Abstract:
An RFID switch manually operable for transmitting status data includes a plurality of RFID tags that a user can selectively expose to or shield from activation by an RFID reader. The user&#39;s choice of which RFID tags are exposed for reading determines what status information is conveyed to the RFID system. A data base in the RFID system associates the presence or absence of particular RFID tags with corresponding status reports.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    This application claims priority from U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/278,696, filed on Jan. 14, 2016, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention is generally related to the field of monitoring and controlling objects, and more particularly, to systems, devices, and methods for remotely monitoring and controlling objects using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. 
         [0003]    A summary of various terms used herein is provided below, followed by a brief overview of known object status tracking systems. RFID refers to technology that uses radio waves to automatically identify people or objects. An object refers to any item used in a facility, work environment, or the like, the presence of which is required to perform work functions such as assembly, processing, design, testing, cleaning, organizing, etc. Examples of objects include hand tools, material handling equipment, parts to be assembled, finished goods, safety equipment, reels of cable, calibration equipment, etc. 
         [0004]    The simplest RFID system contains three principal components: an RFID reader, an RFID antenna, and an RFID tag. An RFID reader is a radio transceiver that transmits and receives specifically formatted messages within a certain frequency range. It alternates between ‘transmit’ mode and ‘receive’ mode. An RFID antenna is physically connected to the RFID reader and alternates between transmitting and receiving radio communications. An RFID tag is a solid-state electronic device consisting of a microprocessor and a radio antenna. There are three main types of RFID tags: passive, active, and semi-active. Passive RFID tags contain no power source; they are powered by incident radio waves from the RFID reader. Active tags contain an internal power source such as a battery for microprocessor and transmit functions. Semi-active tags use an internal power source to only run the microprocessor. Passive and semi-active tags do not technically transmit responses back to an RFID reader; rather, they retransmit or backscatter the incoming (incident) radio signal in such a way that the RFID reader is able to uniquely identify a particular tag. 
         [0005]    RFID tags are manufactured in a variety of form factors to suit different purposes. For the purposes of disclosing the particulars of this invention, two RFID tag form types are discussed: 1) inlay RFID tags and 2) encapsulated RFID tags. An inlay RFID tag is a simple form factor consisting of an RFID chip and a metallic foil antenna affixed to a thin, flexible substrate such as paper, often printed as adhesive labels. Inlay RFID tags are widely used to track documents and shelved inventory because of their low cost. An inlay RFID tag is typically thin, with a thickness of around 1/10 millimeter. However, inlay RFID tags are not suitable for harsh environments because they are easily damaged by abrasion, liquids, bending, and extremes of temperature and humidity. For harsh environments, encapsulated RFID tags are used. In this type, the chip and antenna are protected within a hardened enclosure, often plastic or ceramic, which protects the tag from damage. This form type also allows for non-flat antenna shapes, which can enhance readability and detection range. An encapsulated RFID tag is generally thick, with a thickness greater than 1 millimeter. A popular shape for encapsulated RFID tags is a rectangular prism. 
         [0006]    Certain materials can block or shield the propagation of radio signals to an RFID tag, rendering them undetectable. Such RF opaque materials are termed radio frequency (RF) masking materials. Most metals are RF masking materials, as are many liquids. Certain metamaterials such as carbon impregnated plastic can also act as RF masking materials. RF masking materials are also available as paints, powders, textiles, and foils. Many other materials are transparent to radio waves, or nearly so, and are termed RF transparent materials. Many plastics, ceramics, and textiles are RF transparent materials. 
         [0007]    RFID tags are widely used throughout industry to track assets and monitor industrial processes. Typically this involves physically attaching an RFID tag to an object (tagging the object) and entering that pairing in an information storage and retrieval system (ISRS) such as a database. RFID readers and antennas strategically located throughout a workspace continuously interrogate nearby RFID tags, sending information about detected tags to said ISRS. Certain components of said ISRS use collected RFID data to populate a computer user interface with information about RFID-tagged objects. RFID technology is used to track objects by directly affixing an RFID tag to each object, and then recording that association in an information storage and retrieval system (ISRS), e.g. a database. In a typical RFID-based object tracking system, given a sufficient number of RFID antennas connected to strategically placed RFID readers, two types of data can be extracted: 1) the presence or absence of an object, and 2) the approximate location of an object. 
