Surface material improvement using radio frequency identification tags (RFID tags)

Abstract

Product comprising: a radio frequency identification (RFID) printing unit configured for installation with a surface material, wherein the RFID printing unit includes: an RFID tag having an active state and an inactive state, wherein the RFID tag is configured such that in the inactive state it refrains from responding to a query signal and in the active state it responds to the query signal;and a pressure switch coupled to the RFID tag, configured to respond to pressure exerted by a person on the surface material, and to keep the RFID tag in the inactive state when no pressure is applied, and to switch the RFID tag to the active state in response to pressure by closing a circuit of the RFID printing unit, the product further comprising: a floor covering surface material, and several RFID printing units distributed in a spatially separated arrangement over the floor covering surface material.

Description

BACKGROUNDA person's location is used in a number of different contexts. For example, persons use a smartphone for mapping purposes or for detailed point-to-point navigation based on a current location. Additionally, stores or marketing agencies may use a person's location to send notifications of shopping facilities or distribution facilities geographically relevant to the person. In the outdoor sector, the location of a person can often be determined with sufficient accuracy using a global positioning system (GPS) and an electronic device with a GPS function. In indoor navigation, i.e., navigation in a building, locating a person becomes more difficult because the direct line of sight between the satellites of the GPS system and the electronic device is blocked by the roof or walls of a building.One of the difficulties associated with indoor navigation is the installation and maintenance costs for the infraf structure used to locate and subsequently track or navigate a user in a building such as a multi-floor office building or a single-floor residential building. Current location methods require the use of a WiFi access point (AP) infrastructure and the use of motion sensors of an electronic device, for example an accelerometer or compass. One challenge in using motion sensors is that different devices have sensors with a different degree of accuracy. One challenge with using WiFi signaling to determine a person's location is that WiFi systems and their access points are normally designed and configured for the purpose of data coverage, but not to enable navigation. Conventional approaches to determining a person's location are therefore still expensive, inaccurate, or both, especially in indoor environments.DE 10 2007 033 891 A1 discloses a system for locating and identifying a person by means of a sensor surface arranged in a surface cladding structure.DE 10 2009 031 019 A1 discloses a navigation system for public rooms, wherein an item of identification information stored, for example, on an RFID tag is assigned to a person.US 2007 / 0 069 021 A1 discloses an RFID tag with a transducer which converts mechanical pressure into an electrical signal, wherein the electrical signal is used as a trigger signal for the RFID tag.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGSEmbodiments of surface material enhancement with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing figures. Similar or identical features or elements shown in the figures are identified throughout with similar or identical reference numerals. FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an example surface material environment in which embodiments of surface material enhancement may be implemented with RFID tags; FIG. 2 shows an example surface material including multiple RFID printing units in a top-to-bottom view, according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 3 is a cut-away side view of an example of a multi-layered surface material in which embodiments of surface material enhancement are implementable with RFID tags; FIG. 4A shows a cut-away side view of a flooring surface material schematically illustrating an example RFID printing unit according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 4B shows a cut-away side view of a wall surface material schematically illustrating an example RFID printing unit according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 5 is a cut-away side view of a surface material having an outer layer and a middle layer illustrating another example RFID printing unit according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 6 shows an example RFID tag that is capable of implementing surface material enhancement embodiments with RFID tags; FIG. 7 shows a middle layer and circuit diagram of an example RFID printing unit according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 8 shows examples of approaches for programming an RFID printing unit and examples of application schemes of an RFID printing unit for controlling a device; FIG. 9 illustrates an example method for programming an RFID printing unit, according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 10 illustrates an example method of using an RFID printing unit to control a device according to one or more embodiments; FIG. 11 illustrates various components of an example device that may implement embodiments of surface material enhancement with RFID tags.DETAILED DESCRIPTIONAttempting to determine the indoor location of a person in a building by conventional approaches, for example, using multiple access points of a WiFi system or multiple motion sensors of a smartphone, is expensive, inaccurate, or both. The ability to provide navigation services or other location-based services and features to users residing in a building is thereby limited.The following description of surface material enhancement with radio frequency identification (RFID) tags addresses the stated disadvantages of conventional approaches for indoor positioning. In one or more embodiments, RFID tags are incorporated into a surface material, such as a floor covering or wall surface material, and are configured to be generally inactive, but become active when a person applies pressure to the RFID tag, such as by the person stepping or pressing on an RFID tag. If an RFID tag is in an inactive state, the RFID tag does not respond to a interrogation signal transmitted by an RFID reader. If, on the other hand, an RFID tag is in an active state, the RFID tag responds to an interrogation signal by reflecting a response signal back. An RFID tag is thus capable of wirelessly providing information when the RFID tag is placed in an active state in response to an interrogation signal received from an RFID reader. The response signal transmitted from the RFID tag may include an indication of a position of the RFID tag or a command to control a device, as described below.An RFID tag in connection with a pressure switch may be installed as an RFID printing unit that is part of a surface material, for example a floor covering or a wall surface material. The RFID tag and the push switch are cooperatively configured such that the push switch maintains the RFID tag in the inactive state in the absence of pressure. When a person applies pressure to the RFID pressure unit, for example by stepping or pressing on the RFID pressure unit, the pressure switch causes the RFID tag to switch to the active state. The RFID tag thus responds to an interrogation signal when the associated push switch is pressed by a person, but remains without responding to the interrogation signal when the associated push switch is not pressed or when a force is not otherwise applied that overcomes a biasing force such as a spring mechanism.In one or more embodiments, in an example flooring environment that facilitates navigation, multiple RFID printing units are installed that are part of a flooring surface material. For example, a base made of a foam cushion can be laid between an underbody made of concrete or wood and a floor covering, for example carpet or vinyl, which contains a plurality of RFID printing units spaced apart from one another. After installation, each RFID tag of each RFID printing unit may be programmed with a position indicator. Examples of position indications include room identifiers such as a room number, a distance such as the meter indication to a door; a building or map coordinate such as one corresponding to a location on an electronic map of the building; or combinations of such position indications.The programming of an RFID printing unit can be carried out, for example, by applying pressure to the pressure switch of the unit and sending an interrogation signal to the associated RFID tag, which signal instructs the RFID tag to store the position indication. Thereafter, the RFID tag may respond to an interrogation signal with a