Radio frequency identification access control system with photographic sensor and low power wireless network

Abstract

The present invention is a low power alternative sensing device that can replace old radio frequency identification access control systems. The present invention includes an omni-directional Bluetooth low energy technology radio frequency antenna, a uni-directional Bluetooth low energy technology radio frequency antenna, and a forward facing LiDAR sensor. The present invention can support old wireless radio frequency identification technology, newer wireless radio frequency identification technology, other mobile identification systems, and old low voltage access control systems. Preferred embodiments of the present invention further include an optical camera and a radar. In a preferred embodiment, the sensing device of the present invention can use common old power lines and can use WiFi signals for high speed data transfer. The present invention teaches a method that combines different sensors and radio antennas to solve the unpredictable state of a mobile phone's Bluetooth low energy transmission feature to accurately determine whether a person is attempting to seek access authorization to a door or a computer based solely on the physical action of a person approaching a door or a computer.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) technology, RFID access control systems, and Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) sensors, particularly a low-power alternative to legacy RFID access control systems. The invention includes: an omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio antenna, a unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) radio antenna, and a forward-facing LiDAR sensor. This invention can support legacy RFID technologies, newer RFID technologies, other mobile identification systems, and legacy low-voltage access control systems. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes: an optical camera and a radar. Background Technology

[0002] Radio frequency identification (RFID) access control systems that determine a person's identity from information from optical sensors may require high power. To identify a person, a processor must process many images per second and use computer vision models on those images. The Internet of Things (IoT) must use low-power management systems to ensure the system operates at or below the industry standard of 12 volts, and well below 250 mA. Most devices using cameras may be battery-powered or may require additional Ethernet wiring. Most organizations will deploy RFID access control systems, which may have a proprietary wiring system or use other wiring systems. In both cases, the voltage is 12 volts or 24 volts, and the maximum current is 250 mA. Most RFID access control systems use between 70 mA and 200 mA. This current margin allows for the addition of other features, such as LiDAR or optical cameras. Summary of the Invention

[0003] One object of this invention is to provide a low-power radio frequency identification access control mechanism that can determine the identity of a person wishing to pass. In addition to using physical credentials such as mobile phones, cards, or keychains, this invention also uses optical and stereoscopic computer vision to determine identity and verify access eligibility.

[0004] Another object of this invention is to provide a radio frequency identification (RFID) device with relatively high energy efficiency and reduced energy loss over long-term use. RFID access control systems generate an induced magnetic field used to excite and / or couple another RFID device for communication. When an RFID device actively searches for an RFID credential, the magnetic field pulses continuously turn on and off, thus wasting energy. This inefficiency poses problems for battery-powered devices or other devices without a surplus power supply. Other devices attempt to activate the RFID magnetic field using inductive or capacitive wake-up when a card or object is placed nearby. However, these methods have various implementation problems, particularly compatibility issues with near-field communication devices, or the potential for harmful environmental impacts.

[0005] This invention combines Bluetooth Low Energy technology and LiDAR technology, operating at very low energy levels to receive input related to the presence of a person or mobile device. Advantageously, this invention uses low-energy LiDAR technology to periodically generate pulses to detect whether an object has moved within a predetermined distance of the detection device, which can detect distances exceeding eight meters. The minute fluctuations of photons require only a small amount of energy. Due to the long detection range, the pulse frequency can even be less than once per second. When an object is detected within range, the device's computer vision system increases sampling to determine direction. When a person moves toward the sensing device and is within a predetermined distance, such as 3 feet, the radio frequency identification magnetic field is fully activated until the person is no longer visible. If the power output of this invention is less than that required to operate the computer vision processing system, this invention can reduce the power of the optical camera and transfer the computer vision images to an external system, such as a cloud host computer, for processing.

[0006] Another object of this invention is to provide a radio frequency identification (RFID) device whose installation does not require replacing existing wiring. Because it does not rely on optical devices or brain-computer interfaces for continuous operation, this invention can maintain low-power operation. Therefore, it can utilize existing low-power wiring. Consequently, this invention allows more users to enjoy the benefits of advanced RFID technology without incurring the cost of replacing previously installed wiring. WiFi wireless communication can be used complementaryly for high-speed data transmission.

[0007] This invention is a low-power alternative sensing device that can replace older radio frequency identification (RFID) access control systems. The invention includes: an omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) RFID antenna, a unidirectional BLE RFID RFID antenna, and a forward-facing LiDAR sensor. This invention can support older RFID technologies, newer RFID technologies, other mobile identification systems, and older low-voltage access control systems. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes: an optical camera and a radar.

[0008] This invention operates at well below 12 / 250 mA while still maintaining existing functionality, optical services, and high-speed data communication services. The device of this invention can use legacy power lines, communication lines, and a WiFi 5.8GHz communication interface. By replacing legacy RFID access control systems and using legacy access control circuitry power supplies, installing this invention does not require replacing legacy wiring infrastructure. When using legacy power lines, this invention can further utilize the WiFi communication interface for high-speed data transmission. Attached Figure Description

[0009] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, in which there is a user behind the sensing device.

