Abstract:
A data exchange system comprising a device memory module, a device antenna, a device transceiver system comprising a device transceiver module and a device antenna, a power manager, a first switch operable in a first state and a second state, and a power supply for providing power to the device memory module, the device transceiver, and the power manager. When the first switch is in its first state, the device memory module and the device transceiver do not consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory. When the first switch is in its second state, the device memory and the device transceiver consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the host transceiver system.

Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/354,319 filed Jan. 19, 2012, claims benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61/434,435 filed Jan. 20, 2011, 61/434,436 filed Jan. 20, 2011, 61/434,438 filed Jan. 20, 2011, 61/434,440 filed Jan. 20, 2011, 61/484,903 filed May 11, 2011, 61/485,712 filed May 13, 2011, 61/550,357 filed Oct. 21, 2011, 61/550,366 filed Oct. 21, 2011, 61/550,372 filed Oct. 21, 2011, and 61/554,501 filed Nov. 2, 2011. 
     The contents of all related applications listed above are incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     TECHNICAL FIELD 
     The present invention relates to near field communications (NFC) systems and, in particular, to NFC systems that store data in a manner that allows the downloading of data to be controlled. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     NFC systems employ a set of standards that allow communications between two NFC devices by touching them together or bringing them into close contact (e.g., up to 20 cm) with each other. Both of the NFC devices may be powered, or one of the device may be a powered NFC device and the other may be an unpowered NFC device, commonly referred to as a “tag”. 
     Like radio frequency identification (RFID) systems, NFC systems employ magnetic induction between two loop antennas to communicate data. Unlike RFID systems, however, NFC systems allow bi-directional or two-way communications between two compliant NFC devices. Communication between two powered NFC systems consumes far less power than other near range communications systems such as Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth. And unlike Wi-Fi and Blue Tooth systems, NFC devices do not require manual configuration to establish communication. The relatively short range of NFC devices as compared to other communications systems reduces, but does not eliminate, the likelihood that the transmitted data will be intercepted. 
     The need exists for improved NFC systems and devices that address a range of powering, security, ease of use, and disposal issues associated with NFC systems. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention may be embodied as a data exchange system for exchanging data with a host device comprising host memory, a host transceiver system, and a host antenna, comprising a device memory module, a device antenna, a device transceiver system, a power manager, a first switch, and a power supply. The device memory module stores data. The device transceiver system comprising a device transceiver module and a device antenna, where the transceiver system allows the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the device antenna, the host antenna, and the host transceiver system. The first switch is operable in a first state and a second state. The power supply provides power to the device memory module, the device transceiver, and the power manager. When the first switch is in its first state, the device memory module and the device transceiver do not consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory. When the first switch is in its second state, the device memory and the device transceiver consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the host transceiver system. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a method of exchanging data with a host device comprising host memory, a host transceiver system, and a host antenna, comprising the following steps. A device memory module for storing data is provided. A device transceiver system comprising a device transceiver module and a device antenna is provided. The device transceiver system allows the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the device antenna, the host antenna, and the host transceiver system. The device memory module, the device antenna, the device transceiver, a first switch, and a power supply are mounted within a housing. The housing is arranged such that the host antenna and the device antenna are coupled. The first switch is operated in its first state such that the device memory module and the device transceiver do not consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory. The first switch is operated in its second state such that the device memory and the device transceiver consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the host transceiver system. 
