Abstract:
In an aspect of the present invention, an individual carries a mobile communications device, such as a cell phone, that listens for readers attempting to read tags associated with the individual. In a further aspect of the present invention, the mobile communications device operates to mask the transmissions of these readers, to prevent them from reading the tags.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0001]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0002]     The present invention relates generally to radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. More particularly, the present invention relates to devices that address privacy concerns related to RFID technology.  
         [0003]     2. Related Art  
         [0004]     Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are electronic devices that may be affixed to items whose presence is to be detected and/or monitored. The presence of an RFID tag, and therefore the presence of the item to which the tag is affixed, may be checked and monitored by devices known as “readers.” Readers typically transmit radio frequency signals to which the tags respond. Each tag stores a unique identification number. The tags respond to the reader transmitted signals by providing their identification number, bit-by-bit, so that they can be identified.  
         [0005]     RFID tag and reader technology has many applications. For example, RFID tags and readers can be used to enhance retail “checkout” systems. In such systems, tags can be attached to items that are on sale. At checkout, by reading the tags, a reader can be used to identify the items a customer has selected for purchase, and a total cost for the items can be provided. The customer then pays for the items, and removes the items from the store.  
         [0006]     A problem with such a system and with RFID tags in general, relates to privacy. For example, in many cases, it is difficult to remove a tag from an item after the item has been purchased, such as when the tag is embedded inside the item. Thus, in many cases, a purchased item can still be identified by a reader even after leaving a store. For example, if the item is clothing, and the RFID tag is not removed, a person may wear the clothing item days after purchase still having an operational tag embedded within. This may leave the person susceptible to subsequent readers that the customer may encounter. Subsequent readers may be able to read the tags in the items that the person carries, to discern information about the person that he/she may desire to keep private, such as their product preferences, spending habits, etc.  
         [0007]     In order to solve this problem, tags have been designed that can be disabled. For example, after an item is sold, instead of physically removing the tag from the item, the associated tag can be electrically (or otherwise) disabled from ever operating again. Thus, subsequent readers could not thereafter read the tag. However, tag disabling systems are not foolproof, and on occasion, items leave stores with operating tags still attached.  
         [0008]     Thus, what is needed are ways of enabling and ensuring privacy for consumers who purchase and/or carry items associated with RFID tags.  
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0009]     The present invention is directed to methods, systems, and apparatuses for enabling privacy for consumers who may purchase, wear, carry, or otherwise transport items associated with RFID tags.  
         [0010]     In an aspect of the present invention, an individual carries a mobile communications device, such as a cell phone, that listens for readers attempting to read tags associated with the individual. Thus, the individual can be alerted to such read attempts. In a further aspect of the present invention, the mobile communications device operates to mask the transmissions of these readers, to prevent them from reading the tags.  
         [0011]     In an example aspect of the present invention, the mobile communications device includes a receiver capable of detecting an interrogation signal transmitted by a RFID reader device, and an indicator device that provides an indication to a user if the interrogation signal is detected.  
         [0012]     In a further aspect, the receiver is further capable of detecting a response by an RFID tag to the detected interrogation signal.  
         [0013]     In a still further aspect, the indicator device provides a second indication to a user if the response by an RFID tag is detected.  
         [0014]     In a still further aspect, the mobile communications device includes a memory device and a reader module. The reader module is capable of reading RFID tags to determine identification numbers corresponding to the RFID tags and a memory device. For example, the reader module reads tags associated with the user. The memory device stores the determined identification numbers.  
         [0015]     In a still further aspect, the indicator device provides a third indication to a user if a response by a RFID tag is detected and if the responding RFID tag responds with a string of bits that match a corresponding portion of one of the stored identification numbers.  
         [0016]     In a still further aspect, the mobile communications device includes a transmitter that transmits a masking signal to mask further response by the RFID tag to the detected interrogation signal.  
         [0017]     These and other advantages and features will become readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the invention. Note that the Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s), and thus, are not intended to limit claims. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES  
       [0018]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.  
