Abstract: A record conversion device and method, including a preferably software implemented conversion engine, which receives formatted input records from an input record generating device, converts the records into a different (universal) format in real time and, depending upon the output host device(s), into an output specific format and transmits the converted records to the output host device(s). Messages, i.e., information, from output host device(s) can also be transferred, via the conversion device, to the input record generating devices. By rapidly processing new and/or incompatible record formats, the invention minimizes the cost of maintaining information management systems and maximizes their usage. The conversion device input and output architecture is flexible and the conversion device can be used with multiple (networked or non-networked) input record generating devices and single or multiple record storage devices using multiple record output formats.

Abstract: A data conversion device, including a preferably software implemented data conversion engine, which receives a formatted input data stream from an input device, converts the data into a different (universal) format in real time and transmits the converted data to an output device. Messages, i.e., data, from host devices can also be uplinked, via the data conversion device, to the data generating devices. By rapidly processing new and/or incompatible data record formats the invention minimizes the cost of maintaining data management systems and maximizes their usage. The conversion device input and output architecture is flexible and the conversion device can be used with multiple (networked or non-networked) data generating devices and single or multiple data storage devices using multiple data output formats.