Virtual Badge Credential for Mobile Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access control systems in office environments rely on physical badges and proximity cards, which are not effectively integrated with smartphones and wearable devices, limiting the utilization of these devices for accessing physical resources.
Innovation Solution
A system that enables smartphones and wearable devices to act as virtual badges by obtaining electronic credentials through an identity provider, allowing users to authenticate access to physical resources using applications that can display user identities for verification by security personnel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical badges and proximity cards are used for access control, then access to physical resources can be verified, but smartphones and wearable devices cannot be effectively utilized for accessing physical resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal access control system where a single digital credential application can function across multiple device types (smartphones, wearables, tablets) and multiple access control scenarios (physical doors, secure rooms, buildings). The credential application acts as a multi-functional replacement for traditional physical badges, proximity cards, and RFID cards, enabling one device to serve multiple access control purposes while maintaining verification reliability through consistent authentication protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a digital copy of the traditional physical badge functionality within a smartphone or wearable device application. The digital credential application replicates the identification and verification functions of physical badges and proximity cards, allowing the device to present credential information (such as QR codes, barcodes, or NFC data) that can be scanned or read by access control readers, thereby copying the access control verification process in a digital format.
2Ease of operation
If traditional RFID proximity cards are used, then access verification is reliable, but user convenience is reduced due to the need to carry physical items
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of multiple separate access control items (physical badges, proximity cards, RFID cards, identification cards) into a single digital credential application on a smartphone or wearable device. This consolidation eliminates the need for users to carry multiple physical items, as all access credentials are unified in one application that can present various types of digital credentials depending on the access control system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical access control system (physical badges, proximity cards that require contact or proximity with readers) with a digital/software-based system. The credential application uses digital presentation methods (displaying QR codes on screen, transmitting data via NFC, or sending credentials through wireless communication protocols) to substitute the physical interaction required by traditional RFID and proximity card systems.
3Reliability
If physical badges are used for identity verification, then security personnel can verify user identity, but the system does not leverage personal area networking and near-field communication capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual identity verification process (where security personnel physically check badges) with automated digital verification using personal area networking and near-field communication. The credential application can present verification data through NFC taps, QR code scans, or wireless transmissions that are automatically read and verified by access control readers or mobile devices, eliminating the need for manual badge inspection while maintaining verification reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces digital credential data and wireless communication protocols as intermediaries between the user and the access control system. Instead of direct physical interaction with badges, the system uses digital credentials presented through the application (such as NFC tokens, QR codes, or encrypted data packets) as intermediaries to convey authentication information to the access control system, enabling automated verification without manual intervention.
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 secure and convenient access to physical resources using mobile or wearable devices, enhancing user convenience and security by leveraging existing personal area networking and near-field communication capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
the access control reader communicates with the badge or card using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology
Implementation Method 2
smartphones and wearable devices are also equipped with personal area networking and near-field communications capabilities
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various approaches for providing a virtual badge credential to a user's device that is enrolled with a management service as a managed device. Upon authentication of a user's identity via an identity provider, a virtual badge credential can be provided to an application on the client device. The virtual badge credential can be presented by the client device to access control readers to gain access to physical resources, such as doors and buildings, that are secured by the access control readers.