         [0019]      FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of an exemplary RFID tag, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0020]      FIG. 2  shows an example environment where embodiments of the present invention may be applied to enable/enhance privacy.  
         [0021]      FIG. 3  shows an example mobile communications device, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0022]      FIG. 4  shows an example mobile communications device, including various modules of an example privacy module, according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0023]      FIG. 5  shows a mobile communications device operating in an interrogation mode, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0024]      FIG. 6  shows a mobile communications device operating in a listen mode, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0025]      FIG. 7  shows a mobile communications device operating in a listen and track mode, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0026]      FIG. 8  shows a mobile communications device operating in a tag emulation mode, according to an example embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0027]      FIGS. 9 and 10  show example mobile communication devices, according to embodiments of the present invention. 
     
    
       [0028]     The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements. The drawing in which an element first appears is indicated by the leftmost digit(s) in the reference number.  
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0000]     1.0 Overview  
         [0029]     The present invention provides improved processes and systems for enabling privacy for persons who may purchase, wear, carry, and otherwise transport items associated with RFID tags. The following subsection describes exemplary tag devices, followed by a subsection providing exemplary embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0000]     2.0 Exemplary Tag Device  
         [0030]     The present invention is directed to all types of RFID tag devices.  FIG. 1  shows a block diagram of an exemplary RFID tag  100 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 1 , RFID tag  100  includes a die  104  and related electronics  106  located on a tag substrate  116 . Related electronics  106  includes an antenna  114  in the present example. Die  104  can be mounted onto antenna  114  of related electronics  106 , or on other locations of substrate  116 . As is further described elsewhere herein, die  104  may be mounted in either a pads up or pads down orientation.  
         [0031]     RFID tag  100  may be located in an area having a large number, population, or pool of RFID tags present. Tag  100  receives interrogation signals transmitted by one or more tag readers. According to interrogation protocols, tag  100  responds to these signals. The response(s) of tag  100  includes information that the reader can use to identify the corresponding tag  100 . Once the tag  100  is identified, the existence of tag  100  within a coverage area defined by the tag reader is ascertained.  
         [0032]     RFID tag  100  may be used in various applications, such as inventory control, airport baggage monitoring, as well as security and surveillance applications. Thus, tag  100  can be affixed to items such as airline baggage, retail inventory, warehouse inventory, automobiles, compact discs (CDs), digital video discs (DVDs), video tapes, and other objects. Tag  100  enables location monitoring and real time tracking of such items.  
         [0033]     In the present embodiment, die  104  is an integrated circuit that performs RFID operations, such as communicating with one or more tag readers (not shown) according to various interrogation protocols. Exemplary interrogation protocols are described in U.S. Pat. No. 6,002,344 issued Dec. 14, 1999 to Bandy et al. entitled System and Method for Electronic Inventory, and U.S. patent application No. 10/072,885, filed on Feb. 12, 2002, both of which are incorporated by reference herein in their entirety. Die  104  includes a plurality of contact pads that each provide an electrical connection with related electronics  106 .  
         [0034]     Related electronics  106  are connected to die  104  through a plurality of contact pads of IC die  104 . In embodiments, related electronics  106  provide one or more capabilities, including RF reception and transmission capabilities, impedance matching, sensor functionality, power reception and storage functionality, as well as additional capabilities.  
         [0035]     As shown in  FIG. 1 , tag substrate  116  has a first surface that accommodates die  104 , related electronics  106 , as well as further components of tag  100 . Tag substrate  116  also has a second surface that is opposite the first surface. An adhesive material and/or backing can be included on the second surface. When present, an adhesive backing enables tag  100  to be attached to objects, such as books, containers, and consumer products.  
         [0000]     3.0 Exemplary Privacy Enabling Embodiments of the Present Invention  
         [0036]     As described above, the present invention provides improved processes and systems for enabling privacy for persons who may purchase, wear, carry, and otherwise transport items associated with RFID tags. An application of embodiments of the present invention is to address concerns that privacy advocate groups may have with regards to RFID technology.  