[0012] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, in which several users are in front of the sensing device.

[0013] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, in which several users are located behind the sensing device.

[0014] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, showing the orientation of a user in front of the sensing device.

[0015] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, which shows a user’s obvious specific gesture or action, such as waving a hand.

[0016] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, showing a low-power link between a legacy traffic control system and a sensing device.

[0017] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, showing a forward-facing light sensor measuring the approximate position or value of the head, shoulders, and height of an approaching person.

[0018] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention, showing a forward-facing light sensor identifying the facial features of an approaching person. Detailed Implementation

[0019] Those skilled in the art will understand that this invention has high practicality and a wide range of applications; any embodiment may include one or more of the previously disclosed concepts, and more likely one or more of the previously disclosed features; any embodiment is referred to as a preferred embodiment, and is considered one of the best modes of implementation among the many embodiments; other embodiments will also be discussed to provide a more complete and practicable disclosure. Many other embodiments may arise from adaptations, variations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions, which can all be considered included in the disclosed embodiments and are also included within the scope of this invention.

[0020] Numerous embodiments will be described in detail in this specification; however, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative and exemplary, intended only to provide a more complete and feasible disclosure, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention. The scope of the invention is determined by the following claims and their equivalents. No limitations are apparent in the claims themselves, nor should they be used to determine the scope of the invention.

[0021] Those skilled in this technology can understand the terms by observing their usage in the context of the instruction manual. If a skilled practitioner arrives at a term's meaning based on its usage in the instruction manual, and this meaning differs from the term's definition in a particular dictionary, then the meaning of the term should be based on the practitioner's understanding.

[0022] In this specification, unless the context otherwise requires, "a" or "an" generally means "at least one," but does not exclude "a plural." In this specification, if "or" is added to a series of items, it means "at least one" item in that series, but does not exclude "a plural" items in that series. If "and" is added to a series of items, it means "all" items in that series.

[0023] The embodiments of the present invention will be further explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals in the drawings and description represent the same or similar components. Many embodiments of the present invention have been disclosed in the description, but the scope of the present invention does not exclude various modifications, adaptations, and other embodiments. For example, components in the illustrations can be replaced, added, or modified; furthermore, the methods described in this specification can be modified by replacing existing steps, reordering existing steps, or adding new steps. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the following detailed description. The proper scope of the present invention will be defined according to the appended claims. This specification contains many headings; however, it should be understood that these headings are for reference only and should not be considered as limiting the scope of the content described under those headings. The illustrations used in this specification are only for illustrating certain embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0024] This invention includes many concepts and features. Although these concepts and features are described in the application examples disclosed in the specification of this invention, the embodiments of this invention are not limited to the contents of the specification.

[0025] In this invention, a "mobile phone" can be a mobile phone, an electronic identification card, or other device capable of transmitting authentication data to obtain authorization to enter buildings, resources, businesses, and other restricted locations. Furthermore, a "mobile wallet" is a software wallet stored on a mobile phone, containing one or more virtual authentication data or electronic identification cards.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 1 to 10 This invention is a low-power alternative sensing device that can replace older radio frequency identification (RFID) access control systems. The invention includes: an omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, a unidirectional BLE antenna, and a forward-facing LiDAR sensor. This invention can support older RFID technologies, newer RFID technologies, other mobile identification systems, and older low-voltage access control systems. A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes: an optical camera and a radar.

[0027] A preferred embodiment of the present invention includes: an omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, a unidirectional BLE antenna, a forward-facing LiDAR sensor, and an optical camera. The combination of these sensors allows the device of the present invention to accurately determine an individual's intent and authorize access control or the computer simply by observing their physical approach to a door or calculator.

[0028] An omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) RF antenna detects Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) RF transmissions generated by the mobile phone's wallet software, operating system, or other digital authentication data. The omnidirectional BLE RF antenna cannot determine the distance or direction of the mobile phone independently; for example, it cannot determine whether the mobile phone is in front of, behind, above, or below the sensing device, or the direction of its movement, such as from left to right or from right to left. The omnidirectional BLE RF antenna can only detect whether the mobile phone is in a close proximity, nearby, or distant location.

[0029] A unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna can determine whether a mobile phone is in front of the sensing device. By combining a unidirectional BLE antenna and an omnidirectional BLE antenna, the sensing device can determine whether the mobile phone is in a close, nearby, or distant location, and also whether the mobile phone is in front of the sensing device.

