KR102517260B1 - Dual level human identification and location system - Google Patents

Abstract

Systems and methods for controlling access to a restricted area (“RA”). The methods include: determining whether the person wishes to enter RA; checking whether the person is authorized to enter the RA using a first unique identifier associated with a wearable access sensor worn by the person; When a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the RA, a second unique identifier and location information useful for determining the location of a Portable Communication Device ("PCD") within the surrounding environment are sent to the person's PCD to: causing transmission; using the second unique identifier and location information to confirm that the person is currently located at the RA's access point; and when it is determined that the person wants to enter the RA, the person is authorized to enter the RA, and the person is currently located at the access point of the RA, activating the mechanical actuator to enable the person to enter the RA. Including triggering steps.

Description

Dual level human identification and location system {DUAL LEVEL HUMAN IDENTIFICATION AND LOCATION SYSTEM}

[0001] This document relates generally to "ACS" (Access Control Systems). More specifically, this document relates to dual level human identification and location systems.

[0002] There are many ACSs known in the art. One such ACS includes a plurality of “Access Control Readers” (“ACRs”) mounted at the exits and/or entrances of restricted areas. For example, an ACR may be placed adjacent to a doorway, through which access to a restricted room is obtained. A badge worn by a person is used to gain access to a restricted room through the ACR. In this regard, the badge includes a low frequency (“LF”) passive “Radio Frequency Identification” (“RFID”) communication device disposed on or within it. LF passive RFID communication devices typically operate at a frequency of 125 kHz. ACR is a near field device with a detection range of about 5 cm or less. During a given period of time, the ACS keeps track of which entrances a given person has passed through for purposes of entering a restricted area. However, the ACS does not track when a person leaves the restricted area each visited within a given time period.

[0003] Another conventional ACS uses beacons and wireless communication devices (eg, mobile phones) that communicate via Bluetooth technology. The personal identifier is stored on the wireless communication device and communicated as a beacon when a person is in close proximity to it. In response to receiving the personal identifier, the ACS will allow the person access to the restricted area.

[0004] The present disclosure relates to systems and methods for controlling access to a restricted area. The methods include determining, by electronic circuitry, whether the person wants to enter the restricted area. In some scenarios, this determination is based on (a) Received Signal Strength Indicator (“RSSI”) measurement data that specifies the power present in the signal received from a “WAS” (Wearable Access Sensor) worn by the person. and/or (b) rate-of-change data specifying a rate-of-change of a charging voltage of an energy storage device used in an electromagnetic field energy harvesting circuit disposed within the WAS. After such determination is made, it is checked whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using the first unique identifier associated with the WAS.

[0005] When a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, the person's "Portable Communication Device" ("PCD") is configured to transmit location information and a second unique identifier useful for determining the PCD's location within the surrounding environment. is triggered In some scenarios, location information is obtained by the PCD using an RSSI-based technique. The RSSI technique performs operations by the PCD to probe within its scope for available media access control ("MAC") addresses of the network; and collecting RSSI levels for signals received from devices associated with available network MAC addresses. RSSI levels and known locations of devices associated with available network MAC addresses are used to ascertain that a person is currently located at a restricted area access point.

[0006] The second unique identifier and location information are used to confirm that a person is currently located at an access point in a restricted area. The mechanical actuator enables entry of a person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person desires to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and/or the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area. works to make

[0007] In some scenarios, the methods further include determining whether the PCD is within a certain radius from the restricted area access point. The mechanical actuator is triggered to actuate when it is determined that the PCD is within a certain radius from the restricted area access point. Additionally or alternatively, the methods include logging information indicating that a person entered the restricted area at a particular time after actuation of the mechanical actuator was triggered.

[0008] Embodiments will be described with reference to the following illustrated figures, wherein like numbers represent like items throughout the drawings.
1 is a perspective view of an exemplary ACS.
[0010] FIG. 2 is a block diagram of an example architecture for the WAS of FIG. 1;
[0011] Figures 3A-3B (collectively referred to as "Figure 3") provide a flow diagram of an example method for controlling access to a restricted area.
[0012] Figures 4A-4B (collectively referred to as "Figure 4") provide a flow diagram of another example method for controlling access to a restricted area.
[0013] FIG. 5 is a graph illustrating energy harvesting by an energy harvesting device as it moves closer to an access point in a limited area.
[0014] FIG. 6 is an illustration of a four antenna system with three defined paths.
[0015] FIG. 7 is a graph showing power received from 4 antennas along a first path.
[0016] FIG. 8 is a graph showing power received from four antennas along a second path.
[0017] FIG. 9 is a graph showing power received from four antennas along a third path.

[0018] It will be readily appreciated that the components of the embodiments as generally described herein and illustrated in the accompanying drawings may be arranged and designed in a variety of different configurations. Accordingly, the following more detailed description of various embodiments, as represented in the drawings, is not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure, but merely represents various embodiments. Although various aspects of embodiments are presented in drawings, the drawings are not necessarily drawn to scale unless specifically indicated.

[0019] The invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as illustrative only and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by this detailed description. All changes that come within the meaning and scope of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.

[0020] Reference throughout this specification to features, advantages, or similar language indicates that all of the features and advantages that may be realized with the present invention must be or reside within any single embodiment of the present invention. does not imply Rather, language referring to features and advantages is understood to mean that a particular feature, advantage, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention. Thus, features and advantages, and like-language discussions throughout the specification may (but not necessarily) refer to the same embodiment.

