Patent ID: 6104311
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: B33Y,G06K

Abstract:
A method for encoding an encodable identification tag, said method comprising the steps of:providing an encodable identification tag includinga substrate, andelectrical circuitry disposed on said substrate and configured to receive a query signal and to output a response signal selectable among a predetermined plurality of response signals in response to receipt of said query signal,wherein said electrical circuitry includes a plurality of electrical components and a plurality of conductive traces,wherein each said trace is formed by a conductive material deposited on said substrate, extends between a first said component and a respective second said component, and has selectable states including an electrically conducting state in which said trace is electrically continuous from said first component to said respective second component and an electrically nonconducting state in which a gap is defined in said trace between said component and said respective second component,wherein said tag defines a receptacle at each said gap to receive conductive material to electrically close said gap, andwherein said response signal is dependent upon said state of said traces; andthereafter depositing a conductive material into said gap of at least one of said traces where said trace is in said nonconducting state in said providing step, thereby changing said state of said trace.