     The present invention may also be embodied as a data exchange system for exchanging data with a host device comprising host memory, a host transceiver system, and a host antenna, comprising a device memory module for storing data, a device antenna, a device transceiver system comprising a device transceiver module and a device antenna, where the transceiver system allows the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the device antenna, the host antenna, and the host transceiver system, a power manager; a first switch operable in a first state and a second state; a power supply for providing power to the device memory module, the device transceiver, and the power manager; and a housing for containing the device memory module, the device antenna, the device transceiver module, the power manager module, the first switch, and the power supply. When the first switch is in its first state, the power manager operates in a first mode in which the device memory module and the device transceiver do not consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory. When the first switch is in its second state, the power manager operates in a second mode in which the device memory and the device transceiver consume sufficient power from the power supply to allow the transfer of data between the device memory module and the host memory using the host transceiver system. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram illustrating an example data transmission system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a block diagram of an example host device that may be used as part of the data transmission system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a block diagram of a first example NFC storage device that may be used as part of the data transmission system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a block diagram of a second example NFC storage device that may be used as part of the data transmission system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIGS. 5A-F  illustrate first, second, third, fourth, and fifth example support systems for supporting a NFC storage device; 
         FIGS. 6A-6F  illustrate an example method of recycling a support system such as those depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5F ; 
         FIG. 7A  is an exploded view of a first example clip system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7B  is a rear elevation view depicting the first example clip system of  FIG. 7A  installed on a host device; 
         FIGS. 7C and 7D  are rear elevation and side elevation views of the use of the example clip system of  FIGS. 7A and 7B  to support a support system as depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5F ; 
         FIG. 8A  is a front perspective view of a first example case system of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8B  is an exploded, rear elevation view of the first example case system and a support system as depicted in  FIGS. 5A-5F ; and 
         FIG. 8C  is a rear elevation view depicting the first example case system securing the support system relative to a host device. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The principles of the present invention may be embodied in many different forms, and a number of example data transmission systems and methods employing the principles of the present invention will be described below. 
     I. Switched Data Transmission System 
     Referring initially to  FIG. 1  of the drawing, depicted at  20  therein is a first example data transmission system constructed in accordance with, and embodying, the principles of the present invention. The first example data transmission system  20  comprises a host device  22  and an NFC storage device  24 . 
     A. Example Host Device 
     As shown in  FIG. 2  of the drawing, the example host device  22  comprises a processor  30 , host memory  32 , an RFID transceiver  34 , and an antenna  36 . The processor  30  is operatively connected to the host memory  32  such that the processor  30  can write data to and read data from the host memory  32 . The processor  30  is also operatively connected to the RFID transceiver  34  such that the processor  30  can receive data from and send data to a remote NFC or RFID device using the antenna  36 .  FIG. 2  further illustrates that the example host device  22  comprises a housing  38 . 
     The example host device  22  will typically be a cellular telephone, tablet computer, laptop computer, or other device with additional components such as a display system  40 , an input system  42 , a Wi-Fi transceiver  44 , a cellular transceiver  46 , and/or a blue tooth transceiver  48 . In many host devices, the display system  40  and input system  42  are at least partly integrated in the form of a touch screen display. 
     As is conventional, the host device  22  comprises a power system (not shown) with a charger and/or battery or other power storage device that allows the example host device  22  to function as a powered NFC device. 
     B. First Example NFC Storage Device 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3  of the drawing, the example NFC storage device  24  is depicted in further detail. The example NFC storage device  24  comprises a flash random access memory component (FRAM)  50  capable of storing data, a FRAM interface component  52 , a transceiver system  54 , a power supply system  56 , and a power manager  58 . The example transceiver system  54  comprises an RFID transceiver  60 , a RFID interface  62 , a link manager  64 , a receive data flow controller  66 , and a transmit data flow controller  68 . The example power supply  56  comprises a battery  70  and, optionally, a charger  72  and an alternative power source  74 . As is conventional, the battery  70  is operatively connected to supply power to all of the components of the NFC storage device  24  that require power for proper operation in at least one mode. The example NFC storage device  24  further comprises a programming port  76  to allow data to be written directly to and read directly from the FRAM  50 . The RFID transceiver  60  is connected to an antenna  78 . 
     The example power manager  58  is operatively connected to a switch  80 . The example power manager  58  is programmed to allow the NFC storage device  24  to operate in a low power mode and in an active mode. The example switch  80  takes the form of a normally open single pole/single throw button operated electrical switch, but other switch configurations and combinations may be used that perform a similar function. 
