Access system

Abstract

The application relates to an access system (100, 200, 500, 600, 700) comprising at least one first gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) configured to enable access from a first area (104) to a second area (106), wherein the first gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) comprises at least one first group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 508, 608.1, 608.2, 708.1, 708.2) configured to process at least one information signal (234, 446, 564.1, 564.2, 564.3, 562, 662.1, 662.2, 734), comprising at least one modulated signal section (458) and at least one unmodulated signal section (456), wherein the first group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 508, 608.1, 608.2, 708.1, 708.2) comprises a plurality of gate antennas (110, 210, 510) arranged adjacent to each other.

Description

[0001] The application relates to an access system comprising at least one first gate, set up to enable access from a first area to a second area. Furthermore, the application relates to a method for operating an access system, an access application, a method for operating an access application, and a mobile terminal.

[0002] Access control systems for managing access from one area to another are known from the prior art. For example, access (or entry) from an uncontrolled area to a controlled area and / or access (or exit) from a controlled area to an uncontrolled area can be controlled by means of an access control system.

[0003] An access control system has at least one gate or access barrier. A gate is designed to selectively block and allow access from one area to another. A gate ensures, in particular, that only authorized users can pass through it, for example, to enter and / or exit the controlled area. Access control systems are used, for example, in transportation systems, but also in other applications where user access needs to be controlled.

[0004] Known gates are configured to verify a user's access authorization before granting passage. For example, access systems are known where a ticket medium is checked by a user before access is granted. A user can possess a ticket medium with an access code (or authentication date) readable by an interface device of the gate (e.g., magnetic stripe code, barcode, QR code, RFID identifier, another readable user or mobile device identifier, etc.).

[0005] In its initial state, the gate is usually locked, meaning that a locking element physically prevents a user from passing through it. In other cases, the gate may be open in its initial state and only close if a user without valid access authorization attempts to pass through it. Without loss of generality, it is assumed below that the gate is locked in its initial state and should be opened to allow the user to pass through upon successful verification of their access authorization.

[0006] A (local) control module of the gate and / or a backend system communicatively linked to the gate can check the read access code or authentication date and, if the result is positive, grant access from one area to another, i.e., passage through a gate. If the result is negative and the user is not authorized, the gate remains locked.

[0007] To improve the user-friendliness of access systems, it is a known technique to use mobile devices such as smartphones. In this context, an access application, specifically an app, can be installed on the user's mobile device. This access application is configured to communicate with a communication module assigned to the gate, in order to provide the gate with authentication data from the mobile device or the corresponding user via a wireless communication channel for the verification described above. This process is typically automated, requiring no user interaction.

[0008] However, a problem arises because the position of a mobile device can only be determined with low accuracy in front of a gate. Particularly in a gate arrangement or gate array with a large number of gates, it becomes difficult to open the correct gate at the right time (i.e., not too early and not too late) to allow the corresponding user to pass through.

[0009] While it is known to install and use additional sensors in the initial access area, such as cameras and beacons, to determine the location data of the mobile device or user, in practice, such access systems often fail to achieve satisfactory results, in addition to the increased installation effort required. In particular, high user traffic leads to delays and consequently reduced throughput, or to gates being opened unintentionally. The latter can allow unauthorized users to pass through the gate.

[0010] Access systems with multiple adjacent gates are known from US 2018 / 0144563 A1, US 2017 / 0046889 A1, and EP 0 940 763 A1. Motor vehicles with door systems are known from US 2020 / 0018818 A1 and US 2020 / 0118372 A1. Finally, the publication "Bluetooth 5.1 Introduces Sub Meter Positioning," Savolainen M, discloses in general positioning using Bluetooth.

[0011] Therefore, the application is based on the task of providing an access system that enables an increase in throughput with, in particular, reduced installation effort and at the same time a reduction in the risk of passage by unauthorized users.

[0012] According to a first aspect of the application, the problem is solved by an access system according to claim 1. According to a further aspect, the problem is solved by an access system according to claim 3. According to yet another aspect, the problem is solved by a method according to claim 7. The access system comprises at least one first gate configured to enable access from a first area to a second area. The first gate comprises at least one array antenna arrangement configured to process at least one information signal, comprising at least one modulated signal section and at least one unmodulated signal section. The first array antenna arrangement comprises a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another.

[0013] In contrast to the prior art, the application provides an access system with a gate arrangement comprising a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate, wherein the first gate has at least one group antenna arrangement configured to process an information signal containing at least one modulated signal section and at least one unmodulated signal section. This enables an increase in throughput at the gate, particularly with reduced installation effort. The installation of additional sensors in the room can be eliminated. At the same time, the risk of unauthorized access can be reduced.

[0014] According to the application, the processing of an information signal by at least one group antenna arrangement means that the at least one group antenna arrangement can, in particular, receive and / or transmit the information signal.

[0015] In particular, a group antenna arrangement enables the evaluation of at least one unmodulated signal segment of an information signal, such that position data of a mobile device interacting with the group arrangement by means of the at least one information signal can be determined with particularly high accuracy. It has been demonstrated, according to the patent application, that using the (special) information signal and the (special) group antenna arrangement, it is possible to determine the position of a mobile device with an accuracy in the decimeter range, in particular between 0.3 m and 0.5 m. This, in turn, allows the correct gate to be released at the correct time.

[0016] The access system as described in the application comprises a gate arrangement with a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate, wherein the gates are used to control access from a first area to a second area.

[0017] The registered access control system can be used to control access to and / or exit from at least one other area. Examples of potential applications for a registered access control system include buildings and / or building areas such as office buildings, airports, train stations, platforms, gates, residential buildings, swimming pools, amusement parks, and the like, as well as vehicles such as rail vehicles, buses, or aircraft.

[0018] A gate, in this context, is a barrier to and / or from a controlled area. Examples of gates use swinging, retractable, or telescopic doors, or turnstiles, as barrier elements. In addition, there are special cases of gates without barrier elements that indicate whether or not passage is permitted solely visually and / or audibly.

[0019] The at least one gate is operable in at least one direction. It is understood that a gate is also operable in at least two different directional operating modes. In this context, a directional operating mode refers to the direction (input direction, output direction, or both) in which a gate can be traversed.

[0020] According to the application, the first gate comprises a phased array antenna. A phased array antenna comprises a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another. The at least two gate antennas of a phased array antenna are electrically interconnected. The gate antennas have, in particular, a defined structure and / or a defined position relative to one another, especially a defined distance from one another. The structure and the position can be selected depending, at least, on the frequency of the information signal to be processed. For example, the gate antennas can be arranged parallel to one another, each with the same distance between them. The gate antennas are, in particular, identically shaped.

[0021] A gate antenna is designed to transmit and / or receive an information signal. An information signal as described in the patent application is, in particular, a data packet signal with a modulated signal segment and an unmodulated signal segment of an electromagnetic signal. The modulated signal segment contains data content in the conventional manner (e.g., preamble, access address, PDU, CRC). Additionally, an information signal as described in the patent application contains an unmodulated signal segment (e.g., unmodulated signal duration of 1 to 300 µs, preferably 16 to 160 µs). The unmodulated signal segment provides a constant frequency that can be evaluated for position determination.

