PATENT DOCUMENT

Publication Number: US-9076091-B2
Application Number: US-72085410-A
Country: US
Kind Code: B2

Title: RFID circuitry and methods of using the same to provide information of events pertaining to an electronic device

Abstract:
An electronic device with RFID circuitry is provided. The electronic device is operative to instruct the RFID circuitry to provide a desired message indicative of an event associated with the electronic device. For example, if the electronic device experienced some type of system failure, the device may instruct the RFID circuitry to provide a message indicative of that failure.

Claims:
What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuitry in an electronic device, the method comprising:
 receiving a software event, the software event indicative of a user interaction with the electronic device, wherein the software event comprises an event occurring in software being executed by the electronic device; and 
 in response to receiving the software event, writing data to a memory in RFID circuitry, the data indicative of the software event, and wherein the RFID circuitry is operative to provide the data when it is read, wherein the providing the data occurs when the electronic device is powered off. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the software event is indicative of a media item that has been played back on the electronic device. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the software event is received at a predetermined time interval. 
     
     
       4. An electronic device comprising:
 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuitry comprising:
 an antenna; 
 a first memory for storing first data; 
 a second memory for storing second data; and 
 selection circuitry operative to select either the first or second memory for providing either the first data or the second data for transmission by the antenna, wherein the selection is based on a selection signal; and 
 
 a processor operative to provide the selection signal to the RFID circuitry, wherein a state of the selection signal changes in response to receiving a software event, wherein the software event comprises a notification of a communication received by the electronic device. 
 
     
     
       5. The electronic device of  claim 4 , wherein the received communication comprises one or more of a new email message, a new text message, or a new voicemail message. 
     
     
       6. An electronic device comprising:
 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuitry comprising:
 an antenna; 
 a first memory for storing first data; 
 a second memory for storing second data; and 
 selection circuitry operative to select either the first or second memory for providing either the first data or the second data for transmission by the antenna, wherein the selection is based on a selection signal; and 
 
 a processor operative to provide the selection signal to the RFID circuitry, wherein a state of the selection signal changes in response to receiving a software event, wherein the software event indicates a user interaction with media. 
 
     
     
       7. The electronic device of  claim 6 , wherein the software event comprises one or more of a playback of a song, internet navigation, or purchase of assets. 
     
     
       8. An electronic device comprising:
 a processor; 
 control circuitry configured to:
 determine that a quantifiable event has occurred in software being executed by the processor; and 
 in response to the determining, provide data identifying the quantifiable event; and 
 
 Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuitry comprising rewritable memory, wherein the RFID circuitry is configured to:
 in response to the providing, store the data identifying the quantifiable event in the rewritable memory; and 
 passively wirelessly transmit the data identifying the quantifiable event that is stored in the rewritable memory, wherein the data identifying the quantifiable event can be read from the rewritable memory by a reader device while the electronic device is powered off. 
 
 
     
     
       9. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is associated with user interaction of media. 
     
     
       10. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry provides a status notification of the electronic device. 
     
     
       11. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry provides an error message. 
     
     
       12. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is updated according to a predetermined interval. 
     
     
       13. The device of  claim 8 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is updated in response to user interaction with the device. 
     
     
       14. The device of  claim 8  further comprising a communications bus for enabling the control circuitry to provide data to the RFID circuitry. 
     
     
       15. A method for using Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) circuitry in an electronic device, the method comprising:
 determining, by the electronic device, that a quantifiable event has occurred in software being executed by a processor of the electronic device; 
 in response to the determining, storing data identifying the quantifiable event in rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry; and 
 passively wirelessly transmitting, via the RFID circuitry, the data identifying the quantifiable event that is stored in the rewritable memory, wherein the passively wirelessly transmitting occurs when the electronic device is powered off. 
 
     
     
       16. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is associated with user interaction of media. 
     
     
       17. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry provides a status notification of the electronic device. 
     
     
       18. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry provides an error message. 
     