     When the switch  80  is open, the power manager  58  causes the NFC storage device  24  to operate in the low power mode. In the low power mode, the power manager  58  deactivates the actively powered components of the NFC storage device  24 . The actively powered components of the NFC storage device  24  include the FRAM  50 , the FRAM interface component  52 , the RFID transceiver  60 , the RFID interface  62 , the link manager  64 , the receive data flow controller  66 , and the transmit data flow controller  68 . The NFC storage device  24  cannot transmit or receive data when in the lower power mode. 
     When the switch  80  is closed, the power manager  58  causes the NFC storage device  24  to operate in the active mode. In the active mode, the power manager  58  actives the power consuming components of the NFC storage device  24  such that the NFC storage device  24  allows data to be written to and read from the FRAM  50  using the transceiver system  54 .  FIG. 3  further illustrates that the NFC storage device  24  comprises a housing  82  and that the switch  80  is accessible from outside of the housing  82 . 
     The power manager  58  further controls the charging of the battery  70  using the charger  72 . An arrow  84  illustrates a power signal that allows the charger  72  to charge the battery  70 . The alternate power source  74  supplies power to allow operation of the NFC storage device  24  in the active mode when the battery  70  is discharged or inoperative for any other reason. An arrow  86  illustrates a power input such as an electric power input, mechanical power input (e.g., vibrational), and/or chemical power input (e.g., hydrogen) from which an electrical power signal suitable for powering the NFC storage device  24  in the active mode can be generated or derived. 
     Given the foregoing general discussion of the example NFC storage device  24 , the details of the components of that device  24  will now be described in further detail. 
     The example RFID transceiver  60  converts the baseband signal from the RFID interface  62  to the RF signal for transmission to the host device  22 . The transceiver  60  also receives the RF signal from the host device  22  and converts it to baseband signal, then transfers the baseband signal to the RFID interface  62 . 
     Located between the RFID transceiver  60  and the antenna  78  is impedance-matching and duplexing circuitry (not shown) that allows the transceiver and the antenna to interoperate. The antenna  78  is an external coil antenna designed to respond only to magnetic field induction at a frequency of 14.56 MHz, which is the standard operating frequency of RFID. The duplexing circuitry allows the receiver and transmitter portions of the RFID transceiver  60  to use the same antenna  78 . 
     When the antenna  78  captures the RF power signal from the host device  22 , the receiver portion of the RFID transceiver  60  is converted to baseband signal and passed to the RFID interface  62  for processing. If the received baseband signal is recognized as a request to transfer stored data, then the stored data is processed into a baseband signal. That baseband signal is then transferred to the transmitter portion of the RFID transceiver  60 , where the baseband signal is converted to RF power signal. 
     The RFID interface  62  consists of a receive digital portion which takes the received baseband signal and filters it through decoders and framing circuits (not shown). Application-specific signals such as Start-of-Frame, End-of-Frame, parity bits and CRC bytes are removed from the baseband signal and transferred to other peripherals in the chipset. The remaining baseband “payload” signal is transferred to a 128-byte FIFO register, then transferred to an internal microcontroller (not shown) for further processing. 
     The RFID interface  62  further comprises a transmit digital portion which takes the baseband “payload” signal from the microcontroller (stored data file in FRAM) and transfers it through a 128-byte FIFO register. Encoders and framing circuits then add the Start-of-Frame, End-of-Frame, parity bits and CRC bytes to the baseband “payload” signal, which is then sent to the RFID transceiver  60  peripheral. 
     The link manager  64  controls performance parameters as defined by the NFC protocol. These parameters include modulation and coding, data transfer rate, and RF transmit power. The example link manager  64  configures the RFID interface  62  and RFID transceiver  60  to operate in Peer-to-Peer mode. 
