Access control method and apparatus
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An access control apparatus for selectively granting access to an area comprising:
- a controller including a processor and memory;
an access control device; and
means for collecting identification and image data;
wherein said controller is operative to compare identification data collected by said means for collecting with stored data in said memory and to operate said access control device to grant access to the area when the identification data corresponds to the stored data, and wherein said controller is operative to record image data output by said means for collecting in said memory and to present the image data for review.
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Abstract
An automated access control apparatus and method. Identification data is compared with stored data to determine if a person should be granted access to an area, such as a residence. Video image data of entrances and attempted entrances is recorded and time and date stamped to permit playback in real time or at a later time for review. Playback can be accomplished over a cable television system. The apparatus can be integrated with a home security/alarm system.
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Citations
16 Claims
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1. An access control apparatus for selectively granting access to an area comprising:
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a controller including a processor and memory;
an access control device; and
means for collecting identification and image data;
wherein said controller is operative to compare identification data collected by said means for collecting with stored data in said memory and to operate said access control device to grant access to the area when the identification data corresponds to the stored data, and wherein said controller is operative to record image data output by said means for collecting in said memory and to present the image data for review. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A method of controlling access to an area, said method comprising the steps of:
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comparing entrance data, which includes identification data, collected by a data collection device proximate an entrance to the area with stored data;
granting access to the area when the identification data corresponds to the stored data;
counting persons accessing the area;
repeatedly recording image data for a predetermined period of time; and
presenting the image data for review when a number of people counted during said counting step does not correspond to the number of people indicated by said entrance data. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16)
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Specification