reflected response signal containing the position indication when a person presses the associated pressure switch with a foot or a hand. An RFID reader or smart phone containing an RFID reader may receive and process the location indication to provide a user of the smart phone with a location-based service or feature such as navigation instructions to a desired destination space. The smartphone or other electronic device may also forward the location indication to the cloud such that remote devices or third party may provide location-based services. An RFID printing unit may alternatively be programmed with a device control command that may change a device setting when the device control command is transmitted from the RFID printing unit.Although RFID tag surface material enhancement features and concepts may be implemented in any number of different devices, systems, environments, and / or configurations, embodiments of RFID tag surface material enhancement are described in the context of the example RFID printing units, devices, systems, and methods below, and although certain aspects are optionally described primarily in the context of a floor covering surface material or a wall surface material, these aspects apply to the other surface material or to a surface material different therefrom. Described aspects relating to a person pressing with the foot on an RFID pressing unit installed in a surface material of a floor covering may also be relevant for embodiments in which a person presses with the hand on an RFID pressing unit installed in a wall surface material, or vice versa.FIG. 1 shows, in a perspective view, an example environment 100 including a surface material 102 in which embodiments of surface material enhancement may be implemented with RFID tags. The environment 100 further includes a person 106 and an electronic device 108. A plurality of RFID printing units 104 are integrated into the surface material 102. As shown, these plurality of RFID printing units 104 are distributed over the surface material 102 in a regular staggered pattern. However, the distribution of the RFID printing units 104 can also be effected in a regular grid pattern; in a random pattern; in a stripe pattern; in an irregular pattern; with constant spatial spacings; with varying spatial spacings, etc.As shown in the example embodiment or embodiments, the person 106 steps over the surface material 102, which is illustrated in FIG. 1 merely by way of example as surface material 102 of a floor covering. As the person 106 walks or stands on the surface material 102, he or she places at least one foot 116 on the RFID printing unit 104. When the foot 116 applies pressure to the RFID pressing unit 104, an RFID tag (not specifically shown in FIG. 1 ) of the RFID pressing unit 104 enters an active state. In the absence of printing, these multiple RFID printing units 104 remain in an inactive state. Examples of an RFID printing unit 104 as well as other attributes of an active state and an inactive state will be described below in particular with reference to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 5 and 7. The following description of an RFID tag is made with particular reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.The electronic device 108 includes an RFID reader 110. The RFID reader 110 is implemented as at least part of the electronic device 108. Examples of the electronic device 108 include, but are not limited to, a cellular phone, a smart watch, smart glasses, a notebook computer, an RFID reader gun, retail security scanner hardware, a medical monitoring unit, inventory tracking hardware (e.g., for manufacturers, warehouses, or retails), a navigation unit, or combinations of these devices or units.In an example operational implementation, upon interaction of the RFID reader 110 with an RFID printing unit 104 that is in the active state, a interrogation signal 112 and a response signal 114 may be exchanged. The RFID reader 110 wirelessly transmits the interrogation signal 112 to a plurality of RFID print units 114, one or more of which are in the active state through the foot 116 of the person 106 in this example scenario. An active RFID printing unit 104 receives the interrogation signal 112 which effectively prompts the RFID printing unit 104 for the wireless provision of information. A request (not specifically shown) for the interrogation signal 112 may specify particular information that is desired or may generally request information. In response to the interrogation signal 112, an RFID tag of the RFID printing unit 104 formulates the response signal 114 and radiates or otherwise wirelessly transmits the response signal 114.Thus, the RFID printing unit 104 provides the response signal 114 via wireless communication transmitted via an air interface. The response signal 114 may be generated by an RFID tag of the RFID printing unit 104 as a version of the received interrogation signal 112. In particular, the response signal 114 may be generated as modulated radio frequency (RF) backscatter from an antenna of the RFID tag of the RFID printing unit 104 or as a reflected encoded version of the received interrogation signal 112. Examples of an antenna and an integrated circuit (IC) of an RFID tag will be described below with particular reference to FIG. 6. Additionally or alternatively, if an RFID tag of an RFID printing unit 104 is supplied with energy independently of a simultaneous supply by an interrogation signal 112, the response signal 114 can be transmitted by means of a transmitter circuit of the supplied RFID tag.The RFID reader 110 wirelessly receives the response signal 114 from the RFID printing unit 104 that is active. The response signal 114 may include one or more pieces of information that the RFID printing unit 104 has stored or detected. Examples of information that may be included in the response signal 114 include an identification identifier, such as a code or alphanumeric value, a descriptive indication, a number indicating a distance, a mapping or spatio-related coordinate, or combinations of these indications that indicate a position of the corresponding RFID unit 104. Alternatively, the information included in a response signal 114 may represent a command to control a device. Further examples are described below.Generally, RFID systems can be realized by using at least one of low frequency (LF) radio waves, high frequency (HF) radio waves, and ultra high frequency (UHF) radio waves. RFID systems may be active or passive. In active systems, RFID tags may contain or otherwise access an independent power source such as a battery. In passive systems, RFID tags draw energy from a interrogation signal to be sufficiently energized so that the RFID tags can reflect a response signal back. The energy drawn may also be sufficient to power an integrated circuit of an RFID tag to allow the integrated circuit to store received data or perform some amount of processing. Although not shown in the accompanying drawing figures, an RFID tag may include a capacitor or a small battery to temporarily collect and retain a portion of the energy obtained from an interrogation signal to have energy for processing by an integrated circuit or for sending a response signal.Alternative or hybrid RFID systems can also be implemented. Examples of other RFID systems include, but are not limited to, a passive reader active tag (PRAT) system having a passive reader that receives radio signals from active tags (e.g., battery powered transmission only tags), an active reader passive tag (APTT) system having an active reader that transmits interrogation signals and also receives response signals from passive tags, or an active reader active tag (ARAT) system that uses active tags awakened by an interrogation signal transmitted from an active reader and prompted for a current powered but passive tag system, having a current powered passive tag (e.g., a battery assisted passive (BAP) tag) that uses stored charge in a battery or capacitor to provide power for continuous or repeated sensor data and processing, but that waits for receipt of a interrogation signal before delivery of measurement values. Some combinations of these systems are also possible.FIG. 2 shows an example surface material 102 including a plurality of RFID printing units 104 in a top-down view 200 according to one or more embodiments. For example only, the surface material 102 is shown in FIG. 2 as a flooring surface material 102. The multiple RFID print units 104 are shown arranged in a fixed regular array. Nevertheless, the arrangement of RFID printing units 104 is also possible in a different pattern. In this case, a shoe 202 is used in FIG. 2 and in the following figures to represent a foot 116 of a person 106 from FIG. 1. As shown, the shoe 202 captures four different RFID printing units 104 or can apply pressure to up to four different RFID