System and method for providing access to a secured area

Abstract

A system for providing access to a secured area is disclosed The system comprises an authentication unit (102), a monitoring unit (104), and a data processing unit (106). The authentication unit configured to authenticate a user based on a unique identifier associated with the user, The monitoring unit configured to monitor the movement of personnel in and out of the secured area. The data processing unit communicatively coupled to the authentication unit and the monitoring unit, wherein the data processing unit comprises a microcontroller (202) and a database (204). The microcontroller determines the number of persons authenticated or entering inside the secured area and the number of persons leaving the secured area based on the information received from the monitoring unit. Furthermore, perform a first or a second action if the number of persons entered the secured area does not match the number of persons leaving the secured area.

Description

SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PROVIDING ACCESS TO A SECURED AREATECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to security systems, it particularly relates to a system for providing access to a secured area.BACKGROUND

[0002] Background description includes information that may be useful in understanding the present disclosure. It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art or relevant to the presently claimed disclosure, or that any publication specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art.

[0003] Access control systems have become increasingly important in today's world, where the need to protect physical assets and ensure the safety of individuals is paramount. Traditional methods of securing areas, such as keys and physical locks, have significant limitations in terms of flexibility, scalability, and security. As a result, there has been a growing demand for advanced access control systems that can provide robust security and safety while offering convenient and efficient access management.

[0004] In the past, access control systems typically relied on mechanical locks, which required keys for entry. These systems were often cumbersome to manage, prone to unauthorized duplication of keys, and lacked the ability to provide detailed audit trails. As technology advanced, electronic access control systems emerged, utilizing keycards, PIN codes, or biometric authentication methods to grant or deny access.

[0005] While electronic access control systems represented a significant improvement over traditional locks, they still had limitations. Managing access rights for a large number of users could be complex and time-consuming. Additionally, these systems have vulnerabilities such as tailgating and the like.

[0006] Specifically, such systems have limited application in an industrial setup such as Lock- Out Tag-Out (LOTO) system. The LOTO system has some unique requirements wherein the access control system is connected to machinery and configured to disable the machinery when a user is in the area where the machinery is placed.

[0007] The prior art lacks the features required to provide a comprehensive access control solution, particularly for an industrial setup.

[0008] In light of these challenges, there exists a need for a novel access system that overcomes the limitations of existing solutions.SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0009] In an embodiment, a system for providing access to a secured area is disclosed. The system comprises an authentication unit, a monitoring unit, and a data processing unit. The authentication unit configured to authenticate a user based on a unique identifier associated with the user, The monitoring unit configured to monitor the movement of personnel in and out of the secured area. The data processing unit communicatively coupled to the authentication unit and the monitoring unit, wherein the data processing unit comprises a microcontroller and a database. The microcontroller is configured to receive the unique identifier from the authentication unit and authenticate the user to provide access to the secured area. Further, determine the number of persons entering the secured area and the number of persons leaving the secured area based on the information received from the monitoring unit. Furthermore, perform a first action if the number of persons entered the secured area does not match the number of persons leaving the secured area. The database is configured to store the unique identifier associated with the user and record the information relating to the user accessing the secured area and the time of access.

[0010] In an embodiment, method of providing access to a secured area is disclosed. The method comprises a sequence of following steps. Receiving a unique identifier associated with a user by an authentication unit to authenticate the user; Monitoring, using a monitoring unit, the movement of personnel entering and leaving the secured area; Receiving, by a data processing unit, the unique identifier associated with the user to provide access to the secured area; Determining, by the data processing unit, the number of persons entering the secured area and the number of persons leaving the secured area based on the information received from the monitoring unit; and performing, by the data processing unit, a first action if the number of persons entered the secured area does not match the number of persons leaving the secured area.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] The following briefly describes the accompanying drawings, illustrating the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention, for assisting the understanding of a person skilled in the art to comprehend the invention. It would be apparent that the accompanying drawings in the following description merely show some embodiments of the present invention, and persons skilled in the art can derive other drawings from the accompanying drawings without deviating from the scope of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 1 illustrates a system for providing access to a secured area, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0013] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of the data processing unit, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0014] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of providing access to a secured area, in accordance with an embodiment;

[0015] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system for providing access to a secured area; and

[0016] FIGs. 5A-5B is a flowchart of method of providing access to a secured area, in accordance with an embodiment.

[0017] Persons skilled in the art will appreciate that elements in the figures are illustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements in the figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help to improve understanding of embodiments of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] The following detailed description includes references to the accompanying drawings, which form part of the detailed description. The drawings show illustrations in accordance with example embodiments. These example embodiments are described in enough detail to enable those skilled in the art to practice the present subject matter. However, it may be apparent to one with ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the embodiments. The embodiments can be combined, other embodiments can be utilized, or structural and logicalchanges can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. The following detailed description is, therefore, not to be taken in a limiting sense.

