CA3111020C

CA3111020C - System for monitoring persons

Info

Publication number: CA3111020C
Application number: CA3111020A
Authority: CA
Inventors: Samy Gharb
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2019-07-30
Filing date: 2020-05-14
Publication date: 2023-05-23
Anticipated expiration: 2040-05-14
Also published as: KR102640445B1; KR20210142587A; AT522495B1; DK3743895T3; BR112021021692A2; KR20220129069A; AU2020209521A1; PT3743895T; KR102483071B1; JP2022544056A; KR20220073862A; AT522495A4; CA3111020A1; KR102436584B1; BR112021021692B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a system for monitoring persons, at least one bag (1) on which a machine-readable code (2) is disposed, and at least one optical reader (3) which is embodied to capture the machine-readable code (2). The invention further relates to a method for monitoring persons and a bag (1) for use in a method according to the invention.

Description

= 1 stem for monitoring persons TECHNICAL FIELD
The invention relates to a system for monitoring persons. By operating such a system, people can be monitored and their paths can be tracked. With the help of technical devices, the position and 1 movement of persons are recorded, for example to monitor entry to sensitive buildings.
BACKGROUND
Monitoring systems are known from the prior art that use cameras to film and thereby monitor neuralgic points, for example airports, ports, train stations, stadiums, border crossings and government buildings.
An identification of the persons is usually not possible, but only a manual subsequent review of the events. More recent developments 9 also make it possible to use algorithms to provide face recognition and subsequently a face comparison in order to identify familiar faces.
The monitoring systems known in the prior art are, however, relatively cumbersome, slow and untested. Some systems need a lot of storage space and sometimes require a GPS system. An object is therefore to provide a simple and quick way of monitoring and tracking persons.
It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Canada or in any other country.
SUMMARY OF INVENTION
According to the invention, a system for monitoring persons is therefore provided, comprising at least one bag on which a machine-readable code and at least one optical reader that is configured to capture machine-readable code.

2 The monitoring system preferably comprises at least one optical reader and a machine-readable code which is attached to a bag. The optical reader reads the machine-readable code during operation. The present invention thus makes it possible to know which and how many people from a region that is affected for example by the corona virus visit or have visited places in other countries of the world.
Based on this knowledge, appropriate countermeasures to protect people can be initiated within seconds.
In the context of the invention, a bag is understood to mean any item of luggage that can be carried by a person, in particular handbags, rucksacks, sports bags, briefcases, suitcases, etc. The a machine-readable code is arranged on the bag in such a way that it can be recognized and read from the outside, that is to say in particular on the outside of the bag. In the present invention, the machine-readable codes can be checked and quickly read anywhere electronically with optical readers, especially standard or long-distance (bar) code scanners with a range of up to 21 meters, in order to be able to check persons. In this case, the people do not 20 have to be stopped in order to check for example an identity card, SO that the persons often do not notice that the code on their bag has been read and that they have been identified with it. Instead of scanners, it is also possible, for example, to use intelligent cameras as optical readers, which are particularly preferably used 25 simultaneously, in addition to the acquisition of the machine-readable code, for an optical monitoring of an area. Cameras of this type can, depending on the type, capture approx. 30 codes per second and thereby identify 30 people per second. This enables exhaustive 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 out data will then output and can be written directly to a database or compared with data from a database respectively.
This means that it is not necessary to use additional devices to evaluate the codes based on camera images, which can reduce 5 the complexity of the system structure. The machine-readable code, in particular the barcode, is preferably printed on the bags. Printing is a well known and relatively cheap way to get codes on to attach bags. Alternatively, the codes can also he applied to the bags in other ways.

I

3 Alternatively, an additional identification element is provided, on i which the machine-readable code is arranged, the identification element being connected to the bag, preferably detachably. The identification element can be, for example, a sticker or a tag that i is glued or attached to the bag. The machine-readable codes or the 1 code data are preferably stored in an electronic database and preferably comprise a number uniquely assigned to a person. This number can be, for example, a social security number or a passport I number. In addition to digits, the number can also contain letters and other characters. Furthermore, the data of the machine-readable . code preferably contain an image or a link to a digital image of the , assigned person, and/or preferably the name of the person assigned to the machine-readable code. The picture, the name and other personal data such as the address or nationality are preferably I stored in the electronic Database. The data of the machine-readable code are preferably encrypted to prevent or make it more difficult to forge the code. In the present invention, positioning using GPS
is not necessary because due to the positioning of the optical readers a precise tracking of the person can be done. Machine-readable codes, in particular barcodes, 21) codes (e.g. Data matrix or QR codes) or 3D codes, can be read automatically with the aid of scanners or intelligent cameras, whereby the machine-readable code i represents the data by the arrangement and width of the lines or 1 fields and the spaces providing information.
Barcodes and 21) codes are usually read and scanned using special scanners and converted into symbols that are easy for humans to read, 1 in particular letters and numbers, using translation software 1 available on devices. Alternatively, corresponding applications on cell phones or other portable electronic devices can be used to read out codes.
One-dimensional barcodes in particular are widely used in application software for shops and controllers, where employees can review work orders, track their working hours, and check individual elements, e.g. goods. Code scanners can read codes better and faster 1 in many places, e.g. in warehouses, supermarkets and hotels, than i humans. These code scanners can either be connected to a computer,

