BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The invention is in the fields of electronic passports, and more specifically in the field of electronic passports including shielding and/or switchable RFID tags.

Description of Related Art

Radio Frequency identity (RFID) tags are typically small, flexible, and low profile devices that can be affixed to items for electronic tracking and information storage purposes. An RFID tag can be read by an RFID reader when the RFID tag is brought within a certain vicinity of the reader that is broadcasting a radio frequency signal. In some cases, once within that vicinity, the RFID tag receives sufficient power from the radio frequency signal to permit it to transmit a return radio frequency signal using the received power. These RFID tags are referred to as passive RFID tags. In other cases the RFID tag has an independent power source for generating a return radio frequency signal. These RFID tags are referred to as active RFID tags. With either passive or active RFID tags, the return radio frequency signal may include an encoded copy of information stored within the RFID tag. As used herein, RFID tags include radio frequency contactless chips.

SUMMARY

The invention includes the use of shielding in relation to RFID tags. For example, some embodiments of the invention include shielded containers for storing devices including RFID tags. These devices can include identification devices such as passports, credit cards, or driver's licenses.

Some embodiments of the invention include shielded containers and RFID tags, the RFID tags configured for use in determining a state of the container. For example, detection of an RFID tag can be used to determine if the container is open or closed. These embodiments are optionally used in event logging or security.

Some embodiments of the invention include shielding attached to identification devices. This shielding may, for example, be included in a clamshell configuration, as a shielding insert, or as part of a page or cover.

Various embodiments of the invention include a container comprising an RFID tag configured for determining if the container is open or closed, and radio frequency shielding configured to shield a signal from the RFID tag responsive to whether the container is open or closed.

Various embodiments of the invention include a vehicle comprising a receptacle attached to the vehicle and configured to receive an identification device including an RFID tag, and a radio frequency shielding attached to the receptacle and configured to shield the RFID tag when the identification device is placed within the receptacle.

Various embodiments of the invention include a purse comprising a receptacle configured to receive an identification device including an RFID tag, and a radio frequency shielding attached to the purse and configured to shield the RFID tag when the identification device is placed in the receptacle.

Various embodiments of the invention include a wallet comprising a receptacle configured to receive an identification device including an RFID tag, and a radio frequency shielding attached to the wallet and configured to shield the RFID tag when the identification device is placed in the receptacle.

Various embodiments of the invention include a shielded RFID device comprising an identity device including an RFID tag, and a cover physically attached to the device, the cover including a radio frequency shielding material configured to shield the RFID tag in a first position and to not shield the RFID tag in a second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include an identification device comprising a base including a surface configured to display identifying information, an RFID tag configured to transmit identifying information, and a cover including a radio frequency shielding material configured to shield the RFID tag when closed and to allow the RFID tag to communicate with a reader when open.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport device comprising an RFID tag configured to transmit identifying information, a surface configured to visually display the identifying information, and an attached cover including a radio frequency shielding material configured to shield the RFID tag when the cover is closed, and configured to enable reading of the RFID tag when the cover is open.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport device comprising a first cover part including identifying information on an inside surface, a second cover part separated from the first cover part by a fold, an RFID tag within the first cover or the second cover part, and a page between the first cover part and the second cover part, the page including shielding configured for shielding the RFID tag in a first position and not shielding the RFID tag in a second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include a driver's license device comprising an RFID tag configured to transmit identifying information, a surface configured to visually display the identifying information, and a cover including a radio frequency shielding material configured to shield the RFID tag in a first position, and configured to enable reading of the RFID tag in a second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include a credit card device comprising an RFID tag configured to transmit account information, an attached cover including radio frequency shielding and configured to move relative to the RFID tag, to shield the RFID tag in a first position, and not to shield the RFID that in a second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include a shielding device comprising a shielding material configured to be temporally attached to an identity device and to shield an RFID tag within the identity device, and an attachment mechanism configured for attaching the shielding material to the identity device.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport reading system comprising an RFID reader, and a base disposed to form a slot between the base and the RFID reader, a width of the slot configured for passage of a passport in an open position such that shielding material within the passport does not interfere with communications between the RFID reader and an RFID tag included in the passport.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport reading system comprising a first RFID reader, a second RFID reader, a third RFID reader, the first, second and third RFID readers surrounding a passport reading volume and being disposed such that at least one of the first, second and third RFID readers will be at a proper angle relative to an antenna of an RFID tag within a passport in the passport reading volume to read the RFID tag, and also disposed such that transmission between the RFID tag and the at least one of the first, second and third RFID readers is not prevented by shielding within the passport when the passport is open in the passport reading zone regardless of the angle of the shielding relative to the first, second and third readers.