[0022] The unmodulated signal segment is characterized by the fact that it does not carry any data. In other words, the unmodulated signal segment is neither frequency-modulated nor amplitude-modulated (and not phase-modulated). However, the unmodulated signal segment can be demodulated using signal processing techniques. In this process, the unmodulated signal segment is split into two paths using a so-called I&Q method. One demodulation path is performed with the original phase (in phase) and yields the I-data, while the second path is performed with a reference frequency that is phase-shifted by 90° and yields the Q-data (quadrature).

[0023] Preferably, the information signal is a near-field information signal, e.g., based on one of the following technologies: Bluetooth, Wibree, WiMAX, ZigBee, WLAN, or NFC. Preferably, the information signal can be a Bluetooth information signal, most preferably a Bluetooth information signal of version 5.X (or a higher version).

[0024] The information signal can preferably be an advertising signal. According to a preferred embodiment, the advertising signal can be a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) signal (at least version 5.X). A BLE advertising signal can be transmitted, received, and evaluated by virtually any mobile device, especially those with a commercially available operating system (e.g., Apple iOS, Google Android, Microsoft Windows Mobile, Microsoft Mobile Phone, Blackberry OS, Symbian OS, Firefox OS, Tizen, Aliyun OS).

[0025] According to the invention, each array antenna arrangement comprises at least one gate receiver electrically coupled to the gate antennas. In other words, the first array antenna arrangement serves to receive information signals. Each gate antenna can be a receiving gate antenna and, in particular, can be tuned for receiving information signals. Each of the gate antennas is electrically connected to the gate receiver, in particular to provide the respective received information signals to the gate receiver as antenna signals. The gate receiver is configured for further processing of the antenna signals.

[0026] The gate receiver is configured to determine the position data of a mobile device transmitting the information signal. This is based on the unmodulated portion of a received information signal. Position data consists of (system-wide uniform) coordinates that uniquely define the position (generally a position range due to measurement tolerances) of the information signal's transmitter relative to the receiver (in this case, a group antenna array). In an embodiment (described in more detail later) where an information signal is transmitted by a group antenna array, position data consists of (system-wide uniform) coordinates that uniquely define the position (generally a position range due to measurement tolerances) of the information signal's receiver relative to the transmitter (in this case, the group antenna array).

[0027] For example, a polar coordinate system can be used, where the array of antennas, the geometric center of the array, or another defined geometric point of the gate forms the origin of the polar coordinate system. The distance from the origin can be denoted by the radius (r) or radial coordinate, and an angular datum or angle can be denoted by the angular coordinate (φ). It is understood that other coordinate systems, such as a Cartesian coordinate system, can also be used.

[0028] According to a further embodiment of the access system according to the application, each of the gate antennas can be configured to provide an antenna signal. This can be done based on the unmodulated signal portion of the received information signal.

[0029] It is understood that the modulated signal segment can also be provided as an antenna signal to enable further processing of the data content (payload) it contains. The antenna signal, which represents the unmodulated signal segment, is essentially used to determine the position data. For example, the antenna signal can be part of a larger antenna signal. The gate receiving device can include at least one demodulation module configured to demodulate the provided antenna signals.

[0030] The demodulation module is configured to demodulate the provided antenna signals such that an amplitude datum and a phase datum of the unmodulated signal segment are determined for each antenna signal. In particular, the demodulation module can be an I&Q demodulation module configured to perform in-phase-and-quadrature demodulation.

[0031] While simple demodulation typically determines only the amplitude datum, i.e., the real part of a complex signal, the present embodiment proposes additionally determining the phase datum, i.e., the imaginary part of the complex signal. In particular, the (instantaneous) position data of the transmitter that sent the information signal can be precisely determined using the phase datum or phase information. An amplitude datum, in particular, allows for the differentiation of different "signal waves."

[0032] The gate receiving device includes at least one positioning module, configured to determine (in particular, calculate) a first angular datum. This is based on the determined amplitude data and the determined phase data of the antenna signals.

[0033] In particular, the demodulated data, i.e., the amplitude datum and the phase datum of each antenna signal (especially in digital form), can be provided to the positioning module. The positioning module can be configured to further process the provided data (according to at least one predefined calculation rule). The positioning module can preferably be configured to at least partially determine (especially calculate) the position data, at least based on the determined first angular datum.

[0034] An angular datum is, in particular, an angle measurement with respect to a (predefinable) reference line lying in a horizontal plane. In a polar coordinate system, the reference line can be the polar axis (lying in a substantially horizontal plane), and an angular datum of a specific point can be the angle φ between the polar axis and a radius vector pointing from the origin of the polar coordinate system to the specific point.

[0035] In principle, the distance (in particular the radius r) between the transmitter and the array antennas (in particular the gate antennas) can be determined in any way. According to one embodiment of the access system according to the application, the positioning module can be configured to determine the position data based on the determined first angular datum and the RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) of the information signal received by the gate antennas. The RSSI, in particular, represents an indicator of the received signal strength. The distance (in particular a distance range that takes measurement tolerances into account) can be determined using the RSSI. Together with the first angular datum, the positioning module can determine the position data (e.g., in the form {r, φ}) of the mobile device with high accuracy.

[0036] According to a preferred embodiment of the access system according to the application, triangulation can be performed, either as an alternative or in addition to using RSSI, to determine the position data of the mobile device with particularly high accuracy. In particular, the gate receiving device can comprise at least one receiving device interface configured to receive at least one additional angular datum specific to the received information signal. This additional angular datum can be provided by a further group antenna arrangement located adjacent to the first group antenna arrangement, the distance and angle between the antenna arrangements being known to the positioning module. An identifier included as data content in the information signal ensures that both evaluated information signals originate from the same transmitter.

[0037] The positioning module is designed to determine position data based on the initial angular datum and the provided secondary angular datum. The initial and secondary angular datums specify, in particular, the angle to the transmitter (relative to the respective polar axis, which can be parallel to each other) from the respective origin, i.e., the respective array of antennas. By determining the intersection point (specifically, an intersection range that accounts for the measurement tolerance in the respective angular datum determination), the position data of the transmitter or mobile device is determined. Specifically, a determination with an accuracy of 0.3 to 0.5 m is possible.

[0038] It is understood that in other versions of the application, where a different coordinate system is used, an angular datum can also be expressed by other coordinate data. In particular, those skilled in the art are aware of how a conversion from one coordinate system to another can be carried out.

[0039] As previously described, the access system comprises a gate array with a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate. In particular, a plurality of gates can be arranged side by side (in a defined manner known within the system). The further gate (in particular, each further gate) comprises a further array of antennas with a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another.

[0040] The further group antenna arrangement comprises at least one gate receiver coupled to the gate antennas. A further group antenna arrangement is formed according to the first group antenna arrangement. The gate receiver of the further gate can, in particular, comprise at least one receiver interface communicatively connectable to the receiver interface of the first gate. Specifically, the respective receiver interfaces can be configured for providing and / or receiving an angle datum. Preferably, all gate receivers can be communicatively coupled to each other.

