WO2002032045A1 - Wireless biometric access control system - Google Patents

Wireless biometric access control system Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2002032045A1
WO2002032045A1 PCT/US2001/042614 US0142614W WO0232045A1 WO 2002032045 A1 WO2002032045 A1 WO 2002032045A1 US 0142614 W US0142614 W US 0142614W WO 0232045 A1 WO0232045 A1 WO 0232045A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
access control
biometric data
unit
authorizing
biometric
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/US2001/042614
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Fred Conforti
Eric Gonzales
Original Assignee
Recognition Source, Llc
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Recognition Source, Llc filed Critical Recognition Source, Llc
Priority to AU2001297022A priority Critical patent/AU2001297022A1/en
Publication of WO2002032045A1 publication Critical patent/WO2002032045A1/en

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Classifications

    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/20—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/27—Individual registration on entry or exit involving the use of a pass with central registration
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
    • G06V—IMAGE OR VIDEO RECOGNITION OR UNDERSTANDING
    • G06V40/00—Recognition of biometric, human-related or animal-related patterns in image or video data
    • G06V40/10—Human or animal bodies, e.g. vehicle occupants or pedestrians; Body parts, e.g. hands
    • G—PHYSICS
    • G07—CHECKING-DEVICES
    • G07C—TIME OR ATTENDANCE REGISTERS; REGISTERING OR INDICATING THE WORKING OF MACHINES; GENERATING RANDOM NUMBERS; VOTING OR LOTTERY APPARATUS; ARRANGEMENTS, SYSTEMS OR APPARATUS FOR CHECKING NOT PROVIDED FOR ELSEWHERE
    • G07C9/00—Individual registration on entry or exit
    • G07C9/30—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass
    • G07C9/32—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check
    • G07C9/37—Individual registration on entry or exit not involving the use of a pass in combination with an identity check using biometric data, e.g. fingerprints, iris scans or voice recognition

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a wireless biometric access control system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless biometric access control system including an authorization unit for obtaining biometric data and wirelessly transmitting the biometric data for storage at an access control unit. The access control unit uses the stored biometric data to make access control decisions.
  • Access to restricted areas may be controlled through various ways.
  • the lock and key method is one example of controlling access.
  • the lock and key method requires that the individual wishing to gain access to the restricted area retain the key.
  • Door access control systems typically include door mounted access control units that are connected to a control interface.
  • each door typically includes a manually operable input device such as a keypad or a card reader.
  • a code either manually or via a card reader, that is then forwarded to the control interface and onto the access control unit for authorization. If the individual is authorized, the access control unit signals the respective module to unlock the respective door.
  • Biometric access control systems do not require the use of external keys or access codes in order to gain access to a restricted area. Instead, biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, are typically used to control access into a restricted area.
  • This biometric access control system is an enrolling type of system. That is, an authorized person may be enrolled into the system by submitting a biometric identifier, such as a finger print, to an authorizing unit. The individual's biometric data may then be used to control the individual's access into a restricted area in the same way that an access code or a key card may be used to control access into a restricted area.
  • the authorizing unit is directly wired to each access control unit.
  • Wiring may be expensive. Wiring may also be difficult to install and service.
  • wireless access control systems were developed.
  • Wireless access control systems also suffer from several drawbacks.
  • the presence of high levels of wireless transmissions within a building such as a hotel may be problematic.
  • the high levels of wireless transmissions within the hotel may interfere with communications systems, radios, and televisions within the hotel.
  • users of wireless access control systems may be unable to enter restricted areas if an interference source prevents signal transmission between the remote unit and the centralized unit.
  • the high levels of wireless transmissions may yield higher energy costs due to the frequent back-and-forth wireless communication between the access control unit located at the door of the restricted area and the centralized authorizing unit.
  • a need has existed for an improved access control system.
  • a need has also existed for such a wireless access control system with lower transmission levels and improved accessibility.
  • a need has also existed for an access control system that provides better security.
  • a need has also existed for an access control system that minimizes or eliminates the use of keys.
  • a need has existed for an access control system that minimizes the problems associated with frequent user, or guest, changes.
  • a wireless biometric access control system stores biometric data wirelessly received from an authorizing unit for use in access control decisions.
  • the access control unit preferably includes a receiver, a control processing unit, a data input port and a data output port, an access biometric reader, and an access lock.
  • the authorizing unit preferably includes an authorizing biometric reader, an input device, an authorizing processing unit, and a transmitter.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of the control protocol for a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system.
  • FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system 100.
  • the wireless biometric access control system 100 includes an authorizing unit 105 and one or more access control units 150.
  • the authorizing unit 105 includes an input device 115, an authorizing biometric reader 120, an authorizing processing unit 110, a data output or display 126, a transmitter 140, and an authorizing unit antenna 145.
  • the authorizing processing unit 110 includes an authorizing storage unit 125 and an identification/biometric data encoder 130.
  • Each access control unit 150 includes an access control unit antenna 152, a receiver 155, a control processing unit 158, a data input port 153, a data output port 154, an access biometric reader 190, and an access lock 195.
  • the control processing unit 158 includes an identification/biometric data decoder 160, a data storage unit 170, and a comparator 180.
  • the authorizing unit 105 wirelessly transmits unique identifying information, such as room number information, and biometric data to the access control unit 150.
  • the access control unit 150 receives and stores the wireless transmission sent from the authorizing unit 105.
  • a biometric identifier such as a fingerprint, is provided via the access biometric reader 190.
  • the control processing unit 158 compares biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to the stored biometric data. Then, the control processing unit 158 directs the access lock 195 included within the access control unit 150.
  • biometric data and other forms of information may be input and retrieved from the access control unit 150 via the data input port 153 and data output port 154 respectively.
  • the authorizing unit 105 registers an individual's biometric data via the authorizing biometric reader 120, or may alternatively take the biometric data from another access control system, and combines the biometric data with unique identifying information, such as room number information, PIN number, etc. which is input via the input device 115. Then, the authorizing unit 105 transmits the unique identifying information and biometric data to the access control unit 150.
  • the access control unit 150 stores the transmitted biometric data in the data storage unit 170.
  • An individual wishing to gain access to the restricted area provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190.
  • the control processing unit 158 compares the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170. If the biometric data matches, then the individual is granted access to the restricted area.
  • a second or third identifier such as a PIN number for example, may also be desired for matching.
  • the authorizing unit 105 registers the individual's biometric data via the authorizing biometric reader 120. That is, an individual presents biometric data to the authorizing biometric reader 120 or the biometric data is taken from previously stored data. Then, the authorizing biometric reader 120 scans the individual's biometric data, such as a fingerprint for example, and extracts biometric indicators. The authorizing biometric reader 120 captures various points of identification from the biometric identifier. That is, the biometric reader 120 scans the biometric identification and extracts the biometric identification from the biometric identifier. The authorizing biometric reader 120 subjects the biometric identification to a recognition algorithm that converts the scanned biometric identifier image into a much smaller data code.
  • the authorizing biometric reader 120 then sends the smaller data code of biometric identification, or biometric data, to the authorizing storage unit 125 of the authorizing processing unit 110. Additionally, the biometric data may be encrypted before storage.
  • an operator such as a registrar may input information such as room number for flight number information via the input device 115.
  • the input device 115 may be a computer keyboard or touch-sensitive monitor.
  • the room number or flight number information is then sent to the authorizing storage unit 125.
  • the identification/biometric data encoder 130 then receives the biometric data and the unique identifying information, such as room number information, from the authorizing storage unit 125.
  • the unique identifying information, such as room number information, and the biometric data may then be encoded and encrypted. That is, the identification/biometric data encoder 130 may then match and combine the unique identifying information, such as room number or flight number information with the biometric data.
  • the registration information is the biometric data and the room number or flight number information.
  • the identification/biometric data encoder 130 then supplies the encoded registration information to the transmitter 140.
  • the transmitter 140 then broadcasts the registration information to each access control unit 150 within the wireless biometric access control system 100.
  • the transmitter 140 may also broadcast the registration information to one or more repeaters.
  • a repeater may then re-transmit the registration information that the repeater received from the authorizing unit 105. That is, the wireless signals may become attenuated after travelling through multiple floors.
  • the repeater may be positioned to overcome the attenuation by receiving and re-transmitting wireless signals from the authorizing unit 105.
  • the transmitter broadcasts the registration information at a frequency of 850 MHz to 950 MHz, or 2.4 GHz.
  • Each access control unit 150 is assigned an individual identification designation such as a room number or flight number designation. If the access control unit's 150 identification designation matches the unique identifying information, such as room number or flight number information, of the registration information broadcast by the authorizing unit 105, that particular access control unit 150 stores the biometric data within the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150. That is, first the registration information broadcast by the authorizing unit 105 is received by the receiver 155 of the access control unit 150. The receiver 155 then provides the registration information to the identification/biometric data decoder 160. The identification/biometric data decoder 160 then compares the unique identifying information of the registration information to the identification designation of the access control unit 150.
  • the data storage unit 170 includes sufficient memory to store the biometric data of the registration information.
  • the data storage unit 170 includes a memory cache of at least 84 bytes for each set of biometric data.
  • the data storage unit 170 has sufficient memory to store at least twenty-five sets of biometric data.
  • the data storage unit 170 stores the most recent set of biometric data. Each new set of biometric data submitted to the data storage unit 170 may overwrite the previous set of biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170. Alternatively, the biometric data stored in the storage unit 170 may be deleted after a pre-determined time.
  • the biometric data may be compared to biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to determine access control decisions. That is, a user may provide biometric data, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190.
  • the access biometric reader 190 then provides the biometric data to the comparator 180.
  • the comparator 180 retrieves the stored biometric data from the data storage unit 170.
  • the comparator 180 compares the biometric data from the data storage unit 170 to the biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190. If the comparator 180 determines that the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 matches the biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to open. If the comparator 180 determines that the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 does not match the biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to remain locked.
  • Access information and data may also be input directly into the data storage unit 170 via the data input port 153.
  • Biometric data and other information may also be retrieved from the data storage unit 170 via the data output port 154.
  • the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 are types of plug-and-play ports.
  • the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 may be Universal
  • the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 may be infrared detectors or other forms of wireless detectors.
  • the data input port 153 allows an individual, such as a hotel manager or flight crew manager, to directly input biometric data, such as that of maids or maintenance personnel, into the data storage unit 170.
  • the biometric data is then stored in the data storage unit 170 and retrieved by the comparator 180 as described above.
  • the authorizing unit 105 may include an expiration time encoder wherein the expiration time is the time when an individual is no longer permitted access to the restricted area. That is, an operator at the input device 115 may enter expiration time information during the registration process for encoding and transmission as part of the registration information.
  • the expiration time encoder may encode the expiration time.
  • the access control unit 150 may receive and store the expiration time information. Once the expiration time has passed, the biometric data is deleted from the data storage unit 170 or access is otherwise denied. Consequently, the access control unit 150 will not grant a user access to the restricted area after the expiration date has passed.
  • repeaters may be employed to ensure that the registration information is broadcast to all the access control units 150.
  • the repeaters may receive the wireless signals from the authorizing unit 105 and re-transmit the wireless signals. Additionally, the repeaters may receive and re-transmit wireless signals from other repeaters. Access control units 150 may then receive the retransmitted wireless signals from the repeaters. In smaller systems, repeaters may not be necessary if the broadcast power of the authorizing unit is sufficient to reach the access control unit 150.
  • the wireless biometric access control system 100 may include a maintenance mode.
  • maintenance mode maintenance codes may be sent from the authorization unit 105 to the access control units 150.
  • the maintenance codes may include an all open mode. In all open mode, the access control units 150 may be directed to open their access locks 195 when any biometric data is received.
  • the maintenance codes may also include an all lock mode. In all lock mode, the access control units 150 may be directed to lock their access locks 195.
  • Maintenance mode may be initiated via commands from the authorizing unit 105 or the data input port 153, for example.
  • the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150 may include additional memory to allow the storage of additional biometric data for allowing more than one person to have access privileges at one time.
  • the additional memory may hold biometric data for additional guests such as the other crew members, spouse or children of the registrant, or hold biometric data for maintenance staff, cleaning staff, or hotel managers.
  • the access control unit 150 may be programmed to accept more than one set of biometric data. Additional sets of biometric data may require more storage capacity within the data storage unit 170. To accommodate more than one set of biometric data, the data storage unit 170 may include increased storage capacity.
  • the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150 may include additional memory.
  • the additional memory of the storage unit 170 may store records of previous crews registrants or guests as history files. History files may be referenced with respect to administrative records such as billing, or dates of registration. Preferably, history files may not be used to permit a previous'guest access to a restricted area.
  • the data storage unit 170 may include additional memory for storing at least twenty-five sets of biometric data of the most recent crews or guests. Additionally, the data storage unit 170 may include separate memory for storing access records such as times when the restricted area was accessed.
  • the biometric data stored at the access control unit 150 may be accessed through the data output port 154.
  • the biometric data stored at the data storage unit may allow an individual to access information such as length of stay, access records, times of access, or dates when biometric data was overwritten via the data output port 154.
  • control processing unit 158 may be programmed to retain previously submitted biometric information. That is, instead of automatically overwriting the previous set of biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170 when a new set of biometric data is submitted by the identification/biometric data decoder 160, the control processing unit 158 may retain the biometric data.
  • the control processing unit 158 may be programmed to overwrite the previously stored biometric data only if the authorizing unit 105 specifically commands the control processing unit 158 of the access control unit 150 to overwrite the biometric data.
  • the control processing unit 158 may be programmed to store a specified number of biometric data within the data storage unit 170. For example, the data storage unit 170 may store ten sets of biometric data. When the eleventh individual is registered, the first individual's set of biometric data may be deleted.
  • the access control unit 150 may include a manual override.
  • the manual override may allow an operator, such as a hotel manager, to enter the restricted area without using the access biometric reader 190 of the access control unit 150.
  • the manual override may allow the official to gain access to the restricted area through the use of a key, keycard or keypad, for example.
  • the authorizing storage unit 125 may record or store biometric data for each guest or for a number of recent guests.
  • the authorizing storage unit 125 may be able to store at least one thousand sets of biometric data of the most recent guests.
  • the sets of biometric data of previous guests are stored as history files within additional memory.
  • the biometric data stored at the authorizing storage unit 125 may allow an individual, such as a hotel manager, to retrieve information for administrative purposes such as billing information, length of stay, or time of departure. That is, information such as billing information may be referenced with respect to biometric data. Therefore, billing information may be retrieved when biometric data is referenced at the authorizing unit 105.
  • additional information may be input into, and retrieved from, the data storage unit 170 through the use of the data input port 153 and the data output port 154.
  • the data storage unit 170 may store access information such as access records including biometric identification, times when accessed, times when biometric data was stored, or times when biometric data was updated. Information, such as access records may then be retrieved from the storage unit 170 through the data output port 154.
  • FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart 200 of a preferred embodiment of the present , invention.
  • biometric data is read from a user.
  • the user provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, to the authorizing biometric reader 120.
  • Biometric indicators from the biometric identifier are then scanned and captured by the authorizing biometric reader 120.
  • the biometric data is then converted into a reduced data code by a recognition algorithm.
  • biometric data and unique identifying information are then encoded by the identification/biometric data encoder 130.
  • the biometric data, unique identifying information, and status information are then sent to the transmitter 140.
  • the encoded biometric data and unique identifying information are broadcast to the access control units 150 of the wireless biometric access control system 100 by the transmitter 140.
