"MODULAR MOBILE ACCESS CONTROL GATE SYSTEM AND OPERATION

METHOD THEREOF"

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a system of modular mobile gates and respective operation for controlling individual accesses .

Summary

The present invention describes an access control system comprising a modular mobile gate comprising:

- a document validation module (1); a door module (2); a face capture module (3); a floor sensor module (4);

where the door (2) and the floor sensor (4) are collapsible into, and conversely extensible from, a main body (5) comprising all modules.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a deployable movement unit or units.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the movement unit or units are deployable for moving said system, when the door (2) and floor sensor (4) are in the collapsed position.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a second door module (6), where the floor sensor module (4) is arranged to provide three separate sensor areas: (7) directly outside the first door module (2), (8) between the first and second door modules (2, 6), and (9) directly outside the second door module (6) . A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a second document validation module (10) located, in reference to said main body (5), opposite to the first document validation module (1), suitable for the bidireccional operation of the system.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises an interaction module (11), comprising a user data input and output device, being placed together with the face capture module (3) .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises a monitor module, suitable for obtaining video images from the gate operation.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the face capture module (3) is able to extend vertically from, and conversely collapse into, a main body (5) comprising all modules.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the face capture module (3), or the face capture (3) and interaction (11) modules, are positioned so that the user would not have line of sight to a face capture module (3), or a face capture (3) and interaction (11) modules, of a second gate system placed in parallel with the first system.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the face capture module (11) is also a face recognition device; the doors (2; 6) are linear during closing and opening, and comprise flexible impact protection; the document validation module (1) is placed facing perpendicular or parallel to the gate flow; the floor sensor (4) comprises 8 to 12 sensor squares, one directly outside each of the one or two door modules (2;6), and the remaining directly inside each of the one or two door modules (2, 6); the face capture module (3) comprises an illuminator (12) with up to 4 different illumination sectors, able to compensate for different environmental lighting conditions; a visual indicator is placed at the document validation module (1) for indicating whether the system is ready to accept a new user or not .

The present invention also describes a method for operation of the access control gate system referred previosuly and comprising the steps of:

- undeploying movement unit or units, and placing the gate system on a suitable location;

- extending door (2, 6) and floor sensor modules (4);

- validating user document or documents;

- capturing a face image;

- if facial information is validated, opening doors of the system allowing exit of the user;

- repeating the above steps for user processing, if and as long as necessary;

- collapsing door (2, 6) and floor sensor modules (4);

- deploying movement unit or units, and moving out the gate system.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises the steps of:

- visually indicating system availability for processing a new user; - detecting user presence, prior to the entrance, by a floor sensor (7);

- detecting user presence, subsequent to the exit, by a another floor sensor (9) .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises the steps of:

- before capturing a face image, automatically extending and adjusting the height of the facial capture module to the height of the user;

before undeploying the gate system, collapsing the facial capture module.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises, after validating user document or documents, the step of :

- validating user access status in access database or databases .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises, after validating user document, documents or status, the steps of:

if validated, opening doors of the system allowing entrance of the user;

- validating that one, and only one, user has entered and is in location suitable for subsequent facial capture, by still another floor sensor (8) .

A preferred embodiment of the present invention further comprises, after validating user access status in access database or databases, the steps of:

- automatically recognizing the captured face image; - optionally, requesting data from the user by a data output device and collecting said data by a data input device .

Background

The existing gates for automated passenger clearance are designed for a similar border control workflow. However, their design and operation are quite different from the mobile gate of the present invention:

- The system isn't collapsible/extensible, neither plug- and-play. Its deployment and undeployment involves a considerable amount of cabling and fixing work;

- As seen in the Figure 7 and 8, it does not have wheels, and is composed by two pieces which are fixed to the floor, and connected by a glass, all highly inconvenient for moving the system;

- The tailgating detection is performed by external cameras placed above the gates, or external sensors, instead of the floor sensor module as part of the gate, further reducing its mobility;

- It contains a single document reader, and it is not bidirectional - it operates in a single direction, very useful feature in a mobile operational environment ;

- Once deployed, it occupies a much larger area. Disclosure of the Invention

The present invention relates to a system of modular mobile gates and respective operation for controlling individual accesses . The system preferably comprises a document validation module (1), a floor sensor module (4), a face capture module (3), a door module (2), an interaction module (11) with a camera (14) for facial recognition (preferably also comprising a touch screen (11)), optionally another door module (6) another a document validation module (10), and/or a monitor module (preferably comprising a CCTV) .

