Separation system for controlling access to restricted areas, piggyback detection device, and related computer program products, and related methods - Patents.com

Abstract

Isolation systems, piggyback prevention devices, computer program products, and related methods are provided for managing access to restricted areas. For example, a method for enabling authenticated access for one person through a passage to manage access to a restricted area of ​​a facility may include, upon receiving an access permission signal, unlocking a lockable turnstile for the duration of the access time, allowing the user to rotate the turnstile's rotating panel assembly to enter the restricted area. While the turnstile is unlocked, a piggyback detection device may also be included to sense the number of users in the counting area within the turnstile. After only one user is detected in the counting area and the turnstile's rotating panel assembly has been rotated to a position within the turnstile where one user can enter the restricted area, the piggyback detection device may be reset and the turnstile locked.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The subject matter of this disclosure claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Serial No. 63 / 241,961, filed September 8, 2021, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

[0002] The present subject matter relates to a segregation system, piggyback detection device, and computer program product for controlling access to a restricted area. In particular, the present subject matter relates to a segregation system, piggyback prevention device, computer program product, and related methods for controlling entry and exit to ensure that only one authorized person enters or exits a controlled area when that person's credentials are presented at that time. [Background technology]

[0003] Security is a growing concern in today's world. From hackers accessing valuable information to intruders threatening the safety of people and property, businesses are aware of the need for better security. Successfully solving the biggest gap in physical security - unauthorized intrusion - starts with addressing the entry points around the building. With risks only increasing in today's climate, security professionals know how important it is to ensure that only authorized users can enter the building at any given time. The key to mitigating risk and knowing who is in the building at all times is to implement a secure entry solution. To improve the physical security of a building or facility, one of the best options is often to use turnstiles to manage employee and visitor access.

[0004] Turnstiles are used in a wide variety of environments, including stadiums, amusement parks, mass transit stations, office lobbies, airports, factories, power plants and other industrial and manufacturing facilities.

[0005] From a business perspective, turnstiles can provide an accurate and verifiable count of people entering and exiting a facility. When used in manufacturing facilities, turnstiles are useful from a security perspective. Turnstiles can be designed to ensure that only workers with the correct clearance can enter a facility or restricted areas within a facility, for example during shift changes. Turnstiles often use a ratchet mechanism to allow rotation of the stile in one direction, which allows entry, but prevents rotation in the other direction. In industrial and manufacturing facility applications, full-height turnstiles are often used, which are typically about 7 feet (2.1 m) tall and operate similarly to a revolving door, eliminating the possibility of someone jumping over the turnstile. However, this type of turnstile functions differently from a revolving door in that someone cannot enter when someone is exiting. Full-height turnstiles are a rugged, low-maintenance solution for the harshest outdoor conditions and act as a deterrent against piggybacking and unauthorized entry along a company's fence. Full-height turnstiles can be designed to suit the needs of the environment, whether it be for indoor or outdoor unmanned surveillance.

[0006] Typically in industrial and manufacturing facility applications, turnstiles are often designed to only operate after a paper ticket or electronically encoded card is swiped, tapped, or inserted onto or into a card reader. For example, card reader-accessed full-height turnstiles can be used to allow single-file entry for workers, allowing controlled access for workers of a designated shift to either a facility or restricted areas within the facility, helping to ensure that the right people are entering at the right time and to monitor entry and exit. Additionally, the use of such turnstile and card reader security systems allows for remote monitoring of the entry and exit points where such turnstiles are employed, if desired.

[0007] A continuing problem with such security systems employing card reader-accessed full-height turnstiles is the attempt of unauthorized individuals or personnel to gain access to a facility or restricted area by piggybacking on an authorized worker or by multiple individuals attempting to pass through the turnstile with a single card swipe, piggybacking on a legitimate authorized entry.

[0008] Thus, a need exists to improve the security of a facility by allowing only one patron through a turnstile at a time, thereby allowing only authorized personnel to enter the facility or restricted area. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0009] The present subject matter relates to a segregation system and piggyback detection device for controlling access to a restricted area. In particular, the present subject matter provides a segregation system, piggyback detection device, and related methods for controlling entry and exit to ensure that only one authorized person enters or exits a controlled area when that person's credentials are presented at that time. [Means for solving the problem]

[0010] The subject matter also relates to a computer program product for managing access to a facility or restricted area through one or more turnstiles. Aspects of the subject matter described herein can be implemented in software in combination with hardware and / or firmware. For example, the subject matter described herein may be implemented in software executed by a hardware-enabled processor. In one exemplary embodiment, the subject matter described herein of detecting solo entry and exit into a facility or restricted area while detecting piggybacking, piggybacking, or related unauthorized entry can be implemented using a non-transitory computer-readable medium having stored thereon executable instructions that, when executed by a processor of a computer, control the processor to perform steps. Exemplary non-transitory computer-readable media suitable for implementing the subject matter described herein include chip or disk memory devices accessible by the processor, programmable logic devices, and application specific integrated circuits. Furthermore, computer-readable media implementing the subject matter described herein may be located on a single computing platform or distributed across multiple computing platforms. It is further noted that the present systems and methods may utilize and comprise turnstiles, security interlocks, and detection devices used in securing facilities by controlling access to restricted areas by preventing piggybacking, hitching, or related situations from occurring, and by allowing single-person passage in and out of the area only by authorized individuals, as described herein. These separation systems, turnstiles, and detection devices constitute special purpose devices that improve the art of providing safe and controlled entry into facilities or restricted areas.

