RFID Sensor

Abstract

Various switchable RFID devices are disclosed. These switchable RFID devices may include one or more RFID tags and one or more switches. Some of these one or more switches are optionally wireless. In various embodiments, the switchable RFID devices include cellular phones, security devices, 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. Switches are optionally configured to program the RFID device or to operate as sensors.

1 . A sensor comprising:
 a switch configured to irreversibly change a state in response to a condition; and   a switchable RFID tag configured to operate in response to the state and to
 communicate with an RFID reader. 
   
     
     
         2 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is mechanical. 
     
     
         3 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is chemical. 
     
     
         4 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the condition is shock. 
     
     
         5 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the condition is tilt. 
     
     
         6 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the condition is pressure. 
     
     
         7 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the condition is temperature. 
     
     
         8 . (canceled) 
     
     
         9 . The sensor of  claim 1 , where in the switch is irreversible in that the switch is not reversible in response to a change in the condition but may be reversed by external physical manipulation such at the repair of a connection or replacement of a part. 
     
     
         10 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to operate without the use of electrical power. 
     
     
         11 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to detect the condition while the RFID tag is unpowered. 
     
     
         12 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to change state while the RFID tag is unpowered. 
     
     
         13 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to change state through breaking of a connector. 
     
     
         14 . The sensor of  claim 1 , further including a second switch configured to irreversibly change a state. 
     
     
         15 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to detect tampering with the indicator. 
     
     
         16 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to detect breaking of a seal. 
     
     
         17 . (canceled) 
     
     
         18 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID tag is configured to send a first radio frequency signal when the switch is in an open state and to send a second radio frequency signal when the switch is in a closed state. 
     
     
         19 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID tag is configured not to send a radio frequency signal in a first state of the switch and configured to send a radio frequency signal when the switch is in a second state. 
     
     
         20 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the RFID tag is a passive RFID tag. 
     
     
         21 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch is configured to control a logic circuit within the RFID tag. 
     
     
         22 . The sensor of  claim 1 , wherein the switch includes a fuse.