  • the broadcast biometric data, unique identifying information, and status information are detected by each access control unit 150.
  • the biometric data and unique identifying information are received by the receivers 155 of each access control unit 150.
  • the biometric data and unique identifying information are then sent to the identification/biometric data decoder 160. If the room number information received by the access control unit 150 from the authorizing unit 105 matches the identification designation of the access control unit 150, then the room number decoder sends the biometric data to the data storage unit 170.
  • the biometric data is then stored in the data storage unit 170.
  • biometric data may be stored in different types of memory.
  • biometric data is stored in different memory depending on the status information, such as guest or hotel personnel, input at tat Step 220.
  • guest biometric data may be stored in guest memory while hotel personnel, such as managerial or housekeeping staff, biometric data may be stored in administrative memory.
  • an administrative code may be sent from the authorizing unit 105 directing the control processing unit 158 to store biometric data in the administrative memory.
  • a basic code may be sent from the authorizing unit 105 directing the control processing unit 158 to store biometric data in the guest memory. Different types of code may be sent and stored in different types of memory.
  • the biometric data may be stored in guest memory if the access control unit 150 receives a basic, or guest, code. If the unique identifying information does not match the identification designation, however, the control processing unit 158 will ignore the biometric data, at step 254, and not store the biometric data in the guest memory. If the unique identifying information matches the identification designation, the control processing unit 158 will store the biometric data in the guest memory. Guest biometric data may be overwritten, at step 252, with each new guest registration. Alternatively, guest biometric data may be re-allocated, at step 253, in guest memory. For example, guest memory may store up to twenty five sets of biometric data. When the twenty-sixth guest registers, the first set of biometric data may then be overwritten. Alternatively, sets of biometric data of previous guests may be stored in guest memory.
  • the biometric data may be stored in administrative memory if an administrative code is received by the access control unit 150.
  • Administrative memory stores biometric data of hotel personnel such as managers or housekeeping personnel. If the unique identifying information does not match the identification designation, however, the control processing unit 158 will ignore the biometric data, at step 254, and not store the biometric data in the administrative memory. If the unique identifying information matches the identification designation, the control processing unit 158 will store the biometric data in the administrative memory. Managerial or housekeeping biometric data may be overwritten, at step 256, with each new administrative registration. Alternatively, managerial or housekeeping biometric data may be re-allocated, at step 257, in administrative memory. Alternatively, at steps 249 and 259, biometric data and codes may be input via the data input port 153. Various forms of information, such as access records, may then be accessed through the data output port 154.
  • a user seeking to gain access to the restricted area provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190 at the access control unit 150. That is, biometric data from the biometric identifier is captured by the access biometric reader 190. The biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190 is then sent to the comparator 180.
  • the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170 is retrieved by the comparator 180. The biometric data retrieved from the data storage unit 170 by the comparator 180 is compared to the biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190. The comparison of the biometric data captured and the biometric data stored causes the comparator to make an access control decision.
  • the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to open. Therefore, at step 290, access to the restricted area is granted if the biometric data stored matches the biometric data captured. If the biometric data stored does not match the biometric data captured, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to remain locked. Therefore, at step 280, access to the restricted area is denied if the biometric data stored does not match the biometric data captured.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates a wireless airline access control system 300 for use in the airline industry according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.
  • the control system 300 includes an authorization/registration desk 305 and one or more remote airline access control units 350.
  • the authorization/registration desk unit 305 includes an input device 315, a biometric reader 320, a data processor 325, a data output/display 330, a unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335, a transmitter 340 and an antenna 345.
  • the access control units 350 include an antenna 355, a receiver 360, a unit identifier/biometric data decoder 365, a data storage unit 370, a compare and control processor 380, a biometric reader 390, and an access lock 395.
  • the access control units 350 also preferably include a data input/output port 375.
  • the airline access control system 300 may be used to regulate, record, and trace access to restricted areas of an airplane or airline terminal or facility, for example.
  • the authorization/registration desk 305 may preferably be located, for example, in a terminal or other secure area so that persons registering with the airline access control system 300 may be pre-screened for proscribed items or materials.
  • An airline access control unit 350 may grant or deny access to a sensitive area, such as the cockpit of an airplane, for example.
  • the system registration authorization desk 305 generally performs three functions: first, the desk 305 verifies the identity of a user presented at the registration/authorization desk 305; second, the desk 305 determines the specific access control units 350 to allow the user to have access through; third, the desk 305 instructs the specific access control units 350 to allow the user to have access through them.
  • a user such as an airline employee, pilot or other crew member seeking entrance to an area secured by an airline access control unit 350 first approaches the authorization/registration desk 305.
  • the user is identified and a biometric identifier of the user is obtained at the biometric reader 320.
  • the biometric identifier is preferably a fingerprint, but may be a different biometric identifier such as a retinal, hand, or face scan, a voiceprint, or a DNA coding.
  • the biometric reader 320 relays the biometric identifier to the data processor 325.
  • the data processor 325 preferably contains biometric identifiers and access information for each user. Alternatively, the biometric identifiers and access information may be imported from an external access system through the input device 315.
  • the access information may include a profile of specific airline access control units 350 that the user is allowed to access or may include information such as the user's job description which may be if use in determining access to specific access control units 350. For example, only users employed as pilots, copilots, or engineers may be granted access through the access control unit securing the cockpit of an airplane, for example.
  • the data processor 325 then compares the biometric identifier received from the biometric reader 320 to the stored biometric identifiers. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the data processor 325 may compared the biometric identifier received from the biometric reader 320 with biometric data supplied through the input device 315 by an external access control system.
  • the data processor 325 finds a match, the data processor the preferably displays the matching data via the data output/display 330.
  • the data output/display may display a picture of the user related to the biometric identifier, the user's work assignment, access privileges, or other information.
  • the data output/display 330 may be monitored by security personnel to provide a confirmation that the user presenting the biometric identifier is the user displayed at the data output/display 330 rather than an imposter. New users may also be registered at the authorization/registration desk 305 as described above.
  • the user's biometric identifiers may be determined by the biometric reader 320 and additional information about the users may be received from the input reader 315. Alternatively, biometric data and additional information may be received at the input reader 315 from an external access control system.
  • the system 300 may await a "go-ahead” signal from security personnel before performing further operation.
  • the "go-ahead” signal may be provided by security personnel once the security personnel are satisfied that the identity of the user is genuine.
  • the "go- ahead” signal may be provided through the input device 315, for example.
  • the input device 315 may include an additional security identification system such as a card reader or voiceprint reader, for example.
  • the input device 315 may provide communication with an external access control device.
  • the external access control device may be a previously installed access control system or a centralized monitoring and control station.
  • the system 300 determines which access control units 350 to allow the user to have access though. Several options may be implemented. First, once the user's identity has been verified, the user may simply be provided with access through all access control units. Second, the user may be provided with access to a subset of the access control units based on the user's job description, a request entered by the user through the input device 315, or through a work assignment.
  • the system 300 may be configured to only allow pilots (and copilots and engineers) to have access through an access control unit 350 securing the cockpit of an airplane. Additionally, the system may configured to only allow baggage handlers access to baggage areas or to only allow reservation specialists to have access to reservation equipment.
  • access control units 350 may be used to secure virtually everything. For example, open areas such as cockpits and airplane hangers may be secured, storerooms and access to spare parts or airplane fuel may be secured, optional gun lockers installed in airplane cockpits may be secured, ground equipment such as baggage loaders and mobile stairways may be secured (with the simple substitution of an engine cut-out instead of the access lock 395), and flight and guest reservation terminals may be secured.
  • the system 300 may be configured to provide access through an access control unit 350 designated by the user.
  • a pilot may designate an access control unit 350 securing the cockpit of a plane that the pilot is about to fly.
