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Title:
A PASSAGE CONTROL SYSTEM
Document Type and Number:
WIPO Patent Application WO/2021/045713
Kind Code:
A1
Abstract:
The present invention is an entry control system (10) for providing security of special areas having at least one entrance (200). As an improvement, the subject matter entry control system (10) comprises a mobile device (200) having a first memory unit (130) comprising a reference user image of the user, said mobile device (100) is embodied to transfer said reference user image to a server (400), a control unit (300) is provided and at least one second camera (210) is provided in connection to said control unit (300) for taking the image of a monitoring region defined at the outer part of said entrance (200), said mobile device (100) is configured to provide taking an instantaneous user image by said second camera (210) when it detects that the mobile device (100) enters into the monitoring area at a predetermined proportion and to access the reference user image provided at said server (400) and to compare the reference user image and the instantaneous user image and to determine the matching proportion and thereby to realize a face recognition process and to generate a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage when matching with a predetermined amount is detected.

Inventors:
TUNA GOKHAN TALAT (TR)
Application Number:
PCT/TR2020/050799
Publication Date:
March 11, 2021
Filing Date:
September 03, 2020
Export Citation:
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Assignee:
EYEDIUS TEKNOLOJI A S (TR)
International Classes:
G07C9/37
Domestic Patent References:
WO2015120084A12015-08-13
Foreign References:
CN107393199A2017-11-24
US20130027180A12013-01-31
Attorney, Agent or Firm:
KAYA, Erdem (TR)
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Claims:
CLAIMS

1. An entry control system (10) for providing security of special areas having at least one entrance (200), wherein the subject matter entry control system (10) comprises a mobile device (200) having a first memory unit (130) comprising a reference user image of the user, said mobile device (100) is embodied to transfer said reference user image to a server (400), a control unit (300) is provided and at least one second camera (210) is provided in connection to said control unit (300) for taking the image of a monitoring region defined at the outer part of said entrance (200), said mobile device (100) is configured to provide taking an instantaneous user image by said second camera (210) when it detects that the mobile device (100) enters into the monitoring area at a predetermined proportion and to access the reference user image provided at said server (400) and to compare the reference user image and the instantaneous user image and to determine the matching proportion and thereby to realize a face recognition process and to generate a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage when matching with a predetermined amount is detected.

2. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile device (100) comprises at least one first camera (110) for taking said reference user image.

3. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the second communication unit (220) provided at the entrance (200) is configured to be connected with the first communication unit (120) provided at the mobile device (100) and to send a signal to the control unit (300) which indicates the distance of the mobile device (100) with respect to the monitoring area, when the mobile device (100) enters into a coverage area in the vicinity of the monitoring area.

4. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the mobile device (100) is configured to add the device identity information of the mobile device (100) to the reference user image and to transfer said information to the server (400).

5. The entry control system (10) according to claim 2, wherein the control unit (300) is configured to access an authorized device list which belongs to each entrance (200) and where the device identity information of at least one user mobile device (100), authorized for entering, is provided, and to realize said face recognition process when it determines that the device identity information of the mobile device (100), which enters into the monitoring area, matches with the device identity information provided in said authorized device list.

6. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the second camera (210) is configured to add a time stamp, which is related to the time where the image is taken, to the instantaneous user images.

7. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein in the authorized device list, an authorization time interval information related to each mobile device (100) is provided.

8. The entry control system (10) according to claim 4 and 6, wherein the control unit (300) is embodied to realize face recognition process when it determines that the mobile device (100) which enters into the monitoring area is within the authorized device list and that the instantaneous image time stamp is within the authorization time interval.

9. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (300) is configured to generate a signal which will provide operation of predetermined electronic devices in special area when it is determined that the user is authorized for entry.

10. The entry control system (10) according to claim 1 , wherein the control unit (300) is configured to turn off an alarm system for a predetermined duration when the control unit (300) determines that the user is authorized to enter.

11. An entry control method which is compliant to an entry control system (10) described in claim 1 , wherein it is configured to realize the steps of:

- transferring a reference user image of a mobile device (100), having a first memory unit (130) comprising said reference user image of the user, to a server,

- in order to take the image of a monitoring area defined at the outer part of said entrance (200), a control unit (300) associated with a second camera (210) is configured to realize the steps of:

- detecting the entry condition of the mobile device (100) to the monitoring area at a predetermined proportion and providing an instantaneous user image by said second camera (210),

- accessing the reference user image provided at said server (400), - comparing the reference user image and the instantaneous user image and determining the matching proportion and thereby realizing a face recognition process,

- generating a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage when matching with a predetermined amount is detected.

