Patent ID: 6550680
Filing Date: 2003-04-22
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An optical scanner for use with a data communications network adapted to gather data from any of a plurality of bar code scanners, wherein the network includes a network controller for controlling uploading of data from any of the plurality of bar code scanners coupled to the data communications network; the network controller including (i) a first processing mechanism, (ii) a plurality of network interface ports, each port being coupled to the network controller, and (iii) at least one of the network interface ports not including a processing mechanism; each network interface port adapted for connection to a bar code scanner; the optical scanner comprising:a processing mechanism; and a memory device coupled to the processing mechanism; wherein a network communications program is stored on the memory device, and the processing mechanism is adapted to execute the network communications program; the network communications program including instructions for controlling at least one of the plurality of network interface ports.