Method and system for remote browsing of computer files using a bar code reader

Abstract

A method of integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. A data collection object executes on the host computer, using a predetermined interface between the host application software and the data collection object. That interface, and the communications between the host application software and the data collection object, are configured so that to the host application software the data collection device appears to be local hardware on the host computer. The data collection object creates and executes threads of execution for controlling operation of the data collection device, with the threads communicating with the remote terminals via a host computer transport layer, the wireless link, and a remote computer transport layer at the remote terminals. A data collection device driver on the remote terminal receives communications from the data collection object, and returns information to the data collection object, over the remote computer transport layer, wireless link, and host computer transport layer.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 916,605, filed on Aug. 22, 1997 (hereby incorporated by reference), which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 691,263, filed on Aug. 2, 1996, now abandoned, which was copending with U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 006,872, filed on Nov. 17, 1995.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The invention relates to integrating host application software with data collection devices (e.g., bar code scanners) located on remote, wireless terminals. [0003] Various readers and optical scanning systems have been developed for reading printed indicia such as bar code symbols appearing on a label or the surface of an article and providing information concerning the article such as the price or nature of the article. The bar code symbol itself is a coded pattern of indicia comprised of, for example, a series of bars of various widths spaced apart from one anot...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0015] There may be provided a portable computer device comprising a main body and at least one data collection/communications module connectable to the main body, the main body including an interface for connection with the module, a processor for processing information received from the mod

Problems solved by technology

The manufacture of a customized system for a specific application is expensive and difficult to modify if it is subsequently desired to incorporate further data capture options than those originally provided in the customized device.

Further li

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