  • the system 300 may be configured to allow pilots access to cockpits generally and then wait for the pilot to input the specific cockpit that the pilot wishes to gain access to.
  • the system 300 may be configured so that the user's work assignment, and thus the access control units 350 through which the user has access, are configured by someone other than the user.
  • security personnel may have a listing of work assignments and may key in specific access control units 350 or sets of access control units 350 through which a user may have access.
  • This data may be provided via the input device 315.
  • the list or work assignment may be directly electronically downloaded to the data processor.
  • a central office may download the set of access control units 350 through which the user is to be allowed access that shift.
  • the system may be configured so that each time a user is identified at the authorization/registration desk 305, a query is sent from the desk 305 to a central office to gain access control information from the central office.
  • the system 300 then instructs the designated access control units 350 to allow the user to pass. That is, once the user's identity and the respective access control units have been determined and matched at the data processor 325, the data processor 325 relayed the user data and access control data to the unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335.
  • the unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335 packages and encodes the user's biometric data and the identifiers of the specific access control units 350 for transmission to the access control units 350.
  • the packaged data is then passes to the transmitter 340 and antenna 345 and is preferably broadcast to all access control units 350 as described above in Figures 1-2.
  • the data broadcast by the antenna 345 may also include control information for the individual access control units.
  • the access control units may be instructed to provide access to the user for narrow windows or only at designated times. For example, a user may only be allowed access to a control room for no longer than 10 minutes without triggering an alarm. Additionally, the user may only be allowed to initiate the access to the control room from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm, for example.
  • each access control unit includes a unique identifier.
  • Each individual access control unit receives the broadcast from the authorization/registration desk 305 and determines whether the broadcast includes commands for that specific access control unit by comparing its unique identifier to the identifiers contained in the broadcast. This determination is performed in the unit identifier/biometric data decoder 365.
  • the access control unit If none of the broadcasted identifiers match the particular access control unit's unique identifier, the access control unit does nothing and remains quiescent. If one of the broadcasted identifiers matches the particular access control unit's unique identifier, the access control unit activates and stores the broadcasted biometric data and optional command data in the data storage unit 370. The user's biometric data is then available at the access control unit 350 for comparison. When the user seeks to gain access through the access control system 350, the user presents their biometric data at the access biometric reader 390. The biometric data is then passed to the compare and control processor 380 which compares the biometric data from the access biometric reader 390 with the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 370.
  • the compare and control processor 380 commands the access lock 395 to disengage and to thus provide access through the access control unit 350. If the biometric data from the access biometric reader 390 does not match the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 370, the compare and control processor 380 does not disengage the access lock 395 and preferably indicates a failure to the user, for example through the use of a visual indicator such as an LED.
  • the access control unit 350 may transmit an alarm signal to security personnel when a failure is indicated.
  • the access control unit 350 may additionally be configured to allow a certain number of failures, for example, two failures, before triggering an alarm.
  • the access control units 350 are preferably equipped with a "time-out" feature so that biometric identifiers sent to the control units 350 are only valid for a limited time.
  • the control units 350 may be configured so that a biometric identifier may provide access through a control unit 350 for only 8 or nine hours, or however long the user's shift lasts. The user is thus unable to gain access to restricted areas after their shift is over.
  • the "time-out" feature may be set to a default and then further configured through instructions from the authorization/registration desk 305.
  • the access control units 350 are preferably equipped with data storage units 370 of sufficient capacity to store a large number of biometric identifiers as well as information regarding entries, as described above. For example, the time and user identity of each entrant is preferably recorded.
  • the data storage unit 370 may thus be used to track the access and movements of users if necessary.
  • the access control units preferably record each failed reading and preferably record not only the timing of the reading, but the biometric identifier that was read as well, for example, in order to assist in tracking those who are seeking access illegitimately.
  • the data stored in the data storage unit 370 may be accessed through the data input/output port 375, for example for transport to a centralized area for examination or archiving. Additionally, commands may be sent to the compare and control processor 380 through the data input/output port 375.

Abstract

Figure 1 is a wireless biometric access control system (100). The wireless biometric access control system (100) includes an authorizing unit (105) and one or more access control units (150). The authorizing unit (105) includes an input device (115), an authorizing biometric reader (120), an authorizing processing unit (110), a data output or display (126), a transmitter (140), and authorizing unit antenna (145). The authorizing processing unit (110) includes an authorizing storage unit (125) an identification/biometric data encoder (130). Each access control unit (150) includes an access control unit antenna (152), a receiver (155), a control processing unit (158), a data input port (153), a data output port (154), an access biometric reader (190), and an access lock (195). The control processing unit (158) includes an identification/biometric data decoder (160), a data storage unit (170), and a comparator (180). The authorizing unit (105) wirelessly transmits unique identifying information, such as room number information, and biometric data to the access control unit (150). The access control unit (150) receives and stores the wireless transmission sent from the authorizing unit (105).

Description

WIRELESS BIOMETRIC ACCESS CONTROL SYSTEM
Cross-Reference to Related Applications
This application is a continuation-in-part of and claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 09/716,591 entitled "Wireless Biometric Access Control System" filed November 20, 2000, which claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/239,139 entitled "Wireless Biometric Access Control System" filed October 10, 2000, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety.
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to a wireless biometric access control system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a wireless biometric access control system including an authorization unit for obtaining biometric data and wirelessly transmitting the biometric data for storage at an access control unit. The access control unit uses the stored biometric data to make access control decisions.
Background of the Invention
Access to restricted areas, such as offices, airplane cockpits computer rooms, hotel rooms or laboratories, may be controlled through various ways. The lock and key method is one example of controlling access. The lock and key method, however, requires that the individual wishing to gain access to the restricted area retain the key.
Keys are sometimes lost, misplaced, or stolen. Offices, airplane cockpits, hotel rooms, and other restricted areas face various problems when keys are lost or stolen. Whoever finds the key may gain access to the restricted area. Typically, the owner of the restricted area must then change the locks to avoid any unwanted entry into the restricted area. The lock and key method thus has significant disadvantages in controlling access to restricted areas. Several alternatives to the lock and key method are well known. For example, door access control systems, such as numerical code based systems, may be employed to control access to restricted areas. Some door access control systems employ the use of disposable card keys that may be overridden through the issuance of a new card key. Thus, the problems associated with missing keys are typically alleviated because a new code or a newly issued card key will override the former code or lost card key and the former code or lost card key can no longer be used to gain access.
Door access control systems typically include door mounted access control units that are connected to a control interface. Typically, each door includes a manually operable input device such as a keypad or a card reader. To gain access, an individual typically enters a code, either manually or via a card reader, that is then forwarded to the control interface and onto the access control unit for authorization. If the individual is authorized, the access control unit signals the respective module to unlock the respective door.
Biometric access control systems do not require the use of external keys or access codes in order to gain access to a restricted area. Instead, biometric identifiers, such as fingerprints, are typically used to control access into a restricted area. This biometric access control system is an enrolling type of system. That is, an authorized person may be enrolled into the system by submitting a biometric identifier, such as a finger print, to an authorizing unit. The individual's biometric data may then be used to control the individual's access into a restricted area in the same way that an access code or a key card may be used to control access into a restricted area.
Typically, in a wired system of this type, the authorizing unit is directly wired to each access control unit. Wiring may be expensive. Wiring may also be difficult to install and service. In an attempt to alleviate the drawbacks associated with wiring, wireless access control systems were developed.
Wireless access control systems, however, also suffer from several drawbacks. For example, the presence of high levels of wireless transmissions within a building such as a hotel may be problematic. The high levels of wireless transmissions within the hotel may interfere with communications systems, radios, and televisions within the hotel. Alternatively, users of wireless access control systems may be unable to enter restricted areas if an interference source prevents signal transmission between the remote unit and the centralized unit. Also, the high levels of wireless transmissions may yield higher energy costs due to the frequent back-and-forth wireless communication between the access control unit located at the door of the restricted area and the centralized authorizing unit.
