RFID access control

Abstract

There is described a RFID-based access control system for verifying compliance. The invention comprises an RFID reader and RFID access cards for individuals and each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements. There are RFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective equipment and the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags. The system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status.

Description

[0001] RFID ACCESS CONTROL

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to compliance verification systems, specifically a role-based remote identification access control system for verifying and enforcing compliance requirements.

[0004] Background

[0005] In many industries, personnel are required to enter and work in restricted or hazardous environments while equipped with specific items, such as safety tools, workwear and / or footwear and other items of personal protective equipment ('PPE'). Conventional solutions involve requesting access and often only requiring an ID card or badge scan to enter a site. However, these solutions rely solely on the individual's adherence to mandated protocols and fail to actively enforce PPE compliance. Additionally, if a person does not wear the required safety item, either intentionally or accidently, dangerous situations may occur.

[0006] Maintaining an accurate record of safety compliance is also difficult, especially when a high volume of personnel enters a site. Different personnel may also require different safety compliance depending on their role or job requirement.

[0007] Existing Radio Frequency Identification ('RFID')-based access control systems are focused on authenticating personnel but do not incorporate real-time PPE compliance verification.

[0008] There is a need for a system that efficiently provides access control to a site while dynamically verifying and enforcing safety compliance based on individual requirements.

[0009] The Solution

[0010] An aspect of the invention is a RFID-based access control system for verifying compliance comprising:

[0011] an RFID reader;

[0012] RFID access cards for individuals; and wherein each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements; and

[0013] RFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective equipment;

[0014] wherein the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags and wherein the system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status. Another aspect of the invention is a RFID-based access control system for verifying compliance comprising:

[0015] an RFID reader;

[0016] RFID access cards for individuals; and wherein each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements; and

[0017] RFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective equipment;

[0018] wherein the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags and wherein the system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status; and wherein the system further comprises a compliance database logging each access attempt and the associated compliance status.

[0019] Another aspect of the invention is a compliance verification system comprising:an identification reader for identifying individuals, such as NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric reader, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each individual is associated with their rolespecific compliance requirements and

[0020] a compliance verification unit configured to determine whether an identified individual meets their predefined role-specific or environment-specific requirements, wherein the unit includes at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors;

[0021] a central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance measures.

[0022] Another aspect of the invention is a compliance verification system comprising:

[0023] an identification reader for identifying individuals and robotic systems, including at least one of: NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each entity (individual or robotic system) is assigned a unique identifier linked to their role-specific or operational requirements; and

[0024] a compliance verification unit configured to determine whether an identified entity meets their predefined role-specific or operational requirements, wherein the unit includes at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors; and

[0025] a central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance measures.

[0026] Detailed Description

[0027] The present invention provides a role-based access control and compliance verification system that dynamically verifies and enforces compliance for both human personnel and non-human entities, such as robots, Al-driven machines, or other intelligent systems. Each entity, whether an individual or a robot or other intelligent system is associated with predefined compliance criteria based on their role or operational requirements. The system is configured to provide real-time alerts and / or a comprehensive record of events.

[0028] Limitations of current solutions include:

[0029] • Lack of automated systems to verify and enforce PPE compliance at the point of entry of a site.

[0030] • Visual inspections or manual check are prone to human error and can be time-consuming, especially with a high volume of personnel.

[0031] • Existing systems lack integration with other safety measures, such as access control or safety alarms.

[0032] • Maintaining accurate records of compliance is challenging.

[0033] Key advantages of the system are, but not limited to:

[0034] • Role-based safety items verification using RFID technology, ensuring that individuals entering a specific site are wearing the specific items required for their role or job, thereby enhancing compliance with safety regulations.

[0035] • An automated entry control system that automatically provides alerts based on safety compliance, rather than relying on individual adherence to safety protocols.

[0036] • Compliance data is timestamped and recorded, thereby providing an audit trail that can demonstrate adherence to safety protocols.

[0037] • Allows for integration with other systems such as camera systems, for enhancing security and strengthening of safety measures.