[0021] Moreover, the described features, advantages and characteristics of the present invention may be combined in one or more embodiments in any suitable manner. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that, given the description herein, the invention may be practiced without one or more of the specific features or advantages of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be appreciated in particular embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

[0022] Throughout this specification, references to "one embodiment," "an embodiment," or similar language indicate that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the indicated embodiment is one or more embodiments of the present invention. means included in Thus, the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and like language throughout this specification may (but do not necessarily) all refer to the same embodiment.

[0023] As used in this document, the singular form includes plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. As used in this document, the term “comprising” means “including but not limited to”.

[0024] More and more people own and carry smart phones throughout work, school, or other environments where Wi-Fi network infrastructures already exist. A smart phone has an identity directly associated with its owner's name and can serve as a trusted credential for identification. A Wi-Fi network in a building consists of many routers. Routers have known addresses, as well as spatially distributed locations to allow accurate coverage throughout a building.

[0025] Software applications allow a smart phone to measure the signal strength or RSSI received from each router within range of the smart phone. Next, this information can be sent to the cloud. In the cloud, the RSSI information and the router space position information are used to calculate the position of the smart phone in the building. Then, the smartphone's position is reported directly to the building network. The software application can be turned on as soon as it picks up the building Wi-Fi upon entering the building. After that, the software application executes updates to the location based on predetermined time intervals. When the smart phone is not moving (eg, determined based on phone motion sensor output information), updates are suspended until motion resumes.

[0026] US patent application Ser. No. 14/558,796 to Copeland et al. ("796 patent application" incorporated herein by reference) describes an access control system that uses a body wearable sensor and reader. The reader uses "Received Signal Strength Indication" ("RSSI") information from a "UHF" (Ultra High Frequency) RFID sensor or UHF energy harvesting sensor with transceiver radio communications and energy harvesting electronics. The UHF approach allows longer range detection of the sensor, with detection distances of typically 1-2 meters from the interrogating antenna.

[0027] Although the '796 patent application is an improvement over existing access control, it is still a single credential security system. Using both the body WAS as described in the '796 patent application along with a PCD unique identifier (eg, cellular phone's MAC address) and a current location within the facility, a dual level identification and location system is achieved. Having two independent means of identification has a much higher degree of security than either method. Algorithms, alone or in combination, can be adjusted to weight the use of each signal. For example, if someone is prevented from entering an access point by a PCD but is wearing a WAS, there is a certain degree of secure identification. With both WAS and PCD (eg smart phone or smartwatch) there is a double and much higher degree of security.

[0028] The present disclosure provides systems and methods for implementing a second layer of security using personal/corporate PCDs to verify people identities at monitored entry points in addition to the techniques described in the '796 patent application. It is about. In this regard, the PCD, PCD application, and remote database/service ("cloud") are injected into each system. Each user of the system installs the PCD application on his (her) PCD; and is required to use his (her) personal/company credentials to register his (her) PCD within the system. From that point on, the PCD application continues to be passive in the sense of not communicating back to the cloud unless requested (eg, for energy conservation purposes). Alternatively, the PCD periodically reports to the cloud for tracking and logging purposes.

[0029] During operation, the cloud sends a request for identification and location information to the PCD after or concurrently with the WAS-based identification/authentication operations of the '796 patent application. In response to the request, the PCD obtains information specifying its current location within the secure area. Such location information may be obtained using at least one of the following techniques: a “Global Positioning System” (“GPS”) based technique; RSSI-based techniques; and beacon-based techniques. The RSSI-based technique will be described in detail below. However, GPS and beacon based techniques are well known in the art and will therefore not be described herein. Next, the PCD sends its unique identifier (eg, MAC address) and location information to the cloud. In the cloud, this information is used to confirm or verify that the user is actually located at a given exit/entrance (second layer security).

Referring now to FIG. 1 , an exemplary ACS 100 configured to control access to restricted areas is provided. As shown in FIG. 1 , ACS 100 is generally configured to manage people entering and exiting through at least one secure area 118 . In this regard, each secure area is entered and exited through an access point, such as a gateway 102 . The egress and ingress antennas 106 and 108 are disposed on the front and rear surfaces of the same structural wall or different structural walls located adjacent to the access point 102 . For example, the inlet antenna 108 is disposed on the front sidewall surface 130 of the structural wall 132 located adjacent to the inlet 102 . In contrast, the exit antenna 106 is disposed on the rear sidewall surface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of the structural wall 134 located adjacent to the entrance 102 . Antennas 106 and 108 are also communicatively coupled to reader 104 . Reader 104 is communicatively coupled to a "DPS" (Data Processing System) 112 via a network 110 (eg, intranet and/or Internet).

[0031] WAS 114 is assigned to each individual authorized to access restricted areas of the enterprise. WAS 114 includes a wearable communication device that can be worn by an assigned person 116 . As shown in FIG. 1 , WAS 114 includes a wristband having internal sensor circuitry (not shown in FIG. 1 ). The present invention is not limited in this respect. WAS 114 can be any other type of wearable item that can be worn on a person or a person's clothing at a location offset from a person's central axis, such as a watch, necklace, hat, or clip-on item. can include In all scenarios, WAS 114 allows access of authorized personnel through secure area 118 .

[0032] A schematic illustration of an example architecture for a sensor circuit of WAS 114 is provided in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 , the sensor circuit is an energy harvesting circuit 220 for deriving energy from an external source to power other electronic components 204 , 206 , 208 , 260 inside WAS 114 . ). Energy is harvested from equipment placed at access points in a confined area, and from electromagnetic fields emitted in the surrounding environment. Energy is stored in energy storage device 222 (eg, capacitor) for later use in electronic components 204, 206, 208, 260.

