Virtual badge, device and method

• US 9,002,944 B2
• Filed: 05/05/2014
• Issued: 04/07/2015
• Est. Priority Date: 04/04/2007
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Sphinx Industries Incorporated
• Original Assignee: PathFinders International, LLC
• Inventors: Lewis, Scott, Simion, John M.
• Primary Examiner(s): NGUYEN, TU T
• Application Number:
  US14/269,643
• Publication Number:
  US 20140333412A1
• Time in Patent Office: 337 Days
• Field of Search: 709/204
• US Class Current: 709/204
• 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 a GPS and radio frequency enabled, wearable 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 a remotely changeable electronic profile corresponding to and identifying an individual requiring electronic identification on said screen, said remotely changeable electronic profile comprising at least one pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, or at least one color indicating display, said processor altering said data displayed on said screen in response to GPS location of said wearable badge or radio frequency instruction by altering said at least one of said at least one pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, or color indicating display on said screen;

said electronic profile formed from a customizable set of data stored in said data storage medium for use in identifying one or more individuals, said data displayed on said screen of said electronic device 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 processor.

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 second 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 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.

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 includes 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 said second electronic device is configured for GPS functionality.

6. 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.

7. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 2 wherein said second electronic device includes an RFID tag or a NFC chip.

8. 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.

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

10. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 9 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.

11. 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.

12. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein said at least one color indicating display includes a color stripe, a watermark, colored background, or combinations thereof into said virtual badge.

13. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 12 wherein the instructions, when executed by the processor, further cause the processor to change said color stripe or colored background to a second color after a prescribed time period.

14. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 1 wherein said electronic device includes an RFID tag or a NFC chip.

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 map or track 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 determine at least one location of said virtual badge;

and store said location within said electronic display device.

17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 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.

20. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 19 wherein said electronic identification system database is electronically linked to said electronic device.

21. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 20 wherein said electronic link is wireless.

22. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 19 wherein said electronic profile is established by an administrative entity.

23. 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.

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 adjust a ping rate for either synching to a server or to a GPS enabled station.

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

26. The system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area according to claim 25 wherein the instructions, when executed verbally by a user cause the processor to fill in forms on said device via voice communication.

27. A system for controlling access to an area and monitoring movement within the area comprising a GPS or radio frequency enabled, wearable 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 a remotely changeable electronic profile corresponding to and identifying an individual requiring electronic identification on said screen, said remotely changeable electronic profile comprising at least one pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, and at least one color indicating display, said processor altering said data displayed on said screen in response to GPS location of said wearable badge or radio frequency instruction by altering said at least one of said at least one pictorial image, text, optical machine readable representations of data, or color indicating display on said screen, said data displayed on said screen of said electronic device 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 processor.