Patent ID: 6811088
Filing Date: 2004-11-02
Classification: G06F,G06K

Abstract:
A data collection system comprising:at least one data transmitting unit for scanning bar codes and for producing a decode signal representative of a scanned bar code and having communication circuitry for the wireless transmission of the decode signal over a short range using a first protocol; and a portable data collection device comprising a display, manual data entry circuitry, a processor for receiving entered data and for controlling the display, a first communication circuit for receiving data from the at least one data transmitting unit using the first protocol over a short range and a second communication circuit using a second protocol for wireless transmitting and receiving of data over a long range from a host; the processor being configured to controls the display to depict a keypad array of discrete keypad areas, each representing at least one of alphanumerics and icons on the display and corresponding to data to be entered by actuating same and wherein the processor reconfigures the array of alphanumerics and icons for different operations, the depicted keypad array including at least one start scan key to initiate scanning on the at least one data transmitting unit, the processor reconfiguring a position of the start scan key on the display to depict a start scan key for a right handed user and for a left handed user.