the projection of the additional guide information by the projector device 210 on the floor 320 at the entrance areas 410a, 410a of the access control channels 310a, 310b may be dynamically controlled by the control unit 230. The dynamic control projection of the additional guide information may preferably be projected before the user is detected in the entrance areas 410a, 410b. The dynamic control of the projection of the additional guide information may be based on, for example, overall traffic data near the user's entry point. The dynamic control of the projection of the additional guide information on the floor 320 at the entrance areas 410a, 410a of the access control channels 310a, 310b enables the user to be dynamically guided to the access control channels 310a, 310b based on the overall traffic.
[0050] According to another example, if the access control passage 310a further includes at least one other area, such as a central area, the control unit 230 may further control the projector device 210 to project the guide information on the floor 320 of at least the other area.
[0051] According to yet another example, if an unauthorized user 710 or a user 710 who has not provided user authorization data is detected to enter the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220, in addition to controlling the projector device 210 to project the access denial guide 730 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a, the control unit 230 may control the projector device 210 to further project a sign on the user 710 and / or on the floor 320 near the user 710 (e.g., around the user 710). When the user 710 moves within the operating range of the projector device 210 and the camera device 220, the control unit 230 may continue to control the projector device 210 to project the sign on the user 710 and / or on the floor 320 near the user 710. The projected sign may be used to mark the user 710 who is not allowed to access through the user entry point but has entered the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a. This makes it easier to stop such a user. The projection sign may, for example, include a specific pattern and / or a specific color. For example, the projection sign may be a large red dot projected on the user 710 and / or on the floor 320 around the user 710.
[0052] Each reader support structure 330a, 330b may also include a restriction device 810a, 810b for restricting unauthorized users from entering the exit area 420a, 420b of the corresponding access control channel 310a, 310b. The restriction device 810a, 810b may, for example, include a door panel, a barrier, or any other physical user restriction device. The restriction device 810a, 810b provides a physical restriction to restrict unauthorized users from entering the exit area 420a. When the reader support structure 330a, 330b includes the restriction device 810a, 810b, the restriction device 810a, 810b may divide the access control channel 310a, 310b into the entrance area 410a, 410b and the exit area 420a, 420b. When the reader support structures 330a, 330b include the limiting devices 810a, 810b, the reader support structures 330a, 330b may be arranged between the entrance areas 410a, 410b and the exit areas 420a, 420b of the corresponding access control channels 310a, 310b. According to one example, if the access control channels 310a, 310b include a central area between the entrance areas 410a, 410b and the exit areas 420a, 420b, each reader support structure 330a, 330b including the limiting devices 810a, 810b may be arranged at the central area of the corresponding access control channels 310a, 310b, for example, on one side of the corresponding central area. Figure 8 An example of a reader support structure 330a, 330b comprising a restraining device 810a, 810b is schematically shown.
[0053] Control of user access through the user entry point along each access control channel 310a, 310b may include: The control unit 230 may also control the restriction device 810a, 810b (e.g., by generating at least one control signal) based on user authorization data associated with the detected user 710 provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a, 330b of the access control channel 310a, 310b. The control of the restriction device 810a of the reader support structure 330a of one access control channel 310a by the control unit 230 is described below. However, the control of the restriction device 810a, 810b of the reader support structure 330a, 330b of other access control channels 310a, 310b may be similarly performed by the control unit 230.
[0054] If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an authorized user, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810a to allow the detected user 710 to enter the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a. The restriction device 810a may be initially closed, i.e., the restriction device 810a remains closed, while the restriction device 810a opens to allow entry to the exit area 420a. Alternatively, the restriction device 810a may be initially open, i.e., the restriction device 810a remains open while the restriction device 810a is closed to restrict entry to the exit area 420a. If the restriction device 810a is initially closed, the control unit 230's control of the restriction device 810a to allow the detected user to enter the exit area 420a may include opening the restriction device 810a. If the restriction device 810a is initially open, the control unit 230's control of the restriction device 810a to allow the detected user to enter the exit area 420a may include keeping the restriction device 810a open.
[0055] Alternatively, if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an unauthorized user, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a. If the restriction device 810a is initially closed, the control unit 230's control of the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a may include keeping the restriction device 810a closed. If the restriction device 810a is initially open, the control unit 230's control of the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a may include closing the restriction device 810a.