Preferably, the gates come on wheels (13), which connect to floor units. No specific installations, in addition to the electricity supply and network, are required at the location. The gates and floor modules (4), when connected together, build an extremely robust mechanical barrier. Preferably, for 3 or 4 packed units the dimensions will not exceed 2000 x 4000 mm and a height of lOOOkgs.

Passage width should preferably be around 80 cm. Typically 60 to 100cm, or 70 to 90 cm.

The Document Validation Module (1), which comprises the document reader, can be placed perpendicular to the gates (as shown in the picture) or aligned with the passenger entry. Any other angle can be considered during the course of the tests and depending on the general layout of the mobile gate system.

The floor passing is covered with typically 10 squares or independent sensor areas, with 8 to 12, 6 to 14, 4 to 16 squares less preferably but also possible, which incorporate foot-step sensors, typically 1 in front of each entry module (7) and typically 8 (8) inside the secure zone between the two gate doors (2, 6) . This component provides accurate tailgating prevention and gate logic for door controls and passenger handling. The floor sensors (4), tracks the passenger from the moment he/she presents the passport to the document reader and throughout the complete gate enrolment until he/she leaves it, detecting tailgating (two users moving together in close proximity) and motion. Alternatively to the floor sensors (4), the tracking of the individual or individuals could be performed by a video camera with a suitable placement and data processing.

The floor element is preferably covered with 10 squares which incorporate foot-step sensors, 1 in front of each entry module and 8 inside the secure zone between the two gate doors. This component provides accurate tailgating prevention and gate logic for door controls and passenger handling. The innovative floor sensors, track the passenger by detecting tailgating and motion from the moment he presents the passport to the document reader and throughout the complete gate enrolment until he leaves it.

The entrance control module detects the passenger, his weight and with an additional camera, placed on the document reader, his height. This weight also permits the validation of the count of passengers present in the 8 squares inside the module.

If there is no presence and weight detected in the entrance control module, the passport reader will not initiate. In this case, there will be a animation on the monitor that informs the passenger to the exact position where he should be. As soon as the document is read the doors open and in the inside modules preferably green indicators, such as leds, will light indicating that the passenger has to move to the correct image capture position (also preferably with lighted Leds ) .

In the inside modules, preferably eight, the floor sensors are able to determine the exact position of the passenger, if there is more than one person inside and if there is luggage that was left behind. In the process the entrance doors close only when the passenger is detected in the correct image capture position. The indicators of the image capture position will turn off only when the capture process is finished. At this point the exit indicators, such as Leds, will turn on indicating that the passenger must go towards the exit direction.

The inside modules also detect when nobody has entered and sends an alarm.

For luggage detection, the floor sensors have a tolerance that will be applied to the weight measure in the entrance control module.

The exit control module detects the passenger presence. When the exit control no longer detects the passenger presence and no presence is detected in theinside modules then the exits doors close.

The gate will only be able to accept another passenger in the entrance when the last passenger leaves the exit control module.

The periscope preferably incorporates a strong illumination (12), with preferably 4 independent sectors, which compensate the environmental and changing lighting conditions .

The invention comprises preferably low energy doors (2;6), linear, fast and thin with rubber protection. The structure of the gate preferably prevents passengers in the adjacent gates or outside the gates to see the information on the touch screen (11), thus protecting their privacy .

The last gate element is a CCTV server, which will preferably have two connected cameras on the top of the backdrop to provide live image of the entire gate.