[0011] One or more objects of the subject matter disclosed herein are achieved in whole or in part by the subject matter disclosed above, while other objects will become apparent as the description proceeds, as best described hereinafter when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0012] A full and enabling disclosure of the present subject matter, including the best mode thereof, to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth more particularly in the remainder of the specification, including reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0013] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a full-height turnstile that may form part of an embodiment of a separation system in accordance with the present subject matter; [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of a piggyback and / or piggybacking detection device component that may be installed on or with a full height turnstile according to FIG. 1 in a separation system according to the present subject matter; [Figure 3A] 1A-1C show different perspective views of an embodiment of a separation system including a turnstile and detection device in accordance with the present subject matter; [Figure 3B] 1A-1C show different perspective views of an embodiment of a separation system including a turnstile and detection device according to the present subject matter; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 shows a schematic plan view of an embodiment of a separation system in use according to the present subject matter; [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 illustrates a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a turnstile control device of a separation system according to the present subject matter; [Figure 6] FIG. 1 illustrates an input / output state diagram for an embodiment of a separation system that identifies when an access control system is active or inactive based on signals received at a piggyback detection device by a turnstile control device in accordance with the present subject matter; [Figure 7]FIG. 10 illustrates a timing diagram for the entry of a single user into a lockable turnstile of an embodiment of a separation system in accordance with the present subject matter, where the user successfully passes through the lockable turnstile; [Figure 8] FIG. 10 illustrates a timing diagram of two users entering a lockable turnstile of an embodiment of a separation system when the turnstile is locked and the user's passage through the lockable turnstile fails in accordance with the present subject matter; [Figure 9] 1 is a schematic diagram of an embodiment of a piggyback detection device showing certain components of the piggyback detection device in accordance with the present subject matter. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

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[0022] Repeat use of reference characters in the present specification and drawings is intended to represent same or analogous features or elements of the present subject matter.

[0023] Other documents and related information, including Appendices 1-4, are provided herewith to further describe these and other aspects of the subject matter disclosed herein and to provide a further enabling disclosure to those of skill in the art.

[0024] One or more examples are now provided below for reference of embodiments of the present subject matter. Each example is provided for the purpose of illustrating the present subject matter, not as a limitation. Indeed, it will be apparent to one skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present subject matter without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For example, features illustrated or described as one embodiment can be used in another embodiment to obtain yet another embodiment. It should be appreciated by one skilled in the art that this discussion is merely a description of exemplary embodiments and is not intended to limit the broader aspects of the present subject matter, which are embodied in the exemplary structures.

[0025] In this specification, terms such as first, second, right, left, front, back, top, bottom, etc. may be used to describe various features, elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections, but these features, elements, components, regions, layers, and / or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are used only to distinguish one feature, element, component, region, layer, or section from another feature, element, component, region, layer, or section. Thus, a first feature, element, component, region, layer, or section described below may be called a second feature, element, component, region, layer, or section without departing from the scope of the disclosure of this specification.

[0026] Similarly, in this disclosure, when a feature or element is described as "on" or "with respect to" another feature or element, it is to be understood that the features or elements are either in direct contact with one another or have other features or elements between them, unless expressly stated to the contrary. Thus, these terms merely describe the relative location of features or elements with respect to one another, and do not necessarily mean "on top," since a relative location of above or below depends on the orientation of the device with respect to the viewer.

[0027] Embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure are described herein with reference to schematic illustrations of embodiments that may be idealized. As such, variations from the shapes and / or locations of features, elements, or components in the drawings are expected as a result of, for example, but not limited to, user preferences, manufacturing techniques, and / or manufacturing tolerances. Also, the shapes, sizes, and / or locations of features, elements, or components illustrated in the drawings may be enlarged, minimized, exaggerated, moved, or simplified to facilitate the description of the subject matter disclosed herein. Thus, the features, elements, or components illustrated in the drawings are schematic in nature, and their shapes and / or locations are not intended to illustrate the exact configuration of the subject matter, and are not necessarily intended to limit the scope of the subject matter disclosed herein, unless otherwise specified herein.

[0028] Ranges and limits referred to herein should be understood to include all ranges (i.e., subranges) that are within the limits stated. For example, the range of about 100 to about 200 also includes ranges of 110 to 150, 170 to 190, 153 to 162, and 145.3 to 149.6. Moreover, a limit of about 7 also includes limits of about 5, about 3, and about 4.5, as well as ranges within limits such as about 1 to about 5, and about 3.2 to about 6.5.

[0029] As used herein, "computing device(s)" refers to one or more programmable logic controllers (PLCs), microcomputers, desktop computers, laptop computers, set-top devices, tablet computers, mobile devices, mobile smart devices, smartphones, servers, other hardware, and / or the like. In some embodiments, a computing device may include a hardware-based processor configured to execute software programs or applications.

[0030] As used herein, "software" or "software application" means a computer program product for and for use on a computing device, including, but not limited to, a PLC, a microcomputer, a desktop computer, a laptop computer, a set-top device, a tablet computer, a mobile device, a mobile smart device, a smart phone, a server, other hardware and / or the like, and may be in the form of a non-transitory computer-readable medium containing computer-executable instructions embodied in the computer-readable medium that, when executed by a processor of the computer or computing device, can control the computer or computing device such that the computer or computing device performs certain steps.

[0031] As used herein, "rotating panel assembly" means a turnstile door assembly that includes a plurality of rotatable panels, such as rotor arms, wings, doors, gates, etc., extending outwardly from a rotatable post that rotate with the rotation of the post, with spaces between adjacent rotatable panels defining aisle sections to allow passage of patrons through the turnstile.

[0032] As used herein, "piggyback" refers to a situation in which, when a turnstile controls access through an on-ramp, two or more users are forced into an aisle section between adjacent rotatable panels to pass through the turnstile.

