Hand-held data capture system with interchangable modules

• US 5,410,141 A
• Filed: 01/07/1992
• Issued: 04/25/1995
• Est. Priority Date: 06/07/1989
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: Intermec Technologies Corporation (Honeywell International Inc.)
• Original Assignee: Norand Corporation (Baker Hughes Company)
• Inventors: Mahany, Ronald L., Danielson, Arvin D., Geers, Robert G., Hanson, George E., Miller, Phillip, Koenck, Steven E., Durbin, Dennis A., Kelly, Stephen J., Schultz, Darald R., Cargin, Keith K., Boatwright, Darrell L., Gibbs, William T.
• Primary Examiner(s): Popek, Joseph A.
• Assistant Examiner(s): GLEMBOCKI, CHRISTOPHE
• Application Number:
  US07/777,393
• Time in Patent Office: 1,204 Days
• Field of Search: 364/708.1, 364/709.09, 364/709.10, 364/709.11, 361/392, 361/393, 361/394, 361/422, 455/90, 455/347, 455/348, 455/351, 235/472, 235/467, 235/470
• US Class Current: 235/472.02
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/02 for radio sets, television sets, telephones, or the like; Arrangement of controls thereof
• CPC Class Codes: B60R 11/0241 for telephones
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1626 with a single-body enclosure integrating a flat display, e.g. Personal Digital Assistants [PDAs]
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/163 Wearable computers, e.g. on a belt
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1632 External expansion units, e.g. docking stations
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/1698 the I/O peripheral being a sending/receiving arrangement to establish a cordless communication link, e.g. radio or infrared link, integrated cellular phone details of antennas disposed inside a computer H01Q1/2266
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/28 Supervision thereof, e.g. detecting power-supply failure by out of limits supervision
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3203 Power management, i.e. event-based initiation of a power-saving mode
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/3228 Monitoring task completion, e.g. by use of idle timers, stop commands or wait commands
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/0231 Cordless keyboards
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 17/0022 arrangements or provisious for transferring data to distant stations, e.g. from a sensing device "transfer between computer elements G06F13/00 "; data-transmission H04L
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10574 Multiple sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10584 Source control
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10702 Particularities of propagating elements, e.g. lenses, mirrors G06K7/10831 takes precedence
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10722 Photodetector array or CCD scanning
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10732 Light sources
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10811 Focalisation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10851 Circuits for pulse shaping, amplifying, eliminating noise signals, checking the function of the sensing device basic electronic circuitry H03
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1093 sensing, after transfer of the image of the data-field to an intermediate store, e.g. storage with cathode ray tube
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/1098 : the scanning arrangement having a modular construction
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 10/08 : Logistics, e.g. warehousing, loading or distribution; Inventory or stock management
• CPC Class Codes: G06Q 20/343 : Cards including a counter
• CPC Class Codes: G07F 7/02 : by keys or other credit registering devices
• CPC Class Codes: G07G 1/0045 : with a code reader for reading of an identifying code of the article to be registered, e.g. barcode reader or radio-frequency identity [RFID] reader
• CPC Class Codes: H01Q 1/22 : by structural association with other equipment or articles
• CPC Class Codes: H02J 9/005 : using a power saving mode for copiers G03G15/5004
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 1/3883 : Arrangements for mounting batteries or battery chargers
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/0085 : using test signal generators
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 17/318 : Received signal strength
• CPC Class Codes: H04B 2001/3894 : Waterproofing of transmission device
• CPC Class Codes: H04W 88/02 : Terminal devices
• CPC Class Codes: Y02D 30/70 : in wireless communication networks

Abstract

The disclosure relates to battery powered hand-held data entry terminals wherein a peripheral module may contain an automatically operating full image reader and a wireless communication unit. The reader reads at least one full line of indicia and may comprise a laser bar code scanner or a flash type image reader. Preferably the reader has uniform resolution in orthogonal directions in the field of view so that an area image can be read at any arbitrary angular orientation and re-oriented as a stored digital image to a normalized orientation before decoding. The user interface may lie in a first longitudinally extended layer and the peripheral module may lie in a second longitudinally extended adjoining layer. In normal reading disposition of the automatic reader, the user interface may be close to its normal orientation for user interaction therewith to provide for smooth transitions between reading and user interaction operations. A hand grip portion preferably underlies the user interface for comfortable support thereof during manual actuations. The peripheral module and hand grip portion may be used entirely separately from the user interface and may have a wireless link with the user interface. The user interface may comprise a digitizer/display with resolution for accurately digitizing and displaying a person'"'"'s signature. Signatures may also be digitized via an optical full image reader for immediate verification.