[0056] Alternatively, if the user authorization data is not provided by the access reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a. If the restriction device 810a is initially closed, the control of the restriction device 810a by the control unit 230 to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a may include keeping the restriction device 810a closed. If the restriction device 810a is initially open, the control of the restriction device 810a by the control unit 230 to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a may include closing the restriction device 810a.
[0057] According to an example, the access control unit 200 may further include a facial recognition camera device 250 configured to provide facial recognition data for facial recognition-based identification of the detected user 710. The facial recognition camera device 250 may be arranged, for example, to the ceiling, for example, suspended from the ceiling. The facial recognition camera device 250 may be arranged to the ceiling so that it generates facial recognition data from at least two access control channels 310a, 310b.
[0058] Fig. 9 The flowchart schematically shows an example of an access control method executed by the access control system 200 described above.
[0059] At step 910, the projector device 210 projects at least two access control channels 310a, 310n on the floor 320. As described above, each access control channel 310a, 310b projected by the projector device 210 includes at least an entrance area 410a, 410b and an exit area 420a, 420b, and a reader support structure 330a, 330b is arranged for each access control channel 310a, 310b.
[0060] At step 920 , the camera device 220 provides detection data from the projected at least two access control channels 310 a , 310 b .
[0061] As described above, the control unit 230 controls the access of the user through the user entry point along the two access control channels 310a, 310b projected by the projector device 210. Next, the steps of controlling the access of the user 710 through the user entry point along one access control channel 310a by the control unit 230 are described. However, the steps of controlling the access along the other access control channels 310a, 310b can be similarly performed by the control unit 230.
[0062] At step 930 , the control unit 230 detects the user 710 within the entrance area 410 a of the access control passage 310 a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220 , as described above.
[0063] At step 940, the control unit 230 controls the projector device 210 based on user authorization data associated with the detected user 710 provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a and / or detection data provided by the camera device 220 as described above.
[0064] In optional step 950, if the reader support structure 330a also includes a restriction device 810a for restricting unauthorized users from entering the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a, the control unit 230 can also control the restriction device 810a based on user authorization data related to the detected user 710 provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a.
[0065] Fig.10 In more detail, the Fig. 9 Step 940 of the flowchart is to control the projector device 210.
[0066] At step 1010 , the control unit 230 may check whether user authorization data is provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a .
[0067] If user authorization data is provided, then the control unit 230 may next define at step 1020 whether the provided user authorization data indicates whether the detected user 710 is an authorized user or an unauthorized user.
[0068] At step 1030, if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is as described above Figure 7B If the authorized user in question is a user of the type discussed above, the control unit 230 may control the projector device 210 to project an access permission guide 720 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a.
[0069] At step 1040, if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an unauthorized user, as described above with reference to Fig.7D As discussed, the control unit 230 may control the projector device 210 to project the access denial guide 730 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a.
[0070] If user authorization data is not provided and the control unit 230 further detects at step 1050 that the user 710 has entered the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220, the control unit 230 can control the projector device 210 at step 1040 to project the access denial guide 730 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a, as described above.
[0071] Fig.11 In more detail, the Fig. 9 Step 950 of the flowchart of , namely, control of the limiting device 810a.
[0072] As described above, at step 1010 the control unit 230 checks whether user authorization data is provided by the reader device arrangement 240 of the reader support structure 330a of the access control channel 310a.
[0073] If user authorization data is provided, then the control unit 230 next defines at step 1020 whether the provided user authorization data indicates whether the detected user 710 is an authorized user or an unauthorized user.
[0074] At step 1110 , if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an authorized user as described above, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810 a to allow the detected user 710 to enter the exit area 420 a of the access control passage 310 a .
[0075] At step 1120, if the user authorization data indicates that the detected user 710 is an unauthorized user as discussed above, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a.
[0076] If the user authorization data is not provided, the control unit 230 may control the restriction device 810a to restrict the detected user 710 from entering the exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a at step 1120, as described above.
[0077] According to an example, the access control method may further include providing facial recognition data by the facial recognition camera device 250 for facial recognition-based identification of the detected user 710 .
[0078] According to another example, the access control method may alternatively or additionally include controlling the projector device 210 by the control unit 230 to project additional guide information 740 on the floor 320 at the entrance area 410a and / or exit area 420a of the access control passage 310a, as described above.