[0038] • The system can be easily customised for any industries requiring varying levels of safety requirements.

[0039] As shown in Figure 1, the system may be used as follows:• An individual uses a controlled access point using their access card to a site or location that requires specific items (such as PPE, workwear and footwear). The access card denotes the user's role and required items.

[0040] • RFID tags are embedded in each item and each user has their own access card.

[0041] • The user gains access with their unique ID and, as they pass through the access point, they are scanned.

[0042] • The scan matches the user ID to the required items and if all correlate correctly, the user can gain access to the site.

[0043] • If the scanner does not identify all the required items, it will alarm the user visually or audibly, and access will not be granted until the user has those items.

[0044] • All data is recorded on the platform with date and time stamps, providing verifiable compliance records.

[0045] • The system can also integrate a live video recording through a camera recording for enhanced security in one or more areas. For example, the system may incorporate an Al-powered image recognition module that instantly validates if required items are correctly comported.

[0046] • Anyone gaining access will be correctly comporting the required items for their role, or the minimum standard required on site.

[0047] The system utilizes a control unit, which can be a fixed or portable computer configured to implement the functionality of the system. The control unit can comprise a user interface to provide a user, such as a safety manager, with the safety status of each worker, their positions inside the workplace, changes over time of the safety status and positions, and any alarms generated by the system.

[0048] The system can further include specific monitoring devices positioned in hazardous areas or areas where specific work activities must be performed. These monitoring devices can acquire information from the electronic modules worn by workers and check that the workers present are authorized and adequately equipped for the hazardous areas or specific work activities.

[0049] The system can also be configured to detect the positions of workers with regards to potential hazards in one or more areas and intervene by implementing measures to reduce or prevent accidents. While an RFID reader has been described as an example, the system is not limited to RFID technology. The system may be adapted to any other identification verification device capable of detecting and authenticating individuals. Alternative verification methods may include, but are not limited to: NFC, Bluetooth, UWB-based readers, image recognition, or LiDAR scanning.

[0050] Alternative proximity-based mechanisms may also be used, instead or in combination with RFID systems, such as: biometric authentication, visual Al systems or other wearable sensors.

[0051] Biometric authentication may include for example: fingerprint recognition, facial recognition, iris scanning or voice authentication.

[0052] Wearable sensors may also be used to detect compliance-related parameters, such as body temperature, exposure to hazardous substances, or correct positioning of PPE item.

[0053] PPE verification has also been described as a specific example. However, the use cases may extend to a broad range of safety regulations or operational requirements.

[0054] Use cases: the system is applicable to many industries, for example:

[0055] • Construction: to ensure compliance with helmets, safety vests, and specific workwear or other equipment.• Manufacturing: to prevent unauthorised access to specific machinery areas based on the items comported.

[0056] • Healthcare: to enhance sanitation and hygiene requirements when entering controlled environments.

[0057] • Food processing: to track sanitation and hygiene regulations.

[0058] The applications are also not limited to enforcing access and may be used more generally to track compliance or additional safety applications, such as when operating specific machinery or during periodic safety evaluations.

[0059] The system can also be directly integrated with training schedules. For example, when an individual does not meet their specific compliance requirements, the system may automatically enrol them in a training session before requesting access again or performing a certain task.

[0060] Individuals can also be assigned dynamic compliance ratings if they meet their specific compliance requirements.

[0061] While human personnel have been described as primary use case examples, the system is not limited to individuals and can also be applied to non-human entities, such as robots, Al-driven systems or other intelligent systems. All compliance data, including events associated by both human personnel and robotic systems, is logged in the compliance database. RFID tags, proximity sensors or other identification modules can be embedded in the robotic systems and specific robotic components to verify that the robotic systems meet all the required compliance conditions. The system therefore provides a comprehensive compliance enforcement solution for any work environments where both human workers and intelligent machines collaborate.

