If you need a sensor to detect and count people entering a building or room, see Orion’s latest entrance control system

by Brianna Crandall — August 15, 2018 — Through an exclusive agreement, Orion Entrance Control is now offering a unique new entrance control system designed to enhance security and monitoring at any doorway within a building where access is a security concern. The new DoorGuard system, which utilizes LiDAR (light detection and ranging) technology, a key component in autonomous motor vehicles, will be featured in Orion’s booth 521 at the GSX Global Security Exchange (formerly the ASIS Annual Seminar and Exhibits) in Las Vegas September 25 through 27. Orion is a US-based manufacturer and global provider of optical SpeedLane turnstile solutions.

The core component of the DoorGuard system is the S3 sensor developed by Quanergy, a leading-edge company that was the first to patent solid-state LiDAR. Orion has been selected as the preferred S3 vendor for the security sector. This small solid-state sensor is ideal for applications requiring object detection at doorways and entry locations.

Box-like DoorGuard access device

The Orion Secure DoorGuard tailgate detection system uses Quanergy’s S3 disruptive solid state LiDAR technology to accurately determine who is attempting to gain entry through a secured access point. Image courtesy Orion

According to Orion, DoorGuard leapfrogs existing technology for accuracy and performance and can be added into current security systems. The DoorGuard unit is mounted above a door and integrates to the access system and Orion’s proprietary Infinity software. The LiDAR smart sensing technology generates a half million data points per second with signal processors that calculate the Time-of-Flight (TOF) of each light pulse. The end result is significantly more accuracy that protects points of entry from unauthorized access, says the company.

Stephen Caroselli, CEO of Orion, stated:

We are very pleased to be the preferred vendor for Quanergy’s S3 sensor, and are using this disruptive technology as a key component of our new DoorGuard system. This enabled us to build a “better mousetrap” that is a significant upgrade from the beam-based systems currently in use. It is the most effective, easiest to install and affordable system on the market to control access entrances and exits. We can overlay this on anyone’s system to provide a higher level of security and occupancy counting.

The Quanergy S3 sensor communicates directly with Orion’s technology systems and the Infinity Remote Lane Control software to link to perimeter doors and stairwells. It is designed to detect one credit per person and deter common ways other systems can be tricked to allow unauthorized access. It can detect people trying to enter a building by following someone very closely (tailgating) and can set off warnings if a door is open for too long or has been propped open.

Additionally, in emergency situations when access points need to be open, DoorGuard can accurately count the number of authorized individuals who pass through, enabling first responders to know if people still remain in buildings or sections where there is limited access.

Caroselli continued:

Accuracy in a security system is critical. Today’s solutions typically feature a row of sensors secured onto a door frame, and they can be very inaccurate. Other more accurate alternatives are more cumbersome, more expensive and do not get to the level of accuracy the LiDAR technology can offer. We’re excited to roll out this disruptive technology at the GSX event.

Other DoorGuard features include the following:

  • Works in any lighting setting; detection system is not affected by dynamic lighting
  • Uses 3-D imaging sensors to detect size of user
  • Ability to classify complex details, including user
  • Works independently and in the background
  • Not affected by weather — applicable for outdoor usage

Additional DoorGuard information can be found on the Orion website, and a video is available from the company upon request.