Elevator Access Control Using Dual Camera Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current elevator access control systems lack effective methods to ensure that all individuals within an elevator car are authorized before allowing movement to different floors, potentially allowing unauthorized access without mechanical barriers in the lobby.
Innovation Solution
The system employs two cameras in the elevator car: one for identifying individuals and another for counting the number of people, ensuring that only authorized persons can move the elevator by comparing the number of identified individuals to the total number of people, and issuing an alarm if unauthorized persons are present.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single camera is used for capturing pictures of persons in the elevator car, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of person identification and counting is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the camera system into two separate cameras: a first camera for capturing pictures allowing identification of individual persons, and a second camera for capturing pictures allowing counting of the number of persons. This segmentation enables each camera to be optimized for its specific function, improving measurement precision without requiring a single complex camera system to perform both tasks simultaneously.
2Reliability
If mechanical barriers are installed in the lobby for access control, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical barriers with an automated optical identification system. The evaluation unit automatically compares captured pictures against stored identification data and controls elevator operation accordingly. This substitution eliminates the need for manual interaction with mechanical barriers while maintaining security through automated biometric or card-based identification.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service access control where persons are automatically identified and authenticated without manual intervention. The evaluation unit autonomously processes identification data from the first camera, compares it with stored data, and controls elevator operation based on the comparison result, allowing authorized persons to access the elevator without manual barrier operation.
3Productivity
If the elevator system allows movement without verifying all persons are authorized, then the productivity is improved, but the security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary verification by capturing pictures with the second camera before allowing elevator movement. The evaluation unit compares the captured pictures against stored identification data in advance, and only permits elevator operation when all persons are verified as authorized. This preliminary action ensures security is maintained while enabling efficient operation for authorized persons.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
An elevator access control system comprises at least two cameras (14, 16) including: a first camera (14) which is configured to be mounted to an elevator car (6) for capturing at least one first picture of persons residing within the elevator car (6), and a second camera (16) which is configured to be mounted to the elevator car (6) for capturing at least one second picture of persons residing within the elevator car (6). The at least one first picture allows to identify individual persons, and the at least one second picture allows to count the number of persons residing within the elevator car (6).