Abstract: A method of integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. A data collection object executes on the host computer, using a predetermined interface between the host application software and the data collection object. That interface, and the communications between the host application software and the data collection object, are configured so that to the host application software the data collection device appears to be local hardware on the host computer. The data collection object creates and executes threads of execution for controlling operation of the data collection device, with the threads communicating with the remote terminals via a host computer transport layer, the wireless link, and a remote computer transport layer at the remote terminals.

Abstract: A method for communication between a host computer and at least one mobile computer terminal which provides an efficient way of running a computer network where the at least one mobile computer terminal operates at a remote site, has selectable operating characteristics, and is connected to the host computer through a wireless communications network, and wherein the host computer executes an application program in which data is entered from the at least one mobile computer terminal and processed by the application program, the method comprising the steps of: configuring the operating characteristics of the mobile computer terminal to correspond to data field characteristics required by the application program running on the host computer; utilizing the at least one mobile computer terminal to automatically acquire data at the remote site in response to a data acquisition program running on the at least one mobile computer terminal; transforming the acquired data into a data structure in the mobile computer te

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: An application program interface in a computer for allowing application programs executing in the computer to access a wireless RF input/output facility or port in the computer, which emulates a serial port in the computer by the steps of opening a handle to a virtual COM port from an application program executing in the computer; opening and configuring a serial port by the application program; starting a thread to receive characters to be communicated through the RF facility; and utilizing the virtual COM port to open a component interface to allow communications through wireless RF communications.

Abstract: A method of maintaining connectivity and synchronization of data from a first application resident in a first mobile computer to a second application resident in a second computer wherein the data is transmitted over a data communications network including a plurality of stationary access points, determining, in said first mobile computer, that communications between the first mobile computer and the second computer has been impeded, and that association with a different access point or use of a different radio channel should be attempted in order to continue communications; storing and queuing the messages while a new link is established; and re-establishing a link between first and second virtual sockets in the respective computers in order to continue a session between the first and second applications in the first and second computer respectively.

Abstract: A method of integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. A data collection object executes on the host computer, using a predetermined interface between the host application software and the data collection object. That interface, and the communications between the host application software and the data collection object, are configured so that to the host application software the data collection device appears to be local hardware on the host computer. The data collection object creates and executes threads of execution for controlling operation of the data collection device, with the threads communicating with the remote terminals via a host computer transport layer, the wireless link, and a remote computer transport layer at the remote terminals.

Abstract: A portable data device system includes a portable data device and a cradle for receiving the portable data device. The cradle is arranged to recharge the portable data device power supply and/or upload or download information to and from the portable data device. The cradle and portable data device are in wireless communication allowing a minimum of processing and data storage capability at the front end and hence operation of the portable data device as a thin client.

Abstract: Access to a communications network is provided to a user supporting a mobile unit capable of wireless communication with at least one access node of a local area network that is capable of connecting to the communications network. Initially, wireless communication is established between the mobile unit and the access node by associating the mobile unit with the access node. The user of the mobile unit is authenticated to enable access to the communications network. Communication with a destination on the communications network is then established, and at least some session particulars are recorded of a communications session during which the mobile unit communicates with the destination on a server on the network.

Abstract: A configurable operating system allows small, inexpensive, and less powerful computers to run a wide variety of applications. The operating system provides for the capability to accept input from a number of input devices, and transfer the data to the appropriate application without using an application to perform the routing tasks, thus freeing up more processor time and memory space for the applications. Data format translator applications may be called by the operating system in order to convert the data to the proper format. The decision as to which application should be called may be made by using information on the input device which the data came from, as well as additional information, to determine if a conversion application or other application is required.

Abstract: A scan-aware custom control for use in designing a graphical user interface is capable of being provided with both scanned input from a bar code reading device as well as standard keyboard input when desired by the operator. The scan-aware custom control is implemented by an applications developer in a similar fashion to standard text controls, and has custom properties to allow data entry parameters to be set at the time the interface is designed. The scan-aware custom control reads the custom property values from a preloaded properties file in order to configure the scanner interface in accordance with the desired symbologies to be decoded. The scan-aware custom control is implemented on a graphical user interface resident on a data entry terminal in order to facilitate data entry in both automatic and manual modes of entry.