     
       19. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is updated according to a predetermined interval. 
     
     
       20. The method of  claim 15 , wherein the data stored in the rewritable memory of the RFID circuitry is updated in response to user interaction with the device.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     This relates to radio frequency identification (RFID) circuitry, and more particularly, to electronic devices that can selectively cause the RFID circuitry to provide a message indicative of an event associated with the device. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     RFID circuitry is used in a variety of different applications. For example, RFID circuitry can be used in connection with highway toll systems, inventory management systems, badge entry systems, public transportation systems, and payment systems. In each of these applications, the RFID circuitry may provide information contained therein to an RFID reader. The information provided by the RFID circuitry may be fixed, thereby limiting the device&#39;s RFID communication repertoire. What is needed is an electronic device that can cause its RFID circuitry to selectively provided different information. 
     SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE 
     Electronic devices having RFID circuitry and methods for using RFID circuitry are provided. The RFID circuitry can be controlled or programmed to provide one or more messages. The message(s) provided by the RFID circuitry may be based on events that occur within the electronic device. The events may include trigger events that are detected by a sensor system such as a water detection system. The trigger events may represent events that can lead to or cause device failure, or otherwise compromise operation of the device. The events may also include software events that are executed by the electronic device. These events may be captured as quantifiable messages indicative of such events. For example, software events may include user interactions with the device (e.g., an indication of the last song played), notifications (e.g., status indications such as a new message notification), and user specified messages. 
     The specificity of messages provided by the RFID circuitry may vary. The message may be generic or tailored to the event. For example, in one embodiment, the electronic device may instruct the RFID circuitry to provide a generic error message when a trigger event is received. In another embodiment, the electronic device may instruct the RFID circuitry to provide a message tailored to a received trigger event (e.g., provide a message indicating that the device has been damaged by water in response to receiving a trigger event from a water detection system). In yet another embodiment, the electronic device may instruct the RFID circuitry to provide messages based on received software events. 
     Various electronic devices with varying RFID circuitry arrangements may be provided. These RFID arrangements may use passive RFID circuitry, which enables the electronic device to provide messages via its RFID circuitry when powered off, disabled, or operating in a low power state. This enables the electronic device to provide passive messages without incurring substantial energy cost. For example, if the device has been damaged, the RFID circuitry can provide a message indicating that has been damaged even though the device is no longer functional. 
     In one embodiment, the electronic device can include circuitry that selects which message or messages are provided by the RFID circuitry when it is read by an RFID reader. In this embodiment, the RFID circuitry may include first memory for storing first data and second memory for storing second data, and selection circuitry operative to select between the first memory and the second memory based on a selection signal. The electronic device can include control circuitry that provides the selection signal to the RFID circuitry in response to receiving an event. The data stored in the memory may be preprogrammed. Thus, by enabling selection of one of the preprogrammed memories, the appropriate message can be quickly selected prior to a device failure. 
     In another embodiment, the electronic device can write data to memory contained in the RFID circuitry, thereby enabling the electronic device to provide custom tailored messages. In this embodiment, RFID circuitry can include rewritable memory. The electronic device can also include control circuitry operative to provide data to be written to the rewritable memory in response to receiving an event. 
     In yet another embodiment, the RFID circuitry can include both preprogrammed memory and rewritable memory. This provides control circuitry the option of selecting the appropriate memory, writing data to memory, or both, in response to receiving one or more events. For example, the control circuitry may update data in the rewritable memory based on received software events and select one of the preprogrammed memories based on a received trigger event. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The above and other features of the present invention, its nature and various advantages will become more apparent upon consideration of the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which like reference characters refer to like parts throughout, and in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a block diagram of an electronic device providing information to a RFID reader according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIG. 2  shows a simplified block diagram of an illustrative electronic device according to an embodiment of the invention; 
