Patent ID: 6112992
Filing Date: 2000-09-05
Classification: G06K

Abstract:
An apparatus for providing an optical code reading mode and a data communication mode, the apparatus comprising:an optical detector for sensing an optical code during the optical code reading mode and for sensing an optically-transmitted data message during the data communication mode;an amplifier having an input, an output, and a gain control input, the input responsive to the optical detector;an optical code reader circuit responsive to the output of the amplifier to receive a first signal associated with the optical code during the optical code reading mode; anda data communication circuit responsive to the output of the amplifier to receive a second signal associated with the optically-transmitted data message during the data communication mode;wherein the gain control input of the amplifier is responsive to the optical code reader circuit during the optical code reading mode and is responsive to the data communication circuit during the data communication mode.