RFID Devices Configured for Direct Interaction
An RFID tag is provided with an RFID chip and an antenna and interactive switch electrically coupled to the RFID chip. When a user physically interacts with the switch (such as by pressing the switch with a finger), the antenna transmits an input signal to an RFID reader of an RFID-based control system. The RFID reader, in turn, transmits a control signal to an electronic device for controlling the device. The RFID tag may be incorporated into any of a number of devices, such as a keyboard or article of clothing, and can function to operate a variety of electronic devices, including audio-visual devices and gaming systems.
1 . An RFID tag, comprising:
an RFID chip;
an antenna electrically connected to the RFID chip; and
an interactive switch electrically connected to the RFID chip, wherein the antenna is configured to return a modified signal to an RFID reader when a user physically interacts with the interactive switch.
2 . The RFID tag of claim 1 , wherein the RFID tag is configured to be removably securable to various surfaces.
3 . The RFID tag of claim 1 , further comprising printed information indicative of the signal to be transmitted by the antenna when a user physically interacts with the interactive switch.
4 . The RFID tag of claim 1 , further comprising an optical indicator electrically connected to the RFID chip and responsive to physical interaction with the interactive switch.
5 . The RFID tag of claim 1 , further comprising a tactile indicator electrically connected to the RFID chip and responsive to physical interaction with the interactive switch.
6 . The RFID tag of claim 1 , further comprising an audible indicator electrically connected to the RFID chip and responsive to physical interaction with the interactive switch.
7 . A method for controlling an electronic device, comprising:
providing an RFID tag comprising an interactive switch;
physically interacting with the interactive switch of the RFID tag;
transmitting an input signal from the RFID tag to an RFID reader in response to said physically interacting with the interactive switch; and
transmitting a control signal from the RFID reader to an electronic device in response to said transmitting an input signal.
8 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said transmitting a control signal includes transmitting a control signal from the RFID reader to an electronic audio-visual device.
9 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said transmitting a control signal includes transmitting a control signal from the RFID reader to an electronic graphic display device.
10 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said transmitting a control signal includes transmitting a control signal from the RFID reader to an electronic gaming device.
11 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said providing an RFID tag includes incorporating an RFID tag into an article of clothing.
12 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said providing an RFID tag includes incorporating an RFID tag into an order-placement interface unit.
13 . The method of claim 12 , wherein said order-placement interface unit comprises a menu card.
14 . The method of claim 7 , wherein said providing an RFID tag includes providing an array of RFID tags configured as a keyboard.