4 g which further processes the data read in by the scanner, via a Cable or, preferably, wirelessly, for example via Bluetooth. Wireless i scanners are particularly advantageous when persons are only to be Imonitored temporarily at certain locations, so that the installation 1 of a permanently installed optical reader does not make sense.
1 Standard barcode scanners are designed to read barcodes near the , , , CA 3111020 2022-03-24 scanner and are for example used in retail, healthcare, and offices to manage and check goods or inventory. In contrast, a long¨range = scanner (with a. range of up to 21 m) is of great advantage in environments where the codes are difficult to access, such as in a warehouse, a yard or a manufacturing plant. With a long¨range code scanner, the worker can stand, for example, on a tall element on a shelf or even on a stand on the loading platform on a forklift truck and then scan the desired code without the need to bring the scanner into the immediate vicinity of the code. In the context of the 1 invention, the use of a long¨distance scanner enables to read out a code from a great distance, e.g. by means of scanners arranged on wails or ceilings. In this way, on the one hand, the required number of optical readers can be reduced and, on the other hand, monitoring can be carried out from a great distance without disturbing the respective persons.
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 to a distance of up to 70 feet and about 21 meters are preferred. According to the invention, in particular bags are - provided which are equipped with a machine¨readable code, in particular a barcode.
This provides bags that can be checked by optical readers everywhere, even at greater distances, for example up to 21 meters. This enables a person to be recognized and checked quickly, safely and easily using the machinereadable code on the bag.
The present invention is particularly advantageous because of the high speeds when checking and tracking people by code scanners or intelligent cameras and no manual intervention by (Security) personnel is required because the people do not have to be stopped to check.
On the one hand, the system according to the invention can be used for checking and controlling persons, in particular for creating movement profiles of persons.
On the other hand, it is possible with the aid of the system according to the invention, in connection with systems for paying fees, e.g. public transport charges, using optical readers and computers connected to them, to automatically track people and record their movements. Subsequently, based on the movement data, the fee

5 to be paid, if applicable, can be determined and offset using conventional payment systems.
For this purpose, it is particularly preferred if stationary readers are used, which are arranged, for example, in the area of the boarding points in trains or buses.
Another application of the system is that entry, for example into a government building, a university, a hospital, a bank or a fitness studio, can be monitored, with access only being permitted if the captured code has the required access authorization.
It can preferably be provided 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 a photo of the person assigned to the code, is displayed based on the read out code.
This can be a simple way of preventing a stranger from gaining unauthorized access with the help of a bag.
1 It is particularly preferably provided here that, after a machine-readable code has been read out, an image of the person assigned to the code is determined, for example from the electronic database, and this image is compared by the system with the face of the person carrying the bag captured by a camera.
If a difference is found in this comparison, an error message or a warning signal is preferably output by the system in order to inform a user, for example an employee, that the image assigned to the code does not match the image of the bag carrier.
As a result, access by an unauthorized person can be ruled out, wherein the required speed of face recognition being achieved by finding the expected face on the basis of the code is significantly reduced compared to systems in which the recognized face is compared with a database. This method can also prevent baggage theft, for example at airports, by assigning every luggage item to the face of 25 a person via a machine-readable code, which face is checked when leaving the baggage area by the system comparing the face assigned to the code with the face of the wearer of the bag.
It is also preferably provided that a payment, in particular a ticket for the use of public transport, is triggered immediately by i

6 scanning a code. For example, the unique identifier of a person in a central database is linked to a clearing account of the person. The code is read in via a scanner or an intelligent camera and sent to a , control unit, preferably together with information such as the time of acquisition or the location of acquisition.
, There, the fee is calculated based on the scanned code and paid 1 using the clearing account, e.g. debited from the account.
i 1 In addition, it can be provided that after payment has been made, an i acknowledgment of receipt of the charge is sent to the mobile phone (or another electrical device) of the person recorded. This means t 1 that the person receives a confirmation quickly after payment.
g The confirmation can be sent for example as an email or text message.
Furthermore, in the event of an accident or disappearance of a person, rescue workers or family members can determine the last location of the person through the last detection of the machine-readable code attached to the bag.
This makes it easier to determine in which area the person is or where they have had an accident or disappeared. For this purpose, it is preferably provided that the time and location of a capture by a reader are stored. The electronic database here preferably comprises all recordings of a code, whereby a movement profile of the person Ican be created.
i The individual scanners can be connected to a computer on which the electronic database is stored using a cable or wirelessly. The data are preferably transmitted to the electronic database automatically i after a scanning process.
IIt 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-range code scanner or an intelligent camera, a mobile phone assigned to 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 registration can be made when paying fees so that, for example, embarking and . .