Claims

1. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand during use, said data terminal being of the type comprising:

(a) a user interface terminal portion having user interface means providing for user interaction with the data terminal in the supervision of data capture operations,

(b) data transducing means for reading at least a full line of indicia automatically from an external medium to generate data signals, and to wirelessly transfer data signals between the data terminal and an external host,

(c) control means operatively interconnected with the user interface means and with said data transducing means for controlling data capture operation of the data terminal under user supervision, and

(d) portable power supply means for powering the data terminal;

said data capture system being particularly characterized in that;

a terminal module or modules contains said data transducing means, and consequently contains an image reader unit operative to read at least one full line of indicia without requiring manual movement of the data terminal, and also contains a wireless communication unit for the wireless transfer of data signals,

said terminal module or modules being replaceable with respect to said data terminal.

2. In a data capture system according to claim 1, said hand-held data terminal having a normal user operating orientation during user interaction with said user interface means, with the user interface means generally facing toward the user, and said hand-held data terminal having a normal reading disposition during a reading operation of said full image reader unit which essentially corresponds with said normal user operating orientation so as to accommodate rapid transitions between reading operation and user interaction with the user interface means without requiring radical changes in the manually held disposition of the data terminal.

3. In a data capture system according to claim 1, said hand-held data terminal being formed of terminal modules forming longitudinally extended layers separated at a juncture plane, the user interface means being in a longitudinally extended layer at an upper side of the juncture plane in normal user operating orientation of the user interface means, and said full image reader unit being directed generally forwardly and away from the user in said normal user operating orientation so as to be essentially in a normal reading disposition.

4. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, said user interface means comprising a manually actuatable selection unit extending from a proximal end procimate to the user during user interaction therewith, to a distal end relatively more remote from the user, said data terminal having a hand grip portion substantially underlying the distal end of the manually actuatable selector unit and supporting the manually actuatable selector unit during manual actuation thereof.

5. In a data capture system according to claim 4, said hand grip portion having a rounded grip-conforming configuration so as to be comfortably embraced by the user'"'"'s hand.

6. In a data capture system according to claim 5, a hand strap spanning longitudingly across the rounded grip-conforming configuration for backing the hand supporting said data terminal.

7. In a data capture system according to claim 4, a modular housing containing said data transducing means and providing a downwardly protruding shoulder at a forward side of the hand grip portion.

8. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, said wireless communication unit being removable and replaceable without requiring tuning adjustments.

9. In a data capture system according to claim 8, said control means coupled by a connector means across a digital interface to control said wireless communication unit, the signals passed over said connector means being of standardized logic levels such that said wireless communication unit is removable and replaceable without requiring tuning adjustments.

10. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, said user interface terminal portion forming a hand-held data terminal unit readily separable in its entirety from said data transducing means, and being capable of effecting manual data capture operations as a separate hand-held entity.

11. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, a common transducer housing containing said full image reader unit and said wireless communication unit, said common transducer housing being readily detachable from the user interface terminal portion.

12. In a data capture system according to claim 11, said control means comprising decoder means also contained in said common transducer housing for decoding data signals received from said full image reader unit and for supplying decoded data signals to said wireless communication unit for transfer to an external host.

13. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, said control means, and said portable power supply means together with said data transducing means being readily separable from the user interface terminal portion.

14. In a data capture system according to claim 13, a hand-held terminal part containing said control means, said portable power supply means and said data transducing means and being operable entirely separate from said user interface terminal portion for reading of indicia from an external medium and for wireless transfer of data signals to an external host.

15. In a data capture system according to claim 14, said hand-held terminal part having a hand grip portion for manual support thereof and for use in manually directing said full image reader unit into registry with at least a full line of indicia to be read during data capture operation separate from the user interface terminal portion.

16. In a data capture system according to claim 15, said hand-held terminal part having manually actuated selector means in proximity to the hand grip portion for manual actuation by the hand supporting the hand grip portion so as to control the reading of indicia and the wireless transfer of data signals, while the hand-held terminal part is entirely detached from the user interface terminal portion.

17. In a data capture system according to claim 14, said hand-held terminal part having voice synthesis means for interacting with the user to facilitate user supervision of the operation of said data transducing means.

18. In a data capture system according to claim 14, said hand-held terminal part having voice recognition means for responding to user verbal instructions to facilitate user supervision of the operation of said data transducing means.

19. In a data capture system according to claim 1, wherein said hand-held data terminal further comprises a housing, each terminal module comprising a housing portion, which acts with the remainder of said housing to form said housing when said terminal module is replaced with respect to said data terminal.

49. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 20 or 39, said data transducing means being capable of reading an area image and having comparable resolution in respective orthogonal directions over its area field of view, and providing marker beams for delineating the area of the field of view at different distances from said data transducing means.

50. In a data capture system according to claim 49, the marker beams being pulsed to conserve battery power.

51. In a data capture system according to claim 50, a range finder controlling pulsing of the marker beams such that the marker beams are pulsed only when a label is within the operative range of the transducing means.

52. In a data capture system according to claim 51, the range finder when enabled providing a pulsed visible light beam for indicating the aiming direction of the transducing means.

53. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 20 or 39, said user interface means comprising digitizer and display means capable of digitizing and displaying a person'"'"'s signature.

54. In a data capture system according to claim 53, said digitizer and display means providing a common working surface for receiving a stylus impression according to an input signature, and for displaying a stored signature.

55. In a data capture system according to claim 1, 20 or 39, said data transducing means comprising a full image reader unit capable of optically reading a person'"'"'s signature and storing a digitized version of such signature.

56. In a data capture system according to claim 55, said data terminal comprising memory means for storing valid signature records and to evaluate the authenticity of a signature read by said reader unit.

20. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand during use, said data terminal being of the type comprising

(a) user interface means providing for user interaction with the data terminal,

(b) data transducing means for transducing data signals in the furtherance of data capture operations,

(c) control means operatively interconnected with the user interface means and with said data transducing means for controlling data capture operations of the data terminal, and

(d) portable power supply means for powering the data terminal;

wherein said data capture system further comprises;

at least three terminal modules, each module of said three modules receiving selected of said means (a)-(d) and being selectively displaceable and replaceable to form said hand-held data terminal, a first terminal module extending longitudinally in a first layer and having a length generally comparable to the overall length of the data terminal, and second and third terminal modules extending longitudinally and having aligned longitudinal axes, said second and third terminal modules lying generally in a second layer adjoining said first terminal module along a juncture plane which is located between said first terminal module, and said second and third terminal modules.

21. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module having data transducing means therein and forming a platform for support of the second and third modules along said juncture plane.

22. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module having a hand grip portion which when gripped by the user supports the data terminal with the user interface means directed toward the user.

23. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said second terminal module including said user interface means and being capable of operation in conjunction with said user interface means as a manually controlled data terminal unit when entirely separate from said first terminal module.

24. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said second and third terminal modules having said user interface means and having a wireless communication unit as operative parts thereof such that the second and third terminal modules are operative entirely separate from the first terminal module, as a data terminal unit capable of wireless communication with a remote host.

25. In a data capture system according to claim 20, 21, 22, 23, or 24, said third terminal module containing a wireless transceiver unit, and said third terminal module being removable and replaceable as a unit.

26. In a data capture system according to claim 25, said third terminal module being removable and replaceable without requiring any tuning adjustment.

27. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module comprising said user interface means and being removable and replaceable as a unit.

28. In a data capture system according to claim 27, said first terminal module having a substantially greater width than said second and third terminal modules and being replaceable with a first terminal module unit of substantially different configuration to form a data terminal unit with different user interface characteristics.

29. In a data capture system according to claim 28, said second terminal module having a grip-conforming configuration so as to be comfortably gripped by one hand during operation of the data terminal.

30. In a data capture system according to claim 29, said user interface means comprising manually actuated selector means having a greater width than said second terminal module, said second terminal module having a hand strap at the underside thereof longitudinally spanning said grip-conforming configuration such that the user can spread his hand which is backed by the hand strap to support a portion of the manually actuated selector means at a lateral margin thereof not directly supported by the second terminal module.

31. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module having display means with manually actuated selector means at a lateral margin thereof laterally offset from an underlying portion of the remaining terminal modules, the remaining terminal modules providing a grip-conforming configuration for receiving the user'"'"'s hand in supporting relation thereto and having a hand strap longitudinally spanning said grip-conforming configuration such that the user can spread his hand which is backed by the hand strap to support the manually actuated selector means at the lateral margin during manual actuation thereof.

32. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module comprising said user interface means, said second and third terminal modules providing a hand-held terminal part underlying said first terminal module in normal user operating disposition of said first terminal module, said hand-held terminal part having a symmetrical hand grip portion suitable for comfortable gripping by the right or left hand.

33. In a data capture system according to claim 32, said hand-held terminal part having manually actuated selectors at the respective sides thereof suitable for actuation by the hand associated with said hand grip portion.

34. In a data capture system according to claim 33, said hand-held terminal part having a hand strap longitudinally spanning the hand grip portion for stabilizing the support of the hand-held terminal part during selective actuation of the manually actuated selectors.

35. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said first terminal module comprising a keyboard for disposition proximal to the user during use thereof and a display more remote from the user, said second and third terminal modules providing a hand-held terminal part with a hand grip portion underlying said keyboard.

36. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said third terminal module having a reader for reading indicia remote from the user while the data terminal is in a reading orientation, said first terminal module comprising said user interface means and having a normal user operating orientation during user interaction with said user interface means which essentially corresponds with said reading orientation.

37. In a data capture system according to claim 20, said transducing means comprising a full image reader extending along the juncture plane and being directed transversely to the longitudinal axes of the terminal modules such that during a reading operation the junction plane is disposed generally transversely to the plane of indicia to be read.

38. In a data capture system according to claim 37, said first terminal module comprising a keyboard for disposition proximal to the user during manual operation, a display for disposition remote from the user, and having said full image reader disposed at a remote margin of the display remote from the user.

39. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand during use, said data terminal being of the type comprising

(a) user interface means providing for user interaction with the data terminal,

(b) data transducing means for reading data code indicia to generate data signals indicative thereof,

(c) control means operatively interconnected with the user interface means and with said data transducing means for controlling data capture operations of the data terminal, and

(d) portable power supply means for powering the data terminal;

wherein said data capture system further comprises;

said user interface means extending longitudinally in a first layer and constructed for modular attachment with said data transducing means lying in a second layer on an opposite side of a juncture plane from said user interface means.

40. In a data capture system according to claim 39, said hand-held data terminal having a normal user operating orientation during user interaction with said user interface means, with the user interface means generally facing toward the user, said data transducing means comprising a full image reader unit, and said hand-held data terminal having a normal reading disposition during a reading operation of said full image reader unit which essentially corresponds with said normal user operating orientation so as to accommodate rapid transitions between a reading operation and user interaction with the user interface means without requiring radical changes in the manually held disposition of the data terminal.

41. In a data capture system according to claim 40, said user interface means being in a longitudinally extended layer at an upper side of said juncture plane in normal user operating orientation of said user interface means, and said full image reader unit being directed generally forwardly and away from the user in said normal user operating orientation so as to be essentially in a normal reading disposition.

42. In a data capture system according to claim 40 or 41, said user interface means comprising a manually actuatable selection unit extending from a proximal end proximate to the user during user interaction therewith, to a distal end relatively more remote from the user, said data terminal having a hand grip portion substantially underlying the distal end of the manually actuatable selector unit and supporting the manually actuatable selector unit during manual actuation thereof.

43. In a data capture system according to claim 42, said hand grip portion having a rounded grip-conforming configuration so as to be comfortably embraced by the user'"'"'s hand.

44. In a data capture system according to claim 43, a modular housing containing said data transducing means and providing a downwardly protruding shoulder at a forward side of the hand grip portion.

45. In a data capture system according to claim 39, 40 or 41, said data terminal comprising a wireless communication unit, said wireless communication unit being removable and replaceable without requiring tuning adjustments.

46. In a data capture system according to claim 45, said control means coupled by a connector means across a digital interface to control said wireless communication unit, the signals passed over said connector means being of standardized logic levels such that said wireless communication unit is removable and replaceable without requiring tuning adjustments.

47. In a data capture system according to claim 39, 40 or 41, said data transducing means comprising a full image reader unit and a wireless communication unit, a common transducer housing containing said full image reader unit and said wireless communication unit, said common transducer housing being readily detachable from said user interface means.

48. In a data capture system according to claim 47, said control means comprising decoder means also contained in said common transducer housing for decoding data signals received from the automatic full image reader unit and for supplying decoded data signals to said wireless communication unit for transfer to an external host.

57. In a data capture system,

a data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand in a normal user operating orientation, and having a frontal side providing user interface means accommodating user interaction with said data terminal,

said data terminal comprising a terminal module providing said user interface means at the frontal side of said data terminal and having an underside opposite said frontal side, and accommodating modular attachment therewith, and

removable and replaceable code scanner module means for directing radiation on and reading reflected radiation from a complete code symbol without relative movement of the code symbol and said scanner module means, and having an upper side in mating engagement with said underside of said terminal module to form a unitary hand-held data capture device, with independent means for transmitting code data from said code scanner module means to said terminal module,

said code scanner module means being removable as a unit from said terminal module, said terminal module and said code scanner module means so arranged that when disposed in said mating engagement with each other and held in said normal user operating orientation, said terminal module and its user interface means is oriented for unobstructed viewing and convenient interaction by the user and said code scanner is simultaneously oriented by the orientation of said terminal module for scanning the code symbol.

58. In a data capture system according to claim 57, a modular handle detachably secured to said data terminal such that a user grasping said handle supports said data terminal with said user interface means directed upwardly so as to be conveniently accessible to the user.

59. In a data capture system according to claim 58, said data terminal being constructed so that when said data terminal is held by a user in its normal user orientation, said user interface means lies in a horizontal plane and is directed upwardly to be readily accessible to the user, and said code scanner module means is directed generally forwardly from the user and downwardly.

60. In a data capture system according to claim 59, said code scanner module means having a scanner window, and light source means for directing the radiation in the form of light energy through said scanner window so as to substantially instantaneously read a complete code symbol while said user interface means remains essentially stationary in a horizontal plane and accessible to convenient user interaction.

61. In a data capture system according to claim 57, said data terminal being of configuration so as to be palm supported with one hand, said data terminal having manually actuated triggers at opposite lateral sides thereof such that said code scanner module means is readily triggered to effect a code scanning operation by either a right or left hand of the user the palm of which is disposed in supporting relation to said data terminal.

