Accreditation badge integrating beacon device and applications thereof

Abstract

There is described an accreditation badge (AB) comprising a badge body (100) bearing user credentials, wherein the accreditation badge (AB) is provided with a beacon device (BD) comprising a wireless tag (T), such as a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tag or UWB (ultra-wideband) tag, forming an integral part of the accreditation badge (AB).

Description

[0001] ACCREDITATION BADGE INTEGRATING BEACON DEVICE AND APPLICATIONS THEREOF

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to an accreditation badge for smooth and secure tracking of individuals during large scale events, such as but not limited to sporting events and competitions like the Olympic Games or World Cup, and applications thereof.

[0004] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0005] To ensure smooth and secure tracking of accredited individuals during large scale events, such as the Olympic Games, a unique solution is proposed, namely integrating wireless tags, such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tags or UWB (ultra-wideband) tags, directly onto accreditation badges.

[0006] More specifically, according to the invention, there is provided an accreditation badge, the features of which are recited in claim 1 , namely such an accreditation badge comprising a badge body bearing user credentials, wherein the accreditation badge is provided with a beacon device comprising a wireless tag forming an integral part of the accreditation badge.

[0007] By way of preference, the beacon device includes a beacon body housing the wireless tag that is secured to the badge body along an edge portion thereof. In particular, the beacon body may be secured along a lower end portion of the badge body or along an upper end portion of the badge body.

[0008] In accordance with an embodiment of the invention, the beacon device comprises, housed within the beacon body, (i) a printed circuit board bearing components of the wireless tag, including an antenna structure for wireless communication with external wireless communication gateways, and (ii) at least one battery cell providing power to the printed circuit board. The printed circuit board may especially bear a main control unit and any one or a combination of the following optional components, namely (a) a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag and an NFC antenna, (b) an accelerometer, and (c) a power switch.

[0009] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 The beacon body may in particular be formed of a casing including front and rear body parts that are secured to one another. In this context, the front and rear body parts may advantageously be injection-moulded plastic parts, one of the front and rear body parts (e.g. the rear body part) comprising sheet-metal contacts that are embedded therein by overmoulding. The rear body part may especially be exploited for the purpose of securing the beacon device to the badge body of the accreditation badge.

[0010] In accordance with one embodiment, the beacon body is secured to the badge body by means of an adhesive, by thermal bonding or by welding.

[0011] In accordance with another embodiment, the beacon body is secured to the badge body by means of clips adapted to cooperate with associated openings. In this context, the beacon body is preferably provided with a flap that can be moved (e.g. pivoted) from an open position, in which the beacon body can be placed along the edge portion of the badge body, to a closed position, in which the beacon body is secured to the edge portion of the badge body by means of the clips and associated openings. Even more preferably, the clips are provided on an inner face of the flap and are sized and configured to cooperate with the associated openings that are formed in the beacon body, the clips being positioned at locations corresponding to through-holes that are provided along the edge portion of the badge body. The clips are preferably designed as oneway self-locking clips that are permanently interlockable with the associated openings. The aforementioned through-holes may especially be provided along an upper end portion or lower end portion of the badge body.

[0012] In case the beacon body is secured to the upper end portion of the badge body, the beacon body may further comprise an extension with a structure for attachment of a lanyard.

[0013] By way of preference, the badge body is a substantially flat body and the beacon body is an elongated body exhibiting a thickness that does not exceed 5 mm and that protrudes above a surface of the badge body by an amount of less than 5 mm. In this context, the badge body may especially consist of a laminate including one or more plastic layers. Furthermore, a thickness of the badge body preferably does not exceed 2 mm.

[0014] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 In accordance with a particularly preferred embodiment of the invention, the beacon device includes a power switch configured to selectively allow power to be delivered to the beacon device upon actuation of the power switch. In this context, the power switch may in particular be designed as a one-way mechanical switch that can be pressed to selectively and irreversibly activate the beacon device. Furthermore, the power switch may advantageously be designed to stick out, in a depressed (non-actuated) state, from a portion of the beacon device that is intended to be brought into contact with the badge body (such as from a surface of the aforementioned rear body part) and to cause actuation of the power switch to a pressed (actuated) state upon bringing the portion of the beacon device into contact with the badge body (which happens upon securing the beacon device to the accreditation badge), thereby automatically activating the beacon device.

