Patent ID: 7764183

Claim:
A sensor for monitoring and communicating data related to a perishable item, the sensor being adapted to operate with an RFID device including an antenna for receiving signals from an RF reader, the sensor comprising: a sensor module that monitors time and temperature of a perishable item, that determines a current freshness status based on the time and temperature, and that selectively transmits data representing the freshness status; a communication interface with the RFID device, the interface allowing an RFID reader to retrieve data representing the freshness status from the sensor module, and allowing the sensor module to detect activation of the RFID device; and an indicator communicatively coupled to the sensor module, the indicator being adapted to selectively activate and communicate the freshness status by use of a humanly perceivable signal under control of the sensor module; wherein the sensor module is adapted to selectively activate the indicator in response to detecting activation of the RFID device.