printing units 104. Alternatively, as will be discussed below, a given shoe 202 may activate fewer or more than four different RFID print units 104 simultaneously.In one or more embodiments, adjacent RFID print units 104 are separated by a distance 204. The RFID print units 104 are therefore manufactured or installed in a spatially separate arrangement. Even at a regular distance as shown, the east-west distance (i.e., horizontal) may be different from the north-south distance (i.e., vertical) or along different diagonal directions.The size or length of the distance 204 may differ throughout the implementations depending on the number of different factors. Factors include acceptable cost, a substance of the surface material 102, a preference to ensure that at least one RFID printing unit 104 is definitely activated at each step, a preference to ensure that no more than one RFID printing unit 104 is activated at each step, or some combinations of these factors. For example, if RFID printing units 104 are covered by ceramic tiles, one RFID printing unit 104 may be installed under the respective tile per ceramic tile. For example, if the goal is to provide positioning data with each step, the distance 204 may be sized sufficiently small so that the shoe 202 at least partially captures at least one RFID printing unit 104 at each step. On the other hand, if it is to be avoided that a plurality of RFID printing units 104 transmit position data simultaneously because of the risk of colliding signals, the distance 204 can be dimensioned sufficiently large that the shoe 202 is highly likely to activate no more than one RFID printing unit 104 with a single step.FIG. 3 shows a cut-away side view 300 of an example multi-layer surface material 102 in which embodiments of surface material enhancement may be implemented with RFID tags. In one or more example embodiments, a surface material 102 may be embodied with one or more layers. In the example illustrated in FIG. 3, the surface material 102 has three layers: an outer layer 302, a middle layer 304, and an inner layer 306. Alternatively, however, a surface material 102 can also be embodied with more or fewer layers. As used herein, the term "surface material" may refer to one or more of the layers 302, 304, 306, etc., alone or in combination with one another. A surface material 102 may be affected by pressure exerted by a person. The pressure may be exerted by a foot, hand, elbow, hip, tip of stick, tire of wheelchair, or some combinations of these body parts and objects, etc. Examples of a surface material 102 include, but are not limited to, the surface material 102 of a floor covering or a wall surface material 102.In the case of a surface material 102 of a floor covering, an inner layer 306 can be designed as an underbody, a middle layer 304 as a base and an outer layer 302 as a floor covering. Examples of an underbody include concrete, asphalt, laminated wood, and cut wood such as a 5.08 x 10.16 cm (2" x 4") panel. Examples of a backing include a carpet backing such as a foam backing, a plastic film as a vapor or moisture barrier, bitumen paper or building felt, and a tile backing such as a cement board. Examples of a floor covering include carpeting for industrial or velour floors, ceramic tiles, porcelain tiles or slate tiles, vinyl sheets or tiles, hardwood floors, wood material floors, laminate floors, artificial turf coverings or turf coverings, brick or paving stones, stones and composite tiles or terrace tiles.While many of the above example floor coverings are primarily interior floor coverings, it should be appreciated that the various embodiments described herein may alternatively be implemented exteriorly. Further, embodiments of flooring surface material enhancement with RFID tags may be implemented on any surface on which people are moving. Examples include exercise or training surfaces, for example tracks in halls or outdoors. Examples of a flooring surface material are also at least parts of exercise devices such as treadmills, steppers or ellipse trainers. In treadmills, an RFID printing unit can be integrated into a circumferential belt that absorbs steps of a walker or runner. Response signals transmitted from the embedded RFID printing units in response to foot pressure and a polling signal may be utilized by a treadmill or electronic device 108 (of FIG. 1 ) to calculate a person's gait image so that a person's steps may be accurately counted and analyzed as to which physical condition the person is located, etc.In a wall surface material 102, an inner layer 306 may be configured as a ripip board or laminated wood board, a middle layer 304 may be configured as an adhesive layer or primer or paper or plastic film, and an outer layer 302 may be configured as a wallboard or paint. A given layer may extend coextensive with other layers or may be smaller than other areas. A layer may be formed of a solid or perforated plate of a particular substance or of spots of a particular substance. The RFID printing units 104 may be placed at regular or numerous intervals, for example along an elbow height line, or may be placed at irregular or rare locations such as near inlets or inlets. The outer layer 302 may have some indicia of an existing RFID printing unit 104, for example, color or stickers or patterns, if the RFID printing unit is not visible or otherwise recognizable.Further, it should be appreciated that the RFID printing units 104 may be implemented in a layer of the surface material 102, across two or more layers of the surface material 102, at least partially between two or more layers of the surface material 102, etc., with some combinations also possible. For example, RFID printing units 104 can be embodied as part of an outer layer 302 or as part of a middle layer 304. RFID printing units 104 may be used in a top or bottom layer of a surface material 102 without being covered by another layer. Specific examples in which RFID printing units 104 are primarily embodied as part of a middle layer 304 will be described below with particular reference to FIGS. 4A and 7. Specific examples in which RFID printing units 104 are primarily embodied as part of an outer layer 302 will be described below with particular reference to FIG. 4B, and specific examples in which RFID printing units 104 are primarily embodied as part of or between an outer layer 302 and a middle layer 304 will be described below with particular reference to FIG. 5.FIG. 4A shows, in a cut-away side view 400A, a flooring surface material 102 including a schematically depicted example of an RFID printing unit 104 according to one or more embodiments. In this example, as shown, the RFID printing unit 104 is installed at least partially as part of the middle layer 304 (also of FIG. 3 ) of a flooring surface material 102. A further layer or further layers, such as an outer layer 302, for example, are not shown for reasons of clarity of the illustration. A shoe 202 is shown stepping on the RFID printing unit 104.In one or more example embodiments, the RFID printing unit 104 includes an RFID tag 402 and a pressure switch 404. The RFID tag 402 has an inactive state 406 and an active state 408. In the active state 408, the RFID tag 402 responds to a interrogation signal 112. The RFID tag 402 may respond to the interrogation signal 112 by, for example, returning a response signal 114. In the inactive state 406, the RFID tag 402 does not respond to a interrogation signal 112. Optionally, the RFID tag 402 does not respond to the interrogation signal 112 because, for example, it cannot receive the interrogation signal 112 because it is unable to transmit a response signal because it fails to transmit a response signal because it cannot process the interrogation signal 112 because it fails to process the interrogation signal 112 or for several of these reasons, etc.The pressure switch 404 is coupled to the RFID tag 402 and is configured to respond to foot pressure generated when a person steps over the middle layer 304 of the flooring surface material 102 in which the RFID printing unit 104 is installed. In the absence of foot pressure, the pressure switch 404 maintains the RFID tag 402 in the inactive state 406 and switches the RFID tag 402 to the active state 408 in response to a compressive load, such as through the shoe 202. For example, during or after the shoe 202 makes a step 410 on the push switch 404 and actuates the push switch 404, the push switch 404 causes the RFID tag 402 to switch 412 from the inactive state 406 to the active state 408.The push switch 404 may set the RFID tag 402 to the active state 408 by causing a circuit of the RFID printing unit 104 in general or the RFID tag 402 in particular to be closed. A circuit may be closed by supplementing it with a conductive element to enable circuit functionality, by removing an isolation element by pressing or depressing such