Thus, a need has existed for an improved access control system. A need has also existed for such a wireless access control system with lower transmission levels and improved accessibility. A need has also existed for an access control system that provides better security. A need has also existed for an access control system that minimizes or eliminates the use of keys. Further, a need has existed for an access control system that minimizes the problems associated with frequent user, or guest, changes.
Summary of the Invention
A wireless biometric access control system stores biometric data wirelessly received from an authorizing unit for use in access control decisions. The access control unit preferably includes a receiver, a control processing unit, a data input port and a data output port, an access biometric reader, and an access lock. The authorizing unit preferably includes an authorizing biometric reader, an input device, an authorizing processing unit, and a transmitter.
Brief Description of the Drawings
FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart of the control protocol for a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system.
Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments
FIG. 1 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the present wireless biometric access control system 100. The wireless biometric access control system 100 includes an authorizing unit 105 and one or more access control units 150. The authorizing unit 105 includes an input device 115, an authorizing biometric reader 120, an authorizing processing unit 110, a data output or display 126, a transmitter 140, and an authorizing unit antenna 145. The authorizing processing unit 110 includes an authorizing storage unit 125 and an identification/biometric data encoder 130. Each access control unit 150 includes an access control unit antenna 152, a receiver 155, a control processing unit 158, a data input port 153, a data output port 154, an access biometric reader 190, and an access lock 195. The control processing unit 158 includes an identification/biometric data decoder 160, a data storage unit 170, and a comparator 180.
The authorizing unit 105 wirelessly transmits unique identifying information, such as room number information, and biometric data to the access control unit 150. The access control unit 150 receives and stores the wireless transmission sent from the authorizing unit 105. A biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, is provided via the access biometric reader 190. The control processing unit 158 then compares biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to the stored biometric data. Then, the control processing unit 158 directs the access lock 195 included within the access control unit 150. Also, biometric data and other forms of information may be input and retrieved from the access control unit 150 via the data input port 153 and data output port 154 respectively.
In operation, the authorizing unit 105 registers an individual's biometric data via the authorizing biometric reader 120, or may alternatively take the biometric data from another access control system, and combines the biometric data with unique identifying information, such as room number information, PIN number, etc. which is input via the input device 115. Then, the authorizing unit 105 transmits the unique identifying information and biometric data to the access control unit 150. The access control unit 150 stores the transmitted biometric data in the data storage unit 170. An individual wishing to gain access to the restricted area provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190. The control processing unit 158 compares the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170. If the biometric data matches, then the individual is granted access to the restricted area. A second or third identifier, such as a PIN number for example, may also be desired for matching.
As mentioned above, the authorizing unit 105 registers the individual's biometric data via the authorizing biometric reader 120. That is, an individual presents biometric data to the authorizing biometric reader 120 or the biometric data is taken from previously stored data. Then, the authorizing biometric reader 120 scans the individual's biometric data, such as a fingerprint for example, and extracts biometric indicators. The authorizing biometric reader 120 captures various points of identification from the biometric identifier. That is, the biometric reader 120 scans the biometric identification and extracts the biometric identification from the biometric identifier. The authorizing biometric reader 120 subjects the biometric identification to a recognition algorithm that converts the scanned biometric identifier image into a much smaller data code. The authorizing biometric reader 120 then sends the smaller data code of biometric identification, or biometric data, to the authorizing storage unit 125 of the authorizing processing unit 110. Additionally, the biometric data may be encrypted before storage. Next, an operator such as a registrar may input information such as room number for flight number information via the input device 115. The input device 115 may be a computer keyboard or touch-sensitive monitor. The room number or flight number information is then sent to the authorizing storage unit 125. The identification/biometric data encoder 130 then receives the biometric data and the unique identifying information, such as room number information, from the authorizing storage unit 125. The unique identifying information, such as room number information, and the biometric data may then be encoded and encrypted. That is, the identification/biometric data encoder 130 may then match and combine the unique identifying information, such as room number or flight number information with the biometric data.
Once the unique identifying information and biometric data have been matched and combined, registration is complete. Preferably, the registration information is the biometric data and the room number or flight number information.
Once the individual is registered, the identification/biometric data encoder 130 then supplies the encoded registration information to the transmitter 140. The transmitter 140 then broadcasts the registration information to each access control unit 150 within the wireless biometric access control system 100. The transmitter 140 may also broadcast the registration information to one or more repeaters. A repeater may then re-transmit the registration information that the repeater received from the authorizing unit 105. That is, the wireless signals may become attenuated after travelling through multiple floors. The repeater may be positioned to overcome the attenuation by receiving and re-transmitting wireless signals from the authorizing unit 105. Preferably, the transmitter broadcasts the registration information at a frequency of 850 MHz to 950 MHz, or 2.4 GHz.
Each access control unit 150 is assigned an individual identification designation such as a room number or flight number designation. If the access control unit's 150 identification designation matches the unique identifying information, such as room number or flight number information, of the registration information broadcast by the authorizing unit 105, that particular access control unit 150 stores the biometric data within the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150. That is, first the registration information broadcast by the authorizing unit 105 is received by the receiver 155 of the access control unit 150. The receiver 155 then provides the registration information to the identification/biometric data decoder 160. The identification/biometric data decoder 160 then compares the unique identifying information of the registration information to the identification designation of the access control unit 150. If the unique identifying information matches the identification designation, then the identification/biometric data decoder 160 stores the biometric data in the data storage unit 170. If the unique identifying information does not match the identification designation, then the identification/biometric data decoder 160 does not store the biometric data in the data storage unit 170. The data storage unit 170 includes sufficient memory to store the biometric data of the registration information. Preferably, the data storage unit 170 includes a memory cache of at least 84 bytes for each set of biometric data. Also, preferably, the data storage unit 170 has sufficient memory to store at least twenty-five sets of biometric data. Preferably, the data storage unit 170 stores the most recent set of biometric data. Each new set of biometric data submitted to the data storage unit 170 may overwrite the previous set of biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170. Alternatively, the biometric data stored in the storage unit 170 may be deleted after a pre-determined time.
Once the data storage unit 170 has stored the biometric data, the biometric data may be compared to biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 to determine access control decisions. That is, a user may provide biometric data, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190. The access biometric reader 190 then provides the biometric data to the comparator 180. The comparator 180 retrieves the stored biometric data from the data storage unit 170. The comparator 180 then compares the biometric data from the data storage unit 170 to the biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190. If the comparator 180 determines that the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 matches the biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to open. If the comparator 180 determines that the biometric data from the access biometric reader 190 does not match the biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to remain locked.
Access information and data may also be input directly into the data storage unit 170 via the data input port 153. Biometric data and other information may also be retrieved from the data storage unit 170 via the data output port 154. Preferably, the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 are types of plug-and-play ports. For example, the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 may be Universal
Serial Bus ports or RS-232 ports. Alternatively, the data input port 153 and the data output port 154 may be infrared detectors or other forms of wireless detectors. The data input port 153 allows an individual, such as a hotel manager or flight crew manager, to directly input biometric data, such as that of maids or maintenance personnel, into the data storage unit 170. The biometric data is then stored in the data storage unit 170 and retrieved by the comparator 180 as described above.
Several alternative embodiments of the wireless biometric access control system 100 may be developed by those skilled in the art. For example, the authorizing unit 105 may include an expiration time encoder wherein the expiration time is the time when an individual is no longer permitted access to the restricted area. That is, an operator at the input device 115 may enter expiration time information during the registration process for encoding and transmission as part of the registration information. The expiration time encoder may encode the expiration time. The access control unit 150 may receive and store the expiration time information. Once the expiration time has passed, the biometric data is deleted from the data storage unit 170 or access is otherwise denied. Consequently, the access control unit 150 will not grant a user access to the restricted area after the expiration date has passed.
