CONTROLLED AMBIENT

The present invention relates to an apparatus comprising an attendant system acting on a controlled ambient.

In particular, this invention relates to a controlled ambient, such as a restricted area, for example security gates, home, hospitals, banks, labs, data centers, power plants, automatic baggage check-in, automatic self check-in, migration gates and pre-boarding gates of airports, etc., which are equipped with an attendant apt to control said bodies according to the need. To date, there are controlled ambient that operate automatically and having instructions as to how they operate. They do not require the interventions of a human, since they are pre-programmed, unless there is a malfunction. However, said controlled ambient usually have organs that are automatically pre-programmed to follow sequential steps and are not able to self learn.

These makes it difficult for the organs to answer some specific questions of a user, outside their programmed communication lines.

For example, in the case of a controlled ambient such access control entrances, they maintain a physical separation hence demarcating two areas, a secured/private area and an unsecured/public area. Thus, only authorized users are allowed to enter the secured/private area. In most cases, the information delivered to users are pre-written words that scroll on a display screen or a pre-recorded audio that is activated when the need be.

In some cases, the access control entrances have available means such to recognize the biometric data linked to a person, such as face recognition sensors, fingerprint sensors or others means using biometrics in general, so that the system recognizes by the biometrics the person as authorized to pass or might be authorized to pass by a combination of biometric data and a valid badge carrying for a further identification. Therefore, firstly the system assesses that the person is carrying a valid badge and afterwards by the biometrics verification the system ensures the person carrying the valid badge is exactly the person entitle to carry that specific badge to whom it is assigned.

Should a unauthorized person attempting to fraud the gate, the system is equipped with sensors, such as infrared photocells, radars, or time of flight (TOF) based technologies or vision based technologies, able to detect with a certain degree of confidence the unauthorized person/s attempting to fraud the system, for example by following an authorized person while passing the gate (tailgating, anti piggybacking) or attempting to enter in the secured area without authorization while the authorized person exits from the secured area.

In such an event, the gate sends an audible alarm and/or show a visual display on a screen or around the gate; moreover, the gate informs remotely by a signal to security man guards and also the gate attempts to close the passage to stop the unauthorized person. However, the closing of the gate is programmed in such a way to also consider the safety of the unauthorized person, thus limiting the force of action of the leaves of the gates in order not to injure the suspect person.

Anyhow, the system lacks a user-friendly interaction between the system and the users or even lacks vital information for new users.

The underlying problem related to this invention is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to interact in a clear and friendly manner with users.

The principal purpose of the present invention is to provide a controlled ambient with an attendant system which offers a solution to the drawbacks of the prior art described above.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to track the displacement of users within the area of detection, where the organs for moving the gate are installed, and to predict the intention of the user to either access the ambient or just roaming in the area.

A further purpose of the invention is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to detect unauthorized users even before said unauthorized users are able to pass through the gate and therefore to deny the access.

Another purpose of the invention is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to communicate with maintenance officials for duties such as maintenance or repair, cleaning of the system or preparing settings that may be needed.

A further purpose is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to predict the age group of users, categorize them and interact with them accordingly.

A further purpose is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to caution users or an intended user within a certain age group, such as“children”, of hazard around them.

A much further purpose is to realize a controlled ambient with an attendant system configured to categorize users in terms of their physical condition and offer assistance accordingly, such as interact with physically challenged users, such as people in wheelchair or old people with reduced movement capability or blind persons or deaf persons.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will be more clear from the following detailed description of preferred but not exclusive embodiments of the apparatus comprising an attendant system acting on a controlled ambient according to the enclosed claim 1 . Other technical features are claimed in the dependent claims.