[0062] Key features

[0063] Note that each key feature listed, and the related optional features, can be combined with any other key feature or related optional features. Each optional feature may also be a stand-alone feature. Key Feature A: RFID-based verification

[0064] A RFID-based access control system for verifying compliance comprising:

[0065] an RFID reader;

[0066] RFID access cards for individuals; and wherein each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements, such as PPE requirements; and

[0067] RFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective clothing or equipment;

[0068] wherein the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags and wherein the system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status. This feature automates protocol enforcement by removing reliance on manual checks, ensuring that only compliant individuals gain access to specific entry points. Hence safety risks are reduced, and the system is able to ensure a uniform enforcement of regulations across multiple sites.

[0069] Key Feature B: Compliance monitoring and audit trail

[0070] A RFID-based access control system for verifying compliance comprising:

[0071] an RFID reader;

[0072] RFID access cards for individuals; and wherein each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements, such as PPE requirements; andRFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective clothing or equipment;

[0073] wherein the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags and wherein the system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status; and wherein the system further comprises a compliance database that logs each access attempt and the associated compliance status.

[0074] This feature provides a tamper-proof record of every access attempt, thereby improving compliance tracking and audit capabilities.

[0075] Key Feature C: Automated compliance verification system

[0076] A compliance verification system comprising:

[0077] an identification reader for identifying individuals, including at least one of: NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each individual is associated with their role-specific or environment-specific compliance requirements; and

[0078] a compliance verification unit configured to determine whether an identified individual meets their predefined role-specific or environment-specific requirements, wherein the unit includes at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors; and

[0079] a central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance measures.

[0080] Key Feature D: Compliance verification system for both human personnel and robotic systems A compliance verification system comprising:

[0081] an identification reader for identifying individuals and robotic systems, including at least one of: NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each entity (individual or robotic system) is assigned a unique identifier linked to their role-specific or operational requirements; and

[0082] a compliance verification unit configured to determine whether an identified entity meets their predefined role-specific or operational requirements, wherein the unit includes at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors; and

[0083] a central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance measures.

[0084] Optional features may include:

[0085] RFID reader / tags:

[0086] • RFID tags are either passive or active tags.

[0087] • RFID reader is capable of reading multiple RFID tag protocols.

[0088] • RFID reader includes an antenna array providing a 360-degree read zone.

[0089] • RFID reader is configured to detect multiple tags simultaneously.

[0090] • When an individual approaches an access point, such as a door or gate, the RFID reader scans both the individual's RFID access card and the RFID tags in their clothing or equipment.

[0091] Central control unit

[0092] • A central control unit stores a compliance database containing the role-specific or environmentspecific requirements linked to each individual's RFID access card.• The central control unit verifies if the scanned clothing or equipment matches the requirements linked to the individual's role or job based on the RFID access card by querying the compliance database.

[0093] • When compliance is detected, the central control unit sends a signal to the access control system to unlock a door or gate, allowing the individual to enter the restricted or hazardous environment.

[0094] • When non-compliance is detected, the central control unit triggers an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm, such as flashing lights or a warning message on a display.

[0095] • When non-compliance is detected, the central control unit sends an instant alert or message, such as mobile notification to the site manager or supervisor.

[0096] • When non-compliance is detected, the central control unit sends an instant alert to a wearable device worn by the individual.

[0097] • Wearable device is configured to automatically vibrate or flash when non-compliance is detected.

[0098] • Wearable device is configured to automatically display a message requesting an immediate corrective action is taken when non-compliance is detected.

[0099] • The door or gate remains locked, preventing the individual from entering the restricted or hazardous environment until non-compliance is no longer detected.

[0100] • The system logs the access event with a timestamp in the compliance database.

[0101] • When non-compliance is detected, the central control unit automatically triggers safety measures, such as shutting down specific machines or activating warning systems.

[0102] • The compliance database can be adjusted and updated, such as to dynamically reflect changes in operating conditions, updated requirements or safety regulations modification.

[0103] • The compliance database includes a schedule event function, such as enabling specific safety regulations to be enforced based on specific timeframes or specific work shifts.

[0104] • System can track the proper equipment is with the right person and that it is 'in date'.

[0105] Compliance ratings

[0106] • System is configured to assign a dynamic compliance rating to each individual based on adherence to safety regulations and individual historical behaviour.