         FIGS. 3-6  show block diagram of electronic devices having different RFID circuitry configuration according to various embodiments of the invention; 
         FIGS. 7 and 8  show illustrative flow charts showing steps that may be performed in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and 
         FIG. 9  shows a block diagram of a system in accordance with an embodiment of the invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DISCLOSURE 
       FIG. 1  shows an illustrative block diagram of electronic device  100  having RFID circuitry  115  and RFID reader  199 . Electronic device  100  can be any suitable device having a power source such as, for example, a media player (e.g., an MP3 player such an iPod™ available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), a telephonic device, a PDA, a smart phone (e.g., an iPhone™ available from Apple Inc. of Cupertino, Calif.), a computer such as a laptop, netbook, or desktop computer. Electronic device  100  can be a portable device that is relatively easy for users to carry on their person or in a bag. Electronic device  100  can be stationary or fixed device such as a desktop computer, a monitor, or a printer. 
     Electronic device  100  can include RFID circuitry  115 . Electronic device can include more than one RFID circuit, but only one is shown to avoid overcrowding the drawing. RFID circuitry  115  can be any suitable RFID circuit. In one embodiment, RFID circuitry  115  may be a passive RFID circuit. Passive RFID circuitry enables a reader such as RFID reader  199  to obtain the data stored therein without requiring electronic device  100  to supply any power to RFID circuitry  115 . In another embodiment, RFID circuitry  115  can be an active RFID circuit. Active RFID circuitry requires power from electronic device  100  to provide data stored therein to another device (e.g., an RFID reader). 
     In embodiments described herein, RFID circuitry  115  can be controlled or programmed to provide one or more messages. In one embodiment, electronic device  100  can include circuitry that can select which message or messages that may be provided by RFID circuitry  115 . In this embodiment, the messages may already be preprogrammed into memory of RFID circuitry  115 . In another embodiment, electronic device  100  can provide data that can be written into memory of RFID circuitry  115 . This data may contain one or more messages that are provided by RFID circuitry  115  to, for example, be read by RFID reader  199 . 
     RFID reader  199  can be any device suitable for reading data from RFID circuitry  115 . For example, RFID reader  199  can be a stand-alone RFID reader, a computer such as a laptop or desktop computer having RFID reading circuitry contained therein, or a device similar to or the same as electronic device  100  that has RFID reading circuitry. RFID reader  199  may be a multifunctional device that can read data stored on RFID circuitry  115  and perform other features for electronic device  100  (e.g., charge a battery). An example of a multifunctional device may be an inductive charging pad having an integrated RFID reader. In another embodiment, RFID reader  199  may be an accessory device that can connect to a computer. 
     An RFID programmer (not shown) can be used to wirelessly program information into the memory of RFID circuitry  115 . Such programming can be performed, for example, at the RFID circuitry manufacturing facility, the electronic device manufacturing facility, or both. For example, the RFID circuitry manufacturing facility may program in a unique RFID identification information into memory. This unique RFID identification information may be permanently stored in memory. The electronic device manufacturing facility may program additional information in memory such as a device identification number, which may be permanently stored in memory. In some embodiments, one or more error messages may be programmed into RFID circuitry  115  memory. These error messages may be permanently stored and cannot be overwritten by device  100 . 
       FIG. 2  shows an illustrative block diagram of components of an electronic device  200 . As shown, electronic device  200  can include RFID circuitry  215 , control circuitry  220 , sensor system  230 , and RFID event handler circuitry  240 . In some embodiments, sensor system  230  can be omitted, and in other embodiments, RFID event handler circuitry  240  can be omitted. Control circuitry  220  may communicate with RFID circuitry  215 , sensor system  230 , and RFID event handler circuitry  240  over any suitable number or type of communications path. During operation, control circuitry  220  can be responsive to trigger events received from sensor system  230  and software events received from RFID event handler circuitry  240 . Based on the event received, control circuitry  220  can communicate with RFID circuitry  215  to cause RFID circuitry  215  to provide one or more desired messages. 