[0033] As used herein, "piggyback detection device" means a detection device having a sensor capable of identifying the number of users within a counting area in a passage section of the turnstile and capable of communicating with a turnstile control device to allow or restrict rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile.

[0034] As used herein, "entry time" refers to a period of time during which a lockable turnstile is unlocked to permit rotation of a rotating panel assembly to pass through one passageway segment through the turnstile when an access signal is received by a turnstile controller of the lockable turnstile prior to relocking the turnstile. For example, in some embodiments, the entry time period can be between about 3 seconds and about 15 seconds. In some embodiments, the entry time period can be between about 5 seconds and about 10 seconds. In some embodiments, the entry time period can be about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the entry time period can be about 10 seconds.

[0035] As used herein, a "turnstile controller" refers to a controller comprised of a computing device that receives information, such as signals, to control the locking and unlocking of a lockable turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile. In some embodiments, the turnstile controller may also comprise electromechanical components that physically lock the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile.

[0036] As used herein, "access control system" means an apparatus, device, or system used to identify a user as either an authorized user or an unauthorized user for entry into a restricted area. To identify a user, an access control system may comprise one or more of a variety of different identification devices. For example, an access control system may include, but is not limited to, a badge reader, a card reader, a keypad, or a biometric device such as fingerprint recognition, hand recognition, or facial recognition.

[0037] As used herein, "detection zone" means a zone or area where a patron prepares to enter a turnstile and present their credentials to the access control system.

[0038] As used herein, "counting area" means a zone or area within the turnstile space where an open aisle section is presented and where a user enters such an aisle section to pass through the turnstile.

[0039] The subject matter relates to a separation system, which is a structural means for access control to restricted areas. People have their authentication checked and are granted or revoked access individually. The separation system disclosed herein uses an anti-piggyback sensor designed as a person recognition system for security interlocks. The sensor interlock system ensures that only one authenticated person is allowed access to the secure area. Situations such as two people entering a turnstile are safely detected by the system via artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities.

[0040] As disclosed herein, a separation system is provided that allows authenticated entry of a person through a passageway to control entry into a restricted area of ​​a facility. The separation system may include a lockable turnstile having a rotating panel assembly that rotates to allow passage of a patron through the entryway if authorized. The separation system may also include a turnstile controller connected to the lockable turnstile and controlling the rotation of the rotating panel assembly to allow passage of a patron through the lockable turnstile. The separation system may further include a piggyback detection device in operative communication with the turnstile controller. The piggyback detection device is configured to provide instructions to the turnstile controller to control the rotation of the rotating panel assembly to allow passage of a patron through the lockable turnstile. The piggyback detection device may include a sensor, which may be configured to be positioned relative to the turnstile prior to the entryway to detect the presence of one or more patrons within a counting zone within the turnstile. In particular, the piggyback detection device may be configured to receive signals from the sensor regarding the presence of one or more patrons such that different signals, or instructions, may be generated to lock and unlock the lockable turnstile at different times depending on what the sensor detects.

[0041] For example, if an authorized user is detected in the count area by the sensor, the piggyback detection device may be configured to transmit a signal, or command, to the turnstile control device to allow rotation of the rotating panel assembly for a specified period of time while the user is present in the count area. Furthermore, if two or more users are detected in the count area by the sensor, the piggyback detection device may be configured to transmit a signal, or command, to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly. Furthermore, if an unauthorized user is presented and detected in the count area by the sensor, the piggyback detection device may be configured to transmit a signal, or command, to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly. Furthermore, if an authorized user is presented and not detected in the count area by the sensor, the piggyback detection device may be configured to transmit a signal, or command, to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly.

[0042] In some embodiments, the piggyback detection device may include a converter box and a power source. The sensor, converter box, and power source may all be in operable communication such that the power source provides power to the sensor and converter box, and the converter box receives data, such as digital data, from the sensor. The converter box may be configured to convert the digital data to an analog signal for controlling rotation of a rotating panel assembly of the lockable turnstile. The converter box may communicate with the turnstile controller to provide signals, information, or instructions to the turnstile based on information generated by the piggyback detection device.

[0043] In some embodiments, the separation system may include an access control system in operative communication with the turnstile control device and the piggyback detection device. The access control system may be configured to identify a user as either an authenticated user or an unauthenticated user and to transmit a signal to at least one of the turnstile control device or the piggyback detection device that identifies a user in front of the turnstile as authenticated or unauthenticated. To identify a user, the access control system may comprise one or more of a variety of different identification devices. For example, in some embodiments, the access control system may comprise at least one of a badge or card reader, a keypad, or a biometric device such as fingerprint recognition, hand recognition, face recognition, etc.

[0044] As shown in FIG. 1, an example of an embodiment of a separation system SS is provided. The separation system SS may comprise an embodiment of a full height turnstile 10. The turnstile 10 may be constructed from a variety of different turnstile embodiments and different combinations of turnstile components. The turnstile 10 may include a rotating panel assembly 12 having equally spaced panels extending radially outward from a central rotatable post, each of the panels being oriented vertically. The rotatable panels may comprise a variety of different configurations of rotor arms, wings, doors, gates, etc. extending outward from the rotatable post. For example, in the illustrated embodiment, the turnstile 10 may comprise a rotor arm assembly 12 having equally spaced rotor arms extending horizontally radially outward from a central rotatable post in sets of rotor arms where each set of rotor arms is on a vertical line. There are three equally spaced locations from the central rotatable post such that the vertical lines of the rotor arms are approximately 120° apart from each other. The rotor arm assembly 12 may be configured to rotate in a single direction, for example counterclockwise, relative to entry through the turnstile 10, as shown in FIG.

