WO2019147721A1

WO2019147721A1 - Communication devices with differentiable operating paths or states and methods of making and using the same

Info

Publication number: WO2019147721A1
Application number: PCT/US2019/014820
Authority: WO
Inventors: Zvika Ashkenazi; Lewis FARRELL
Original assignee: Thin Film Electronics Asa
Priority date: 2018-01-24
Filing date: 2019-01-23
Publication date: 2019-08-01

Abstract

An apparatus and a method of using the apparatus are disclosed. The apparatus comprises one or more manipulable or foldable substrates, a wireless communication device comprising one or more antennas, and one or more signal blocking structures. The one or more antennas are inoperable when the one or more substrates are in the closed, sealed, or packaged state, and the one or more antennas are operable when the one or more substrates are in the open state. The method comprises using the apparatus by opening the substrate and transmitting and receiving signals to and from the antenna(s). An apparatus comprising a package or container comprising a substrate, the wireless communication device, and a ferrite layer is also disclosed. In such an apparatus, the wireless communication device has first and second major surfaces opposed to each other, and the ferrite layer overlaps with the antenna. The ferrite layer shields the wireless communication device on the package or container such that the wireless communication device receives and transmits or broadcasts wireless signals when a reader accesses the wireless communication device from one of the first and second major surfaces, and the wireless communication device cannot receive, transmit or broadcast wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from the other of the first and second major surfaces.

Description

COMMUNICATION DEVICES WITH DIFFERENTIABLE OPERATING PATHS OR STATES AND METHODS OF MAKING AND USING THE SAME

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Pat. Appl. No. 62/621,478, filed on January 24, 2018, incorporated herein by reference as if fully set forth herein.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention generally relates to the field(s) of communication apparatuses with differentiable operating paths or states and methods of making and using the same.

DISCUSSION OF THE BACKGROUND

[0003] Manufacturers and retailers may communicate product information to consumers through traditional methods, such as advertising or packaging. There is a demand for communicating product information beyond such traditional methods. One method is to attach a wireless communication tag to a product that can wirelessly communicate (e.g., send and receive wireless signals) with a reader using a radio frequency (RF) or near-field communication (NFC) protocol.

[0004] FIGS. 1A-B show conventional wireless communication tags 100A-B, respectively, including an integrated circuit (IC) 110, a trace 120, an antenna 130, and antenna strap terminals l25a-b on a substrate 105. The trace 120 electrically connects a first end of the antenna 130 to the IC 110. The antenna strap terminals l25a-b electrically connect a strap (not shown) that bridges the other end of the antenna 130 to the IC 110. The strap is electrically insulated from the loops or coils of the antenna 130.

[0005] The substrate 105 for the wireless security tags 100A-B of FIGS. 1A-B is rectangular, although other shapes (e.g., square, circular, oval, irregular, etc.) may be used. The substrate 105 comprises paper, a high-temperature polymer, a metal layer or foil (e.g., comprising aluminum, stainless steel or copper), or a laminate thereof. The integrated circuit 110 includes a memory configured to store identification code and/or product information. The integrated circuit 110 may include one or more printed layers. [0006] The antenna 130 in FIG. 1A comprises a coil, concentric rings or a plurality of loops or rings in a spiral. Alternatively, the shape of the antenna may be a square, rectangular, oval or serpentine (see, e.g., the antenna 140 in FIG. 1B), and has dimensions that match any of multiple form factors, while preserving compatibility with reader hardware (e.g., a 13.56 MHz target frequency for RF and/or NFC communication). The antenna 130 may be printed (e.g., using a conductor ink or paste such as a silver paste or ink) or formed using conventional methods such as blanket deposition and etching (e.g., by sputtering or evaporating aluminum on the substrate 105 and patterning by low-resolution [e.g., 10-1,000 pm line width] photolithography and wet or dry etching).

[0007] One end of the antenna 130 is electrically connected to a first pad l25a, which is conventionally connected to a second pad l25b across the rings or coils of the antenna 130 using an insulated strap (not shown). The second pad l25b is electrically connected to a terminal on the integrated circuit 110. The strap may be formed on the underside of the substrate 105 and bonded to the pads l25a-b through vias in the substrate. The wireless communication tag 100B in FIG. 1B is substantially similar to the wireless communication tag 100B of FIG. 1A, except that the antenna 140 is square or rectangular.

[0008] One or more of the wireless communication tags 100 A or 100B may be attached to a product to provide product or other information to a consumer. However, there is a need to prevent the consumer (or an unintended recipient of the product) from communicating with the wireless communication tags before a predetermined or desired time (e.g., opening the product package).

[0009] This “Discussion of the Background” section is provided for background information only. The statements in this“Discussion of the Background” are not an admission that the subject matter disclosed in this“Discussion of the Background” section constitutes prior art to the present disclosure, and no part of this“Discussion of the Background” section may be used as an admission that any part of this application, including this“Discussion of the Background” section, constitutes prior art to the present disclosure. SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] In one aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus (e.g., a package or object with a directi onally-accessible wireless communication tag thereon), comprising one or more manipulable or foldable substrates, a communication device thereon comprising one or more antennas, and one or more signal blocking structures on at least one of the substrate(s). The substrate(s) provide at least two surfaces that overlap in a closed, sealed or packaged state and that do not overlap in an open state. Each of the antenna(s) is in a predetermined location on a first one of the surfaces, and is configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal. Each of the signal blocking structures is on a second one of the surfaces in a location corresponding to the predetermined location(s) of the antenna(s). The corresponding location(s) overlap with a unique one of the predetermined location(s) in the closed, sealed, or packaged state such that the antenna(s) are (i) inoperable when the substrate(s) are in the closed, sealed, or packaged state, and (ii) operable when the substrate(s) are in the open state.

[0011] In one embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise a foldable card and the two surfaces may comprise first and second inner-facing surfaces of the foldable card. The foldable card may be a greeting card.

[0012] In another embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise a box having a plurality of flaps. The two surfaces may comprise an end flap foldably attached to an end panel of the box, and a side flap attached to a side panel of the box. In a further embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise a product inside the box, and the two surfaces may comprise an inner surface of one of the flaps and an outer surface of the product.

[0013] In yet another embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise (i) a jar or a box and

(ii) a lid comprising a metal-containing rim or edge. The two surfaces may comprise a first surface on the jar or box and a second surface on the metal-containing rim or edge.

[0014] In a further embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise a container and a wrap.

The two surfaces may comprise a first, outer surface of the container and a second, inner surface of the wrap. The container may comprise a box, jar, bottle, or envelope. The wrap may comprise paper, a metal foil, a polymer (e.g., a plastic), or a combination and/or laminate thereof. In various examples, the wrap may be a shrink wrap or a shrink film.

[0015] In a still further embodiment, the substrate(s) may comprise a container and a label attached or secured thereto. One of the at least two surfaces may comprise a first surface on the label that is foldable or moveable away from the container. The label may comprise a pamphlet or a booklet.

[0016] In some embodiments, the signal blocking structure(s) may comprise a metal.

Each of the antenna(s) may be operably connected to a first integrated circuit. The first integrated circuit may include a memory storing an identification code. The first integrated circuit may be configured to communicate with a reader configured to receive the identification code and operably connect to an internet database.

[0017] In other or further embodiments, the reader may send or retrieve product or other information after receiving and reading an identification code from an integrated circuit (IC) operably connected to one of the one or more antennas. The IC may have a memory configured to store and/or provide the identification code. In some embodiments, each of the signal blocking structure(s) may comprise a complementary antenna. In further embodiments, the apparatus comprises a second integrated circuit operably connected to the complementary antenna.

