RFID medical device control interface

1. A system for controlling medical equipment during a medical procedure, comprising:

a passive radio frequency identification (RFID) tag having:

an antenna;

an RFID circuit; and

a switching device coupled to the RFID circuit for activating the passive RFID tag;

an RFID sensor for detecting the passive RFID tag;

a controller coupled to the RFID sensor, the RFID sensor providing a signal to the controller indicating presence of an activated passive RFID tag; and

a robotic arm having an end effector and controlled by the controller;

wherein the passive RFID tag is used to control a payload attached to the end effector; and

wherein the switching device includes a touch sensor controllable by proximity to human skin, the switching device adjusting frequency properties of the passive RFID tag such that the passive RFID tag operates at an operational frequency when human skin is in contact with the switching device.

2. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the switching device is also coupled to the antenna and includes a mechanical switch that connects and disconnects the antenna from the RFID circuit, thereby activating and deactivating the passive RFID tag.

3. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the antenna further is coupled to the RFID circuit and the passive RFID tag transmits a first identification (ID) and the switching device includes a mechanical switch that changes the transmitted ID to a second ID when the switch is pressed.

4. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the passive RFID tag continues to transmit the second ID after the switch is depressed and until the switch is pressed again.

5. The system according to claim 3 , wherein the passive RFID tag reverts to transmitting the first ID when the switch is depressed.

6. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a medical tool having the passive RFID tag mounted thereon.

7. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a sticker having the passive RFID tag, such that the passive RFID tag can be adhered to any surface in an operating room environment.

8. The system according to claim 1 , further comprising a collar wearable around a finger, the collar having the passive RFID tag.

9. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the payload includes at least one of a camera, an OCT system, and an imaging system.

10. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the payload includes an optical payload selected from the group consisting of an imaging device, a microscopy device, an exoscope, a display device, an optical coherence tomography (OCT) device, and a spectrometry device.

11. The system according to claim 1 , wherein there are a plurality of passive RFID tags in use in an operating room environment.

12. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the passive RFID tag is disposable.

13. The system according to claim 1 , wherein the passive RFID tag is wearable under a surgical glove.

14. The system according to claim 11 , wherein the plurality of passive RFID tags each has a distinct physical pattern usable to differentiate between the plurality of passive RFID tags using touch.