A green signal light indicates that the gate is fully operational and ready to accept passengers. At this point passenger is in front of the Document Validation Module (1), i.e. passport reading device and the entrance floor. The passport is read and if all conditions are in compliance with the requirements (document proven to be authentic and the passenger with no relevant record in the searched databases) the entrance door (2) opens. The passenger enters the gate and his position is detected by the floor sensors (8) . The passenger receives, via the monitor inside the gate, information about his pose, informing the actions to take in order to complete the face recognition process in the best possible conditions. The face recognition process then initiates. It is also possible to fill in data in the touch screen (11) questionnaire, when applicable.

When facial recognition is successfully carried out and the questions in the questionnaire answered, the exit doors open (6) and the passenger exits the gate, then completing the process.

The gate system allows the process to take place in both directions as determined by the controller set parameters. This double direction requisite is not usually intended to work in a full bidirectional process, having for example passengers simultaneously using the gate in both directions. The system may however be operated in turns, for example.

Typical Workflow

- Passenger inserts an e-passport into the reader;

- gate confirms document category and well-known passenger status;

- Optionally, passenger inserts the visa page into the reader ;

- Optionally, passenger inserts residence permit into reader ;

- gate authenticates documents and requests background checks from border service. Adjustable parameter to ensure non-systematic checks Background check results received. If OK, entry door (2) is opened to admit traveller ;

- gate performs facial recognition process. If OK, exit door (6) opens to allow traveller to exit;

- Optionally, passenger answers the questions on the touch screen (11);

- gate registers details of traveller crossing border in FBG database.

Description of the Figures

In order for an easier comprehension of the invention, the attached figures show preferred embodiments which, however, are not intended to be seen in any way restrictive of the scope of the present invention. Figure 1: Schematic representation of aspects of the gate, namely its floor sensor hinge mechanism, face capture module (3) with camera (14) and monitor (11) periscope and attached opaque screen, entry module with document validation module (1) .

Figure 2: Schematic representation of the overall gate.

Figure 3: Schematic representation of different gate support mechanisms, from fully deployed, supported by wheels (13), feet or simply by its structure.

Figure 4: Schematic representation of the gate in typical transport operation compared to its operation setup.

Figure 5: Schematic representation of the door (2;6), namely aspects of telescopic operation.

Detailed Description and further Embodiments

In the overall enrolment process, the mobile gate system operates typically by capturing data from an electronic passport and handling the passengers in the process of crossing the border.

The fully mobile gate system provides the ability to easily move the gate and deploy it where needed depending of e.g. airport needs and number of passengers. The gate deploys the floor units only when the gate is in working position. Thses can be separated in transport and package. The gates and floor modules (4), when connected together build an extremely robust mechanical border barrier.

Typically for each gate and for each floor unit is necessary to have an individual cover for transportation. The backdrop height is usually the maximum height considered for the periscope system and is typically of the same colour as the structure.

The gate is bi-directional and can be used in both directions. The entrance can be an exit and the exit an entrance .

In a typical solution the gate is provided with a cover for the entrance side that will not be in use.

The floor sensor module (4) allows detecting precise tailgating and human motion patterns based in sensor inputs. This contributes also for faster door operation. Motion and behavioral patterns of the passenger can be analyzed by the floor system and made available to the monitoring application.

The passport or document reader device has the abil.ity to read data from an electronic passport (chip, MRZ - machine readable zone, etc..)

The biometric periscope should preferably be in the middle of the gate, forcing the passenger to rotate.

The range of the camera (14) height can be adjusted for matching passenger height and can be increased for minimal heights e.g. lower than 1 meter if necessary to better store the whole mechanism for transportation. By using this automatic height adjustment, the height of the user can be ascertained. The adjustment can be carried out in any known way to the skilled person in the area - distance and/or proximity detectors, by the detection of the facial alignment in the captured image, etc...

The periscope should preferably incorporate a strong illumination (12) element which compensates environmental and the normally always changing lighting conditions.

The gate can also provide a live image feed of the passenger to the Inspector. A group of gates should preferably be controlled by one single application inside a nearby and/or existing booth. The gate control of Bidirectional operation is to preferably be controlled by the application.

