Access control system

#This application is a continuation of prior filed copending PCT International application no. PCT/AT00/00253, filed Sep. 22, 2000.

#This application claims the priority of Austrian Patent Application Serial No. GM 650/99, filed Sep. 22, 1999, pursuant to 35 U.S.C. 119(a)-(d), the subject matter of which is incorporated herein by reference.

#The present invention relates to an access control system with at least two access routes that can preferably be blocked with controllable barriers, with an antenna being allocated to each of the access routes, and a control device for evaluating access authorization cards, e.g. RFID transponders, which operate without making galvanic contact. Each antenna is connected to a corresponding transmit/receive unit.

#Other features and advantages of the present invention will be more readily apparent upon reading the following description of currently preferred exemplified embodiments of the invention with reference to the accompanying drawing, in which:

#FIG. 1 is a schematic top view of an embodiment of the access control system according to the invention;

#FIG. 2 is a schematic side view of the embodiment depicted in FIG. 1;

#The embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrates an access control system according to the invention in use, for example, at ski resorts. However, such system can also used for other applications, for example for auditoriums, sports stadiums, swimming pools, etc. Moreover, the term access card or ticket is intended to refer to any type of ID card, ticket, card of value and the like.

#FIG. 1 shows two adjacent access routes 2 and 2′ which in the present example have a width between 45 cm and 65 cm. A central control device 1, which includes the components for controlling to the access control system of the invention, is located in the center between the two access routes 2, 2′. The columnar housing which houses the control device 1, forms a dividing line between the access routes 2, 2′. Each access route 2, 2′ can be blocked by a turnstile 3, 3′ which is opened depending on the validity of the read access authorizations. The two outer boundaries of the access routes 2, 2′ are formed by frame-like structures which house the antennas A1, A2 associated with the access routes 2, 2′. The antennas are used for evaluating contactless access authorization cards, for example, contactless chip cards and/or RFID transponders. Each of the frame-like structures of the antennas A1, A2 consists, when viewed in the passage direction, of two parallel vertical pipes 91 which can be secured to the ground and adjustable in height, optionally through matching inner pipes, and which are connected by transverse rods 97. Plates 92 and 93 are attached on the two opposing sides of the frame formed by the vertical pipes 91 and the transverse rods 97. The plate 92 which is located towards the inside of the access route, is made, for example, of polycarbonate, but can also be made of another non-conducting material. Plate 93 located on the outside has a grid made of an electrically conducting material for shielding the fields produced by the antenna to the outside.

#As shown in FIG. 3, each antenna A1, A2 is connected with a dedicated transmit/receive unit 13, 14.