[0079] According to another example, if the access control channel 310a also includes at least one other area (e.g., a central area), the access control method may alternatively or additionally include controlling the projector device 210 by the control unit 230 to project guide information on the floor 320 at least in the other area.
[0080] According to another example, if an unauthorized user 710 or a user 710 who has not provided user authorization data is detected to enter the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a based on the detection data provided by the camera device 220, then in addition to controlling the projector device 210 to project an access denial guide 730 on the floor 320 at the exit area 420a of the access control channel 310a, the access control method may alternatively or additionally include controlling the projector device 210 by the control unit 230 to further project a sign on the user 710 and / or on the floor 320 near the user 710 (e.g., around the user 710), as described above.
[0081] Fig.12An example of components of a control unit 230 is schematically shown. The control unit 230 may include a processing unit 1210 including one or more processors, a memory unit 1220 including one or more memories, a communication interface unit 1230, and possibly a user interface (UI) unit 1240. The mentioned elements may be communicatively coupled to each other using, for example, an internal bus. The memory unit 1220 may store and maintain parts of a computer program (code) 1225 and any other data, such as user authorization data, detection data, and / or facial recognition data. The computer program 1225 may include instructions that, when executed by the processing unit 1210 of the control unit 230, may cause the processing unit 1210 and, therefore, the control unit 230 to perform a desired task, such as the operation of the control unit 230 and / or at least some of the above-mentioned method steps. Therefore, the processing unit 1210 may be arranged to access the memory unit 1220 and retrieve and store any information from and to the memory unit 1220. For the sake of clarity, the processor herein refers to any unit suitable for processing information and controlling the operation of the control unit 230 and other tasks. It is also possible to use a microcontroller solution with embedded software to implement the operation. Similarly, the memory unit 1220 is not limited to a certain type of memory, but any memory type suitable for storing the described multiple pieces of information can be applied in the context of the present invention. The communication interface unit 1230 provides an interface for communicating with any external unit (e.g., a projector device 210, a camera device 220, a reader device arrangement 240, a facial recognition camera device 250, one or more databases and / or any other external unit). The communication interface unit 1230 may include one or more communication devices for communicating with other units. One or more user interface units 1240 may include one or more input / output (I / O) devices for receiving user input and output information, such as buttons, keyboards, touch screens, microphones, speakers, displays, etc. The computer program 1225 may be a computer program product that may be included in a tangible non-volatile (non-transitory) computer readable medium carrying computer program code 1225 embodied therein for use with a computer (ie, the control unit 230 ).
[0082] The specific examples provided in the description given above should not be construed as limiting the applicability and / or interpretation of the appended claims.The lists and groups of examples provided in the description given above are not exhaustive unless expressly stated otherwise.
Claims
1. An access control system (200), comprising: A projector device (210) configured to project at least two access control channels (310a, 310b) on a floor (320), wherein each access control channel (310a, 310b) includes an entrance area (410a, 410b) and an exit area (420a, 420b); a reader support structure (330a, 330b) for each access control channel (310a, 310b), wherein each reader support structure includes a reader device arrangement (240) configured to provide user authorization data; a camera device (220) configured to provide detection data from the at least two access control channels (310a, 310b); as well as A control unit (230), the control unit (230) being configured to control user access along the two access control channels (310a, 310b), wherein controlling user access along each access control channel (310a, 310b) comprises the control unit (230) being configured to: detecting a user (710) within an entrance area (410a, 410b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) based on detection data provided by the camera device (220), and The projector device (210) is controlled based on user authorization data related to a detected user (710) provided by a reader device arrangement (240) of a reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) and / or detection data provided by the camera device (220).