[0018] In another aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reading a directionally-accessible communication device, comprising moving one or more manipulable or foldable substrates to an open state, receiving a first wireless signal from a reader using one or more antennas, and transmitting or broadcasting a second wireless signal (e.g., to the reader) from the antenna(s). The substrate(s) have at least two surfaces that overlap in a closed, sealed or packaged state and that do not overlap in the open state. Each antenna is in a predetermined location on a first one of the surfaces, and each signal blocking structure is in a corresponding location on a second one of the surfaces. Each corresponding location overlaps with one of the predetermined locations, such that the antenna(s) are inoperable when the substrate(s) are in the sealed, packaged or closed state, and the antenna(s) are operable when the substrate(s) are in the open state. [0019] In some embodiments, at least of the one or more antennas is operably connected to an integrated circuit having a memory, and the memory may store an identification code (e.g., for the product associated with or contained by the substrate[s]).

[0020] In further embodiments, the method comprises receiving the second wireless signal with the reader (in which case the second wireless signal may contain the identification code). When the second wireless signal contains the identification code, the method may further comprise connecting the reader to an internet database, then (i.e., after the reader receives the identification code) sending the identification code or information equivalent to the identification code to the internet database and receiving product or other information from the internet database.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention relates to an apparatus comprising a package or container comprising a substrate, a wireless communication device on the substrate having first and second major surfaces and comprising one or more antennas configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal, and one or more ferrite layers overlapping with the wireless communication device. The wireless communication device and the ferrite layer are on the package or container such that the wireless communication device receives and transmits or broadcasts wireless signals when a reader accesses the wireless communication device from one of the first and second major surfaces, and the wireless communication device cannot receive, transmit or broadcast wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from the other of the first and second major surfaces. The ferrite layer may comprise a soft ferrite.

[0022] In various embodiments, the substrate comprises a box, a jar or a bottle. When the substrate comprises the box, the box may have (i) a plurality of flaps or (ii) a lid. In some examples, the box comprises (i) at least one end flap foldably attached to an end panel of the box and (ii) at least one side flap attached to a side panel of the box. In such examples, the ferrite layer may be on an inner surface of the side flap(s), and the wireless communication device may be on the ferrite layer. In either case, the ferrite layer electromagnetically shields the wireless communication device when the package or container is in a closed or sealed state. [0023] In other embodiments, the substrate comprises a jar or a box and a label or pull- tag thereon. The ferrite layer may be on the label or pull-tag (e.g., the inner surface of the label or pull-tag). The wireless communication device may be on the ferrite layer or in a location on a complementary surface of the packaging or product that is overlapped by the ferrite layer. The ferrite layer also electromagnetically shields the wireless communication device when the package or container is in a closed or sealed state in this configuration.

[0024] In further embodiments, the container comprises the jar or bottle, and the jar or bottle may have a multi-page label attached or secured thereto. The label is generally foldable or moveable away from the jar or bottle, and may comprise a pamphlet or a booklet.

[0025] In some embodiments, the apparatus further comprises an integrated circuit, and the antenna is operably connected to the integrated circuit. The integrated circuit may include a memory storing an identification code. The integrated circuit is generally configured to communicate with a reader, and the reader is generally configured to transmit a request or instruction for the integrated circuit to transmit the identification code.

[0026] Some embodiments of the present invention include a system comprising the apparatus and the reader. The reader may be configured to operably connect to a database, either over a secured network or the internet. The reader may be configured to receive the identification code from the integrated circuit and retrieve product or other information from the database linked to the identification code.

[0027] Another aspect of the present invention relates to a method of selectively reading a wireless communication device, comprising opening or unsealing a package or container comprising a substrate with a wireless communication device thereon, transmitting a first wireless signal from a reader on the one of the first and second major surfaces to the antenna of the wireless communication device, and receiving a second wireless signal from the antenna in the reader. The antenna is configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal, and has first and second major surfaces opposed to each other. A ferrite layer overlaps with the antenna such that the wireless communication device receives and transmits or broadcasts wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from one of the first and second major surfaces, and the wireless communication device cannot receive, transmit or broadcast wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from the other of the first and second major surfaces;

[0028] In embodiments of this method, the antenna may be operably connected to an integrated circuit having a memory. The memory may store an identification code for a product in the package or container, and the second wireless signal may contain the identification code.

[0029] In some embodiments, the method may further comprise connecting the reader to a database containing information regarding the product. In such embodiments, the method may further comprise, after the reader receives the identification code, sending the identification code or equivalent information to the database, and receiving the information from the database. For example, the reader may be connected to the database over the internet (or other network).

[0030] These and other advantages of the present invention will become readily apparent from the detailed description of various embodiments below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] FIGS. 1 A and 1B show conventional wireless communication tags with a circular antenna and a square antenna, respectively.

[0032] FIGS. 2A and 2B show a greeting card with exemplary wireless communication devices having different operating states when the card is opened or closed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] FIGS. 3A and 3B show a box with exemplary wireless communication devices having different operating states when the box is opened or closed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0034] FIGS. 4A and 4B show a jar with an exemplary wireless communication device having different operating states when the jar is opened or closed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0035] FIGS. 5A and 5B show a pharmaceutical bottle with a multi-page folding information label, having an exemplary wireless communication device with different operating states when the label is opened or closed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0036] FIGS. 6A and 6B show a bottle having an exemplary wireless communication device thereon having different operating states when the bottle is sealed or unsealed, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0037] FIGS. 7A and 7B show a box with a pull-tab thereon having an exemplary wireless communication device thereunder with different operating states when the pull-tab is peeled/open or unpeeled/closed, in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an exemplary method of using a wireless communication device having differentiable operating states when the substrate(s) (e.g., a container) on which it is placed or affixed is in an open state or a closed state, in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 9 shows a directionally-accessible wireless communication device having a ferrite layer (or shield) in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary integrated antenna and ferrite layer for use in directionally-accessible wireless communication devices in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 11 shows an exemplary arrangement of an antenna and the ferrite layer in the directionally-accessible wireless communication device of FIG. 9 in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

[0042] FIGS. 12A-B show exemplary arrangements of a ferrite layer, wireless communication device, and substrates in accordance with embodiments of the present invention.

[0043] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary integrated circuit for use in embodiments of the present invention.

[0044] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary integrated circuit useful in embodiments of the present invention.

[0045] FIG. 15 shows a box having a directionally-accessible wireless communication device thereon in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention. [0046] FIG. 16 shows a pharmaceutical container having a label with a directi onally- accessible wireless communication device thereon in accordance with one or more embodiments of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the following embodiments, it will be understood that the descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents that may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention. Furthermore, in the following detailed description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention. Furthermore, it should be understood that the possible permutations and combinations described herein are not meant to limit the invention. Specifically, variations that are not inconsistent may be mixed and matched as desired.

[0048] The technical proposal(s) of embodiments of the present invention will be fully and clearly described in conjunction with the drawings in the following embodiments. It will be understood that the descriptions are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. Based on the described embodiments of the present invention, other embodiments can be obtained by one skilled in the art without creative contribution and are in the scope of legal protection given to the present invention.

[0049] Furthermore, all characteristics, measures or processes disclosed in this document, except characteristics and/or processes that are mutually exclusive, can be combined in any manner and in any combination possible. Any characteristic disclosed in the present specification, claims, Abstract and Figures can be replaced by other equivalent characteristics or characteristics with similar objectives, purposes and/or functions, unless specified otherwise. [0050] FIGS. 2A-B show a greeting card 200 comprising first and second surfaces 205a- b with wireless communication tags 2l0a-b respectively thereon. The greeting card 200 may comprise and/or may contain a product such as a gift card, although the card 200 is not limited to such purposes. The card 200 may include a message 215 (e.g., a birthday or holiday felicitation). The card 200 is manipulable or foldable, and may comprise paper, plastic, cardboard, foil, paperboard, or a combination or laminate thereof. The card 200 may be in an opened state when the surfaces 205a-b do not overlap (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2A) and in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the surfaces 205a-b overlap (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2B). Each of the surfaces 205a-b oppose the other of the surfaces 205a-b and may face the inside of the card 200 when the card 200 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state. The surface 205b, wireless communication tag 210b, and message 215 are obscured in FIG. 2B, and are thus not shown.