that two conductive elements present are brought into contact with each other to enable circuit functionality, by removing by pressing or depressing a conductive element that otherwise creates a short circuit (e.g., to ground) to enable circuit functionality, etc. A circuit level diagram showing an example of a circuit of an RFID pressing unit 104 that is closed in response to a pressing application on a switch 404 will be explained below with particular reference to FIG. 7. The functionality of a circuit may be established by allowing modulation of an antenna by a received interrogation signal, by allowing current to be fed to an RFID tag by a received interrogation signal, by setting an operability input of an integrated circuit of the RFID tag to an operable mode, by signaling authorization for processing an interrogation signal or a response to an interrogation signal or by combining some of these steps, etc. An operability input of an integrated circuit may be implemented, for example, as a reset input, as a chip enable input, as a standby input or as a combination of some of these inputs.FIG. 4B shows, in a cut-away side view 400B, a wall surface material 102 with a schematically illustrated example of an RFID printing unit 104 according to one or more embodiments. As shown, in this example, the RFID printing unit 104 is installed at least partially as an outer layer 302 (also of FIG. 3 ) of a wall surface material 102. A further layer or further layers, such as a middle layer 304 or an inner layer 306, have been omitted for clarity. A hand 416 is shown pressing on the RFID printing unit 104.In one or more example embodiments, the push switch 404 is coupled to the RFID tag 402 and is configured to respond to hand pressure generated by a person pressing on the outer layer 302 of the wall surface material 102 in which the RFID printing unit 104 is installed. The push switch 404 maintains the RFID tag 402 in the inactive state 406 in the absence of hand pressure and switches the RFID tag 402 to the active state 408 in response to the pressure being applied by the hand 416. During or after, for example, a finger of the hand 416 taps or taps the push switch 404 414 and actuates the push switch 404, the push switch 404 causes the RFID tag 402 to transition 412 from the inactive state 406 to the active state 408. When the RFID tag 402 is in the active state 408, the RFID tag 402 responds to a challenge signal 112, e.g., with a response signal 114.FIG. 5 shows a cut-away side view 500 showing an outer layer 302 and a middle layer 304 of a surface material illustrating another example implementation of an RFID printing unit 104 according to one or more embodiments. As shown, a plurality of RFID printing units 104 are at least partially installed to be disposed between the outer layer 302 and the middle layer 304. An enlarged view of an RFID printing unit 104 is shown in an enlargement circle 502.Reference is made to the magnifying circuit 502. An RFID tag 402 is integrated, embedded, adhered, or secured to the center layer 304 near a top surface of the center layer 304. The RFID tag 402 includes at least one contact point 508 that may be embodied as a conductive element. A conductive layer 504 is integrated, embedded, adhered, or secured to the outer layer 302 proximate a bottom surface thereof. A pressure switch 404 includes the conductive layer 504 and proximity monitors 506. Resiliency of the conductive layer 504, along with a height of the distance monitors 506, biases the conductive layer 504 in the direction away from the contact point 508. In an example operation, pressure may be applied to the pressure switch 404 with a person's foot or hand. As a downward pointing arrow in the magnifying circle 502 shows, the application of pressure causes the conductive layer 504 to deflect between the distance monitors 506 and contact the contact point 508. The electrical connection between the conductive layer 504 and the contact point 508 closes a circuit of the RFID printing unit 104 to place the RFID tag 402 in the active state.FIG. 6 schematically shows an example RFID tag 402 with which embodiments of surface material enhancement may be realized with RFID tags. In example embodiments, the RFID tag 402 may include, for example, an RFID substrate 602. Examples of substances for the RFID substrate 602 are paper, plastic (e.g., flexible or rigid), wood, glass, ceramic, printed circuit boards (PCB), flooring material, wall material, or some combinations of these materials. The RFID substrate 602 may form a backbone, foundation, or frame of a support structure for the RFID tag 402. Alternatively, the RFID substrate 602 may be encapsulated or integrated as a part in a backbone or foundation or frame of a support structure for the RFID tag 402, for example, a flooring material or a wall material of a surface material.As illustrated in the example schematic diagram of FIG. 6, the RFID substrate 602 includes or supports at least an IC 604 and an antenna 606. The IC 604 includes two antenna ports 610: a first antenna port 610- 1 and a second antenna port 610- 2. Antenna 606 has two antenna ends 608: a first antenna end 608- 1 and a second antenna end 608- 2. It should be appreciated that the portion of the antenna 606 located in the upper left corner of the RFID substrate 602 may alternatively or additionally be considered a second antenna end 608- 2 (where additional reference numeral is not given). The first antenna end 608- 1 or the second antenna end 608- 2 can be considered as a so-called loop input and the respectively remaining antenna end as a loop output. The first antenna terminal 610- 1 of the IC 604 is coupled to the second antenna end 608- 2 of the antenna 606, and the second antenna terminal 610- 2 of the IC 604 is coupled to the first antenna end 608- 1 of the antenna 606. Antenna 606 allows IC 604 to receive or transmit wireless signals for RFID tag 402.The IC 604 is implemented using one or more processors (e.g., a microprocessor, a controller, a computing core, or a combination thereof) or processing systems with memory containing processor-executable instructions to be fixedly, hardware-encoded, programmable, changeable, or wirelessly received, or a combination of these instructions. The IC 604 may be embodied as, but is not limited to, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD), a standard application specific product (ASSP), a system-on-chip (SoC), a silicon-based processing unit, or a combination of these circuits, devices, or systems. Generally, an integrated circuit may be implemented with hardware, either together with software, firmware, or a fixed logic circuit implemented in conjunction with processing or control circuits.The RFID tag 402 may further include a memory 612 that may be accessed by the processor. The memory 612 may be integrated into the IC 604 (as shown) or may be provided separately from the IC 604. The memory 612 enables persistent storage of data or processor-executable instructions (e.g., software applications, programs, functions, hard-programmed operations, or combinations thereof). The memory 612 may include various implementations of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or other storage media in various configurations of storage devices. Although not expressly shown in FIG. 6, the RFID tag 402 may further include a connection (e.g., a bus or data transfer mechanism with tracks, wires, latches, etc.) that connects components of the RFID tag 402 together. Also not shown in FIG. 6 is that the RFID tag 402 may include a power source, for example, a non-rechargeable battery, a wired or wirelessly rechargeable battery, a capacitor, or combinations thereof, etc.RFID tags can be manufactured in many different shapes, sizes, with many different shape factors, and from many different materials. RFID tags may be, for example, flat (i.e., two-dimensional) or three-dimensional (e.g., having an acceptable depth in addition to their height and width). RFID tags may be quadrilateral, rectangular, round, triangular, box-shaped, spherical, cylindrical, etc. Furthermore, RFID labels can be at least as small as a rice grain or have at least a diameter of several centimeters, for example. An RFID substrate of an RFID tag may be attached to another object, e.g., woven into the underside of a carpet roll or the interior of a wallboard roll; may be integrated into another object, e.g., into the foam backing of a carpet or into an adhesive layer; may be adhered to another object, e.g., an underbody or a ripip panel; etc. Further, an RFID tag may be enclosed or encapsulated into another substance or object, may be concealed by one or more layers of a surface material, may be exposed or visible, etc., combinations of these options also being conceivable.FIG. 7 shows at pos. 700 generally includes a middle layer 304 and a circuit diagram of an example RFID printing