Description:
A PASSAGE CONTROL SYSTEM

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an entry control system for providing security during entries to special areas.

PRIOR ART

Various different security methods are used for providing entry/exit securities of places like house, school, workplace, etc. One of the most frequent ones among these is to check the persons/vehicles that make entrance by means of cameras positioned in a manner viewing the region which is desired to be checked. However, this method is based on continuously monitoring of the images by a security personnel, etc. and therefore, it is an inefficient system which is prone to faults and which needs labor force.

One of the security methods which is begun to be used frequently is the one where face of the person is automatically detected by means of cameras provided at the entrances. In the application with reference number CN104392526, a system is described which is based on the principle of permitting entrance by means of recognizing of the face of the person, who desires to enter, by means of a camera. However, in this solution, in order to be able to recognize faces in a correct manner, cameras must be selected with high resolution and which can take images day and night. This increases the cost of this method.

As a result, because of all of the abovementioned problems, an improvement is required in the related technical field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a passage control system, for eliminating the above mentioned disadvantages and for bringing new advantages to the related technical field.

An object of the present invention is to provide a passage control system which increases security of special area entries. Another object of the present invention is to provide a control system which permits contactless and rapid passage of the user who is authorized for entrance.

Another object of the present invention is to reduce equipment costs in passage control systems where entry is realized by means of face recognition.

In order to realize the abovementioned objects and the objects which are to be deducted from the detailed description below, the present invention is an entry control system for providing security of special areas which have at least one entrance. Accordingly, the improvement of the present invention is that the subject matter entry control system comprises a mobile device having a first memory unit comprising a reference user image of the user, said mobile device is embodied to transfer said reference user image to a server, a control unit is provided and at least one second camera is provided in connection to said control unit for taking the image of a monitoring region defined at the outer part of said entrance, said mobile device is configured to provide taking an instantaneous user image by said second camera when it detects that the mobile device enters into the monitoring area at a predetermined proportion and to access the reference user image provided at said server and to compare the reference user image and the instantaneous user image and to determine the matching proportion and thereby to realize a face recognition process and to generate a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage when matching with a predetermined amount is detected. Thus, a passage control system is provided, which determines whether the user at the entry is authorized or not, in a contactless manner without needing realization of any process by the user and where the security is at least partially increased.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device comprises at least one first camera for taking said reference user image. Thus, the user reference image is taken by the first camera provided at the mobile device and is transferred to the server.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second communication unit provided at the entrance is configured to be connected with the first communication unit provided at the mobile device and to send a signal to the control unit which indicates the distance of the mobile device with respect to the monitoring area, when the mobile device enters into a coverage area in the vicinity of the monitoring area. Thus, when the user comes to the monitoring area, the image of the user is taken, and face recognition process is realized. In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device is configured to add the device identity information of the mobile device to the reference user image and to transfer said information to the server.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to access an authorized device list which belongs to each entrance and where the device identity information of at least one user mobile device, authorized for entering, is provided, and to realize said face recognition process when it determines that the device identity information of the mobile device, which enters into the monitoring area, matches with the device identity information provided in said authorized device list. Thus, the authorization condition of the device of the user is checked, and the face confirmation condition is checked, and a system having two security steps is provided.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the second camera is configured to add a time stamp, which is related to the time where the image is taken, to the instantaneous user images.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, in the authorized device list, an authorization time interval information related to each mobile device is provided.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is embodied to realize face recognition process when it determines that the mobile device which enters into the monitoring area is within the authorized device list and that the instantaneous image time stamp is within the authorization time interval. Thus, passage of each user only in days and hours, defined for said user, is permitted, and security of the special area is increased.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to generate a signal which will provide operation of predetermined electronic devices in special area when it is determined that the user is authorized for entry. Thus, when the user enters into the special area, items like triggering of the electrical door, warning siren/light, illumination, etc. are automatically operated.