     The receive data flow controller  66  operates in conjunction with the bit-collision detection in the framing circuitry of the RFID interface  62 . When a bit collision is detected in the received baseband signal, an interrupt request is sent to the internal microcontroller. The microcontroller then clears the payload data it just received from its registers. 
     The transmit data flow controller  68  prevents the overflow of the FIFO register in the RFID interface  62 . In every payload data to be transmitted from the microcontroller to the RFID interface  62 , two bytes of data are attached to the beginning of the transmission, indicating the length of the payload data. If the data length is longer than the allowable size of the FIFO register, an interrupt request is sent to the microcontroller. The microcontroller halts the next data packet until the interrupt is cleared. This allows the remaining bits of the current data packet to be transferred through the FIFO register. 
     The FRAM interface component  52  receives incoming payload data. When the FRAM interface component  52  determines that the incoming data is from a valid host device  22 , it enables the FRAM  50  and transmits the data file stored within the FRAM chipset. 
     The FRAM interface component  52  also monitors interrupt requests. If an interrupt request is detected, the payload data in its registers is cleared (in receive mode) or the transmission of the next data packet from the FRAM chipset (in transmit mode) is halted. 
     Data file to be stored within the FRAM chipset is transferred from the programming port  76 . For this purpose, the FRAM interface component  52  re-directs data packets from the programming port  76  to the FRAM chipset. 
     The example FRAM  50  is a non-volatile, flash memory device or chipset in which a data file may be stored. Stored data contents are not erased when electrical power is removed from the NFC storage device  24 . Current examples of the FRAM  50  typically contain files from 1 to 2 Mbit in size. 
     Any memory module or circuit capable of storing data for transmission as described herein may be used in place of the FRAM  50  described herein. For example, while the FRAM is a non-volatile memory device that does not require power to retain data, a volatile memory device that does require power to retain data may be used as the memory module. Of course, the additional power requirements of a volatile memory device will increase the demands on the power supply  56 . 
     As generally discussed above, the data or data file to be stored within the FRAM chipset is transferred from the programming port  76 . For this purpose, the FRAM interface component  52  re-directs data packets from the programming port  76  to the FRAM chipset. 
     The power manager  58  constantly monitors the external DC power switch  80 . When monitoring the external switch  80  (i.e., switch open), the power manager  58  operates in the low-power mode and draws minimal amount of current from the battery  70 . When the switch  80  is closed, the power manager  58  then operates in the active mode, energizing the entire NFC storage device  24 . When the switch is open, the entire NFC storage device  24  is de-energized and the power manager  58  reverts to operating in low-power mode. 
     The charger  72  transfers energy to the battery  70 . The amount of charging current is regulated by the power manager  58  peripheral within the MSP430F2370. 
     The example battery  70  is a Li-ion battery cell capable of supplying DC power to the entire NFC storage device  24 . 
     If a Li-ion battery is discharged, inoperative, or otherwise not available, an AC-to-DC power adaptor or other alternative energy source can be used to operate the NFC storage device  24 . 
     Many components of the example NFC storage device  24  may be implemented with currently available chip sets. For example, the FRAM interface component  52 , the power manager  58 , and the programming port  76  can be embodied as a Texas Instruments MSP430F2370 chip set. The RFID transceiver  60 , the RFID interface  62 , the link manager  64 , the receive data flow controller  66 , and the transmit data flow controller  68  can be embodied as a Texas Instruments TRF7970A chip set. Chips sets with similar functionality from other manufactures such as NPX may be used instead of the example Texas Instruments chip sets described herein. 
     C. Second Example NFC Storage Device 
     Depicted in  FIG. 4  of the drawing is a second example NFC storage device  24 ′ constructed in accordance with, and embodying, one form of the present invention. The second example NFC storage device  24 ′ is or may be constructed in substantially the same manner as the first example NFC storage device  24  and will be described herein only to the extent that the second device  24 ′ differs from the first device  24 . 