[0033] A graph 502 illustrating energy harvesting by the energy harvesting circuit 220 as a person moves closer to a restricted area access point is provided in FIG. 5 also includes a graph 504 illustrating the supply of power to the processor of WAS 114 . When power is supplied to the processor, WAS 114 begins collecting data specifying the rate of energy storage by energy storage device 222 .

[0034] Referring again to FIG. 2, the antenna 202 of the WAS 114 may include a directional antenna arranged to face away from a person's body when the person is wearing the WAS 114. The antenna 202 is coupled to a Short Range Communication ("SRC") device 212 that implements SRC technology. SRC technology includes (but is not limited to) RFID technology that uses radio-frequency electromagnetic fields to identify people and/or objects as they approach the reader 104 . Accordingly, the SRC device 212 enables communication of the unique identifier 210 to the reader 104 via SRC reply signals that are responses to interrogation signals transmitted from the reader 104 . The unique identifier 210 is then sent to the reader 104 and/or the DPS ( 112) is used by

[0035] At the access point 102, the reader 104 determines the directivity of the WAS 114 emitting the SRC reply signal. This determination is made based on RSSI measurements of the power present in the SRC reply signal from WAS 114 received by antenna 106 or 108. The RSSI measurements specify the signal strength of the SRC reply signal received at antenna 106 or antenna 108, and whether the signal strength increases or decreases over a given time period. If the signal strength of the SRC reply signal is increasing for a given period of time, WAS 114 is believed to be moving toward the respective antenna 106 or 108. In contrast, if the signal strength of the SRC reply signal is decreasing for a given period of time, WAS 114 is considered to be moving away from the respective antenna 106 or 108.

[0036] However, such determinations are not sufficient to detect whether a person is attempting to enter or leave the restricted area. Accordingly, additional motion sensors 120, 122 are used herein. Motion sensors may be provided in the access point 102 . A first motion sensor 122 is disposed on the front sidewall surface 130 of the structural wall 132 located adjacent to the access point 102 . In contrast, the second motion sensor 120 is disposed on a rear sidewall surface (not shown in FIG. 1 ) of a structural wall 134 located adjacent to the access point 102 . Motion sensors 120 and 122 are used to determine the direction and/or speed/velocity of movement of a person 116 proximate to access point 102 . Information specifying the direction and/or speed/velocity of the person's movement is provided to the reader 104 from the motion sensors 120 and 122 .

In particular, the present invention is not limited to the motion sensor configuration shown in FIG. 1 . Additionally or alternatively, motion sensors provided on PCDs (eg, mobile phones or smart phones) may be used to detect direction and/or speed of human motion.

[0038] In turn, reader 104 forwards information received from motion sensor(s) 120, 122 over network 110 to DPS 112. Similarly, the reader 104 may send information indicating the directivity of the WAS 114 (i.e., whether the WAS 114 is moving towards or away from the antenna 106 or 108) to the DPS ( 112) to communicate. DPS 112 may be located in the same facility as reader 104 or in a different facility remote from the facility in which reader 104 is located. Accordingly, network 110 may include an intranet and/or the Internet. Additionally, each exit and/or entrance to a restricted area within each facility of the enterprise has access control sensing systems (104-108, 120, 122) disposed thereto to define a distributed network of access control sensor systems. ) can have.

[0039] At DPS 112, the information is used to determine whether a person is attempting to enter or leave access point 102. For example, if the information indicates that WAS 114 is moving toward entrance antenna 108 and a person is moving in direction 124, a determination is made that the person wants to enter the restricted area via access point 102. . Conversely, if the information indicates that WAS 114 is moving toward antenna 106 and a person is moving in direction 126, then a determination is made that the person wants to leave the restricted area via access point 102. . If the information indicates that the WAS 114 is moving away from the antenna 108, a determination is made that the person is not attempting to enter the restricted area. Similarly, if the information indicates that WAS 114 is moving away from antenna 106, a determination is made that the person is not attempting to leave the restricted area.

[0040] DPS 112 may also analyze motion patterns defined by the information to determine whether a person wants to enter or leave access point 102. For example, person 116 is moving in direction 124, 136, or 138 toward access point 102 during a first period of time and then moving in direction away from access point 102 during an immediately following second period of time ( If the information indicates that 126, 136 or 138) is moving, a determination is made that the person does not wish to gain access to the restricted area, but is simply passing the access point. In contrast, person 116 is moving at a first speed in direction 124, 136 or 138 towards access point 102 for a first period of time and then he/she approaches the access point at a speed If the information indicates reducing , a determination is made that the person wants to gain access to the restricted area. Similarly, if the information indicates that person 116 is moving at a first speed in direction 124, 136 or 138 toward access point 102 for a first period of time and stopping when reaching the access point, then person A determination is made that a desire to gain access to a restricted area is made.

[0041] When determining that the person does not wish to enter or leave the restricted area, the DPS 112 stores the unique identifier, directivity information, motion direction information, speed/ Simply log speed information, and/or information analysis results. Upon determining that the person wants to enter the restricted area, DPS 112 compares the unique identifier 210 to a plurality of unique identifiers stored in the data store to check if the person is authorized to enter the restricted area. . When a person is authorized to enter a restricted area, DPS 112 causes a request for identification and location information to be sent to PCD 150 on the person's property.