[0051] The wireless communication tags 2l0a-b may be similar to or identical to the tags

100A-B in FIGS. 1A-B, and may respectively include an antenna 220a-b, an integrated circuit 225a-b, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna 220a or 220b to the integrated circuit (IC) 225a or 225b. The antennas 220a-b and the traces may be lithographically patterned, printed or spray-coated, and may comprise a metal such as aluminum or copper. The integrated circuits 225a-b may be conventional, and may include one or more thin films and/or one or more printed layers. In various embodiments, integrated circuits 225a-b include only thin films and/or printed layers. The integrated circuits 225a-b may include a memory storing an identification code.

[0052] In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-B, one or both of the tags 2l0a-b may be operable (in which case one of the tags 2l0a-b functions as a signal blocking device when the card 200 is in the closed state). Alternatively, or one of the tags 2l0a-b may be a“dummy” tag (e.g., including an inoperable IC or no IC at all).

[0053] Each of the antennas 220a-b may be configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal. The first wireless signal may be transmitted from a reader (e.g., a near field communication [NFC], high frequency [HF], ultra- high frequency [UHF], and/or radio frequency [RF] reader, such as a smart phone, a tablet computer, or other wireless scanning device), and the second wireless signal may be received by the reader. The reader may be operably connected to an internet database, and may send to and/or retrieve from the database product and/or other information that may be linked to the identification code or other code received from the tags 2l0a-b. In alternative or additional embodiments, the reader may execute one or more instructions received from one or both tags 2l0a-b and/or the internet database. For example, the reader may send the identification code to the database, and may receive product information (e.g., the contents, properties, qualities and/or specifications of the product, sales information such as retail price and/or discounts, etc.) from the database.

[0054] More specifically, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 2A-B, the tags 2l0a-b are in locations on the respective surfaces 205 a-b so that the antennas 220a-b overlap when the card 200 is closed (e.g., FIG. 2B). As a result, one of the antennas 220a-b acts as a signal blocking structure, preventing the other antenna 220a-b from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the card 200 is in a closed, sealed, or packaged state. Alternatively, each of the antennas 220a-b acts as a signal blocking structure when the card 200 is in a closed, preventing the other antenna 220a-b from receiving and transmitting / broadcasting wireless signals. When the card 200 is open (e.g., by moving the surfaces 205a-b away from each other as in FIG. 2A), each of the antennas 220a-b may receive the first wireless signal and transmit or broadcast the second wireless signal.

[0055] In alternative embodiments, one of the wireless communication tags 2l0a-b may be replaced by an alternative signal blocking structure, such as a metal foil or film. The metal foil or film may prevent the remaining antenna from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the card 200 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (e.g., FIG. 2B). When the card 200 is in the open state (e.g., when the substrate surfaces 205a-b are away from each other, FIG. 2A), the antenna opposing the metal foil or film may receive the first wireless signal and transmit or broadcast the second wireless signal.

[0056] FIGS. 3A-B show a box 300 comprising side flaps 305a-b and end flaps 305c-d.

Wireless communication tags 3 l0a-b are attached or placed on outer-facing surfaces of the end flaps 305c-d, and signal blocking structures 320a-b are attached or placed on inner-facing surfaces of the side flaps 305a-b, although other configurations are possible (e.g., the positions of the tags 3 l0a-b may be switched with the positions of the signal blocking structures 320a-b) as long as the locations on the flap surfaces of the tags 3 l0a-b and the complementary signal blocking structures 320a-b face each other. The side flaps 305a-b and end flaps 305c-d are manipulable or foldable. For example, the side flaps 305a-b may be foldably attached to side panels (e.g., 302) of the box 300, and the end flaps 305c-d may be foldably attached to end panels (e.g., 304) of the box 300. The box 300 may comprise paper, plastic, cardboard, foil, paperboard, or a combination or laminate thereof.

[0057] The box 300 may contain a product (e.g., one or more electronic devices, toys, food items, beverages, tools, clothing items, etc.). Additionally, the box 300 may contain one or more other boxes containing such a product. If the box 300 contains a second box containing a product, one or more of the signal blocking structures 320a-b may be on an inner surface of one of the side flaps 305a-b or end flaps 305c-d, and one or more of the tags 3 l0a-b may be on an outer surface of the product or the second box in the box 300 in a location corresponding to or overlapped by the location of the signal blocking structure(s) on the flap(s) 305a-d.

[0058] The box 300 may be in an opened state (e.g., FIG. 3A) when the side flap 305a does not overlap with or is not substantially parallel and/or in proximity to the corresponding end flap 305c (as shown) and/or when the side flap 305b does not overlap with or is not substantially parallel and/or in proximity to the end flap 305d (as shown). The box 300 may be in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the side flap 305a overlaps with and is in proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the end flap 305c and/or when the side flap 305b overlaps with and is in proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the end flap 305d, as shown in FIG. 3B. The inner-facing surfaces of the side flaps 305a and 305b oppose the outer surfaces of the end flaps 305c and 305d when the box 300 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state. The end flaps 305c and 305d, the wireless communication tags 3 l0a-b, and the signal blocking structures 320a-b are obscured in FIG. 3B, and are thus not shown.

[0059] The wireless communication tags 3 l0a-b may be substantially similar to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-2B, and may each include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. In various embodiments, the signal blocking structures 320a-b may be substantially similar to the alternative signal blocking structures as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-B, and may each comprise a metal foil or film. The signal blocking structures 320a-b may prevent a corresponding one of the antennas on the tag 3 lOa or 3 lOb from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the box 300 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (FIG. 3B). When the box 300 is in the open state (e.g., by moving one or both of the side flaps 305a and 305b away from one or both of the end flaps 305c and 305d, as shown in FIG. 3 A), any uncovered antennas on the tags 3 l0a-b may receive the first wireless signal or transmit the second wireless signal. In one embodiment, both of the tags 3 lOa-b must be read in order to obtain product information from the internet database and/or view product information on the reader. In alternative embodiments, the signal blocking structures 320a-d may be replaced by additional antennas having the same functionality as the signal blocking structures 320a-b (i.e., blocking wireless signals when the box 300 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state) or by wireless communication tags having the same functionality as the tags 3 lOa-b.

[0060] FIGS. 4A-B show ajar 400 comprising a lid 405a and a body 405b. The lid 405a includes a metal-containing rim or edge 415. Alternatively, in the embodiment shown in FIGS. 4A-B, the jar 400 may be replaced with a box with a removable lid. The body 405b of the jar 400 may have a sealing region 402 with a wireless communication tag 410 on the outer surface thereof. The lid 405a may be manipulable such that the rim or edge 415 may be moved away from the body 405b (e.g., by removing the lid 405a from the sealing region 402). In one example, the sealing region 402 and the inner surface of the lid 405a may be threaded so that the lid 405a can be screwed on and unscrewed off the body 405b. In another example, the body 405b may have a bead 420 that protrudes slightly from the outer surface of the sealing region 402 at or near the opening of the body 405b, configured to form a tight seal between the body 405b and the lid 405a (which may have a similar bead along the inner circumference of the rim or edge 415).

[0061] The jar 400 may comprise glass, plastic, metal, paperboard, or a ceramic or a combination thereof. For example, the body 405b may comprise glass or a ceramic, and the lid 405a may comprise a metal or other signal blocking material. The jar 400 as shown in FIGS. 4A-B has a cylindrical shape, but other shapes are also possible (e.g., having a square, rectangular, hexagonal, octagonal, oval, irregular or other cross-section when viewed from the top or bottom). The lid 405a and body 405b do not necessarily have the same cross-sectional shapes, but the opening in the lid 405a defined by the rim or edge 415 should be complementary to the sealing region 402 (i.e., they should have matching shapes).

