Patent ID: 7136512

Claim:
An automated method for visitor clearance to a controlled access facility and the generation of a photo-identification access document comprising: providing an arrangement proximate an entry to a controlled access facility, said arrangement comprising video monitor means, digital photographing means, printing means and visitor responsive data input means; providing computer means comprising controller means, data storage means and comparitor means in electronic communication with said arrangement, said data storage means containing data relating to visitor entry; means directing a visitor presented before said video monitor to input data by said visitor responsive data input means, in response to a plurality of queries posed to said visitor by said arrangement; wherein said data input to said visitor responsive data input means comprises name identification data of said visitor and data regarding the purpose of the visit by said visitor; Wherein facial photographic data of said visitor is taken by said digital photographing means; wherein said computer means automatically compares said facial photographic data and name identification data to facial photographic data and name identification data comprised in said data storage means and automatically assigns a value indicative of entry clearance status based upon pre-established parameters; wherein said computer means automatically compares said data regarding the purpose of visit to data comprised in said data storage means and automatically assigns another value indicative of entry clearance status based upon pre-established parameters; wherein said computer means automatically compares said values indicative of entry clearance against pre-established parameters and enables said printing means to automatically generate a printed document containing a photo identification of said visitor and parameters of entry if said comparison is within pre-established parameters.