     The second device  24 ′ may be referred to as a switched antenna NFC storage device because a switch  90  is arranged between the RFID transceiver  60  and the antenna  78 . The example switch  90  is operated by pressing the button forming a part of the example switch  80 . When the switch  80  is open, the power manager  58  causes the NFC storage device  24 ′ to operate in a disconnected mode. In the disconnected mode, the antenna is completely disconnected from the RFID transceiver  60 , preventing reading of the data stored in the FRAM  50  under any circumstance. The NFC storage device  24 ′ cannot transmit or receive data when in the disconnected mode. When the switch  90  is closed, the antenna  76  is connected to the RFID transceiver  60 , allowing data to be written to and read from the FRAM  50 . 
     In the NFC storage device  24 ′, the example switch  80  takes the form of a normally open double pole/single throw button operated electrical switch that opens and closes the switches  80  and  90  together with the pressing of a single button. Again, other switch configurations and combinations may be used that perform a similar function. 
       FIG. 4  further illustrates that a power supply system  56 ′ of the second example NFC storage device  24 ′ comprises, in addition to the charger  72 , a piezo electric transducer  92  and an energy storage device  94 . The transducer  92  converts mechanical movement indicated by arrow  96  into an electrical signal and thus forms an electrical generator. The charger  72  converts the electrical signal from the transducer  92  into a power signal appropriate for storage by the energy storage device  94  and later use by the NFC storage device  24 ′. The energy storage device  94  may be a battery, capacitor, or any other device capable of storing energy that can be used by the device  24 ′. 
     II. Support Systems and Methods 
       FIGS. 5A-5F  illustrate a number of example support systems that may be used to support NFC storage devices for shipment, storage, distribution, retail display, and use. 
     A support system of the present invention may be designed to accommodate an NFC storage system such as the example NFC storage systems  24  and  24 ′ described above. Alternatively, a data storage system such as that disclosed in any one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,961,425, 7,567,780, 7,760,100, and/or 7,801,871 may be supported by any of the support systems described herein, and the contents of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. More generally, the support systems and methods of the present invention may be used to support any switched or unswitched, passive or active NFC or RFID chip or tag. 
     In general, a support system of the present invention comprises an NFC storage device supported by a substrate. The substrate may simply be a card stock, paperboard, or plastic sheet having no function other than to facilitate handling of the NFC storage device. Alternatively, the substrate may be provide with one or more additional or supplemental features that may be used to extend and in conjunction with the data storage capabilities of the NFC storage device. 
     A number of example support systems and included substrates will be described below, but additional features and combinations of features may be used to implement the principles of the present invention in addition to the specific examples described below. 
     In particular,  FIGS. 5A and 5B  depict a first example support system  120  comprising a substrate  122  and a NFC storage device  124 . As shown in  FIG. 5B , the example substrate  122  comprises first and second substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128 . 
     The example NFC storage device  124  comprises, at a minimum, a memory component such as the FRAM component  50  and an interface component for the memory component such as the FRAM interface component  52  described above. Optionally, the example NFC storage device  124  further may comprise an onboard transceiver system such as the transceiver system  54  described above. 
     The first example substrate transceiver system  126  comprises a first antenna  140  and a first transceiver  142 . The second example substrate transceiver system  128  comprises a second antenna  144  and a second transceiver  146 . The first and second substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  are designed to operate at different frequencies. 
     The first and second substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  are connected to a first pair of substrate contacts  150  and  152  and a second pair of substrate contacts  154  and  156 , respectively. The substrate contacts  150 - 156  are arranged adjacent to a substrate opening  158  formed in the substrate  122 . The NFC storage device  124  engages the substrate opening  158  to detachably attach the storage device  124  to the substrate  122  and thus form the support system  120 . An attachment system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 7,760,100 may be used to attach the NFC storage device  124  to the substrate  122 . 