In another preferred embodiment of the present invention, the control unit is configured to turn off an alarm system for a predetermined duration when the control unit determines that the user is authorized to enter. Thus, when it is determined that the user is authorized, the alarm system is prevented from generating an unnecessary alarm signal. The present invention is moreover an entry control method which is compliant to an entry control system described above. The improvement is that it comprises the steps of: taking a reference image of the user by a first camera of a mobile device, transferring a reference user image of a mobile device, having a first memory unit comprising said reference user image of the user, to a server, in order to take the image of a monitoring area defined at the outer part of said entrance, a control unit associated with a second camera is configured to realize the steps of detecting the entry condition of the mobile device to the monitoring area at a predetermined proportion and providing an instantaneous user image by said second camera, accessing the reference user image at said server, comparing the reference user image and the instantaneous user image and determining the matching proportion and thereby realizing a face recognition process, generating a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage when matching with a predetermined amount is detected.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURE

Figure 1 is a representative view of an entry control system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

In this detailed description, the subject matter is explained with references to examples without forming any restrictive effect only in order to make the subject more understandable.

The present invention is an entry control system (10) used for providing entries to special areas, having at least one entrance (200), in a controlled manner. Said entry control system (10) essentially operates with the principle of comparing the reference user image provided from a mobile device (100) and the instantaneous user image taken at the entry. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, said mobile device (100) is a device like a telephone with a camera and/or without camera, a tablet, etc.

With reference to Figure 1 , the mobile device comprises a first memory unit (not illustrated in the figures) which accommodates at least one reference image of the mobile device user. The mobile device preferably comprises at least one first camera configured to be able to take said reference user images. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device takes the reference user image from peripheral devices by means of data transfer and records said image to said first memory unit. Said mobile device (100) comprises a first communication unit (120) configured to make data exchange with the peripheral units. Said first communication unit (120) is embodied to be able to realize wireless communication.

At the entrances (200) of said special areas, there is at least one second camera (210) for taking the image of a monitoring region (not illustrated in the figures) defined at the outer part of the entrance (200). In said entrance (200), moreover, there is a second communication unit (220) configured to make data exchange with peripheral devices. Said second communication unit (220) is configured to realize wireless communication. In possible embodiments of the present invention, said wireless communication can be provided by one or some of the technologies of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, infrared, GPS, cellular network, etc. Said monitoring region describes the area which receives a part of the outer part of the entrance (200) and where the users, who at least partially approached the entrance (200), can be displayed.

In the entry control system (10), moreover, a server (400) is provided which is configured to record the images received at least from the first camera (110) unit. The entry control system (10) has a control unit (300) embodied to access the data provided at said server (400). In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, said control unit (300) is equipment like microcontroller, microprocessor which is configured to realize various processes. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (300) can be provided at the entrance (200), at the server (400) and/or at the mobile device (100).

The control unit (300) is connected to a memory unit provided such that data can be recorded thereon in a permanent and temporary manner. In an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, said memory unit can be provided at the entrance (200) or at the server (400).

An exemplary operation scenario of the present invention is described below;

By means of the first camera (110) provided at the mobile device (100), at least one reference user image is taken which belongs to the user of the mobile device (100). By means of the first communication unit (120), the device identity information which belongs to the mobile device (100) is added to said reference user image and is transferred to the server (400).

In the server (400), there is an authorized device list comprising the mobile device (100) identity information of the mobile devices (100) of the users who are authorized to enter. The reference user images are matched with the related device identity information and are provided in the authorized device list.

The second communication unit (220) is configured to connect to the first communication unit (120) when the mobile device (100) enters into a coverage area which is in the vicinity of the monitoring area. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said coverage area describes the area where the second communication unit (220) can set up wireless connection with the first communication unit (120). The control unit (300) is embodied to determine the distance of the mobile device (100) with respect to the monitoring area in accordance with the signals received from the second communication unit (220). When it is determined by the control unit (300) that the mobile device (100) enters into the monitoring area for a distance which is provided beforehand in the memory unit, a signal is transferred to the second camera (210) for taking images. By means of the second camera (210), an instantaneous user image is taken and is transferred to the control unit (300).

The control unit (300) accesses the reference user images and the authorized device list for the related entry provided in the server (400). The instantaneous user image and the reference user images are compared and the matching condition is determined. Face recognition process is realized in the comparison between the reference user image and the instantaneous user image. The control unit (300) generates a signal indicating that the user is authorized for passage if the device identity information of the mobile device (100) connected to the first communication unit (120) matches with the device identity information of the reference image. Thus, in the passage control system, it is interrogated whether the mobile device (100) is authorized or not and whether the user is authorized or not. In a possible embodiment of the present invention, said face recognition process operates based on the comparison between the user image detected in the reference user image and the face detected in the instantaneous user image and detection of the matching proportion.