[0042] In response to the request, PCD 150 performs operations to determine its current location within the surrounding environment. In some scenarios, an RSSI-based technique is used to determine the PCD's current location. An RSSI-based technique involves using the PCD's Wi-Fi radio to look up the MAC addresses of all available networks in range. After collecting the MAC addresses and RSSI levels of all available networks, PCD 150 relays the MAC address and RSSI information back to cloud 154 over wireless communication link 152 . Cloud 154 then estimates the location of PCD 150 based on the MAC addresses, RSSI levels, and known locations of each of the devices associated with the MAC addresses. A learning algorithm can be used to correlate between the two types of listed information.

[0043] If the estimated location of PCD 150 is within a certain radius from the originally monitored door, cloud 154 relays the open command to the door so that door open actuator 128 is actuated (e.g., lock ( to unlock the lock). To reduce the delay between opening the door and scanning for WAS, PCD 150 continuously scans Wi-Fi networks and has scan data ready for when a request is received.

[0044] Cloud 154 and/or DPS 112 also logs information analysis results and/or information specifying that access to a restricted area was provided to a person at a particular time. Upon determining that the person wishes to leave the restricted area, DPS 112 causes door open actuator 128 to be actuated and also returns information analysis results and/or information specifying that the person left the restricted area at a specific time. log

[0045] Data logging allows cloud 154 and/or DPS 112 to track the access points people enter and exit, and the time of such entry. This historical information is useful for a variety of reasons. For example, historical information can be used to determine when employees arrive at and/or leave the workplace, whereby each employee manually clocks-in and leaves the workplace as they arrive at the workplace. There is no longer a need for conventional employee time and attendance management systems that require manual clock-out when the time is right. Historical information may also be used to identify individuals who gained access to a restricted area when a possible theft occurred or when equipment was removed from the restricted area.

[0046] In particular, the access control system described above overcomes certain disadvantages of conventional access control systems. For example, in the present invention, authorized individuals do not have to take any manual actions (eg, swiping a card) to gain access to restricted areas. Indeed, the need for special access control equipment (eg, card readers) has been eliminated, thereby reducing the overall cost of implementing the present access control system 100.

[0047] In other scenarios, WAS 114 operates in both an energy harvesting mode and a communication mode. In energy harvesting mode, energy harvesting circuit 220 collects energy whenever WAS 114 passes an access point. The collected energy is stored in energy storage device 222 (eg, capacitor). When the energy storage device 222 is charged to the operating voltage level of the SRC device 212, the mode of the WAS 114 is changed from the energy harvesting mode to the communication mode. The SRC identifier signal is then transmitted from the access point 102 through the antenna 202 to the reader 104. The SRC identifier signal includes a unique identifier (210). Information 214 indicating the rate of change of charging voltage of energy storage device 222 (eg, capacitor) may also be transmitted from WAS 114 to reader 104 via the SRC identifier signal. Change rate information 214 specifies the directivity of WAS 114 . At a later time, reader 104 communicates unique identifier 210 and/or rate of change information 214 to DPS 112 .

[0048] In particular, the motion sensors 120, 122 are also used with a multi-mode WAS 114 (ie, the WAS is configured to operate in both an energy harvesting mode and a communication mode). Motion sensors 120 and 122 are used to determine the direction and/or speed/velocity of movement of a person 116 proximate to access point 102 . Information specifying the direction and/or speed/velocity of the person's movement is provided to the reader 104 from the motion sensors 120 and 122 .

[0049] In the DPS 112, whether the person is authorized to access the restricted area based on the unique identifier 210 and/or whether the person is attempting to enter or leave the restricted area based on the rate of change information 214 decisions are made about If a person attempts to enter a restricted area and is authorized to access the restricted area, DPS 112 simply logs information indicating that the person is in proximity to the access point at a particular time. Conversely, if a person attempts to enter a restricted area and is not authorized to access the restricted area, DPS 112 causes a request for identification and location information to be sent to PCD 150 on the person's property.

[0050] In response to the request, PCD 150 performs operations to determine its current location within the surrounding environment. In some scenarios, an RSSI-based technique is used to determine the PCD's current location. An RSSI-based technique involves using the PCD's Wi-Fi radio to look up the MAC addresses of all available networks in range. After collecting the MAC addresses and RSSI levels of all available networks, PCD 150 relays the MAC address and RSSI information back to cloud 154 over wireless communication link 152 . Cloud 154 then estimates the location of PCD 150 based on the MAC addresses, RSSI levels, and known locations of each of the devices associated with the MAC addresses. A learning algorithm can be used to correlate between the two types of listed information.

[0051] If the estimated location of the PCD 150 is within a certain radius from the originally monitored door, the cloud 154 relays the open command to the door so that the door open actuator 128 is actuated (e.g., lock ( to unlock the lock). To reduce the delay between opening the door and scanning for WAS, PCD 150 continuously scans Wi-Fi networks and has scan data ready for when a request is received. Cloud 154 and/or DPS 112 also logs information specifying that access to a restricted area was provided to a person at a particular time.

[0052] In this scenario, the reader 104 is simply an edge connection module that controls the door opening actuator. As a result, the need for an interrogation reader (eg, RFID reader) is eliminated, thereby reducing the overall cost required to implement system 100.

