Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a base unit having a first microprocessor and a data and communication module received by the base unit that includes a second microprocessor and a transceiver. The data and communication module is selected from a plurality of data and communication modules each having different types of transceivers. A program is stored in one of the base unit and the data and communication module to control communication of control signals and data between the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor according to a uniform data protocol that is understandable to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable terminal is provided with an internal connector accessible via an opening at one end of the terminal. A peripheral device is integrated with the terminal by coupling a peripheral circuit with the connector via the opening. A peripheral housing may serve to protectively cover the opening. The connector may be coupled with a terminal processor system and with the terminal power supply.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a portable computerized data communication device in a data communication system may include, for example, a user interface; a computerized system controlling operation of the device; a device housing having a normal closed condition defining an interior space within the device housing, and having an interior electrical connector within the interior space; and the device having an open condition providing access to the interior space while the device housing is in the open condition to enable connection with the interior electrical connector of a peripheral device equipping the device to perform a new function.

Abstract: A data communications device includes a base unit having a first microprocessor and a data and communication module received by the base unit that includes a second microprocessor and a transceiver. The data and communication module is selected from a plurality of data and communication modules each having different types of transceivers. A program is stored in one of the base unit and the data and communication module to control communication of control signals and data between the first microprocessor and the second microprocessor according to a uniform data protocol that is understandable to the base unit.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data terminal of modular structure includes a base module with a keyboard and a display screen. A data and communications module may be selected from a number of different data and communications modules, each having different types of data communications transceivers, or including in addition data collection devices, such as shelf label readers or bar code readers. The base module includes a microprocessor-controlled data communications and control interface having a predetermined protocol. To adapt the various types of data and communications modules for selection of any one thereof to become attached to the base module and function therewith, each of the data and communications modules includes a microprocessor operable to function as an emulator to interact with the microprocessor of the base module and communicate with the microprocessor of the base module in accordance with the protocol of the data communications and control interface of the base module.

Abstract: A hand-held data input system having an input stylus and a data receiving pad is disclosed. The data input system can include a recessed stylus holder. The recessed stylus holder can receive the input stylus such that it does not protrude from the system's housing. The data input system can alternatively include a grip facilitator. The grip facilitator can be located proximate the data receiving pad to make contact with a finger of a hand gripping a side of the hand-held unit. Other embodiments include features such as an active stylus, a radio frequency receiver, input keys, handwriting recognition capability, an indicia reader and a handstrap.

Abstract: A hand-held data collection device with a user interface surface that is wider than its handgrip area. Also, a hand-held data collection device with an upwardly facing surface containing a user interface and a side surface containing a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can be held in one hand with a finger reaching the actuators. An opposite side surface can also contain a plurality of actuators. The data collection device can include combinations of a marker beam generator, an indicia reader, a display, a manually actuatable selector, a voice input and a digitizer. The indicia reader can be an optical reader or a radio frequency tag reader. Some of the actuators can have different shapes. The actuators can include an indicia reader actuator or a function selector. The data collection device can collect, for example, handwritten information, including signatures.

Abstract: A data collection system for use with a movable cart. The system has a portable data collection unit which may include an indicia reader, a wireless communication system or a user interface. The data collection unit can be removed from the cart and can remain operational when removed. When attached to the cart, the data collection unit can communicate with an output device contained within the boundaries of the cart. The output device can be a printer. The system can also include a mounting device which removably attaches the data collection unit to the cart. The mounting device can remain attached to the cart after removal of the data collection unit. The system can include an auxiliary device which can be removed from the cart for operation. For example, an auxiliary device can be a printer that can be removed from the cart along with the data collection unit.

Abstract: A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template.

