RTOF Sensor Anti-Climb Detection for Turnstiles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing turnstile systems face challenges in detecting unauthorized climbing attempts, with existing methods like pressure sensors and infrared beams leading to false alarms and lack of specificity in identifying the location of intrusion.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a Ranging Time-of-Flight (RTOF) sensor positioned at the secure end of the turnstile enclosure to direct an angled beam towards the insecure end, triggering an alarm only when an object crosses at a specific distance range, thereby distinguishing between legitimate and unauthorized climbing attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If pressure sensors are used to detect climbing attempts, then detection capability is improved, but cost increases and false alarms occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces pressure sensors (mechanical/electrical detection system) with an optical detection system using a light beam and sensor to detect climbers. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive pressure sensors while providing more reliable detection with fewer false alarms, as the optical system can distinguish between legitimate pedestrians and actual climbers based on their position and movement characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary (light beam) between the detection system and the climber. The light beam acts as a mediator that can be blocked or reflected by a climber's body, providing detection capability without direct mechanical contact. This intermediary approach enables remote detection without the false alarms and cost issues associated with pressure sensors.
2Reliability
If infrared beams are used across the top of moving barriers, then detection capability is improved, but the system becomes complex and lacks location specificity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the detection function by positioning the optical sensor at a specific location (the top of the enclosure at the secure end) rather than using multiple infrared beams across the top of barriers. This segmentation approach simplifies the system by using a single sensor positioned strategically to detect climbers, while maintaining detection capability and adding location specificity through the fixed positioning of the sensor and beam.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of placing optical transmitters and receivers across the top of barriers (as in conventional infrared systems), the patent inverts the approach by positioning the optical sensor at the secure end of the enclosure and directing the beam horizontally across the top surface toward the insecure end. This inversion simplifies the system architecture while providing location-specific detection capability.
3Ease of operation
If the enclosure height is reduced to provide convenient token presentation, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to prevent climbing is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical barrier height reduction with an optical detection system to address the climbing risk. By using an optical sensor positioned at the top of the enclosure to detect climbers, the system can maintain lower enclosure heights for convenient token presentation while compensating for the reduced physical barrier through intelligent optical detection and alarm capabilities.
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
Reduces false alarms by accurately detecting unauthorized climbing attempts and providing precise location-specific alerts, enhancing security and reducing false alarms.
Implementation Method 1
a Ranging Time-of-Flight (RTOF) sensor positioned at the secure end of the top surface of an enclosure of the speedgate to direct a single beam in a fixed direction towards the insecure end and angled upwards
Implementation Method 2
register objects or persons crossing the beam at greater than a minimum distance from the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A detection apparatus comprising a body having a longitudinal direction; a Ranging Time-of-Flight (RTOF) sensor positioned to direct a beam generally along at least part of the body of the upper part of the body and angled upwards, and a processor arranged to register objects or persons crossing the beam at greater than a minimum distance from the sensor to detect climbing on the object.