[0062] The jar 400 may contain a product (e.g., a food, a medicine, a cosmetic, tobacco, etc.). The jar 400 may be in an open state when the lid 405a is removed (as shown in FIG. 4A) and in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the lid 405a is secured to the body 405b (as shown in FIG. 4B). The inner surface of the rim / edge 415 opposes the outer surface of the sealing region 402, and the lid 405a may face the inside of the body 405b when the jar 400 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state. The sealing region 402 and the wireless communication tag 410 is obscured in FIG. 4B, and is thus not shown.

[0063] The wireless communication tag 410 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. In alternative embodiments, the lid 405a may include a signal blocking structure on an inner surface thereof. The signal blocking structure may comprise a metal ring and thus may be continuous with the rim or edge 415 of the lid 405a, or may comprise a metal sheet, foil or film attached to the inside of the rim or edge 415 (e.g., in a location that overlaps with the location of the tag 410 in the sealing region 402 when the lid 405a is screwed on or otherwise secured in a predetermined configuration to the body 405b). The signal blocking structure may be substantially similar to the signal blocking structures as described with respect to FIGS. 2A-3B. The signal blocking structure may prevent the antenna on the tag 410 from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the jar 400 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (e.g., FIG. 4B). When the jar 400 is in the open state (e.g., by removing the lid 405a from the body 405b), the antenna may receive the first wireless signal and transmit or broadcast the second wireless signal. [0064] In alternative embodiments, the lid 405a comprises only materials other than a metal, the wireless communication tag 410 may be attached to the lid 405a (e.g., in essentially any location), and the jar 400 may be wrapped or sealed (e.g., packaged) with a metal foil. The metal foil effectively blocks wireless signal transmission to and from the tag 410 when the jar 400 is in the sealed state, and when the metal foil is removed (e.g., after purchase), the tag 410 can receive and transmit or broadcast wireless signals. Alternatively, in embodiments in which the lid 405a comprises only materials other than a metal, the body 405b may comprise metal in at least the sealing region 402, and the tag 410 may be located along the inner surface of the rim or edge 415. When the metal is sufficiently thick, it can electromagnetically shield the tag from receiving and transmitting wireless signals, and thus function as a signal blocking structure when the jar 400 is closed or sealed.

[0065] FIGS. 5A-B show a container 500 having a multi-page foldable information label

503 with surfaces 505a and 505b thereon. The surfaces 505a-b face each other when the label 503 is closed. A signal blocking structure 520 is attached to the surface 505a and a wireless communication tag 510 is attached to the surface 505b. The container 500 may comprise a plastic, glass, a ceramic, a metal or a combination thereof. The label 503 may comprise paper and/or plastic, and may be manipulable or foldable so that the surface 505a may be moved away from the surface 505b (e.g., so that the locations of the signal blocking structure 520 and the wireless communication tag 510 do not overlap). The container 500 may store a product such as a pharmaceutical, a drug or a nutritional supplement, although the container 500 is not limited to storing such products. The label 503 may be a pamphlet or booklet having one or more messages 515 written thereon. The message 515 may include information such as a list of ingredients (and optionally, their proportions in the product) or instructions related to the proper use of the product.

[0066] The label 503 may have an extension 507 with an adhesive thereon to close or seal the label 503. After manufacturing and during a final stage of packaging, the container 500 may be sealed with shrink wrap when the label 503 is closed. The label 503 may be in an opened state when the surfaces 505a-b do not overlap or are not proximate to each other (as shown in FIG. 5A) and in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the surfaces 505a-b overlap or are proximate or in contact with each other (as shown in FIG. 5B). The surface 505a may oppose the surface 505b and may face the surface of the container 500 when the container 500 is sealed or packaged (e.g., with shrink wrap). A cap 525 may be removed and reattached after the shrink wrap or other packaging is removed. The surfaces 505a-b, the wireless communication tag 510, the message 515 and the signal blocking structure 520 are obscured in FIG. 5B, and are thus not shown.

[0067] The wireless communication tag 510 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. The signal blocking structure 520 may be substantially similar to the signal blocking structures 320a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 3 A-B, and may comprise a metal foil or film. The signal blocking structure 520 may prevent the antenna on the tag 510 from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the label 503 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state. When the label 503 is in the open state (e.g., by the surfaces 505a and 505b being away from each other), the antenna may receive the first wireless signal and transmit the second wireless signal. In alternative embodiments, an additional wireless communication tag 510 may be attached to the surface 505a, and may block the wireless communication tag 510 on the surface 505b from sending or receiving signals when the container 500 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5B).

[0068] FIGS. 6A-B show a bottle 600 with a neck 605b and a wrap or sealant 605a. A wireless communication tag 610 is attached or secured to the neck 605b under the wrap or sealant 605a. The wrap 605a may comprise a metal foil and thus may function as a signal blocking structure. The bottle 600 may store a beverage (such as wine or spirits) and may comprise glass, a plastic, a ceramic, a metal, or a combination thereof. In alternative embodiments, the wrap 605a may further comprise plastic (e.g., a shrink wrap) and/or paper (e.g., a label). The wrap 605a may be manipulable (e.g., removable, so that the wrap 605a may be removed from the neck 605b to eliminate any overlap). The bottle 600 may be in an opened state when the wrap 605a is removed (as shown in FIG. 6B) or in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the wrap 605a is secured to the neck 605b (as shown in FIG. 6A). The neck 605b and the wireless communication tag 610 are obscured in FIG. 6A, and are thus not shown.

[0069] The wireless communication tag 610 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. In various embodiments, the wrap 605a may include a signal blocking structure thereon. The signal blocking structure may be continuous with the wrap 605a (and thus may comprise a metal foil or a metal film or layer on aplastic substrate such as shrink wrap), or may be a relatively small-area metal film or layer in a predetermined location on either the inside or the outside of the wrap 605a. The signal blocking structure may be substantially similar to the signal blocking structures 320a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 3A-B. The signal blocking structure may prevent the corresponding antenna on the tag 610 from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the bottle 600 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (FIG. 6A).

[0070] When the bottle 600 is in the open state (e.g., by removing the wrap 605a from the neck 605b, as shown in FIG. 6B), the antenna may receive the first wireless signal or transmit the second wireless signal. In alternative embodiments, the wireless communication tag 610 may be attached to or otherwise inside the wrap 605a, and may block the wireless communication tag 610 on the neck 605b from sending or receiving signals when the neck 605b is sealed with a metal foil and the bottle 600 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (e.g., as described with respect to FIG. 2B). In an alternative embodiment, the tag 610 may be on or under a plastic or paper label attached to the bottle 600. In various embodiments, the label is between the neck 605b and the wrap 605a.

[0071] FIGS. 7A-B show a box 700 with a pull-tab 705 having a signal blocking structure 715 thereon. A wireless communication tag 710 is attached to the box 700 or to a separate substrate that is attached or secured to the box 700. The pull-tab 705 may be attachable and may have a periphery 702 with an adhesive on the underside (e.g., to secure the pull-tab 705 to the box 700). Alternatively, the tag 710 may be on an attachable label secured to the box 700, and the tab 705 with the signal blocking structure 715 can be placed over the tag 710 and secured to the box 700 and/or the label thereon.

[0072] The signal blocking structure 715 may be a metal foil, film or layer on a paper and/or plastic tab 705. The box 700 may comprise a plastic, a ceramic, a metal or a combination thereof. The pull-tab 705 may comprise plastic and/or paper. The pull-tab 705 may be manipulable or foldable so that the signal blocking structure 715 may be pulled and/or folded away from the location of the tag 710 on the box 700 (e.g., so that they do not overlap). The box 700 may be in an open state when the signal blocking structure 715 and the tag 710 do not overlap or are otherwise not in proximity to each other (as shown in FIG. 7B) or in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the signal blocking structure 715 and the tag 710 overlap and are proximate to and/or in contact with each other (as shown in FIG. 7A). The signal blocking structure 715 may face the outer surface of the box 700 when the box 700 is in a sealed or packaged state. The signal blocking structure 715 and the wireless communication tag 710 are obscured in FIG. 7A, and are thus not shown.