62. In a data capture system, a data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand during use, said data terminal comprising

a terminal module having a frontal side providing user interface means accommodating user interaction with said data terminal,

said terminal module having an underside opposite said frontal side, and accommodating modular attachment therewith, and

data source scanner module means operative during a scanning operation for scanning essentially instantaneously a complete data source,

said scanner module means having an upper side mated with said underside of said data terminal module to form a unitary hand-held data capture device,

said unitary hand-held data capture device being manually held in a normal user disposition such that said terminal module and its user interface means are oriented for unobstructed viewing by the user holding said unitaty hand-held device and said scanner module is simultaneously oriented for said scanning operation, and said data source scanner module means being removable as a unit from said terminal module.

63. In a data capture system according to claim 62, a modular handle detachably secured to said data terminal such that a user, grasping said handle supports the data terminal in said normal user disposition with the user interface means directed upwardly so as to be conveniently accessible to the user.

64. In a data capture system according to claim 63, wherein said modular handle is attachable to said data terminal so that the user grasping said modular handle supports said data terminal in said normal user disposition, wherein said user interface means lies in a horizontal plane and is directed upwardly for convenient user interaction and said code scanner module means is simultaneously directed generally forwardly and downwardly.

65. In a data capture system according to claim 64, said scanner module means having a scanner window, and light source means for directing light energy through said scanner window so as to substantially instantaneously read a complete code symbol while said user interface means remains essentially stationary in said normal user disposition.

66. In a data capture system according to claim 62, said data terminal being of a configuration so as to be palm supported with one hand in said normal user disposition, said data terminal having manually actuated triggers at opposite lateral sides thereof such that said scanner module means is readily triggered to effect a code scanning operation by either a right or left hand of the user the palm of whom is disposed in supporting relation to said data terminal.

71. In a data capture system according to claim 66, said data terminal being of configuration so as to be palm supported with one hand, said data terminal having manually actuated triggers at opposite lateral sides thereof such that said bar code scanner module means is readily triggered to effect a bar code scanning operation by either a right or left hand of the user the palm of whom is disposed in supporting relation to said data terminal.

67. In a data capture system, a data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand during use, said data terminal comprising

a terminal module having a frontal side providing user interface means accommodating user interaction with said data terminal,

said terminal module having an underside opposite said frontal side, and accommodating modular attachment therewith, and code scanning module means having manually actuated trigger means and being operable in response to manual actuation of said trigger means to effect an instantaneous reading of a complete code symbol,

said code scanning module means comprising a separately enclosed unit with an upper side in mating engagement with said underside of said terminal module, said scanning module means being removable as a unit from said terminal module, said code scanning module means and said terminal module in said mating engagement with each other are arranged to be held in one hand of a user in a normal user position, wherein said terminal module is directly viewable to the user to present said interface means for facile manipulation by the other hand of the user and to permit the user to orient both said mated terminal module and code scanner module means to effect an instantaneous reading of the code symbol by said scanning module means.

68. In a data capture system according to claim 67, a modular handle detachably secured to said data terminal such that a user grasping said handle supports said data terminal in said normal user position, wherein said user interface means is directed upwardly so as to be conveniently accessible to the user.

69. In a data capture system according to claim 68, said data terminal being constructed so that when the user holds said matingly engaged scanning module means and said terminal module in said normal use position, the user interface means lies in a horizontal plane and is directed upwardly, and said code scanner module means is directed generally forwardly and downwardly.

70. In a data capture system according to claim 68, said code scanner module means having a scanner window, and light source means for directing light energy through said scanner window so as to substantially instantaneously read a complete code symbol while said user interface means remains essentially stationary in a horizontal plane and accessible to convenient user interaction.

72. In a data capture system, a hand-held portable data terminal of a size and weight to be held within only one hand of a user, said data terminal comprising:

a) data entry means for receiving and converting data into signals of a selected one of a plurality of signal standards;

b) control means connectable with said data entry means for controlling the data capture operations of said data terminal;

c) portable power supply means for powering said data terminal; and

d) a housing comprising a plurality of integratable modules, and conductor means for receiving and transmitting electrical signals of a given signal standard between each of said plurality of modules and said data terminal, selected of said plurality of modules receiving selected of said means (a)-(c) and comprising means for converting said electrical signals of said selected one signal standard to said electrical signals of said given standard to permit one module to be replaced by a like or different module in an integrated fashion within said housing.

73. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said housing is of fixed dimensions, each of said plurality of modules being selectively displaceable from and replaceable in an integrated fashion with said housing without changing said fixed dimensions.

74. In a data capturing system of claim 72, wherein said data entry means comprises user interface means for permitting the user to interact with said data terminal.

75. In a data capturing system of claim 74, wherein said data entry means further comprises data transducing means for capturing and transducing data into signals.

76. In a data capturing system of claim 75, wherein at least one of said plurality of modules comprises said data transducing means and wireless communication means connectable with said control means for providing said data signals to a remote host.

77. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said signal processing means includes coupling means which permits one module to be recoupled to said data terminal by a like or different module.

78. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said signal processing means standardizes the signals passing through said signal processing means between said one module and said data terminal.

79. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein there is further included a dummy module, which is constructed to replace one of said plurality of modules in an integrated fashion within said housing.

80. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said signal processing means standardizes said electrical signals passing from said interface means of one of said plurality of modules and said conductor means.

81. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said conductor means receives and transmits said electrical signals between said interface means and selected of said plurality of modules.

82. In a data capture system of claim 72, wherein said electrical signals are of a plurality of standardized logic levels, selected of said plurality of modules developing electrical signals of varying logic levels differing from said standardized logic levels, said signal processing means of each of said selected modules standardizing said module electrical signals outputted therefrom to said standardized logic levels.

83. In a data capture system, a hand-held portable data terminal of a size and weight to be held in only one hand of a user, said data terminal comprising:

a) first and second modules, each of said first and second modules comprising opposing front and rear sides;

b) user interface means disposed at said front side of said first module for permitting the user to interact with said data terminal, whereby said first module has a balance when held by itself done by the user;

c) bar code scanner means for directing radiation on and reading reflected radiation from a complete code symbol without movement of the code symbol and said scanner means; and

d) said second module constructed to receive said scanner means and being selectively disposed in a separated state and a connected state wherein said rear side of said first module is connected to said front side of said second module in a manner to maintain said balance of said first module.

84. In a data capture system according to claim 83, wherein said hand-held data terminal has a normal user operating orientation during user interaction with said user interface means, said user interface means generally facing toward the user, and said hand-held data terminal having a normal reading disposition during a reading operation of said scanner means which essentially corresponds with said normal user operating orientation so as to accommodate rapid transitions between reading operation of said scanner means and user interaction with said user interface means without requiring radical changes in the manually held disposition of said data terminal.

85. In a data capture system according to claim 83, wherein said first and second modules forms respectively first and second longitudinally extended layers separated at a juncture plane, said user interface means being in said first longitudinally extended layer at an upper side of said juncture plane in a normal user operating orientation of said user interface means, and said scanner means being directed generally forwardly and away from the user in said normal user operating orientation so as to be essentially in a normal scanning disposition.

86. In a data capture system according to claim 83, said second module having a handgrip portion for manual support thereof and for use in manually directing said scanner means into registry with said code symbol to be read during a data scanning operation of said scanner means.

87. In a data capture system according to claim 83, wherein there is included a third module, said second module extends longitudinally in a first layer and having a length generally comparable to the overall length of said data terminal, and first and third modules extending longitudinal and having aligned longitudinal axes, said first and third modules lying generally in a second layer adjoining said second module along a juncture plane which is located between said second module, and said first and third modules.

88. In a data capture system according to claim 87, wherein said second module forms a platform for support of said first and third modules along said juncture plane.

89. In a data capture system according to claim 87, wherein said first and third terminal modules have said user interface means and a wireless communication unit as operative parts thereof such that said first and third terminal modules are operative entirely separate from said second module as a data terminal unit capable of wireless communication with a remote host.

90. In a data collection system according to claim 83, wherein said data terminal has a normal user operating orientation, said user interface means comprising a keyboard for disposition proximal to the user and a display disposed remotely from the user when said data terminal is disposed in said normal user operating orientation, said scanner means disposed remotely from the user when said data terminal is disposed in said normal user operating orientation.

91. In a data capture system, a hand-held portable data terminal of a size and weight to be held within only one hand of a user, said data terminal comprising:

a) user interface means for permitting the user to interact with said data terminal;

b) data transducing means for reading code data and transducing it into signals;

c) control means connectable to said user interface means and said data transducing means for controlling the data capture operations of said data terminal;

d) portable power supply means for powering said data terminal; and

e) a housing of a given configuration comprising a plurality of discrete exterior surfaces integratable with each other to define a composite exterior surface, and a plurality of integratable modules, each of said plurality of modules having a module casing for enclosing selected of said means (a)-(d), each module casing comprising at least one of said plurality of discrete exterior surfaces, each of said plurality of modules being selectively disconnected from and connected to said data terminal whereby said discrete exterior surfaces of said connected modules form said composite exterior surface, said housing having a hand grip portion to be gripped by a user to orient said data terminal in a normal user operating position, a selected one of said plurality of modules for receiving said data transducing means and oriented when connected to said data terminal to read the code data disposed remote from the user.

92. In a data capturing system of claim 91, wherein there is further included wireless communication means connectable with said control means for providing said data signals to a remote host, selected of said plurality of modules receiving said wireless communication means.

93. In a data capturing system of claim 92, wherein said selected module or modules includes antenna means connected with said wireless communication means therein.

94. In a data capturing system of claim 93, wherein said antenna means is confined within said given configuration of said housing.

