BR112021021692B1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR MONITORING PEOPLE - Google Patents

Abstract

SYSTEM, METHOD AND BAG FOR MONITORING PEOPLE. The present invention relates to a system for monitoring people, which comprises at least one bag (1), in which a machine-readable code (2) is arranged, and at least one optical reader, which is configured to capture the machine-readable code (2). The invention further relates to a method for monitoring people and a bag for use in a method according to the invention.

Description

[001] The present invention relates to a system for monitoring people.

[002] By operating this system, it is possible to monitor people and track their steps. With the help of technical devices, the position and movement of people are recorded, for example, to monitor their entry into important buildings.

[003] In the prior art, there is knowledge of monitoring systems that use cameras to film and thus monitor key points, for example, airports, ports, train stations, stadiums, borders and government buildings. In most cases, it is not possible to identify people, but only a subsequent manual analysis of events.

[004] More recent developments also allow the use of algorithms to do facial recognition and, subsequently, a facial comparison in order to identify familiar faces.

[005] The monitoring systems known in the prior art, however, are relatively cumbersome, slow and untested. Some systems need a lot of storage space and sometimes need a GPS system. An objective of the present invention, therefore, is to propose a simple and fast way of monitoring and tracking people.

[006] According to the invention, therefore, a system for monitoring people is proposed, which comprises at least one bag, where a machine-readable code is arranged, and at least one optical reader, which is configured to capture machine-readable code. The monitoring system preferably comprises at least an optical reader and a machine readable code which is attached to a pouch. The optical reader reads the machine-readable code during operation.

[007] The present invention, therefore, makes it possible to know who and how many people come from a region that has been affected, for example, by the coronavirus or who have visited places in other countries of the world. Based on this information, it is possible to initiate appropriate countermeasures to protect people in a matter of seconds.

[008] In the context of the invention, a bag is understood as any type of luggage that can be carried by a person, in particular hand luggage, backpacks, sports bags, suitcases, briefcases, etc. The machine-readable code is arranged on the pouch in such a way that it can be recognized and read from the outside, i.e. in particular from the outside of the pouch.

[009] In the present invention, machine-readable codes can be checked and read electronically anywhere and quickly by optical readers, in particular by standard or long-distance (bar) code readers with a range of up to 21 meters, so you can verify people. Thus, it is not necessary to stop people to check, for example, their identity card, so that people often do not even realize that the code on their bag has been read and that they have been identified through it.

[010] Instead of scanners, it is also possible, for example, to use smart cameras as optical readers, which are used, particularly preferably, simultaneously, in addition to machine-readable code acquisition, for the optical monitoring of an area. Cameras of this type can, depending on the type, capture around 30 codes per second and therefore identify 30 people per second. This allows for comprehensive monitoring even in heavily frequented locations such as train stations or airports. An intelligent camera (smart camera) is understood to be a camera that has an internal processor to read and process the captured codes. The read data is then transmitted and can be directly written to a database or compared to data in a database, respectively. This means that it is not necessary to use additional devices to evaluate codes based on camera images, which can reduce the structural complexity of the system.

[011] The machine-readable code, in particular the barcode, is preferably printed on the bags. Printing is a familiar and relatively inexpensive way to place codes on pouches. Alternatively, codes can also be applied to bags in other ways. As an alternative, an additional identification element is included, over which the machine-readable code is disposed, the identification element being connected to the pouch, preferably in a detachable manner. The identification element can be, for example, a sticker or label that is glued or attached to the bag.

[012] Machine-readable codes or code data are preferably stored in an electronic database and preferably comprise a number uniquely associated with a person. This number could be, for example, your social security number or passport number. In addition to digits, the number can also contain letters and other characters.

[013] In addition, the machine-readable code data preferably contains an image or a link to a digital image of the associated person, and/or, preferably, the name of the person associated with the machine-readable code. The image, name and other personal data, such as address or nationality, are preferably stored in the electronic database.

[014] Machine-readable code data is preferably encrypted to prevent or make it difficult for the code to be tampered with.

[015] In the present invention, positioning using a GPS is not necessary because, thanks to the positioning of optical readers, accurate tracking of the person can be obtained.

[016] Machine-readable codes, in particular bar codes, 2D codes (for example, data matrix or QR code) or 3D codes, can be read automatically with the aid of scanners or smart cameras, the code being readable by The machine represents data through the arrangement and width of lines or fields and spaces, providing information.

[017] Barcodes and 2D codes are usually read and scanned using special scanners and converted into symbols that are easy to read for humans, in particular letters and numbers, using translation software available on the devices. Alternatively, corresponding applications on cell phones or other portable electronic devices can be used to read the codes.

[018] One-dimensional barcodes, in particular, are widely used in software applications for stores and controllers, where employees can evaluate work orders, track working hours, and verify individual elements, for example, goods.