[0019] In this document, the terms “a” or “an” are used, as is common in patent documents, to include one or more than one. In this document, the term “or” is used to refer to a non-exclusive “or”, such that “A or B” includes “A but not B”, “B but not A”, and “A and B”, unless otherwise indicated.

[0020] FIG. 1 illustrates a system 100 for providing access to a secured area 108, in accordance with an embodiment. The system 100 comprises an authentication unit 102, a monitoring unit 104, and a data processing unit 106. The authentication unit 102, monitoring unit 104, and data processing unit 106 work in conjunction to provide access to the secured area 108.

[0021] The authentication unit 102 is configured to authenticate a user who wants to access the secured area 108. The authentication is performed based on unique identifier associated with the user.

[0022] The monitoring unit 104 is configured to monitor the movement of personnel in and out of the secured area 108.

[0023] In one embodiment, the monitoring unit 104 may be infrared (IR) beam sensor, optical camera 406 system 100 or the like.

[0024] FIG. 2 illustrates an architecture of the data processing unit 106, in accordance with an embodiment. The data processing unit 106 comprises a microcontroller 202, a database 204, a communication module 206, a power module, input modules and output modules.

[0025] The microcontroller 202 may be configured to execute a code to perform at least some, if not all, of the functionality described herein.

[0026] The database 204 may include a permanent memory such as hard disk drive, may be configured to store data, and executable program instructions that are implemented by the microcontroller 202. The database 204 may be implemented in the form of a primary and a secondary memory. The database 204 may store additional data and program instructions that are loadable and executable on the microcontroller 202, as well as data generated during the execution of these programs. Further, the database 204 may be volatile memory, such as random-access memory and / or a disk drive, or non-volatile memory. The database 204 may comprise of removable memory such as a Compact Flash card, Memory Stick, Smart Media, Multimedia Card, Secure Digital memory, or any other memory storage that exists currently or may exist in the future.

[0027] The communication module 206 enables the data processing unit 106 to communicate with the authentication unit 102 and the monitoring unit 104. The communication module 206 may be a wireless or wired means of communication.

[0028] The power module 208 is configured to supply electric power to the components of the data processing unit 106.

[0029] The input modules 210 may provide an interface for input devices such as keypad, touch screen, mouse and stylus among other input devices. In an embodiment, the input modules include a camera 406 and a microphone.

[0030] The output modules 212 may provide an interface for output devices such as display screen, speakers, printer and haptic feedback devices, among other output devices.

[0031] In one embodiment, the database 204 is configured to store the unique identifiers of the users who are authorized to access the secured area 108.

[0032] In one embodiment, the system 100 further comprises a lock 110 operably connected to the data processing unit 106. The lock 110 is configured to provide access to the secured area 108 when the lock 110 is in unlock position.

[0033] The authentication unit 102 receives the unique identifier associated the user from the user. The microcontroller 202 checks, in the database 204, if the user is authorized to access the secured area 108. If the user is authorized to access the secured area 108, then the data processing unit 106 operates the lock 110 to unlock the lock 110 and provided access to the secured area 108.

[0034] The microcontroller 202 determines the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit 102.

[0035] Further, the microcontroller 202 receives information from the monitoring unit 104 and determines the number of persons entering the secured area 108 and number of persons exiting the secured area 108.

[0036] If the number of persons entering the secured area 108 and number of persons exiting the secured area 108 does not match, then the microcontroller 202 may perform a first action or a second action.

[0037] FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a method of providing access to a secured area 108, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 302, the data processing unit 106 receives a request from the user to access the secured area 108.

[0038] In one embodiment, the data processing unit 106 may receive an input from the user via a switch to request access to the secured area 108.

[0039] At step 304, the data processing unit 106 receives a unique identifier associated with the user via the authentication unit 102.

[0040] In one embodiment, the unique identifier associated with the user may include, but not limited to, biometric data such as fingerprint or retina scan.

[0041] In one embodiment, the authentication unit 102 may be a fingerprint scanner or a retina scanner.

[0042] In another embodiment, the unique identifier associated with the user may include, but not limited to, alphanumeric code, RFID tag or NFC.

[0043] In an embodiment, the authentication unit 102 may be a bar code reader, RF reader or the like.

[0044] At step 306, the data processing unit 106 authenticates the user based on the received unique identifier. As explained earlier, the microcontroller 202 checks the database 204 to see if the received unique identifier is authorized to access the secured area 108. If the user is authorized, then the microcontroller 202 authenticates the user and operates the lock 110 to an open position (unlock 110) and provide access to the user.

[0045] At step 308, the monitoring unit 104 in conjunction with the data processing unit 106 monitors the number of persons entering and leaving the secured area 108.