         [0008]    Depending upon the design of an RFID tracking system, the presence or absence of an RFID-tagged object within the read range of specific antennas can be determined, from which an approximate location and movement history can be derived. 
         [0009]    Conventional RFID tags simply respond to interrogations within their designed frequency ranges. Oftentimes, however, it is desirable for more detailed information about an RFID-tagged object&#39;s status to be made known to the ISRS to facilitate optimal decision-making. For example, an RFID-tagged object may need additional inspection, or may be missing a part, or may require special handling, etc. RFID tags capable of storing and transmitting additional status information can also be useful to extend control of objects and processes in a workplace. For example, RFID conveyed status information/data could be used to turn on/off lights, sensors, machinery, or to modify a process such as an assembly line. 
         [0010]    Although it is possible to write limited user-defined data to certain types of RFID tags, many users engage read/write-lock controls for security purposes. Furthermore, writing user-defined data to an RFID tag requires the use of an RFID reader and specialized training. Directly writing data to an RFID tag as a means of conveying the status of an RFID-tracked object adds delay, cost and complexity which disadvantages for the rapid pace of a workplace. 
         [0011]    Since the RFID-tagged object is already within proximity of an RFID system, an improved RFID-based system for quickly, simply, and cheaply changing and conveying the status of RFID-tagged objects would enhance the overall value of RFID tracking systems. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0012]    By associating more than one RFID tag with an RFID-tagged object, selective masking and unmasking of said RFID tags can convey the status of said object. Typically the RFID tag associated with an object is a presence/absence indicator, from which can be derived knowledge about whether the object is within the workspace, and its approximate location. A second RFID tag could also be associated with an RFID-tagged object to provide status indications in a true/false (or on/off) manner, examples including: 1) object needs inspection, 2) object is ready to ship, 3) object needs repair, 4) object needs calibration, 5) object is damaged, etc. 
         [0013]    The present invention provides various method and apparatus embodiments related to RFID switching. 
         [0014]    One method embodiment, among others, includes receiving an excitation signal at a multi-position switch associated with a plurality of radio frequency identification (RFID) tags and a radio frequency (RF) masking enclosure, and orienting the RFID tags with respect to the RF masking enclosure such that a single tag is rendered detectable by a nearby RFID reader. 
         [0015]    One apparatus embodiment, among others, comprises a first member comprising an RF masking enclosure employing an opening or RF transparent window by which only an RFID tag can be detected, a second member in rotational relationship inside the first member and a multitude of RFID tags coupled to the second member such that a specific RFID tag associated with a desired status report can be selected to be detectable, while all other RFID tags are rendered undetectable. 
         [0016]    Other systems, devices, methods, features, and advantages of the present disclosure will be or become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following drawings and detailed description. It is intended that all such additional systems, methods, features, and advantages be included within this description, be within the scope of the present disclosure, and be protected by the accompanying claims. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    Many aspects of the invention can be better understood by referencing the following drawings. The components in each drawing are not necessarily to scale, emphasis instead being placed upon clearly illustrating the principles of the invention. Moreover, like reference numerals designate corresponding parts through the several views. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1  is an exploded isometric view of one embodiment of a two-position RFID switch. 
           [0019]      FIGS. 2A through 2E  are a series of side views depicting the sequence of steps in operating the embodiment of a two-position RFID switch according to  FIG. 1 . 
           [0020]      FIG. 3  is an exploded isometric view of an alternative embodiment of a three-position RFID switch. 
           [0021]      FIGS. 4A through 4E  are a series of side views depicting the sequence of steps in operating the embodiment of a three-position RFID switch according to  FIG. 3 . 
           [0022]      FIGS. 5A through 5E  are a set of simplified cross-sections showing rotating tag mounts of various shapes enclosed within RFID switch housing containers of slightly different configurations. 
           [0023]      FIG. 6  is a schematic diagram of an object tracking Information Storage and Retrieval System (ISRS) according to the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0024]    Disclosed herein are various embodiments of systems, devices, and methods by which status about an RFID-tagged object can be conveyed using radio frequency identification (RFID) technology. Such systems, methods, and devices are herein referred to generally as object status tracking systems. 
