Access Point Control with Body Orientation and Tailgating Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Security systems face challenges in accurately determining the intention of individuals to access restricted areas in frictionless access control systems, particularly in complex situations where some individuals are authorized while others are not, and in handling tailgating scenarios.

Innovation Solution

The system uses a combination of a directional antenna and surveillance camera to detect user devices at the access point threshold, analyze image data for orientation and number of individuals, and verify credentials, thereby inferring access intentions and preventing tailgating.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If frictionless access control systems are implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to accurately determine access intention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control operationVSAvoidaccess intention determination
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the access control process into multiple independent detection components: beacon device detection, surveillance camera monitoring, image analytics processing, and credential verification. Each component handles a specific aspect of access intention determination, allowing the system to maintain frictionless operation while improving reliability through multi-factor analysis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an image analytics system as an intermediary between the frictionless beacon detection and the access control decision. This intermediary analyzes video frames to detect body orientation, presence at threshold, and other behavioral cues, bridging the gap between passive beacon detection and reliable access intention determination

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If access control systems monitor and track individuals automatically, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control processingVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The surveillance camera system serves multiple functions: it monitors for access intention by analyzing body orientation, detects tailgating attempts by counting individuals, verifies credential possession through image analytics, and provides general security surveillance. This multi-functionality improves productivity without proportionally increasing device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The image analytics system automatically processes video frames to extract access control information without requiring manual intervention. The system self-services by automatically detecting individuals, analyzing their orientation, determining presence at thresholds, and providing this information to the access control system, reducing operational complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If systems use beacon devices for frictionless access, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates in determining access intention

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecredential presentationVSAvoidaccess intention detection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges beacon device detection with surveillance camera monitoring and image analytics to create a comprehensive access intention detection system. The beacon device provides frictionless credential presentation while the camera and analytics system provide precise measurement of access intention through body orientation and threshold presence detection, combining both advantages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If access control systems unlock doors automatically when authorized individuals are detected, then productivity is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to tailgating risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control processingVSAvoidaccess authorization
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting and preventing tailgating attempts before they can compromise security. The surveillance camera and image analytics system proactively monitor for multiple individuals at the threshold, unauthorized persons following authorized users, and abnormal access patterns, blocking access before unauthorized individuals can exploit the automatic door unlocking

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system effectively determines access intentions and prevents unauthorized entry by ensuring only authorized individuals gain access, while addressing tailgating issues through intelligent control of access points.

Implementation Method 1

The positioning unit determines whether the user devices are in the threshold of the access point

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The access control system receives image data from a surveillance camera

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImage capture and analysis: Photography

Data Source

PatentEP3411857B1System and method for controlling access to an access point
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 TYCO FIRE & SECURITY GMBH
  • EP3411857B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3411857B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3411857B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A security system comprises a positioning unit that determines locations of user devices relative to a threshold of the access point, a surveillance camera that monitors the threshold, and an access control system that controls the access point based on the locations of the user devices and orientations of individuals carrying the user devices relative to the access point. The surveillance camera is used to prevent tailgating. The camera's image data is also analyzed to determine the orientation of the individuals relative to the access point, such as a door. If the individuals are oriented such that they may be merely walking past the door, then access is not granted.