[019]Code scanners are able to read codes better and faster in many places, for example in warehouses, supermarkets and hotels, than humans. These code scanners can be connected to a computer, which additionally processes the data read by the scanner, either via a cable or, preferably, wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth. Wireless scanners are particularly advantageous when people are only to be monitored temporarily in certain locations, in a situation where installing a permanently installed optical scanner would not make sense.

[020] Standard barcode scanners are designed to read barcodes next to them and are used, for example, in retail, healthcare and offices to manage and check assets or an inventory. In contrast, a long-range scanner (with a range of up to 21 m) is of great advantage in environments where codes are difficult to access, such as in a warehouse, yard or factory. With a long range code scanner, the worker can stand, for example, on a high element on a shelf or even on the loading dock of a forklift and then scan the desired code without having to place the scanner in close proximity to the code. In the context of the present invention, the use of a long-distance scanner makes it possible to read a code at a great distance, for example, by means of scanners arranged on walls or ceilings. Thus, on the one hand, the required number of optical scanners can be reduced and, on the other hand, monitoring can be done from a great distance without disturbing the respective people.

[021]The term “long range” does not mean that this code scanner does not work efficiently at close range. Devices that are as efficient as possible in the range of a few centimeters at a distance of up to 70 feet and about 21 meters are preferred.

[022] According to the invention, in particular, pouches are proposed which are provided with a machine-readable code, in particular a bar code. As a result, bags are obtained that can be checked by optical readers from anywhere, even at great distances, for example, up to 21 meters. This allows you to quickly, securely and easily recognize and verify a person using the machine-readable code on the bag.

[023] The present invention is particularly advantageous because of the high speeds with which code scanners or smart cameras check and monitor people, without manual intervention by (security) professionals because it is not necessary to stop people to check them.

[024] On the one hand, the system according to the invention can be used to check and control people, in particular to create displacement profiles of people.

[025] On the other hand, it is possible, with the help of the system according to the invention, in connection with systems for paying fares, for example public transport fares, to use optical readers and computers connected to them to automatically monitor people and record your movements. Subsequently, based on the movement data, the fare to be paid, if applicable, can be determined and cleared using conventional payment systems. For this purpose, it is particularly preferable to use stationary readers, which are placed, for example, in the area of boarding points on trains or buses.

[026] Another application of the system serves to monitor the entrance, for example, in a government building, in a university, in a hospital, in a bank or in a gym, allowing access only if the captured code has the authorization required access.

[027] It can be provided, preferably, that the optical reader is connected directly or indirectly to a screen, which is arranged, for example, in the entrance area of the protected area, so that information, for example, the name and photo of the person associated with the code, are displayed based on the read code. This is a simple way to prevent a stranger from gaining unauthorized access with the use of a bag.

[028] It is particularly preferable that, after a machine-readable code has been read, an image of the person associated with the code is obtained, for example, from the electronic database, and that the system compares this image to the face of the person carrying the purse captured by camera. If a difference is noticed in this comparison, the system issues an error message or a warning signal to inform the user, for example, an employee, that the image associated with the code does not match the image of the holder of the bag. As a result, access by an unauthorized person is ruled out, and the speed required for facial recognition, obtained by finding the expected face based on the code, is significantly lower compared to systems in which the recognized face is compared to a bank. of data. This method can also prevent luggage theft, for example at airports, by associating each bag with a person's face via a machine-readable code, which the system checks when the person leaves the baggage area by comparing the face associated with the code to the face of the purse holder.

[029] It is also contemplated, preferably, that a payment, in particular a ticket for the use of public transport, is activated immediately when scanning a code. For example, a person's unique identifier in a central database is linked to a person's transaction account. The code is read through a scanner or smart camera and sent to a control unit, preferably together with information such as time of acquisition or location of acquisition. In this case, the tariff is calculated based on the scanned code and paid using the transaction account, for example, debited from the account. In addition, arrangements can be made that, after payment, a receipt of payment is sent to the mobile phone (or other electronic device) of the registered person. This means that the person receives a confirmation quickly after payment. Confirmation can be sent, for example, by email or text message.

[030] In addition, in the event of an accident or someone missing, the rescue team or relatives can determine the last location of the person through the last detection of the machine-readable code attached to the bag. This makes it easy to determine what area the person is in or where they had an accident or disappeared. For this purpose, it is preferable to arrange for the time and location of the capture to be stored by a reader. The electronic database preferably comprises all the records of a code, with which it is possible to generate a travel profile of the person. Individual scanners can connect to a computer where the electronic database is stored using a cable or wirelessly. Preferably, the data is transmitted to the electronic database automatically after a scanning process.