     RFID circuitry  215  may have any of the features of RFID circuitry  115 , discussed above. RFID circuitry  215  may operative to receive signals and/or data from control circuitry  220 . 
     Sensor system  230  can be any system operative to monitor various aspects of electronic device  200  which may indicate the cause of device failure or malfunction, or otherwise compromise operation of the device. Such aspects can include monitoring of physical and electrical conditions existing within or endured by device  200 . The aspects can also include monitoring the security of device  200 . When sensor system  230  monitors an event, the occurrence of that event may be communicated to control circuitry  220  as a trigger event. The manner in which control circuitry  220  handles the trigger event may vary. For example, in one embodiment, the trigger event may flag the occurrence of a device malfunction, in which case control circuitry  220  may cause RFID circuitry  215  to provide a message indicating that device  210  has experienced an error. In another embodiment, control circuitry  220  may recognize the trigger event is caused by a particular event (e.g., water infiltration) and may cause RFID circuitry  215  to provide a message indicating that device  200  has been damaged by the particular event. Control circuitry  220  may select the message to be provided by instructing RFID circuitry  215  to select a memory already preprogrammed with the desired error message. In another approach, control circuitry may write the desired error message to memory in RFID circuitry  215 . 
     Sensor system  230  can include one or more of the following subsystems: water detection system  232 , shock detection system  234 , electrical failure detection system  236 , and security system  238 . Water detection system  232  may detect the presence of a predetermined level of moisture, and upon such detection may communicate a trigger event to control circuitry  220 . Shock system  234  may detect whether device  200  has been subjected to a shock (e.g., a dropped device) that exceeds a predetermined threshold, and provides a trigger event to control device  220  when that threshold is exceeded. Electrical failure detection system  236  may determine when device  200  experiences electrical failure and report such a failure as a trigger event. Security system  238  may detect attempts or breaches of device  200  security and report security breaches or attempts thereof as a trigger event. 
     RFID event handler circuitry  240  can be operative to monitor or catalog quantifiable events occurring in software being executed on device  200 . Such software events can include events executed by device  200  such as, for example, user interactions with media (e.g., playback of songs, internet navigation, purchase of assets), notification events such as, for example, battery charge status, new email, new SMS text message, or new voicemail message, or any other suitable event that can be quantified and stored as a message in memory of RFID circuitry  215 . When a quantifiable software event occurs, event handler circuitry  240  may provide the event trigger to control circuitry  220 , which may cause RFID circuitry  215  to provide information indicative of the event. 
     Event handler circuitry  240  may be operative to update data stored in RFID circuitry  215  at predetermined intervals or in response to an occurrence of an event. If desired, a user may specify which events he or she would like stored in RFID circuitry  215 . For example, the user may desire to have event handler circuitry update memory in RFID circuitry  215  with the last song played. As another example, a user may instruct event handler  240  to store user-selected information in RFID circuitry  215  (e.g., user contact information, an advertisement, payment card information, or a URL). 
       FIG. 3  shows device  300  having RFID circuitry  310  and control circuitry  320 . RFID circuitry  310  is a passive RFID circuit. RFID circuitry  310  can include permanent memory  312 , first preprogrammed memory  314 , second preprogrammed memory  316 , antenna  317 , and selection circuitry  318 . Each memory in device  300  may be one-time programmable memory. Thus, the data stored therein cannot be overwritten by device  300 . Permanent memory  312  may have stored therein information pertaining to RFID circuitry  310  such as a RFID identification number. First preprogrammed memory  314  may have stored therein information pertaining to the identification of device  300  such as device identification number. Second preprogrammed memory  316  may have stored therein an error message. The error message may be, for example, a generic error message. 
