Infrared Beam Portal Map for Overlapping Tailgate Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tailgate detection systems in secure portals, particularly in wider passageways, fail to detect tailgaters who are partially or completely overlapped with an authorized person, leading to potential security breaches.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a portal map formed by multiple infrared beams, including a broken beam detector and analyzer, which records and analyzes data on beam breakages to calculate object location and detect side-by-side objects, employing techniques such as spatial and temporal analysis to determine the presence of tailgaters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a small number of beams are used with time-based detection, then the system is simpler and faster, but it fails to detect overlapping tailgaters in wider passageways
Solution Approach 1:
The detection space is segmented into multiple zones using a greater number of beams arranged in specific patterns (perpendicular, diagonal, and horizontal configurations). This segmentation allows the system to distinguish between single persons and overlapping tailgaters by detecting which specific beams are broken and in what sequence, thereby improving detection accuracy without requiring complex processing
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from simple time-based detection to spatial pattern recognition by using beams arranged in multiple dimensions (perpendicular, diagonal, horizontal). The broken beam analyzer detects the spatial relationships and patterns of beam breakages, adding a dimensional aspect to detection that enables identification of overlapping tailgaters who would otherwise be indistinguishable in time-based systems
2Reliability
If more beams are added to detect overlapping tailgaters, then detection accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The multi-beam system serves multiple functions simultaneously: it detects single persons, identifies overlapping tailgaters, determines direction of travel, and provides spatial localization. The same beam array and broken beam analyzer handle all these detection tasks through pattern recognition, eliminating the need for separate detection systems for each function and thereby managing complexity while improving reliability
3Ease of operation
If time-based shunt is used to allow authorized person to pass, then authorized access is enabled, but tailgaters can quickly pass through during the same time window
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical time-based shunt approach with an intelligent pattern recognition system. Instead of blindly allowing passage for a fixed time period, the broken beam analyzer continuously monitors beam breakage patterns and makes real-time security decisions. This substitution enables the system to maintain fast access for authorized persons while simultaneously detecting tailgaters based on their distinctive beam breakage patterns, rather than relying on time windows that both parties exploit
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
Effectively detects overlapping tailgaters with reduced false alarm rates, enhancing security by accurately identifying unauthorized individuals in wider passageways.
Implementation Method 1
a portal map formed by a plurality of infra-red beams
Data Source
AI summary
A system, for calculating an object location within a portal, includes a portal map formed by a plurality of infra-red beams. The system further includes a broken beam detector for detecting and recording, in response to an object moving through the portal map, data indicative of one or more broken beams of the plurality of infra-red beams. The data includes first data indicative of an initial position of the object within the portal, second data indicative of a subsequent position of the object within the portal, and third data including one or more time records. The system also includes at least one broken beam analyzer for obtaining the data from the broken beam detector, the broken beam analyzer calculating the object location based on at least one of the first data, the second data, and the third data.