Access control system with symbol recognition
First Claim
Patent Images
1. An access control system, comprising:
- (a) a plurality of identity badges including symbols located on each identity badge;
(b) a computer network for exchanging information between devices connected to said computer network;
(c) a video camera coupled to said computer network and operative to record digital images and send said digital images over said computer network;
(d) a badge reading computer connected to said computer network, said badge reading computer having access to said digital images and operative to execute symbol recognition software to identify said symbols on said identity badges from said digital images;
(e) a database coupled to said badge reading computer containing identity information and access control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge; and
(f) an access control computer connected to said computer network, operative to receive badge identity data from said badge reading computer and control access to a secure area,wherein said database further comprises camera control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge for initiating reprogramming of said camera and said access control computer is operative to reprogram said camera based on the cameral control information.
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Abstract
A video camera is located at a secure access point and is connected to a computer network. The camera is used as a conventional security camera and also provides automated assistance with access control. When an identity badge is presented to the camera by a person requesting access to the facility, a computer that is monitoring the camera recognizes a bar code or other symbols on the badge and accesses a database to locate information associated with that identity badge. This information is then used to determine if the person should be granted access.
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Citations
55 Claims
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1. An access control system, comprising:
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(a) a plurality of identity badges including symbols located on each identity badge; (b) a computer network for exchanging information between devices connected to said computer network; (c) a video camera coupled to said computer network and operative to record digital images and send said digital images over said computer network; (d) a badge reading computer connected to said computer network, said badge reading computer having access to said digital images and operative to execute symbol recognition software to identify said symbols on said identity badges from said digital images; (e) a database coupled to said badge reading computer containing identity information and access control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge; and (f) an access control computer connected to said computer network, operative to receive badge identity data from said badge reading computer and control access to a secure area, wherein said database further comprises camera control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge for initiating reprogramming of said camera and said access control computer is operative to reprogram said camera based on the cameral control information. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 46, 48, 49, 50, 51)
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20. An access control system, comprising:
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(a) a plurality of identity badges including symbols located on each identity badge; (b) a computer network for exchanging information between devices connected to said computer network; (c) a video camera operative to record and send analog images; (d) an analog-to-digital converter coupled to said computer network, operative to convert said analog images to digital images, said digital images then sent over said computer network; (e) a badge reading computer connected to said computer network, said badge reading computer having access to said digital images and operative to execute symbol recognition software to identify said symbols on said identity badges from said digital images; (f) a database coupled to said badge reading computer containing identity information and access control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge; and (g) an access control computer connected to said computer network, operative to receive badge identity data from said badge reading computer and control access to a secure area, wherein said database further comprises camera control information associated with said symbols on each said identity badge for initiating reprogramming of said camera and said access control computer is operative to reprogram said camera based on the cameral control information. - View Dependent Claims (21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 47, 52, 53, 54, 55)
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39. A method of controlling access to a secure area, comprising:
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(a) recording a digital image of a person and an identity badge with a camera; (b) transmitting said digital image to a computer; (c) retrieving identity information and access control information from a database based on symbols on said identity badge; (c1) retrieving cameral control information associated with said symbols; (d) comparing said identity information with said person in said digital image; (e) allowing access when a positive result arises from said comparison step; and (f) reprogramming said camera based on the camera control information. - View Dependent Claims (40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45)
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Specification