[0015] The aforementioned power switch can also be positioned on the beacon device in such a way as to conceal the presence of the power switch upon securing the beacon device to the accreditation badge.

[0016] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention, the beacon device includes an accelerometer configured to detect motion of the beacon device and to selectively cause activation of the beacon device upon motion being detected by the accelerometer. In this context, the accelerometer may be further configured to selectively cause deactivation of the beacon device or putting of the beacon device into a sleep mode in the event the accreditation badge remains completely still and no motion is detected by the accelerometer for a certain duration.

[0017] In accordance with yet another embodiment of the invention, the beacon device includes a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag and an NFC antenna configured to allow establishment of NFC communication with the beacon device. In this context, the NFC tag and an NFC antenna may especially be configured to selectively power the beacon device upon establishment of the NFC communication with the beacon device for the purpose of pairing the beacon device with the accreditation badge.

[0018] From a more general perspective, the beacon device may advantageously be configured to be paired to the accreditation badge depending on the user

[0019] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 credentials, which pairing process can conveniently be undertaken by means of a dedicated pairing machine immediately after having secured the beacon device to the badge body.

[0020] The wireless tag is preferably a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tag or a UWB (ultra-wideband) tag.

[0021] Further embodiments and / or advantages of the invention are discussed in the following.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Features and advantages of the present invention will appear more clearly from reading the following detailed description of embodiments of the invention which are presented solely by way of non-restrictive examples and illustrated by the attached drawings in which:

[0024] Figure 1 is a depiction of an accreditation badge comprising a beacon device in accordance with one embodiment of the invention;

[0025] Figures 2A to 2E are schematic depictions of assembly steps of the beacon device for the accreditation badge of Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 3 shows illustrative dimensions of the beacon device of Figures 1 and 2A to 2E;

[0027] Figures 4A and 4B are illustrative of assembly methods used to secure the beacon device to the accreditation badge;

[0028] Figures 5A to 5C are illustrative of an assembly method using one-way self-locking clips to secure the beacon device to an upper end portion of the body of the accreditation badge;

[0029] Figure 5D shows illustrative dimensions of the accreditation badge and associated beacon device of Figures 5A to 5C once assembled;

[0030] Figures 6A to 6C are illustrative of an assembly method using one-way self-locking clips to secure the beacon device to a lower end portion of the body of the accreditation badge;

[0031] Figure 6D shows illustrative dimensions of the accreditation badge and associated beacon device of Figures 6A to 6C once assembled;

[0032] Figure 7A is illustrative of yet another assembly method to secure the beacon device to a lower end portion of the body of the accreditation badge;

[0033] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 Figure 7B shows illustrative dimensions of the accreditation badge and associated beacon device of Figure 7A once assembled;

[0034] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of functional components of the beacon device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention;

[0035] Figures 9A-B are schematic illustrations of an optional power switch of the beacon device;

[0036] Figures 10 to 12 are illustrations of possible options to pair the beacon device to the associated accreditation badge depending on the actual user credentials; and

[0037] Figure 13 is a summarizing diagram illustrating the steps undertaken to perform a pairing operation using a dedicated pairing machine.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0039] The present invention will be described in relation to various illustrative embodiments. It shall be understood that the scope of the invention encompasses all combinations and sub-combinations of the features of the embodiments disclosed herein as defined by the appended claims.

[0040] To ensure smooth and secure tracking of individuals during e.g. the Olympic Games, a unique solution is proposed: integrating wireless tags, such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tags or UWB (ultra-wideband) tags, directly onto accreditation badges. As shown e.g. in Figure 1 , a beacon device BD including a custom-designed plastic piece (or beacon body) 200 housing a wireless tag T and a battery (not shown - see e.g. Figures 2A-E) is secured to the badge body 100 of the accreditation badge AB, ensuring durability and ease of use. The resulting integration of the accreditation badge AB and beacon device BD ensures:

[0041] - streamlined process: attachment methodology ensures quick and uniform application of wireless tags on all accreditation badges;

[0042] - security: the integration of the wireless tag into the accreditation badge itself eliminates the risk of loss or tampering;

[0043] - user-friendliness: the plastic piece is designed to be non-intrusive and does not affect the comfort or usability of the accreditation badge;

[0044] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 - lifespan: the custom plastic piece houses a battery (such as a CR2302 battery or any similar long-life battery), ensuring the tag’s long operational lifespan without the need for external charging;

[0045] - cost-effectiveness: integrating the wireless tag directly into the accreditation badge reduces the need for additional equipment or supplementary tracking devices;

[0046] - scalability: the design is flexible and can be customized to meet any unique requirements or future adaptations for other events.

