A communication system ad methods that includes a RFID tag writer to assign a unique identification to RFID tags, a series of personal communication devices, that have an RFID tag, a processor, a signal receiver and a display, and processors provide instructions to the displays to provide different light sequences in response to signals received, and a central controller that includes a processor, a transceiver and a memory, where the memory stores information relating to the RFID tags, user accounts and has an input device that allows users to be segregated into defined groups and stored, and the controller receives signals from tag readers or communication devices and transmit signals to the personal communication devices to affect the displays.

A method implemented in an electronic entity capable of implementing a plurality of applications includes the following steps: detecting an electrical signal (D; D′); reading, in a memory of the electronic entity, information relating, among the plurality of applications, to a previously selected application; and transmitting a command (CMD) to deliver an indication associated with the application to which the read information relates. An associated electronic entity is also described.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.

A wireless connection is established between at least two electronic modules (M1, M2) disposed separate from one another in a smartcard having a coupling frame so that the two modules may communicate (signals, data) with each other. The two modules may each have module antennas (MA-1, MA-2), and may be disposed in respective two openings (MO-1, MO-2) of a coupling frame (CF). A coupling antenna (CPA) having two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2) disposed close to the two modules antennas of the two modules. The coupling antenna may have only the two coupler coils (CC-1, CC-2), connected with one another, without the peripheral card antenna (CA) component of a conventional booster antenna (BA). Energy harvesting is disclosed.

In certain embodiments, a sensory indication may be generated on a transaction card. In some embodiments, an input signal associated with a purchase (executed using a transaction card) may be received. Based on the input signal, a timer for an event related to the purchase may be initiated. An output component of the transaction card may be activated when the timer expires. In some embodiments, the input signal may include information specifying a desired indication related to the event, a given output component for generating the desired indication, or other data.

A system and method is provided for generating a sensory indication on a transaction card, whereby a user is rewarded with a visual, audial, haptic, or olfactory experience. The method comprises executing a purchase transaction on the card, the transaction relating to an event, charging a power source on the card, receiving an input signal by the card, the signal indicating an output indication relevant to the event, and generating an output signal using power from the power source, based on the input signal. The card comprises a security component enabling a purchase relating to an event, a power source receiving charging energy at the time of the purchase, an input component receiving an input signal comprising information specifying a desired indication relevant to the event, an output component for generating the desired indication, one or more memories storing instructions and one or more processors executing the instructions to perform the method.

Wait times at ATMs may undermine the utility of these self-service machines. ATMs are configured to provide faster self-service kiosks that allow users to quickly perform common financial transactions. However, it has been increasing common for users to have to wait on a line to access an ATM. Apparatus and methods are provided for a smart card that stages transactions by capturing the amount, pin and other necessary information on the smart card itself, before the user begins interacting with the ATM. Information captured by the smart card may be transferred to ATM when the smart card is inserted into ATM. The user does not provide the ATM with any additional information after inserted the smart card into the ATM, thereby improving the transaction processing efficiency of the ATM and enhancing user satisfaction.

A radio frequency identification (RFID) switch tag is disclosed. This RFID switch tag includes a base component having an ultra-high frequency (UHF) booster, and a detachable component having at least one UHF RFID module and a high frequency (HF) RFID module. In some embodiments, the detachable component is positioned in close proximity to the base component in a first configuration of the RFID switch tag such that the at least one UHF RFID module is sufficiently coupled to the UHF booster in the base component to form an UHF RFID system having a desired performance. The detachable component can also be separated from the base component to obtain a second configuration of the RFID switch tag, and the HF RFID module remains functional within the detached detachable component so that the detachable component can be used as a standalone HF RFID tag.

Systems and methods for augmenting a dedicated payment instrument to leverage built-in access to real-time support from a central system are provided. Methods may be executed via computer-executable instructions that are stored in a non-transitory memory of the instrument and run on a microprocessor embedded in the instrument. Methods may include receiving a request from a user of the instrument, via one or more sensors, to initiate a support session. The sensors may include a camera, a microphone, and/or a tactile sensor. Methods may include transmitting the request to the central system via a wireless communication element, and receiving, from the central system, support session data. Methods may also include displaying, on a display screen, information based on the support session data.

Aspects of the invention are directed towards sensing environmental parameters associated with an item and displaying information related to the item. One or more embodiments of the invention describe sensing, by one or more sensors, at least one environmental parameter associated with an item and validating, by a processor, the sensed environmental parameter with a pre-configured data stored in a memory. One or more embodiments of the invention further describe displaying information related to the item based on said validation, the information displayed on an electronic display coupled to the item.