Advantageously, the apparatus according to the invention comprises a body equipped with an actuation unit configured to be operated from a first position and/or status to a second position and/or status and vice-versa, an attendant system configured to detect and tag at least one user within a detection area, a management unit, which includes at least one master and which continuously communicates with the attendant system so that the attendant system is able to interact with the management unit. The management unit is equipped with detailed information relating to authorized users and unauthorized users to access the detection area, while the actuation unit is fixed to the body so as to operate it and is in communication with the attendant system, so that the actuation unit is able to receive commands from the attendant system. Moreover, the attendant system is equipped with a neural network based on a deep learning and/or machine learning algorithm which allows the attendant system to be able to interact in real time with one or more users within a private or protected area of a detection area, for example in order to differentiate authorized users from unauthorized users and/or for detecting unauthorized objects carried by users within the detection area and/or within the private or protected area. In particular, the attendant system is configured to interact and/or communicate, in real time and autonomously with respect to the user, with a master, in order to execute instructions given by the master, without the user knowing that the attendant system interacts and/or communicates with the master, as well as the attendant system is configured to interact and/or communicate, simultaneously, with the user in real time and autonomously with respect to the interaction with the master. According to a further embodiment of the invention, the attendant system is forced by the master, so that the master is able to communicate directly with the user with a modified voice to resemble the voice of the attendant system and the user does not think to communicate directly with the master, so that the master completely replaces the attendant system without the user being aware of the replacement.

Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention majorly results from the description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a controlled access gate with an attendant system, according to the present invention, also shown in the enclosed drawings, in which:

- figure 1 shows a block scheme of the controlled ambient with an attendant system;

- figure 2 shows a block scheme of the attendant system, according to the present invention;

- figure 3 shows a block scheme of a body present in the controlled ambient with the attendant system, according to the invention;

- figure 4 shows a block scheme of another embodiment of the controlled ambient with an attendant system, according to the invention.

With reference to the figures, a controlled ambient with an attendant system installed in secured areas or private areas, comprises a body 1 equipped with an actuation unit 2 apt to be operated from a first position or status to a second position or status and vice versa, and an attendant system 3 having an electronic circuit with a CPU which is configured to detect and tag a user U within a detection area 4. The actuation unit 2 is fixed to the body 1 so as to operate the body 1 and preferably the actuation unit 2 is electronically controlled. Preferably the controlled ambient comprises also an administrative unit 9, which is provided with an electronic circuit with a CPU and which includes a data-storage and a database.

The status can be a digital status moved from a first position, preferably signifying“off”, to a second position, preferably signifying“on”, for different devices. Preferably, the devices can also be external devices. The status can be, for example, an emergency status which has different levels such as secure, more secure or less secure and depending on the behavior of the user U, the status indicates the level of safety. The status is communicated and confirmed by means an analogue or digital communication or by means of a serial communication protocol between the attendant system 3 and the actuation unit 2.

The administrative unit 9 is equipped with details of a master M (which, by way of example, is a person) and preferably of a pluralities of masters M1 , M2, M3 and their hierarchy/ranks/levels L1 , L2, L3 within an organization such as hospitals, homes, banks, offices, airports, etc. Each level or hierarchy L1 , L2, L3 defines a level of authorization which is assigned to the masters M1 , M2, M3. The attendant system 3 is in communication with the administrative unit 9. The actuation unit 2 is in communication with the attendant system 3. The actuation unit 2 is apt to receive commands from the attendant system 3 to operate the body 1 and, by way of example, is able to operate the opening or closing of a door. Preferably, the actuation unit 2 communicates with the attendant system 3 remotely and preferably by Wi-Fi technology, Bluetooth technology, IR technology, radar technology, etc. Preferably, the actuation unit 2 is connected to the attendant system 3 by means of electrical wires.

By controlled ambient, it is intended a restricted area, for example security areas, homes, hospitals rooms, hotels rooms, banks, airports, etc. By body, it is intended controlled objects and/or devices, preferably doors or gates of offices, homes, banks, airports, hospitals, security check points, data centers etc, and also preferably drip administering apparatus in hospitals.