[0046] In one embodiment, the monitoring unit 104 is an infrared (IR) beam sensor which detects movement of human based on the break in beams between the transmitter and receiver.

[0047] The data processing unit 106 calculates the number of persons who have been authenticated or who have entered the secured area 108 and the number of persons who have exited the secured area 108 by processing the information received from the monitoring unit 104 (break in beams).

[0048] At step 310, the microcontroller 202 performs a first action or a second action if the number of persons who have entered the secured area 108 and the number of persons who have exited the secured area 108 does not match.

[0049] In another embodiment, the system 100 may be configured to prevent tailgating into the secured area 108.

[0050] The microcontroller 202 counts the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit 102 to access the secured area 108 in a particular time based on data received from the authentication unit 102.

[0051] Further, the microcontroller 202 counts the number of persons entering the secured area 108 in during that time based on the information received from the monitoring unit 104.

[0052] The microcontroller 202 compares the count of the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit 102 and the number of persons entering the secured area 108. If the count does not match, the microcontroller 202 performs a second action.

[0053] FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a system 100 for providing access to a secured area 108. As mentioned earlier, the system 100 comprises the authentication unit 102, the monitoring unit 104 implemented as IR beam sensors, the data processing unit 106. The system 100 further comprises an alerting device 402, a motion sensor 404, an artificial intelligence (Al) camera 406 and a machine 408. The motion sensor 404, the Al camera 406 and the machine 408 is placed inside the secured area 108. The machine 408 can be accessed only by entering the secured area 108. The working of the system 100 is explained using the flowchart of FIGs. 5 A and 5B.

[0054] FIGs. 5A-5B is a flowchart of method of providing access to a secured area 108, in accordance with an embodiment. At step 502, the data processing unit 106 receives a request from the user to access the secured area 108. In one embodiment, the data processing unit 106 may receive an input from the user via a switch to request access to the secured area 108.

[0055] At step 504, the data processing unit 106 receives a unique identifier associated with the user via the authentication unit 102. As explained earlier, the authentication unit 102 (in this example, a fingerprint reader) receives the unique identifier (fingerprint) associated with the user and transfers it to the data processing unit 106.

[0056] At step 506, the data processing unit 106 authenticates the user by checking in the database 204 if the user is authorized to access the secured area 108. If the user is authorized, the data processing unit 106 operates the lock 110 to provide access into the secured area 108.

[0057] If the user is not authorized, the data processing unit 106 does not open the lock 110 and prevents the access of the secured area 108 by the user.

[0058] At step 508, the data processing unit 106 counts the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit 102 to access the secured area 108 in a particular time.

[0059] At step 510, the data processing unit 106 counts the number of persons entering the secured area 108 in during that time.

[0060] At step 512, the data processing unit 106 checks if the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit 102 and the number of persons entering the secured area 108 match.

[0061] If the count does not match, the microcontroller 202, at step 514, performs a second action. The second action may be triggering an alert on the alerting device 402 and shutting down the system 100.

[0062] Steps 508-510 prevents tailgating of users into the secured area 108 to access the machine 408. In other words, if one user is authenticated by the data processing unit 106 and two persons have entered the secured area 108, the system 100 triggers an alert.

[0063] If the count match, then at step 516, monitoring unit 104 in conjunction with the data processing unit 106 monitors the number of persons entering and leaving the secured area 108.

[0064] The data processing unit 106 calculates the number of persons who have entered the secured area 108 and the number of persons who have exited the secured area 108 by processing the information received from the monitoring unit 104

[0065] At step 518, the data processing unit 106 checks if the the number of persons entering the secured area 108 matches the number of persons leaving the secured area 108.

[0066] If the count does not match, then at step 520, the data processing unit 106 performs a first action. The first action is the disabling the machine 408 and preventing turning ON of the machine 408 by the user.

[0067] If the count match, then at step 522, the data processing unit 106 allows turning ON of the machine 408 by the user after exiting the secured area 108.

[0068] At step 524, the database 204 records events including the information relating to the user accessing the secured area 108 and the time of access.

[0069] The system 100 additionally comprises the motion sensor 404 and the Al camera 406. The motion sensor 404 and the Al camera 406 are operably connected to the data processing unit 106 and are configured to detect movement of human personnel within the secured area 108.

[0070] In an embodiment, the microcontroller 202 is configured to perform the first action if the motion sensor 404 and Al camera 406 detects movement of the human personnel within the secured area 108.

[0071] The processes described above is described as a sequence of steps, this was done solely for the sake of illustration. Accordingly, it is contemplated that some steps may be added, some steps may be omitted, the order of the steps may be re-arranged, or some steps may be performed simultaneously.

[0072] The example embodiments described herein may be implemented in an operating environment comprising software installed on a computer, in hardware, or in a combination of software and hardware.

