Radio frequency identification devices and a method of determining a communication range

• US 6,452,496 B1
• Filed: 08/16/2000
• Issued: 09/17/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 07/29/1999
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Round Rock Research LLC
• Original Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
• Inventors: Ovard, David K., Trosper, Scott T., Van Horn, Mark T.
• Primary Examiner(s): MULLEN, THOMAS J
• Application Number:
  US09/640,477
• Time in Patent Office: 762 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/571, 340/825.34, 340/10.1, 340/10.6, 340/693.5, 340/691.1, 342/51, 361/679, 361/748, 361/752
• US Class Current: 340/572.1
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0222 Message structure or message content, e.g. message protocol
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 21/0227 System arrangements with a plurality of child units

Abstract

This invention provides radio frequency identification devices, wireless communication systems, communication methods, methods of forming a radio frequency identification device, methods of testing wireless communication operations, and methods of determining a communication range. According to a first aspect, a radio frequency identification device includes a substrate; communication circuitry coupled with the substrate and configured to at least one of receive wireless signals and communicate wireless signals; and indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to indicate operation of the radio frequency identification device. A communication method according to another aspect includes providing a radio frequency identification device including indication circuitry; receiving a wireless signal within the radio frequency identification device; and indicating operation of the radio frequency identification device using the indication circuitry after the receiving.

Claims

1. A radio frequency identification device comprising:

communication circuitry configured to at least one of receive wireless signals and communicate wireless signals, the communication circuitry including an integrated circuit defining a perimeter; and

indication circuitry coupled with the communication circuitry and configured to indicate operation of the radio frequency identification device, the indication circuitry being provided within the perimeter defined by the integrated circuit.

2. The device according to claim 1 wherein the indication circuitry is configured to indicate at least one of reception of wireless signals and generation of wireless signals.

3. The device according to claim 1 wherein the indication circuitry is configured to emit a human visible signal to indicate operation of the radio frequency identification device.

4. The device according to claim 1 wherein the indication circuitry comprises at least one light emitting device.

5. The device according to claim 1 wherein the communication circuitry comprises transponder circuitry.

6. The device according to claim 1 further comprising a housing over the communication circuitry and the indication circuitry is configured to emit a human perceptible signal outside of the housing to indicate the operation.