     The example NFC storage device  124  is provided with onboard contacts  160 ,  162 ,  164 , and  166  that are arranged to electrically engage the substrate contacts  150 - 156  to allow signals to be transmitted between the substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  and the memory component of the NFC storage device  124  as generally described above. Additional contacts may be provided on the substrate  122  and the device  124  to allow power to be transferred between the substrate  122  and the device  124 . As an alternative to the use of two pairs of two (four total) of onboard contacts as shown in  FIG. 5A , the NFC storage device  124  may be provided with a single pair of onboard contacts, in which case the NFC storage device  124  is rotated to align the single pair of onboard contacts with a selected one of the pairs of substrate contacts  150  and  152  or  154  and  156 . 
     The substrate  122  thus provides optional or additional transceiver systems for use by the NFC storage device  124  to allow that device  124  to transfer data with host devices having differing communications frequencies and/or standards. These substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  may take the place of the transceiver system  54  of the NFC storage devices  24  and  24 ′ as described above or may be used in addition to an onboard transceiver system such as the example transceiver system  54  described above. While two substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  are described in the example support system  120 , fewer or more substrate transceiver systems may be employed. 
       FIG. 5C  depicts a second example substrate  220  in which the NFC storage device  124  comprises an onboard transceiver system such as the transceiver system  54 . In this case, the second example substrate may be used in place of the first example substrate  122 . The second example substrate  220  comprises first, second, and third substrate transceiver systems  222 ,  224 , and  226 . The first and second substrate transceiver systems  222  and  224  may be constructed in the same manner as the first and second substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  described above and thus operate using a different frequency/standard than the onboard transceiver system. 
     The second example substrate  220  further comprises the third substrate transceiver system  226  to allow wireless communication between the either of the substrate transceiver systems  222  and  224  and the onboard transceiver system on the NFC storage device  124 . In particular, the third substrate transceiver system  226  comprises a third substrate antenna  230  and a third substrate transceiver  232 . The second example substrate  220  defines a substrate opening  234 , and the third substrate antenna  230  is adjacent to and/or extends around the substrate opening  234 . When the NFC storage device  124  is attached to the second example substrate  220 , an onboard antenna such as the antenna  36  described above is coupled to the third substrate antenna  230 . 
     The use of the third substrate transceiver system  226  obviates the need for substrate contacts and/or onboard contacts to allow data to be transmitted between a memory component on the NFC storage device  124 , such as the FRAM  50 , and the first and second substrate transceiver systems  222  and  224 . 
       FIG. 5D  illustrates a second example support system  240  comprising a third example substrate  242  and an NFC storage device  244  like the NFC storage device  124  described above. The third example substrate  242  comprises a substrate transceiver system  250  and a substrate sensor  252 . The substrate transceiver system  250  is or may be like either of the substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  described above. The substrate sensor  252  may be or include any one or more of a number of sensors for detecting and/or quantifying parameters in the area surrounding the substrate  242  such as air or body temperature, humidity, heart rate, blood sugar levels, radiation, and the like. The sensor  252  may be used to extend the capabilities of the NFC storage device  244 , allowing this device  244  to store environmental data for future downloading as generally described above. 
       FIG. 5E  illustrates a third example support system  260  comprising a fourth example substrate  262  and an NFC storage device  264  like the NFC storage device  124  described above. The third example substrate  262  comprises a first substrate sensor  270  and a second substrate sensor  272 . Again, the substrate sensors  270  and  272  may be or include any one or more of a number of sensors for detecting and/or quantifying parameters in the area surrounding the substrate  262  such as air or body temperature, humidity, heart rate, blood sugar levels, radiation, and the like. The sensors  270  and  272  may be used to extend the capabilities of the NFC storage device  264 , allowing this device  264  to store environmental data for future downloading as generally described above. 
