Illinois Tool Works Inc.
Access System

Abstract:

There is provided an access system for controlling access to an inspection area and a product inspection apparatus. The access system comprises an area access controller configured to control an inspection area access means for controlling access to an inspection area; a product inspection apparatus controller configured to control access to one or more functions of a product inspection apparatus within the inspection area; a first RFID reader configured to read an external RFID tag of a user; and one or more memory devices configured to store authorised RFID data corresponding to one or more RFID tags each associated with an authorised user. The area access controller is configured to receive, from the first RFID reader, first identification data indicative of the external RFID tag; receive, from at least one of the memory devices, the authorised RFID data; determine whether the external RFID tag is associated with an authorised user; and in dependence on the determination, output a control signal to control the inspection area access means to enable access to the inspection area. The product inspection apparatus controller is configured to receive second identification data indicative of the external RFID tag; receive, from at least one of the memory devices, the authorised RFID data; determine whether the external RFID tag is associated with an authorised user; and in dependence on the determination, output a control signal to enable access to one or more functions of the product inspection apparatus. In this way, a same RFID tag may be used for an authorised user to both access the inspection area and log in to a product inspection apparatus.