Multiple technology router for radio frequency identification (RFID) and barcode

Abstract

A multiple technology router for radio frequency identification (RFID) and barcode, the device has three ports, one to connect to an external barcode reader, and one to connect to an internal or external RFID reader/writer and finally one to connect to a host computer. The device constantly monitors port connected to barcode reader for intercepting a barcode symbol, sends request to RFID device and checks for RFID tag being sensed. Upon receiving data from either port, the device executes a pre-programmed series of actions. The action can be simply routing data from either port to the host computer or read one or many barcode symbols and write the information to a RFID tag without using a host computer. Additional actions such as EAS bit operation, incrementing/decrementing counters within a RFID tag and writing current time and date to an RFID tag can be done along with the main action of the device. The device can indicate the success or failure of operations audibly and visibly.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.