         [0025]    By associating more than one RFID tag with an RFID-tagged object, selective masking and unmasking of said RFID tags can provide useful functionality for conveying the status of said object. Typically the RFID tag associated with an object is a presence/absence indicator, from which can be derived knowledge about whether the object is within the workspace, and its approximate location. A second RFID tag could also be associated with an RFID-tagged object to provide status information, in addition to and different from the presence/absence or location information previously discussed, by turning that status tag on or off (that is by shielding or exposing it to interrogation by the RFID reader), status examples including: 1) object needs inspection, 2) object is ready to ship, 3) object needs repair, 4) object needs calibration, 5) object is damaged, etc. 
         [0026]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , the underlying functionality and architecture of an object tracking system, according to the invention can be generally described as follows. An ISRS  31  is programmed with certain information  32  about the status of objects  50  to be tracked via RFID. It associates multiple RFID tags  37  with each object  50 , each RFID tag  37  being associated with a particular state or status such as ‘needs repair’, ‘ready to ship’, or ‘out for calibration’. A multi-position RFID switch  36  containing a plurality of RFID tags  37  is affixed to an object  50 . Each tag is uniquely selectable using a finger-operated lever  5 . Each of the tags  37  within the switch  36  responds with a unique code which is programmed into the ISRS  31 . The switch  36  is designed such that individual RFID tags  37  are operator selectively detectable. In a limiting example only a single RFID tag is detectable at any time, the remainder being rendered undetectable by use of rotating RF masking material. A plurality of RFID readers  33 , each connected to a plurality of RFID antennas  34 , is in continuous operation, alternately transmitting and receiving signals  35  to/from RFID tags  37 . Each detectable tag  37  responds with a unique code, which is captured by an RFID reader  33 . The RFID readers  33  are in frequent communication with the ISRS  31 , which interprets each tag&#39;s code  32  and associates it to both an object  50  and a status  32 . It then interprets the RFID reader  33  and RFID antenna  34  associated with the response and determines the object&#39;s  50  approximate location. 
         [0027]    Assume that a user needs to change the status of an RFID-tagged object  50  from, for example, ‘Hold’, to ‘Ready’. He or she flips the lever  5  on the multi-position RFID switch  36  from ‘Hold’ to ‘Ready’. The RFID tag  37  associated with ‘Hold’ ceases responding, while the RFID tag  37  associated with ‘Ready’ starts responding. Nearby RFID readers  33  communicate this information to the ISRS  31 , which interprets new response data as a change in the status of that object  50 . 
         [0028]    Having described generally one embodiment of an object status tracking system, what follows is a detailed description of several embodiments of a multi-position RFID switch. 
         [0029]    Referring to  FIG. 1 , shown is one embodiment of an RFID switch comprising a switch base  1 , rotating plate  2 , assembly cover  4 , and lever  5 , henceforth termed a ‘two-position RFID switch’. In a preferred embodiment, switch base  1  is a box-shaped container stamped from sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment, rotating plate  2  is rectangular, stamped from sheet metal, with length slightly smaller than the interior length of switch base  1 , and with width slightly less than twice the interior height of switch base  1 . Two RFID tags  3  are coupled to the rotating plate  2 , one on each side, with the center point of each tag coinciding with the center point of the rotating plate  2 . An axle  10  is coupled to the rotating plate  2  coinciding with a line bisecting the rotating plate along its longest dimension. Both ends of the axle  10  extend some distance beyond the rotating plate  2 . Each end of the axle  10  fits into one of the holes  12  on the upper portion of the switch base  1 . One end of axle  12  comprises two bends such that a crankshaft is formed, with the outer end parallel to the line formed by the greater portion of axle  12 . The opposite end of axle  12  is unbent. Rotating plate  2  is coupled to switch base  1  by inserting either end of axle  10  into holes  12  on the upper portion of the switch base  2 . By this means, the rotating plate  2  forms a lid that precisely covers the switch base  1 , and can rotate 360 degrees freely about axle  10 . To keep the rotating plate  2  from coming loose, a cap  7  is coupled to the unbent end of axle  10 . 
