Abstract: A hand-held data processing assembly having a detachable radio frequency tag reader module. The assembly can have an electromagnetic field permeable housing. In one embodiment, the detachable tag reader module can be replaced with a different tag reader module. In other embodiments, the detachable tag reader module can be replaced with other types of reader modules such as a CCD reader module or a laser scanner module. The system can be held with the right or left hand. In either case, the user interface of the system faces the user during operation.

Abstract: In a preferred data capture system, a RF data terminal is capable of use alone or with any of a series of scanner modules incorporating diverse scanner technologies such as CCD bar code scanning, area image data reading, cyclically swept laser beam bar code scanning, and RF identification label scanning. In each case, a frontal operating panel of the RF terminal--scanner system is held facing the user during scanning, whether the system is held with the right or left hand. Scanner data is supplied to the-RF unit by mating connectors or the like. From the RF unit, the scanner data may be transmitted on-line to a host computer or other receiving station. The family of scanner modules may provide respective laser scanners with respective different wavelengths of illumination so that an optimum module may be selected for reading respective bar codes of differing color characteristics. The family is readily upgraded to incorporate new light sources of greater efficiency and/or more advantageous spectrum.

Abstract: In a preferred data capture system, a RF data terminal is capable of use alone or with any of a series of scanner modules incorporating diverse scanner technologies such as CCD bar code scanning, area image data reading, cyclically swept laser beam bar code scanning, and RF identification label scanning. In each case, a frontal operating panel of the RF terminal--scanner system is held facing the user during scanning, whether the system is held with the right or left hand. Scanner data is supplied to the RF unit by mating connectors or the like. From the RF unit, the scanner data may be transmitted on-line to a host computer or other receiving station. The family of scanner modules may provide respective laser scanners with respective different wavelengths of illumination so that an optimum module may be selected for reading respective bar codes of differing color characteristics. The family is readily upgraded to incorporate new light sources of greater efficiency and/or more advantageous spectrum.