Abstract: A system for monitoring and reporting the health and status of an independent functional system which collects, transmits, and analyzes data on the occurrence of events within the monitored system. The system incorporates a monitoring node; a data collection node; a host computer; status monitoring means; data management means; with communication links coupling the monitoring node(s) to the data collection node(s), and the data collection node(s) to the host computer. The status monitoring means and data management means are distributed across the nodes as software, firmware, or hardware implementations. The monitoring node includes discrete, and possibly analog, inputs which can be connected to the functional component being monitored.

Abstract: A portable barcode and RF ID tag reader that gathers information about items to be purchased etc by reading barcodes or RF ID tags. A store host computer gathers information about items to be purchased from the portable barcode/ID Tag readers and then the items are bagged by the customer at the checkout stand or by employees of the store at the checkout stand or in a separate warehouse from which the customer picks up the order. The portable barcode/RF ID tag reader can also be used in authenticating articles by accessing a factory computer using a serial number for the article scanned from an RF ID tag on the article. The portable barcode/RF ID tag reader is comprised of a microprocessor coupled to a bar code reader, an RF ID tag reader, a spread spectrum RF transceiver, a communication port, an audible feedback device, a touchscreen or light pen and display, a thermal printer and a magnetic stripe card reader and a smart card reader.