, g 1 disembarking on a public train can be electronically monitored and processed accordingly.
1 The code can be registered via the main computer and assigned to the relevant person via an electronic database. During operation, the I code on the bag is read out by a scanner or an intelligent camera and sent to the payment system for fees.
1 After payment, a payment confirmation can be sent to the person's i mobile phone, in particular via a mobile modem. Furthermore, other g data, assigned to the machine-readable code, can be read out from the database and sent to the control unit or another electronic 1 device such as a mobile phone or a computer, e.g. a photo or the name of the person.
, Furthermore, it is preferably provided that the data record read out . from the electronic database contains at least one telephone number and a payment receipt for the fee. Furthermore, it is preferably 1 provided that at least one optical reader is designed as a i stationary reader and preferably at least one optical reader 15 is designed as a mobile, preferably portable, reader. In a particularly preferred embodiment, more than one machine-readable code, for f example two or three machine-readable codes, are arranged on the bag.
1 Two different codes, for example a (one-dimensional) barcode and a 2D code, are particularly preferably provided, which preferably contain essentially the same data (the same information), in i particular a unique identifier of the assigned person. On the one w I hand, a redundant system is created in which only one of several i i codes has to be readable, while the others can be dirty, damaged or f not visible. In addition, security against forgery is increased I because two codes have to be forged in the same way.
It is preferably provided that several, for example two or three 1 machinereadable codes are arranged on a bag in different areas of 1 the bag. For example, one code is arranged on one end of the bag and the other code is arranged on the opposite end of the bag. According to the invention, a method for monitoring people is also provided, I wherein with the help of optical readers machine-readable codes are captured, wherein the machine-readable codes are attached to bags.
Further, a bag for use in a method according to the invention is I also provided, comprising at least one machine-readable code.

0 It is preferably provided hereby that the bag has at least two imachinereadable codes, which are preferably different from each i i t I other. Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention.
I The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

I Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may he discerned from the following detailed description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention.
1 , 1 The detailed description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding summary of invention in any way. The detailed 1 description will make reference to a, number of drawings as follows:

1 The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in the drawing explained.
Therein, Figs. 1 and 2 show some components of a system according to 1 the invention and Figs. 3 and 4 show exemplary flow charts of a system according to the invention.
i IDETAILED DESCRIPTION
1 Fig. 1 shows an example of a bag 1 which is provided with two machinereadable codes 2.
One machine-readable code 2 is designed as a bar code 10 and the other machine-readable code 2 is designed as a 2D code. Furthermore, , , 1 an optical reader 3 which can be used within the scope of the i 1 invention is shown. Fig. 2 shows further components of the monitoring system. The system consists of a main computer 4, the bag I. with a machine-readable code 2, an optical reader 3, a modem mobile 5, and a control unit 6. The optical reader 3 detects the machine-readable code 2 and sends the read-out data to the main computer 4. The main computer 4 processes the received data and compares them, for example, with a database.
1 A data record is generated from this, which contains, for example, the name, the address, a photo of the assigned person as well as the t time and place of recording. This data record is then e.g. forwarded i to a control unit 6 and/or a mobile modem 5. The data can be sent i i via the control unit 6 or via the mobile modem 5, respectively, to a mobile phone 7 or another device.
1 This makes it possible, for example, to identify a person entering a bank, so that a bank employee is shown all the necessary information about the person on his monitor when the person comes to his counter after entering.
1 Fig. 3 and Fig. 4 show an overview circuit diagram of the control unit 6 (Fig.2). It consists of opening and closing with data in 1 block 1 to block 6 (Q1 to Q6).
V
1 Block 1: The modem mobile phone line is opened to send information.
Block 2: A data message based on the data in the machine-readable code including location, time and date is sent.
= Block 3: Mobile modem OK.
Block 4: The information is sent to the mobile phone.
Block 5: Send Block 6: The mobile modem telephone line is closed.
_ The functions are summarized in the following table.
Qt: Open the mobile modem telephone line 1 Second - 1.50 seconds 5 .
i 1 ;
Q2 data report 3 Seconds - 1.50 seconds.
, Q3 Mobile modem OK 4 Seconds - 1.50 seconds.
, Q4 The information is sent to the mobile phone.
Q5 6 Seconds - 1.50 seconds.
;
i Q6 OK 7 Seconds - 1.50 seconds.

