Importance

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Abstract

A portable bar code reader including a keyboard and a bar code system computer wherein the bar code system computer is constructed for executing a standard operating system to enable the bar code system computer to execute standard application programs written for the standard operating system. The keyboard includes a keypad coupled to a keyboard processor and a keyboard memory wherein the keyboard memory is constructed to store a plurality of token data units. The keypad includes a plurality of keys and is constructed to provide a plurality of X-Y position signals wherein each X-Y position signal is indicative of an associated key being depressed. The keypad also includes a change meaning assembly constructed to provide a change meaning signal to the keyboard processor 308. The keyboard processor 308 is responsive to the change meaning signal to select a portion of the keyboard memory that stores the meanings of the keys associated with the change meaning signal. The plurality of X-Y position signals are used to select a particular token data unit from the portion of the keyboard memory selected wherein the particular token data unit is indicative of the meaning to be attributed to the key that was depressed. The portable bar code reader of the present invention enables a user to provide differing keyboard formats for use with the bar code reader wherein each keyboard format assigns differing meanings to the keys. Alternatively, a plurality of keyboards may be used with the portable bar code reader wherein each keyboard is assigned differing meanings to the keys.

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First Claim