In a first embodiment, the body 1 is preferably a door or a gate unit and the actuation unit 2 comprises preferably a lock unit. Preferably, the gate unit 1 is equipped with a first sensor 1 .1 apt to detect the state of the lock unit, if locked or unlocked. Preferably, the gate unit 1 has a second sensor 1 .2 apt to detect the state of the gate unit 1 , if closed or opened. By opened or closed, it is intended the translational and/or rotational movement of a leaf of the gate unit 1 (the door) to open or close the entrance. Preferably, the gate unit 1 is operable from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa by the user U. Preferably, the body 1 is operable from the closed position to the open position and vice-versa by actuation means. Preferably, the gate unit 1 is the entrance door of buildings such as houses, condominium, hospitals, hotels, shops, supermarkets, etc.

In particular, a gate of a supermarket may be configured to let the authorized, registered and cataloged users U (included in a database) entering in a first controlled area (entrance), so that the information related to said authorized users U are associated with another controlled area (exit) where a control of the payments of the purchased goods performed by the identified users U is carried out. The user U is considered as an authorized user U by the attendant system 3 if and only if said user U has effectively made the payments of the purchased goods and therefore the attendant system 3 let the user U exiting from the controlled area of the market.

Later, the database of the users U is also deleted for privacy reasons, unless unconscious acts of the user U are detected and/or the user U is inserted in a database of suspicious people to whom the access is forbidden. Preferably, the body 1 is operated from a closed position to an open position by sliding, swinging or rotating and may also be motorized.

When a user U is present before the body 1 , the attendant system 3 is apt to detect the user U and tag the user U. This gives the attendant system 3 the ability to track the movement of the user U within a detection area 4 of the attendant system 3.

When the user U gets closer entering into a private or secured area 5 of the detection area 4, the attendant system 3 evaluates this as an intention to access the private and/or secured area. The attendant system 3 interacts with the user U at the entrance, preferably, by engaging the user U in a question and answer conversation in order to evaluate the identity of the user U. In particular, by way of example, the attendant system 3 is able to interact with the user U through an audio communication by means of related speakers; practically, a speech synthesizer is able to express, via audio, said interaction, by means of the CPU of the system 3 which is provided with Al, and/or a visual communication by means of displays, projectors, holograms, etc., which are operated by said CPU of the system 3 provided with Al. Moreover, a plurality of presence and movement sensors are able to send suitable signals to the CPU, as well as microphones and video-cameras are able to send suitable audio and video signals related to the position and the movement of the user U. Therefore, an authorized user U can be recognized by the attendant system 3 either through a visual recognition and through the speech synthesizer by performing a voice recognition of said user U.

The attendant system 3 is also able to interact with user U in a friendly way and also reply to the user U by reacting to the gestures and expressions of the user U in order to render the conversation fluid and welcoming for the user U.

In order to know who refer to, preferably the attendant system 3 communicates with the administration unit 9, in order to know which master M1 , M2, M3 to contact in reference to the user U at the controlled ambient and/or to the user’s need and/or to the hierarch/ranks L1 , L2, L3 of the masters M1 , M2, M3.

When the attendant system 3 confirms the authorized master M1 , M2, M3 for the particular user U, it automatically contacts the master M1 , M2, M3. Preferably, the attendant system 3 is able to communicate with an interface 7 having an electronic circuit with a CPU, which is installed in the house of the master M or in the case of an organization such as offices, hospitals, banks, in the control room of the private or secured area of the organization, which allows the attendant system 3 to communicate with the authorized master M1 , M2, M3. Preferably, the interface 7 comprises means for giving a remote wireless or cable audio/video communication, preferably by means of communication digital signals and also preferably the body 1 , the attendant system 3, the interface 7 and the administration unit 9 communicate with each other by means of digital communication protocols. The interface 7 is preferably a device provided with a CPU, a software application, a microphone, a video-camera, a speaker and a viewing device (a projector, a hologram, etc.) and in particular a smartphone which, by Wi Fi or by means of a browser and by using a Web APP, is configured to log into a given IP address so as to allow the master M and the attendant system 3 to communicate between them and to interact with the user U. Preferably, while interacting with the user U, the attendant system 3 is apt to privately interact with the authorized master M1 , M2, M3 without allowing the user U to know its communication with the authorized master M1 , M2, M3. Such interaction with the authorized master M1 , M2, M3 can be carried out to confirm the identity of the user U or to know if the authorized master M1 , M2, M3 is willing to see the user U or not interested. The attendant system 3 is able to communicate the interest of the master M to the user U, without the user U knowing that the attendant system 3 is doing so or that the master M is present.

