US 5,960,085 A · Security badge for automated access control and secure data gathering

Abstract

A system utilizing a personal identification badge to collect data and to provide access to a computer terminal. The personal identification badge includes circuitry and transceiver components for transmitting identification information and exchanging other digital information with a computer terminal and other compatible devices. The personal identification badge establishes a wireless communication link with a computer terminal to allow a user to logon to the terminal. When a user leaves the computer terminal, the communication link is terminated, causing the computer terminal to lock the keyboard, blank the monitor, and/or logoff the user if the communication link is not restored within a sufficient time period. The personal identification badge includes means for encrypting and signing digital information. Adapted for use within a hospital, the system provides further means for establishing an affiliation between a personal identification badge and a patient, for collecting digital information from electronic devices that record or gather data regarding the status of a patient, for digitizing and recording dictation spoken into the personal identification badge, and for modifying the digital information so collected to conform to standards, such as those of a Java applet or the hypertext markup language, for interactive display on a universal display browser.

Claims32

Dependent claims

A method of initiating and maintaining access between a person having a mobile transceiver and data buffering device and an electronic system containing information and connected to a compatible transceiver device, said method comprising the steps of:

a. authenticating said mobile transceiver and data buffering device with said electronic system;
b. upon successful completion of said authenticating step, initiating access by one of at least said person and said mobile transceiver and data buffering device to said electronic system;
c. intermittently generating recommitment signals in said electronic system;
and
d. receiving said recommitment signal in said mobile transceiver and data buffering device and transmitting a recommitment response signal to said electronic system in response thereto, thereby maintaining access to said electronic system.

2 more elements

A controlled-access information system comprising:

a. a mobile transceiver and data buffering device for staff and data authentication, said transceiver and data buffering device comprising:
a processor;
means associated with said processor for receiving an interrogation signal transmitted over a wireless medium from a compatible transceiver device;
means associated with said processor for transmitting an authenticating response over a wireless medium to said compatible transceiver device, said authenticating response being responsive to said interrogation signal;
means associated with said processor for receiving intermittent recommitment signals generated by said said compatible transceiver device;
and
means associated with said processor for transmitting a recommitment response signal to said compatible transceiver device in response thereto;
and
b. a compatible transceiver device connected to said information system and in communication with said mobile transceiver and data buffering device.

6 more elements

A mobile transceiver and data buffering device for staff and data authentication and communication with a plurality of smart devices, said mobile transceiver and data buffering device comprising:

a. means for identifying a wearer of said mobile transceiver and data buffering device;
b. a memory for storing information;
c. means for receiving information carried on a wireless medium for storage to said memory, whereby said plurality of smart devices may communicate with said mobile transceiver and data buffering device;
d. means for transmitting information from said memory over a wireless medium, whereby said mobile transceiver and data buffering device may communicate with said plurality of smart devices;
e. means for identifying a first smart device in proximity with said transceiver and data buffering device;
f. means for automatically extracting information from said first smart device;
g. means for transmitting said information to a data storage device with which said mobile transceiver and data buffering device is in proximity, whereby information contained in a smart device is uploaded substantially automatically to said mobile transceiver and data buffering device, and later downloaded to said data storage device.

4 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Security badge for automated access control and secure data gathering

Life of this patent

Security badge for automated access control and secure data gathering

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims32