The present solution can use standard RFID tags and readers (with a software update) but could be designed to incorporate the functioning into a new and compatible RFID tag chip as well. Initially, the RFID tag would need to be supplemented with a rechargeable power source (e.g., a battery and/or a capacitor), a Central Processing Unit (“CPU”), an accelerometer and/or motion detector. In addition, hardware and/or software is provided to (a) detect a Received Signal Strength Indicator (“RSSI”) or energy of an incoming RF signal, (b) determine if the detected RSSI or energy is greater than a software selectable threshold level, and/or (c) respond based on algorithms implemented into software of the tag system. The present solution can be used with tags that do not comprise motion detectors.

Just as in normal RFID implementations, RFID tag readers are constantly scanning their Field Of View (“FOV”) and requesting that all tags in its coverage area respond to interrogation signals. In some scenarios, the present solution solves these problems with two features: (A) time based RFID tag receiver control; and (B) motion based RFID tag receiver control. The RFID tag control of (A) involves controlling the RFID tag so that it only enables its receiver periodically under system control. This is for improved static inventory counting. The RFID receiver control of (B) involves turning on the RFID receiver when motion is detected and continuing to receive interrogation signals while in motion. This is for loss prevention and tag location tracking.