     When RFID circuitry  315  is read by an RFID reader, it can provide the contents of memory  312  and one of either first preprogrammed memory  314  or second preprogrammed memory  316 . Selection circuitry  318  is operative to select whether the contents of first preprogrammed memory  314  or second preprogrammed memory  316  are provided. Selection circuitry  318  selects first memory  314  or second memory  316  based on a selection signal received from control circuitry  320 . Control circuitry  320  can control the state (e.g., logic high or low) of the selection signal based on whether a trigger event is received. 
     For example, during normal device operation, control circuitry  320  may maintain the selection signal at a logic low state. This can result in selection circuitry  318  selecting first preprogrammed memory  314 . In the event of a received trigger event, control circuitry can assert the selection signal by changing it to a logic high state, which can result in selection circuitry  318  selecting second preprogrammed memory  316 . 
     Communications path  330  may electrically couple RFID  315  and control circuitry  320 . Communications path  330  may be a wire that conducts a voltage representative of the selection signal. This promotes high speed communication because memory selection (between first memory  314  and second memory  316 ) is based on whether path  330  is pull LOW or HIGH. Such high speed communication may be desirable in situations where device  300  is about to completely fail and the error message in second memory  316  needs to be selected before failure. This communication (i.e., selection of a memory) may be faster relative to the time it may take to write data to memory in an RFID circuit (discussed below in connection with  FIG. 5 . 
       FIG. 4  shows another device  400  having RFID circuitry  410  and control circuitry  420 . RFID circuitry  410  can include permanent memory  411  (which may have stored therein information pertaining to the RFID itself such as a RFID identification number), preprogrammed memory  412 - 415 , antenna  417 , and selection circuitry  418 . Although only four preprogrammed memories are shown in the FIG., it is understood that any number of such preprogrammed memories may be included in RFID circuitry  410 . Preprogrammed memory  412 - 415  may be one-time programmable memory that is programmed by a RFID programming device, for example, at the device manufacturing facility. In another embodiment, the preprogrammed memory  412 - 415  may be programmed locally by device  300 , but once programmed, it may not be rewritten again. One memory (e.g., memory  412 ) may be programmed with device specific information and the other memory (e.g., memory  413 - 415 ) may be programmed with different error messages. By providing multiple memories each having specific messages stored therein, a higher granularity of message delivery can be obtained. For example, one memory may contain a message relating to moisture intrusion, another memory may contain a message relating to excessive shock, and yet another message may relate to electrical failure. 
     Control circuitry  420  may instruct selection circuitry  418  to select which one of memories  412 - 415  is selected to provide its stored contents. Control circuitry  420  may supply a selection signal over communications path  430  to cause selection circuitry to select the appropriate memory. Communications path  430  may include any number of or any type of paths. In one embodiment, communications path may include N lines interconnecting RFID circuitry  410  and control circuitry  420 . Control circuitry  420  is operative to assert certain of those lines to cause selection circuitry  418  to select a desired memory. 
     During normal device  400  operation, control circuitry  420  may cause selection circuitry  418  to select a memory that does not include an error message. Assume, for example, that this is memory  412 . When control circuitry  420  receives a trigger event, control circuitry  420  may ascertain what type of trigger event it is and provide a selection signal corresponding to that type of trigger event to selection circuitry  418 . Selection circuitry  418  then receives the selection signal and selects the appropriate memory. For example, if the trigger event was related to a first type of error, the selection signal would cause selection circuitry  418  to select the memory containing a message corresponding to that first type of error. 
       FIG. 5  shows yet another device  500  having RFID circuitry  510  and control circuitry  520 . RFID circuitry  510  can include permanent memory  511  (e.g., for storing RFID specific information and/or device specific information), rewritable memory  512 , and antenna  517 . If desired, preprogrammed memory (not shown) may also be included. Rewritable memory  512  may store information written thereto by control circuitry  520 . Rewritable memory  512  may store any information suitable for being provided as a message by RFID circuitry  510 . For example, rewritable memory  512  may store error messages and various software events (discussed above in connection with  FIG. 3 ). 