[0053] Referring now to FIGS. 3A-3B, a flow diagram of an example method 300 for controlling access to a restricted area is provided. As shown in FIG. 3A, method 300 begins at step 302 and continues to step 304, where an interrogation signal is sent to the reader of an ACS (eg, ACS 100 of FIG. 1). (e.g., reader 104 of FIG. 1). In response to the interrogation signal, as shown by step 306, an SRC reply signal is transmitted from the WAS (eg, WAS 114 of FIG. 1). The SRC reply signal includes a unique identifier (e.g., unique identifier 210 in FIG. 2). In a next step 308, the SRC reply signal is received at an antenna coupled to the reader (e.g., antenna 106 or 108 in FIG. 1).

[0054] At the reader, as shown by step 310, actions are performed to obtain RSSI measurement data that specifies the power present in the SRC reply signal over a given period of time. The RSSI measurement data is used by the reader to determine if the signal strength of the SRC reply message is increasing. In particular, this determination may alternatively be performed by a DPS (eg, DPS 112 of FIG. 1). In this case, method 300 may be modified accordingly. Such variations are understood by those skilled in the art.

[0055] If the signal strength of the SRC reply signal is decreasing [312: NO], step 314 is performed, and in step 314 first information indicating that the WAS is moving away from the antenna is generated. . In contrast, if the signal strength of the SRC reply signal is increasing [312: YES], step 316 is performed, and in step 316, second information indicating that the WAS is moving toward the antenna is generated.

[0056] Upon completion of either step 314 or 316, method 300 continues to step 318. Step 318 includes detecting the direction and/or speed/velocity of motion of the person wearing the WAS (eg, person 116 of FIG. 1 ). One or more motion sensors (eg, sensors 120 and/or 122 of FIG. 1 ) may be used for the detection in step 318 . Then at step 320, third information specifying the detected direction and/or speed/velocity of the person's motion is communicated to the reader. Next, as shown by step 322, the reader communicates the following information to the DPS: unique identifier; time stamp; first information; second information; and/or third party information.

[0057] In the DPS, operations are performed at step 324 to determine whether a person is attempting to enter or leave a restricted area using the information received at previous step 322. For example, if the received information indicates that the WAS is moving towards the entrance antenna (eg, antenna 108 in FIG. 1 ) and the person is moving in a first direction (eg, direction 124 in FIG. 1 ), then the person A determination is made via an access point (eg, access point 102 in FIG. 1) that it wants to enter the restricted area. In contrast, the received information indicates that the WAS is moving toward the egress antenna (e.g., antenna 106 in FIG. 1) and the person is moving in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., direction 126 in FIG. 1). , a determination is made that the person wishes to leave the restricted area via the access point. If the received information indicates that the WAS is moving away from the entrance antenna, a determination is made that no person is attempting to enter the restricted area. Similarly, if the received information indicates that the WAS is moving away from the egress antenna, a determination is made that the person is not attempting to leave the restricted area. The invention is not limited to the specific parts of these examples. In this regard, it should be understood that the DPS additionally or alternatively analyzes patterns of motion defined by the received information to determine whether a person wishes to enter or leave the access point.

[0058] After completing step 324, method 300 continues with decision step 326 of FIG. 3B. If it is determined that the person does not wish to enter or leave the restricted area [326: No], step 328 is performed, where the following information is logged to the data store: unique identifier; time stamp; first or second information; third information; and/or fourth information indicating the results of the operations performed in the previous step 324. Step 350 is then performed, at which point method 300 ends or other processing is performed.

[0059] If it is determined that the person wishes to enter or leave the restricted area [326: yes], an optional step 332 is performed. Optional step 332 is performed when the person attempts to enter the restricted area, and therefore compares the unique identifier to a plurality of unique identifiers stored in the data store to check if the person is authorized to enter the restricted area. It includes steps to When a person attempts to leave the restricted area or when an authorized person attempts to enter the restricted area, the DPS sends a request for identification and location information to the person's property, as shown by step 334. PCD (e.g., PCD 150 of FIG. 1).

[0060] In response to the request, the PCD performs the operations of step 336 to obtain information useful in determining its current location within the surrounding environment. In some scenarios, an RSSI-based technique is used to determine the PCD's current location. An RSSI-based technique involves using the PCD's Wi-Fi radio to look up the MAC addresses of all available networks in range. After collecting the MAC addresses and RSSI levels of all available networks, the PCD sends the MAC address and RSSI information back to the wireless communication link (e.g., wireless communication link 152 of FIG. 1), as shown by step 338. )) to the cloud (eg, the cloud 154 of FIG. 1). Next, the cloud performs the operations of step 340 to estimate the PCD's location. A location estimate may be determined based on MAC addresses, RSSI levels, and known locations of each of the devices associated with the MAC addresses. A learning algorithm can be used to correlate between the two types of listed information.

[0061] If the PCD's estimated location is within a certain radius from the originally monitored door, the cloud relays the open command to the door to activate the door opening actuator (e.g., the actuator of FIG. 1), as shown by step 342. 128) is actuated (eg to unlock a lock). Upon completion of step 342, steps 344-346 are performed to log the following information: unique identifier; time stamp; first or second information; third information; fourth information; and/or fifth information indicating that a person entered or left the restricted area at a specific time. The logged information may optionally be used in step 348 to perform a historical analysis of the person's movement through the facility. Step 350 is then performed, at which point method 300 ends or other processing is performed.