[0045] The turnstile 10 may include a shield 14 having a curved wall disposed on one side of the rotor arm assembly 12 such that the rotor arms pass adjacent the curved wall of the shield 14 which prevents a person from passing between the end of the rotor arms and the shield 14. The shield 14 may include different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the shield 14 may include vertically spaced metal bars, horizontally spaced metal bars, a curved metal sheet, a curved polymer sheet such as a plexiglass sheet, or the like.

[0046] In some embodiments, the turnstile 10 may also include a barrier assembly 16 that may be located on the side of the rotor arm assembly 12 opposite the shield 14. The barrier assembly may include a variety of different embodiments. In some embodiments, for example, the barrier assembly 16 may be stationary, with barrier arms extending horizontally and radially outward from a barrier post on which the barrier arms are in a vertical line. The barrier arms of the barrier assembly 16 may be offset from the rotor arms of the rotor assembly 12, and the barrier assembly 16 may be positioned relative to the rotor assembly 12 such that the ends of the barrier arms of the barrier assembly 16 are within close range of the central post of the rotor arm assembly 12, with the rotor arms of the rotor arm assembly 12 being rotatable above and / or below the offset barrier arms of the barrier assembly 16. The turnstile 10 may also include a ceiling plate 18 that resides above the turnstile 10 between the central post of the rotor arm assembly 12 and the shield 14 to prevent people entering the turnstile 10 from crawling up through the top. The ceiling plate 18 may include a variety of different embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the ceiling panels 18 may extend over a portion of the top of the turnstile 10. In some embodiments, the ceiling panels 18 may be full ceiling panels that may extend completely over the top of the turnstile 10. For ceiling panels 18 that are full ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels may have a sensor opening therein to allow the sensor to see the detection area within the turnstile 10 if the ceiling panels are not constructed of a material that is transparent, such as plexiglass or other transparent polymeric material. Similarly, for ceiling panels 18 that are partial ceiling panels, each of the ceiling panels may have a sensor opening therein to allow the sensor to see the detection area within the turnstile 10, or the sensor may be in a location where the partial ceiling panels do not extend.Additionally, the turnstile 10 may include a turnstile controller 20 that provides control for the turnstile 10 and resides above the ceiling plate 18 and within an upper channel assembly housing that may house the controls for the turnstile 10.

[0047] The separation system SS may also include a piggyback detection device 22 in operative communication with the turnstile controller. The piggyback detection device 22 may be configured to instruct the turnstile controller 20 to control the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 to allow passage of a user through the lockable turnstile 10. Additionally, the separation system SS may include an access control system 30 in operative communication with the turnstile controller 20 and / or the piggyback detection device 22. The access control system 30 may be configured to identify a user as either an authenticated user or an unauthenticated user and to transmit a signal or command to at least one of the turnstile controller 20 or the piggyback detection device 22 that identifies a user present in front of the turnstile 10 as authenticated or unauthenticated. To identify a user, the access control system 30 may include one or more of a variety of different identification devices 32. For example, in some embodiments, the access control system may include an identification device 32 that includes at least one badge reader 34. In some embodiments, the access control system may include an authentication device 32 that includes at least one biometric authentication device.

[0048] 2, 3A, 3B and 9, components of a piggyback detector are provided, generally designated 22. The detector 22 may include a sensor 1 for detecting the presence of a user within a counting area of ​​the turnstile 10. The detector 22 includes a transducer box 2 that, when installed, is in digital communication with the sensor 1 and capable of providing an analog output of activity, and a power supply 3 that provides suitable power to the transducer box 2 and the sensor 1. The sensor 1, transducer box 2, and power supply 3 may be installed in a housing 7 of the mount 6, which includes a box that may house components such as the sensor 1, and includes a mounting plate for securing the mount 6 and the detector 22 to the turnstile 10. The detector 22 may further include a sensor cable 4 that provides digital communication associated with the sensor 1, and a controller cable kit 5 that provides analog communication between the transducer box 2 and a controller of the turnstile 10 within the upper channel assembly 20. Although the sensor cable 4 and the controller cable kit 5 are shown extending from a side of the housing 7 of the mount 6, the sensor cable 4 and the controller cable kit 5 may be configured to extend from a front or rear end of the housing 7 of the mount 6.

[0049] Further, as shown in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, the piggyback detection device 22, the turnstile controller 20 and / or the access control system 30 may be considered to be or comprise a computing device as defined herein. For example, the piggyback detection device 22 may be comprised of a sensor 1, a transducer box 2, a power supply 3, one or more processors 24, and a memory 26 (e.g., one or more hardware components for storing executable instructions, data, and / or the like) in which a software application in the form of instructions 28 that may be executed by the one or more processors 24 may be stored. When executed by the processor(s) 24, the instructions 28 may cause the piggyback detection device 22 to perform one or more operations, functions, and / or the like as described herein. Furthermore, the turnstile controller 20 and / or the access control system 30 may also include one or more processors and memories such that portions of the software applications described herein may be executed by the piggyback detection device 22, the turnstile controller 20 and / or the access control system 30. When executed by the processor(s), such instructions may cause the piggyback detection device 22, the turnstile control device 20, and / or the access control system 30 to perform one or more operations, functions, and / or the like described herein.

