Configurable Digital Badgeholder for Multi-Site Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing proximity contactless cards are limited to single-site access, require multiple cards for multi-site access, lack context-dependent credentials, and are vulnerable to credential theft and copying, leading to increased security risks and operational inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A portable authentication system with a security module and interface module that stores multiple credentials, dynamically selects the appropriate credential and interface protocol based on context, and ensures user consent and authentication, allowing seamless access across different sites.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single proximity card is used, then the device simplicity is maintained, but the access versatility to multiple sites is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The digital badgeholder is designed to store and manage multiple credentials (proximity cards, smart cards, wireless protocols) within a single device, enabling one authentication system to perform the functions of multiple separate cards. The device can dynamically select and present the appropriate credential based on the access context, making it universally compatible with various access control systems across different sites.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple credential storage capabilities, authentication protocols, and selection logic into a single integrated digital badgeholder device. By merging the functionality of multiple proximity cards and smart cards into one device with automated credential management, the system eliminates the need for employees to carry multiple separate cards while maintaining access to all authorized sites.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple proximity cards are issued for multi-site access, then the access versatility is improved, but the security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the credential data from physical proximity cards and stores it in a secure digital environment within the badgeholder. By taking out the static credential from the vulnerable proximity card and replacing it with dynamically managed digital credentials that require authentication for release, the system maintains access versatility while significantly reducing security vulnerabilities associated with lost or stolen cards.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static credentials on proximity cards to dynamic credential management. The digital badgeholder can authenticate the user before releasing credentials, manage credential lifecycles, and adapt to different access contexts. This dynamic approach ensures that even if the device is lost, the credentials remain protected until proper authentication is provided.
3Speed
If proximity cards release credentials automatically, then the authentication speed is improved, but the security control is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The digital badgeholder implements feedback mechanisms where the system monitors the access context, identifies the appropriate credential, and presents it for user approval before release. The device provides feedback to the user about which credential will be presented and awaits confirmation. This feedback loop maintains rapid authentication by pre-processing credential selection while ensuring security control through user authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically detecting the access context and pre-selecting the appropriate credential before the authentication moment. This preliminary credential selection happens in the background, so when authentication is required, the correct credential is already prepared and ready for immediate release upon user confirmation, maintaining speed while adding security control.
4Device complexity
If a single integrated authentication device is used, then the device simplicity is improved, but the protocol compatibility challenge increases
Solution Approach 1:
The digital badgeholder is designed with multi-functionality to support multiple authentication protocols including proximity card protocols (ISO 14443, ISO 15693), smart card protocols (ISO 7816), and wireless protocols (802.11, Bluetooth). By integrating support for these diverse protocols within a single device, the system maintains simplicity for the user while achieving broad protocol compatibility across different access control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The digital badgeholder acts as an intermediary between the user's credentials and various access control systems. It contains embedded protocol handlers and translation capabilities that mediate between different authentication protocols, allowing a single device to communicate with diverse access points regardless of their specific protocol requirements.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables single-device access to multiple sites with enhanced security by preventing credential theft, reducing the need for multiple cards, and maintaining a single sign-on experience while preserving rapid authentication efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A card reader installed at each specified doorway or entry point generates an electromagnetic field. The ensuing electromagnetic induction activates the antenna of each contactless proximity card entering the field to release a unique static identifier, authenticator or credential.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable authentication device for the authentication of an individual to at least one access control system comprises a section for storing at least one credential which authenticates the device to the access control system, at least one interface protocol for exchanging data with at least one type of access point of the access control system, a section for defining several contexts represented with context identification data referencing at least one credential and at least one interface protocol corresponding the type of access point, and a selector for dynamically selecting one of the contexts to correspond with the access control system. A user interface component captures a credential of the individual or authentication data from the individual.