Interactive radio frequency tags

Abstract

Interactive radio frequency tags that are responsive to external stimuli to change state are disclosed. The tags preferably include a passive radio frequency transponder, having an antenna, an interface for receiving an external stimulus, and one or more integrated circuits responsive to the external stimulus received at the interface to change the state of the transponder. Also disclosed is a “sensor tag” which changes state in response to a particular environmental stimulus. In addition, either of these “button” or “sensor” features may be combined with an output feature which visually, audibly, tactilely or otherwise signals the state or change of state of an RF tag, or the tag may be designed to produce an output in response to the external stimulus of the RF signal received at the tag's antenna.

1 . An interactive radio frequency tag apparatus, comprising:
 a passive radio frequency transponder, including,
 an antenna, 
 an interface for receiving an external stimulus, and 
 one or more integrated circuits responsive to an external stimulus received at said interface to change the state of said transponder. 
   
   
   
       2 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said interface comprises one or more buttons. 
   
   
       3 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said interface comprises a sensor. 
   
   
       4 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said sensor detects temperature. 
   
   
       5 . The apparatus of  claim 3 , wherein said sensor detects light. 
   
   
       6 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , further comprising an output device. 
   
   
       7 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said output device generates a visible signal. 
   
   
       8 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said output device generates an audible signal. 
   
   
       9 . The apparatus of  claim 6 , wherein said output device generates a tactile signal. 
   
   
       10 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is configured to exist in alternate states responsive to said external stimulus. 
   
   
       11 . The apparatus of  claim 1 , wherein said apparatus is configured to exist in one of several states responsive to said external stimulus. 
   
   
       12 . A method of changing the response provided by a polled radio frequency tag, comprising:
 providing an interactive radio frequency tag apparatus, having,   a passive radio frequency transponder, including,
 an antenna, 
 an interface for receiving an external stimulus, and 
 one or more integrated circuits responsive to an external stimulus received at said interface to change the state of said transponder; and 
   applying an external stimulus to said interface to change the state of said transponder.   
   
   
       13 . The method of  claim 12 , further comprising generating a signal indicating that the state of said radio frequency transponder has changed. 
   
   
       14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said signal is visible. 
   
   
       15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said signal is audible. 
   
   
       16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein said signal is tactile. 
   
   
       17 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said interface, wherein said interface comprises one or more buttons. 
   
   
       18 . The method of  claim 12 , wherein said interface comprises a sensor. 
   
   
       19 . A radio frequency tag apparatus, having,
 a passive radio frequency transponder, including,
 an antenna, 
 an integrated circuit; 
 an output device responsive to a radio frequency signal received at said antenna to generate an output signal. 
   
   
   
       20 . The apparatus of  claim 19 , wherein said output device is a light-emitting diode.