Abstract: In a store data communications system, multiple data sources having disparate communications standards are connected with respective device interfaces of a multiple device communications controller unit. Multiple protocol controllers are coupled with the respective device interfaces and convert the data from each to a common protocol for transmission via a single telephone line. The interface units preferably can be customized to operate with various data sources, a fiber optic coupler, or a modem, or another controller unit for convenient expansion. The device interfaces preferably have snap-in assembly with the controller unit so that device interfaces customized to different standards can be inserted or replaced at any interface receptacle, the multiple protocol controllers preferably being capable of corresponding re-programming by downloading from a remote station preferably via one of the device interfaces.

Abstract: A portable, hand-held data collection terminal unit is of modular structure including among other modules a display screen module, a keyboard module and a base module, each of which may be chosen from a plurality of modules available for assembly into the terminal unit. Consequently, a wide combination of terminal units may be assembled from a comparatively limited number of modular choices, such that the cost of assembly of a terminal unit with specific functions may be minimized. A particular selected module is a scanning module including a pivotable scanning head to permit a user to adjust the scanning head to a convenient position for operating the scanning module without sacrifice of visual access to a display screen of the display screen module. The display screen module may be selected from modules of standard width equal to the width of the terminal unit, of extended width extending when assembled to a selected keyboard module beyond either or both lateral edges of the terminal unit.

Abstract: In an exemplary embodiment, portable data devices can be coupled with a local area network at any of a multiplicity of points and integrated into the system on a dynamic basis. The preferred system is highly flexible and closely adaptable to changing needs of an individual user. For example, unitary multiple docking devices each receiving a plurality of handheld computerized data terminals may be chained in a series to a single primary controller which may have a further LAN channel including an auxiliary unit which may supply charging power to a further series of multiple docking devices, added to the system as needed. A preferred auxiliary unit is capable of handling two-way communication without the provision of a direction control line in the channel. A preferred LAN system may have unitary printed circuit boards or other rigid network pathways provided with multiple docking receptacles. The control for the LAN system will automatically establish identities for randomly added devices.

Abstract: In accordance with one illustrated embodiment herein, a personal computer system such as that known as the PC/AT is adaptable by means of its expansion slots so as to provide a multichannel communications capability, with a plug-in communications board providing interrupt vectors to the mother board of the personal computer. A communications distribution configuration for the communications channels does not enlarge the footprint of the system or detract from its appearance. As many as eight communications lines are connectable with the illustrated distribution configuration in a neat and orderly fashion.

Abstract: In a store data communications system, multiple data sources having disparate communications standards are connected with respective device interfaces of a multiple device communications controller unit. Multiple protocol controllers are coupled with the respective device interfaces and convert the data from each to a common protocol for transmission via a single telephone line. The interface units preferably can be customized to operate with various data sources, a fiber optic coupler, or a modem, or another controller unit for convenient expansion. The device interfaces preferably have snap-in assembly with the controller unit so that device interfaces customized to different standards can be inserted or replaced at any interface receptacle, the multiple protocol controllers preferably being capable of corresponding re-programming by downloading from a remote station preferably via one of the device interfaces.