Doorway Tailgating Detection via Mobile Device Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated access control systems fail to prevent unauthorized entry through controlled access points due to the inability to monitor and control the number of individuals entering or exiting with an authorized person, known as tailgating.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing micro-location devices, sensors, and electronic access control devices to determine the location and authorization of mobile devices relative to a doorway, generating alerts for unauthorized entries by comparing the number of devices passing through with presented access credentials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If automated access control systems use RFID readers and access cards to control entry, then authorized persons can be identified and granted access, but the system cannot control how many people enter when an access card is presented, allowing tailgating
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the monitoring function by deploying multiple independent micro-location devices at different positions around the access point. Each device independently tracks mobile devices in its zone, and the system aggregates data from all devices to determine tailgating events, dividing the complex monitoring task into simpler modular components
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces mobile devices as intermediary objects that emit detectable signals. These mobile devices serve as mediators between the micro-location devices and the tailgating detection logic, allowing indirect detection of personnel movement and authorization status without requiring direct interaction between security systems and individuals
2Reliability
If security guards visually confirm badges match holders, then tailgating can be detected, but this requires human intervention and reduces automation
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service tailgating detection by using mobile devices that automatically emit detectable signals and contain stored authorization information. The mobile devices themselves provide the data needed for detection without requiring human guards to visually verify badges, making the system autonomous
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces the mechanical/visual verification process performed by human guards with an electronic detection system. Micro-location devices electronically detect signals from mobile devices and automatically compare authorization status, substituting human visual confirmation with automated electronic verification
3Reliability
If turnstiles serve as physical barriers, then high-volume traffic can be controlled, but they may not effectively prevent tailgating and reduce ease of operation
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces physical mechanical barriers like turnstiles with an electronic detection system using micro-location devices. This substitution maintains security effectiveness by detecting tailgating through mobile device signals while eliminating the need for physical barriers that impede traffic flow and reduce entry convenience
4Reliability
If laser sensors detect multiple people, then tailgating can be identified, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses mobile devices that already exist and contain detectable signals (GPS, Wi-Fi, cellular) rather than deploying expensive specialized detection equipment. These existing mobile devices serve as the detection medium, reducing system complexity and cost while maintaining the ability to identify multiple people
Solution Approach 2:
The system leverages the universal functionality of mobile devices that already perform multiple functions (communication, navigation, identification). By utilizing these existing multi-functional devices for tailgating detection, the system avoids adding specialized single-function detection equipment, reducing overall system complexity
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for detecting doorway tailgating are disclosed. A method includes: determining, by a computer device, a mobile device moves through a doorway to a secure area; determining, by the computer device, a security protocol was not passed for the mobile device to move through the doorway; and generating, by the computer device, an alert based on both the determining the mobile device moves through the doorway to the secure area and the determining the security protocol was not passed.