Also, when the wireless biometric access control system 100 is employed in a large building, such as hotel or airport, repeaters may be employed to ensure that the registration information is broadcast to all the access control units 150. The repeaters may receive the wireless signals from the authorizing unit 105 and re-transmit the wireless signals. Additionally, the repeaters may receive and re-transmit wireless signals from other repeaters. Access control units 150 may then receive the retransmitted wireless signals from the repeaters. In smaller systems, repeaters may not be necessary if the broadcast power of the authorizing unit is sufficient to reach the access control unit 150.
Also alternatively, the wireless biometric access control system 100 may include a maintenance mode. In maintenance mode, maintenance codes may be sent from the authorization unit 105 to the access control units 150. The maintenance codes may include an all open mode. In all open mode, the access control units 150 may be directed to open their access locks 195 when any biometric data is received. The maintenance codes may also include an all lock mode. In all lock mode, the access control units 150 may be directed to lock their access locks 195. Maintenance mode may be initiated via commands from the authorizing unit 105 or the data input port 153, for example.
Alternatively, the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150 may include additional memory to allow the storage of additional biometric data for allowing more than one person to have access privileges at one time. The additional memory may hold biometric data for additional guests such as the other crew members, spouse or children of the registrant, or hold biometric data for maintenance staff, cleaning staff, or hotel managers. The access control unit 150 may be programmed to accept more than one set of biometric data. Additional sets of biometric data may require more storage capacity within the data storage unit 170. To accommodate more than one set of biometric data, the data storage unit 170 may include increased storage capacity.
In addition to storing additional biometric data, the data storage unit 170 of the access control unit 150 may include additional memory. The additional memory of the storage unit 170 may store records of previous crews registrants or guests as history files. History files may be referenced with respect to administrative records such as billing, or dates of registration. Preferably, history files may not be used to permit a previous'guest access to a restricted area. Preferably, the data storage unit 170 may include additional memory for storing at least twenty-five sets of biometric data of the most recent crews or guests. Additionally, the data storage unit 170 may include separate memory for storing access records such as times when the restricted area was accessed.
The biometric data stored at the access control unit 150 may be accessed through the data output port 154. The biometric data stored at the data storage unit may allow an individual to access information such as length of stay, access records, times of access, or dates when biometric data was overwritten via the data output port 154.
Also, alternatively, the control processing unit 158 may be programmed to retain previously submitted biometric information. That is, instead of automatically overwriting the previous set of biometric data contained in the data storage unit 170 when a new set of biometric data is submitted by the identification/biometric data decoder 160, the control processing unit 158 may retain the biometric data. Alternatively, the control processing unit 158 may be programmed to overwrite the previously stored biometric data only if the authorizing unit 105 specifically commands the control processing unit 158 of the access control unit 150 to overwrite the biometric data. Further, the control processing unit 158 may be programmed to store a specified number of biometric data within the data storage unit 170. For example, the data storage unit 170 may store ten sets of biometric data. When the eleventh individual is registered, the first individual's set of biometric data may be deleted.
Additionally, the access control unit 150 may include a manual override. The manual override may allow an operator, such as a hotel manager, to enter the restricted area without using the access biometric reader 190 of the access control unit 150. The manual override may allow the official to gain access to the restricted area through the use of a key, keycard or keypad, for example.
Additionally, the authorizing storage unit 125 may record or store biometric data for each guest or for a number of recent guests. Preferably, the authorizing storage unit 125 may be able to store at least one thousand sets of biometric data of the most recent guests. The sets of biometric data of previous guests are stored as history files within additional memory. The biometric data stored at the authorizing storage unit 125 may allow an individual, such as a hotel manager, to retrieve information for administrative purposes such as billing information, length of stay, or time of departure. That is, information such as billing information may be referenced with respect to biometric data. Therefore, billing information may be retrieved when biometric data is referenced at the authorizing unit 105.
Alternatively, additional information may be input into, and retrieved from, the data storage unit 170 through the use of the data input port 153 and the data output port 154. The data storage unit 170 may store access information such as access records including biometric identification, times when accessed, times when biometric data was stored, or times when biometric data was updated. Information, such as access records may then be retrieved from the storage unit 170 through the data output port 154.
FIG. 2 illustrates a flow chart 200 of a preferred embodiment of the present , invention. First, at step 210, biometric data is read from a user. The user provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, to the authorizing biometric reader 120.
Biometric indicators from the biometric identifier are then scanned and captured by the authorizing biometric reader 120. The biometric data is then converted into a reduced data code by a recognition algorithm.
At step 220, unique identifying information such as room number information is input by an operator using the input device 115. Additionally, status information, such as whether the biometric data is guest biometric data or hotel personnel biometric data, is input. At step 230, the biometric data and unique identifying information are then encoded by the identification/biometric data encoder 130. The biometric data, unique identifying information, and status information are then sent to the transmitter 140. Next, at step 240, the encoded biometric data and unique identifying information are broadcast to the access control units 150 of the wireless biometric access control system 100 by the transmitter 140.
At step 250, the broadcast biometric data, unique identifying information, and status information are detected by each access control unit 150. The biometric data and unique identifying information are received by the receivers 155 of each access control unit 150. The biometric data and unique identifying information are then sent to the identification/biometric data decoder 160. If the room number information received by the access control unit 150 from the authorizing unit 105 matches the identification designation of the access control unit 150, then the room number decoder sends the biometric data to the data storage unit 170. The biometric data is then stored in the data storage unit 170.
Depending on the type of code sent from the authorizing unit 105 or input at the data input port 153, biometric data may be stored in different types of memory. In other words, biometric data is stored in different memory depending on the status information, such as guest or hotel personnel, input at tat Step 220. For example, guest biometric data may be stored in guest memory while hotel personnel, such as managerial or housekeeping staff, biometric data may be stored in administrative memory. That is, an administrative code may be sent from the authorizing unit 105 directing the control processing unit 158 to store biometric data in the administrative memory. Also, a basic code may be sent from the authorizing unit 105 directing the control processing unit 158 to store biometric data in the guest memory. Different types of code may be sent and stored in different types of memory. At step 251, the biometric data may be stored in guest memory if the access control unit 150 receives a basic, or guest, code. If the unique identifying information does not match the identification designation, however, the control processing unit 158 will ignore the biometric data, at step 254, and not store the biometric data in the guest memory. If the unique identifying information matches the identification designation, the control processing unit 158 will store the biometric data in the guest memory. Guest biometric data may be overwritten, at step 252, with each new guest registration. Alternatively, guest biometric data may be re-allocated, at step 253, in guest memory. For example, guest memory may store up to twenty five sets of biometric data. When the twenty-sixth guest registers, the first set of biometric data may then be overwritten. Alternatively, sets of biometric data of previous guests may be stored in guest memory.
At step 255, the biometric data may be stored in administrative memory if an administrative code is received by the access control unit 150. Administrative memory stores biometric data of hotel personnel such as managers or housekeeping personnel. If the unique identifying information does not match the identification designation, however, the control processing unit 158 will ignore the biometric data, at step 254, and not store the biometric data in the administrative memory. If the unique identifying information matches the identification designation, the control processing unit 158 will store the biometric data in the administrative memory. Managerial or housekeeping biometric data may be overwritten, at step 256, with each new administrative registration. Alternatively, managerial or housekeeping biometric data may be re-allocated, at step 257, in administrative memory. Alternatively, at steps 249 and 259, biometric data and codes may be input via the data input port 153. Various forms of information, such as access records, may then be accessed through the data output port 154.
