RFID reader with integrated display for use in a product tag system

A product tag system, comprising:

• an RFID tag adapted for attachment to a product;
• at least one data store in said tag for bar code information relating to said product;
• a tag detacher for removing said tag from said product at a point of sale;
• an RFID tag reader for retrieving said bar code information from said tag when said tag is placed in said tag detacher;
• a display for presenting said bat code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner;
• a hand-held RFID reader adapted for attachment to a hand-held bar code scanner;
• a display on said hand-held RFID reader, said display being in an aligned position when said reader and said scanner are attached for presenting said bar code information in a form which can be scanned by said hand-held bar code scanner;
• and,
• a tag detacher remote from said reader for detaching said tag after said displayed bar code is scanned.

A method for monitoring products, comprising the steps of:

• attaching an RFID tag to a product;
• writing bar code information onto said tag;
• retrieving said bar code information from said tag at a point of sale;
• and,
• displaying, at said point of sale, said bar code information in a form which can be scanned by a conventional bar code scanner at said point of sale.