Various embodiments of the invention include a system comprising a cover material configured for inclusion in a polarity of identity devices, a strip of shielding deposited on the cover material, a first RFID tag deposited on the cover material, a second RFID tag deposited on the cover material, and a cutting area configured to be cut in order to produce the plurality of identity devices, the cut including cutting of the strip of shielding and separation of the first RFID tag and the second RFID tag.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport comprising an RFID tag configured to transmit identifying information, a surface configured to visually display the identifying information, and a cover including a first part and a second part separated by a fold, the first part including the RFID tag and the second part including a radio frequency shielding configured to shield the RFID tag when the cover is closed, and configured to allow reading of the RFID tag when the cover is open, the radio frequency shielding including metallic fibers disposed within the second part.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport comprising a first cover part including identifying information including a photograph on an inside surface, a second cover part separated from the first cover part by a fold, an RFID tag within the first cover or the second cover part, and a page between the first cover part and the second cover part, the page including shielding configured for shielding the RFID tag in a first position and not shielding the RFID tag in a second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include a passport comprising a first cover part including an RFID tag disposed at least 5 mm from a fold, a second cover part separated from the first cover part by the fold and including shielding configured for shielding the RFID tag in a first position of the second cover part and not shielding the RFID tag in a second position of the cover part.

Various embodiments of the invention include a system comprising a cover material configured for inclusion in a polarity of identity devices, a strip of shielding deposited on the cover material, a first RFID tag deposited on the cover material, a second RFID tag deposited on the cover material, and a cutting area configured to be cut in order to produce the plurality of identity devices, the cut including cutting of the strip of shielding and separation of a location for depositing of the first RFID tag and a location for depositing of the second RFID tag.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method comprising depositing a radio frequency shielding material on a first part of a cover material, depositing at least a first radio frequency identity tag and a second radio frequency identity tag on a second part of the cover material, cutting the cover material through the radio frequency shielding, and creating a fold in the flexible material, the fold separating the first part of the cover material from the second part of the cover material.

Various embodiments of the invention include a remotely powered RFID (radio frequency identity) tag having an electronically controlled switch. This switch is optionally a remotely (wirelessly) controlled switch. In some embodiments, when the switch is in an off state, the RFID tag will not transmit and when the switch is in an on state the RFID tag will transmit in response to an RF (radio frequency) signal. In some embodiments, the switch includes multiple on states in which different information or signals are transmitted responsive to the state of the switch. The RFID tag includes a memory configured to store the states of the RFID tag and an integrated circuit configured to determine whether to transmit responsive to the stored state of the RFID tag and a received RF signal.

Various embodiments of the invention include switchable RFID devices. These switchable RFID devices can include identity documents such as passports or driver's licenses, financial cards such as credit or debit cards, remote controls, security devices, access devices, communication devices, or the like. In some embodiments, more than one switchable RFID tag is included in a single RFID device. In various embodiments, one or more switches are used to change operation of an RFID tag from a responsive state to a non-responsive state, to change operation of an RFID tag from one responsive state to another responsive state, to enter data into an RFID device, to control an external device, or the like. In various embodiments, the switches are electronic, wireless, and/or mechanical.