     Control circuitry  520  can communicate with RFID circuitry  510  using communications path  530 . Communications path  530  may enable data communications between control circuitry  520  and RFID circuitry  510 . For example, communications path  530  may be an I 2 C bus, a MIPI Bus, or a DMA bus. 
     Control circuitry  520  may be operative to receive trigger events and software events, process those received events, and communicate appropriate data to RFID circuitry  510 . The trigger events may be received from a sensor system (e.g., such as sensor system  230  of  FIG. 2 ). For example, if the sensor system detects a water detection event, it may inform control circuitry  520  of that event, and, in response, control circuitry  520  may write a message in memory  512  specifying that water has been detected. The software events may be received, for example, from RFID event handler circuitry (e.g., such event handler  240  of  FIG. 2 ). For example, the event handler may monitor various software events (e.g., the last song played) and provide those events to control circuitry  520 , which may then pass data identifying that event to RFID circuitry  510 . 
     The ability to write data to memory  512  of RFID circuitry  510  provides limitless opportunity to communicate messages of varying specificity. For example, when a trigger event occurs, control circuitry  520  can include a time stamp of the received trigger event, various device operating parameters, the specific cause of the trigger event, and any other suitable information in a message to be written to memory  512  of RFID circuitry  510 . Other information, such as the software event information, may be updated at predetermined time intervals by writing updated data to memory  512  of RFID circuitry  510 . 
       FIG. 6  shows a device  600  having RFID circuitry  610  and control circuitry  620 . Device  600  may be constructed to represent a hybrid of device  500  and device  300  or device  400 . In particular, RFID circuitry  610  may include permanent memory  611 , preprogrammed memory  612 ,  613 , and  614 , selection circuitry  615 , rewritable memory  616 , and antenna  617 . Control circuitry  620  can communicate with RFID circuitry  610  using communications paths  630  and  632 . Communications path  630  may be faster than communications path  632  and may used to transmit a selection signal to selection circuitry  615 . Communications path  632  may enable control circuitry  620  to provide data to be written in rewritable memory  616 . 
     During operation, control circuitry  620  has the options of selecting one of memories  612 - 614 , writing data to rewritable memory  616 , or using both options to have RFID circuitry  610  provide the desired message(s). In one embodiment, control circuitry  620  may update rewritable memory  616  with software events, but when a trigger event is received, control circuitry  620  may provide a selection signal to select an appropriate one of preprogrammed memories  612 - 614 . In another embodiment, if a trigger event is received, control circuitry  620  may provide the appropriate selection signal and write an error message in rewritable memory  616 . 
       FIG. 7  shows an illustrative flowchart of steps that may be performed according to an embodiment of the invention. Beginning with step  710 , an event is received. The event may be a trigger event received from a sensor system or a software event received from an event handler. In response to receiving the event, at step  720 , a memory in the RFID circuitry is selected that contains a message indicative of the event. Once this memory is selected, the RFID circuitry is operative to provide that message when it is read, for example, by an RFID reading device. Depending on the RFID circuitry embodiment (e.g.,  FIG. 3  or  FIG. 4 ), memory selection may be made between two memories or between two or more memories. In the two memory embodiment, an event may cause control circuitry to select the memory containing a generic error message. In the two or more memory embodiment, an event may cause control circuitry to select the memory containing a message indicative of the event (e.g., an event specific message). In this embodiment, the control circuitry may use a lookup table to determine an appropriate selection signal that should be provided the RFID circuitry based on the received event. 
       FIG. 8  shows a flowchart illustrating steps that may be performed according to an embodiment of the invention. Beginning at step  810 , an event is received. The event may be a trigger event received from a sensor system or a software event received from an event handler. In response to receiving the event, at step  820 , data is written to a memory of RFID circuitry. The data is indicative of the event and is provided by the RFID circuitry when it is read, for example, by a RFID reader. For example, if an event is caused by a battery failure, then the control circuitry may write a message in the memory of the RFID circuitry indicating that the battery has failed. 