[0073] The wireless communication tag 710 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. The signal blocking structure 715 may be continuous with the pull-tab 705, or may be a metal sheet or film attached to or otherwise formed on the pull-tab 705 (e.g., the inner surface of the pull-tab 705). The signal blocking structure 715 may be substantially similar to the signal blocking structures 320a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 3A-B. The signal blocking structure 715 may prevent the antenna on the tag 710 from receiving the first wireless signal and transmitting or broadcasting the second wireless signal when the box 700 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state (FIG. 7A). When the box 700 is in the open state (e.g., by pulling the pull-tab 705 away from the box 700, as shown in FIG. 7B), the antenna may receive the first wireless signal and transmit the second wireless signal.

[0074] FIG. 8 is a flowchart 800 showing a method of reading a selectively accessible wireless communication device. At 805, one or more wireless communication tags and one or more signal blocking structures are placed on first and second surfaces of one or more manipulable or foldable substrates such that the signal blocking structure(s) overlap the tag(s) when the substrate(s) are in a closed, sealed, or packaged state and do not overlap when the substrate(s) are in an open state, as described herein. In such a configuration, an antenna on each tag is inoperable when the substrate(s) are in the sealed, packaged, or closed state, and operable when the substrate(s) are in the open state. For example, if the substrate(s) are boxes with flaps (as shown in FIGS. 3A-B), then the tag(s) may be in a predetermined location on one or more first flaps, while the signal blocking structure(s) are in a corresponding location on one or more second flaps that overlap with the predetermined location(s) on the first flap(s).

[0075] At 810, the substrate(s) are closed or sealed so that the signal blocking structure(s) overlap with the tag(s). The substrate(s) may be folded (e.g., in half, like the greeting card 200 in FIGS. 2A-B), placed in an envelope or other container, sealed with tape, a sealant, an adhesive or glue, and/or wrapped in shrink wrap, plastic wrap, metal foil, etc., as described herein. The substrate(s) may be or comprise product packaging or a surface of a product inside such packaging.

[0076] At 815, the substrate(s) are shipped or otherwise provided to a user or a consumer. For example, the user or consumer may purchase or obtain a product containing the substrate(s) as part of the product packaging from a brick-and-mortar or online retailer. At this time, the substrate(s) (e.g., the product packaging) is in the closed or sealed state, so the antenna(s) on the tag(s) are inoperable, and the tag(s) on the substrate(s) cannot be read.

[0077] At 820, the substrate(s) (e.g., the product packaging) is/are opened or unsealed so that the signal blocking structure(s) do not overlap with the tag(s). If the substrate(s) are boxes, the user may open the boxes by moving flaps away from each other so that the location(s) of one or more signal blocking structures on one or more substrate surfaces do not overlap with the corresponding location(s) of one or more tags on complementary (e.g., facing) substrate surface(s) (e.g., compare FIG. 3B with FIG. 3A).

[0078] At 825, a first wireless signal is transmitted from a reader to the tag(s) when the substrate(s) are in the open state. The reader may be or comprise a mobile phone, tablet computer or other scanning device, or may be or comprise a device connected to a mobile phone, a laptop computer, or other device capable of connecting to a network (e.g., the Internet) that stores product information associated with the product identification (ID) code on the tag(s).

[0079] At 830, a second wireless signal containing the ID code from the tag(s) is received at the reader. The identification code and other information may be displayed on the reader or a device connected to the reader. Additionally or alternatively, an indication of a successful or unsuccessful tag read operation may be displayed on the reader or a device connected to the reader

[0080] At 835, the reader is operably connected to an internet or other database and a message, product information and/or other information in the database linked to the identification code (or its equivalent) is retrieved. The reader may be connected to the database at any prior time (i.e., before or after reading the tag[s]), and the method is not limited to connecting the reader to the database after the tag(s) are read. The product or other information may include a description of the product, promotions related to the product (e.g., a coupon or discount, a notification that the user or customer has accumulated loyalty points, etc.), instructions for using the product, etc.

[0081] At 840, the message, product information and/or other information is displayed on the reader or a device connected to the reader. The user may hear and/or view the message and/or scroll through the message and/or information (as well as additional information linked thereto) using conventional techniques. After 840, the method generally ends, although in embodiments including 2 or more tags, the method may be repeated for the second (or further) tag.

[0082] FIG. 9 shows a system 900 comprising a directionally-accessible wireless communication tag 910 and a reader 920. The wireless communication tag 910 includes a ferrite layer or shield 915 thereunder. Except for the ferrite layer or shield 915, the wireless communication tag 910 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. The tag 910 may receive signals from and transmit signals to the reader 920 only when the reader 920 is at or near a first major surface (e.g., the front) of the tag 910. In other words, the reader 920 can read the tag 910 only when approaching the tag 910 from a front direction 902. If the reader 920 is at or near the major surface of the tag 910 opposite from the first major surface (i.e., approaching in or from a direction 904), the reader 920 cannot communicate with the tag 910 since the ferrite layer or shield 915 blocks or shields electromagnetic signals from / in the direction 904.

[0083] The ferrite layer or shield 915 may be over or (as shown in FIG. 9) under the integrated circuitry and antenna of the tag 910. The ferrite layer or shield 915 and the integrated circuitry and antenna of the tag 910 may be between first and second mechanical support / protective layers (e.g., a paper label on the front surface, a plastic backing on the rear surface, etc.). Although the ferrite layer or shield 915 shown in FIG. 9 is substantially coextensive with the tag 910, to shield the reader 920 and the antenna of the tag 910 from wireless signals that would otherwise pass through the ferrite layer 915 (e.g., in or along the direction 904), the ferrite layer 915 should be at least coextensive with the antenna of the tag 910 (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 15/230,348 [Attorney Docket No. IDR4480], filed August 5, 2016, the relevant parts of which are incorporated herein by reference). In general, the ferrite layer 915 comprises a soft ferrite having a thickness of 50 pm to 600 pm (see, e.g., U.S. Pat. Appl. No. 15/230,348, the relevant parts of which are incorporated herein by reference).

[0084] Alternatively, the ferrite layer 915 may be placed on or adhered or secured to a substrate (e.g., a lid, flap, or pamphlet on a package or container), and the tag 910 may be placed on or secured or attached to the ferrite layer 915, or secured to a location on a different substrate surface that overlaps with the location of the ferrite layer 915, as described herein. However, when placed on product packaging, the ferrite layer 915 is generally external to the tag 910 (i.e., more toward the exterior surface of the packaging relative to the tag 910). For example, when placed on or secured to the underside of a lid or flap of a box, the front surface of the tag 910 faces toward the center of the box, and the ferrite layer 915 is either between the tag 910 and the lid or flap, or on the outside of the lid or flap in a location overlapping with the tag 910. Thus, the tag 910 may face the inside of a package or container when the package or container is in the closed state. The substrate may be a gift card, a product container lid, or any other product requiring confidential access to information stored on the wireless tag 910. [0085] FIG. 10 shows an exemplary wireless communication system 1000 including a smart phone or reader 1010 and a wireless tag 1060, in which a ferrite layer 1030 is integrated with an antenna 1020 and an integrated circuit (e.g., as described herein; not shown in FIG. 10). The wireless tag 1060 and the ferrite layer 1030 are on a substrate 1050. The substrate 1050 may be flexible and may comprise paper, a plastic sheet or film, a glass sheet, film or layer, and/or a metal sheet, foil, film or layer as described herein. The area dimensions (i.e., length and width) of the substrate 1050 may extend beyond those of the tag 1060 and the ferrite layer 1030. As shown, the wireless tag 1060 can be read by the phone or reader 1010 in the direction 1040 above the tag 1060 (i.e., away from the ferrite layer 1030), but not in the direction below the substrate 1050 (i.e., on the side of the ferrite layer 1030).