An additional advantage of the present invention is that since matching is determined between the reference user images taken from the mobile device (100) and instantaneous user images taken from the second camera (210), there is no need for the second camera (210) to have high resolution for realizing face recognition. This condition leads to the usage of the second camera (210), which has been already provided at the entrances (200), in the entry control system (10). Thus, a low-cost system is provided which is integrated to the used system without needing extra equipment. In a different exemplary embodiment of the present invention, for each mobile device (100) existing in the authorized person list, there is authorization time interval. A time stamp is added to the instantaneous user images taken from the second camera (210). It is embodied to realize the face recognition process when it is determined that the instantaneous image time stamp is within the authorization time interval. For instance, this embodiment of the entry control system (10) can be used for permitting entry of workers to the working area only within work hours.

In an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit (300) is embodied to operate predetermined electronic devices in the special area when the user is authorized for passage. The electronic devices can be devices which provide internet, illumination, etc. in the special area. In a different exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the passage of an authorized user is permitted, the control unit (300) can stop the operation of the alarm system for a duration provided beforehand in the memory unit.

In one of the possible embodiments of the present invention, the reference user image is transferred to the control unit by means of the first communication unit without needing any server. The control unit (300) matches the taken reference user data and the instantaneous user images. When the control unit (300) determines that there is matching with a predetermined proportion, it determines the condition whether the mobile device (100) is within the authorized mobile device list provided from the server (400) and whether the reference user image is associated with this device. It is embodied to permit user passage when the result is favorable. Thus, even if the mobile device (100) of the user, who comes to the entrance, is not connected to internet and/or to the cellular network, the passage control system can be used.

In a possible embodiment of the present invention, the mobile device (100) can be added to and removed from the authorized device list by means of the control unit (300). Thus, for instance, if the entry control system (10) is used for the security of a workplace entry, when a worker leaves the job, the mobile device (100) thereof can be removed from the authorized list or when a worker begins the job, the mobile device (100) thereof can be added to the list.

In one of the possible embodiments of the present invention, when connection is set up between the second communication unit (220) and the first communication unit (120) approaching the entrance (200), a face confirmation approval screen occurs for realizing the entry in the user interface (not illustrated in the figures) provided at the mobile device (100). Said user interface is preferably a touch-screen. When the user approves face confirmation, the instantaneous image thereof is taken by the first camera (110) unit and is transferred to the control unit (300). The control unit (300) compares the instantaneous image, coming from the mobile device (100), with the reference image provided beforehand. When the images are matched, the instantaneous image taken from the second camera (210) and the matched image are compared, and a signal which permits passage is generated.

In one of the possible embodiments of the present invention, the control unit (300) transfers the signal, indicating that the user is an authorized user, to an automatic entry system (not illustrated in the figures). Said automatic entry system is configured to generate drive for providing the door, armed barrier, etc. systems, provided at the entrance (200), to pass to the open position.

In a different embodiment of the present invention, the entrance (200) does not comprise items like a physical door, barrier, etc. The entrances (200) are virtual passage points in the vicinity of the predetermined regions. In these passage points, there are second camera units associated with the control unit. If the data, taken in the second camera unit, belongs to the user of one of authorized mobile devices and if the face confirmation is favorable, alarm, warning, etc. is not generated. If said data is unfavorable, the alarm can sound and/or the image of the user and/or the information indicating that the user is unauthorized can be transferred to predetermined client devices.

In one of the exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the entrance (200) is a door. In the vicinity of the door, there is a second mobile device (not illustrated in the figures) positioned in a manner taking the image of the user who approaches the door. Said second mobile device is preferably a tablet which comprises at least one camera. The tablet is triggered when a mobile device user approaches the door and the tablet activates said camera and is configured to take a user image. Thus, by means of a tablet which can be used also for other purposes without the camera, user image is taken and safe passage is provided.

The protection scope of the present invention is set forth in the annexed claims and cannot be restricted to the illustrative disclosures given above, under the detailed description. It is because a person skilled in the relevant art can obviously produce similar embodiments under the light of the foregoing disclosures, without departing from the main principles of the present invention. REFERENCE NUMBERS

10 Entry control system 100 Mobile device 110 First camera

120 First communication unit 200 Entrance

210 Second camera 220 Second communication unit 300 Control unit

310 Second memory unit

400 Server