Patent ID: 8390428

Claim:
An identity verification badge comprising: a sensor configured to determine and output a status of said badge; a keypad assembly having a faceplate including a plurality of data entry keys, said keys allowing for entry of at least one numeral value; a processor in communication with said sensor, said keypad and a memory, said memory including an identification code of said badge and a personal identification number associated with a user; said processor being configured to: receive an input value comprising at least one value from said keypad; determine whether the received input value corresponds to said personal identification number; retain an indication of matching said personal identification number; and a transmitter/receiver in communication with said processor, the processor being configured to output an access signal upon receipt of a command action through the transmitter/receiver, wherein the access signal is maintained for a shift, to lock out the badge if the sensor indicates that the badge has been removed from the user, the access signal including at least said badge identification code when the received input value corresponds to said personal identification number and the output status of the badge is determined to be in a validated state and to output the access signal when the output status of the badge transitions from an invalidated state to the validated state within a predetermined time period without receiving any additional numerical input value from the keypad.