Access control system

An access controller comprising:

• a memory configured to store a reference digital identifier and biometric signature;
• a BAN transceiver;
• a touch detector coupled to the processing unit;
• a processing unit coupled to the memory, the BAN transceiver;
• and
• configured to be coupled to an actuator wherein the processing unit is configured to:
• transmit a request signal to a portable device via the BAN transceiver in response to a user contact being detected by the touch detector, the user contact forming a body area network, BAN, between the portable device and the access control device;
• receive a digital key comprising biometric data and a digital identifier via the BAN transceiver;
• determine a user access authorization from the digital key;
• and
• control the actuator to lock or unlock the door in response to the user being authorized.

A method of access control comprising:

• detecting a touch of a touch zone of an access controller further comprising a body area network, BAN, transceiver;
• in response to detecting the touch, transmitting a request from an access controller comprising a BAN transceiver via a body area network, BAN, of a user of a portable device formed between the access controller and the portable device, the portable device comprising a body area network, BAN, transceiver and a biometric sensor;
• receiving the request by the portable device via the BAN network;
• transmitting a digital key comprising biometric data detected by the biometric sensor and a digital identifier from the portable device to the access controller via the BAN network;
• authenticating a user by the access controller from the digital key;
• controlling an actuator to lock or unlock a door in response to the user being authenticated.