         [0030]    An assembly cover  4  is coupled to the switch base  1  by a plurality of fasteners  8  pushed through cover holes  9  and fastened to base holes  6 . The assembly cover  4  is shaped such that, when coupled to the switch base  1 , the rotating plate  2  can freely rotate 360 degrees. The assembly cover  4  is formed from an RF-transparent material. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly cover  4  is stamped, molded, or otherwise formed from plastic. A portion of the assembly cover  4  is somewhat visibly transparent (shown in  FIG. 1  as the upper portion above the dotted line) such that surface features of the rotating plate  2  can be discerned by the user/operator. In a preferred embodiment, the opposite sides of rotating plate  2  are two different colors such as red and green, such that the operator is presented with positive indication of switch selection. In another preferred embodiment, the opposite sides of rotating plate  2  are labeled with words or symbols representing the switch selection affixed to the surface, such that the operator is presented with positive indication of switch selection and the status data that will be transmitted. A hole  14  drilled through one side of the assembly cover  4  coincides with one of the holes  12  on the switch from which the bent portion of the axle  10  protrudes. 
         [0031]    A lever  5  comprises two arms  17  each with a pivot protrusion  19  extending inwards towards one another, said pivot protrusions coupling inserted into and through holes  15  on assembly cover  4 , and into holes  11  on switch base  1 . By this means the lever  5  is causes to rotate around a line extending between holes  11 . The bent portion of the axle  10  extends through a channel  16  cut through one of the arms  17  of lever  5 , by which means the rotating plate  2  is caused to rotate when the lever  5  is rotated. The dimensions of the channel  16  are such that the rotating plate  2  can be rotated through a range of 180 degrees, corresponding to both sides of the rotating plate  2 . When fully rotated in one direction or the other, detent protrusions  18  located on arms  17  fit into depressions  13  located on the exterior of cover  4 , causing the lever to snap into position and remain there until moved. 
         [0032]      FIGS. 2A through 2E  show the sequence of steps in actuating a  FIG. 1  embodiment of a two-position RFID switch from one position to the other. So that the movement of internal components may be better understood, cover  4  is omitted from  FIGS. 2A-E . As the lever  5  is rotated clockwise, the channel  16  engages the bent end of the axle  10 , causing it also to rotate clockwise.  FIG. 2A  shows the starting point. In  FIG. 2B , the handle has been moved some angular distance clockwise. The channel  16  has forced the bent tip of the axle  10  along the channel  16  some distance outward from its starting position. The rotating plate  2  has moved some angular distance clockwise. In  FIG. 2C , the lever  5  has been moved approximately 45 degrees and is now vertical. The bent tip handle of the axle  10  is now at its maximum outer position in channel  16 . The rotating plate  2  has now rotated 90 degrees. In  FIG. 2D , the lever  5  has been rotated almost all the way clockwise. The bent tip handle of the axle  10  is now moving radially inward towards its original position in channel  16 . In  FIG. 2E , the lever  5  is fully deflected opposite its starting position in  FIG. 2A , and the rotating plate  2  is inverted from its starting position, but now again horizontal with respect to the switch base  1 . The RFID tag  3 A that was detectable in  FIG. 2A  is now on the underside of the rotating plate, and rendered undetectable, while the previously shielded RFID tag  3 B is on top and exposed. The lever  5  has been rotated approximately 90 degrees and through the interaction of the bent end of axle  10  and the channel  16 , the rotating plate  2  has rotated 180 degrees. By this means, one RFID tag  3 B has been rendered detectable while the other RFID tag  3 A has been rendered undetectable. 
         [0033]    Referring to  FIG. 3 , shown is another embodiment of an RFID switch wherein common elements retain the reference numbers of the  FIG. 1  embodiment. The  FIG. 3  embodiment comprises a switch base  1 , rotating tag mount  32 , assembly cover  4 , and lever  5 , henceforth termed a ‘three-position RFID switch’. In a preferred embodiment, switch base  1  is a box-shaped container stamped from sheet metal. In a preferred embodiment, rotating tag mount  32  is a hollow triangular prism, the cross-section of which forms an equilateral triangle, stamped from sheet metal, with length slightly smaller than the interior length of switch base  1 , and with a maximum width slightly less than the interior width of switch base  1 . Three RFID tags ( 3 A,  3 B, and  3 C) are coupled to the three rectangular faces ( 25 A,  25 B, and  25 C) of rotating tag mount  25 , one on each face, with the center point of each tag  3  coinciding with the center point of one face of rotating tag mount  25 . An axle  10  is coupled to the rotating tag mount  25  coinciding with its axis of rotation. Both ends of the axle  10  extend some distance beyond the rotating tag mount  25 . Each end of the axle  10  fits into one of the holes  12  on the upper portion of the switch base  1 . One end of axle  10  comprises two bends such that a crankshaft is formed, with the outer end parallel to the line formed by the greater portion of axle  10 . The opposite end of axle  10  is unbent. Rotating tag mount  25  is coupled to switch base  1  by inserting either end of axle  10  into holes  12  on the upper portion of the switch base  1 . By this means, the rotating tag mount  25  forms a lid that precisely covers the switch base  1 , and can rotate 360 degrees freely about axle  10 . To keep the rotating tag mount  25  from coming loose, a cap  7  is coupled to the unbent end of axle  10 . 