[0041] It is understood that a gate receiving device can comprise a plurality of distributed modules and / or that a module, such as a demodulation module and / or a positioning module, can be formed from two or more (distributed) elements. Furthermore, it is understood that a module, such as a positioning module, can be used jointly by a plurality of gate receiving devices.

[0042] Preferably, the respective array antenna arrangement can be mounted in (nearly) the same position in each gate of a gate arrangement. Furthermore, the respective distance and / or the respective angle, i.e., the orientation relative to each other, between all adjacent gates of a gate arrangement can preferably be (nearly) the same. In other words, the respective distance and the respective angle between all adjacent array antenna arrangements is (nearly) identical. This allows an array of coupled array antenna arrangements to be formed.

[0043] Such a combination into an array of grouped antennas enables even more precise localization of a mobile device. Furthermore, "blind spots," particularly in the initial coverage area, can be at least reduced. In addition, anomalies (such as an attempt by an unauthorized person to "cheat" through the gate) can be detected by analyzing the received information signals.

[0044] As an alternative to the gate receiver, the first array antenna arrangement includes at least one gate transmitter coupled to the gate antennas. The gate transmitter is configured to control the transmission of a first group information signal by the gate antennas. This first group information signal contains a plurality of individual information signals, each transmitted by the gate antennas. An individual information signal is structured similarly to a previously described information signal and comprises a modulated and an unmodulated signal section. Several individual information signals from an array antenna arrangement form a group in the form of a group antenna signal of the corresponding array antenna arrangement.

[0045] In particular, it has been recognized, as per the application, that the position data of a mobile device can also be determined if the access system includes a group antenna array that transmits a group information signal, controlled by a gate transmitter. While in the embodiment where the group antenna array includes a gate receiver, a so-called "angle of arrival" (AoA) is evaluated, in the group antenna array that includes a gate transmitter, a so-called "angle of departure" (AoD) is evaluated. Both evaluations allow the determination of the mobile device's position data with respect to the respective at least one group antenna array with high accuracy.

[0046] The gate transmitter is configured to control the transmission of the first group information signal such that the respective unmodulated signal segments of the individual information signals of the first group information signal each have a specific phase relationship to one another. Based on the respective phase relationships of the at least two individual information signals of the first group information signal, the position data of a mobile device receiving the group information signal is determined.

[0047] Furthermore, the access system comprises at least one terminal receiver located in a mobile device (whose location data is to be determined) and coupled to an antenna of the mobile device. In particular, the terminal receiver may be a (software) access application installable on the mobile device.

[0048] The terminal receiving device includes at least one demodulation module configured to demodulate first antenna signals resulting from the first group information signal received by the antenna of the mobile terminal. In particular, the demodulation module can be an I&Q demodulation module (as previously described). Specifically, the demodulation module can determine an amplitude datum and a phase datum for each provided (digital) antenna signal.

[0049] The terminal receiving device comprises at least one positioning module configured to determine the position data of the mobile terminal (relative to the transmitting array antenna). This is based on the demodulated first antenna signals, in particular the phase datum and amplitude datum determined for each first antenna signal. The positioning module can determine a first angular datum based on the demodulated antenna signals. In particular, the positioning module can determine a first angular datum based on the amplitude and phase data (especially in an analogous manner to the operation of the positioning module of the gate receiving device, so reference is made to that for the sake of brevity). In a polar coordinate system, the origin can be, in particular, the antenna of the mobile terminal (or the mobile terminal itself).

[0050] Preferably, according to a further embodiment of the access system according to the application, the positioning module can be configured to determine (in particular, calculate) the position data of the mobile device, based on the demodulated first antenna signals and the RSSI of the first information signal received by the antenna of the mobile device. In particular, the positioning module can determine an angle and a radius as position data, based on the RSSI and a first angular datum (as described in particular above).

[0051] The positioning module is designed to determine the position data of the mobile device based on the demodulated first antenna signals and on the demodulated second antenna signals of a further transmitted group information signal, which was transmitted by another group antenna arrangement located adjacent to the first group antenna arrangement. Analogous to the above, an intersection point, or more specifically an intersection point range, can be determined from two angular data points. The intersection point range represents the (instantaneous) position of the mobile device relative to the at least two group antenna arrangements.

[0052] The specified position data can be transmitted to the gate, in particular to a control module of the gate, via a communication link from the mobile device.

[0053] According to a further embodiment of the access system according to the application, a gate (the first gate and / or (each) subsequent gate) can have a front and a back. The front can face the (current) direction of passage. At least the majority of gate antennas of a group antenna arrangement can be arranged on the front, in particular directly behind a front wall of a gate housing that forms the front. This ensures that the gate antennas of a group antenna arrangement are positioned as optimally as possible with respect to a monitoring first area.

[0054] If a gate is bidirectional, a group antenna array can be installed on both the (current) front and the (current) rear sides. For example, multiple gate antennas can be arranged on both the front and rear sides, each of which can be coupled to a single gate receiver or a single gate transmitter. In particular, the coupling of the respective gate antennas can depend on the currently selected directional operating mode.

[0055] According to a further embodiment of the access system according to the application, the gate (the first gate and / or (each) subsequent gate) can have a bottom surface. In particular, the bottom surface lies in the same plane as the floor surface of the first and second areas.

[0056] At least the majority of the gate antennas in the first array of antennas can be positioned at a height between 0.3 m and 1.3 m from the underside (i.e., in particular, from the ground surface of the first and second sections), especially between 0.6 m and 1.1 m. This height has proven particularly advantageous because it falls within the range where a user typically carries a mobile device. For example, a mobile device might be in a user's trouser pocket or handbag. Positioning the antennas within the aforementioned height range allows for optimal alignment of the gate antennas with the mobile devices, thus enabling good data analysis results.

[0057] Preferably, the majority of gate antennas in each gate can be mounted at (almost) the same height.

[0058] According to a further embodiment of the access system according to the application, a front wall forming the front face can be formed, at least in the area of ​​the majority of the gate antennas, from a material (e.g., tinned copper foil, plastic, glass, plasterboard) that attenuates and / or filters electromagnetic signals. In the case of a gate that can be operated in two directions, the rear face can be formed similarly.

[0059] In particular, the material can be structured in such a way that (almost) only information signals with a specific frequency (e.g., according to the carrier system used (e.g., Bluetooth, WLAN, etc.)) are allowed to pass through, while signals with a different frequency are blocked.

[0060] Furthermore, at least one gate includes a (local) control module. For example, each gate can have a local control module. It is also possible for a gate arrangement with multiple gates to have a single (local) control module to control the majority of the gates.

[0061] The control module is configured to manage access through the gate based on specific location data from a mobile device. Specifically, the control module can be configured to grant passage through the gate to a user of the mobile device, at least based on the mobile device's location data. This can increase the throughput through the gate (or at least one gate).

[0062] In a preferred embodiment of the access system according to the application, the control module can be configured to control access through the gate, additionally based on at least one of the data from the group, comprising: an authentication date assigned to the mobile device, a camera date, a near-field sensor date, a far-field sensor date.