[0050] The piggyback detection device 22 can be installed on the turnstile 10 to form a separation system SS, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B. For example, the mount 6 of the detection device 22 can be fixed to the ceiling plate 18 and the shield 14 with the mounting plate of the mount 6 so that the sensor 1 is directed to the counting area between the rotor arm of the rotor arm assembly 12 and the shield 14 and the sensor is mounted transversely to the direction of movement. The sensor 1 can be mounted on a horizontal surface. The maximum horizontal tilt tolerance is about ±5°. If direct mounting on the upper door panel is not possible, a suitable sensor bracket can be used to achieve the required horizontal position of the sensor. The sensor cable 4 and the controller cable kit 5 can connect the sensor 1 and the converter box 2 of the detection device 22 to the top channel assembly 20 for controlling the turnstile 10 and connecting it with the turnstile control device 20 present in the top channel assembly housing. In this way, the signal from the detection device 22 can be processed to control access through the turnstile 10.

[0051] In particular, in some embodiments, the anti-piggyback sensor 1 can operate according to the time-of-flight measurement principle (TOF) combined with an artificial intelligence (AI) algorithm that continuously learns the traffic and object patterns. The detection device 22 can determine distance information within a detection resolution of 500 pixels. From these individual distances, a series of images (3D image streaming) can be evaluated by the sensor 1, so that three states can be distinguished: the detection and / or counting area is empty, one person passes through the detection and / or counting area, and several people pass through the detection and / or counting area. The sensor data can be transmitted as a data stream to the converter box 2 via wired or wireless communication, for example Ethernet. A status display indicates the operational state of the sensor 2. The converter box 2 receives the sensor data stream via an Ethernet connection, evaluates them and generates binary switching signals that control the output and the LED state.

[0052] With reference to FIG. 5, the turnstile controller 20 can be in operative communication with the piggyback detector 22 and / or the access control system 30 to activate the locking and unlocking of the lockable turnstile 10. For example, in some embodiments, the converter box 2 can be connected to the turnstile controller 20 of the turnstile 10 via three analog signals. The first signal is an "access permission" signal that can temporarily block the access control signal from the access control system 30 to the turnstile 10. This access control signal is used to prevent access in the event of tampering. By interrupting the access control signal, the turnstile 10 is unlocked to allow rotation of the rotor arm assembly that allows an authorized user to pass through the turnstile 10. The connection points for generating and transmitting these signals can be an access permission terminal and an access permission wire from the access control system. The second signal is a "relock" signal that can be connected through a reset and rotation detection switch of the turnstile controller 20 of the turnstile 10. This relock signal is used to relock the turnstile 10 in the event of tampering, as shown in FIG. 6. The connection points for generating and transmitting these signals can be an electrical connection between pin 1 of the reset switch plug of the turnstile controller 20 of the turnstile 10 and the rotation detection switch of the turnstile controller 20 of the turnstile 10, as shown in Figure 6. The third signal is a "reset" signal, which can be connected through a rotation detection switch in the turnstile controller 20 of the turnstile 10. The reset signal is used to notify the piggyback detection device 22 that the turnstile 10 has rotated, so it can reset all data for the next pass. In some embodiments, as shown in Figure 6, the connection points for generating and transmitting these signals can be one leg of the rotation detection switch in the controller in the turnstile 10 and DC 24V.

[0053] 4-6, one or more software applications may be provided to implement the process of allowing only one user to pass through the turnstile 10 at a time. Below are some exemplary steps performed by such software applications that may be used within the system SS. For a standard passage of a worker or user, the following may occur: As a user approaches the turnstile 10, the user is detected by the sensor 1 of the detection device 22 in the detection area DA. Once detected, the OK relay in the converter box 2 is activated and an "access granted" signal is received from the access control system upon presentation of a valid card, and the turnstile 10 is unlocked for passage. As the user passes through the counting area CA, the count is incremented to (1). The user and the rotor arm of the rotor assembly 12 that the user is pushing pass through the turnstile 10 into the "reset" area RA where a reset signal is sent from the control device of the turnstile 10 to the converter box 2 to reset and clear the system and complete the passage.

[0054] The detection device 22 is also able to identify when an "away" has occurred. This occurs when a user approaches the turnstile 10 and enters the detection area DA. The OK relay is activated to allow the user to receive an "access grant" upon presentation of valid credentials. Access is granted and the turnstile 10 is unlocked. When the user leaves the detection area DA, the N-OK relay is activated and the turnstile 10 is relocked. The detection device 22 and separation system 24 are reset, ready for the next card presentation and passage.

[0055] In this manner, a separation system SS is provided that allows authenticated entry of a person through a passageway for controlling entry to a restricted area of ​​a facility. The separation system SS may comprise a lockable turnstile 10 having a rotating panel assembly 12 that rotates to allow passage of a user through the access point, if authorized. The separation system SS may comprise a turnstile controller 20 connected to the lockable turnstile 10 and controlling the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 to allow passage of a user through the lockable turnstile 10. The separation system SS may include a piggyback detection device in operative communication with the turnstile controller 20 such that the piggyback detection device 22 issues a command to the turnstile controller 20 to control the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 to allow passage of a user through the lockable turnstile 10, the piggyback detection device 22 including a sensor 1 configured and arranged to detect the presence of one or more users within a detection zone DA and / or a count zone CA in the turnstile 10 prior to the access point. As shown in Figure 9, the piggyback detection device 22 may also comprise one or more processors 24 configured to receive signals from the sensors 1 relating to the presence of one or more patrons, and a memory 26 for storing data including instructions 28 which, when executed by the one or more processors 24, cause the separation system SS to perform an action. Figure 6 reveals different scenarios when the access control system 30 and badge reader 34 are activated or deactivated based on readings from the piggyback detection device 22 and / or the turnstile control device 20.