In any case, after having checked the requirements of the user U and of the master M, the attendant system 3 is able to communicate simultaneously and independently either with each user U and with each master M; in particular, respective independent communications between the attendant system 3 and a user U and between the attendant system 3 and a master M can be performed.

Preferably, the attendant system 3 communicates with the master M remotely.

If the user U is authorized, the attendant system 3 is able to communicate remotely with the lock unit of the actuation unit 2 of the body 1 (gate/door) to unlock the body 1 . However if the user U is unauthorized, the attendant system 3 communicates with the lock unit of the actuation unit 2 to maintain the door locked.

In the case whereby the door 1 is not operated from a closed position to an open position and vice-versa, the attendant system 3 is able to inform the user U to open the door when unlocked or to close the door 1 when the user U enters. By master, it is intended the person who is rightfully in-charge to interact with the user U and/or the need of the user U. As an example, the attendant system 3 is able to also communicate with the master M by means of his cell-phone (interface 7) either vocally or by message. The attendant system 3 is able to direct, in addition, an authorized user AU on how to get to a desired apartment/department/floor requested, in case of a condominium/hospital/office.

The attendant system 3, if connected to a lift management system, can also speak and visualize what lift to take to reach the destination or according to lift management efficiency. The attendant system 3 can further in general or specific for the authorized user, inform the user U on useful news or practicalities by entering or exiting via the gate area, e.g. wetter conditions, temperature, or welcoming a guest or performing celebrations, events, and advertisements.

In the case whereby the user U acts inappropriate at the controlled ambient such as trying to force the gate/door open or mishandling the door, the attendant system 3 is able to react to the action of the user U by warning the user U and/or by activating an alarm system and/or alert the security offices near by.

In another embodiment, especially for highly secured areas such as laboratories, banks, offices, industries, power plants, data centers etc., the controlled ambient with the attendant system 3 also comprises a pass reader 6. By pass reader 6, it is intended a card reader, a biometric reader or key lock or push button.

The attendant system 3 is able to detect, tag and track the user U within a detection area 4 of the attendant system 3. The attendant system 3 is connected and in constant communication with the pass reader 6 and the gate/door, such that it is able to understand which tagged user U has been validated or not by the pass reader 6 and communicate with the lock unit of the actuation unit 2 of the gate/door to either allow access or override the gate/door to deny access. Preferably, the reader 6 is connected to a control unit 8. The control unit 8 receives information from the reader of authorized user AU. The control unit 8 is able to give command to the lock unit 2, to operate the lock unit 2 from a locked position to an unlocked position when the user is authorized. The attendant system 3 is configured to track the passage of the user U through the gate and when the authorized user has crossed the gate, the attendant system 3 commands the lock unit 2 to lock the gate.

The pass reader 6 is also in communication with the lock unit 2 such that when a user presents his/her pass at the reader 6, it scans and transfers the information to the attendant system 3; said information is processed and if the user U is authorized, the gates remain open or in other cases the gate is operated from a closed position to an open position. However, if the user U does not have valid identification, access is denied, thus the gate is closed.

According to the present invention, the attendant system 3 does the validating. Thus, the pass reader 6 sends the information it receives from the user U to the attendant system 3. The attendant system 3 then processes the information to understand if the user U is authorized or not and then commands the lock unit of the actuation unit 2 to allow access or deny access.

