Support-Layer Presence Detection for Tailgating Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems fail to prevent 'tailgating' by ensuring only authorized individuals enter controlled areas, as they do not accurately detect the number of people passing through access gates.
Innovation Solution
A presence detection system comprising a support layer with a sensor layer beneath it, using photosensors to determine the number of humans on the surface, and a controller to manage access gates based on the detected occupancy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional access control systems are used with authorization tokens, then authorized persons can access controlled areas, but tailgating by non-authorized persons cannot be prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical access control (authorization tokens only) with an optical detection system. Photosensors arranged in a matrix detect the presence and number of persons through the access gate by measuring light absorption or reflection, substituting mechanical verification with optical field-based detection to identify tailgating attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces photosensors as an intermediary detection layer between the authorized person and the access control decision. These sensors act as mediators that independently verify the number of persons passing through, providing an additional verification layer that can detect when unauthorized persons follow authorized persons through the gate.
2Measurement precision
If photosensors are installed directly on the access gate, then person detection is possible, but the system becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the photosensor array from the traditional gate structure into the flooring surface beneath the support layer. This dimensional relocation integrates the detection system into the existing floor structure, simplifying installation and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining detection accuracy through the translucent support layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the support layer multi-functional by designing it to be both a structural flooring element and a light-transmissive medium for sensor operation. This universal design allows the same component to serve both mechanical support and optical detection functions, reducing the need for separate specialized structures.
3Reliability
If a sensor layer is disposed beneath the support layer, then tailgating can be detected, but the support layer must be translucent which may affect aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the optical parameters of the support layer by selecting materials and thicknesses that provide sufficient light transmission for photosensor operation while maintaining acceptable aesthetic appearance. The support layer's translucency parameter is carefully controlled to balance detection reliability with visual acceptability in the installation environment.
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 prevents tailgating by ensuring access gates remain open only for authorized individuals, enhancing security in access control systems.
Implementation Method 1
the sensor layer comprises a plurality of photosensors each operable to output a respective reading indicating whether an object supported on the support layer is obstructing light thereto
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
A presence detection system includes a support layer operable to act as an underlying surface for supporting object(s), a sensor layer disposed beneath the support layer and operable to output readings indicating the presence of object(s) supported on the support layer and a controller for receiving the presence readings from the sensor layer and determining, based on the readings, an indicator of the occupancy status and/or an occupancy level of the support layer. The presence detection system can be used within an access gate system whereby the access gate is operated to a blocking position upon the presence detection system detecting more than one human supported on the support layer, this operation overriding a reading of an authenticated user token. The presence detection system can also be used within an elevator system wherein the elevator door subsystem and the elevator displacement subsystem are controlled based on an occupancy level detected by the detection system. Methods for detecting object are also contemplated.