[0073] Although embodiments have been described with reference to specific example embodiments, it will be evident that various modifications and changes may be made to these embodiments without departing from the broader spirit and scope of the system and method described herein. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense.

[0074] Many alterations and modifications of the present invention will no doubt become apparent to a person of ordinary skill in the art after having read the foregoing description. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation. It is to be understood that the description above contains many specifications, these should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention but as merely providing illustrations of some of the personally preferred embodiments of this invention. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents rather than by the examples given.List of reference numerals100 - System for providing access to a secured area102 - Authentication unit104 - Monitoring unit106 - Data processing unit108 - Secured area110 - Lock202 - Microcontroller204 - Database206 - Communication module208 - Power module210 - Input modules212 - Output modules402 - Alerting device404 - Motion sensor406 - Al camera408 - Machine

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 29 January 2025 (29.01.2025)1. A system (100) for providing access to a secured area (108), wherein the system (100) comprises: an authentication unit (102) configured to authenticate a user based on a unique identifier associated with the user; a monitoring unit (104) configured to monitor the movement of personnel in and out of the secured area (108); a data processing unit (106) communicatively coupled to the authentication unit (102) and the monitoring unit (104), wherein the data processing unit (106) comprises: a microcontroller (202) configured to: receive the unique identifier from the authentication unit (102) and authenticate the user to provide access to the secured area (108); determine the number of persons authenticated or entering inside the secured area (108) and the number of persons leaving the secured area (108) based on the information received from the monitoring unit (104); and perform a first or a second action if the number of persons entered the secured area (108) does not match the number of persons leaving the secured area (108); a database (204) configured to: store the unique identifier associated with the user; and record the information relating to the user accessing the secured area (108) and the time of access; and a machine (408) operably connected to the data processing unit (106), characterized in that, wherein the machine (408) is placed inside the secured area (108) that can be accessed by the user by gaining access to the secured area (108); wherein the first action performed by the microcontroller (202) is disabling the machine (408) and preventing turning ON of the machine (408) by the user and wherein the second action performed by the microcontroller (202) is triggering an alert using an alerting device (402) to notify tailgating.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)2. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises: a lock (110) is operably connected to the data processing unit (106), wherein the lock (110) is configured to provide access to the secured area (108).

3. The system (100) as claimed in claim 2, wherein the microcontroller (202) is configured to operate the lock (110) to open the lock (110) to provide access to the secured area (108) if the user is authenticated based on the unique identifier associated with the user.

4. The system (100) as claimed in claim 3, wherein the microcontroller (202) is configured to: count the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit (102) to access the secured area (108) in a particular time; count the number of persons entering the secured area (108) in during that time; perform the second action if the count of the number of persons authenticated by the authentication unit (102) does not match the number of persons entering the secured area (108).

5. The system (100) as claimed in claim 4, wherein the system (100) comprises: a machine (408) operably connected to the data processing unit (106), wherein: the machine (408) is placed inside the secured area (108); and the machine (408) is accessed by the user by gaining access to the secured area (108).

6. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unique identifier associated with the user includes biometric data such as fingerprint or retina scan.

7. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the unique identifier associated with the user includes alphanumeric code, RFID tag or NFC.

8. The system (100) as claimed in claim 1, wherein the system (100) comprises: a motion sensor (404); and an artificial intelligence (Al) camera (406), wherein:AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)the motion sensor (404) and the Al camera (406) are operably connected to the data processing unit (106) and are configured to detect movement of human personnel within the secured area (108).

9. The system (100) as claimed in claim 8, wherein the microcontroller (202) is configured to perform the first action if the motion sensor (404) and Al camera (406) detects movement of the human personnel within the secured area (108).

10. A method of providing access to a secured area (108), wherein the method comprises: receiving a unique identifier associated with a user by an authentication unit (102) to authenticate the user; monitoring, using a monitoring unit (104), the movement of personnel entering and leaving the secured area (108); receiving, by a data processing unit (106), the unique identifier associated with the user to provide access to the secured area (108); determining, by the data processing unit (106), the number of persons authenticated or entering the secured area (108) and the number of persons leaving the secured area (108) based on the information received from the monitoring unit (104); and characterized in that: performing, by the data processing unit (106), a first action or a second action, if the number of persons entered the secured area (108) does not match the number of persons leaving the secured area (108), wherein the first action performed by the microcontroller (202) is disabling a machine (408) placed inside the secured area and preventing turning ON of the machine (408) by the user and wherein the second action performed by the microcontroller (202) is triggering an alert using an alerting device (402) to notify tailgating.

11. The method as claimed in claim 10, wherein the method comprises: detecting a movement of human personnel within the secured area (108); and performing the first action if the motion sensor (404) and Al camera (406) detects movement of the human personnel within the secured area (108).AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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