[0086] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a wireless tag 1100 having an integrated antenna

1120 and ferrite layer 1140 according to one or more embodiments of the present invention. The device 1100 generally comprises a flexible substrate 1130 with an antenna 1120 on a surface thereof and a ferrite layer 1140 (e.g., a ferrite layer) on a surface of a second substrate (e.g., an outer substrate or cover) 1110. The ferrite layer 1140 is between the outer substrate or cover 1110 and the flexible substrate 1130. In various embodiments, the outer substrate or cover 1110 is an outermost protective layer, such as a package label or shrink wrap, or outermost product packaging, such as a box panel or other container wall. Integrating an electromagnetic shield (e.g., the ferrite layer 1140) and the wireless communication device (including the antenna 1120 and an integrated circuit [not shown]) on the flexible substrate 1130 shields the antenna 1120 from electromagnetic signals that may be transmitted from the backside direction (e.g., direction 904 in FIG. 9).

[0087] The substrate 1130 comprises a flexible material as discussed herein. The antenna 1120 is formed on a first side of the substrate 1130. The antenna 1120 may be formed, e.g., by (1) blanket-deposition, patterning and etching, (2) printing, or (3) spray-coating. If the antenna 1120 is formed on a different substrate from the integrated circuit (not shown), the antenna 1120 may be connected to terminals of the integrated circuit by an adhesive (e.g., an anisotropic conductive adhesive), crimping, etc., e.g., in a pick-and-place process or by roll-to- roll processing. Thus, in some embodiments, the antenna 1120 may be a single-layer antenna (e.g., without an insulation / dielectric layer deposited on or over the coils and a conductive trace on the insulation / dielectric layer that connects the outermost end of the antenna to an IC connection pad located inside the coils).

[0088] The ferrite layer 1140 is formed (e.g., by coating or printing) on the substrate or cover 1110 in an area corresponding to and/or overlapping the area of the antenna 1120, as discussed herein. Although the ferrite layer 1140 is shown as a coating on part of the substrate or cover 1110 in FIG. 11, the ferrite layer 1140 may also be formed (i) on a surface of the substrate 1130 opposite from the antenna 1120 and/or (ii) in a pattern substantially covering the pattern of the antenna 1120. For example, the ferrite layer 1140 can be printed in a coil or ring pattern matching that of the antenna 1120, or it can be extruded in strips along the length (i.e., the long axis) of the antenna 1120, overlapping the long wires of the antenna 1120.

[0089] FIGS. 12A-B show exemplary wireless communication devices 1200 and 1210 comprising a ferrite layer 1230, in which the ferrite layer 1230 is spaced apart from the tag 1260 (FIG. 12A), or the ferrite layer 1230 and tag 1260 are spaced apart from a substrate 1250 (FIG. 12B). For example, FIG. 12A shows an exemplary device 1200 including a wireless communication tag (e.g., including an integrated circuit and an antenna) 1260, in which a ferrite layer or film 1230 is spaced apart from the tag 1260 by a manufacturing substrate or spacer 1240. The ferrite layer 1230 is in contact with a surface (e.g., an inner surface) of a product or packaging substrate 1250. The ferrite layer 1230 is oriented towards the outside of the product or packaging substrate 1250 relative to the tag 1260, to shield wireless readers (such as smart phones) from reading the tag 1260.

[0090] In some embodiments, the manufacturing substrate 1240 is a substrate on which the ferrite film 1230 and the tag 1260 are formed. In various embodiments, the substrate 1240 includes a dielectric or insulating material, such as paper, plastic, glass, ceramic, etc., any of which may be coated with an insulating material that improves the processing and/or the physical and/or electrical properties of the ferrite layer 1230 and/or the tag 1260.

[0091] FIG. 12B shows an exemplary identification device 1210 including the tag 1260 with the ferrite film (or layer) 1230 thereunder, spaced apart from the packaging substrate 1250 by the manufacturing substrate 1240. The manufacturing substrate 1240 may be adhered or otherwise secured to the inner surface of the packaging substrate 1250. The ferrite film 1230 overlaps the inductor in the tag 1260. The tag 1260 may be formed on a continuous, uniform ferrite layer 1230. Thus, the ferrite layer 1230 may be integrated with the tag 1260.

[0092] FIG. 13 shows an exemplary integrated circuit 1300 for a tag suitable for use in the present invention. Generally, the circuit 1300 includes an inductor (e.g., an inductor or antenna coil) 1310 and a capacitor 1320. The capacitor 1320 may have a first electrode, and in some embodiments, the first electrode may comprise or be formed from a conductive substrate, such as stainless steel foil. Generally, the capacitor 1320 further includes a second electrode and at least one dielectric layer between the first and second electrodes. The capacitor 1320 may further include a (semi)conductive layer on or in contact with at least a portion of the dielectric layer and/or the second electrode. The capacitor 1320 may be linear (as shown) or non-linear, in which case it may further include a semiconductor layer, on or in contact with at least a portion of the dielectric layer and/or the second electrode. In the presence of an oscillating wireless signal (or electromagnetic field), the inductor 1310 is configured to generate or produce a current in the integrated circuit 1300 sufficient for the tag to backscatter detectable electromagnetic (EM) radiation. Alternatively, the capacitor 1320 may comprise a ferroelectric capacitor. In such a case, the integrated circuit 1300 induces a voltage into a coil in the reader/detector, which may be configured to detect a 2^nd- and/or 3^rd-order harmonic of the resonant frequency of the inductor 13 lO-capacitor 1320 loop.

[0093] The integrated circuit 1300 of FIG. 13 includes a sensor 1360, suitable for use in the present invention. The integrated circuit 1300 also includes a memory 1370 and a battery 1380 that powers the memory 1370 and the sensor 1360. The sensor 1360 may comprise an environmental sensor (e.g., a humidity or temperature sensor), a continuity sensor (e.g., that determines a sealed, open, or damaged state of the package or container to which the tag is attached), a chemical sensor, a product sensor (e.g., that senses or determines one or more properties of the product in the package or container to which the tag is attached), etc., and outputs an electrical signal to the memory 1370 corresponding to the condition, state or parameter sensed or detected by the sensor 1360. The memory 1370 stores one or more bits of data, at least one of which corresponds to the condition, state or parameter sensed or detected by the sensor 1360, and one or more of which may correspond to an identification number or code for the product to which the tag is attached. The memory 1370 outputs a data signal that can be read by the reader. Thus, the reader is capable of detecting an initial state of the memory 1370. Additional circuitry can be added to the circuit 1300 to change the state of the memory 1370. In addition, such additional circuitry can write data or a state to a ferroelectric capacitor (when present).

[0094] FIG. 14 shows an exemplary integrated circuit 1400, suitable for use in the present invention. Some or all of the circuit and/or functional blocks in the exemplary integrated circuit 1400 can be present in the integrated circuits of the tags described with respect to FIGS. 2A-B, 3A-B, 4A-B, 5A-B, 6A-B, 7A-B and 15-16. Additional circuit blocks, such as one or more display drivers, can also be included in certain embodiments.

[0095] The exemplary integrated circuit (IC) 1400 for use with the present invention includes one or more sensors 1410, a threshold comparator 1420 receiving information (e.g., a signal) from the sensor(s) 1410, a pulse driver 1440 receiving an output of the threshold comparator 1420, a memory 1460 storing sensor data from the pulse driver 1440, one or more bit lines (BL) 1472 for reading data from the memory 1460, one or more sense amplifiers (SA) 1474 for converting the signal(s) on the bit line(s) 1472 to digital signals, one or more latches 1476 for temporarily storing data from the sense amplifier(s) 1474, and a transmitter (e.g., modulator) 1490 configured to output data (including an identification code) from the device. The exemplary IC 1400 in FIG. 14 also contains a clock 1450 configured to provide a timing signal (e.g., CLK) that controls the timing of certain operations in the IC 1400 and a memory timing control block or circuit 1470 that controls the timing of memory read operations. The modulator 1490 also receives the timing signal (CLK) from the clock circuit or a slowed-down or sped-up variation thereof. The exemplary IC 1400 also includes a power supply block or circuit 1480 that provides a direct current (e.g., VCC) to various circuits and/or circuit blocks in the IC. The memory 1460 may also contain identification code. The portion of the memory 1460 containing identification code may be printed. The IC 1400 may further contain a receiver (e.g., a demodulator), one or more rectifiers (e.g., a rectifying diode, one or more half-bridge or full- bridge rectifiers, etc.; optionally in the power supply block 1480), one or more tuning or storage capacitors, etc. Terminals in the modulator 1490 and the power supply 1480 may be connected to ends of an antenna (e.g., at Coill and Coil2). Alternatively, the modulator 1490 may be omitted or replaced with one or more display drivers, for example, and the power supply 1480 may be connected to one or more leads electrically connected to the battery 1430 and optionally a ground plane or other ground potential.