[0063] In particular, granting access to a gate for a mobile device user can be based on specific location data and an authentication date assigned to the mobile device. An authentication date contains at least one piece of information (e.g., ticket information, user ID, etc.) that indicates a user is authorized to pass through the gate. The authentication date can, for example, be stored on the mobile device. Preferably, the authentication date can be transmitted to the gate via an information signal (especially the modulated signal segment). The authentication date can be verified (in the conventional manner) by the local control module (and / or an authentication module of a backend system). If the authentication date authorizes access to the gate, it can be granted. Otherwise, the gate remains locked.

[0064] Preferably, the position data of a mobile device can be determined periodically and, in particular, almost continuously in relation to the at least one gate. This allows, in particular, the determination of an (instantaneous) movement profile of the mobile device. This makes it possible, in particular, to identify the gate towards which a user of the mobile device is heading and then to release it when the user actually reaches the gate.

[0065] By continuously tracking position data, the correct gate is opened for the user immediately before they reach the specified gate. The user can then pass through the gate (almost) without delay.

[0066] It goes without saying that a gate will remain locked if the verification reveals that the user is not authorized and / or the location data indicates that the user does not intend to pass through the gate (but is merely passing by it by chance). It also goes without saying that authentication data can be provided via another communication channel (e.g., via a backend system).

[0067] Preferably, the control of the gate and, in particular, its locking elements can be further improved by utilizing additional available data, such as camera data from one or more cameras (installed in the first area), or additional sensor data, such as data from other near-field communication devices, light barriers, etc. For example, this can further improve position determination, such as verifying position data with additional available data. For instance, at least one corresponding sensor can be communicatively connected to the control module.

[0068] According to a preferred embodiment of the access system according to the application, the access system can comprise at least one backend system. A backend system can be formed by one or more (distributed) servers. In particular, a backend system is located remotely from the at least one gate.

[0069] The backend system can comprise at least one communication module configured to communicate with a gate control module and / or with at least one mobile device. It is understood that multiple (different) communication modules may be provided, particularly to enable the use of different transmission technologies. Preferably, communication can take place via a long-distance communication network, such as a mobile network and / or a cable-based long-distance communication network.

[0070] The communication module can be configured, in particular, to transmit at least one of the data from the group to the control module, including: Location data of the mobile device, an authentication date assigned to the mobile device, a camera date, a near-field sensor date, a far-field sensor date.

[0071] In particular, for the embodiment in which the group antenna arrangement includes a gate transmitter and the position is determined by a terminal receiver, it can be provided that the corresponding mobile terminal (especially the access application) is configured to transmit a data set containing at least one authentication date and / or certain position data. The authentication date can be, for example, a user ID uniquely assigned to the user (system-wide) and / or ticket information (as previously described).

[0072] For example, a user account with user data (e.g., user ID, billing data, authorization data) can be stored in the backend system for each registered user, from which it can be determined whether a user is authorized (or not) to pass through a particular gate.

[0073] The data record can additionally contain a gate identifier. Each gate of an access system can be assigned a gate identifier (system-wide, uniquely). For example, the gate identifier can be contained in one (preferably every) individual information signal in the modulated signal segment transmitted by the array antenna array of the corresponding gate. A data record can also contain other data, such as a timestamp.

[0074] As previously described, the mobile device's position data can preferably be determined periodically and, in particular, almost continuously. The mobile device's access application can cause the almost continuously determined position data (along with the aforementioned authentication date) to be transmitted periodically, almost continuously, to the backend system in the form of numerous data records.

[0075] Another aspect of the application is a method according to claim 7 for operating an access system with at least one gate, wherein the gate comprises a group antenna arrangement comprising a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another and a receiving device coupled to the gate antennas, the method comprising: Receiving, through the gate antennas, an information signal containing at least one modulated signal section and at least one unmodulated signal section; providing, through the gate antennas, antenna signals, each based on the unmodulated signal section of the received information signal; and determining position data of a mobile device transmitting the information signal, at least based on the provided antenna signals, in particular on the part of the provided antenna signals that is based on the unmodulated signal section of the received information signal.

[0076] The method can be used in particular to operate the access system described above, i.e. to operate at least one gate described above, which includes, for example, a group antenna arrangement with a gate receiving device.

[0077] Furthermore, an access application is disclosed, in particular in the form of a software application executable by a processor of a mobile device, for installation on a mobile device. The access application comprises at least one receiving module configured to receive antenna signals based at least on the respective unmodulated signal segments of individual information signals of a group information signal received by an antenna of the mobile device. The group information signal was transmitted by a group antenna array with a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another. The access application comprises at least one positioning module configured to determine position data of the mobile device receiving the group information signal, based at least on the unmodulated signal segment of the individual information signals of the group information signal.

[0078] The access application is, in particular, a software application that can be installed on a mobile device. The access application may be required to pass through a gate and, for example, to properly use a service such as a transport service.

[0079] In an access control system, which might be part of a transportation system, for example, users may need to register with the system before using a gate for the first time (e.g., to access a transportation service). Upon successful registration, a user account is created for the registered user in the access control system, specifically in its backend system (also called the background system). This involves storing identification data in the backend system, such as a unique user ID, authentication data (e.g., a password), and billing data (e.g., credit card details or bank account information), address, or other billing information. Collectively, this data is referred to as user master data. Additionally, the access application, in the form of an app, may be installed on the registered user's mobile device.

[0080] The access application in the form of a computer program, in particular the instructions or program instructions, can be stored in a computer program product, especially a program memory. For example, a program memory is a non-volatile memory such as flash memory, magnetic memory, EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read-only memory), and / or optical memory.

[0081] Additionally, a mobile device can have main memory, for example, volatile or non-volatile memory, in particular random access memory (RAM), such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM), and / or magnetic RAM (MRAM). The mobile device's processor can, for example, store intermediate results or similar information in the main memory.

[0082] Furthermore, a method for operating an access application, in particular a previously described access application, is disclosed. The method comprises: Receiving antenna signals based at least on the respective unmodulated signal sections of individual information signals of a group information signal received by an antenna of the mobile device, wherein the group information signal was transmitted by a group antenna arrangement with a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to each other, and determining position data of the mobile device receiving the group information signal, at least based on the unmodulated signal section of the individual information signals of the group information signal.

[0083] Furthermore, a mobile device is disclosed, comprising at least one access application installed on the mobile device and described above.

[0084] Examples of mobile devices include smartphones, tablet computers, mobile game consoles, laptops, netbooks, smart glasses, smartwatches, and similar wearables. Alternatively, a mobile device can be a dedicated ticketing device designed exclusively for a single access application.

[0085] A previously described module, element, etc., can comprise at least some hardware elements (e.g., processor, memory, etc.) and / or at least some software elements (e.g., executable code). It should also be noted that terms such as "first," "second," etc., do not indicate a sequence but serve primarily to distinguish between two elements (e.g., gate, area, etc.).