         [0034]    An assembly cover  4  is coupled to the switch base  1  use a plurality of fasteners  8  pushed through cover holes  9  and fastened to base holes  6 . The assembly cover  4  is shaped such that, when coupled to the switch base  1 , the rotating tag mount  25  can freely rotate 360 degrees. The assembly cover  4  is formed from an RF-transparent material. In a preferred embodiment, the assembly cover  4  is stamped, molded, or otherwise formed from plastic. A portion of the assembly cover  4  is somewhat visibly transparent (shown in  FIG. 3  as the upper portion above the dotted line) such that surface features of the rotating tag mount  25  can be discerned by a user/operator. In a preferred embodiment, each face ( 25 A,  25 B, and  25 C) of rotating tag mount  25  is a different color such as red, green, and yellow, such that the operator is presented with positive indication of the status switch selection. In another preferred embodiment, each face of rotating tag mount  25  is labeled with words or symbols representing the switch selection affixed to the surface, such that the operator is presented with positive indication of the status selection. A hole  14  formed through one side of the assembly cover  4  coincides with one of the holes  12  on the switch base  1  from which the bent portion of the axle  10  protrudes. 
         [0035]    A lever  5  comprises two arms  17  each with a pivot protrusion  19  extending inwards towards one another. The pivot protrusions  19  fit into and through holes  15  on assembly cover  4 , and into holes  11  on switch base  1 . By this means the lever  10  is caused to rotate around a line extending between holes  11 . The bent portion of the axle  10  extends through a channel  16  cut through one of the arms  17  of lever  5 , by which means the rotating tag mount  25  is caused to rotate when the lever  5  is rotated. The dimensions of the channel  16  are such that the rotating tag mount  25  can be rotated through a range of 240 degrees, corresponding to all three faces ( 25 A,  25 B,  25 C) of the rotating tag mount  25 . When fully rotated in one direction or the other, or at precisely the midpoint between the two extremes, detent protrusions  18  fit into detent depressions  13 , causing the lever  5  to snap into a position and remain there until deliberately moved by a user. 
         [0036]      FIGS. 4A through 4E  show the sequence of steps in selecting a status with a  FIG. 3  embodiment of a three-position RFID switch through three positions. So that the movement of internal components may be better understood, cover  4  and other elements are omitted from  FIGS. 4A-E . As the lever  5  is rotated clockwise, the channel  16  engages the bent end of the axle  10 , causing it also to rotate clockwise.  FIG. 4A  shows the starting point with face  25 A of tag mount  25  facing upward and exposing RFID tag  3 A. In  FIG. 4B , the lever  5  has been moved some angular distance clockwise. The channel  16  has forced the bent tip of the axle  10  along the channel  16  some distance radially outward from its starting position. The rotating tag mount  25  has moved some angular distance clockwise. In  FIG. 4C , the lever  5  has been moved approximately 60 degrees and is now vertical. The bent tip of the axle  10  is now at its maximum radially outer position in channel  16 . The rotating tag mount  25  has now rotated 120 degrees and tag mount face  25 B and RFID tag  3 B are presented vertically and exposed to RF illumination. In  FIG. 4D , the lever  5  has been rotated almost all the way clockwise. The bent tip of the axle  10  is now moving radially inward towards its original position in channel  16 . In  FIG. 4E , the lever  5  is fully deflected opposite its starting position, and the rotating tag mount  25  is now positioned with face  25 C horizontal with respect to the switch base  1  and with RFID tag  3 C exposed. The RFID tag  3 A that was detectable in frame  1  is now shielded within the switch base  1 , and rendered undetectable. The lever has been rotated approximately 120 degrees and through the interaction of the bent end of axle  10  and the channel  16 , the rotating tag mount  25  has rotated 240 degrees. By this means, one RFID tag  3 C has been rendered detectable while the other two tags  3 A and  3 B have been rendered undetectable. 