[0047] Figures 2A to 2E are illustrative of the assembly steps to produce the beacon device BD comprising the wireless tag T for the accreditation badge AB of Figure 1. In the illustrated example, the beacon device BD is basically composed of:

[0048] - a printed circuit board (PCB) bearing the relevant components of the wireless tag T, including an antenna structure ANT (such as a printed antenna pattern) for wireless communication with external wireless communication gateways (as well as other optional components - see e.g. Figure 8);

[0049] - two coin cell batteries BAT; and

[0050] - a casing 200A / 200B forming an (elongated) beacon body 200.

[0051] In the illustrated example, the casing is produced by injection moulding and comprises two main parts 200A, 200B made of plastic, namely a front (or upper) body part 200A that is secured to a rear (or lower) body part 200B comprising sheet-metal contacts CT that are embedded in the rear body part 200B by overmoulding.

[0052] In this case, the rear body part 200B is also exploited for the purpose of securing the beacon device BD to the badge body 100 of the accreditation badge AB, namely along e.g. a lower end portion of the badge body 100 as shown in Figure 1 .

[0053] The beacon device BD is configured to be activated and paired to an accreditation badge easily on the field, as described more extensively below.

[0054] Figure 3 shows illustrative dimensions of the beacon device BD of Figures 1 and 2A to 2E which can be as small as 110 mm in length, 10 mm in

[0055] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 width and 3 mm in thickness. By way of comparison, the thickness of the badge body 100 is of the order of 1 mm in the illustrated example, and preferably does not exceed 2 mm. In other words, the elongated beacon body 200 exhibits a reduced thickness (which preferably does not exceed 5 mm) and protrudes above a (front) surface of the badge body 100 by an amount of less than 5 mm, namely of about 3 mm in the illustrated embodiment (see also the embodiments of Figures 5A-D, 6A-D and 7A-B.

[0056] Assuming a substantially flat badge body 100 as shown e.g. in Figure 1 (which may typically consist of a laminate including one or more plastic layers), two assembly methods are preferably contemplated as generally shown in Figures 4A and 4B. One assembly method may consist in securing the beacon device BD to a lower end portion of the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB (as shown in Figure 4A) using e.g. an adhesive, be it doubled-sided adhesive tape or a suitable adhesive glue. Another, preferred assembly method consists in securing the beacon device BD to a lower end portion of the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB (as shown in Figures 4A and 6A-D) or, even more preferably, to an upper end portion of the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB (as shown in Figures 4B and 5A-D) using clips to establish an even more secure connection with the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB, as discussed in greater detail with reference to Figures 5A-D and 6A-D.

[0057] According to the assembly method shown in Figures 5A-D, the beacon body 200 is further provided with a flap 200D (here positioned at a rear end of the beacon body 200) that can be moved (e.g. pivoted) from an open position, shown in Figure 5A, in which the beacon body 200 can be placed along the upper end portion of the accreditation badge AB, as shown in Figure 5C, to a closed (and preferably unreleasable) position, shown in Figure 5B, in which the beacon body 200 is reliably secured to the upper end portion of the accreditation badge AB. To this end, the inner face of the flap 200D is preferably provided with a pair of clips 200a that are sized and configured to cooperate with a corresponding pair of openings 200b formed in the rear body part 200B of the beacon body 200. These clips 200a are positioned at locations corresponding to through-holes 100a that are provided on the upper end portion of the accreditation badge AB and

[0058] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 normally used for attachment of a lanyard L. As shown in Figures 5A-D, the beacon body 200 further comprises an extension 200C with a structure for attachment of the lanyard L since the through-holes 100a are exploited, in the illustrated embodiment, for the purposes of securing the beacon body 200 to the badge body 100.

