Access Control Reader Sensor Using Time-of-Flight for Anti-Tailgating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security measures are ineffective in preventing tailgating, a significant security risk where unauthorized individuals follow authorized persons into secured areas, as existing access control systems struggle to accurately detect multiple individuals entering after initial access has been granted, due to limitations in surveillance camera resolution and detection algorithms.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising an interface and processor that receives pixel data, performs computer vision operations to detect objects, extracts characteristics, and generates a control signal when the number of people exceeds the authorized entry limit, integrated with access control devices to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If surveillance camera is integrated into access control reader, then detection capability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to distortion at edge of field of view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from 2D image analysis to 3D spatial analysis by implementing time-of-flight sensing. This adds depth information as a new dimension, enabling accurate measurement of distances and positions even at field of view edges where traditional 2D cameras suffer from distortion. The 3D data allows the system to precisely determine whether a second person is present behind the authorized user.
2Productivity
If detection algorithm is implemented on wall-mounted access control reader, then real-time detection is improved, but detection accuracy deteriorates due to difficulty in judging persons following authorized users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces time-of-flight sensing as an intermediary measurement mechanism. Instead of relying solely on visual recognition algorithms that struggle with occlusion and perspective issues, the system uses flight time of light as an intermediary physical quantity to directly measure distances. This allows accurate detection of a second person's presence even when they are partially obscured or positioned at difficult angles relative to the camera.
3Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If surveillance camera footage is reviewed at later time, then detection capability is improved, but response time deteriorates as post-incident identification does not prevent unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary detection by continuously monitoring the entrance area with time-of-flight sensing before unauthorized access occurs. The system proactively detects the presence of a second person in real-time, generates an alarm, and can trigger preventive actions (such as denying door opening or alerting security) before the tailgating incident is completed. This shifts from post-incident review to pre-emptive prevention.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes an interface and a processor. The interface may be configured to receive pixel data corresponding to an entrance of a secured area. The processor may be configured to process the pixel data arranged as video frames, perform computer vision operations to detect objects, extract characteristics about the objects, determine a number of people in the video frames, receive an authorization signal from an access control device and generate a control signal. The authorization signal may be used by the access control device to grant access to the secured area. The number of people in the video frames may be determined after the authorization signal is received. The control signal may be generated when the number of people is greater than a number of entrants permitted by the authorization signal. The control signal may provide an indication of unauthorized access to the secured area.