2. The access control system (200) according to claim 1, wherein: Controlling the projector device (210) includes the control unit (230) being configured to: If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an authorized user, controlling the projector device (210) to project an access permission guide (720) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control passage (310a, 310b); If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an unauthorized user, controlling the projector device (210) to project an access denial guide (730) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control passage (310a, 310b); or If it is further detected based on the detection data provided by the camera device (220) that the detected user (710) enters the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) and the user authorization data is not provided by the reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b), the projector device (210) is controlled to project the access denial guide (730) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
3. An access control system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: Each reader support structure (330a, 330b) further comprises a restriction device (810a, 810b) for restricting access of unauthorized users to an exit area (420a, 420b) of the corresponding access control channel (310a, 310b), and wherein control of access along each access control channel (310a, 310b) comprises the control unit (230) being further configured to control the restriction device (810a, 810b) based on user authorization data associated with the detected user (710) provided by a reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
4. The access control system (200) according to claim 3, wherein: Controlling the restriction device (810a, 810b) includes the control unit (230) being configured to: If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an authorized user, controlling the restriction device (810a, 810b) to allow the detected user (710) access into the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b); If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an unauthorized user, controlling the restriction device (810a, 810b) to restrict access of the detected user (710) to an exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b); or If the reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) does not provide the user authorization data, the restriction device (810a, 810b) is controlled to restrict access of the detected user (710) to the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
5. The access control system (200) of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a facial recognition camera device (250) configured to provide facial recognition data for facial recognition-based identification of a detected user (710).
6. An access control system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The camera device (220) is a 2D camera, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, or a stereo camera.
7. An access control system (200) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The reader device arrangement (240) of each reader support structure (330a, 330b) includes: a quick response (QR) code reader device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device, a near field communication (NFC) reader device and / or an identification card (ID card) reader device.
8. An access control method, comprising: projecting (910) at least two access control channels (310a, 310b) on a floor (320) by a projector device (210), wherein each access control channel (310a, 310b) comprises an entrance area (410a, 410b) and an exit area (420a, 420b), wherein a reader support structure (330a, 330b) is arranged for each access control channel (310a, 310b), each reader support structure (330a, 330n) comprising a reader device arrangement (240) for providing user authorization data; Providing (920) detection data from the at least two access control channels (310a, 310b) by a camera device (220); as well as The control unit (230) controls the access of the user along the two access control channels (310a, 310b), wherein the control of the access of the user along each access control channel (310a, 310b) comprises: Detecting (930) a user (710) within an entrance area (410a, 410b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) based on detection data provided by the camera device (220) by the control unit (230); as well as The projector device (210) is controlled (940) by the control unit (230) based on user authorization data related to a detected user (710) provided by a reader device arrangement (240) of a reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) and / or detection data provided by the camera device (220).
9. The method according to claim 8, wherein: Controlling (940) the projector device (210) comprises: If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an authorized user, the control unit (230) controls (1030) the projector device (210) to project an access permission guide (720) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control passage (310a, 310b); If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an unauthorized user, the control unit (230) controls (1040) the projector device (210) to project an access denial guide (730) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control passage (310a, 310b); or If it is further detected based on the detection data provided by the camera device (220) that the detected user (710) enters the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) and the user access data is not provided by the reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b), the control unit (230) controls (1040) the projector device (210) to project the access denial guide (730) on the floor (320) at the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
10. The method according to any one of claims 8 or 9, wherein: Controlling user access along each access control channel (310a, 310b) also includes: the control unit (230) controlling (950) a restriction device (810a, 810b) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) based on user authorization data related to a detected user (710) provided by a reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
11. The method according to claim 10, wherein: Controlling (950) the restriction device (810a, 810b) comprises: If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an authorized user, the control unit (230) controls (1110) the restriction device (810a, 810b) to allow the detected user (710) to enter the access in the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b); If the user authorization data indicates that the detected user (710) is an unauthorized user, the control unit (230) controls (1120) the restriction device (810a, 810b) to restrict access of the detected user (710) to an exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b); or If the access reader device arrangement (240) of the reader support structure (330a, 330b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b) does not provide the user authorization data, the restriction device (810a, 810b) is controlled (1120) by the control unit (230) to restrict access of the detected user (710) to the exit area (420a, 420b) of the access control channel (310a, 310b).
12. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 11, further comprising providing facial recognition data by a facial recognition camera device (250) for facial recognition-based identification (710) of a detected user.
13. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein: The camera device (220) is a 2D camera, a time-of-flight (ToF) camera, or a stereo camera.
14. The method according to any one of claims 8 to 13, wherein: The reader device arrangement (240) of each reader support structure (330a, 330b) includes: a quick response (QR) code reader device, a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader device, a near field communication (NFC) reader device and / or an identification card (ID card) reader device.