[0059] Referring to the alternate assembly method shown in Figures 6A-D, the beacon body 200 is likewise further provided with a similar flap 200D exhibiting a pair of clips 200a that are sized and configured to cooperate with a corresponding pair of openings 200b formed in the rear body part 200B of the beacon body 200, as shown in Figures 6A-B. The difference essentially resides in the fact that the beacon body 200 is securable to the lower end portion of the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB as illustrated in Figures 6C-D, which necessitates the provision of a corresponding pair of through-holes 100b in the lower end portion of the badge body 100, as shown in the left potion of Figure 6C.

[0060] The clips 200a are advantageously designed as one-way self-locking clips that permanently interlock with the associated openings 200b upon full closure of the flap 200D, thus preventing any accidental release of the beacon device BD from the accreditation badge AB or any tampering thereof.

[0061] Figures 7A-B show an alternate assembly method to secure the beacon device BD to the lower end portion of the body 100 of the accreditation badge AB. Rather than using clips, as previously described, the beacon body 200 may be secured directly to the lower end portion of the badge body 100 using e.g. double-sided adhesive tape. Alternatively, an adhesive glue could be used, or other bonding techniques could be contemplated, such as thermal bonding, welding or the like.

[0062] Figure 8 is a schematic diagram of the functional components of the beacon device in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the invention. Key components include (i) the BLE (or UWB) main control unit (MCU), (ii) BLE (or UWB) antenna (designated by reference sign ANT in Figures 2A-D), and (iii) battery (designated by reference sign BAT in Figures 2A-D). Additional, optional components include (i) a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag, (ii) NFC antenna, (iii) an accelerometer, and (iv) a power switch (PWS).

[0063] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 Figures 9A-B are schematic illustrations of the optional power switch PWS of the beacon device BD (see also Figures 2A-E, 5A-B and 6A-B) that is preferably provided on a rear end of the beacon body 200, namely on the rear body part 200B. This power switch PWS cooperates with a corresponding switch section SW of the sheet-metal contacts CT (as shown schematically in Figures 2A-D) to selectively allow power to be delivered to the beacon device BD, upon actuating the power switch PWS, and is preferably designed as a one-way mechanical switch that can be manually pressed to activate the beacon device BD, which action is irreversible (unless the beacon device BD is disassembled). In the depressed state of the power switch PWS, as depicted in the left portion of Figure 9A, the switch section SW of the sheet-metal contacts CT remains in an open state and the beacon device BD is deactivated (in the “BD OFF” state). Conversely, in the pressed state of the power switch PWS, as depicted in the right portion of Figure 9A as well as in Figure 9B, the switch section SW is closed and maintained in the closed state by the power switch PWS, the beacon device BD being thus activated (in the “BD ON” state).

[0064] The power switch PWS can accordingly be used to activate the beacon device BD at any time (prior to combining it with the accreditation badge AB) without this requiring any special tool. The advantage of using this power switch PWS is that it enables to activate the beacon device BD on the field, thus preventing the beacon device BD to emit before being activated (e.g. during storage and transportation) and optimizing battery life. Furthermore, the use of an irreversible switch reduces the risk of unexpected disabling of the beacon device BD. The positioning of the power switch PWS at the rear of the beacon device BD, namely on the rear body part 200B allows to conceal the presence of the power switch PWS upon securing the beacon device BD to the associated accreditation badge AB. Optionally, the power switch PWS may be designed to stick out from the rear body part 200B in the depressed state (as shown e.g. in Figure 3), to ensure that the beacon device BD is appropriately activated upon being secured to the associated accreditation badge AB.

[0065] The provision of an accelerometer may be useful in detecting motion and activating the beacon device BD upon motion being detected by the

[0066] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 accelerometer. Conversely, when the badge is completely still and no motion is detected for a certain duration, the beacon device BD could be deactivated or put in a sleep mode to save battery power.

[0067] The NFC tag and associated NFC antenna may likewise be used as a means to selectively power on the beacon device BD (with the beacon device BD being initially powered off), as well as to pair the beacon device BD with the accreditation badge AB though e.g. a smartphone app.