[0030] A forward-facing LiDAR sensor can accurately measure the distance and number of stationary and moving objects in front of the sensor. The sensor of this invention uses LiDAR with 64 measurement points within a 90-degree field of view. These 64 measurement points represent the LiDAR sensor's resolution. This is achieved by combining the sensor with a display... Figures 2 to 7 The sensing device of this invention, comprising a forward-facing light sensor, an omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and a unidirectional BLE antenna, is capable of determining, with centimeter accuracy, within a range of 4 meters: the distance to an object in front of the sensing device; the orientation of the object; the relative height and width of the object as a function of light resolution; and specific hand gestures, such as extending or waving a hand. Figure 7 As shown; the depth of a specific object's outline is limited by the object's resolution in part or all of the field of view. Please refer to... Figure 9 and Figure 10A forward-facing LiDAR sensor can determine a coarse 3D fingerprint of an approaching person. The person's mobile phone provides a LiDAR template of the phone owner to the sensing device. This template allows the sensing device to identify the owner of the mobile phone's identification data. Using the LiDAR template, the sensing device can determine a person's height, size, and facial features. When a person is within the sensing device's full field of view, the forward-facing LiDAR device, at a distance of approximately 8 meters, begins processing measurement data; as the person continues to approach, the sensing device continues tracking and measurement. In addition to detecting objects or people, the forward-facing LiDAR device can be used to depict a target's 3D features with millimeter-level accuracy; therefore, the identification of this specific mobile phone can improve the level of identification, reaching a level of full biometric authorization. Such a level of accuracy is sufficient to identify the owner of the relevant mobile phone and provides a strong second factor to support authorization and future re-authorization procedures. The resolution of the forward-facing LiDAR device supports hundreds of measurements on a single human body to develop the contours of that person's features. A significant advantage is that storing the LiDAR template in a mobile wallet or mobile phone eliminates the need to store or retain it on the sensing device. This combination also creates an opportunity for biometric verification. A preferred embodiment of the invention uses a slow-scanning, low-energy LiDAR device to generate periodic pulses to detect whether any object is moving within a planned distance of up to 8 meters from the sensing device, thereby determining whether to activate the radio frequency identification (RFI) magnetic field. In a preferred embodiment, the pulse frequency can be as low as once per second. When an object is detected within range, the device's computer vision system increases the sampling frequency to determine direction. When a person is moving towards the sensing device and has reached a distance less than the planned distance, such as 3 feet, the RFI magnetic field will be fully activated until the person is no longer present. If the energy input to the invention is less than the energy required to operate the computer vision processing system, the invention can reduce the power of the optical camera and transmit the computer vision images to an external system, such as a cloud host, for processing.

[0031] The aforementioned output logic combines detection from the omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, the unidirectional BLE antenna, and the forward-facing light sensor to determine if an authorized mobile phone is near the sensing device. If an authorized mobile phone is in front of the sensing device, and the user of that phone wants to pass through, the sensing device uses both the omnidirectional and unidirectional BLE antennas to determine if a nearby mobile phone is being authenticated. The forward-facing light sensor further determines that the authorized mobile phone belongs to a user who wants to pass through the sensing device, not someone who doesn't. An intruder could potentially gain access to the sensing device by obtaining authentication from other nearby users. The combination of these components controlled by the output logic allows the sensing device to prevent intruders from passing through.

[0032] A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes: an optical camera. The optical camera is activated at a correct distance to capture an image of a person approaching or leaving the access control system. The combination of the optical camera and the light-emitting device ensures that the sensing device records only useful images in which the person is fully visible. This combination also creates an opportunity for biometric verification. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the optical camera uses legacy wiring for power and utilizes WiFi for high-speed data transmission.

[0033] A preferred embodiment of the invention further includes a radar. The effective range of a LiDAR device is limited under varying lighting conditions. Ideally, reliable detection results can be achieved between 5 and 8 feet. Under direct sunlight or in shop lighting, the effective detection range of a LiDAR device is between 1 and 4 feet. Other contributing factors, including rain and fog, can affect the effective range for accurate and reliable detection. To compensate for this weakness of LiDAR devices, radar can reliably provide detection over longer distances. Unlike LiDAR devices, radar exhibits lower accuracy and performance at shorter distances, such as within a few feet. By combining LiDAR, radar, and a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna array, an optimal user experience can be provided. Radar can accurately detect people within 4 to 31 feet and determine the number of people within that distance. The LiDAR device can determine whether a person within 4 feet intends to enter the access control system. The BLE antenna array can determine whether a target mobile phone or device is indeed in front of the sensing device.

[0034] By eliminating the use of optical sensors or computer vision at all times, this invention maintains low-power operation; thus, it can operate using existing low-power circuitry. Therefore, this invention allows more users to utilize advanced radio frequency identification technology without the expense of replacing existing circuitry. (See also...) Figure 8 The sensing device of the present invention can use existing wiring systems to meet power requirements. Another embodiment of the invention uses a low-power Wiegand system.