unit 104 according to one or more embodiments. A shoe 202 is depicted in a position to actuate the RFID printing unit 104 that is incorporated into the middle layer 304 of a surface material, which is depicted in FIG. 7 merely as exemplary flooring surface material. The RFID printing unit 104 has at least two areas: an RFID tag 402 and a pressure switch 404.In one or more embodiments, the RFID tag 402 includes an integrated circuit 604 and an antenna 606. The pressure switch 404 includes a spring resistor 702 and at least one contact point 508. In particular, the contact point 508 is embodied as a first contact point 508- 1 and a second contact point 508- 2 in this example. Each contact point 508 may be, for example, a point, a line, a pad, a region corresponding to a two-dimensional geometric shape, a wire, a conductive trace, a pattern formed of conductive material, or a combination of these shapes. Although the first and second contact points 508- 1 and 508- 2 are described with reference to FIG. 7 as part of the pressure switch 404, this is done for illustration purposes only. The first or second contact points 508- 1 and 508- 2, or both, may alternatively be implemented as part of the RFID tag 402.In the illustrated example circuit diagram for the RFID printing unit 104, the antenna 606 has a first antenna end 608- 1 and a second antenna end 608- 2, and the integrated circuit 604 has a first antenna terminal 610- 1 and a second antenna terminal 610- 2. The second antenna end 608- 2 is connected to the first antenna terminal 610- 1 of the integrated circuit 604, and the second antenna terminal 610- 2 of the integrated circuit 604 is connected to the first contact point 508- 1. Between the first contact point 508- 1 and the second contact point 508- 2, a closable gap 704 is present. The second contact point 508- 2 is connected to the first antenna end 608- 1 of the antenna 606. When the first contact point 508- 1 contacts the second contact point 508- 2, the circuit is closed. When the circuit is closed, the integrated circuit 604 and antenna 606 may receive and process a polling signal 112 so that a response signal 114 may be reflected to the outside. When the first contact point 508- 1 does not contact the second contact point 508- 2, the integrated circuit 604 or the antenna 606 is unable to receive or process a polling signal 112 or emit a response signal 114.The spring resistor 702 of the pressure switch 404 generates a biasing force to maintain the closable gap 704 and keep the first contact point 508- 1 away from the second contact point 508- 2 so that the circuit of the RFID pressing unit 104 cannot be closed to maintain the inactive state 406 of the RFID tag 402. When foot pressure is applied across shoe 202 and when foot pressure is sufficiently high to overcome the biasing force of spring resistor 702, pressure switch 404 is actuated and closable gap 704 is closed. By closing the closable gap 704, the first contact point 508- 1 is pressed into contact with the second contact point 508- 2, and the circuit of the RFID printing unit 104 is thereby closed and the active state 408 of the RFID tag 402 is established. In the active state 408, the RFID tag 402 transmits the response signal 114, which may include at least one position indicator or at least one device control command, in response to receiving the interrogation signal 112. Example embodiments relating to a position indication or a device control command will be described below in particular with reference to FIG. 8.The spring resistor 702 or at least one contact point 508 of the pressure switch 404 may be formed at least in part as a mechanical spring, e.g., as a cantilever spring or coil spring (as shown), as a scissors switch, as a bubble switch, e.g., of polyurethane, as a dome switch, e.g., of metal or rubber, as a flat switch or flat microswitch, as a metal strip, as a conductive area, or in the form of some combinations of these springs or switches, etc. For example, in a dome switch, a circular metal contact may be depressed at the top of the dome to mate with curved contacts at the base of the dome. Alternatively, other types of switches or mechanisms for creating a spring resistor 702 may be provided.FIG. 8 shows at pos. 800 generally illustrates example methods for programming an RFID printing unit 104 and example concepts for using an RFID printing unit 104 to control a device 824. The surface material 102, which is depicted in FIG. 8 merely as exemplary flooring surface material, includes a plurality of RFID printing units 104 that are visible for purposes of illustration, but may be hidden under one or more layers. In one or more example embodiments, an RFID printing unit 104 includes at least one position indicator 814, at least one device control command 816, or other information. The position indicator 814 or the device control command 816 may be stored in a memory 612 of an integrated circuit 604 (both of FIG. 6 ) of an RFID tag. Although not shown, the RFID printing unit 104 may also store a unique identifier, for example, an alphanumeric character set corresponding to the RFID printing unit 104 or its RFID tag.In embodiments involving position information, the position indication 814 is provided in response to receipt of a interrogation signal 112 from an RFID printing unit 104 when an RFID tag 402 (of FIGS. 4A-7 ) is in the active state. Examples of the position indication 814 include at least one location indication, at least one distance indication, or combinations thereof. A location indication may be, for example, a room number in an office building or hotel, the name of a store in a shopping center, a room description such as "Toilet in the first floor" or "Transition between kitchen and living room" in a residential building, or one or more coordinates (e.g., GPS coordinates or local coordinates of a building map), or combinations of these indications. A distance indication may be, for example, a distance to a construction feature of a building, including a vertical construction feature of a building such as a wall or door (e.g., 3 meters to the front door), a spatial construction feature such as a room or area, or a known spatial or building-related mapping coordinate. The position indicator 814 may further include a direction indicator that may be separate from or part of the distance indicator. Additionally or alternatively, a location indicator 814 or may contain other details of a building describing data stored by an RFID tag, for example, staircase, door, lift or special rooms (e.g., kitchen, working room, or bathroom), including the distance and direction to these locations.In order to be able to provide a position indication 814, each RFID printing unit 104 is initially programmed with a corresponding position indication 814. In an example programming application, a person 106 (of FIG. 1 ) may walk around on the surface material 102, the person carrying an electronic device 108 equipped with an RFID reader 110 configured to determine a current position indication, e.g., by using sensors such as an inertial measurement unit (IMU) or a GPS chip, or by user input, and to include the determined position indication in an initial or subsequent interrogation signal 112. Additionally or alternatively, a dedicated device may be used for programming the RFID print units 104.In an example programming application with a particular device, a mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units may be used to program multiple RFID printing units 104. In manual execution of the programming, a person represented by the hand icon 416 may grasp a handle 804 and slide the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units around the surface material 102 and over the surface material 102 and over a wall when the embodiment is directed toward wall surface material. Alternatively, the mobile programming unit 802 may be self-propelled for RFID printing units to facilitate manual use thereof by a person. Further, the mobile RFID printer programming unit 802 may be at least partially automated, such that the movement or RFID programming is controlled by motors or logic of the mobile RFID printer programming unit 802. An automatic implementation of the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units can be designed, for example, as a robot, similar to vacuum robots.In one or more embodiments, the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units includes an RFID programmer 808, a distance determiner 810, and a wireless interface 812. The wireless interface 812 allows wireless communication of the mobile RFID printing unit 802 with an RFID tag 402, an electronic device 108 (of FIG. 1 ), a device 824, a WiFi access point (not shown), etc. The RFID programmer 808 implements logic to transmit the position indicator 814 via the wireless interface 812 to an RFID printing unit 104 such that the RFID