[0107] • Compliance violation triggers an automatic report.

[0108] • The central control unit is also configured to modify permission based on: historical behaviour and predictive analytics, environment conditions and individual compliance ratings.

[0109] • Compliance rating also takes into account any corrective actions taken by the individual.

[0110] • The system is able to apply multiple levels of access control based on compliance rating.

[0111] • Compliance records are accessible via a remote dashboard.

[0112] Integration with camera systems

[0113] • The system can integrate with one or more camera systems for live monitoring and recording of events.

[0114] • The camera footage can be stored in a video database and accessed by authorized personnel for security and compliance purposes.

[0115] Personnel tracking

[0116] • The system includes positioning sensors, such as RFID localization systems or GPS, which track the real-time locations of individuals based on their RFID access cards.

[0117] Predictive analytics• The system implements predictive analytics to identify compliance risks.

[0118] • The system implements predictive analytics to identify risk-prone individuals.

[0119] • Predictive analytics incorporate machine learning models to detect patterns of non-compliance and automatically recommend corrective actions.

[0120] • The system is configured to flag potential compliance risks by identifying recurring non- compliance events.

[0121] • The system is configured to automatically recommend action such as increasing training frequency for individuals with a certain number of non-compliance events.

[0122] • The system is configured to suggest improvement in safety protocols.

[0123] • The system is configured to correlate compliance risks with external factors, such as environmental conditions or individual workload.

[0124] Robotic systems

[0125] • RFID or proximity tags or identification modules are embedded in robotic systems and / or robotic components.

[0126] • Robotic systems are assigned a unique identifier.

[0127] • Compliance database logs each access attempt and the associated compliance status for both individuals and robotic systems.

[0128] • The system is configured to determine and detect correct equipment configurations for robotic systems.

[0129] • If a robotic system is non-compliant, the system is configured to activate an alert.

[0130] • If a robotic system is non-compliant, the system is configured to automatically shut down the robotic system.

[0131] • Robotic systems include autonomous robots, Al-driven machines or any other intelligent systems.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A compliance verification system comprising:an identification reader for identifying individuals, including at least one of: NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each individual is assigned a unique identifier linked to their role-specific requirements or environment-specific compliance requirements; and a compliance verification unit configured to determine whether an identified individual meets their predefined role-specific requirements or environment-specific compliance requirements, wherein the unit includes at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors; anda central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance measures.

2. The system of claim 1, wherein, the central control unit stores a compliance database containing the role-specific or environment-specific requirements linked to each individual's RFID access card.

3. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the central control unit verifies if the scanned clothing or equipment matches the requirements linked to the individual's role or job based on the RFID access card by querying the compliance database.

4. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when compliance is detected, the central control unit sends a signal to the access control system to unlock a door or gate, allowing the individual to enter the restricted or hazardous environment.

5. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when non-compliance is detected, the central control unit triggers an audible alarm and / or a visual alarm, such as flashing lights or a warning message on a display.

6. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when non-compliance is detected, the central control unit sends an instant alert or message, such as mobile notification to the site manager or supervisor.

7. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when non-compliance is detected, the central control unit sends an instant alert to a wearable device worn by the individual.

8. The system of preceding claim 7, wherein the wearable device is configured to automatically vibrate or flash when non-compliance is detected.

9. The system of preceding claim 7-8, wherein the wearable device is configured to automatically display a message requesting an immediate corrective action is taken when non-compliance is detected.

10. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the door or gate remains locked, preventing the individual from entering the restricted or hazardous environment until non-compliance is no longer detected.

11. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system logs the access event with a timestamp in the compliance database.

12. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when non-compliance is detected, the central control unit automatically triggers safety measures, such as shutting down specific machines or activating warning systems.

13. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the compliance database can be adjusted and updated, such as to dynamically reflect changes in operating conditions, updated requirements or safety regulations modification.

14. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the compliance database includes a schedule event function, such as enabling specific safety regulations to be enforced based on specific timeframes or specific work shifts.

15. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to track whether the proper equipment is with the right person and that it is 'in date'.

16. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to assign a dynamic compliance rating to each individual based on adherence to safety regulations and individual historical behaviour.

17. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a compliance violation triggers an automatic report.

18. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the central control unit is also configured to modify permission based on historical behaviour and predictive analytics, environment conditions and individual compliance ratings.

19. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a compliance rating also takes into account any corrective actions taken by the individual.

20. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is able to apply multiple levels of access control based on compliance rating.

21. The system of any preceding claim, wherein compliance records are accessible via remote equipment.

22. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to integrate with one or more camera systems for live monitoring and recording of events.

23. The system of any preceding claim, wherein camera footage can be stored in a video database and accessed by authorized personnel for security and compliance purposes.

24. The system of any preceding claim, wherein each individual is provided with an RFID access card linked to their role-specific requirements, such as PPE requirements; and RFID tags embedded in the required item, such as shoes, safety helmets, goggles, gloves, hats, safety glasses, or any other protective clothing or equipment.

25. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the RFID reader is configured to scan an individual RFID access card and RFID tags and wherein the system is configured to dynamically grant or deny access based on compliance status.

26. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the compliance database that logs each access attempt and the associated compliance status.

27. The system of any preceding claim, wherein RFID tags are either passive or active tags.

28. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the identification reader is an RFID reader that is capable of reading multiple RFID tag protocols.

29. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the RFID reader includes an antenna array providing a 360-degree read zone.

30. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the RFID reader is configured to detect multiple tags simultaneously.

31. The system of any preceding claim, wherein when an individual approaches an access point, such as a door or gate, the RFID reader scans both the individual's RFID access card and the RFID tags in their clothing or equipment.

32. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system includes positioning sensors, such as RFID localization systems or GPS, which track the real-time locations of individuals based on their RFID access cards.

33. The system of any preceding claim, wherein a central control unit configured to dynamically log compliance status and enforce compliance requirements.

34. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system implements predictive analytics to identify compliance risks.

35. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system implements predictive analytics to identify risk-prone individuals.

36. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the predictive analytics incorporate machine learning models to detect patterns of non-compliance and automatically recommend corrective actions.

37. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to flag potential compliance risks by identifying recurring non-compliance events.

38. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to automatically recommend action such as increasing training frequency for individuals with a certain number of non-compliance events.

39. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to suggest improvement in safety protocols.

40. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to correlate compliance risks with external factors, such as environmental conditions or individual workload.

41. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is further configured to identify robotic systems, wherein each robotic system is assigned a unique identifier linked to their rolespecific or operational requirements.

42. The system of any preceding claim, wherein RFID or proximity tags or identification modules are embedded in robotic systems and / or robotic components.

43. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the robotic systems are assigned a unique identifier.

44. The system of any preceding claim, wherein compliance database logs each access attempt and the associated compliance status for both individuals and robotic systems.

45. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the system is configured to determine and detect correct equipment configurations for robotic systems.

46. The system of any preceding claim, wherein If a robotic system is non-compliant, the system is configured to activate an alert.

47. The system of any preceding claim, wherein If a robotic system is non-compliant, the system is configured to automatically shut down the robotic system.

48. The system of any preceding claim, wherein the robotic systems include autonomous robots, Al-driven machines or any other intelligent systems.

49. A method for role-based compliance verification, comprising:identifying individuals using an identification reader including at least one of: NFC, RFID, Bluetooth, biometric, image recognition or LiDAR scanning; wherein each individual is assigned a unique identifier linked to their role-specific requirements or environment-specific compliance requirements; anddetermining whether an identified individual meets their predefined role-specific requirements or environment-specific compliance requirements using at least one of: proximity tag, Al based image analysis or wearable sensors; anddynamically logging compliance status and enforcing compliance measures.

50. The method of claim 49, wherein the method is used to verify PPE compliance in manufacturing facilities.

51. The method of claim 49, wherein the method is used for verifying compliance of machinery operators.

52. The method of claim 49, wherein the method is used to enforce hygiene compliance in healthcare facilities.

53. The method of claim 49, wherein the method is used for ensuring food safety compliance in a food processing environment.

Images