Electrostatic Field Sensor for Access Control Precision

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for restricted areas, such as industrial facilities, railway platforms, and maritime docks, lack precision and reliability in detecting human presence and unauthorized access, often requiring complex and costly setups.

Innovation Solution

An electrostatic field sensor system using a single antenna to measure and distinguish human presence from other objects by detecting fluctuations in the electrostatic field, integrated with a processor to determine volume and density, and connected to a radio frequency communication circuit for secure access control and automation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If traditional detection systems (volume sensors, infrared barriers, ultrasonic sensors) are used for access control, then detection coverage is provided, but the systems lack precision in distinguishing human presence from other objects and require complex infrastructure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision in detecting human presenceVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical and optical detection systems (volume sensors, infrared barriers, ultrasonic sensors) with an electrostatic field-based detection system. The sensor measures variations in electrostatic field capacity caused by the proximity of the human body, which has different dielectric properties than surrounding air. This substitution achieves more precise human detection with a simpler single-sensor design, eliminating the need for complex emitter-receiver pairs or multiple sensor arrays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the detection parameter from mechanical displacement, optical blockage, or acoustic wave reflection to electrostatic field capacity variation. By measuring the change in electrostatic capacity as the human body approaches (which alters the field distribution), the system achieves sensitive and precise detection of human presence without requiring complex infrastructure modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If multiple devices generating beams are used to form virtual fences, then restricted areas can be protected, but the system becomes costly and complex to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability in controlling access to restricted areasVSAvoidcomplexity of virtual fence system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of multiple beam-generating devices into a single electrostatic field sensor. Instead of using several devices to create overlapping beams that form a virtual fence, the invention uses one sensor that detects electrostatic field variations across the restricted area boundary. This consolidation maintains reliable access control detection while dramatically reducing system complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single electrostatic field sensor performs multiple functions: it detects human presence, determines proximity to restricted areas, and can identify unauthorized access attempts. This multi-functional capability replaces the need for multiple specialized devices, achieving both reliability in access control and simplicity in system implementation.

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

3Measurement precision

If traditional alarm systems are used for detecting intrusions in open spaces, then security coverage is provided, but the systems lack precision in distinguishing between different types of intruders

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprecision in distinguishing intruder typesVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the detection parameter to electrostatic field capacity variation, which is influenced by the dielectric properties of different materials. Since humans, animals, and inanimate objects have different dielectric characteristics, the sensor can distinguish between them by analyzing the pattern and magnitude of field variations, achieving precise intruder identification without requiring multiple sensor types or complex analysis systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 provides precise and cost-effective access control, simplifying the detection of unauthorized access and accidents in restricted areas, enhancing safety and security with reduced infrastructure modifications.

Implementation Method 1

measuring variations in the electrostatic field existing around a conductor acting like an antenna, when said field is affected by the influence of a body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

the sensitivity of the sensor being enough to detect said change caused by a person or another object

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrostatic induction: Electrostatic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP3190569B1Access control system for use in restricted areas and industrial environments
Publication Date: 2021.03.10 ONTECH SECURITY SL
  • EP3190569B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3190569B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3190569B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an access control system for use in restricted areas (400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900) and industrial environments comprising at least one controlled electrostatic field sensor (100) connected to at least one antenna (1); wherein said antenna (1) is configured as a single electrode, such that said sensor (100) measures the disturbances in the electrostatic field around said antenna (1) in a particular direction, and wherein the controlled electrostatic field sensor (100) is configured for detecting a disturbance in the electrostatic field generated by its own antenna (1). The sensor (100) is connected to a control device (40, 50, 60, 70, 80, 90).