         [0037]    While what has been previously described are certain preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments of an RFID switch can be created in which the cross-section of the rotating tag mount is any equilateral polygon such as a square, pentagon, hexagon, etc., thus allowing a higher number of RFID tags to be mounted and thus a higher number of possible switch status positions. For embodiments that include a rotating tag mount with greater than 3 sides, the switch base may have a shape that allows the rotating tag mount to fully rotate 360 degrees yet may mask all but a single tag. Referring to  FIGS. 5A-5E , a number of cross-sections of different embodiments of RFID switches are shown. The equilateral polygon  47  in each frame represents the cross-section of a rotating tag mount  47 , designed to rotate about its center point, with an RFID tag (not shown) coupled to each outer face. A lever  5  and axle  10  apparatus (not shown in  FIGS. 5A-5E ) similar to that previously described facilitates the rotation of each rotating tag mount  47  such that it snaps to discrete positions whereby a desired polygon face and desired RFID tag is exposed to ambient RFID signals while other faces and other RFID tags are shielded within the RF masking switch base. 
         [0038]    As can be seen in  FIG. 5 , as the rotating tag mount  47  incorporates more faces, the switch cover  4  must include an increasingly narrow RF transparent window  48  to ensure that only the topmost face and RFID tag are exposed to RFID signals, and all others are shielded within the RF masking switch base  1  and RF opaque portions of cover  4 . 
         [0039]    With reference to  FIG. 6 , a brief overview of one or more embodiments of an improved object tracking system is provided below. An embodiment of the object tracking system  60  comprise an information storage and retrieval system (ISRS)  31  that communicates data with one or more RFID readers  33 , one or more RFID antennas  34  that are hard-wired to RFID readers  31 , and one or more objects  50  that have RFID tags  37  physically affixed to them. The ISRS  31  has been programmed with three sets of data  32 : 1) the names of objects, 2) the unique codes of RFID tags attached to those objects, and 3) the locations of RFID readers and antennas. When operating, the RFID readers  33  continuously transmit/receive and detect any RFID tags  37  that are nearby. Each RFID tag  37  responds with a unique code that is already known to the ISRS  31 . The RFID reader  33  and ISRS  31  are in frequent communication with one another, thus, when the RFID reader  33  detects an RFID tag  37 , the ISRS  31  is able to associate that RFID tag  37  to a specific object  50 . The object tracking system  60  also communicates unique codes related to each RFID reader  33  and each RFID antenna  34 , thus, the ISRS  31  knows which reader  33  and which antenna  34  detected the RFID tag  37 . From this data, the ISRS  31  is able to derive the approximate location of the RFID-tagged object  50 . Data from the RFID tags  37  is used to populate a computer user interface display  30  with information about RFID-tagged objects  50 . 
         [0040]    By including more than one RFID tag  37  on an RFID switch  36  attached to an RFID-tagged object  50  according to this invention, the selective masking and unmasking of said RFID tags  37  can provide useful functionality for conveying the status of object  50 . Typically the RFID tag associated with an object is a presence/absence indicator, from which can be derived knowledge about whether the object is within the workspace, and its approximate location. According to the present invention, an RFID tag  37  could also be associated with an RFID-tagged object  50  to provide status indications in a true/false (or on/off) manner, status examples including: 1) object needs inspection, 2) object is ready to ship, 3) object needs repair, 4) object needs calibration, 5) object is damaged, etc. 
         [0041]    While what has been described above are certain preferred embodiments, it should be apparent to one skilled in the art that other embodiments of an RFID switch can be created in which the rotating tag mount is a three dimensional surface that can be rotated around an axis such that only one of a plurality of RFID tags mounted to its outer surface is revealed through the top opening of the container, and thus detectable by a nearby RFID reader. The surface upon which the RFID tag is coupled need not necessarily be flat, nor does the cross-section of the rotating tag mount need be constant along the axis of rotation.