[0056] With reference to Figures 7 and 8, the operations may comprise steps that occur when access is successful and an illustration of when a transmitted access attempt is performed. These operations represent steps that may be performed at least in part by one or more software applications and turnstiles. With reference to Figure 7, a successful access attempt may include, upon receiving an access permission signal, unlocking the turnstile for an entry time to allow a patron to rotate the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 to enter a restricted area. Next, the operations may include sensing the number of patrons within a counting area within the turnstile while the turnstile 10 is unlocked. The access permission signal may be received from the access control system 30. For example, the badge reader 34 may accept a patron's badge to allow unlocking of the turnstile 10. In some embodiments, the operations may further include sensing, using a sensor in the piggyback detection device 22, the presence of a user within the detection zone DA of the turnstile 10 before the piggyback detection device 22 transmits a signal, or command, that allows an access permission signal to be received and / or actuated by the turnstile control device 20 to unlock the turnstile 10. As shown in FIG. 8, if the sensor 1 of the piggyback detection device 22 only senses one person in the count zone CA, such as when the rotating panel assembly 12 is rotated by a user, the authenticated user may enter the restricted area through the turnstile 10 as long as the user does so within the period of the entry time. The period of the entry time may be set by the manufacturer or owner / end user of the separation system and may be based on the amount of time required for a user to pass through the turnstile 10 while minimizing the opportunity to hide from the sensor 1 of the piggyback detection device 22 and allow other users to piggyback entry. For example, in some embodiments, the period of the entry time may be between about 3 seconds and about 15 seconds. In some embodiments, the duration of the entry time may be between about 5 seconds and about 10 seconds.In some embodiments, the duration of the lead-in time can be about 5 seconds. In some embodiments, the duration of the lead-in time can be about 10 seconds.

[0057] Still referring to FIG. 7, the operations may include resetting the piggyback detection device and locking the turnstile after only one user is detected in the counting area and the turnstile rotor arm assembly is rotated to a turnstile reset position where the one user is permitted to enter the restricted area. Once the rotating panel assembly 12 has properly rotated, the turnstile controller 20 may generate a rotation count indicating that the aisle section within the rotating panel assembly 12 has rotated through the turnstile 10. The rotation count may be used to lock the turnstile 10 and reset the piggyback detection device 22. A reset may occur when the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 rotates to the reset position where the rotation count occurred. In this manner, successful passage of the user through the separation system may occur.

[0058] On the other hand, failed attempts may occur in different ways. For example, in some embodiments, the operations further include locking the turnstile 10 to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 and to prevent passage to the restricted area when more than one user is detected in the counting area CA, as shown in FIG. 8. When a second person entering the counting area CA is recognized, the turnstile 10 is relocked to prevent passage through the turnstile 10 to the restricted area, as shown in FIG. 8. In other scenarios, the operations may include using the piggyback detection device 22 to prevent reception of an access permission signal by the turnstile control device 20 when more than one user is detected in the detection area DA, as shown in FIG. 6, to prevent unlocking of the turnstile. Similarly, the operations may include using the piggyback detection device 22 to prevent reception of an access permission signal by the turnstile control device 20 when no user is detected in the detection area DA, as shown in FIG. 6, to prevent unlocking of the turnstile. Further, in some embodiments, the operations may include, upon receiving an access permission signal and detecting that a user has left the detection zone DA and has not entered the count zone CA, preventing the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 and locking the turnstile 10 to prevent passage into the restricted zone. The piggyback detection device 22 may then be reset. Returning to FIG. 8 , the operations may include, upon receiving an access permission signal and detecting that there is more than one user in the count zone CA, preventing the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 and locking the turnstile 10 to prevent passage into the restricted zone. In some embodiments, the operations of the separation system SS may include, upon receiving an access permission signal and detecting that there is more than one user in the count zone CA, preventing the rotation of the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 and locking the turnstile 10 to prevent passage into the restricted zone if the entry time period expires before the rotating panel assembly 12 of the turnstile 10 is rotated to a position that allows access of one user to the restricted zone.

[0059] In some embodiments including both count and detection zones, detection zone DA and count zone A may overlap, as shown in Figure 4. In some embodiments, count zone CA may cover an area within the turnstile 10 that prevents a user from entering the turnstile 10 and not being detected by sensor 1 of the piggyback detection device 22 during the entry time.

[0060] The detection device 22 can also identify when piggybacking has occurred. Piggybacking occurs when one user approaches the turnstile 10 for a "standard pass". As the first user begins to pass, a second user attempts to pass with the first user in the same section. When the first user passes through to the counting area CA, the count rises to (1). When the second person enters the counting area CA, the count rises to (2) and the N-OK relay in the converter box activates, triggering a reset / relock of the turnstile 10. The turnstile 10 is then relocked and after approximately 20 degrees of rotation of the turnstile 10, both users are blocked. Both users can exit the turnstile 10 and the detection area DA in the same direction they entered. The detection device 22 and the separation system 24 can then be reset, ready for the next card presentation and pass.

[0061] Thus, as provided herein, one or more software applications in the form of one or more non-transitory computer readable media including instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform operations are provided. The one or more software applications may include an operation of generating a signal to unlock the turnstile during an entry time upon receiving an access permission signal to allow a patron to rotate a rotating panel assembly of the turnstile to enter the restricted area. The operation may include determining the number of patrons in the counting area based on data received from a piggyback detection device in the turnstile while the turnstile is unlocked. Additionally, the operation may include resetting the piggyback detection device and generating a signal to lock the turnstile after receiving a signal that the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile has been rotated to a position in the turnstile where a patron is permitted to enter the restricted area. In some embodiments, the operation may include generating a signal to accept the access permission signal at the turnstile control device upon receiving a signal from a sensor in the piggyback detection device that a patron is present in the detection area of ​​the turnstile. In some embodiments, the operations may include transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the turnstile rotor arm assembly and lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area when a signal is received from a sensor of the piggyback detection device indicating that multiple users have been detected within the count zone.

