Abstract: An indicia reader system comprising: an indicia reader for reading symbol indicia and producing a symbol signal representative of the symbol indicia, the indicia reader capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; a controller capable of transferring and receiving data formatted in a plurality of protocols; and, a translation interface for translating data from the controller which is in a first protocol to a second protocol for receipt by the indicia reader.

Abstract: There is provided herein an encoded information reading terminal such as may be provided for by a bar code reading terminal for operation in a network such as a retail store network that is configured in one embodiment to automatically enter a unique association mode of operation subsequent to wirelessly receiving a radio address from one computer of a plurality of computers, e.g., a cash register address from one cash register out of a plurality of cash registers. In one embodiment a bar code reading terminal can be configured to wait for a cash register address to be wirelessly received as part of a connection request initiated from one cash register out of a plurality of cash registers. A bar code reading terminal can be configured so that when operating in a unique association mode, a bar code reading terminal transmits all decoded bar code messages output by the bar code reading terminal to an external device to the one cash register sending its cash register address.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: A retail store network comprising a cash register, server, and hand held optical reader for reading a bar code symbol of an item and generating a decoded out bar code data message. The hand held bar code reader has an electrical connector and a wireless transceiver. The optical reader can be used with a base unit also having an electrical connector and a wireless transceiver. The network is configured so that the hand held bar code reader and the base unit have one linking mode in which the address of the base unit is sent to the hand held bar code reader through their respective electrical connectors. The linking process is completed by way of wireless communication, including the transmission of the address of the hand held bar code reader to the base unit.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: An optical reader with at least two variable definition soft keys positioned adjacent the display and externally labeled with permanent down and up arrow indicia. Variable definition soft keys are highly versatile an allow the user to change or alter the function of the soft keys based on a user program. Soft keys positioned adjacent the display and labeled with down and up arrows graphically reinforce a wide range of text and graphic combinations shown on the display.

Abstract: An optical reader, which is operable in a “host commands” mode and a “host routines” mode. In the “host commands” mode, the reader receives and executes a script routine module from a host. In the “host routines” mode, the reader receives a script routine Module identifier from the host, and the reader, in turn, executes a selected one of a plurality of reader-stored script routine modules based on the identifier.

Abstract: The present invention is directed toward a space saving design for an optical reader with keyboard and display wherein the reader is configured so that a reader trigger provides function in addition to the actuation of scanning. When an alphanumeric key is depressed the trigger is pulled and released to cycle through and select the available characters assigned to that particular key. The current character selection is shown at the cursor location on the display. When the key is released the current character selection is accepted and the cursor advances. This arrangement provides efficient, low cost access to alpha and punctuation-characters by reducing the number of keys and keystrokes required to enter data. The trigger may also be configured to operate in other user defined modes such as macro initiation or display scrolling.

Abstract: The present invention to provide an optical reader with at least two variable definition soft keys positioned adjacent the display and externally labeled with permanent down and up arrow indicia. Variable definition soft keys are highly versatile and allow the user to change or alter the function of the soft keys based on a user program. Soft keys positioned adjacent the display and labeled with down and up arrows graphically reinforce a wide range of text and graphic combinations shown on the display.

Abstract: The invention is an optical reader which in one embodiment includes reader head having both a top status condition indicator and a rear status condition indicator. A control circuit is adapted to control both of the top and read status condition indicators simultaneously so that an operator is provided with an easily viewed status indicator at the extremes of normal reader viewing angles expected during reader operation. The top status condition indicator may be a keyboard integrated indicator comprising a translucent key and a light source bank disposed to emit light through the translucent key under the control of the control circuit. The rear status condition indicator may be provided by a bank of LEDs operating in combination with a light pipe disposed in the reader to conduct light from the LED bank to the rear of the reader head.

Abstract: A data collection network featuring a plurality of cordless optical scanners communicating to a base terminal is disclosed. The cordless optical scanners are used for reading 2D optically encoded symbols. The optical scanner converts the 2D optically encoded symbol into decoded data. The optical scanner has a packet assembly component that converts the decoded data into packets. A communications component transmits the packets to the base terminal. The decoded data is packetized to accommodate 2D data codes such as PDF417, microPDF, Code One, DataMatrix, MaxiCode, or other 2D symbols. All of these symbols have maximum data capacities exceeding 1,000 bytes of information per symbol. Thus, the data collection network of the present invention provides users with the data transmission capacity required to use high-density data optical bar code symbols in an untethered working environment.