       FIG. 5F  illustrates a fifth example support system  280  comprising a fourth example substrate  282  and an NFC storage device  284  like the NFC storage device  124  described above. The fifth example substrate  282  comprises a substrate transceiver system  290  and a secondary energy source  292 . The substrate transceiver system  290  is or may be like either of the substrate transceiver systems  126  and  128  described above. The example secondary energy source  292  is an RF energy scavenger system that stores RF energy present in many locations. The RF energy stored by the example secondary energy source  292  may be provided to the NFC storage device  284 . The secondary energy source  292  may also take the form of a battery or a piezo electric transducer capable of generating and/or storing energy for use by the NFC storage device  284 . 
     III. Recycling Methods 
     Turning now to  FIGS. 6A-6F  of the drawing, an example recycling method of the present invention is depicted. As described above, an NFC storage device constructed in accordance with the principles of the present invention may be distributed in conjunction with a substrate. Either or both of the NFC storage device and the substrate may be collected and reused. 
     Again, a data storage system such as that disclosed in any one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,961,425, 7,567,780, 7,760,100, and/or 7,801,871 may be recycled by any of the recycling systems described herein, and the contents of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. More generally, the recycling systems and methods of the present invention may be used to support any switched or unswitched, passive or active NFC or RFID chip or tag. 
       FIG. 6A  illustrates an example support system  320  to be recycled. The example support system  320  comprises a substrate  322  and an NFC storage device  324 . In the first step, the data stored on the example NFC storage device  324  is erased by, for example, exposing the NFC storage device  324  (and thus any included memory component such as an FRAM component) to a magnetic field strong enough to corrupt the data stored by the NFC storage device  324 . Alternatively, an erase signal may be communicated to the NFC storage device either electrically or using the onboard transceiver. 
     After the data on the NFC storage device  324  has been rendered unreadable, the NFC storage device  324  is removed from the substrate  322  as shown in  FIGS. 6B and 6C . At this point, the substrate  322  and NFC storage device  324  may be processed separately for recycling or reuse. As shown in  FIG. 6D , indicia on the NFC storage device  324  may be removed; a similar process may be performed on the substrate  322  as necessary. The NFC storage device  324  is then remounted on another substrate  326  as shown in  FIG. 6E . New indicia may then be printed onto the NFC storage device  324  as shown in  FIG. 6F . The NFC storage device  324  may be re-programmed with new data, typically any time after the indicia have been removed and/or reapplied. 
     IV. Clip Systems and Methods 
     Depending on the amount of data stored on the NFC storage device and the data transfer rates, the total time required to transfer data between a particular NFC storage device and a particular host device may last from several seconds to several minutes. It may be inconvenient for the user to hold the NFC storage device in a location appropriate for the antennas to couple as necessary to transfer data. 
     Again, a data storage system such as that disclosed in any one of U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,961,425, 7,567,780, 7,760,100, and/or 7,801,871 may be supported relative to a host device by any of the clip systems or methods described herein, and the contents of these patents are incorporated herein by reference. More generally, the clip systems and methods of the present invention may be used to support any switched or unswitched, passive or active NFC or RFID chip or tag. 
       FIGS. 7A-7D  illustrate a first example clip system  420  for supporting an NFC support system  422  relative to a host device  424  to facilitate the transfer of data in a convenient manner. The example NFC support system  422  comprises a substrate  430  and a NFC storage device  432  and may be, for example, formed by any of the example support systems  120 ,  220 ,  240 ,  260 , and  280  described above. The example host device  424  is a smart phone comprising an NFC antenna  434 . 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 7D , the example clip system  420  comprises a clip housing  440  and an adhesive layer  442 . The clip housing  440  comprises a front wall  444  and a rear wall  446 ; the front wall  444  and rear wall  446  define a clip chamber  448  sized and dimensioned to engage a portion of the substrate  430  as will be described in further detail below. The adhesive layer  442  adhesively engages both the rear wall  446  of the clip housing and the host device  424  such that the clip housing  440  substantially overlays the NFC antenna  434 . 