The attendant system 3 is also able to understand if the user U allowed access is the same user U being validated. It does this by tracking each tagged user U and when a user U is validated by the reader 6 the attendant system 3 gives a second tag to the user U, preferably assign a particular color, a unique number or the name of the user U, and track the authorized user’s movement through the gate/door.

In particular, according to a preferred embodiment of the invention, a plurality of cameras and sensors (Time of Flight or TOF, 3D vision, etc.) are able to acquire a 3D dynamic image and, by means of a graphic processing, to define the presence of an object and its position and movement (speed and direction). Said data are used by the CPU of the attendant system 3 as an input to the Al so as to predict subsequent actions of the user U, also considering other possible inputs, such as the presence of a valid pass 6 and/or the signal of a microphone. Finally, considering said inputs, the attendant system 3 is able to control given actions, such as to give command signals to the actuation unit 2 and/or to the interface 7. Consequently, said cameras and sensors are able to create a IR grid, so as to know the shape of a person or object and to define the related space position; in fact, the signals sent by said cameras and sensors are processed so as to define a matrix of data in the space coordinates x, y, z and to detect the position of the person or object within the monitored area. Thus, by means of trigonometric triangulation operations, the system 3 is able to obtain the space position of the person or object within the detection area 4.

The attendant system 3 is also able to understand if an unauthorized user is frauding the controlled access gate/door using authorized credentials. It does this by a combination of facial recognition algorithms that are able to match the facial image of the user U to the facial image present on the authorized credential in a database of the attendant system 3. Thus, even an authorized user cannot use the authorized pass of another authorized user. This allows eliminating fraud such as identity theft of authorized users. The attendant system 3 with its Al is able to recognize possible fraud scenarios and/or abnormal behaviors, thanks to the self-learning and by using typical algorithms of deep learning and therefore the system 3 is not limited to recognize a valid pass or to operate a facial and/or biometric recognition on the basis of a database. The attendant system 3 is also able to communicate in real time and deliver vital information to new users U. Preferably, the attendant system 3 can record a message of the user U, in particular a video message. Thus, the user U is able to leave a message for the master M. Preferably, the master M is able to override the attendant system 3 in a way such that the master M communicates directly to the user U, preferably without the user U knowing he/she is communicating with the master M; preferably, the voice of the master M is changed to resemble the voice of the attendant system 3, so that the user U thinks he/she is communicating with the attendant system 3. Thus, the user U has no idea he/she is communicating directly to the master M. Moreover, the attendant system 3 comprises at least an information processing unit 1 1 , which functions as the brain of the system 3 by means of a neural network based on machine learning and/or deep learning, a detection unit 12 apt to sense the presence of a user U, a speech recognition sensor 13 apt to sense real time voice message from a user U and send it to the information processing unit 1 1 , a speaker 14 apt to be used to communicate information to the user through sound, a screen 15 apt to project an image of a virtual attendant. Preferably, the attendant system 3 comprises also a tactile system 16 apt to be used by blind persons. The detection unit 12 is connected to the information processing unit 1 1 and it is able to send real-time images of a user U to the information processing unit 1 1 . Preferably, the information processing unit 1 1 is equipped with a database where personal data of authorized users AU are stored. Preferably, the attendant system 3 is able to communicate with an external database where authorized users AU information are stored and also preferably said images of the user U are facial images. Preferably, the detection unit 12 tracks users by multi-camera tracking and the detection unit 12 track uses by shadow tracking technology. The detection unit 12 is able to detect and tag a user U within a detection area 4 and track the movement of any user U in the detection area 4.

The detection unit 12 is able to detect the height of a user and in combination with the information processing unit 1 1 is able to predict the age group of a user U detected within the detection area 4. Said operation is preferably performed by means of an image processing and by using a database with a deep learning algorithm which allows the processing unit 1 1 to predict a valuation of the age of the user U and other information about the user U.

The detection unit 12 in combination with the information processing unit 1 1 is able to detect the height, face and stature of a user U, predicting the age and categorizing users in age groups, such as old adults or adults or young adults or teenagers or children. This allows the attendant system 3 to be cautious about users U below a certain age, for example falling within a children group.

