Abstract: A handheld printer is movable across a target object to print while moving in a desired printing field. The printer has a position detector and a microprocessor controller for detecting the position of a printing member and activating the printing member at a plurality of successive printing locations. The printer may use thermal or inkjet printing and has user feedback and input. A mechanical position detector enables the printer to be used without a mechanical paper drive mechanism. The printer allows image rotation under control of a four-position switch and scaling of the image using distance and printline based scaling. The printer may be controlled by an external controller through a cable or a remote signal source. An alternative embodiment of the printer uses a vacuum-type arrangement to attract and hold the printer to the surface being printed. The printer may be line or battery-powered.

Abstract: A system integrating a bar code printer and a bar code reader into a single functional unit having a single interface port which serves both the printer and the reader and communicates with a host computer. The interface port can include a parser to receive commands from the host computer and parse the received commands into printer and reader commands. The printer and the reader can communicate directly with each other without requiring the intervention of the host computer. The interface can include a wireless transceiver to permit remote operation of the unit. The unit can also be a stand alone system that does not require the host computer. In the standalone embodiment, an internal controller generates commands to control operation of the printer and receiver. The standalone instrument can also include an interface to communicate with an optional host computer.