Various embodiments of the invention includes an RFID tag comprising an antenna configured to receive data in a first RF signal, to receive energy from the first RF signal, and to transmit data in a second RF signal, the transmission of the second RF signal being powered by the energy received from the first RF signal; and an integrated circuit including an input configured to receive data from the antenna and to receive power resulting from the energy received from the antenna, an output configured to provide an RF signal to the antenna for transmission, a state memory configured to store an ON/OFF state of the RFID tag, a key memory configured for storing a key for changing the ON/OFF state stored in the state memory, and a switch logic configured to receive data from the input, to read the key from the key memory, to compare the received data with the read key, and to change the ON/OFF state stored in the state memory responsive to this comparison, the switch logic is further configured to determine whether or not to provide a second RF signal to the antenna for transmission, the determination being responsive to the ON/OFF state stored in the state memory.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of changing an ON/OFF state of an RFID Tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID Tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, receiving first data through the RF antenna, reading a key from a key memory, using an integrated circuit to compare the first data received through the RF antenna with the key read from the key memory, the integrated circuit powered by the received energy, and writing data to state memory responsive to the comparison, the data written to the state memory being configured to change the RFID tag from an OFF state in which the RFID tag will not transmit an RF signal to an ON state in which the RFID tag will transmit an RF signal.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, sending an RF response through the RF antenna unless the read state is an OFF state.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, sending an RF response through the RF antenna if the read state is an ON state, and disabling the RF response through the RF antenna if the read state is an OFF state.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, sending an RF response through the RF antenna only if the read state is an ON state.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a multilayer identity document comprising a first outer layer, an electrical conductor configured to conduct a current, a spacer layer including an opening configured to contain a switch activator, the switch activator configured to make and break an electrical connection to the electrical connector, and an inner layer disposed such that the spacer layer and switch activator are between the first outer layer and the second outer layer, the inner layer being configured to be pressed to activate the switch activator.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a switchable RFID tag comprising an antenna configured to receive an RF transmission, an integrated circuit configured to generate a response transmission, and a switch configured to turn on and of the ability of the integrated circuit to generate the response transmission, the switch being disposed such that it is surrounded by the antenna.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a system comprising a plurality of switches configured for a user to enter data, logic configured to transmit a first wireless signal responsive to the entered data, and a circuit configured to receive energy from a received second wireless signal and to power the logic and the transmission of the system using the received energy.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a system comprising logic configured to transmit a first wireless signal in response to a received second wireless signal, a wireless I/O configured to receive the second wireless signal and to transmit the first wireless signal, a memory configured to store an account number, the account number being included in the first wireless signal, a physical contact I/O configured for writing the account number to the memory, logic configured to allow writing of the account number to the memory if the account number is received via the physical contact I/O but if the account number is received via the wireless I/O, and a circuit configured to receive energy from the received second wireless signal and to power the logic and the transmission of the first wireless signal using the received energy.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a system comprising logic configured to transmit a first wireless signal in response to a received second wireless signal, a wireless I/O configured to receive the second wireless signal and to transmit the first wireless signal, the second wireless signal including an identification data associated with a reader, a memory configured to store a log of received identification data received from a plurality of readers, a physical contact I/O configured for uploading the log of received identification data from the memory, logic configured to allow uploading of the log of received identification data from the memory via the physical contact I/O but via the wireless I/O, and a circuit configured to receive energy from the received second wireless signal and to power the logic and the transmission of the first wireless signal using the received energy.

Various embodiments of the invention includes a method comprising mounting a plurality of RFID antenna and RFID tags on a support, mounting a the support on a first side of a spacer, the spacer including opening140and optionally including one or more cavity to receive the RFID tags, mounting a cover layer on a second side of the spacer, and cutting the support and spacer to generate a plurality of RFID enabled financial Cards.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method comprising mounting an RFID antenna and RFID tag on a support, mounting a spacer on the support, the spacer being compliant (soft) so that the RFID tag can enter a plane of the spacer to form a cavity, allowing the spacer to harden, and mounting a cover layer on the spacer.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of assembling an identity device, the method comprising depositing an integrated circuit, antenna and switch contacts on a support layer, and laminating the support layer, spacer and flexible membrane together, the spacer having a cavity in which the integrated circuit fits.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of assembling an identity device, the method comprising depositing an integrated circuit, antenna and switch contacts on a support layer150, depositing spacer120on the support layer, spacer120covering the integrated circuit, and depositing a flexible membrane on the support layer, the flexible membrane or the support layer optionally including an image of a user. The Spacer is optionally configured to create a hermetic seal around the integrated circuit and/or the RFID antenna.

Various embodiments of the invention include 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.

