Methods of controlling a barrier
Barriers Barrier control can be mechanical or automatic. Mechanical openings include manual control of the barrier. This option requires the mandatory presence at the security post of the employee driving the vehicle.
Contents of the article:
one of the obvious advantages of automatic barriers is the possibility of remote control. Thus, the operation of the barrier can be adjusted from a distance. Each driver can use the remote device independently.
The most common devices that ensure the operation of automatic entry limiters include:
- Push-button or remote control;
- Electronic card readers;
- Coded markup;
- GSM modules installed in smartphones;
- Vehicle recognition systems;
- Other special parking spaces.
Barrier button
Opening and closing with buttons – the easiest way barrier control to control the arrows, wired and wireless buttons are used. Despite the fact that these are devices for remotely opening and closing barriers, this control method requires the presence of a security officer.
The advantage of this method is that the guard can adjust the position of the arrow without leaving his post. Push-button control panels are used in small areas or at security and transit points to provide access control.
Radio key fob (remote control)
One of the cheapest and simplest remote automatic control devices. This is an electromechanical device that is activated by closing a contact on the control unit. The most popular remote control built on a radio transmitter.
This method of controlling barriers has many positive qualities.
- Instant response;
- Built-in accordingly – the presence of an encryption system, minimal risk of hacking the system;
- Possibility of simultaneous use of the system by several users.
Disadvantages:
- If there are several users, then each will have to buy an individual keychain;
- Possibility of activation only from a short distance;
- There is a risk of losing the device, which will open access for travel to third parties;
- It runs on batteries and requires regular replacement.
Electronic card reading system
The electronic reading device is located in a special rack in close proximity to the barrier site. For the convenience of the driver, the device is usually located at the level of the car window. This allows you to attach the card to the reader without leaving the car.
If the information about the magnetic method is confirmed by the information available in the system, the barrier automatically opens.
The main advantages of this device:
- Maximum control of vehicle entry into a guarded parking lot;
- 100% identification;
- Ability to work regardless of weather conditions or parking light levels;
- Possibility of integration with other types of systems;
- Easy to use and store cards; low cost;
- Strict recording of the time vehicles are on the territory;
- Possibility of remote blocking of the entrance to the parking lot, if necessary;
- Possibility of issuing electronic cards in accordance with various security levels;
- Possibility of connecting several checkpoints to server equipment.
Among the disadvantages of electronic reading systems, one can note the need for costs for the installation of complex equipment, including the purchase of magnetic readers, servers, card readers, controllers and software.
RFID tag
The essence of this method is that the vehicle is equipped with a card or tag with a special code and an inductive loop. Externally, this device resembles a plastic card for traveling on the subway. An inductive loop is a conductor through which a signal passes.
The system works in such a way that when the vehicle is within the signal coverage area, various actions are performed.
The antenna is located in close proximity to the barrier and reads the code from the magnetic card at a distance of up to 15 meters. The device then checks the information in its database and sends a signal to pass or block the boom lift.
This method of remote control of barriers is most in demand for coordinating entry into large areas with numerous vehicles.
An important advantage of magnetic tags is the instantaneous and zero-tolerance operation of the reading device.
The following advantages of the device are also noted:
- Reliability of counterfeit and complexity of the device;
- The impossibility of unauthorized access to protected areas is guaranteed;
- The small size of the magnetic card allows you to attach it to the windshield of your car;
- Economic ease of use in areas with a large number of vehicles.
Among the negative aspects of using RFID tags are:
- High cost of equipment;
- The need to secure the card in a visible place;
- Impossibility of parking vehicles in the immediate vicinity of the antenna.
Mobile phone control
Remote raising or lowering of the boom is possible using a GSM module installed in the barrier. The control module is driven automatically by the lifting mechanism. The remote device is equipped with a control SIM card, which contains the telephone numbers of all users of the system.
When a call arrives from a number entered in the database, it is corrected by an automatic device and the barrier opens. If a call comes from an unfamiliar number, the system does not recognize it and does not give a signal to open the barrier.
Due to ease of use and no need for additional equipment (remote control or card), this method of controlling the barrier is most popular among drivers.
Advantages of mobile remote control methods:
- GSM modules are ideal for use in guarded parking lots with a large number of parking spaces, as they provide wide coverage of users;
- Distance does not affect the quality of remote control;
- It is possible to interact with the access system via SMS messages;
- It is possible to configure the system for a specific date, time or day of the week;
- Every operation of the system is strictly accounted for;
- There is no need to remember the phone number of the access module, which can be stored in the memory of the mobile device;
- Calls are made free of charge.
Despite many advantages, this method of remote control of the needle also has negative properties.
- The subscriber must be within the coverage area of mobile communications;
- When the module is running, many necessary phone functions are disabled. Voicemail, alerts and other options;
- The uninterrupted operation of the GSM module depends on the quality of the cellular signal;
- When replacing a mobile device, reprogramming is required;
- After the call, it takes time for the automation to work and the hands to rise.
License plate recognition
The method works on the principle of artificial intelligence and is based on the ability to analyze images.
Some versions may include a license plate recognition system.
- Cameras with the ability to detect license plates;
- Servers responsible for identifying numeric values;
- Controller with similar functions.
This method is expensive. Added to the high price of the device itself is the need to purchase licenses and installation and installation costs.
In addition, the second option has space for installing server equipment.
Another disadvantage of this system is that it may not work if the car’s license plate is lit in the dark and dirty with dirt, or if the car is driving too fast and the video camera does not have time to clearly capture the license plate.
The advantages of the method include:
- Quick response of the barrier arrow;
- Ease of control;
- Strict accounting of transit transport.
When choosing the most suitable method for remote control of barriers, one should take into account the intensity of vehicle flow, the area of the protected area, the number of users and other factors. To make the right choice, you should consult with experts.