The detection area 4 is defined by the space present before crossing the controlled access gate where the door is installed. Moreover, the detection unit 12 in combination with the information processing unit 1 1 is able to categorize users in groups such as physically challenged or physically fit. The detection area 4 comprises a secured or private area 5 defined by a predefined space, which can be imaginary or demarcate, at the entrance of the access controlled gate/door, within which the attendant system 3 confirms the user U intending to access the gate/door. The secured or private area 5 may be detected by means of presence sensors and/or cameras which are able to demarcate an area without using physical barriers.

Preferably, the access controlled gate/door is always open and closes only when an unauthorized user is detected within the private or secured area 5 of the detection area 4. Preferably, the access controlled gate/door is closed and opens only when an authorized user is detected within the area 5. The detection unit 12 is able to detect, tag and track multi-users U at the same time, in real time. The detection unit 12 comprises at least a plurality of cameras 21 apt to track a user U within the detection area 4. The cameras 21 are installed in specific viewpoints within the detection area 4, in order to give a full tracking view of the user U. With the cameras 21 of the detection unit 12 and the neural network based on a deep learning algorithm of the information processing unit 1 1 , the attendant system 3 is able to track the user U.

Preferably, the detection unit 12 comprises a temperature sensor, a vibration sensor and a force impact sensor. Also preferably, the detection unit 12 comprises a recording unit and a vibration sensor. Preferably, the detection unit 12 comprises an NFC payment system and an ID detector; preferably the ID is a barcode or badge or biometrics. The information processing unit 1 1 is able to process the movement of each user U in real time and reliably predict their intention. Based on its prediction, the information processing unit 1 1 is able to interact appropriately to any given user U, depending on the need. The information processing unit 1 1 is connected to the speaker 14 in order to deliver an audio message to any of the users U detected when the need arises.

The information processing unit 1 1 is also connected to a screen 15 and able to display on the screen information needed or project a real-time virtual person, in the form of a hologram, acting in correspondence to the information being delivered. The detection unit 12 in combination with the information processing unit 1 1 is able to categorize the different users, differentiating between authorized users AU and unauthorized users UU, in order to know who to allow access to and who not to, also to know how to react according to the user’s U reaction or need.

When a user U enters the detection area 4, the detection unit 12 tags the user U and tracks his/her movement within the detection area 4.

The detection unit 12 assigns a unique feature, preferably a shape such a square or a circle to each user U within the detection area 4. Preferably at the beginning of the secured or private area 5 there is a pass reader 6 in communication with the information processing unit 1 1 and/or the lock unit 2 of the body 1 to assess the validity of the user’s U credentials and substantially at the end of the secured or private area 5 at least one leaf of the gate/door is present, apt to be operated from an open position to a closed position and vice-versa.

When a user U arrives at the badge reader 6 and is validated as an authorized user U, the gates/door is kept open and the authorized user is allowed access. This authorization information is sent to the information processing unit 1 1 of the attendant system 3, which recognizes the user U as an authorized user; preferably, should the user U passing the gate/door be authorized, the attendant system 3 will have a welcoming behavior such as speaking and showing gestures to make the passage in the secured area 5 and through the gate/door pleasant; preferably, the attendant system 3 says“hello” or other heartwarming phrases once the attendant system 3 has recognized the user U, and/or, by knowing the identity of the user U, greets the authorized user AU by name.

However, if a user U enters the secured area 5 without validating, the detection unit 12 tags him/her as an unauthorized user UU and thus sends a command to the automatic gate/door to close its leaves. The rate of closing or opening the gate is relative to the position, speed, direction and behavior of the unauthorized UU or authorized user AU within the secured or private area 5.