95. In a data capturing system of claim 93, wherein each of said selected modules or module has an exterior portion which comprises an exterior portion of said housing when said selected modules or module is replaced within said housing, said antenna means being embedded within said exterior portion of said corresponding module.

96. In a data capture system according to claim 91, wherein said housing has manually actuated selector means in proximity to said hand grip portion for manual actuation by the user'"'"'s hand supporting said hand grip portion so as to control the reading of the code symbol.

97. In a data capture system according to claim 91, wherein said user interface means comprises a keyboard for disposition proximal to the user and a display for disposition remote from the user when said data terminal is held in its normal user operating orientation, said scanner means being disposed remotely with respect to said display remote from the user when said data terminal is held in its normal user operating orientation.

98. In a data capture system according to claim 91, wherein said data terminal has manually actuated triggers disposed at opposite lateral sides of said hand grip portion such that said bar code scanner module means is readily triggered to effect the code scanning operation by either a right or left hand of the user, the palm of which is disposed in supporting relation to said data terminal.

99. In a data capture system according to claim 91, wherein when said data terminal is supported in said normal user operating orientation, said user interface means lies in a horizontal plane and is directed upwardly for convenient user interaction and said scanner means is simultaneously directed generally forwardly and downwardly;

said hand grip portion being arranged so that when said data terminal is disposed in its normal user operating orientation said bar code scanner means is simultaneously oriented to effect a reading of said bar code symbol.

100. In a data capture system according to claim 91, wherein said housing has a hand grip portion so arranged such that a user grasping said hand grip portion supports said data terminal in a normal user operating orientation wherein said user interface means is directed upward so as to be conveniently accessible to the user.

101. In a data capture system of claim 91, wherein said plurality of modules includes a first module disposed within a first layer and a second module disposed in a second layer adjoining said first layer along a juncture plane which is disposed between said first and second modules.

102. In a data capture system of claim 101, wherein said first module contains said user interface means and said second module contains said data transducing means.

103. In a data capture system of claim 102, wherein said plurality of modules includes a third module disposed in said second layer and having an axis aligned with that of said second module.

104. In a data capture system of claim 103, wherein said third module contains said control means.

105. In a data capture system of claim 104, wherein, said second module contains wireless communications means and is connectable with said control means, and there is included connector means for coupling signals between said control means and said wireless communication means and for standardizing the logic levels of the coupled signals such that said second module is removable and replaceable without requiring tuning adjustments.

106. In a data capture system of claim 103, wherein said third module contains said portable power supply.

107. In a data capture system of claim 106, wherein there is further included connector means for coupling power from said portable power supply to each of said first and second modules.

108. In a data capture system of claim 102, wherein said second module contains wireless communications means connectable with said control means for providing said data signal to a remote host.

109. In a data capture system of claim 101, wherein said first module contains said user interface means and said second module contains wireless communications means connectable with said control means for providing said data signal to a remote host.

110. In a data capture system of claim 101, wherein said first module contains said user interface means and said portable power supply means.

111. In a data capture system of claim 91, wherein said housing has opposing first and second surfaces, said second surface has a hand grip portion for receiving a first hand of the user, said user interface means comprises a keyboard disposed in said first surface for ready actuation by the second hand of the user and disposed immediately above said hand grip portion to provide data terminal support during keyboard actuation.

112. In a data capture system of claim 111, wherein the user grasps said hand grip portion to support said data terminal in a normal user operating orientation, said second surface has a downwardly protruding shoulder disposed at a side of said hand grip portion remote from the user when said data terminal is disposed in its normal user operating orientation.

113. In a data capture system,

a data terminal of a size and weight to be held in one hand in a normal user operating orientation, having a frontal side providing user interface means accommodating user interaction with said data terminal,

said data terminal comprising a terminal module providing said user interface means at said frontal side of said data terminal and having an underside opposite said frontal side, and accommodating modular attachment therewith, and

a removable and replaceable code reader module for directing radiation on and reading reflected radiation from a complete code symbol without relative movement of the code symbol and said code reader module, and having an upper side in mating engagement with said underside of said data terminal to form a unitary hand-held data capture device, with means for transmitting code data from said code reader module to said data terminal,

said code reader module being removable as a unit from said terminal module, and

a handle secured to said data terminal such that a user grasping said handle supports said data terminal with said user interface means oriented for unobstructed viewing and convenient interaction by the user and said reader module is simultaneously oriented for reading the code symbol.

114. In a data capture system according to claim 113, said data terminal being constructed so that when said data terminal is held by a user in its normal user orientation, said user interface means lies in a horizontal plane and is directed upwardly to be readily accessible to the user, and said code scanner module is directed generally forwardly from the user and downwardly.

115. In a data capture system according to claim 114, said code scanner module having a scanner window, and light source means for directing the radiation in the form of light energy through said scanner window so as to substantially instantaneously read a complete code symbol while said user interface means remains essentially stationary in a horizontal place and accessible to convenient user interaction.