[0096] The memory in a wireless tag may contain a fixed number of bits. In some implementations, wireless tags may contain 128 or 256 bits. Some bits are allocated to overhead (non-payload) data for format identification and data integrity (CRC) checking. The payload of the wireless tag (e.g., the NFC or RF tag) consumes the remainder of the bits. The payload can be up to 96 bits in the case of the 128-bit wireless tag and up to 224 bits in the case of the 256-bit wireless tag.

[0097] The payload of the wireless tag can be allocated to variable amounts of fixed

ROM bits (which are generally - but not always - used as a unique identification number). When print methods are used in manufacturing the wireless tag, the ROM bits are permanently encoded and cannot be electrically modified. Any payload bits that are not allocated as fixed ROM bits can be allocated as dynamic sensor bits (e.g., for the continuity sensor to which the sensing lines are connected). These sensor bits can change values based on a sensed input. Different splits or allocations between ROM and sensor bits are indicated by data format bits that are part of the non-payload or‘overhead’ bits, generally in the first 16 bits of the wireless tag memory.

[0098] The sensor 1410 may be or include one or more continuity sensors, temperature sensors, humidity sensors, electromagnetic field sensors, current / voltage / power sensors, light sensors, and/or chemical sensors (e.g., for oxygen, carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide and/or trioxide, ozone, one or more toxins, etc.). The present IC may also include one or more time sensors (e.g., configured to count or determine elapsed time), which may include the clock circuit (which can be a basis for a real-time clock) and one or more counters, dividers, etc., as is known in the art. The leads from any external sensing mechanism should be connected to the IC at terminals separate from those for the antenna. [0099] FIG. 15 shows a box 1500 comprising side flaps l505a-b and end flaps l505c-d.

A ferrite layer or film 1520 is deposited on (e.g., by printing or extruding) an inner-facing surface of the side flap l505a, and a wireless communication tag 1510 is formed on the ferrite layer 1520. Alternatively, a ferrite layer or sheet 1520 may be attached or secured to the side flap l505a (e.g., using an adhesive), and the tag 1510 may be independently attached or secured to the ferrite layer, film or sheet 1520. In a further alternative, the wireless communication tag 1510 may be attached or secured to a location on the outer-facing surface of the end flap l505c in a location corresponding to that of the ferrite layer 1520, such that the locations of the wireless communication tag 1510 and the ferrite layer 1520 overlap when the box 1500 is closed or sealed.

[00100] The wireless communication tag 1510 may be substantially similar to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-2B, and may each include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit. The antenna of the tag 1510 and ferrite layer 1520 may be arranged similarly or substantially similarly to the antenna 1020 and ferrite layer 1030 of the device 1000 shown in FIG. 10, the antenna 1120 and ferrite layer 1140 of the device 1100 in FIG. 11, and/or the antenna in the tag 1230 and ferrite layer 1260 of the devices 1200 and 1210 in FIGS. 12A-B.

[0100] The box 1500 may contain a product (e.g., one or more electronic devices, toys, food items, beverages, tools, clothing items, etc.). Additionally, the box 1500 may contain one or more other boxes containing such a product. The side flaps l505a-b and end flaps l505c-d are foldably attached to side panels and end panels of the box 1500, respectively, and are thus manipulable or foldable. The box 1500 may comprise paper, plastic, cardboard, foil, paperboard, or a combination or laminate thereof. The box 1500 may be in an open state (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15) when the side flap l505a does not overlap with or is not substantially parallel and/or in proximity to the corresponding end flap l505c. The box 1500 may be in a closed, sealed or packaged state when the side flap l505a overlaps with and is in proximity to (e.g., in contact with) the end flap l505c. The inner-facing surfaces of the side flaps l505a and l505b oppose the outer surfaces of the end flaps l505c and l505d when the box 1500 is in the closed, sealed, or packaged state.

[0101] When the box 1500 is closed or sealed (e.g., when the side flap l505a is parallel to and in contact with the end flap l505c, and is secured to the end panel 1504 along with the other side flap l505b), the ferrite layer 1520 electromagnetically shields the antenna on the tag 1510 from readers attempting to access the tag 1510 from outside the box 1500. When the box 1500 is in the open state (e.g., by moving the side flap l505a away from the end flap l505c, as shown in FIG. 15), the ferrite layer 1520 does not electromagnetically shield the antenna on the tag 1510. Consequently, the antenna may receive the first wireless signal and transmit the second wireless signal when the reader faces the inner surface of the side flap l505a and approaches the tag 1510 from the direction in front of the plane of the page. In general, the tag 1510 transmits a wireless signal including an identification code, and a reader receives the wireless signal, links to a database (e.g., in the cloud or on the Internet), and obtains and displays product information from the database based on or linked to the identification code.

[0102] FIG. 16 shows a container 1600 having a multi -page foldable information label

1605 on an exterior surface thereof. A ferrite layer 1620 is formed on or attached to an inner surface of the label panel l605a, and a wireless communication tag 1610 is formed on or attached to the surface ferrite layer 1620. Because the inner surface of the label panel l605a faces towards the container 1600, the ferrite layer 1620 electromagnetically shields the antenna of the tag 1610 from external wireless signals. The ferrite layer 1620 electromagnetically shields the antenna of the tag 1610 from external wireless signals when the tag 1610 and the ferrite layer 1620 are in the same arrangement on the label panel l605c. On the other hand, if the tag 1610 and the ferrite layer 1620 are on the label panel l605b or l605d, then the tag 1610 should be on the label panel l605b or l605d, and the ferrite layer 1620 should be on or over the tag 1610.

[0103] The container 1600 and the label 1605 may be similar or identical to the container

500 and the label 503 in FIGS. 5A-B. Thus, the container 1600 may store a product such as a pharmaceutical, a drug or a nutritional supplement (although the container 1600 is not limited to storing such products), the label 1605 may be a pamphlet or booklet having one or more messages 1615 (such as a list of ingredients, their proportions in the product, and/or instructions related to the proper use of the product) thereon, the label 1605 may have an extension 1607 with an adhesive thereon to close or seal the label 1605, and a cap 1625 may be removed and reattached (e.g., after any shrink wrap and/or other packaging is removed). The wireless communication tag 1610 may be substantially similar or identical to the wireless communication tags 100A-B and 2l0a-b as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-B and FIGS. 2A-B, and may include an antenna, an integrated circuit, and traces and a strap connecting the antenna and integrated circuit.

[0104] When the label 1605 is closed and the tag 1610 and the ferrite layer 1620 are on the label panel l605a or l605c, the ferrite layer 1620 electromagnetically shields the antenna of the tag 1610 from wireless signals from external tag readers. When the label 1605 is open, the tag 1610 can be read by an external tag reader facing the inner surface of the label panel l605a or l605c.

CONCLUSION

[0105] Each of the selectively-readable devices disclosed herein (e.g., the tag and blocking structures shown in FIGS. 2A, 3A, 4A, 5A, 6A-B and 7B, and the tag and ferrite layer structures shown in FIGS. 9-12B and 15-16) electromagnetically shields the antenna of the tag in one packaging state (i.e., a closed or sealed state), but not in another packaging state (i.e., an open state). Thus, the tag can be read (and product information displayed on a reader) when packaging or a container having the selectively-readable device thereon is opened.