tag 402 of the RFID printing unit 104 is caused to store the position indicator 814 for later inclusion in a response signal 114. The RFID programmer 808 may include, in the interrogation signal 112, at least one code that defines the meaning of the position indication 814 or that instructs the RFID tag to store the position indication 814. In an example implementation, the RFID programmer 808 or the wireless interface 812 may be embodied individually or collectively as a type of RFID reader. The mobile programmer 802 for RFID printing units may also be suitable for individually determining or otherwise determining at least one location reference, such as one or more geospatial coordinates or mapping coordinates using a GPS chip, a wireless interface to a WiFi mobile network, a short-range connection to an electronic device 108 (e.g., of FIG. 1 ), a manual input, or a combination of these, etc.The distance determiner 810 determines a distance between the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units whose current location serves to replace a location of a currently programmed RFID printing unit 104 and a vertical construction feature of a building, e.g., a wall or a door, or a known spatio-related coordinate or mapping coordinate. The distance may be measured using a wireless signal (e.g., a radio frequency (RF) signal, infrared (IR) signal, or sound signal) transmitted from the distance determiner 810, reflected from the vertical build feature, and fed back to the mobile RFID printing unit 802. Alternatively, the distance may be determined based on a measured length of the floor covering traversed by the mobile RFID printing unit 802, for example, the number of revolutions of a wheel of the mobile RFID printing unit 802 between the vertical build feature and the currently programmed RFID printing unit 104. In yet another alternative, the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units may determine a distance by calculating the distance between two spatio-related or mapping coordinates. Thus, the distance determiner 810 may further determine a distance for the position indication 814 by applying one or more other methods, for example, by using a satellite positioning system or by trilateration with multiple WiFi access points to acquire one or more spatio-related or mapping coordinates. Range determinations may also be made using one or more values provided by an inertial measurement unit (IMU).The mobile RFID printer programming unit 802 may be set to program a single RFID printer unit 104 or multiple RFID printer units 104 into groups at a given time. To adjust a number of RFID printing units 104 that are programmed at a given time, the physical dimensions of the mobile RFID printing unit programming unit 802, a focus or beamforming capability of transmitting a interrogation signal 112 currently used for programming, a size of a region of physical contact with the surface material 102, or combinations of these factors, etc., may be designed, adjusted, or adjusted accordingly. For example, a sensing range of one or more wheels of the mobile programmer 802 for RFID print units that apply sufficient pressure to activate an RFID tag may be set such that the RFID print unit is triggered at any time to differentiate the respective RFID print unit 104 with an individualized position indicator 814 and thereby increase a level of positioning accuracy between any two RFID print units 104.In embodiments providing device control, the device control command 816 is provided in response to receiving a polling signal 112 from the RFID printing unit 104 when an RFID tag 402 (of FIGS. 4A-7 ) of the RFID printing unit 104 is in an active state. In a regular, non-programming mode of operation, a person steps over the surface material 102, and the interrogation signal 112 is transmitted, for example, by the electronic device 108 (of FIG. 2 ) or by a device 824. Examples of the device 824 include, but are not limited to, a thermostat, a television, a oven, a fuse, a bulb, a light fixture or lamp set, a sound source, and a socket. The device 824 has a wireless interface 828 and at least one device setting 826. The wireless interface 828 enables wireless communication of the device 824 with an electronic device 108, a mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units, a remote website or cloud service via a WiFi access point (not shown), an RFID printing unit 104 that uses a polling signal 112 or a response signal 114, etc.The device setting 826 effectively establishes an operating state for the device 824. A change in the device setting 826 changes the state of the corresponding device 824. The device setting 826 may vary depending on the device. For example, a thermostat may have an ON / OFF setting or a temperature setting. A sound source may have a volume level setting, a speaker name, a streaming account, or a playlist setting. A bulb may have an ON / OFF setting, a color setting, or a brightness setting. Device 824 may wirelessly receive a device control command 816 via wireless interface 828. The device 824 processes the received device control command 816, interprets the device control command 816 as an instruction to change the device setting 826, and makes the corresponding device setting 826 to achieve the desired or requested device state.To provide a device control command 816, each of the RFID print units 104 is first programmed with a corresponding device control command 816. In an example implementation of programming, a person 106 (of FIG. 1 ) may walk around on the surface material 102, the person (i) carrying an electronic device 108 configured to transmit a desired device control command 816 as part of an initial or subsequent interrogation signal (112), or (ii) while the device 824 is in an RFID programming mode in which the desired device control command 816 is repeatedly transmitted by the device 824 as part of an initial or subsequent interrogation signal 112. The desired device control command 816 may be determined by communicating with the targeted device 824 using an app for the targeted device 824, contacting the web site of the manufacturer of the targeted device 824, a combination of these options, etc. In embodiments related to wall surface material, a person may alternatively walk along the wall surface material 102 and may press on the RFID printing units 104 to be programmed.Additionally or alternatively, a special-purpose device such as the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units may be used to program the RFID printing units 104 analogous to the approaches described above in connection with programming a position indicator 814. For the device control command 816, the programmer 808 may be provided with a corresponding device control command 816 by placing the device 824 in an RFID programming mode such that the device 824 transmits the command to the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units. To do so, it uses an app that executes for the mobile RFID printing unit 802 on the electronic device 108 (of FIG. 1 ) by connecting the mobile RFID printing unit 802 to a remote cloud service via a WiFi access point and the wireless interface 812, or a device control command 816 is manually input, or these options are combined, etc.FIGS. 9 and 10 show example methods related to surface material enhancement with RFID tags according to one or more embodiments. The order in which the methods are illustrated or described in the figures is not intended to be limiting. Rather, operations of the described methods may be performed in any number or combination, in any order and with any overlap, to perform a method or an alternative method.FIG. 9 illustrates an example method of programming an RFID printing unit 104, according to one or more embodiments. In the flowchart 900, operations 902- 906 may be performed by a person or device, such as a programming unit 802 for RFID printing units. In block 902, pressure is applied to a pressure switch of an RFID pressure unit installed with a surface material. The pressure may be applied, for example, by a pressure switch 404 of an RFID pressure unit 104 installed with (e.g., integrated with, installed, attached to, or formed as part of) a flooring or wall surface material, which options may also be combined). For example, a person 106 may step with a foot 116 on a switch that is actuated by the weight of an object, or a wheel of a mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units may roll over that switch.At block 904, an RFID tag of an RFID pressure assembly is caused to transition to an active state based on the pressure applied to the pressure switch. For example, an RFID tag 402 of the RFID printing unit 104 may be caused to assume an active state based on the pressure applied to the pressure switch 404 (e.g., the change of the RFID tag to an active state may be triggered, caused, or