[0062] Referring now to FIGS. 4A-4B, a flow diagram of another example method 400 for controlling access to a restricted area is provided. As shown in FIG. 4A , method 400 begins at step 402 and continues at step 404 , where energy harvesting of a WAS (eg, WAS 114 of FIG. 1 ) is performed. A circuit (eg, circuit 220 of FIG. 2 ) collects energy. The collected energy is then stored in the energy storage device of the WAS (eg, device 222 in FIG. 2 ). When the energy storage device is charged to the operating voltage level of the SRC device of the WAS (e.g., SRC device 212 of FIG. 2) [408: YES], step 410 is performed, at which step 410 the WAS returns to its own transitions from the energy harvesting mode to its own communication mode. In its communication mode, step 412 is performed. Step 412 includes transmitting the SRC identifier signal from the WAS. The SRC identifier signal includes a unique identifier and/or first information indicating a rate of change of a charging voltage of the energy storage device. The SRC identifier signal is then received at step 414 at an antenna coupled to the reader (e.g., antenna 106 or 108 in FIG. 1).

[0063] In a next step 416, the direction and/or speed/velocity of motion of the person wearing the WAS is detected. One or more motion sensors (eg, sensors 120 and/or 122 of FIG. 1 ) may be used for the detection in step 416 . Then at step 418, second information specifying the detected direction and/or speed/velocity of the person's motion is communicated to the reader. Next, as shown by step 420, the reader communicates the following information to the DPS: unique identifier; time stamp; first information; and/or second information. After completing step 420, method 400 continues to step 422 of FIG. 4B.

[0064] In the DPS, operations are performed at step 422 to determine whether a person is attempting to enter or leave a restricted area using the information received at previous step 420. For example, if the received information indicates that the WAS is moving towards the entrance antenna (eg, antenna 108 in FIG. 1 ) and the person is moving in a first direction (eg, direction 124 in FIG. 1 ), then the person A determination is made via an access point (eg, access point 102 in FIG. 1) that it wants to enter the restricted area. In contrast, the received information indicates that the WAS is moving toward the egress antenna (e.g., antenna 106 in FIG. 1) and the person is moving in a direction opposite to the first direction (e.g., direction 126 in FIG. 1). , a determination is made that the person wishes to leave the restricted area via the access point. If the received information indicates that the WAS is moving away from the entrance antenna, a determination is made that no person is attempting to enter the restricted area. Similarly, if the received information indicates that the WAS is moving away from the egress antenna, a determination is made that the person is not attempting to leave the restricted area. The invention is not limited to the specific parts of these examples. In this regard, it should be understood that the DPS additionally or alternatively analyzes patterns of motion defined by the received information to determine whether a person wishes to enter or leave the access point.

[0065] After completing step 422, method 400 continues with decision step 424 of FIG. 4B. If it is determined that the person does not wish to enter or leave the restricted area [424: No], step 426 is performed, where the following information is logged to the data store: unique identifier; time stamp; first information; second information; and/or third information indicating the results of the operations performed in the previous step 422. Step 444 is then performed, at which point method 400 ends or other processing is performed.

[0066] If it is determined that the person wishes to enter or leave the restricted area [424: yes], an optional step 427 is performed. Optional step 427 is performed when the person attempts to enter the restricted area and therefore compares the unique identifier to a plurality of unique identifiers stored in the data store to check if the person is authorized to enter the restricted area. It includes steps to When a person attempts to leave the restricted area or when an authorized person attempts to enter the restricted area, the DPS sends a request for identification and location information to the person's property, as shown by step 428. PCD (e.g., PCD 150 of FIG. 1).

[0067] In response to the request, the PCD performs the operations of step 430 to obtain information useful in determining its current location within the surrounding environment. In some scenarios, an RSSI-based technique is used to determine the PCD's current location. An RSSI-based technique involves using the PCD's Wi-Fi radio to look up the MAC addresses of all available networks in range. After collecting the MAC addresses and RSSI levels of all available networks, the PCD sends the MAC address and RSSI information back to the wireless communication link (e.g., wireless communication link 152 of FIG. 1), as shown by step 432. )) to the cloud (eg, the cloud 154 of FIG. 1). The cloud can then perform the operations of step 434 to estimate the location of the PCD. A location estimate may be determined based on MAC addresses, RSSI levels, and known locations of each of the devices associated with the MAC addresses. A learning algorithm can be used to correlate between the two types of listed information.

[0068] If the PCD's estimated location is within a certain radius from the originally monitored door, the cloud relays the open command to the door to activate the door open actuator (e.g., the actuator of FIG. 1), as shown by step 434. 128) is actuated (eg to unlock a lock). Upon completion of step 434, steps 436-440 are performed to log the following information: unique identifier; time stamp; first information; second information; third information; and/or fourth information indicating that a person entered or left the restricted area at a specific time. The logged information may optionally be used in step 442 to perform a historical analysis of the person's movement through the facility. Step 444 is then performed, at which point method 400 ends or other processing is performed.

[0069] Additionally, in some scenarios, WAS cannot detect the rate of change when the wearer is standing near an access point in a restricted area. Assume, for example, that a person moves toward an access point, whereby the WAS detects the rate of change of the energy collected by its own energy harvesting circuit. When a person reaches the access point, he (she) is stopped by another person for discussion. At this time, the WAS cannot detect the change rate of the energy collected by its own energy harvesting circuit. In response to such detection, the WAS communicates a signal to the reader (eg, reader 104 of FIG. 1 ) indicating that there is no current change in the rate at which the energy harvesting circuit is collecting energy. In turn, the reader performs actions to cause termination of the emission of the electromagnetic field from the inlet antenna (e.g., antenna 108 in FIG. 1). The electromagnetic field is emitted once again at the expiration of a predefined time period (eg 2 minutes). In this way, a person can still gain access to the restricted area after completing the above discussion with others.