[0106] The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teaching. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is intended that the scope of the invention be defined by the Claims appended hereto and their equivalents.

Claims

CLAIMS What is claimed is:

1. An apparatus, comprising:

one or more manipulable or foldable substrates, providing at least two surfaces that overlap in a closed, sealed or packaged state, wherein the surfaces do not overlap in an open state;

a communication device comprising one or more antennas, each in a corresponding first location on a first one of the surfaces, wherein each of the one or more antennas is configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal; and

one or more signal blocking structures, each in a corresponding second location on a second one of the surfaces, the second location overlapping with one of the first location(s) in the closed, sealed, or packaged state such that the one or more antennas are inoperable when the one or more substrates are in the closed, sealed, or packaged state, and the one or more antennas are operable when the one or more substrates are in the open state.

2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more substrates comprise a foldable card.

3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the at least two surfaces comprise first and second inner-facing surfaces of the foldable card.

4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the foldable card is a greeting card.

5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more substrates comprises a box having a plurality of flaps.

6. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the at least two surfaces comprise an end flap foldably attached to an end panel of the box, and a side flap attached to a side panel of the box.

7. The apparatus of claim 5, wherein the one or more substrates further comprise a product inside the box, and the at least two surfaces comprise an inner surface of one of the flaps and a surface of the product.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more substrates comprises ajar or a box and a lid comprising a metal-containing rim or edge.

9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the at least two surfaces comprise a first surface on the jar or box and a second surface on the metal-containing rim or edge.

10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more substrates comprise a container and a wrap.

11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the at least two surfaces comprise a first surface on the container and a second surface on the wrap.

12. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wrap is a shrink wrap or shrink film.

13. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the wrap comprises plastic, paper, a metal foil or a polymer.

14. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the container comprises a box, jar, bottle, or envelope.

15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more substrates comprises a container and a label attached or secured thereto.

16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein one of the at least two surfaces comprises a first surface on the label that is foldable or moveable away from the container.

17. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein the label comprises a pamphlet or a booklet.

18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the one or more signal blocking structures comprise a metal.

19. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more antennas is operably connected to a first integrated circuit.

20. The apparatus of claim 19, wherein the first integrated circuit includes a memory storing an identification code.

21. The apparatus of claim 20, wherein the first integrated circuit is configured to communicate with a reader configured to (i) transmit a request or instruction to the integrated circuit to send the identification code and (ii) receive the identification code.

22. The apparatus of claim 21, further comprising the reader, wherein the reader is configured to operably connect to a database over a network.

23. The apparatus of claim 22, wherein the reader is configured to retrieve product or other information linked to the identification code from the database and display the product or other information.

24. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein each of the one or more signal blocking structures each comprises a complementary antenna.

25. The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the apparatus further comprises a second integrated circuit operably connected to the complementary antenna.

26. A method of selectively reading a communication device, comprising:

moving one or more manipulable or foldable substrates to an open state, wherein the one or more substrates have at least two surfaces that overlap in a closed, sealed or packaged state and that do not overlap in the open state;

receiving a first wireless signal from a reader with one or more antennas, each in a corresponding first location on a first one of the surfaces; and

transmitting or broadcasting a second wireless signal with the one or more antennas,

wherein one or more signal blocking structures are each in a corresponding second location on a second one of the surfaces, the second location overlapping with one of the first location(s), such that the one or more antennas are inoperable when the one or more substrates are in the sealed, packaged or closed state, and the one or more antennas are operable when the one or more substrates are in the open state.

27. The method of claim 26, wherein each of the one or more antennas is operably connected to an integrated circuit having a memory, and the memory stores an identification code.

28. The method of claim 27, further comprising receiving the second wireless signal with the reader, wherein the second wireless signal contains the identification code.

29. The method of claim 28, further comprising connecting the reader to an internet database.

30. The method of claim 29, further comprising, after the reader receives the identification code, sending the identification code or equivalent information to the internet database and receiving product or other information from the internet database.

31. An apparatus, comprising: a package or container comprising a substrate;

a wireless communication device on the substrate comprising an antenna configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal, the wireless communication device having first and second major surfaces opposed to each other; and

a ferrite layer overlapping with the antenna, wherein the wireless communication device and the ferrite layer are on the package or container such that the wireless communication device receives and transmits or broadcasts wireless signals when a reader accesses the wireless communication device from one of the first and second major surfaces, and the wireless communication device cannot receive, transmit or broadcast wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from the other of the first and second major surfaces.

32. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the substrate comprises a box, a jar or a bottle.

33. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the substrate comprises the box, and the box has (i) a plurality of flaps or (ii) a lid.

34. The apparatus of claim 33, wherein the box comprises (i) at least one end flap foldably attached to an end panel of the box and (ii) at least one side flap attached to a side panel of the box.

35. The apparatus of claim 34, wherein the ferrite layer is on an inner surface of the at least one side flap.

36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the wireless communication device is on the ferrite layer, and the ferrite layer electromagnetically shields the wireless communication device when the package or container is in a closed or sealed state.

37. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the substrate comprises a jar or a box and a label or pull-tag thereon, wherein at least the ferrite layer is on the label or pull-tag.

38. The apparatus of claim 37, wherein the ferrite layer is on an inner surface of the label or pull-tag.

39. The apparatus of claim 38, wherein the wireless communication device is on the ferrite layer, and the ferrite layer electromagnetically shields the wireless communication device when the package or container is in a closed or sealed state.

40. The apparatus of claim 32, wherein the container comprises the jar or bottle.

41. The apparatus of claim 40, wherein the jar or bottle has a multi-page label attached or secured thereto.

42. The apparatus of claim 41, wherein the label is foldable or moveable away from the jar or bottle.

43. The apparatus of claim 42, wherein the label comprises a pamphlet or a booklet.

44. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the apparatus further comprises an integrated circuit, and the antenna is operably connected to the integrated circuit.

45. The apparatus of claim 44, wherein the integrated circuit includes a memory storing an identification code.

46. The apparatus of claim 45, wherein the integrated circuit is configured to communicate with a reader configured to transmit a request or instruction for the integrated circuit to transmit the identification code.

47. The apparatus of claim 46, further comprising the reader.

48. The apparatus of claim 47, wherein the reader is configured to operably connect to a database.

49. The apparatus of claim 48, wherein the reader is configured to receive the identification code from the integrated circuit and retrieve product or other information from the database linked to the identification code.

50. The apparatus of claim 31, wherein the ferrite layer comprises a soft ferrite.

51. A method of selectively reading a wireless communication device, comprising:

opening or unsealing a package or container comprising a substrate with a wireless communication device thereon, the wireless communication device comprising an antenna configured to (i) receive a first wireless signal and (ii) transmit or broadcast a second wireless signal, the wireless communication device having first and second major surfaces opposed to each other, and a ferrite layer overlapping with the antenna such that the wireless communication device receives and transmits or broadcasts wireless signals when a reader accesses the wireless communication device from one of the first and second major surfaces, and the wireless communication device cannot receive, transmit or broadcast wireless signals when the reader accesses the wireless communication device from the other of the first and second major surfaces;

transmitting a first wireless signal from a reader on the one of the first and second major surfaces to the antenna; and

receiving a second wireless signal from the antenna in the reader.

52. The method of claim 51, wherein the antenna is operably connected to an integrated circuit having a memory.

53. The method of claim 52, wherein the memory stores an identification code for a product in the package or container.

54. The method of claim 53, wherein the second wireless signal contains the identification code.

55. The method of claim 54, further comprising connecting the reader to a database containing information regarding the product.

56. The method of claim 55, further comprising, after the reader receives the identification code, sending the identification code or equivalent information to the database and receiving the information from the database.

57. The method of claim 55, wherein the reader is connected to the database over an internet.