The mobile gate system is designed to be transported on wheels ( 13 ) .

The elevation of the gate simply by pressing a button, enables weight bearing by the wheels (13) and transportability. Otherwise, the weight is normally bore by the structure directly or by supporting means like metallic or rubber feet. Alternatively, the gate includes movement means, in particular wheels (13), which are permanently deployed and firmly or resiliently fixed for operation of the system. Other movement means are possible, namely rollers, fully or partly free-wheeling castor wheels, tracks or equivalent. The gate may also be simply moved, without these movement means, by simple transport with lifting and setting down where required. Typically, the gate comprises 4 wheels (13) and two elevation means, one on each end of the gate. When the elevators engage, the wheels (13) protrude and the gate is free to move, otherwise the gate descends and rests on the floor fixed by its own weight.

The connection system between floor and gate only is actively engaged when the gate is in working position, lowered to floor level, this obviously when the gate comprises elevation means.

One of the main advantages of the present invention is how there is only a single block to move. The gate can be operated in isolation against a wall, for example, that establishes the corresponding barrier for creating a circulation channel along the gate system. Alternatively, a disabled or deactivated gate can also be used to this purpose.

In bi-directional operation the direction/-s to be used can be selected by the system operator typically a border Inspector .

The gates can be used in both directions, as they can incorporate two readers, one on each side of the gate. It is of a synergetic advantage to be able to achieve bidirectional operation in a mobile usage, these enhancing usability .

One on each side of the gate there are optionally 2 indicators, typically light emitting indicators: Green- ready to process new passenger, red - not ready to process new passenger/ Closed.

Also there will be implements with instructions on how to use the passport reader preferably one monitor that could be used to transmit a film, which in order to enable bi ^¬ directional operation should be present in both ends of the gate .

The 2nd monitor can be used with a film with instructions how to behave in the enrolment of the face recognition process and filling in a Visa form.

In bi-directional operation, the doors (2; 6) function as entrance and exit doors. They typically have the same control . For the biometric passport verification procedure, there is a passport reader capable of processing passports, visas and residence permits, which is installed on both ends of the gate, and preferably includes a display showing instructions to the user.

The floor panel at the entrance (7) detects presence of a person. The central floor (8) detects presence of a passenger, his/her movements and position with a minimum distance to the cameras (14) . The floor provides sensor input for operation of the doors.

The central floor sensor module (8) preferably detects tailgating (two people moving together in close proximity) precisely and gives an alarm when there are two or more persons inside the gate. This can simply be achieved by analysing the weight placed onto the sensor, namely comparing the operation weight with the entrance weight. This can also be used to detect a left over piece of luggage. Alternatively, this could be achieved by means of a video camera, but its ideal location would be vertical to the system, not usually advantageous in a mobile usage.

The central floor sensor module (8) should also detect when no one enters and gives an alarm.

The floor panel at exit (9) also detects presence of a person .

The floor sensors output may also allow visualization in the system operator, typically a border inspector, monitor.

Lighting can preferably be achieved by a number of lighting elements (12) placed around the camera (14) and/or respective monitor (11), in particular 4 different sectors to compensate the environmental changes. This way, light can be increased just in the sector or sectors with insufficient lighting. Also, light can be decreased or even completely switched off in the sector or sectors with excessive lighting.

The periscope can be actuated when the system detects the correct positioning of the passenger in the central floor (8) .

Additional information is preferably shown on the secondary monitor, with instructions how to act during the enrolment of face recognition process and also possibly a questionnaire .

The periscope system is designed to support a range of vertical movement.

A fingerprint scanner can be installed together with the periscope or the entry modules together with the document verification .

Typically, one of the sides should preferably have a cover, if this side is not in inflow operation. This could be a cover in plastics with wheel and system to elevate.

Preferably, the backdrop should be plain, namely gray in colour, like the overall structure, with elements specific for user interaction in a special colour, namely blue - this facilitates user operation by clearly marking the gate elements requiring user input.

The following claims further set out particular embodiments of the invention.