[0062] In some embodiments, the operations of the one or more software applications may include generating and transmitting a signal to prevent the piggyback detection device from receiving an access permission signal to prevent unlocking of the turnstile when two or more users are detected in the detection zone. In some embodiments, the operations may include generating and transmitting a signal to prevent the piggyback detection device from receiving an access permission signal to prevent unlocking of the turnstile when no users are detected in the detection zone to prevent unlocking of the turnstile. In some embodiments, the operations may include generating and transmitting a signal to lock the turnstile to prevent rotation of the turnstile rotor arm assembly to prevent passage into the restricted zone and resetting the piggyback detection device when a signal is received from a piggyback detection device sensor that a user has left the detection zone and not entered the count zone. In some embodiments, the operations may include generating and transmitting a signal to lock the turnstile to prevent rotation of the turnstile rotor arm assembly to prevent passage into the restricted zone when a signal is received from a piggyback detection device sensor that one or more users are in the count zone.

[0063] In some embodiments, the operations of the one or more software applications may include generating and transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the turnstile's rotor arm assembly and lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area if the entry time period expires before the turnstile's rotor arm assembly is rotated to a position that allows a user access to the restricted area, and thereafter resetting the piggyback detection device. In some embodiments, the operations may include generating and transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the turnstile's rotor arm assembly and lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area if the entry time period expires before a user enters the count area, and thereafter resetting the piggyback detection device. Additionally, in some embodiments, the operations may include resetting the piggyback detection device upon receiving notification that a rotation count has occurred.

[0064] Thus, as discussed above, a separation system for controlling access to a restricted area, an anti-piggyback device, and a computer program product, as well as methods of using the systems and associated devices, are disclosed.

[0065] These and other modifications and variations to the present subject matter may be implemented by those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the present subject matter, as specifically defined hereinabove and by any claims. In addition, it should be understood that aspects of the various embodiments may be interchanged in whole or in part. Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the foregoing description is illustrative only and is not intended to limit the present subject matter.

Claims

1. 1. A method for a separation system allowing authenticated entry of a person through a passageway for controlling entry to a restricted area of ​​a facility, comprising: upon receiving an access permission signal, unlocking a lockable turnstile for an entry time period to permit a patron to enter the restricted area by rotating a rotating panel assembly of the turnstile; using a piggyback detection device to sense the number of patrons in a counting area within the turnstile while the turnstile is unlocked; resetting the piggyback detection device and locking the turnstile after only one user is detected in the counting zone and the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile is rotated to a position within the turnstile that allows the one user to enter the restricted zone; The method includes:

2. The method of claim 1 , further comprising sensing the presence of a user within a detection area of ​​a turnstile with the piggyback detection device.

3. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of a rotating panel assembly of the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area if more than one user is detected within the count area.

4. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the piggyback detection device to prevent reception of an access permission signal by a turnstile control device to prevent unlocking of the turnstile if more than one user is detected in the detection area.

5. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising using the piggyback detection device to prevent a turnstile control device from receiving an access permission signal to prevent unlocking of the turnstile if no user is detected in the detection zone.

6. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, upon receiving the access permission signal and sensing that a user has exited the detection zone and not entered a count zone, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted zone, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

7. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising, upon receiving the access permission signal and sensing the presence of more than one user within the counting area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and to prevent passage into the restricted area.

8. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: if the entry time expires before the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile is rotated to a position allowing a user access to a restricted area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

9. 3. The method of claim 2, further comprising: if the entry time expires before a user enters the counting area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

10. The method of claim 2 , wherein the detection zone and the count zone overlap.

11. 3. The method of claim 2, wherein the counting area covers an area within the turnstile that prevents a user from being within the turnstile during the entry time without being detected by a sensor of the piggyback detection device.

12. 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of performing a reset occurs when the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile rotates to a position where a rotation count occurs.

13. 1. A separation system for allowing authenticated entry of a single person through a pathway for controlling access to a restricted area of ​​a facility, comprising: a lockable turnstile having a rotating panel assembly that rotates to permit a user to pass through the access point upon authorization; a turnstile control coupled to the lockable turnstile for controlling rotation of the rotating panel assembly to permit passage of a user through the lockable turnstile; a piggyback detection device in operative communication with the turnstile controller that issues instructions to the turnstile controller to control rotation of the rotating panel assembly to permit passage of a patron through the lockable turnstile; Equipped with The piggyback detection device comprises: a sensor disposed in front of the access way, the sensor configured to detect the presence of one or more users within a count zone in the turnstile; one or more processors configured to receive signals from the sensors related to the presence of one or more occupants; A memory storing instructions that, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the system to perform a set of operations including: A system that includes: a.) upon receiving an access permission signal, unlocking a turnstile for an entry time period to permit a user to enter the restricted area by rotating a rotating panel assembly of said turnstile; b.) sensing the number of patrons within a counting area within said turnstile while said turnstile is unlocked; c.) resetting the piggyback detection device and locking the turnstile after only one user has been detected in the counting area and the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile has been rotated to a position within the turnstile that allows a single user to enter the restricted area.

14. 14. The separation system of claim 13, wherein the group of operations further comprises sensing the presence of a user within a detection area of ​​a turnstile using a sensor in the piggyback detection device.

