Rfid systems and methods

Abstract

A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag according to one embodiment includes a housing configured for coupling to an object; control circuitry coupled to the housing; a first power source for providing power to the control circuitry; a first sensor to monitor temperature; a second sensor to monitor shock; and a third sensor to monitor tampering.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) tag, comprising:
 a housing configured for coupling to an object;   control circuitry coupled to the housing;   a first power source for providing power to the control circuitry;   a first sensor to monitor temperature;   a second sensor to monitor shock; and   a third sensor to monitor tampering.   
     
     
         2 . The RFID tag as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the first power source is a battery. 
     
     
         3 . The RFID tag as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information. 
     
     
         4 . The RFID tag as recited in  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured for permanent coupling to the object. 
     
     
         5 . The RFID tag of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured for detachable coupling to the object. 
     
     
         6 . The RFID tag as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information including user programmable information. 
     
     
         7 . The RFID tag as recited in  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information, where access to portions of the information stored in the memory is selectively allowed or denied based on information received from an inquiring entity. 
     
     
         8 . The RFID tag of  claim 1 , further comprising a display device, the display device displaying at least a portion of information stored in a memory of the RFID tag. 
     
     
         9 . The RFID tag of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information including an identification number. 
     
     
         10 . The RFID tag of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information including a name of an owner of the object. 
     
     
         11 . The RFID tag of  claim 1 , further comprising a memory for storing information including a registration number associated with the object. 
     
     
         12 . A Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) system, comprising:
 a plurality of RFID tags, wherein each of the RFID tags include:
 a housing configured for coupling to an object; 
 control circuitry coupled to the housing; 
 a first power source for providing power to the control circuitry; 
 a first sensor to monitor temperature; 
 a second sensor to monitor shock; and 
 a third sensor to monitor tampering; and 
   an RFID interrogator in communication with the RFID tags.