[0086] There are now numerous possibilities for designing and further developing the access system, methods, access application, and mobile device as specified in the application. Reference is made, on the one hand, to the claims subordinate to the independent claims, and on the other hand, to the description of exemplary embodiments in conjunction with the drawing. The drawing shows: Fig. 1 a schematic view of an example of an access system which is not covered by the independent claims, Fig. 2 a schematic view of another example of an access system which is not covered by the independent claims, Fig. 3a a schematic diagram to illustrate an embodiment for determining position data of a mobile device, Fig. 3b a schematic diagram to illustrate another embodiment for determining position data of a mobile device, Fig. 4 a schematic representation of an embodiment of an information signal according to the present application, Fig. 5 a schematic view of an example of an access system which is not covered by the independent claims, Fig. 6 a schematic view of another embodiment of an access system according to the present application.7 a schematic view of a further embodiment of an access system according to the present application, Fig. 8 a diagram of an example of a method not covered by the independent claims, and Fig. 9 a diagram of an example of a method not covered by the independent claims.

[0087] The same reference symbols are used for identical elements in the following.

[0088] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a schematic view of an embodiment of an access system 100 according to the present application. The access system 100 can, for example, be used in a transport system. The transport system comprises at least one first gate 102. The first gate 102 is configured to allow access from a first area 104 to a second area 106. The direction of passage through the gate 102 is indicated by the arrow 116. In other versions of the application, it may also be provided that a gate can be operated in two directions.

[0089] In particular, the depicted Gate 102 is set up to allow authorized users access from the uncontrolled area 104 to the controlled area 106 and to allow access from the controlled area 106 to the uncontrolled area 104.

[0090] For example, a user has a (not shown) ticket medium with an authentication date readable by an (not shown) interface device of Gate 102, e.g. in the form of an access code (e.g. magnetic stripe code, barcode, QR code, RFID identifier, another readable user or mobile device identifier, etc.).

[0091] In preferred login variants, an access application may be installed on the user's mobile device, configured to communicate with a communication module of the gate, in order to provide the gate with authentication data of the mobile device or the corresponding user via a wireless communication channel for the verification described above, without requiring any user action.

[0092] Gate 102 and / or a remotely located computing device (e.g., of a backend system) can verify at least one authentication date and, if the result is positive, grant access to the second (controlled) area 106, i.e., passage through Gate 102. If the result is negative and the user is not authorized, Gate 102 remains locked.

[0093] As can be seen, according to the application, the gate 102 comprises at least one first group antenna arrangement 108. The first group antenna arrangement 108 is, in particular, integrated into a gate housing 112 of the gate 102. The group antenna arrangement 108 is arranged on a front face 114 of the gate 102. The front face 114 faces the direction of travel 116. In the present case, no group antenna arrangement is arranged on the rear face 118 of the gate 102. As already described, in a gate that can also be operated in the other direction, a group antenna arrangement can also be arranged on the rear face.

[0094] The first group antenna arrangement 108 comprises a plurality of (identically configured) gate antennas 110. Three gate antennas 110 are shown here as an example. It is understood that only two or more than three gate antennas can be provided.

[0095] As can be seen, the gate antennas 108 are electrically interconnected. The gate antennas 108 have a defined structure and a defined position relative to each other, in particular a defined distance from each other. This can depend, at least, on the frequency of the information signal to be processed. For example, the gate antennas 108 can be arranged parallel to each other, as shown, each with the same distance between them. It is understood that other arrangements are also possible, such as an arrangement along a semicircle or quarter circle.

[0096] The first group antenna arrangement 108 is configured to process at least one information signal, comprising at least one modulated signal segment and at least one unmodulated signal segment. The processable information signal can preferably be a Bluetooth information signal (at least version 5.X). In this and the following examples, such a Bluetooth information signal is always assumed as an example. However, the following explanations can be applied to the other information signals described above.

[0097] In particular, the patented combination of using such an information signal with a group antenna arrangement 108 integrated in the gate 102 enables the determination of the position of a mobile device relative to the group antenna arrangement 108 or the corresponding gate 102 (with particularly high accuracy). This will be explained in more detail below with reference to the further embodiments.

[0098] The Figure 2Figure 1 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of an access system 200 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiment are described below, and reference is made to the previous explanations. It should also be noted that the gate is not shown for the sake of clarity. The embodiment shown is based in particular on the "Angle of Arrival" scheme.

[0099] The illustrated group antenna arrangement 208 comprises a plurality of gate antennas 210 arranged parallel to one another. The same distance 228 is provided between each immediately adjacent gate antenna 210. A gate receiving device 220 is electrically connected to the gate antennas 210.

[0100] In the present embodiment, the gate receiver 220 comprises a demodulation module 222, a position determination module 224, and a receiver interface 226. It is understood that further components, such as filters, amplifiers, A / D converters, etc., may be provided.

[0101] Each gate antenna 210 can, based on a received information signal, supply an antenna signal to the demodulation module 222. The demodulation module 222 can demodulate the respective antenna signal. In particular, the demodulation module 222 can be configured to determine an amplitude datum and a phase datum for each of the antenna signals. Preferably, an amplitude datum and a phase datum are determined for the respective unmodulated signal segment of a received information signal.

[0102] It goes without saying that demodulation of the modulated signal section of the information signal can also be carried out in order to decode and, in particular, evaluate the data content it contains (e.g., user ID, authentication date, timestamp and / or the like).

[0103] The determined data can be provided to the positioning module 224. The positioning module 224 is specifically designed to determine an initial angular datum based on the determined amplitude and phase data of the demodulated antenna signals. Based at least on this initial angular datum, the instantaneous position data of the transmitting mobile device 230 can then be determined, at least partially.

[0104] The mobile device 230 can have a communication module with an antenna 232 to transmit the information signal (especially periodically and / or almost continuously). Reference numeral 234 indicates that the mobile device 230 transmits the information signal in this example.

[0105] The transmission can be controlled, for example, by an access application (not shown) installed on the mobile device 230. A transmission can also be triggered by a release signal emitted by a transmitter (not shown) of the access system. For example, a beacon could be used to transmit a release signal. This release signal could contain a code which, upon receipt by the mobile device 230, causes the mobile device 230 (controlled by an activated access application) to transmit the information signal. The access application could be activated, for example, by the user or by a wake-up signal from another transmitter (not shown) of the access system.

[0106] Position determination by the position determination module 224 is demonstrated using the following example: Figures 3a and 3bdescribed in more detail. In the exemplary embodiment according to Figure 3a The position determination is based on the first angular datum and the RSSI (which can be determined, for example, by an RSSI module not shown, in a known manner) of the information signal received by the gate antennas 210.

[0107] The position is determined using a polar coordinate system as an example (it is understood that a spherical coordinate system may also be used in practice). The origin 336 of the polar coordinate system is, for example, the center point of the group antenna arrangement 308 (for example, a centrally located gate antenna).

[0108] In this case, the reference line 344 extends perpendicularly to the front of the gate and lies in a horizontal plane. Reference line 344 is, in particular, the polar axis 344 of the polar coordinate system. The position data (e.g., in the form {r, φ}) of the mobile device 330 can be formed by the first angular datum 338 and the radius 340, which is determined from the RSSI.

[0109] As in the Figure 3a As shown, an angular datum range and a radius range can be specified, taking into account the measurement tolerances in the radius and angle determination. The position data can therefore, in particular, specify the area 342 in which the mobile device 330 is currently located.