[031] It is preferably provided that the system comprises the following components: a main computer, a bag with a machine-readable code, an optical reader, in particular a standard or long-distance code scanner or a camera smart phone, a mobile phone associated with a receiver, and a control unit. A mobile modem, for example, can be used to transmit the data to the mobile phone. With the help of these components, an electronic record can be obtained when paying fares, in such a way, for example, that boarding and alighting a public train can be electronically monitored and processed accordingly. The code can be entered via the main computer and linked to the relevant person via an electronic database. During operation, the code on the bag is read by a scanner or smart camera and sent to the payment system to pay the fees. After payment, a payment confirmation is sent to the person's mobile phone, in particular via a mobile modem. In addition, other data, associated with the machine-readable code, can be read from the database and sent to the control unit or to another electronic device such as a mobile phone or computer, for example a photo or the name person's.

[032] In addition, it is preferably provided that the data record read from the electronic database contains at least a telephone number and a payment receipt for the fee.

[033] In addition, it is preferably provided that at least one optical reader is designed as a stationary reader and, preferably, at least one optical reader is designed as a mobile reader, preferably portable.

[034] In a particularly preferred embodiment, more than one machine-readable code, for example two or three, is arranged in the bag. Particularly preferably, two different codes, for example a bar code (one-dimensional) and a 2D code, are included, which preferably contain essentially the same data (the same information), in particular a unique identifier of the person associated. Thus, a redundant system is obtained, in which only one of the several codes needs to be read, while the others can be dirty, damaged or not visible. In addition, security against tampering is increased because two codes must be tampered with in the same way.

[035] It is preferably provided that several machine-readable codes, for example, two or three, are arranged in a bag in different areas of it. For example, one code is placed at one end of the bag and the other at the opposite end.

[036] According to the invention, a method for monitoring people is also proposed, in which, with the aid of optical readers, machine-readable codes are captured, and the machine-readable codes are attached to bags.

[037] In addition, a pouch is also proposed for use in a method according to the present invention, which comprises at least one machine-readable code.

[038] It is preferably provided that the bag has at least two machine-readable codes, which are preferably different from each other.

[039] The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment schematically illustrated in the explained drawings. Among them, Figs. 1 and 2 illustrate some components of a system according to the invention, and Figs. 3 and 4 illustrate exemplary flowcharts of a system in accordance with the invention.

[040] Fig. 1 illustrates an example of a pouch 1 which is provided with two machine readable codes 2. One machine readable code 2 is designed as a bar code, the other as a 2D code. Furthermore, an optical reader 3 is illustrated, which can be used within the scope of the invention.

[041] Fig. 2 illustrates other components of the monitoring system. The system consists of a main computer 4, a bag 1 with a machine-readable code 2, a mobile reader 3, a mobile phone 5 and a control unit 6. The optical reader 3 detects the machine-readable code 2 and sends the read data to the main computer 4. The main computer 4 processes the received data and compares them, for example, to a database. A data record is generated from this, which contains, for example, the name, address and photo of the associated person, as well as the time and place of the record. This data record is then forwarded, for example, to a control unit 6 and/or a mobile modem 5. The data can be sent, via the control unit 6 or the mobile modem 5, respectively, to a mobile telephone 7 or another device. This makes it possible, for example, to identify a person entering a bank, such that a bank employee has access to all the necessary information about the person on his monitor when he arrives at his counter after entering the building.

[042] Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 illustrate a general circuit diagram of the control unit 6 (Fig. 2).

[043] It consists of opening and closing with data in block 1 to block 6 (Q1 to Q6).

[044] Block 1: The mobile telephone line via modem is opened to send information.

[045] Block 2: A data message is sent based on data in machine readable code including location, time and date.

[046] Block 3: Mobile Modem OK.

[047] Block 4: Information is sent to the mobile phone.

[048] Block 5: Shipping

[049] Block 6: The mobile telephone line via modem is closed.

[050] The table below summarizes the functions.

Claims (3)

1. System to monitor people that makes it possible to know who and how many people from a region that is affected by the coronavirus, visit or have visited places in other countries of the world, said system being CHARACTERIZED for comprising at least one bag (1), in which codes machine-readable codes (2) are printed, and at least two optical readers (3) that are configured to capture the machine-readable codes (2), in which the machine-readable codes (2) are different from each other, the machine-readable codes by machine (2) being arranged in different areas of the bag (1), as a bar code or as a data matrix code or as a QR code, in which the machine readable codes (2) captured by the optical readers ( 3) are stored in the electronic database of the monitoring system, in which the optical readers (3) are designed for long range code scanners having the maximum range readability distance of 21 meters and the machine readable codes (2 ) mentioned above are readable from the maximum distance of 21 meters, and in which more than one machine-readable code (2) is disposed in the bag (1). 2. System, according to claim 1, CHARACTERIZED by the fact that the electronic database stores the time and location of detection by the optical reader (3). 3. Method for monitoring people through the system as defined in claims 1 or 2, said method being CHARACTERIZED by the fact that it comprises using optical readers (3) that record machine-readable codes (2), and readable codes by machine (2) are attached to pouches (1), and read the machine readable codes (2) and determine an image of the person associated with the machine readable codes (2) and this image by the system will match the face captured by the camera of the person carrying the bag (1).

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