Next, at step 260, a user seeking to gain access to the restricted area provides a biometric identifier, such as a fingerprint, via the access biometric reader 190 at the access control unit 150. That is, biometric data from the biometric identifier is captured by the access biometric reader 190. The biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190 is then sent to the comparator 180. At step 270, the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 170 is retrieved by the comparator 180. The biometric data retrieved from the data storage unit 170 by the comparator 180 is compared to the biometric data captured by the access biometric reader 190. The comparison of the biometric data captured and the biometric data stored causes the comparator to make an access control decision. If the biometric data stored matches the biometric data captured, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to open. Therefore, at step 290, access to the restricted area is granted if the biometric data stored matches the biometric data captured. If the biometric data stored does not match the biometric data captured, the comparator 180 directs the access lock 195 to remain locked. Therefore, at step 280, access to the restricted area is denied if the biometric data stored does not match the biometric data captured.
Figure 3 illustrates a wireless airline access control system 300 for use in the airline industry according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. The control system 300 includes an authorization/registration desk 305 and one or more remote airline access control units 350. The authorization/registration desk unit 305 includes an input device 315, a biometric reader 320, a data processor 325, a data output/display 330, a unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335, a transmitter 340 and an antenna 345. The access control units 350 include an antenna 355, a receiver 360, a unit identifier/biometric data decoder 365, a data storage unit 370, a compare and control processor 380, a biometric reader 390, and an access lock 395. The access control units 350 also preferably include a data input/output port 375. The airline access control system 300 may be used to regulate, record, and trace access to restricted areas of an airplane or airline terminal or facility, for example. The authorization/registration desk 305 may preferably be located, for example, in a terminal or other secure area so that persons registering with the airline access control system 300 may be pre-screened for proscribed items or materials. An airline access control unit 350 may grant or deny access to a sensitive area, such as the cockpit of an airplane, for example.
The system registration authorization desk 305 generally performs three functions: first, the desk 305 verifies the identity of a user presented at the registration/authorization desk 305; second, the desk 305 determines the specific access control units 350 to allow the user to have access through; third, the desk 305 instructs the specific access control units 350 to allow the user to have access through them.
In operation, a user such as an airline employee, pilot or other crew member seeking entrance to an area secured by an airline access control unit 350 first approaches the authorization/registration desk 305. At the authorization/registration desk 305, the user is identified and a biometric identifier of the user is obtained at the biometric reader 320. As mentioned above, the biometric identifier is preferably a fingerprint, but may be a different biometric identifier such as a retinal, hand, or face scan, a voiceprint, or a DNA coding.
The biometric reader 320 relays the biometric identifier to the data processor 325. The data processor 325 preferably contains biometric identifiers and access information for each user. Alternatively, the biometric identifiers and access information may be imported from an external access system through the input device 315. The access information may include a profile of specific airline access control units 350 that the user is allowed to access or may include information such as the user's job description which may be if use in determining access to specific access control units 350. For example, only users employed as pilots, copilots, or engineers may be granted access through the access control unit securing the cockpit of an airplane, for example.
The data processor 325 then compares the biometric identifier received from the biometric reader 320 to the stored biometric identifiers. Alternatively, as mentioned above, the data processor 325 may compared the biometric identifier received from the biometric reader 320 with biometric data supplied through the input device 315 by an external access control system.
If the data processor 325 finds a match, the data processor the preferably displays the matching data via the data output/display 330. For example, the data output/display may display a picture of the user related to the biometric identifier, the user's work assignment, access privileges, or other information. The data output/display 330 may be monitored by security personnel to provide a confirmation that the user presenting the biometric identifier is the user displayed at the data output/display 330 rather than an imposter. New users may also be registered at the authorization/registration desk 305 as described above. The user's biometric identifiers may be determined by the biometric reader 320 and additional information about the users may be received from the input reader 315. Alternatively, biometric data and additional information may be received at the input reader 315 from an external access control system.
Once the user's data is displayed on the data output/display 330, the system 300 may await a "go-ahead" signal from security personnel before performing further operation. The "go-ahead" signal may be provided by security personnel once the security personnel are satisfied that the identity of the user is genuine. The "go- ahead" signal may be provided through the input device 315, for example.
Additionally, the input device 315 may include an additional security identification system such as a card reader or voiceprint reader, for example. Alternatively, the input device 315 may provide communication with an external access control device. For example, the external access control device may be a previously installed access control system or a centralized monitoring and control station.
Once the identity of the user is ascertained, the system 300 then determines which access control units 350 to allow the user to have access though. Several options may be implemented. First, once the user's identity has been verified, the user may simply be provided with access through all access control units. Second, the user may be provided with access to a subset of the access control units based on the user's job description, a request entered by the user through the input device 315, or through a work assignment.
With regard to granting access based on the user's job description, as mentioned above, the system 300 may be configured to only allow pilots (and copilots and engineers) to have access through an access control unit 350 securing the cockpit of an airplane. Additionally, the system may configured to only allow baggage handlers access to baggage areas or to only allow reservation specialists to have access to reservation equipment.
Additionally, note that the access control units 350 may be used to secure virtually everything. For example, open areas such as cockpits and airplane hangers may be secured, storerooms and access to spare parts or airplane fuel may be secured, optional gun lockers installed in airplane cockpits may be secured, ground equipment such as baggage loaders and mobile stairways may be secured (with the simple substitution of an engine cut-out instead of the access lock 395), and flight and guest reservation terminals may be secured.
With regard to granting access based on the user's request, the system 300 may be configured to provide access through an access control unit 350 designated by the user. For example, a pilot may designate an access control unit 350 securing the cockpit of a plane that the pilot is about to fly. The system 300 may be configured to allow pilots access to cockpits generally and then wait for the pilot to input the specific cockpit that the pilot wishes to gain access to.
With regard to granting access based on the user's work assignment, the system 300 may be configured so that the user's work assignment, and thus the access control units 350 through which the user has access, are configured by someone other than the user. For example, security personnel may have a listing of work assignments and may key in specific access control units 350 or sets of access control units 350 through which a user may have access. This data may be provided via the input device 315. Alternatively, the list or work assignment may be directly electronically downloaded to the data processor. For example, at the beginning of each user's shift, a central office may download the set of access control units 350 through which the user is to be allowed access that shift. Alternatively, the system may be configured so that each time a user is identified at the authorization/registration desk 305, a query is sent from the desk 305 to a central office to gain access control information from the central office.
Once the identity of the user has been ascertained and the specific access control units 350 to allow the user to have access through have been identified, the system 300 then instructs the designated access control units 350 to allow the user to pass. That is, once the user's identity and the respective access control units have been determined and matched at the data processor 325, the data processor 325 relayed the user data and access control data to the unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335. The unit identifier/biometric data encoder 335 packages and encodes the user's biometric data and the identifiers of the specific access control units 350 for transmission to the access control units 350. The packaged data is then passes to the transmitter 340 and antenna 345 and is preferably broadcast to all access control units 350 as described above in Figures 1-2.
The data broadcast by the antenna 345 may also include control information for the individual access control units. For example, the access control units may be instructed to provide access to the user for narrow windows or only at designated times. For example, a user may only be allowed access to a control room for no longer than 10 minutes without triggering an alarm. Additionally, the user may only be allowed to initiate the access to the control room from 1:00 pm to 1:15 pm, for example.
As mentioned above, each access control unit includes a unique identifier. Each individual access control unit receives the broadcast from the authorization/registration desk 305 and determines whether the broadcast includes commands for that specific access control unit by comparing its unique identifier to the identifiers contained in the broadcast. This determination is performed in the unit identifier/biometric data decoder 365.
If none of the broadcasted identifiers match the particular access control unit's unique identifier, the access control unit does nothing and remains quiescent. If one of the broadcasted identifiers matches the particular access control unit's unique identifier, the access control unit activates and stores the broadcasted biometric data and optional command data in the data storage unit 370. The user's biometric data is then available at the access control unit 350 for comparison. When the user seeks to gain access through the access control system 350, the user presents their biometric data at the access biometric reader 390. The biometric data is then passed to the compare and control processor 380 which compares the biometric data from the access biometric reader 390 with the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 370. If the biometric data^from the access biometric reader 390 matches the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 370, the compare and control processor 380 commands the access lock 395 to disengage and to thus provide access through the access control unit 350. If the biometric data from the access biometric reader 390 does not match the biometric data stored in the data storage unit 370, the compare and control processor 380 does not disengage the access lock 395 and preferably indicates a failure to the user, for example through the use of a visual indicator such as an LED.
