Automated Access Control Using License Plate and Iris Scanning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for securing facility access points, especially those for vehicles, are inefficient and prone to human error, as they rely on manual identification processes that can be slow and vulnerable to errors, and do not effectively utilize multiple data points for accurate identification.

Innovation Solution

An automated access control system that uses a combination of license plate recognition and iris scanning to identify and authorize vehicles and passengers by matching images and scans against a database, reducing human intervention and enhancing security through multi-factor authentication.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If manual badge reading and guard assessment are used, then access control can be performed, but traffic accumulation occurs and access assessment is slow

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control accuracyVSAvoidaccess assessment speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical processes (badge reading by guard, visual identification) with automated electronic systems including badge readers, cameras, biometric scanners, and computer vision algorithms that automatically capture, process, and verify entrant data without human intervention at the access point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary data collection and processing by capturing images, reading badges, and scanning biometrics as entrants approach the access point, preparing identification data in advance before the actual access decision is made, thereby reducing wait time at the control point

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If badge readers are used to electronically verify badges, then access verification is automated, but it is difficult to determine if the driver is the appropriate card holder

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess verification speedVSAvoididentity verification accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple identification methods including badge reading, facial recognition via camera imaging, and biometric scanning into a unified verification system that cross-references multiple data sources to confirm both badge validity and rightful possession by the entrant

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback by comparing captured images and biometric data against stored reference data in databases, automatically verifying whether the person presenting the badge matches the authorized individual associated with that badge, thereby confirming rightful possession

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If fingerprint scanners are used for biometric assessment, then identity verification is improved, but scanners require relatively long time to extract a print and are expensive to maintain in outside environments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveidentity verification accuracyVSAvoidbiometric scanning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fingerprint-based biometric scanning to iris scanning technology, changing the biometric parameter being measured from dermal patterns to ocular patterns, which can be captured more quickly and are less susceptible to environmental contamination and degradation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Adaptability or versatility

If human guards are used for access assessment, then flexible decision-making is possible, but human error and vulnerability to social engineering occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess decision flexibilityVSAvoidaccess control accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service automated verification where entrants present their credentials and the system automatically performs identification, validation, and authorization decisions without requiring human guards, thereby eliminating human error while maintaining consistent application of access rules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces human guards and manual assessment processes with automated electronic systems including databases, algorithms, and electronic verification mechanisms that objectively evaluate entrant credentials without susceptibility to social engineering or human error

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS9633498B2Systems and methods for an automated entry system

Publication Date: 2017.04.25 UNISYS CORP

AI summary

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for determining whether individuals seeking access to a facility site are authorized to enter. The system identifies a license plate of a vehicle approaching a controlled entrance of the facility site. If the vehicle is found in a database of enrolled entrants, then an enrolled entrant is loaded into a quick access memory. Iris scans of passengers the passengers are taken and compared against records of the enrolled entrants, beginning with the expected passengers identified as being associated with the license of the vehicle approaching the facility site.