[0110] In the embodiment according to Figure 3bThe position determination is based on the first angular datum 338.1 and a further angular datum 338.2, which was determined by an adjacent array antenna arrangement 308.2. "Adjacent" means, in particular, that the array antenna arrangement is located in at least the same gate arrangement. Preferably, the array antenna arrangements 308.1 and 308.2 are directly adjacent.

[0111] The position determination module 224 determines, in particular, the intersection point of the first angular datum 338.1 and the further angular datum 338.2, as can be seen from the Figure 3b This is evident. To account for measurement tolerances, the respective angular datum range can be used and the intersection area 342 determined. The position data can therefore specify, in particular, the area 342 in which the mobile device 330 is currently located.

[0112] The additional angle datum 338.2 can be provided in particular via the receiving device interface 226.

[0113] The Figure 4 Figure 1 shows a preferred embodiment of an information signal 446 according to the present application. As already described, the information signal 446 can preferably be a Bluetooth information signal of version 5.X.

[0114] The information signal 446 is formed from a modulated signal section 458 and an unmodulated signal section 456. The modulated signal section 458 contains data content and can, for example, include a preamble 448 (e.g., 1 or 2 octets), an access-address field (e.g., 4 octets), a PDU (Payload Data Unit) (e.g., 2 to 248 octets), and a CRC (Cyclic Redundancy Check) (e.g., 3 octets).

[0115] The unmodulated signal segment 456 can have an unmodulated signal duration of between 1 and 300 µs, preferably 16 to 160 µs. In particular, the unmodulated signal segment 456 can be a CTE (Constant Tone Extension). This is not removed from the information signal 446, especially during a so-called "whitening process".

[0116] The Figure 5 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of another embodiment of an access system 500 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and reference is made to the previous explanations. It should also be noted that the gate is not shown for the sake of clarity. The embodiment shown is based in particular on the "Angle of Departure" scheme.

[0117] The group antenna arrangement 508 comprises a gate transmitter 560, which is electrically coupled to the gate antennas 510. The gate transmitter 560 is specifically designed to control the transmission of a first group information signal 562. The group information signal 562 is formed from a plurality of individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, 564.3, each of which is transmitted by the gate antennas 510. An individual information signal 564.1, 564.2, 564.3 can, for example, be formed as shown in Figure 4 depicted.

[0118] For optimized positioning of a mobile terminal 530 receiving the group information signal 562, the gate transmitter 560 can be configured to control the transmission of the first group information signal 562 such that the respective unmodulated signal segments of the individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, 564.3 of the first group information signal each have a specific phase relationship to one another. This phase relationship can be known to a terminal receiver 566. In particular, this can be taken into account during positioning.

[0119] As can further be seen, the mobile device 530 has a terminal receiving device 566, which is specifically designed as an access application 566. The access application 566 is specifically installed as an app on the mobile device 530 (for example, a smartphone 530).

[0120] In this case, the access application 566 comprises a plurality of software modules 568, 570, 572. For example, an antenna 532 (via further elements such as filters, A / D converters, amplifiers, etc.) can provide (digital) antenna signals to a receiver module 568. The (digital) antenna signals are based on the received individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, 564.3.

[0121] In other words, the receiving module 568 is configured to receive antenna signals that are based at least on the respective unmodulated signal sections of individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, 564.3 of a group information signal 562 received by an antenna 532 of the mobile device 530. As already described, the group information signal 562 was transmitted by a group antenna arrangement 508 with a plurality of gate antennas 510 arranged adjacent to each other.

[0122] At least one positioning module 572 is provided in the access application 566, configured to determine position data of the mobile terminal 530 receiving the group information signal 562. This is done in particular based on the unmodulated signal section of the group information signal 562, i.e., the respective unmodulated signal sections of the respective individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, 564.3 of the group information signal 562.

[0123] The access application 566 may, in particular, include a demodulation module 570. The demodulation module 570 may (in particular, analogously to the preceding descriptions) demodulate the antenna signals. In particular, an amplitude datum and a phase datum may be provided for each antenna signal. The data may be provided to the positioning module 572.

[0124] The positioning module 572 can (especially in an analogous manner to the previous descriptions) determine the position data of the mobile terminal 530, at least on the basis of the provided amplitude and phase data of a first group antenna signal 562.

[0125] Furthermore, the position determination can be based on an RSSI of the group antenna signal 562. This can be done in a manner analogous to the explanations regarding Figure 3a take place.

[0126] Alternatively or additionally, the positioning module 572 can be configured to determine the position data of the mobile device 530, based on the demodulated first antenna signals and on demodulated second antenna signals of a further group information signal. The further group information signal may have been transmitted by another group antenna arrangement located adjacent to the first group antenna arrangement (which may, in particular, be assigned to at least the same gate arrangement).

[0127] As previously described, the respective individual information signals 564.1, 564.2, and 564.3 can contain at least one gate identifier as data content in the corresponding modulated signal sections. Based on the gate identifier, the position determination module 572 can identify the transmitting gate or the corresponding array of antennas.

[0128] After the angular data of two group information signals from different gates (determined by their respective gate identifiers) have been determined, the following can be done, particularly in an analogous manner to the explanations regarding... Figure 3b The position data of the mobile device 530 is determined by the position determination module 572.

[0129] The Figure 6 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of an access system 600 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations, in particular to the explanations regarding Figure 5 The illustrated embodiment is based in particular on the "Angle of Departure" scheme.

[0130] The access system 600 in this case has at least one gate arrangement 674 with a first gate 602.1 and at least one further gate 602.2. Preferably, a plurality of further gates can be provided, and / or the access system 600 can comprise a plurality of (remotely arranged) gate arrangements.

[0131] In each gate 602.1, 602.2 the structure of the gate antennas (not shown in detail for the sake of clarity) can be the same, in particular the same group antenna arrangement 608.1, 608.2 can be arranged.

[0132] Furthermore, the gate antennas in each gate 602.1, 602.2 can be arranged at the same position in the gate housing 612. As can also be seen, all gates 602.1, 602.2 of the gate arrangement 674 are arranged relative to each other in a predetermined manner. In particular, the distance 686 between each immediately adjacent gate 602.1, 602.2 is the same.

[0133] This can be the case for any gate configuration of the access system. This allows for simpler configuration of the electrical components and / or the positioning algorithm. Therefore, installation of a gate configuration can be simplified. In particular, the so-called "fine-tuning" at the installation site of the gate configuration can be performed with less effort or even eliminated entirely.

[0134] As can be further seen, each gate 602.1, 602.2 in this case comprises a local control module 676.1, 676.2. The local control module 676.1, 676.2 is configured to control the respective gate 602.1, 602.2. In particular, the control module 676.1, 676.2 can allow or block a user from passing through the respective gate 602.1, 602.2 (as will be explained in more detail below by way of example). In other login variants, a gate arrangement may also comprise only a single control module for controlling all gates of the gate arrangement.

