System and method for disabling RFID tags

• US 7,737,853 B2
• Filed: 08/08/2007
• Issued: 06/15/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 09/22/2004
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Snap, Inc.
• Original Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
• Inventors: Moskowitz, Paul Andrew, Karjoth, Guenter, von Gutfeld, Robert J.
• Primary Examiner(s): Mullen; Thomas J
• Application Number:
  US11/836,059
• Publication Number:
  US 20070285250A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,042 Days
• Field of Search: 340/572.1, 340/572.3, 340/572.7, 343/842
• US Class Current: 340/572.3
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 19/0739 the incapacitated circuit being part of an antenna
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/2417 having a radio frequency identification chip
• CPC Class Codes: G08B 13/242 Tag deactivation

Abstract

The invention provides protection to wireless portable transponders from unauthorized interrogation by employing a mechanical means for disabling reception by or from the antenna of the transponder. Transponders include RFID tags that are attached to items that a persons may purchase or carry. Such transponders generally have means for receiving and storing electronic and other information, commonly in binary form using memories as in electronic circuits, etc. The invention is designed to provide privacy of electronic information. The tags can be protected from receiving or providing unauthorized or unwanted information. The invention provides the mechanical means that permit the owner to decide when reception/interrogation of personal or other information is not desired by employing the provided mechanical disable control means.

Claims

1. A method for manufacturing a wireless RFID tag, said method comprising:

providing a memory chip, an antenna, and a mounting means for mounting the memory chip and said antenna; and

coupling said memory chip to said antenna with an electrical conductor passing through an exterior portion of said mounting means, at least a portion of said electrical conductor being removable when it is desired to disable interrogation of said RFID tag.

2. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising removing said at least a portion of said electrical conductor to disable interrogation of said RFID tag.

3. A method as recited in claim 2, further comprising reconnecting said at least a portion of said electrical conductor to enable interrogation of said RFID tag.

4. A method as recited in claim 1, further comprising:

removing said at least a portion of said electrical conductor to disable interrogation of said RFID tag, such as to leave electrical stubs having an electrical connection to the memory chip.

5. A method as recited in claim 4, further comprising connecting an external antenna to said stubs to re-enable interrogation of said RFID tag.

6. A method as recited in claim 5, wherein said step of connecting comprises adhering a decal having an electrical circuit making contact with at least one of said stubs to complete an antenna circuit.

7. A method as recited in claim 6, wherein said decal comprises said external antenna.