         [0037]     For example,  FIG. 2  shows an example environment  200  where embodiments of the present invention may be applied to enable/enhance privacy. In environment  200 , a user  202  wears an article of clothing  204 , having an operating tag  206  embedded therein. For example, user  202  may have purchased clothing  204 . When purchasing clothing  204 , tag  206  was not removed or disabled. Environment  200  also includes a reader  208 . Reader  208  is controlled by an entity. Reader  208  may be attached to any structure, including a building. Alternatively, reader  208  can be a mobile reader (e.g., hand carried). User  202  encounters reader  208  at a point in time typically without the knowledge of user  202 . When user  202  encounters reader  208 , reader  208  transmits an interrogation signal  210  in an attempt to read tags in its vicinity, including tag  206  carried by user  202 . Because it is operational, tag  206  responds to reader  208  with a tag response  212 .  
         [0038]     The entity may use reader  208  to read tag  206  carried by user  202  in order to learn information about user  202  from tag response  212 . Tag response  212  may identify clothing  204 , providing the entity with the ability to discern information about user  202 , including a clothing (product) preference of user  202 , an amount of money user  202  is willing to spend on a clothing item, etc.  
         [0039]     However, user  202  may not want such information to be determinable by others. Thus, user  202  carries a mobile communications device  220  configured to enable privacy for user  202 , according to an embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0040]      FIG. 3  shows an example mobile communications device  220 , according to an example embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 3 , mobile communications device  220  includes a privacy module  302  that enables privacy for user  202  with respect to RFID readers, such as reader  208  shown in  FIG. 2 . In example embodiments, mobile communications device  220  can be a cell phone, a laptop computer, a handheld computing device (e.g., a palm pilot, personal digital assistant (PDA), etc.), or other device adapted to include privacy module  302 . Alternatively, mobile communications device  220  can be a special purpose device developed with privacy enablement as its primary function.  
         [0041]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , mobile communications device  220  further includes an antenna  304 . In the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , antenna  304  allows mobile communications device  220  to transmit and receive radio frequency (RF) signals, including receiving signals from readers and tags, and transmitting tag emulating signals.  
         [0042]      FIG. 4  shows an example mobile communications device  220 , including various modules of an example privacy module  302 , according to an embodiment of the present invention. In  FIG. 4 , mobile communications device  220  includes privacy module  302 , a transmitter  410 , a receiver  420 , and a memory  440 . In an embodiment, transmitter  410  and receiver  420  are those that are present in commercial off-the-shelf versions of mobile communications device  220 , such as the transmitter and receiver (or transceiver) present in a cell phone. Alternatively, transmitter  410  and receiver  420  may be installed in mobile communications device  220  for use with embodiments of the present invention.  
         [0043]     As shown in  FIG. 4 , privacy module  302  includes an interrogation mode module  402 , a listen mode module  404 , a listen and track mode module  406 , and a tag emulation mode module  408 . These mode modules are described in detail below. A user of mobile communications device  220  controls in which mode privacy module  302  operates. For example, mobile communications device  220  can include any combination of one or more buttons, a graphical user interface (GUI), and/or other user input devices, for a user to interact with to set mobile communications device  220  into a particular operational mode. As shown in  FIG. 4 , privacy module  302  also includes a reader module  430 .  
         [0044]     A user interacts with the input device(s) of mobile communications device  220  to cause mobile communications device  220  to enable privacy. For example, the user can interact with mobile communications device  220  to cause mobile communications device  220  to enter an interrogation mode, causing interrogation mode module  402  to become active. Interrogation mode module  402  causes mobile communications device  220  to attempt to interrogate/read tags in the immediate vicinity of the user, focusing particularly upon tags in the user&#39;s clothing, personal items, etc.  