[0135] Furthermore, the present access system 600 comprises a backend system 678. The backend system 678 can consist of one or more servers, which may be located remotely, for example. The backend system 678 has at least one communication module 680, 688. The at least one communication module 680, 688 is configured to communicate with a control module 676.1, 676.2 of a gate 602.1, 602.2 and / or with a mobile terminal 630. If different transmission technologies are used, a corresponding number of different communication modules 680, 688 may be provided.

[0136] The mobile device 630 features, in particular, the previously described access application 666 (for the sake of clarity, a description of the individual modules has been omitted). Its functionality is explained in more detail below with the help of the Figure 8 explained. Figure 8Figure 666 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application, in particular for operating or executing an access application.

[0137] During the operation of the access system 600, each group antenna arrangement 608.1, 608.2 transmits (periodically, almost continuously) the aforementioned group information signals 662.1, 662.2.

[0138] When a mobile terminal 630 comes within range of at least one group antenna array 608.1, 608.2, a (Bluetooth) antenna 632 receives the group information signal 662.1, 662.2 (or the respective individual information signals). The antenna (and other components, such as filters, amplifiers, A / D converters, etc.) can provide the respective antenna signals to an activated access application 666 or a terminal receiving device.

[0139] In step 801, the aforementioned antenna signals are received, in particular by at least one receiving module (which may be configured as a bidirectional interface). These signals are based at least on the respective unmodulated signal segments of individual information signals of a group information signal 662.1, 662.2 received by an antenna of the mobile device.

[0140] In steps 802 and 803, position data of the mobile device 630 receiving the group information signal is determined. This is done at least on the basis of the unmodulated signal sections of the individual information signals.

[0141] In particular, in step 802, I&Q demodulation can be performed by a demodulation module of the access application 666 as described above. Subsequently, in step 803, the (current) position data of the mobile device 630 can be determined as described above.

[0142] In step 804, the access application 666 (for example, the bidirectional interface or a transmitting module) initiates the transmission of at least the specified position data. In a preferred example, a data record can be transmitted containing the gate identifier received via the at least one group information signal, at least one authentication data point, such as a user identifier (e.g., a username, an endpoint identifier such as the IMEI, etc.), and / or ticket information. It is understood that further data, such as a timestamp, may also be included.

[0143] This data set can be transmitted to the backend system 678 via a communication network 682. The backend system 678 can check the user ID and / or the authentication date. If the user is authorized to pass through the gate 602.1, 602.2 specified in the data set, the backend system 678 can forward at least the position data of the mobile device 630 to a control module 676.1, 676.2 (based on the gate ID). Additional sensor data, such as camera data, RF sensor data, etc., received via another input 684 of the backend system 678, can optionally be added to the position data. Furthermore, a release date (and / or a user ID) can be transmitted, indicating that the user is authorized to pass through.

[0144] As previously described, steps 801 to 804 can preferably be performed periodically, almost continuously, to obtain a movement profile of the mobile device 630. This allows the correct gate 676.1, 676.2 to be reliably released for the corresponding user at the correct time (not too early, so that an unauthorized person could pass through gate 676.1, 676.2; and not too late, so that there is no delay in the user's movement). This is made possible by the very precise, login-based determination of the user's position.

[0145] Furthermore, it is understood that alternatively or additionally, a Gate 676.1, 676.2 may have an interface device (a reader) to capture authentication data, for example in the form of a readable access code, and to initiate a check (e.g. magnetic stripe code, barcode, QR code, RFID identifier, another readable user or mobile device identifier, etc.).

[0146] The Figure 7 Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a further embodiment of an access system 700 according to the present application. To avoid repetition, only the differences from the previous embodiments are described below, and otherwise reference is made to the previous explanations, in particular to the explanations concerning the Figure 2 and 6 The illustrated embodiment is based in particular on the "Angle of Arrival" scheme.

[0147] Compared to the execution module of the Figure 6 The gates in this case feature group antenna arrangements 708.1 and 708.2, each with a gate receiver. The mobile terminal 730 has an (activated) access application that causes the transmission of an information signal. For example, the access application may have been awakened, i.e., activated, by receiving an initial beacon signal. The same signal or a subsequent beacon signal can cause the access application to transmit the information signal 734 (periodically, almost continuously).

[0148] The functionality will be explained in more detail below using the Figure 9 explained. Figure 9 shows a diagram of an embodiment of a method according to the present application, in particular for operating a gate 702.1, 702.2.

[0149] As previously described, an activated access application on a mobile device 730 can cause an information signal 734 to be transmitted (periodically, almost continuously). The information signal 734 can contain, within its modulated signal segment, at least authentication data, such as a user identifier (e.g., a username, a device identifier like the IMEI, etc.) and / or ticket information.

[0150] In step 901, the information signal 734 is received by the gate antennas of at least one group antenna arrangement 708.1, 708.2 of a gate 702.1, 702.2. In addition to the aforementioned modulated signal section, the information signal 734 contains at least one unmodulated signal section.

[0151] In step 902, the gate antennas provide antenna signals, each based on the unmodulated signal section of the information signal, as previously described.

[0152] Subsequently, in step 903, position data of the mobile device 730 transmitting the information signal 734 is determined, at least based on the unmodulated signal section of the information signal 734. As already described, demodulation can be performed first, followed by position determination.

[0153] The specified position data can be provided to a control module 776.1, 776.2 in step 904. Additionally, the data content of the information signal 734 can be provided to the control module 776.1, 776.2. For example, a check of the user's authorization to pass through gate 702.1, 702.2 can be performed based on at least one authentication date.

[0154] For verification purposes, communication can be established with the backend system 778, which can, in particular, perform a data comparison between the authentication date and stored user data. Any additional sensor data received via another input 784, such as camera data, etc., can optionally be made available to the control modules 776.1 and 776.2.

[0155] The control module 776.1, 776.2 can grant access through gate 702.1, 702.2 based on position data (and possibly other sensor data) and, for example, the verification result. Access can only be granted if the authentication date check confirms that the user is authorized to pass through gate 702.1, 702.2 and the position data indicates that the user actually intends to pass through gate 702.1, 702.2. Otherwise, gate 702.1, 702.2 can remain locked.

[0156] As previously described, steps 901 to 904 can preferably be performed periodically, almost continuously, to obtain a movement profile of the mobile device 730. This allows the correct gate 702.1, 702.2 to be reliably opened for the user at the correct time (not too early, so that an unauthorized person could pass through the gate; and not too late, so that there is no delay to the user's movement). This is made possible by the very precise, registration-based determination of the user's position.

[0157] Furthermore, it is understood that alternatively or additionally, a 702.1 or 702.2 gate may have an interface device (a reader) to capture authentication data, for example in the form of a readable access code, and to initiate a check (e.g., magnetic stripe code, barcode, QR code, RFID identifier, another readable user or mobile device identifier, etc.).