15. 15. The isolation system of claim 14, wherein the group of actions further comprises locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of a rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted area if more than one patron is detected within the count area.

16. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the actions further include using the piggyback detection device to prevent the turnstile control device from receiving an access permission signal to prevent unlocking of the turnstile if two or more users are detected in the detection area.

17. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the actions further comprise: using the piggyback detection device to prevent the turnstile control device from receiving an access permission signal to prevent unlocking of the turnstile if no users are detected in the detection zone.

18. 15. The separation system of claim 14, further comprising, upon receiving an access permission signal and sensing that a user has exited the detection zone and not entered the count zone, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted zone, and resetting a piggyback detection device.

19. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the operation group further comprises, upon receiving an access permission signal and sensing that there is more than one user within the counting area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and to prevent passage into the restricted area.

20. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the group of operations further includes, if the entry time expires before the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile is rotated to a position allowing a user access to a restricted area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

21. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the group of actions further includes, if the entry time expires before the one user enters the counting area, locking the turnstile to prevent rotation of a rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

22. The separation system of claim 14 , wherein the detection zone and the count zone overlap.

23. 15. The separation system of claim 14, wherein the counting area covers an area within the turnstile that prevents the user from entering the turnstile during the entry time without being detected by a sensor of the piggyback detection device.

24. 15. The separation system of claim 14, further comprising the step of performing a reset when the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile rotates to a position where a rotation count occurs.

25. One or more non-transitory computer readable media comprising instructions that, when executed by one or more computing devices, cause the one or more computing devices to perform a set of actions including: a) upon receiving an access permission signal, generating a signal to unlock a turnstile for an entry time period to permit a user to rotate a rotating panel assembly of said turnstile to enter said restricted area; b) determining the number of patrons within a counting area based on data received from a piggyback detection device within the turnstile while the turnstile is unlocked; c) generating a signal to reset the piggyback detection device and lock the turnstile after receiving a signal that the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile has been rotated to a position within the turnstile that allows a user to enter the restricted area.

26. 26. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 25, further comprising: upon receiving a signal from a sensor in the piggyback detection device that a user is present within the detection area of ​​the turnstile, generating a signal to accept the access permission signal at the turnstile control device.

27. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising: when a signal is received from the sensor of the piggyback detection device indicating that more than one user has been detected within the count zone, transmitting a signal to lock the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and to prevent passage into the restricted zone.

28. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising generating and transmitting a signal that blocks reception of an access permission signal by the piggyback detection device to prevent unlocking of a turnstile if two or more users are detected in the detection area.

29. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising: generating and transmitting a signal that blocks reception of an access permission signal by the piggyback detection device to prevent unlocking of the turnstile if no user is detected in the detection zone.

30. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 26, further comprising, upon receiving a signal from the sensor of the piggyback detection device that a user has exited the detection zone and has not entered a count zone, generating and transmitting a signal to lock the turnstile to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted zone, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

31. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising, upon receiving a signal from the sensor of the piggyback detection device that there is more than one user within the count zone, generating and transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile and lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted zone.

32. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising: if the entry time expires before the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile is rotated to a position allowing a single user access to a restricted area, generating and transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile, lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

33. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media of claim 26, further comprising: if the entry time expires before a user enters the counting area, generating and transmitting a signal to prevent rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the turnstile, lock the turnstile to prevent passage into the restricted area, and resetting the piggyback detection device.

34. 27. The one or more non-transitory computer readable media of claim 26, further comprising resetting the piggyback detection device upon receiving notification that a rotation count has occurred.

35. 1. A separation system for allowing authenticated entry of a single person through a pathway for controlling access to a restricted area of ​​a facility, comprising: a lockable turnstile having a rotating panel assembly that rotates to permit a user to pass through the access point upon authorization; a turnstile control coupled to the lockable turnstile for controlling rotation of the rotating panel assembly to permit passage of a user through the lockable turnstile; a piggyback detection device in operative communication with the turnstile controller that issues instructions to the turnstile controller to control rotation of the rotating panel assembly to permit passage of a patron through the lockable turnstile; Equipped with The piggyback detection device comprises: a sensor disposed in front of the access point configured to detect the presence of one or more users within a count zone in the turnstile; and A system for receiving a signal from the sensor relating to the presence of one or more occupants, the system being configured as follows: a) the piggyback detection device is configured, when an authenticated user is detected within the count zone, to transmit a signal to the turnstile control device to permit rotation of the rotating panel assembly for a specified time while the user is within the count zone; b) the piggyback detection device is configured to transmit a signal to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly if two or more occupants are detected within the count zone; c) the piggyback detection device is configured to transmit a signal to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly when an unauthorized user is present and detected within the counting zone; d) the piggyback detection device is configured to transmit a signal to limit rotation of the rotating panel assembly if an authorized occupant is not detected within the counting zone;

36. 36. The isolation system of claim 35, wherein the piggyback detection device comprises a transducer box and a power source, the sensor, the transducer box, and the power source being in operative communication, the power source providing power to the sensor and the transducer box, the transducer box receiving digital data from the sensor, converting the digital data to an analog signal, and controlling rotation of the rotating panel assembly of the lockable turnstile.

37. 36. The separation system of claim 35, further comprising an access control system in operative communication with the turnstile control device and the piggyback detection device, the access control system configured to identify a user as either an authenticated user or an unauthenticated user and to transmit a signal to at least one of the turnstile control device or the piggyback detection device identifying a user in front of the turnstile as authenticated or unauthenticated.

38. 36. The separation system of claim 35, wherein the access control system comprises at least one of a badge reader or a biometric device.

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