[0070] The following discussion describes an example mathematical algorithm for estimating the location of a PCD within a building. For high frequency transmitter and receiver antennas, the well-known Friis transmission equations are given below. This assumes a free space environment and no polarization loss between the receive and transmit antennas and no absorption of the signal from the PCD by the person holding the PCD.

where Pr is the received power (PCD), Pt is the transmitter power (Wi Fi antenna), Gt is the transmitter antenna gain, Gr is the receiver gain, R is the vector between the transmit and receive antennas, and f is the operating frequency , and c is the speed of light. Taking the LOG of both sides yields the following equation:

where Pr and Pt are in dBm, Gt and Gr are in dB, λ is in meters, and R is in meters.

[0071] FIG. 6 provides an example showing a symmetrical array of four (4) WiFi transmit antennas (602, 604, 606, 608). The transmit antennas 602-608 are mounted at the ceiling level of the building (eg, about 4 meters above the floor). Three paths 1, 2, 3 along which the PCD (eg, about 1 meter above the floor) travels are also shown. The PCD travels along path 1, which is symmetric, and paths 2 and 3, which are not symmetric. The origin of the coordinate system is shown at the center of the antennas.

[0072] In FIG. 6, the grid or step size is one (1) m. Each path is defined by one (1) m steps. The transmit antenna (Pt) is twenty-eight (28) dBm, the transmit antenna gain (Gt) is five (5) dB, the receiver antenna gain (Gr) is negative two (-2) dB, and the frequency (f) is Assume 2 points 4 (2.4) GHz.

[0073] FIG. 7 provides a graph showing simulation results for a symmetrical path 1 in which the PCD moves down the centerline of the antenna system. As expected, it is a set of highly symmetric graphs where the PCD meets at the center right in the middle of the antenna system. There is mirror symmetry in the power received from antenna pair 604/606 and antenna pair 602/608.

[0074] FIG. 8 provides a graph showing simulation results for asymmetric path 2. Path 2 starts below the centerline, but cuts over at 8 m along the path between antennas 604 and 602. Path 2 is closer to antenna 604 than antenna 602 by 2 m. At the eighth step, where the PCD starts to deviate from the centerline towards antenna 604 and antenna 602 (but 2 m closer to antenna 604), the signal is about 1 dBm higher after the next step. Thus, a 2 m step along the departure point corresponds to a 2.5 dBm signal change between antennas 604 and 606.

[0075] FIG. 9 provides a graph showing simulation results for asymmetric path 3. Path 3 is another asymmetric path where the PCD is parallel to the centerline but moves 2 m closer to antenna 604 and then departs towards antennas 606 and 608 (but 2 m closer to antenna 608). am.

[0076] Using a simple linear interpolation on the differences of the four antenna signals is a first consideration in estimating a location along a known path. The estimated position (P(x,y)) can be expressed by the following equation.

내지

는 신호 강도들이고, 그리고

및

는 X 및 y 단위 벡터들이다. 위의 수학식은 아래에 도시된 바와 같이 선형 매트릭스로 기록될 수 있다.where C1, C2, C3 and C4 are the coefficients,

pay

are the signal strengths, and

and

are the X and y unit vectors. The above equation can be written as a linear matrix as shown below.

Using one or more of the paths to determine the simplification and coefficients where C1 = C2 and C3 = C4, it can be shown that the predicted path (P(x,y)) can be accurate to less than 1 meter. there is.

[0077] All of the apparatus, methods, and algorithms disclosed and claimed herein can be constructed and implemented without undue experimentation in light of the present disclosure. Although the present invention has been described in terms of preferred embodiments, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variations may be applied to the apparatus, methods and sequence of method steps without departing from the content, spirit and scope of the present invention. More specifically, it will be apparent that certain components may be added, combined, or substituted for those described herein, but that the same or similar results will be achieved. All such similar substitutions and modifications obvious to those skilled in the art are considered to be within the spirit, scope and concept of the present invention as defined.

[0078] The features and functions disclosed above, as well as alternatives, may be combined into many other different systems or applications. Various currently unforeseen or unexpected alternatives, modifications, variations or improvements may be made by those skilled in the art, each of which is also intended to be encompassed by the disclosed embodiments.

Claims (20)

