Method and apparatus to read different types of data carriers, such as RFID tags and machine-readable symbols, and a user interface for the same

Abstract

A data carrier reader includes an RFID tag reading section and a machine-readable symbol reading section, which can contain some common components. The reader is operable in an RFID tag reading mode and / or a symbol reading mode. The reader provides a consistent and intuitive user interface within, and between, the operating modes. The user interface can include visual, aural and tactile indicators. The visual indicators can include a pattern displayed by indicators on the reader, or projected onto or near the data carrier.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD[0001] This application relates to methods and apparatus for reading data carriers such as machine-readable symbols (e.g., barcode symbols, area and / or matrix code symbols) and wireless memory devices (e.g., RFID tags).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0002] A variety of methods exist for tracking and providing information about items. For example, inventory items typically carry printed labels providing information such as serial numbers, price, weight, and size. Some labels include data carriers in the form of machine-readable symbols that can be selected from a variety of machine-readable symbologies, such as bar code, and / or area or matrix code symbologies. The amount of information that the symbols can contain is limited by the space constraints of the label. Updating the information in these machine-readable symbols typically requires the printing of a new label to replace the old label.[0003] Data carriers such as memory devices provide an alternative method for trac...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0010] In another aspect, a data carrier reader is capable of executing a number of different reading methods. A method for reading single RFID tags can store read data to a buffer for eventual transmission to a host, and can suppress redundant data. Another method identifies all RFID tags having a characteristic data string that appears on a list. In contrast, another method identifies any RFID tags having a characteristic data string that does not appear on the list. Still another method associates data read from an RFID tag with a particular object or item using a data coded in a machine-readable symbol. In a further method, the machine-readable symbol is automatically read when the RFID tag is within a predetermined proximity of the reader. In each method, a consistent and intuitive output can be provided to the user to identify the successful and unsuccessful operations such as reading an RFID tag or machine-readable symbol.

Problems solved by technology

The amount of information that the symbols can contain is limited by the space constraints of the label.

Relatively high cost is one of the drawbacks of memory devices, thus, many applications rely on the less expensive printed machine-readable symbols.

Another significant drawback is the difficulty of identifying a particular memory device from a group of memory devices.

It is particularly difficult to associate the information read from the RFID tag with a physical item or container.

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