The neural network of the attendant system 3 is trained to detect suspicious behaviors and mood of users U, using parameters used by the police and/or military and/or special investigation forces to detect suspicious people. Preferably, behaviors such as walk pattern, avoidance of eye contact with security cameras, rigid or tensed movement of the user U, style of dress of the user in relation to the season and/or current weather, etc., are controlled.

Preferably, the attendant system 3 is also able to detect when the user is in possession of an unauthorized object and verify with the administration unit and/or the master M if the user U is allowed to be in possession of the unauthorized object in question. Preferably, when the user U is a security guard, a police or a military personnel, the user U is allowed to access the secured and/or private area with the unauthorized object. Thus, when the user U is in possession of a unauthorized object, such as a gun, a knife or any dangerous instrument, the attendant system 3 is able to detect the object. The attendant system 3 verifies the authorization of the user U to be in possession of the object and send signal to move status of the body 1 from the first position, preferably indicating“off”, to the second position, preferably indicating“on”. The attendant system 3 is also able to, based on the dangerousness of the unauthorized object and/or the authorization of the user U and/or the behavior of the user U, indicate the level of safety by operating the status of the body 1 from the first position to the second position and indicating the level of safety. Preferably, the levels of safety are indicated by colored light devices, preferably LEDs. Preferably, red for“less secure”, yellow for“fairly secure”, green for“secure” and blue for“more secure”. However, the allocation of colors is not limited to the above statement and thus any color within the RGB light spectrum can be allocated to any level of safety. The detection unit 12 comprises a sensor 22 focused on the secured area 5 which allows the system 3 to have an image of the user U within the secured area 5. Thus the detection unit 12 is equipped with sensors such as IR beams and/or radars and/or TOF and/or 3D vision in order to be able to detect running within the secured area 5 or tailing or piggybacking or wrong way by unauthorized users UU. Iso when the gate/door is closed, when the attendant system 3 detects a forceful use on the door/gate, the attendant system 3 activates an audible alarm and/or a visual display on the screen for signaling an illegal breakthrough by a user U and/or a remote alarm to the security guards around to avoid the user U from breaking or destroying the gate in order to access the entrance.

The attendant system 3 is able to categorize users U into authorized users AU, unauthorized users UU accidentally passing in the secured area 5, unauthorized users UU voluntarily attempting to fraud the system, authorized personnel to perform settings, maintenance or repair or cleaning the system, children unattended while the gate has moving parts in operation or children standing nearby dangerous parts of the gate/door, physically challenged users U, for example people in wheelchairs or older people with reduced movement capability, blind persons or deaf persons, security workers which are notified locally or remotely with an alarm activated by the attendant system 3.

With children, the attendant system 3 can interact warning in advance children that are too close to moving parts, or warning children about dangerous situations; moreover, the attendant system 3 can talk and also show notices by gestures similar to what a human is able naturally to do. With physically challenged users, the attendant system 3 can recognize if there is any help they need and the attendant system 3 can guide them if need be. The attendant system 3 also surveys the secured area 5 for other user’s U behavior to reinforce safety for the disable and security people. In the case where an unauthorized user UU might attempt to take advantage of the disable transiting to fraud the gate/door or the secured area 5, the attendant system 3 closes the gate/door and triggers the alarm alerting the security people. The attendant system 3 can also interact with users U in case of emergency on how to exit safely the building or calm the users within the building to avoid panic, by starting a conversation with questions and answers with the user U. The attendant system 3 is also able to connect users U with operators in case of emergency.

