Download Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals

5,347,113
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cable connector 120 at a suitable from the second end
reading the encoded data contained on the label of
connector 124. In general, it is impractical to locate the
the interconnect cable,
processing the encoded data which contains in
structions for selection of internal hardware and
/or ?rmware for the data reader, and
by means of an internal con?guration routine, con
label 135 on the ?rst end connector 122 or immediately
adjacent thereto because when the ?rst end connector
122 is plugged into the scanner 155, the scanner 155
cannot be oriented to scan a label located immediately
adjacent the ?rst end connector 122.
Nonetheless, in certain applications it may be desir
?guring the data reader for the particular host on
positioned about 2 feet (60 cm) from the ?rst end con
nector 122. Such a position is close enough to be easily
located but far enough to allow convenient access. Such
selected from the group consisting of: edge connectors,
pin connectors, plugs, and sockets.
the basis of the instructions from the encoded
data.
able to locate the label 135 near the ?rst end connector
122. If the connector cable 120 is relatively long, for 10 2. A method for con?guring a data reader according
to claim 1 wherein the multiple contact connector is
example 50 feet (15 meters), the label may be preferably
3. A method for con?guring a data reader according
to claim 1 wherein the data reader comprises a handheld
a location is illustrated in FIG. 14 where the bar code
label 335 is located on the cable 320 at a convenient
distance from scanner 310.
laser scanner.
4. A method for con?guring a data reader according
to claim 1 further comprising the step of ensuring a
Though the cable connector con?guration embodi
ment and the cable connector data reader con?guration
embodiment may be used separately to con?gure the
peripheral, the embodiments may be combined to pro
vide a comprehensive and readily implemented con?gu
ration procedure. By way of example, FIG. 15 illus
correct interconnect cable is selected for the given host
and the data reader.
5. A method for con?guring a data reader for a given
host, comprising the steps of:
supplying the data reader with suf?cient internal
architecture to be con?gurable for at least two
trates a peripheral shown as a laser scanner 410 is
equipped with a multi-interface architecture which 25
allows any one of many different types of host inter
faces (such as a data terminal 440, a fixed scanner or
other point of sale unit 450, or a handheld key entry unit
con?guration selection switch settings;
and the desired host interface (440, 450, 460) pair. In
practice, the user is supplied with a plurality of speci?c
connector cables which correspond to the possible
scanner/host pairs which the customer may have.
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When plugged into the scanner, the cable 420 itself
connector elements to ensure that only the correct cable
con?guration selection switch settings, the data
reader being selectively con?gured for a given host
by selecting a given one or more of said internal
460) to be selected for a particular scanner. A cable 420
is selected corresponding to the particular scanner 410
selects a certain con?guration scheme in the scanner
410. The cable 420 may also con?gure the host inter
face. The cable 420 may be equipped with physical
different hosts;
equipping the data reader with at least two internal
selecting a matching interconnect cable which
matches the data reader and the given host, the
interconnect cable having a ?rst end connector for
attaching to the data reader, the interconnect cable
having a label thereon containing encoded data
which may be read by the data reader;
attaching the interconnect cable to the data reader;
reading the encoded data contained on the label of
the interconnect cable with the data reader;
processing the encoded data which contains instruc
tions for selection of internal hardware and/or
?rmware for the data reader;
by means of an internal con?guration routine, con?g
uring the data reader for the particular host by
tlon.
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selecting proper parameter settings on the basis of
Thus, a peripheral con?guration system and method
the instructions from the encoded data.
have been shown and described. Though certain exam
6. A method for con?guring a data reader according
ples and advantages have been disclosed, further advan
to claim 5 wherein the step of attaching the intercon
tages and modi?cations may become obvious to one
nect cable to the data reader comprises actuating the
skilled in the art from the disclosures herein. The inven
given one or more of said internal con?guration selec~
tion therefore is not to be limited except in the spirit of
tion switch settings for con?guring the data reader for a
the claims that follow.
given application.
We claim:
7. A method for con?guring a data reader according
may be even physically plugged into the host. Once
plugged into the scanner and the host, using the scanner
itself, the operator then scans the label on the cable
which completes or con?rms scanner/host con?gura
1. A method for con?guring a data reader for a par
ticular host comprising the steps of
providing the data reader with suf?cient internal
to claim 6 wherein the step of actuating the given one or
55 more of said internal con?guration selection switch
hardware and/or ?rmware so as to be con?gurable
settings for con?guring the data reader for a given ap
plication comprises closing an electrical circuit between
for at least two different hosts;
contacts in the multiple contact connector of the data
selecting a matching interconnect cable correspond
reader by attaching the ?rst end connector of the
ing to the data reader and the particular host, the 60 matching interconnect cable to the data reader, the ?rst
interconnect cable having a label thereon contain
ing encoded data which may be read by the data
end connector having certain of its contacts electrically
interconnected.
reader;
8. A handheld data reader system which is con?gura
connecting a ?rst end of the interconnect cable to the
ble to a plurality of host interfaces, comprising:
data reader a second end to the host;
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a host interface;
activating the data reader and the host;
a handheld data reader unit having internal architec
selecting internal hardware and/or ?rmware for the
ture such that the unit may be con?gured for use
data reader by the steps of:
with at least two different host interfaces;