         [0045]     For example,  FIG. 5  shows mobile communications device  220  being used to interrogate tags  206   a - 206   c  being carried by user  202 . Mobile communications device  220  transmits a read/interrogation signal  502 , and tags  206   a - 206  transmit respective responses  504   a - 504   c . Reader module  430  is used to perform the interrogation(s) using transmitter  410  and receiver  420 . Reader module  430  includes hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof, as needed to perform its functions. Reader module  430  may perform one or more interrogation/read protocols, as would be known to persons skilled in the relevant art(s), to read as many tags associated with the user as possible. Example such protocols include binary protocols, slotted aloha protocols, and those required by the following standards: Class 0, Class 1, and Gen 2. In an embodiment, reader module  430  determines the identification numbers stored in the tags associated with the user.  
         [0046]     Thus, interrogation mode module  402  can be used to determine whether there are any operating tags associated with the user. This allows the user to validate whether merchandise tags have really been deactivated, etc.  
         [0047]     Furthermore, in an embodiment, interrogation mode module  402  stores the identification numbers obtained for any operating tags in a memory  440  of mobile communications device  220 . Memory  440  can be built-in memory of mobile communications device  220 , or can be additional memory installed in mobile communications device  220  for this purpose.  
         [0048]     A user can further interact with mobile communications device  220  to cause mobile communications device  220  to enter a “listen” mode, causing listen mode module  404  to become active. For example,  FIG. 6  shows mobile communications device  220  operating in a listen mode. Listen mode module  404  causes mobile communications device  220  to “listen” for the interrogation/read signals  604  of other RFID readers  602 , such as reader  208  shown in  FIG. 2 . Thus, listen mode module  404  uses receiver  420  to monitor for signals transmitted by other readers. This allows a user  202  of mobile communications device  220  to be alerted when reader  602  is attempting to read tags in the vicinity of user  202 , including tags  206  associated with user  202 . When reader signal  604  is detected, an indicator device of mobile communications device  220  can alert user  202 . For example, an indicator light, sound device, vibrating mechanism, and/or display of mobile communications device  220  can be used to alert user  202  of reader  602 .  
         [0049]     A user can further interact with mobile communications device  220  to cause mobile communications device  220  to enter a “listen and track” mode, causing listen and track mode module  406  to become active. Listen and track mode module  406  causes mobile communications device  220  to listen for other readers as described above with respect to listen mode module  404 . Furthermore, listen and track mode module  406  also detects whether tags associated with the user are responding.  
         [0050]     For example,  FIG. 7  shows mobile communications device  220  operating in a listen and track mode. Listen and track mode module  406  causes mobile communications device  220  to detect tag responses, such as a tag response  702  by tag  206   b , and compare the tag responses to the tag identification numbers stored in memory  440 . In an embodiment, if a tag response is detected that matches a stored identification number, a tag associated with the user has been read. In another embodiment, if a string of tag response bits matches a corresponding portion of one of the stored identification numbers, it is assumed that one of the tags associated with the user is in the process of responding to a reader. In either of these situations, an indicator device of mobile communications device  220  can provide an indication to user  202  that one or more tags associated with user  202  have been read and/or are being read.  
         [0051]     A user can further interact with mobile communications device  220  to cause mobile communications device  220  to enter a tag emulation mode, causing tag emulation mode module  408  to become active. Tag emulation mode module  408  causes mobile communications device  220  to listen for readers and to track tag responses, as described above with respect to listen and track mode module  406 . Furthermore, tag emulation mode module  408  causes mobile communications device  220  to send out a masking signal when it is determined that a tag associated with the user is being read. Thus, when it is detected that a tag is responding with a string of bits matching a corresponding portion of a stored identification number, transmitter  410  is directed to send out the masking signal. For example,  FIG. 8  shows mobile communications device  220  operating in a tag emulation mode. Mobile communications device  220  transmits a masking signal  802 . Masking signal  802  is used to confuse the interrogating reader  602 , to not allow responding tag  206   b  associated with user  202  to be successfully read by reader  602 .  