caused). For example, a circuit of the RFID printing unit 104 may be closed by closing a switch, thereby enabling the RFID tag 402 to process or respond to a received interrogation signal 112.At block 906, an integrated circuit of the RFID tag is caused to store a position indication in the memory during the active state of the RFID tag. For example, an integrated circuit 604 of the RFID tag 402 may be caused to store a position indication 814 in the memory 612 during the active state 408 of the RFID tag 402. For example, a query signal 112 transmitted from an electronic device 108 carried by the person 106 or from the mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units to the RFID tag 402 may include code indicating that a position indication 814 is provided simultaneously or separately. The code may serve as an instruction to the integrated circuit 604 of the RFID tag 402 to store the position indication 814 in the memory 612.Methods or operations described herein, such as those of FIG. 10, may be implemented through the use of hardware in conjunction with software, firmware, a fixed logic device, or a combination thereof. Some operations of the example methods may be described in a general context of processor-executable instructions stored on a storage medium (e.g., a computer readable storage medium) accessible by a processor and that is part of an RFID tag 402 (e.g., disposed as part of or separate from an IC 604 on an RFID substrate 602).FIG. 10 illustrates an example method of using an RFID printing unit 104 to control a device 824, in accordance with one or more embodiments. In the flowchart 1000, operations may be performed by an RFID tag 402 in conjunction with a pressure switch 404. The push switch 404 closes a circuit when a person applies pressure to the push switch (e.g., presses the push switch, foot steps on the push switch, hand presses the push switch, stups the elbow to the push switch, finger tips on the push switch, or combinations of some of these options). The circuit may be closed by placing the circuit in an operable state for performing a given task, e.g., by clearing or initiating a short circuit condition, by clearing or initiating an open circuit condition, or by a combination of these actions using at least one switch. The RFID tag 402 is connected to a push switch and switches from an inactive state 406 to an active state 408 when the circuit is closed by the push switch 404.In block 1002, a polling signal is received. For example, electromagnetic radiation carrying a interrogation signal 112 may be incident at an antenna 606 of the RFID tag 402. The interrogation signal 112 may be a common wake-up signal or power feed signal for the RFID tag 402, or may include a specific command related to the device controller. For example, the interrogation signal 112 may include a special command to transmit a response signal 114 that includes a command to change the device setting 826. Depending on whether the push switch 404 has been actuated, the RFID tag 402 may be in the inactive state 406 or the active state 408. The state of the push switch 404 affects how or whether the RFID tag 402 responds to the interrogation signal 112. This state aspect of the operation of the RFID printing unit 104 is illustrated in block 1008. When the push switch 404 is not actuated, the RFID tag 402 is in the inactive state 406. When the push switch 404 is actuated, the push switch 404 sets the RFID tag 402 to the active state 408.If the RFID tag remains in the inactive state in block 1004, the RFID tag does not respond to the interrogation signal. For example, when the RFID tag 402 is in the inactive state 406, the RFID tag 402 may refrain from emitting a response signal. For example, the RFID tag 402 may not be powered by the interrogation signal 112 when in the inactive state 406. Alternatively, the RFID tag 402 may be powered by the interrogation signal 112 but may not transmit a response signal 114 when in the inactive state 406 even when an integrated circuit 604 of the RFID tag 402 processes the interrogation signal 112.If the RFID tag is in the active state at block 1006, the RFID tag responds to the interrogation signal by sending a response signal to a device, the response signal including a device control command to change a device setting. For example, when the RFID tag 402 is in the active state 408, the RFID tag 402 may respond to the interrogation signal 112 by sending a response signal 114 to a device 824, the response signal 114 including a device control command 816 to change a device setting 826. The response signal 114 may include, for example, a command to change a temperature setting of a thermostat, a command to change an ON / OFF setting of a light or a blower, a command to a speaker or sound system to play a particular music direction, etc.FIG. 11 shows various components of an example device 1100 in which embodiments of surface material enhancement may be implemented with RFID tags. The example device 1100 may be embodied as one of the computing devices described in connection with FIGS. 1-10, such as a client, a cellular phone, a tablet, a computer, a communication, entertainment, gaming, media playback, RFID reader, a mobile programmer, a device, an electronic device, and / or other device. The electronic device 108 shown in FIG. 1, or the mobile programmer 802 for RFID printing units, or the device 824 shown in FIG. 8, may be embodied as an example device.The device 1100 has one or more communication transceivers 1102 that enable wired and / or wireless communication of device data 1104 with other devices. The device data 1104 may include any audio data, video data, and / or image data, as well as RFID or device-related data. Example transceivers 1102 include, but are not limited to, wireless personal area network (WPAN) radios compatible with various IEEE 802.15 (BluetoothTM) standards, wireless local area network (WLAN) radios compatible with various IEEE 802.11 (WiFiTM) standards, wireless wide area network (WWAN) radios for cellular communication, wireless metropolitan area network (WMAN) radios compatible with various IEEE 802.15 (WiMAXTM) standards, Wired Local Area Network (LAN) Ethernet transceivers for network data communication and RFID-related transceivers for interfacing with an RFID tag.The device 1100 may also include one or more data input ports 1106 through which any type of data, media content, and / or input may be received, such as user-selectable input to the device, messages, music, TV content, recorded content, device settings, location information, and other types of audio, video, and / or image data received from a content and / or data source. The data input ports 1106 may include USB ports, coaxial cable ports, and other serial or parallel ports (including internal ports) for flash memory, DVDs, CDs, and the like. The data input ports 1106 may be used to connect the device to any type of component, peripheral device, or accessory such as microphones and / or cameras.The device 1100 includes a processing system 1108 of one or more processors (e.g., microprocessors, controllers, and the like) and / or a processor and memory system embodied as a system-on-chip (SoC) that processes computer-executable instructions. The processing system 1108 may be embodied, at least in part, in hardware that may include components of an integrated circuit (IC) or a system-on-a-chip, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a complex programmable logic device (CPLD). Other implementations in silicon and / or other hardware are also possible. Alternatively or additionally, the device may be implemented with software, hardware, firmware, or fixed logic circuitry implemented in conjunction with processing and control circuitry, or combinations thereof, generally described at Pos. 1110. Device 1100 may further include a system bus or other data and command transmission system (not specifically shown) that connects the various components within the device. A system bus may include a bus structure and bus architecture, or combinations thereof, as well as control and data lines.The device 1100 may also include computer readable storage 1112, which is shown in the form of one or more storage devices 1112 that enable storage of data, e.g., storage devices that are accessible by a computing device and permanently store the data and executable instructions (e.g., software applications, programs, functions, and the like). Examples of the computer readable memory 1112 include, but are not limited to, volatile memory and non-volatile memory, fixed and removable media devices, and suitable storage devices or electronic data storage that store data for accessing computing devices. The computer readable memory 1112 may include various implementations of random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), flash memory, or other storage media in various