Arduino, Processing & RFID

Hi, I am in the stages of prototyping an RFID reader which will read a tag, send it to the computer via USB and then store that string in a data file or txt file to be read by various programs. What would be the best way to do this? I have managed to get the arduino to read the rfid tags through serial and output them onto the screen.

Having never used processing is this even the right program to use? any help would be appreciated.

to summarize it, this is what i plan to do... RFID Tag ---> Arduino via reader ---> Computer via USB ---> stored in data file

thanks

I assume that the RFID reader outputs serial data. If that is the case I can't see where the Arduino fits in or is needed. All you need is an RS232 to USB interface and let processing handle the input.
If the RFID does not produce RS232 but TTL serial data then a simpler serial TTL to USB interface is all that is needed.

I assume that the RFID reader outputs serial data. If that is the case I can't see where the Arduino fits in or is needed. All you need is an RS232 to USB interface and let processing handle the input.
If the RFID does not produce RS232 but TTL serial data then a simpler serial TTL to USB interface is all that is needed.

well i already have an arduino board which i will be using for the output as well (various digital & analog signals) so i thought maybe i could just use the board

The problem then is that you will probably need a second serial input to the Arduino. You can use a software serial port (a bit banger) but this ties up the processor a bit while you are receiving.
Otherwise then yes use it. Processing is up to this sort of task and is quite easy to learn.

The problem then is that you will probably need a second serial input to the Arduino. You can use a software serial port (a bit banger) but this ties up the processor a bit while you are receiving.
Otherwise then yes use it. Processing is up to this sort of task and is quite easy to learn.

so basically, through processing i would be controlling the arduino, therefore i need another avenue to talk to the arduino since the main serial port is being used up by the rfid data?

The other way round, use the built in serial port to talk to processing and the alternative bit banger for the RFID.