Video Analytics Access Control for Tailgating Prevention

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems in residential buildings are vulnerable to unauthorized entry through tailgating, where unauthorized persons gain access by following authorized individuals.

Innovation Solution

A system that uses video analytics to determine the number of persons near an access control point and requires a threshold number of unique identifications for unlocking, utilizing a virtual fence to manage access and adjust lock/unlock requirements dynamically based on factors like time of day and foot traffic.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional access control systems are used, then authorized persons can access the property, but unauthorized persons can gain entrance through tailgating

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against unauthorized accessVSAvoidconvenience of access
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the number of required unique identifications based on real-time video analytics of persons near the access control point. The access control point unlocks when the number of unique identifications received equals the number of persons detected, preventing tailgating while accommodating legitimate groups. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by making security adaptive rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system continuously monitors the number of persons near the access control point using video analytics and adjusts the authentication requirement accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that the security level matches the actual occupancy, preventing unauthorized tailgating attempts while maintaining convenience for authorized groups.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If the access control point requires multiple unique identifications, then security against tailgating improves, but the system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity verification accuracyVSAvoidaccess control system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical or manual verification processes with video analytics technology. Instead of requiring manual counting or complex sensor arrays, the system uses computer vision to automatically detect and count persons, then dynamically sets the authentication requirement. This substitution reduces overall system complexity while improving verification accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The video analytics system serves multiple functions: it counts persons near the access control point, identifies potential tailgating attempts, and dynamically determines authentication requirements. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate systems into a single integrated solution, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Measurement precision

If video analytics are used to count persons, then access control accuracy improves, but the use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperson counting accuracyVSAvoidvideo analytics processing energy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs video analytics at periodic intervals rather than continuously processing every frame. It monitors the number of persons near the access control point and updates authentication requirements only when changes are detected, reducing energy consumption while maintaining counting accuracy for security decisions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentEP4139836B1Enhanced property access with video analytics
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 ALARM COM INC
  • EP4139836B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4139836B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4139836B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer-storage media, for enhanced property access with video analytics. In some implementations, images of a first area captured by a camera are obtained. A number of persons in the first area is determined from the images. Data indicating one or more unique identifications is received. A number of persons who are authorized to access a second area are determined. Access is provided to the second area.