VIRTUAL BADGE, DEVICE AND METHOD

• US 20140333412A1
• Filed: 05/05/2014
• Published: 11/13/2014
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2007
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Sphinx Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: PathFinders International, LLC
• Inventors: Lewis, Scott, Simion, John M.
• Granted Patent: US 9,002,944 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 340/5.2
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/00 Administration; Management
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/21 having a variable access code
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/215 the system having a variable access-code, e.g. varied as a function of time
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/22 in combination with an identity check of the pass holder
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/253 visually
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/27 with central registration
• CPC Class Codes: G07C 9/28 the pass enabling tracking or indicating presence
• CPC Class Codes: H04L 63/0492 by using a location-limited connection, e.g. near-field communication or limited proximity of entities
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/06 Authentication
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 12/77 Graphical identity

Abstract

A system, methods, and devices comprising a virtual badge are disclosed. The virtual badge can be displayed on an electronic device or on another linked or unlinked portable device. For use in both emergency and non-emergency scenarios, the virtual badge comprises images and data which can be scanned, and the capability to alternate colors and/or self-destruct on a pre-set schedule. The system, methods, and devices may use a self-destruct mechanism which renders the virtual badge unusable. Using plugin technologies, the system optionally can enable field collected photos and notes on customizable forms to be mapped, tracked, and time/date stamped, including in a 100% disconnected environment. A modifiable virtual badge can aid in credentialing via certifications and qualifications, inventory, accountability, organization, and efficiency. The system, methods, and devices are designed to aid in access control, and other activities, such as data collection, inventory, accountability, payment gateways, and site management.

Claims

1. A system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area comprising an electronic device having a screen for displaying images, a processor operable to execute instructions and a data storage medium for storing instructions which when executed by the processor cause the processor to:

display an electronic profile for an individual requiring electronic identification, said electronic profile established by an administrative entity which establishes a customizable set of data to be included in an electronic identification system database for identifying one or more said individuals, said data forming a virtual badge to identify said individual; and

execute a self-destruct mechanism associated with said virtual badge which renders said virtual badge unusable after a prescribed time period or upon command from said administrative entity.

2. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 further including a second electronic device electronically linked to said electronic device, said second electronic device comprising a screen for displaying images, a processor operable to execute instructions and a data storage medium for storing instructions which when executed by the processor of said electronic device cause the processor to display said electronic profile for said individual requiring electronic identification independent of said display of said virtual badge on said electronic device.

3. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to:

display images, indicia, or combinations thereof which identify said individual.

4. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 3 wherein said display images, indicia, or combinations thereof. include a photo of said individual, data, a pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, or combinations thereof.

5. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 2 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to display images, indicia, or combinations thereof which identify said individual on at least said second display unit.

6. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 5 wherein said display images, indicia, or combinations thereof includes a photo of said individual, data, a pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, or combinations thereof.

7. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein said electronic device is configured for GPS functionality.

8. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein said electronic device is configured for wireless communication.

9. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to display color stripe, a watermark, images, background, or combinations thereof into said virtual badge.

10. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to change said color stripe or background to a second color after a prescribed time period.

11. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein said electronic device comprises at least one tracking mechanism.

12. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 11 wherein said at least one tracking mechanism is an RFID tag or a NFC chip.

13. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to map or track said virtual badge.

14. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to determine at least one location of said virtual badge;

and store said location within said electronic display device.

15. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to determine if said individual is eligible to use said virtual badge.

16. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to send an electronic message to a printer, said message including information which allows said printer to replicate said virtual badge on a non-electronic medium.

17. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 further including an electronic identification system database stored remote from said electronic device, said electronic identification system database comprising a set of data for identifying or qualifying one or more said individuals.

18. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 17 wherein said electronic identification system database is electronically linked to said electronic device.

19. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 18 wherein said electronic link is wireless.

20. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 further including an electronic identification system database electronically linked to said electronic device and stored remote from said electronic device, said electronic identification system database comprising a set of data for identifying one or more said individuals.

21. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 2 further including an electronic identification system database electronically linked to said electronic device or said second electronic device and stored remote from said electronic device and said second electronic device, said electronic identification system database comprising a set of data for identifying one or more said individuals.

22. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 2 wherein said second electronic device comprises at least one tracking mechanism.

23. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 21 wherein said at least one tracking mechanism is an RFID tag or a NFC chip.

24. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to generate a unique identification number.

25. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 2 wherein the instructions associated with said second electronic device, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to generate a unique identification number associated with said second electronic device.

26. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to adjust the ping rate connection up or down for either synching to a server or to a GPS enabled station like a satellite or local mesh network.

27. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein the instructions, when executed verbally by a user, further cause the processor to fill in forms on the device via voice communication.