The attendant system 3 is also able to act and warn the unauthorized users UU that a fraud attempt by them is attempted and therefore the system 3 closes the gate, alarming and voicing out for the unauthorized user UU to stop. It is apt to engage the unauthorized user UU requesting answers to questions as a security guard will do. Once the attendant system 3 assess “no dangerous” intentions, otherwise if assess there is a real attempt to breach security and voluntary, then the attendant system 3 will display, speak and act like a security guard would do in similar circumstances, as well as start video recording and/or calling other security human guards to support. Furthermore, it also immediately connects to a security guard in real time alarming the unauthorized user UU that he/she is been watched and videoed. In case of failure, cleaning or maintenance needed, the attendant system 3 will interact with the technician, once has been proved to be a qualified technician authorized to perform cleaning or any sort of maintenance or repair, and guides the technician by speech and visual display, questions and answers, to suggest or indicate to the technician what is needed to be done. For example, it is possible to suggest to the technician to verify the connection to the motor, or the board, or a specific part, speaking to the technician to help to resolve and repair or facilitate the maintenance or a cleaning operation. In the places such as hospitals, the system 3 is also able to communicate information such as visiting time and/or providing information a desk attendant will do. In particular, when the system 3 is applied to hospitals, the attendant system 3 is placed in an area around the bed of a patient, is able to interact with the patient and the masters M are nurses or authorized doctors, who can communicate with the system 3 and among them even remotely. The attendant system 3 is also able to communicate with the patient, the nurses and the authorized doctors. In this case, for example, an actuator indicating“on” and“off” status can be provided for carrying out and interrupting the delivery of drugs. Since the detected area 4 is an area around the bed of the patient, the attendant system 3 is also able to monitor and control the users U placing and walking around said area and the secured area 5; therefore, for example, the attendant system 3 is able to control possible infectious users U (which are inserted in a given database) for monitoring the situation in real time and/or for understanding what may have happened, for example after an epidemic has spread.

In a hotel, the system 3 will serve as a door attendant available at any time for questions, or provide useful information to users U entering or exiting.

In a school, it can recognize students and teachers and visitors authorized, and is able to avoid any attempt by unauthorized users UU to pass. It is also able to warn students of behaviors are not accepted by the school for ethics and discipline. However, it is not limited to schools only, but it is also applicable in offices, hospitals and/or any other institution where such ethics and morals is required. For example, the attendant system 3 is able to inform teachers if a student arriving late at the gate/door, just as a door attendant would do. In offices, the attendant system 3 can act as a door attendant, and also communicate with a desired person (a master M) in the office requiring a feedback as to if the visit is expected or not. Obviously, the attendant system 3 will speak remotely to the person in the office in privacy so that the user U cannot detect there is a dialogue going on. The attendant system 3 is apt to give information such as how to reach a destination or office and help guide a visitor to reach the office. The attendant system 3 knows what, how and with which means to communicate to the master M and to the user U on the basis of a smart processing of the inputs coming from the sensors and on the basis of the deep learning algorithm. In particular, the attendant system 3 is able to do so preferably by a vocal instruction to the user U by explaining step by step instruction on what the user U should do to arrive at the desired destination, and/or preferably by a push notification sent via Bluetooth, or any other wireless connection, to the mobile phone of an authorized user AU. Preferably, the push notification sent to the authorized user’s AU mobile phone includes a barcode, containing information of the authorized user AU and his/her mission and/or appointment detail, to be scanned at the entrance through a barcode scanner which is preferably present at the entrance. By entrance, it is intended a point of entry into the secured or private area 5 or a point of entry into the desired office or the lift to access the desired floor or the apartment within the condominium. However, as already said, this feature is not only restricted to offices or condominiums but also applicable to hospitals, or other institutions where such feature is relevant.

In other embodiments, the attendant system 3 is a real artificial intelligent subject acting and having a door attendant or security guard appearance, having a human-like appearance and assessment capability to manage as a door attendant or security guard would do in reality.

In another embodiments, preferably the body 1 is a drip administering apparatus and the drip administering apparatus 1 is automatically controlled. Before the apparatus can be used the user U needs to be validated by the system 3. The attendant system 3 communicates with the user U and contemporarily communicates with the administrating unit 9 in order to verify the validity of the user. Based on the level/rank of the user U, the attendant system 3 is able to allow access to the drip administering apparatus or deny access.

From the description made, the characteristics of the apparatus according to the present invention are clear, as well as the related advantages.

Finally, the invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims; all the details may further be replaced with other technically equivalent elements.