storage device configurations. Device 1100 may also include a mass storage media device.The computer readable memory 1112 provides data storage mechanisms for storing the device data 1104, other data and / or information, and various device applications 1114 (e.g., software applications). For example, an operating system 1116 may be stored in a storage device in the form of software instructions and executed by the processing system 1108. The device applications 1114 may also include a device manager, e.g., in the form of a control application, a software application, a signal processing and control module, a particular device's own code, a hardware abstraction layer for a particular device, etc. In this example, the device 1100 includes an RFID interface system 1118 that implements or facilitates implementation of surface material enhancement with RFID tags and that may be implemented with hardware components and / or software, as in the case of the device 1100 implemented as an electronic device 1108 described with reference to FIG. 1, or as a mobile programming unit 802 for RFID printing units, or as a device 824 described with reference to FIG. 8. Examples of the RFID interface system 1118 include the RFID reader 110 implemented by the electronic device 108, the wireless interface 812 in communication with the RFID programmer 808 of the mobile RFID printing unit programmer 802, and the wireless interface 828 of the device 824.The device 1100 also includes an audio and / or video processing system 1120 that generates audio data for an audio system 1122 and / or display data for a display system 1124. Audio system 1122 and / or display system 1124 may include devices that process, display, and / or otherwise provide audio, video, display, and / or image data. Display data and audio signals may be communicated to an audio component and / or display component via an RF (radio frequency) link, via an S-video link, via a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI), a composite video link, a component video link, via a digital video interface (DVI), via an analog audio link, or other similar communication links such as a media data port 1126. In implementations, the audio system 1122 and / or the display system 1124 are integrated components of the example device. Alternatively, audio system 1122 and / or display system 1124 may be external peripheral components of the example device.The device 1100 may also include one or more power sources 1128 when the device is embodied as a mobile device. The power sources 1128 may include charging and / or power supply systems and may be embodied as a flexible strip battery, a rechargeable battery, a charged supercapacitor, and / or another type of active or passive power source. As for terminology, the word "or" used in the specification may be considered an "inclusive or" or a term that allows for the inclusion or application of one or more elements associated with the word "or" (e.g., a phrase "A or B" may be interpreted to allow only "A" or only "B" or both "A" and "B").Although embodiments of RFID tag surface material enhancement have been described in the context of specific features and / or methods, the subject matter of the appended claims is not necessarily limited to those specific features or methods, which are merely example implementations of RFID tag surface material enhancement. Other, equivalent features and methods are included within the scope of the appended claims. Further, those skilled in the art will recognize that the various described embodiments may be implemented independently or in conjunction with one or more other described embodiments.

Claims

An article of manufacture comprising: a radio frequency identification (RFID) printing unit configured for installation with a surface material, the RFID printing unit including: an RFID tag having an active state and an inactive state, the RFID tag configured to omit a response to an interrogation signal in the inactive state and to respond to the interrogation signal in the active state; and a push switch coupled to the RFID tag and configured to respond to a pressure applied to the surface material by a person, and to maintain the RFID tag in an inactive state in the absence of a pressure, and to switch the RFID tag to the active state in response to the pressure by closing a circuit of the RFID printing unit, the article further comprising: a flooring surface material; and a plurality of RFID printing units distributed over the flooring surface material in a spatially separated arrangement.The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag comprises: an antenna; and an integrated circuit connected to the antenna, the integrated circuit configured to store a position indication.The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the position indication comprises an indication of a distance to at least one structural feature of a building or to at least one spatio-related or mapping coordinate.The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the position indication comprises an identification of a room or a building.The article of manufacture of claim 2, wherein the integrated circuit is further configured to respond to the interrogation signal by wirelessly transmitting the position indication via the antenna.The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the pressure switch comprises a spring resistor configured to generate a biasing force to prevent closure of the circuit of the RFID pressure unit for the inactive state; and wherein the pressure switch is configured to close the circuit of the RFID pressure unit in response to the pressure to establish the active state when the pressure is sufficiently high to overcome the biasing force.The article of manufacture of claim 1, wherein the RFID tag comprises: an antenna; and an integrated circuit connected to the antenna and configured to store a device control command.The article of manufacture of claim 7, wherein the integrated circuit is further configured to respond to the interrogation signal by wirelessly transmitting the device control command to a device via an antenna.A method of programming a radio frequency identification (RFID) printing unit, the method comprising: applying pressure to a pressure switch of an RFID printing unit installed with a flooring surface material; causing the RFID tag of the RFID printing unit to change to an active state based on pressure applied to the pressure switch, the pressure causing a circuit of the RFID printing unit to close; and causing an integrated circuit of the RFID tag to store a position indication or a device control command in the memory during the active state of the RFID tag, wherein a plurality of RFID printing units are distributed across the flooring surface material in a spatially separated arrangement.The method of claim 9, wherein the position indication includes an identification of a space of a building, the space corresponding to an installation location of the RFID printing unit; wherein the pressurization comprises a person pressing on the pressure switch of the RFID printing unit; and wherein causing a person comprises using an electronic device with an RFID programmer to transmit the position indication.The method of claim 9, wherein the steps of performing, inducing, and causing are performed by a mobile programming unit for RFID printing units.The method of claim 9, wherein the position indication includes an indication of a distance from an installation location of the RFID printing unit to at least one vertical construction feature of a building or to at least one geospatial or mapping coordinate; and wherein the act of causing the distance from the installation location of the RFID printing unit to be determined to at least one vertical construction feature of the building or to at least one geospatial or mapping coordinate.The method of claim 12, wherein the step of determining comprises: at least measuring the distance to the at least one vertical structural feature of the building based on a signal reflection of a signal transmitted from the mobile RFID printing unit; or at least measuring the distance from the at least one vertical structural feature of the building or from the at least one spatio-related or mapping coordinate based on the distance traveled of a wheel of the mobile RFID printing unit.The method of claim 9, wherein the step of causing comprises bringing a switch of the RFID tag from an inactive state to the active state in response to a trigger of the pressure switch, wherein the active state is configured to activate the integrated circuit of the RFID tag to perform a storage operation in the memory; and wherein the step of causing comprises transmitting the position indication via a wireless signal to the RFID tag during the active state of the RFID tag.

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