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: 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.