         [0052]     As described above, mobile communications device  220  can be configured to handle any number of one or more reader-tag communications protocols, and to emulate a tag accordingly. For example, under the Gen 2 tag protocol standard, when it is detected that a RN16 signal is being sent out by a responding tag, mobile communications device  220  transmits a masking signal. The masking signal can be configured for a particular tag type. For example, if the tag responds with one of a pair of frequencies to signify a “0” or “1” bit, the masking signal can include one or both of these frequencies to mask the responding tag. If the tag responds in particular time slots to indicate bit values, the masking signal can include responses in multiple time slots to mask the responding tag. In embodiments, the masking signal can include amplitude modulation, frequency modulation, phase modulation, and/or other signal timing or components to mask the responding tag.  
         [0000]     3.1 Example Mobile Communication Device Embodiments  
         [0053]     As described above,  FIG. 3  shows an exemplary mobile communication device  220 . Further examples for mobile communication device  220  are shown in  FIGS. 9 and 10 , according to embodiments of the present invention. The mobile communications devices of  FIGS. 3, 9 , and  10  show various ways that privacy module  302  and antenna(s)  304  may be incorporated into, or associated with a mobile communications device, for illustrative purposes. Further configurations for mobile communications devices will be understood to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein. As described above, a mobile communications device of the present invention can be a commercially available device, such as a cell phone or PDA, that is adapted to include the functionality of privacy module  302 , or can be a special purpose device.  
         [0054]     As shown in  FIG. 3 , privacy module  302  is integrated into mobile communications device  220 . Thus, for example, privacy module  302  may include hardware, software, firmware, or any combination thereof. In an embodiment, for example, privacy module  302  can include software or firmware that is downloaded into mobile communications device.  
         [0055]     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 3 , mobile communications device  220  has a single antenna  304 . Thus, in the embodiment of  FIG. 3 , antenna  304  is configured to transmit and/or receive signals of the frequencies required by mobile communications device  220 . For example, if mobile communications device  220  is a cell phone, antenna  304  is configured to transmit and/or receive signals in cell phone frequency ranges. Furthermore, antenna  304  is configured to transmit and/or receive signals in a frequency range required by the RFID features of mobile communications device  220 . Thus, antenna  304  can transmit RFID reader frequencies and can receive tag responses. Furthermore, when mobile communications device  220  is operating in a tag emulation mode, antenna  304  can transmit masking signals that emulate tag responses.  
         [0056]      FIG. 9  shows a mobile communications device  902 . As shown in  FIG. 9 , mobile communication device  902  includes privacy module  302 . Thus, similarly to mobile communications device  220  of  FIG. 3 , privacy module  302  includes software, hardware, firmware, or any combination thereof, stored or housed in mobile communications device  902 .  
         [0057]     As shown in  FIG. 9 , mobile communications device  902  has a first antenna  304   a  and a second antenna  304   b . In the embodiment of  FIG. 9 , first antenna  304   a  is used to transmit and/or receive signals of a first frequency range, and second antenna  304   b  is used to transmit and/or receive signals of a second frequency range. For example, first antenna  304   a  may be used to allow mobile communications device  902  to operate as a cell phone. Thus, first antenna  304   a  is configured to transmit and/or receive signals in cell phone frequency ranges. Furthermore, second antenna  304   b  is configured to transmit and/or receive signals in a frequency range required by the RFID features of mobile communications device  902 .  
         [0058]      FIG. 10  shows a mobile communications device  1002 . As shown in  FIG. 10 , privacy module  302  is an external plug-in module that attaches to mobile communications device  1002 . Privacy module  302  plugs into an interface of mobile communications device  1002 , such as a serial port, a parallel port, a USB port, or other data port or interface type. The interface can be an accessory port, an infrared port, or any other interface or port capable of transferring data to and from mobile communications device  1002  such as a wireless phone data/software interface.  
         [0059]     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 10 , privacy module  302  includes second antenna  304   b . Thus, by attaching privacy module  302  (with second antenna  304   b ) to a commercially available mobile communications device having a single antenna, such as a cell phone, the device can be converted into a multi-antenna device capable of communicating at cell phone and RFID reader/tag frequency ranges, according to embodiment of the present invention.  
         [0000]     4.0 Conclusion  
         [0060]     While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant arts that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.