       FIG. 9  is a schematic view of an illustrative electronic device  900  having RFID circuitry. Electronic device  900  may be any portable, mobile, or hand-held electronic device configured to present visible information on a display assembly wherever the user travels. Alternatively, electronic device  900  may not be portable at all, but may instead be generally stationary. Electronic device  900  can include, but is not limited to, a music player, video player, still image player, game player, other media player, music recorder, movie or video camera or recorder, still camera, other media recorder, radio, medical equipment, domestic appliance, transportation vehicle instrument, musical instrument, calculator, cellular telephone, other wireless communication device, personal digital assistant, remote control, pager, computer (e.g., desktop, laptop, tablet, server, etc.), monitor, television, stereo equipment, set up box, set-top box, boom box, modem, router, keyboard, mouse, speaker, printer, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, electronic device  900  may perform a single function (e.g., a device dedicated to displaying image content) and, in other embodiments, electronic device  900  may perform multiple functions (e.g., a device that displays image content, plays music, and receives and transmits telephone calls). 
     Electronic device  900  may include a processor or control circuitry  902 , memory  904 , communications circuitry  906 , RFID circuitry  907 , power supply  908 , input component  910 , and display assembly  912 . Electronic device  900  may also include a bus  903  that may provide a data transfer path for transferring data and/or power, to, from, or between various other components of device  900 . In some embodiments, one or more components of electronic device  900  may be combined or omitted. Moreover, electronic device  900  may include other components not combined or included in  FIG. 9 . For example, electronic device  900  may include motion detection circuitry, light sensing circuitry, positioning circuitry, or several instances of the components shown in  FIG. 9 . For the sake of simplicity, only one of each of the components is shown in  FIG. 9 . 
     Memory  904  may include one or more storage mediums, including for example, a hard-drive, flash memory, permanent memory such as read-only memory (“ROM”), semi-permanent memory such as random access memory (“RAM”), any other suitable type of storage component, or any combination thereof. Memory  904  may include cache memory, which may be one or more different types of memory used for temporarily storing data for electronic device applications. Memory  904  may store media data (e.g., music, image, and video files), software (e.g., for implementing functions on device  900 ), firmware, preference information (e.g., media playback preferences), lifestyle information (e.g., food preferences), exercise information (e.g., information obtained by exercise monitoring equipment), transaction information (e.g., information such as credit card information), wireless connection information (e.g., information that may enable device  900  to establish a wireless connection), subscription information (e.g., information that keeps track of podcasts or television shows or other media a user subscribes to), contact information (e.g., telephone numbers and e-mail addresses), calendar information, any other suitable data, or any combination thereof. 
     Communications circuitry  906  may be provided to allow device  900  to communicate with one or more other electronic devices or servers using any suitable communications protocol. For example, communications circuitry  906  may support Wi-Fi™ (e.g., an 802.11 protocol), Ethernet, Bluetooth™, high frequency systems (e.g., 900 MHz, 2.4 GHz, and 5.6 GHz communication systems), infrared, transmission control protocol/internet protocol (“TCP/IP”) (e.g., any of the protocols used in each of the TCP/IP layers), hypertext transfer protocol (“HTTP”), BitTorrent™, file transfer protocol (“FTP”), real-time transport protocol (“RTP”), real-time streaming protocol (“RTSP”), secure shell protocol (“SSH”), any other communications protocol, or any combination thereof. Communications circuitry  906  may also include circuitry that can enable device  900  to be electrically coupled to another device (e.g., a computer or an accessory device) and communicate with that other device, either wirelessly or via a wired connection. 
     RFID circuitry  907  may be any suitable radio frequency identification circuitry that may be used to communicate one or more desired messages (e.g., error messages, user specified information, notifications, etc.) to an RFID reader. RFID circuitry  907  may be responsive to commands provided, for example, by processor  902 . 
     Power supply  908  may provide power to one or more of the components of device  900 . In some embodiments, power supply  908  can be coupled to a power grid (e.g., when device  900  is not a portable device, such as a desktop computer). In some embodiments, power supply  908  can include one or more batteries for providing power (e.g., when device  900  is a portable device, such as a cellular telephone). As another example, power supply  908  can be configured to generate power from a natural source (e.g., solar power using one or more solar cells). 