Alternatively, the access control unit 350 may transmit an alarm signal to security personnel when a failure is indicated. The access control unit 350 may additionally be configured to allow a certain number of failures, for example, two failures, before triggering an alarm.
Also, note that the access control units 350 are preferably equipped with a "time-out" feature so that biometric identifiers sent to the control units 350 are only valid for a limited time. For example, the control units 350 may be configured so that a biometric identifier may provide access through a control unit 350 for only 8 or nine hours, or however long the user's shift lasts. The user is thus unable to gain access to restricted areas after their shift is over. Additionally, the "time-out" feature may be set to a default and then further configured through instructions from the authorization/registration desk 305.
Additionally, the access control units 350 are preferably equipped with data storage units 370 of sufficient capacity to store a large number of biometric identifiers as well as information regarding entries, as described above. For example, the time and user identity of each entrant is preferably recorded. The data storage unit 370 may thus be used to track the access and movements of users if necessary.
Also, the access control units preferably record each failed reading and preferably record not only the timing of the reading, but the biometric identifier that was read as well, for example, in order to assist in tracking those who are seeking access illegitimately.
The data stored in the data storage unit 370 may be accessed through the data input/output port 375, for example for transport to a centralized area for examination or archiving. Additionally, commands may be sent to the compare and control processor 380 through the data input/output port 375.
While particular embodiments and applications of the present invention have been shown and described, it is understood that the invention is not limited thereto since modifications may be made by those skilled in the art, particularly in light of the foregoing teaching. It is therefore contemplated by the appended claims to cover such modifications and incorporate those features which come within the scope of the invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:
1. An access control unit for use in a wireless biometric access control system wherein said access control unit stores biometric data received wirelessly from an authorizing unit for use in access control decisions.
2. The access control unit of claim 1 including an access biometric reader for capturing biometric data presented at said access control unit for comparison with said stored biometric data.
3. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein said access control unit includes an identification/biometric data decoder, said identification/biometric data decoder decoding received biometric data and received identifying information.
4. The access control unit of claim 3 wherein said access control unit includes a unique identifier and said access control unit stores at received biometric data when said received identifying information matches said unique identifier.
5. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein said access control unit stores a plurality of sets of biometric data.
6. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein said access control unit deletes said stored biometric data when new biometric data is received from said authorizing unit.
7. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein said access control unit stores said stored biometric data in additional memory when new biometric data is received from said authorizing unit.
8. The access control unit of claim 7 wherein said additional memory stores said stored biometric data as a history file.
9. The access control unit of claim 1 including an administrative memory wherein said administrative memory stores sets of biometric data of hotel personnel.
10. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein said access control unit controls access to the cockpit of an airplane.
11. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein unsuccessful attempts to gain access through said access control unit are recorded.
12. The access control unit of claim 1 wherein an unsuccessful attempt to gain access through said access control unit initiates an alarm.
13. An authorizing unit for use in a wireless biometric access control system wherein said authorizing unit transmits biometric data to at least one access control unit for storage at said access control unit for use in access control decisions.
14. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein said authorizing unit transmits unique identifying information to at least one of said access control units for use in storing said biometric data.
15. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein said unique identifying information includes room number information.
16. The authorizing unit of claim 13 including an authorizing biometric reader for capturing said biometric data.
17. The authorizing unit of claim 14 including an identification/biometric data encoder for encoding said biometric data and said unique identifying information.
18. The authorizing unit of claim 14 including a transmitter for broadcasting said biometric data and said unique identifying information to at least one of said access control units.
19. The authorizing unit of claim 15 wherein said authorizing unit receives said unique identifying information from an input device.
20. The authorizing unit of claim 14 wherein said authorizing unit includes an authorizing storage unit wherein said authorizing storage unit stores a plurality of sets of biometric data.
21. The authorizing unit of claim 14 wherein the identity of a user pertaining to said biometric data is confirmed at said authorizing unit.
22. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein biometric data pertaining to an individual user is internally stored in said authorizing unit.
23. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein biometric data pertaining to an individual user is supplied to said authorizing unit from an external access control unit.
24. The authorizing unit of claim 21 wherein the identity of a user pertaining to said biometric data is displayed at said authorizing unit.
25. The authorizing unit of claim 21 wherein the identity of a user pertaining to said biometric data is displayed at an external access control system.
26. The authorizing unit of claim 21 wherein the identity of a user pertaining to said biometric data is confirmed by someone other than said user.
27. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein said biometric data is matched with a set of access control units to provide access to said set of access control units.
28. The authorizing unit of claim 27 wherein said set of access control units is electronically delivered to said authorizing unit.
29. The authorizing unit of claim 27 wherein said set of access control units conforms to the job description of the user pertaining to said biometric data.
30. The authorizing unit of claim 13 wherein said authorizing unit provides access commands to an access control unit providing access to the cockpit of an airplane.
31. A wireless biometric access control system including: (a) an authorizing unit transmitting biometric data to an access control unit; and (b) an access control unit receiving said biometric data; wherein said access control unit stores said biometric data for use in access control
decisions.
32. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 31 wherein said authorizing unit transmits unique identifying information to an access control unit, and said access control unit receives said unique identifying information for use in storing said biometric data.
33. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 31 wherein said authorizing unit broadcasts expiration time information to at least one of said access control units for use in access control decisions.
34. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 31 wherein said authorizing unit broadcasts maintenance codes to at least one of said access control units for use in access control decisions.
35. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 31 wherein said maintenance codes include an all open mode for use in access control decisions.
36. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 31 wherein said maintenance codes include an all lock mode for use in access control decisions.
37. The wireless biometric access control system of claim 32 including a repeater receiving said unique identifying information and said biometric data from said authorizing unit, said repeater re-broadcasting said unique identifying information and said biometric data to said access control unit.
38. A method for controlling access including the steps of:
(a) storing biometric data received wirelessly from an authorizing unit at an access control unit; and
(b) using said biometric data to make an access control decision at said access control unit.
39. The method of claim 38 further including the step of capturing biometric data at said authorizing unit for use in said access control decision.
40. The method of claim 38 further including the step of presenting and capturing biometric data at said access control unit for use in said access control decision.
41. The method of claim 40 wherein said using step includes comparing said biometric data stored at said access control unit with said biometric data presented and captured at said access control unit.
42. The method of claim 41 wherein said using step includes granting access when said biometric data stored at said access control unit matches said biometric data presented and captured at said access control unit.
43. The method of claim 41 wherein said using step includes denying access when said biometric data stored at said access control unit does not match said biometric data presented and captured at said access control unit.
PCT/US2001/042614 2000-10-10 2001-10-10 Wireless biometric access control system WO2002032045A1 (en)

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US9344684B2 (en) 2011-08-05 2016-05-17 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods configured to enable content sharing between client terminals of a digital video management system
US10038872B2 (en) 2011-08-05 2018-07-31 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for managing video data
US10362273B2 (en) 2011-08-05 2019-07-23 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for managing video data
US10863143B2 (en) 2011-08-05 2020-12-08 Honeywell International Inc. Systems and methods for managing video data
US10523903B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2019-12-31 Honeywell International Inc. Computer implemented systems frameworks and methods configured for enabling review of incident data
US11523088B2 (en) 2013-10-30 2022-12-06 Honeywell Interntional Inc. Computer implemented systems frameworks and methods configured for enabling review of incident data

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