Various embodiments of the invention include 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 volatile memory can or cannot be programmed.

Various embodiments of the invention include an integrated circuit comprising a first logic input configured for determining a state of a switch, a power input configured to receive power from a radio frequency antenna, the received power being sufficient for powering the integrated and transmitting a data output signal via the radio frequency antenna, and a data output configured for generating the data output responsive to the state of the switch as determined by the first logic input.

Various embodiments of the invention include an Identity Device comprising an RFID antenna configured to receive power from and communicate with an RFID reader, a circuit configured to receive power from the RFID Antenna, a tag configured to be powered by power received through the RFID antenna and to generate a signal for transmission between the RFID antenna and the RFID reader, and a switch configured to repeatedly turn on and turn off detectability or readability of the tag.

Various embodiments of the invention include a locking mechanism comprising a RFID tag activation circuit configured to turn on a switchable RFID tag by operating a switch within the switchable RFID tag, an RFID reader configured to read the switchable RFID tag, and a lock configured to open responsive to the RFID reader.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising activating a switch in order to turn on the detectability or readability of the RFID tag, the RFID tag powered by power received through an RFID antenna, and activating the switch in order to turn off the detectability or readability of the RFID tag. In some embodiments, the switch is configured to keep the readability of the RFID tag off until the switch is activated again. The switch optionally being included in an identity device.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of operating a switchable RFID tag, the method comprising operating a switch to turn the RFID tag on, responsive to a first action of a user, receiving a signal at an RFID antenna, collecting power from the signal, using the collected power to power an integrated circuit, collecting data from the signal, processing the collected data using the integrated circuit, transmitting a signal generated by the integrated circuit in response to the collected data, using the RFID antenna, and operating the switch to turn the RFID tag off, responsive to a second action of a user.

Various embodiments of the invention include a switchable RFID tag comprising an RFID antenna configured to receive power from and communicate with an RFID reader, a tag configured to be powered by power received through the RFID antenna and to generate a signal for transmission between the RFID antenna and the RFID reader, and a switch configured to repeatedly turn on and turn off detectability or readability of the tag.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of controlling an electronic device, the method comprising receiving a wireless RF signal from an RF transmitter, converting the received RF signal into electronic power, generating a wireless return signal using the electronic power, the wireless return signal configured to control the electronic device, placing a switch in a first position to turn on the generation of the wireless return signal, placing the switch in a second position to turn off the generation of the wireless return signal, and returning the switch to the first position to turn on the generation of the wireless return signal.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of controlling an electronic device, the method comprising receiving a wireless RF signal from an RF transmitter; converting the received RF signal into electronic power; repeatedly changing a switch from a first position to a second position; and generating a wireless return signal using the electronic power, the wireless return signal configured to control the electronic device and being responsive to whether the switch is in the first position and the second position.

Various embodiments of the invention include a system comprising an antenna configured to receive a wireless RF signal from an RF transmitter, a power circuit configured to convert the RF signal into electronic power, a circuit configured to receive the electronic power and to send a wireless response signal in response to the RF signal, and a first switch configured to repeatedly turn on and off a first operation of the circuit under control of a user.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of receiving control instructions, the method comprising, generating a wireless RF signal, transmitting the wireless RF signal to a RF powered remote control device configured to send a wireless return signal responsive to the states of one or more switches, the return signal being generated and transmitted using power converted from the wireless RF signal, receiving the return signal, and determining the states of the one or more switches using the received return signal.

Various embodiments of the invention include a system comprising a RF transmitter configured to send a wireless RF signal, a controlled device, a RF powered remote control configured to be powered by the wireless RF signal and to send a wireless response signal to the controlled device responsive to a first switch, the first switch configured to be repeatedly turned on and off by a user.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, and sending an RF response through the RF antenna unless the read state is an OFF state.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, sending an RF response through the RF antenna if the read state is an ON state, and disabling the RF response through the RF antenna if the read state is an OFF state.

Various embodiments of the invention include a method of operating an RFID tag, the method comprising receiving energy sufficient to power the RFID tag through an RF antenna included in the RFID tag, reading a state from state memory, sending an RF response through the RF antenna only if the read state is an ON state.