i Q7 closes the mobile modem. 9 Seconds - 1.50 seconds 1 1 In the present specification and claims (if any), the word 'comprising' and its derivatives including 'comprises' and 'comprise' include each of the stated integers but does not I exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.
I
i i 1.0 Reference throughout this specification to 'one embodiment' or 'an embodiment' means that, a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases 'in one embodiment' or 'in an embodiment' in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations. In compliance A
with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be ;
understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within 1 the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

Claims:

1. A system comprising:
a computing device coupled to an electronic data store storing respective machine-readable codes associated with respective persons, each of the machine-readable codes associated with respective identification information for one person including a stored face image of the one person;
an interface to receive a read machine-readable code from an optical reader, the optical reader configured to provide the read machine-readable code by reading the machine-readable codes as arranged on bags, wherein, for any one person, at least one instance of a respective machine-readable code associated with the any one person is arranged on a respective bag of the any one person; and an interface to receive a second face image, as captured by a camera configured to capture images of persons transporting bags having the machine-readable codes as read by the optical sensor, the second face image comprising a face of the any one person transporting the respective bag;
wherein the computing device is configured to:
use the read machine-readable code from the respective bag to determine the stored face image; and compare the stored face image to the second face image for confirming an identity of the any one person.

2.The system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of cameras including the camera and a plurality of optical readers including the optical reader, and wherein pairs of the cameras and optical readers are co-located to respectively perform capturing and reading.

3. The system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the machine-readable codes are defined as barcodes, 2D codes or 3D codes.

4.The system according to claim 3, wherein the machine-readable codes encode respective passport numbers, or respective social security numbers for respective persons.

5.The system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the at least one instance comprises two or more instances arranged separately on the respective bag, and wherein each instance comprises same data for the any one person.

6. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the computing device is configured to, responsive to confirming the identity, store in the electronic data store one or both of a time or a location of the reading of the read machine-readable code by the optical reader.

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the optical reader comprises a long distance code scanner having a range of up to 21 metres.

8. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the bags comprise any of handbags, rucksacks, sports bags, briefcases, or suitcases.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the computing device is configured to authorize access to a location in response to the confirming.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the computing device is configured to complete a payment of fees in response to the confirming.

11. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the computing device is configured to present confirmation information via a display device in response to the confirming.

12. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the computing device is configured to communicate a confirmation message to a mobile device of the any one person in response to the confirming.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the computing device is configured to: store time and location information associated with the confirming; and provide an interface to search a most recent event of confirming for the any one person for tracing the any one person.

14. A computer implemented method, wherein a processor executes steps comprising:
storing respective machine-readable codes associated with respective persons, each of the machine-readable codes associated with respective identification information for one person including a stored face image of the one person;
receiving, via an optical reader interface, a read machine-readable code from an optical reader, the optical reader configured to provide the read machine-readable code by reading the machine-readable codes as arranged on bags, wherein, for any one person, at least one instance of a respective machine-readable code associated with the any one person is arranged on a respective bag of the any one person;
receiving, via a camera interface, a second face image as captured by a camera configured to capture images of persons transporting bags having the machine-readable codes as read by the optical sensor, the second face image comprising a face of the any one person transporting the respective bag;
using the read machine-readable code from the respective bag to determine the stored face image; and comparing the stored face image to the second face image for confirming an identity of the any one person.

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein the camera and optical reader are co-located to respectively perform capturing and reading.

16. The method according to claim 14 or claim 15, wherein the machine-readable codes are defined as barcodes, 2D codes or 3D codes.

17. The method according to claim 16, wfierein the machine-readable codes encode respective passport numbers, or respective social security numbers for respective persons.

18. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the at least one instance comprises two or more instances arranged separately on the respective bag, and wherein each instance comprises same data for the any one person.

19. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 18 comprising, in responsive to confirming the identity, storing in the electronic data store one or both of a time or a location of the reading of the read machine-readable code by the optical reader.

20. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 19, wherein the optical reader comprises a long distance code scanner having a range of up to 21 metres.

21. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 20, wherein the bags comprise any of handbags, rucksacks, sports bags, briefcases, or suitcases.

22. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 21 comprising authorizing access to a location in response to the confirming.

23. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 22 comprising completing a payment of fees in response to the confirming.

24. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 23 comprising presenting confirmation information via a display device in response to the confirming.

25. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 24 comprising communicating a confirmation message to a mobile device of the any one person in response to the confirming.

26. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 25 comprising store time and location information associated with the confirming, providing an interface to search a most recent event of confirming for the any one person for tracing.