[0035] A preferred embodiment of the present invention further includes a WiFi 5.8GHz communication interface. This WiFi communication interface is suitable for high-speed data transmission of the sensing device. Since low-power lines are not very conducive to data transmission, using WiFi for data transmission can overcome the problem of the present invention using existing power lines.

[0036] Another embodiment of the invention further includes a rechargeable power storage device capable of storing power during use. In this embodiment, the power stored in the power storage device can be used by the device during high-power operation, such as computer vision computation.

[0037] Another embodiment of the invention further includes: a Long Term Evolution (LTE) modem. This LTE modem can contribute to data transmission via a wireless communication network. In a preferred embodiment, in addition to WiFi or other data transmission means, the invention can also use the LTE modem for data transmission.

[0038] Another embodiment of the invention further includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) reader. In this preferred embodiment, the RFID reader is a 13.56MHz RFID reader capable of authenticating a mobile phone using RFID data.

[0039] The present invention has been described above with reference to embodiments. However, it should be understood that any modifications or variations made to these embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention are still included within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A sensing device comprising: A unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna; A forward-facing light source; and Output logic is used to indicate passage or control local access to a resource. The unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated is in front of the sensor device. The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect the number and distance of fixed or moving objects in front of the sensing device. The output logic combines the data detected by the unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna and the forward-facing LiDAR device to authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated.

2. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: An omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna, The omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect the distance to a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. The output logic further incorporates data detected by the omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna to authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated.

3. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A Long Term Evolution (LTE) modem.

4. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A 13.56MHz radio frequency identification reader.

5. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: An optical camera.

6. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A radar.

7. The sensing device according to claim 1, The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated.

8. The sensing device according to claim 7, Physical gestures or actions can be used to indicate whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated.

9. The sensing device according to claim 1, If more than one mobile phone or other unauthenticated digital data is detected, the forward-facing LiDAR device will not automatically authenticate a mobile phone or other unauthenticated digital data.

10. The sensing device according to claim 1, Before authenticating a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated, the forward-facing LiDAR device verifies the user's LiDAR template.

11. The sensing device according to claim 1, The sensing device draws power from an old-fashioned 12V or 24V access control circuit system; The sensing device requires a power supply of less than 12V 250mA to operate; The sensing device can be installed without replacing the existing wiring architecture.

12. The sensing device according to claim 1, further comprising: A WiFi 5.8GHz communication interface, which is used for high-speed data transmission.

13. A sensing device comprising: An omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna; A unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna; A forward-facing light source; and Output logic is used to indicate passage or control local access to a resource. The omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect the distance to a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. The unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated is in front of the sensor device. The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect the number and distance of fixed or moving objects in front of the sensing device. The output logic combines the data detected by the omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, the unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and the forward-facing LiDAR device to authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. The sensing device draws power from an old-fashioned 12V or 24V access control circuit system; The sensing device requires a power supply of less than 12V 250mA to operate; The sensing device can be installed without replacing the existing wiring architecture.

14. The sensing device of claim 13, further comprising: A Long Term Evolution (LTE) modem.

15. The sensing device of claim 13, further comprising: A 13.56MHz radio frequency identification reader.

16. The sensing device of claim 13, further comprising: An optical camera.

17. The sensing device of claim 13, further comprising: A radar.

18. The sensing device according to claim 13, The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated. Physical gestures or actions can be used to indicate whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated. If more than one mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated is detected, the forward-facing LiDAR device will not automatically authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. Before authenticating a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated, the forward-facing LiDAR device verifies the user's LiDAR template.

19. The sensing device of claim 10, further comprising: A WiFi 5.8GHz communication interface, which is used for high-speed data transmission.

20. A sensing device comprising: An omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna; A unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy RF antenna; A forward-facing light-emitting device; A Long Term Evolution (LTE) modem; A 13.56MHz radio frequency identification reader; An optical camera; A radar; A WiFi 5.8GHz communication interface, which is used for high-speed data transmission; and Output logic is used to indicate passage or control local access to a resource. The omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect the distance to a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. The unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy radio frequency antenna can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated is in front of the sensor device. The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect the number and distance of fixed or moving objects in front of the sensing device. The output logic combines the data detected by the omnidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, the unidirectional Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna, and the forward-facing LiDAR device to authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. The sensing device draws power from an old-fashioned 12V or 24V access control circuit system; The sensing device requires a power supply of less than 12V 250mA to operate; The sensing device can be installed without replacing the existing wiring architecture; The forward-facing light-emitting device can detect whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated. Physical gestures or actions can be used to indicate whether a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated needs to be authenticated. If more than one mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated is detected, the forward-facing LiDAR device will not automatically authenticate a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated. Before authenticating a mobile phone or other digital data to be authenticated, the forward-facing LiDAR device verifies the user's LiDAR template.

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