Portable data reading device with integrated web server for configuration and data extraction

Abstract

A portable data reading device, such as a barcode scanner or RFID reader, includes a Web server and a first server-side application to modify one or more settings of the portable data reading device. The settings may include, for example, symbology settings, device settings, and network settings. The Web server may receive formatted data from a client browser representing a requested modification of at least one setting of the portable data reading device. Upon receiving the formatted data, the Web server may automatically invoke the first server-side application to modify the at least one setting responsive to the formatted data.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a divisional of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10 / 888,570, filed Jul. 9, 2004, for “Portable Data Reading Device with Integrated Web Server for Configuration and Data Extraction,” which is fully incorporated herein by reference.BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] The field of the present invention relates generally to portable data reading devices and more particularly to a portable data reader with an integrated Web server for configuration and data extraction. [0003] Data reading devices, such as barcode scanners, RFID readers, and the like, are a popular means for data acquisition in computerized processing systems. Barcode scanners are used to optically capture barcode patterns or other symbols or information imprinted on different surfaces in order to transmit the information encoded in the barcode pattern or symbol to a host processing device. [0004] Two major types of commonly used barcode scanners are flying...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

Unfortunately, client-side configuration programs, such as FMU, present a number of drawbacks.

Initially, each remote computer that is to access a portable data reader must have a separate installation of FMU, which gives rise to management and maintenance issues.

Thus, updating the file systems of multiple data readers must be done one at a time, which greatly increases maintenance time.

Finally, protocols used by FMU and others are not secure for use across the Internet.

However, SNMP uses specific ports in the TCP / IP stack that are vulnerable across the Internet.

Because of security concerns, network administrators typically block all but a few ports (e.g., for HTTP, e-mail, etc.) using firewalls, preventing programs like FMU from working properly.

While virtual private networks (VPNs) can be used to work around these limitations, VPNs increase the complexity and expense of a system.

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