As a method for controlling access to a restricted area,
An electronic circuit determines whether a person wants to enter the restricted area based on (1) the directionality of a Wearable Access Sensor (WAS) worn by the person and (2) the direction and speed of the person's motion. deciding;
checking whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with the WAS;
a second unique identifier and location information useful for enabling a portable communication device (PCD) of the person to determine the location of the PCD within the surrounding environment when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area; sending a;
using the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area. Causing actuation of a mechanical actuator to enable entry of
including,
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 1,
The determination of whether the person wants to enter the restricted area is made based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measurement data that specifies the power present in a signal received from a WAS worn by the person.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. As a method for controlling access to a restricted area,
determining, by electronic circuitry, whether a person wishes to enter the restricted area;
checking whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with a Wearable Access Sensor (WAS) worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the person's Portable Communication Device (PCD) to transmit location information and a second unique identifier useful for determining the PCD's location within the surrounding environment. doing;
using the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area. Causing actuation of a mechanical actuator to enable entry of
Including,
Determination of whether the person wants to enter the restricted area is based on change rate data specifying a rate of change of charging voltage of an energy storage device used in an electromagnetic field energy harvesting circuit disposed in the WAS. based on,
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 1,
The location information is obtained by the PCD using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based technique,
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. As a method for controlling access to a restricted area,
determining, by electronic circuitry, whether a person wishes to enter the restricted area;
checking whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with a Wearable Access Sensor (WAS) worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the person's Portable Communication Device (PCD) to transmit location information and a second unique identifier useful for determining the PCD's location within the surrounding environment. doing;
using the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area. Causing actuation of a mechanical actuator to enable entry of
Including,
The location information is obtained by the PCD using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based technique,
The RSSI-based technique:
performing by the PCD operations to search Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of available networks within range of the PCD; and
Collecting RSSI levels for signals received from devices associated with the MAC addresses of the available networks.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 5,
The RSSI levels and known locations of devices associated with the MAC addresses of the available network are used to verify that the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 1,
Further comprising determining whether the PCD is within a specific radius from an access point of the restricted area.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 7,
wherein the mechanical actuator is caused to act when it is determined that the PCD is within a specified radius from the restricted area access point.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. According to claim 1,
Further comprising logging information indicating that the person entered the restricted area at a specific time after actuation of the mechanical actuator was triggered.
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. As a method for controlling access to a restricted area,
determining, by electronic circuitry, whether a person wishes to enter the restricted area;
checking whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with a Wearable Access Sensor (WAS) worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the person's Portable Communication Device (PCD) to transmit location information and a second unique identifier useful for determining the PCD's location within the surrounding environment. doing;
using the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area;
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area. causing actuation of the mechanical actuator to enable entry of the; and
collecting energy from an electromagnetic field emitted from access control equipment disposed at an access point to one or more restricted areas by an energy harvesting circuit of the WAS;
including,
A method for controlling access to restricted areas. As a system,
WAS (Wearable Access Sensor) worn by a person;
PCD (Portable Communication Device) possessed by the person;
at least one electronic circuit in communication with at least one of the WAS and the PCD, the electronic circuit comprising:
determining whether the person wants to enter the restricted area based on (1) a directionality of a Wearable Access Sensor (WAS) worn by the person, and (2) a direction and speed of motion of the person;
check whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with the WAS worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the PCD to transmit a second unique identifier and location information useful for determining the location of the PCD within a surrounding environment; and
configured to use the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
A person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area. a mechanical actuator actuated to enable entry of
including,
system. According to claim 11,
The determination of whether the person wants to enter the restricted area is made based on RSSI (Received Signal Strength Indicator) measurement data that specifies the power present in a signal received from a WAS worn by the person.
system. As a system,
WAS (Wearable Access Sensor) worn by a person;
PCD (Portable Communication Device) possessed by the person;
at least one electronic circuit in communication with at least one of the WAS and the PCD, the electronic circuit comprising:
determine whether the person wishes to enter the restricted area;
check whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with the WAS worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the PCD to transmit a second unique identifier and location information useful for determining the location of the PCD within a surrounding environment; and
configured to use the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area. a mechanical actuator actuated to enable entry of
Including,
The determination of whether the person wants to enter the restricted area is made based on rate of change data specifying a rate of change of a charging voltage of an energy storage device used in an electromagnetic field energy harvesting circuit disposed in the WAS.
system. According to claim 11,
The location information is obtained by the PCD using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based technique,
system. As a system,
WAS (Wearable Access Sensor) worn by a person;
PCD (Portable Communication Device) possessed by the person;
at least one electronic circuit in communication with at least one of the WAS and the PCD, the electronic circuit comprising:
determine whether the person wishes to enter the restricted area;
check whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with the WAS worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the PCD to transmit a second unique identifier and location information useful for determining the location of the PCD within a surrounding environment; and
configured to use the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area. a mechanical actuator actuated to enable entry of
Including,
The location information is obtained by the PCD using a Received Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) based technique,
The RSSI-based technique:
performing, by the PCD, operations to search for Media Access Control (MAC) addresses of a network available within range of the PCD; and
Collecting RSSI levels for signals received from devices associated with MAC addresses of the available network.
system. According to claim 15,
The RSSI levels and known locations of devices associated with the MAC addresses of the available network are used to verify that the person is currently located at the access point in the restricted area.
system. According to claim 11,
wherein the electronic circuitry is further configured to determine if the PCD is within a certain radius from the access point in the restricted area.
system. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein the mechanical actuator is caused to act when it is determined that the PCD is within a certain radius from the access point in the restricted area.
system. According to claim 11,
wherein the electronic circuitry is further configured to log information indicating that the person entered the confined area at a specific time after actuation of the mechanical actuator was triggered.
system. As a system,
WAS (Wearable Access Sensor) worn by a person;
PCD (Portable Communication Device) possessed by the person;
at least one electronic circuit in communication with at least one of the WAS and the PCD, the electronic circuit comprising:
determine whether the person wishes to enter the restricted area;
check whether the person is authorized to enter the restricted area using a first unique identifier associated with the WAS worn by the person;
when a determination is made that the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, cause the PCD to transmit a second unique identifier and location information useful for determining the location of the PCD within a surrounding environment; and
configured to use the second unique identifier and the location information to confirm that the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area; and
The person into the restricted area when it is determined that the person wants to enter the restricted area, the person is authorized to enter the restricted area, and the person is currently located at an access point in the restricted area. a mechanical actuator actuated to enable entry of
Including,
The WAS includes an energy harvesting circuit that collects energy from an electromagnetic field emitted from access control equipment disposed at an access point to one or more restricted areas.
system.

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