     As generally described above, the example clip chamber  448  is sized and dimensioned to engage the corner of the substrate  430  such that the NFC storage device  432  is arranged substantially adjacent to the NFC antenna  434  of the host device  424 . The onboard antenna of the NFC storage device  432  will thus be held, without interaction with by the user, adjacent to the NFC antenna  434  of the host device  424 . The user may thus use the host device  424  with two hands in a normal manner while data is transferred between the host device  424  and the NFC storage device  432 . 
     Accordingly, when securing the clip system  420  to the host device  424 , the user should first identify a location of the NFC antenna  434 . Further, the user will also typically orient the clip system  420  such that the clip chamber  448  is arranged such that the substrate  430  is unlikely to fall out of the clip chamber  448  during transfer of data between the NFC storage device  432  and the host device  424  when the host device  424  is held and used in a normal spatial orientation. Further, the location of the NFC storage device  432  on the substrate  430  should be taken into account when determining the size and dimensions of the clip system  420  and the location and orientation of the clip system  420  with respect to the host device  424 . 
       FIGS. 8A-8C  illustrate a second example case system  450  capable of supporting an NFC support system  452  relative to a host device  454  to facilitate the transfer of data in a convenient manner. Like the example NFC support system  422  described above, the example NFC support system  452  comprises a substrate  460  and a NFC storage device  462  and may be formed, for example, by any of the example support systems  120 ,  220 ,  240 ,  260 , and  280  described above. And like the example host device  424  described above, the example host device  454  is a smart phone comprising an NFC antenna  464 . 
     As perhaps best shown in  FIG. 8A , the example case system  450  comprises a case body or assembly  470  adapted to conform to the form factor of the host device  454 . If the case system  450  comprises a unitary case body, the case body will typically be molded of a flexible material capable of being stretched over the host device so that the case body snugly fits over the host device  454 . If the case system  450  comprises a two-part case assembly, the case body will typically be molded of two parts of rigid material capable of engaging each other to cover at least a substantial portion of the host device  454 . Additionally, it is possible that the case body or assembly defines both an interior assembly of two rigid parts and a flexible body molded to fit over the two-part assembly. 
     Whether the case body or assembly  470  is formed of one piece, two pieces, or three pieces, the case body or assembly  470  defines an outermost rear wall  472 . In the example case body  470  depicted in  FIGS. 8A-8C , the rear wall  472  defines a clip slit  474 . As shown in  FIG. 8B , the clip slit  474  is arranged such that the slit  474  is adjacent to the NFC antenna  464  of the host device  454 . And as shown in  FIG. 8C , the clip slit  474  is sized and dimensioned to engage a portion of the substrate  460  as will be described in further detail below. Although the example case body  470  employs a clip slit  474 , a separate wall and clip chamber similar to that defined by the clip system  420  may be used instead to obviate the need to pierce the envelope defined by the case body or assembly that is designed to be, for example, waterproof. 
     As generally described above, the example clip slit  474  is sized and dimensioned to engage the corner of the substrate  460  such that the NFC storage device  462  is arranged substantially adjacent to the NFC antenna  464  of the host device  454 . The onboard antenna of the NFC storage device  462  will thus be held, without interaction with by the user, adjacent to the NFC antenna  464  of the host device  454 . The user may thus use the host device  454  with two hands in a normal manner while data is transferred between the host device  454  and the NFC storage device  462 . 
     Accordingly, when designing the case system  450  for the host device  454 , the case designer should first identify a location of the NFC antenna  464  and arrange the clip slit or clip chamber such that the slit or chamber properly orients the NFC storage device  462  relative to the NFC antenna  464 . Further, the case designer will also typically orient the clip slit or chamber  478  such that the substrate  460  is unlikely to fall out of the clip chamber  478  during transfer of data between the NFC storage device  462  and the host device  454  when the host device  454  is held and used in a normal spatial orientation. 
     The present invention may thus be embodied in many forms other than those depicted and described herein. The scope of the present invention should be determined based on the claims appended hereto and not the foregoing detailed description.