Abstract: A portable data collection terminal has an elongate housing with a hand grip conforming rear surface. A front surface features a numerical keyboard adjacent a lower end of the housing and an LCD screen adjacent the keyboard toward an upper end of the housing. The display screen is of elongate rectangular shape, its length extending longitudinally of the housing of the data terminal. The active area of the display screen is covered by a touch sensitive overlay screen which is configured in one mode of operation of the data terminal into an alphabetical keyboard. The orientation of the display is switchable between orientations in which the line direction of the displayed data extends across or longitudinally of the data terminal. The keys of the numerical keyboard are identified by indicia disposed on a template. The orientation of the template may be sensed to switch the orientation of the displayed data and touch sensitive key identifiers to correspond to the orientation of the indicia on the template.

Abstract: A hand held body for receiving, storing and transmitting information having a keyboard in the top thereof for manually entering information therein. A display is disposed on the top of such body for displaying information which has either been manually entered or scanned in or received from a base radio transceiver. A radio frequency transceiver is also disposed in the hand held body for receiving and transmitting information between the hand held body and the base radio transceiver. A scanner is provided for optically reading information and transmitting such information. A modular housing is provided for holding the scanner and a mechanism is provided for selectively attaching or detaching the housing to a bottom portion of the hand held body whereby the external portions of hand held body in the housing when attached together are small enough to be received in a shirt pocket, whereby the user can store the apparatus in such shirt pocket when not in use.

Abstract: An improved hand-held data terminal is provided. A sensing circuit senses the presence of rechargeable batteries. A rechargeable battery pack can be used in the hand-held data terminal. The battery pack can include a short circuit element. The short circuit element comes into contact with the hand-held data terminal when the rechargeable battery pack is assembled with the hand-held data terminal. The short circuit element, when in contact with the hand-held data terminal, serves to indicate the presence of the rechargeable battery pack and to thereby enable the recharging capabilities of the hand-held data terminal. A battery pack which does not contain the short circuit element cannot be recharged by the hand-held data terminal since the recharging circuit of the data terminal would remain in a disabled state. Further, the battery pack can be shaped asymmetrically so that it can only be assembled with the hand-held data terminal in an operational orientation.

Abstract: A vehicle for transport, fork lift or delivery route operations, for example, includes on-board peripherals which are coupled through a Local Area Network (LAN) into a data system. A LAN data bus provides selective access to the peripherals or data devices such as, for example, a large area display, a keyboard, a printer and a data terminal. The data system controls or provides data on tasks executed by or in connection with the operation of the vehicle. To increase the versatility of the vehicle, the data terminal, multiple data terminals, or any of the other data devices may be removably coupled to the LAN to be operable externally of the vehicle. A mobile mount adapter provides a secure electrical connection of a respective data terminal to the LAN to removably incorporate the data terminal into the data system, and provide a common supply of both data and power to the data device.

Abstract: A hand held data entry apparatus having a body for receiving, storing and transmitting information, including a camming mechanism for quickly sealingly attaching an accessory such as a scanner to the top of a hand held data entry apparatus. Additionally, a similar camming mechanism is utilized to hold a battery pack in place with the additional feature of not only pulling the battery pack securely against the housing, but also pushing the battery pack contacts into abutment with complementary contacts disposed within the housing. A keypad is provided for permitting information to be manually entered into the hand held body and this keypad is encased in a layer of elastomeric material such as silicone. A pair of LED's are utilized, one to indicate a "good scan" and the other to indicate something else, such as a "bad scan." Additionally, these LED's can be encased in operative or dummy keys in order to save keyboard space. A mechanism is provided for pivoting the scanner about either of two perpendicular axes.

Abstract: A hand-held data collection terminal unit includes an elongate housing having a lower portion supportable in the hand of a user and an upper portion facing such user when the terminal is in a typical use position. The upper portion includes a keyboard and a display screen. In accordance with the invention, the hand-held terminal comprises a plurality of modules in which a base modules extend longitudinally and includes inner and outer end caps of the terminal. The inner end cap is disposed on the end of the terminal which is typically points toward a user when the terminal is in use, the out end cap being disposed on opposite end of the terminal. A keyboard module is defined as an intermediate module disposed adjacent the base module and between the end caps. A display screen module is further disposed adjacent the intermediate module and adjacent the outer end cap of the base module.