[0068] Figures 10 to 12 are illustrations of possible options to pair the beacon device BD to the associated accreditation badge AB depending on the actual user credentials.

[0069] More specifically, Figure 10 illustrates a pairing process making use of the aforementioned optional NFC tag that is scanned by means of a mobile device, such as a smartphone running a suitable app. A bar code printed on the accreditation badge AB can be read at the same time as the NFC of the beacon device BD is scanned to enable an operator to pair the beacon device BD and accreditation badge AB, thereby reducing the risk of errors.

[0070] Figure 11 similarly illustrates a pairing process making use of a QR code (or the like) associated to the relevant beacon device BD.

[0071] Figure 12 illustrates a pairing process making use of a dedicated pairing machine (see also Figure 13). Preconditions for the pairing process includes (i) printing of accreditation and (ii) plastic lamination to produce the desired accreditation badge AB. At step 1 , the relevant beacon device BD is attached (e.g. clipped) to the accreditation badge AB. At step 2, the accreditation badge AB and associated beacon device BD are inserted into the pairing machine. At step 3, the pairing machine undertakes the required pairing operations.

[0072] Once paired, accredited individuals can be suitably tracked using adequate wireless communication gateways and related data can be collected and uploaded e.g. to a cloud server for processing and tracking purposes.

[0073] LIST OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SIGNS USED THEREIN

[0074] AB accreditation badge

[0075] BD beacon device integrated to accreditation badge AB

[0076] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024 T wireless tag, such as BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tag or UWB

[0077] (ultra-wideband) tag

[0078] 100 body of accreditation badge AB (badge body)

[0079] 100a through-holes in upper end portion of badge body 100 for attachment of lanyard L or passage of one-way self-locking clips 200a (Figures 5A-D)

[0080] 100b through-holes in lower end portion of badge body 100 for passage of one-way self-locking clips 200a (Figures 6A-D)

[0081] 200 body of beacon housing the wireless tag T (beacon body)

[0082] 200A front body part of plastic casing forming beacon body 200

[0083] 200B rear body part of plastic casing forming beacon body 200

[0084] 200C extension of beacon body 200 with structure for attachment of lanyard L

[0085] 200D (rear) flap of beacon body 200 for attachment of beacon body BD to upper (or lower) end portion of badge body 100

[0086] 200a one-way self-locking clips provided on flap 200D for cooperation with openings 200b

[0087] 200b openings in rear body part 200B dimensioned to receive one-way self-locking clips 200a

[0088] BAT battery / batteries

[0089] CT sheet-metal contacts (embedded into lower portion 200B of plastic casing by e.g. overmoulding)

[0090] SW switch section of sheet-metal contacts CT cooperating with power switch PWS

[0091] PCB printed circuit board carrying wireless tag T

[0092] ANT antenna structure (e.g. printed antenna pattern) provided on PCB for wireless communication using e.g. BLE or UWB technology

[0093] PWS power switch (single use)

[0094] L lanyard attached to badge body 100 (variant of Figures 1 and 4A) or to extension 200C (variant of Figure 4B) of beacon body 200

[0095] B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024

Claims

CLAIMS1. An accreditation badge (AB) comprising a badge body (100) bearing user credentials, wherein the accreditation badge (AB) is provided with a beacon device (BD) comprising a wireless tag (T) forming an integral part of the accreditation badge (AB).

2. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 1 , wherein the beacon device (BD) includes a beacon body (200) housing the wireless tag (T) that is secured to the badge body (100) along an edge portion thereof.

3. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 2, wherein the beacon body (200) is secured along a lower end portion of the badge body (100).

4. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 2, wherein the beacon body (200) is secured along an upper end portion of the badge body (100).

5. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 2 to 4, wherein the beacon device (BD) comprises, housed within the beacon body (200): a printed circuit board (PCB) bearing components of the wireless tag (T), including an antenna structure (ANT) for wireless communication with external wireless communication gateways; and at least one battery cell (BAT) providing power to the printed circuit board (PCB).

6. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 5, wherein the printed circuit board (PCB) further bears a main control unit (MCU) and any one or a combination of the following optional components: a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag and an NFC antenna; an accelerometer; and a power switch (PWS).B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 20247. The accreditation badge according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the beacon body (200) is formed of a casing (200A / 200B) including front and rear body parts (200A, 200B) that are secured to one another.

8. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 7, wherein the front and rear body parts (200A, 200B) are injection-moulded plastic parts and wherein one (200B) of the front and rear body parts (200A, 200B) comprises sheet-metal contacts (CT) that are embedded therein by overmoulding.

9. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the rear body part (200B) is exploited for the purpose of securing the beacon device (BD) to the badge body (100) of the accreditation badge (AB).

10. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the beacon body (200) is secured to the badge body (100) by means of an adhesive, by thermal bonding or by welding.11 . The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 2 to 9, wherein the beacon body (200) is secured to the badge body (100) by means of clips (200a) adapted to cooperate with associated openings (200b).

12. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 11 , wherein the beacon body (200) is provided with a flap (200D) that can be moved from an open position, in which the beacon body (200) can be placed along the edge portion of the badge body (100), to a closed position, in which the beacon body (200) is secured to the edge portion of the badge body (100) by means of the clips (200a) and associated openings (200b).

13. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 12, wherein the clips (200a) are provided on an inner face of the flap (200D) and are sized and configured to cooperate with the associated openings (200b) that are formed inB8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024the beacon body (200), the clips (200a) being positioned at locations corresponding to through-holes (100a; 100b) that are provided along the edge portion of the badge body (100).

14. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein the clips (200a) are designed as one-way self-locking clips that are permanently interlockable with the associated openings (200b).

15. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the through-holes (100a; 100b) are provided along an upper end portion or lower end portion of the badge body (100).

16. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 4 or 15, wherein the beacon body (200) is secured to the upper end portion of the badge body (100) and further comprises an extension (200C) with a structure for attachment of a lanyard (L).

17. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 2 to 16, wherein the badge body (100) is a substantially flat body and wherein the beacon body (200) is an elongated body exhibiting a thickness that does not exceed 5 mm and that protrudes above a surface of the badge body (100) by an amount of less than 5 mm.

18. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 17, wherein the badge body (100) consists of a laminate including one or more plastic layers.

19. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 17 or 18, wherein a thickness of the badge body (100) does not exceed 2 mm.

20. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beacon device (BD) includes a power switch (PWS)B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024configured to selectively allow power to be delivered to the beacon device (BD) upon actuation of the power switch (PWS).

21. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 20, wherein the power switch (PWS) is designed as a one-way mechanical switch that can be pressed to selectively and irreversibly activate the beacon device (BD).

22. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 21 , wherein the power switch (PWS) is designed to stick out, in a depressed state, from a portion (200B) of the beacon device (BD) that is intended to be brought into contact with the badge body (100) and to cause actuation of the power switch (PWS) to a pressed state upon bringing the portion (200B) of the beacon device (BD) into contact with the badge body (100), thereby automatically activating the beacon device (BD).

23. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of claims 20 to 22, wherein the power switch (PWS) is positioned on the beacon device (BD) in such a way as to conceal the presence of the power switch (PWS) upon securing the beacon device (BD) to the accreditation badge (AB).

24. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beacon device (BD) includes an accelerometer configured to detect motion of the beacon device (BD) and to selectively cause activation of the beacon device (BD) upon motion being detected by the accelerometer.

25. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 24, wherein the accelerometer is further configured to selectively cause deactivation of the beacon device (BD) or putting of the beacon device (BD) into a sleep mode in the event the accreditation badge (AB) remains completely still and no motion is detected by the accelerometer for a certain duration.B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 202426. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beacon device (BD) includes a Near-Field Communication (NFC) tag and an NFC antenna configured to allow establishment of NFC communication with the beacon device (BD).

27. The accreditation badge (AB) according to claim 26, wherein the NFC tag and an NFC antenna are configured to selectively power the beacon device (BD) upon establishment of the NFC communication with the beacon device (BD) for the purpose of pairing the beacon device (BD) with the accreditation badge (AB).

28. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the beacon device (BD) is configured to be paired to the accreditation badge (AB) depending on the user credentials.

29. The accreditation badge (AB) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the wireless tag (T) is a BLE (Bluetooth Low Energy) tag or a UWB (ultra-wideband) tag.B8228- WO_20241214_Specification_for_extension_final December 14th, 2024

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