     One or more input components  910  may be provided to permit a user to interact or interface with device  900 . For example, input component  910  can take a variety of forms, including, but not limited to, a track pad, dial, click wheel, scroll wheel, touch screen, one or more buttons (e.g., a keyboard), mouse, joy stick, track ball, and combinations thereof. For example, input component  910  may include a multi-touch screen. Each input component  910  can be configured to provide one or more dedicated control functions for making selections or issuing commands associated with operating device  900 . 
     Electronic device  900  may also include one or more output components that may present information (e.g., textual, graphical, audible, and/or tactile information) to a user of device  900 . An output component of electronic device  900  may take various forms, including, but not limited, to audio speakers, headphones, audio line-outs, visual displays, antennas, infrared ports, rumblers, vibrators, or combinations thereof. 
     For example, electronic device  900  may include display assembly  912  as an output component. Display  912  may include any suitable type of display or interface for presenting visible information to a user of device  900 . In some embodiments, display  912  may include a display embedded in device  900  or coupled to device  900  (e.g., a removable display). Display  912  may include, for example, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), a light emitting diode (“LED”) display, an organic light-emitting diode (“OLED”) display, a surface-conduction electron-emitter display (“SED”), a carbon nanotube display, a nanocrystal display, any other suitable type of display, or combination thereof. Alternatively, display  912  can include a movable display or a projecting system for providing a display of content on a surface remote from electronic device  900 , such as, for example, a video projector, a head-up display, or a three-dimensional (e.g., holographic) display. As another example, display  912  may include a digital or mechanical viewfinder. In some embodiments, display  912  may include a viewfinder of the type found in compact digital cameras, reflex cameras, or any other suitable still or video camera. 
     It should be noted that one or more input components and one or more output components may sometimes be referred to collectively as an I/O interface (e.g., input component  910  and display  912  as I/O interface  911 ). It should also be noted that input component  910  and display  912  may sometimes be a single I/O component, such as a touch screen that may receive input information through a user&#39;s touch of a display screen and that may also provide visual information to a user via that same display screen. 
     Processor  902  of device  900  may control the operation of many functions and other circuitry provided by device  900 . For example, processor  902  may receive input signals from input component  910  and/or drive output signals to display assembly  912 . Processor  902  may load a user interface program (e.g., a program stored in memory  904  or another device or server) to determine how instructions or data received via an input component  910  may manipulate the way in which information is provided to the user via an output component (e.g., display  912 ). For example, processor  902  may control the viewing angle of the visible information presented to the user by display  912  or may otherwise instruct display  912  to alter the viewing angle. 
     Electronic device  900  may also be provided with a housing  901  that may at least partially enclose one or more of the components of device  900  for protecting them from debris and other degrading forces external to device  900 . In some embodiments, one or more of the components may be provided within its own housing (e.g., input component  910  may be an independent keyboard or mouse within its own housing that may wirelessly or through a wire communicate with processor  902 , which may be provided within its own housing). 
     Thus it is seen that the use of RFID circuitry in electronic devices are provided. It is understood that the steps shown in the flowcharts discussed above are merely illustrative and that existing steps may be modified, added or omitted. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the invention can be practiced by other than the described embodiments, which are presented for purposes of illustration rather than of limitation, and the invention is limited only by the claims which follow.

Metadata:
Filing Date: 20100310
Publication Date: 20150707
Grant Date: 20150707
Priority Date: 20100310
Inventors: MINCEY TYLER
HODGE ANDREW
Assignee: APPLE INC
CPC Classifications: [{"code": "G06K19/0716", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K19/07749", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04Q2213/13095", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K19/0716", "inventive": true, "first": true, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "G06K19/07749", "inventive": true, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}, {"code": "H04Q2213/13095", "inventive": false, "first": false, "tree": "[]"}]
Family ID: 44559432