RFID Device Including Multiple Active Modes

Abstract

Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include identity devices, financial devices, remote controls, and the like. In some embodiments switches are configured to enter data into a switchable RFID device, for example to select a financial account.

1 . A switchable RFID device comprising: 
 a first logic input configured for determining a state of a first switch;    a power input configured to receive power wirelessly, the received power being sufficient for powering the integrated and for transmitting a data output signal via the radio frequency antenna; and    a data output configured for generating the data output signal, contents of the data output signal being responsive to the state of the first switch as determined by the first logic input.    
   
   
       2 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , further including a second logic input configured for determining a state of a second switch.  
   
   
       3 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , wherein first switch is configured for entering a personal identification number or password into the switchable RFID tag.  
   
   
       4 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , wherein the first logic input is further configured for determining an amount of data included in the data output signal.  
   
   
       5 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , wherein the first logic input is further configured for ensuring the security of a financial transaction.  
   
   
       6 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , wherein the first logic input is further configured for selecting from among a plurality of alternative financial accounts.  
   
   
       7 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , further including a second logic input, the first logic input and the second logic input being configured to separately control detectability and readability of the RFID tag.  
   
   
       8 . The switchable RFID device of  claim 1 , wherein the first switch is configured to change the RFID tag between a first active state and a second active state.  
   
   
       9 . An RFID tag comprising: 
 an antenna configured to transmit data;    a power circuit configured to provide power;    an integrated circuit configured to receive power from the power circuit, to provide the data to the antenna, the integrated circuit including a non-volatile memory configured to store the data and a logic circuit configured to determine a state of a switch, the switch being configured to control whether the non-volatile memory can or cannot be programmed.    
   
   
       10 . The RFID tag of  claim 9 , wherein the switch includes an electrical conductor configured to be irreversibly broken.  
   
   
       11 . The RFID tag of  claim 9 , wherein the switch is configured to irreversibly lock the contents of the volatile memory.  
   
   
       12 . The RFID tag of  claim 9 , wherein the power circuit is configured to provide power from a wireless transmission.  
   
   
       13 . The RFID tag of  claim 9 , wherein the non-volatile memory is configured to be programmed via a wireless signal received through the antenna.  
   
   
       14 . A method comprising: 
 programming data to non-volatile memory of an RFID tag in a programmable mode; and    changing a state of a switch coupled to the RFID tag so as to change the RFID tag from the programmable mode to a non-programmable mode.    
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the switch and RFID tag are disposed within an identity device.  
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein programming data to non-volatile memory is performed using an RF signal.  
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the state of the switch is irreversibly changed.  
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the state of the switch is changed by breaking a conductor.  
   
   
       19 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the state of the switch is changed by embossing an identification device.  
   
   
       20 . The method of  claim 14 , wherein the switch is a mechanical switch.