Claims

1. An access system (100, 200, 500, 600, 700) for a transport system, comprising: - a gate array comprising a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate, - wherein the first gate and the further gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) are configured to allow access from a first area (104) to a second area (106), wherein - the first gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) comprises at least one first group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 508, 608.1, 608.2, 708.1, 708.2), configured to process at least one information signal (234, 446, 564.1, 564.2, 564.3, 562, 662.1, 662.2, 734) containing at least one modulated signal portion (458) and at least one unmodulated signal portion (456), - wherein each group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 508, 608.1, 608.2, 708.1, 708.2) comprises a plurality of gate antennas (110, 210, 510) arranged adjacent to one another, - wherein the further gate comprises a further group antenna arrangement having a plurality of gate antennas arranged adjacent to one another, - wherein each group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 508, 608.1, 608.2, 708.1, 708.2) comprises at least one gate receiving equipment (220) coupled to the gate antennas (110, 210), - wherein the gate receiving equipment (220) is configured to determine position data (338, 338.1, 338.2, 340, 342) of a mobile terminal (230, 330, 730) transmitting the information signal (234, 446, 734), at least based on the unmodulated signal portion (456) of a received information signal (234, 446, 734), wherein a continuous determination of the position data of the mobile terminal relative to the gates takes place such that an instantaneous motion profile of the mobile terminal is thereby determined, - wherein at least one gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) comprises a control module (676.1, 676.2, 776.1, 776.2) configured to control access through the gates (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) based on the determined position data of the mobile device (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), wherein, through the continuous determination of the position data, the gate of the gate array toward which a user of the mobile terminal is heading is then released when the user actually reaches the gate, - wherein each of the gate antennas (110, 210) is configured to provide an antenna signal based on the unmodulated signal portion (456) of the received information signal (234, 446, 734), and - wherein the gate receiving equipment (220) comprises at least one demodulation module (222) configured to demodulate the provided antenna signals such that, for each of the antenna signals, an amplitude value and a phase value of the unmodulated signal portion (456) are determined, - wherein the gate receiving equipment (220) comprises at least one position determination module (224) configured to determine a first angle datum based on the determined amplitude data and the determined phase data of the antenna signals, and - wherein the position determination module (224) is configured to at least partially determine the position data, at least based on the determined first angle data, - wherein the group antenna array of the adjacent gate is configured to determine a further angle datum, wherein the position determination module is configured to determine the position data based on the determined first and further angle data.

2. The access system (100, 200, 700) according to claim 1, characterized in that - the position determination module (224) is configured to determine the position data based on the determined first angle datum and the RSSI of the information signal (234, 446, 734) received by the gate antennas (110, 210, 510).

3. An access system (100, 200, 500, 600, 700) for a transportation system, comprising: - a gate array comprising a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate, - wherein the terminal receiving equipment (566, 666) comprises at least one positioning module (572) configured to determine position data of the mobile terminal (530, 630) based on the demodulated antenna signals, - wherein at least one gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) comprises a control module (676.1, 676.2, 776.1, 776.2) configured to control access through the gates (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) based on the determined position data of the mobile terminal (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), - wherein the position data of the mobile device is continuously determined in relation to the gates, thereby determining a current motion profile of the mobile terminal, - wherein, by means of the continuous determination of the position data, the gate of the gate array toward which a user of the mobile device is heading is then released when the user actually reaches the gate, - wherein the gate transmitting equipment (560) is configured to control the transmitting of the group information signal (562, 662.1, 662.1) such that the respective unmodulated signal segments (456) of the individual information signals (446, 564.1, 564.2, 564.3) of the first group information signal (562, 662.1, 662.1) each have a specific phase relationship with one another, - wherein the positioning module (572) is configured to determine position data of the mobile terminal (530, 630) based on the phase datum determined for each first antenna signal and the amplitude datum determined for each first antenna signal, and - wherein the positioning module is configured to determine the position data of the mobile terminal based on the demodulated first antenna signals and on demodulated second antenna signals of a further group information signal transmitted by the further group antenna arrangement arranged adjacent to the first group antenna arrangement.

4. The access system (100, 500, 600) according to claim 3, characterized in that - the positioning module (572) is configured to determine the position data of the mobile terminal (530, 630) based on the demodulated first antenna signals and the RSSI of the first information signal received by the antenna (532, 632) of the mobile terminal (530, 630).

5. The access system (100, 500, 600) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that - the positioning module (572) is configured to determine the position data of the mobile terminal (530, 630) based on the demodulated first antenna signals and on demodulated second antenna signals of a further group information signal (562, 662.1, 662.2) transmitted by a further group antenna arrangement (108, 508, 608.1, 608.2) arranged adjacent to the first group antenna arrangement (108, 508, 608.1, 608.2).

6. The access system (100, 200, 500, 600, 700) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that - the access system (100, 200, 500, 600, 700) comprises at least one back-end system (678, 778), - wherein the backend system (678, 778) comprises at least one communication module (680, 668, 780) configured to communicate with a control module (676.1, 676.2, 776.1, 776.2) of a gate (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2) and / or with a mobile terminal (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), and - the communication module (680, 780) is, in particular, configured to transmit to the control module (676.1, 676.2, 776.1, 776.2) at least one of the data items from the group comprising: - position data of the mobile device (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), - authentication datum associated with the mobile terminal (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), - camera datum, - a near-field sensor datum, - a far-field sensor datum.

7. A method for operating an access system (100, 200, 700) for a transportation system having a gate array comprising a first gate and at least one further adjacent gate, wherein the first gate and the further gate are configured to allow access from a first area (104) to a second area (106), wherein each gate (102, 702.1, 702.2) comprises a group antenna arrangement (108, 208, 308, 308.1, 308.2, 708.1, 708.2) comprising a plurality of gate antennas (110, 210, 510) arranged adjacent to one another and a receiving equipment (220) coupled to the gate antennas (110, 210, 510), the method comprising: - receiving, by the gate antennas (110, 210, 510), an information signal (446) containing at least one modulated signal portion (458) and at least one unmodulated signal portion (456), - providing, by the gate antennas (110, 210, 510), antenna signals each based on the unmodulated signal portion (456) of the received information signal (446), and - determining position data of a mobile terminal (230, 330, 730) transmitting the information signal (446), at least based on the provided antenna signals, - wherein the position data of the mobile terminal is continuously determined in relation to the gates, thereby determining a current motion profile of the mobile terminal, - controlling, by a control module, access through the gates (102, 602.1, 602.2, 702.1, 702.2), based on the determined position data of the mobile terminal (230, 330, 530, 630, 730), wherein, by means of the continuous determination of the position data, the gate of the gate array toward which a user of the mobile device is heading is then released when the user actually reaches the gate, - wherein each of the gate antennas (110, 210) is configured to provide an antenna signal based on the unmodulated signal portion (456) of the received information signal (234, 446, 734), and - wherein the gate receiving equipment (220) comprises at least one demodulation module (222) configured to demodulate the provided antenna signals such that, for each of the antenna signals, an amplitude datum and a phase datum of the unmodulated signal portion (456) are determined, - wherein the gate receiving equipment (220) comprises at least one position determination module (224) configured to determine a first angle datum based on the determined amplitude data and the determined phase data of the antenna signals, and - wherein the position determination module (224) is configured to at least partially determine the position data, at least based on the determined first angle datum, - wherein the group antenna array of the adjacent gate determines a further angle datum, wherein the position determination module is configured to determine the position data based on the determined first angle datum and the further angle datum.

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