116. In a data capture system,

a data terminal of size and weight to be held in one hand in a normal user operating orientation, said data terminal comprising a terminal module providing a frontal side providing user interface means accommodating user interaction with said data terminal and an underside opposite said frontal side and accommodating modular attachment therewith,

a code reader module for reading data code indicia and converting it to data signals and having an upper surface for engagement with said underside of said data terminal module, whereby said terminal module may be separated from said code reader and said data terminal independently operated, and

a handle secured to said code reader such that a user grasping said handle supports said data terminal with the user interface means oriented for convenient interaction by the user and said code reader module is simultaneously oriented for reading the data code indicia.

117. In a data capture system according to claim 116, wherein there is releasable means for applying said data signals to said data terminal.

118. In a data capture system according to claim 116, wherein said handle is constructed to receive portable power supply means.

119. In a data capture system according to claim 118, wherein there is included means for connecting said portable supply means to energize said code reader module.

120. In a data capture system according to claim 118, wherein there is included releasable means for connecting said portable supply means to energize said code reader module.

121. In a data capture system, a hand-held portable data terminal capable of operator adaptation from a first configuration to an augmented configuration, said data terminal comprising:

a) data entry means for receiving and converting data into electrical signals;

b) control means connectable to said data entry means for controlling the data capture operations of said data terminal;

c) portable power supply means for powering said data terminal;

d) a housing comprising a plurality of discrete exterior surfaces integratable with each other to form a composite exterior surface about said data terminal;

e) a plurality of modules including in said initial configuration a dummy module, each of the remaining of said plurality of modules for receiving selectively said means (a)-(c) and including an interface means to permit one of said plurality of modules to be replaced by a like or different module, each of said plurality of modules has an enclosed module casing, each module casing comprising at least one of said plurality of discrete exterior surfaces, each of said plurality of modules being selectively withdrawn from or incorporated in an integrated fashion within said housing whereby said discrete exterior surfaces of said incorporated modules form said composite exterior surface;

f) means for performing an augmented function; and

g) said plurality of modules further including an augmented module for containing said augmented means, said augmented module adapted to replace said dummy module whereby said data terminal is disposed to its augmented configuration.

122. In a data capture system of claim 121, wherein said augmented means comprises wireless communication means for transmitting and receiving signals from a remote source.

123. In a data capture system of claim 121, wherein said augmented means comprises bar code scanning means for directing radiation on and reading reflected radiation from a bar code symbol.

124. In a data capture system of claim 123, wherein said housing comprises a hand grip portion disposed to be gripped manually by the operator in a normal position, wherein said data entry means is disposed upwardly to be readily viewed by the operator and said augmented module is disposed so that said bar code reader is oriented to read a bar code disposed remotely from the operator.

125. In a data capture system of claim 121, wherein said control means comprises a primary memory, said augmented means comprises an expanded memory.

126. In a data capture system, a hand-held data terminal of a size and weight to be held in one hand during use and having a frontal side, said data terminal comprising

(a) user interface means providing for user interaction with said data terminal,

(b) a terminal module orienting said user interface at said frontal side of said data terminal and having an underside opposite said frontal side, said underside accommodating modular attachment therewith,

(c) data transducing means for transducing data signals in the furtherance of data capture operations,

(d) control means operatively interconnected with said user interface means and with said data transducing means for controlling data capture operations of said data terminal,

(e) portable power supply means for powering said data terminal, and

(f) a transducer module receiving said data transducer means and constructed for removable attachment from said underside of said terminal module.

127. In a data capture system according to claim 126, said data transducing means comprising a full image reader unit, said hand-held data terminal having a normal user operating orientation to facilitate user interaction with said user interface means, wherein said user interface means generally faces toward the user and said full image reader unit is disposed to effect a reading operation without requiring substantial changes in said normal user operating orientation of said data terminal.

128. In a data capture system according to claim 127, a modular handle detachably secured to said underside of said data terminal, said modular handle having an axis which traverses said underside of said data terminal when said modular handle is secured thereto.

129. In a data capture system according to claim 128, said modular handle having a manually actuable trigger and means removably engagable with said terminal module for causing said image reader unit to effect a code reading operation when said trigger is activated.

130. In a data capture system according to claim 126, said data transducing means comprising a wireless communication unit.

131. In a data capture system according to claim 126, said data transducing means comprising a full image reader unit and a wireless communication unit, a common transducer housing containing said full image reader unit and said wireless communication unit, said common transducer housing being readily detachable from said underside of said terminal module.

132. In a data capture system according to claim 126, wherein said transducer module has at least one trigger, said trigger being manually actuated to effect a code scanning operation thereby.

133. In a data capture system according to claim 126, said terminal module having a compartment therein for receiving said power supply means, said compartment having an opening to said underside, and a cover mounted to be moved between an open position and a closed position with respect to said opening.

134. In a data capture system, a hand-held portable data terminal of a size and weight to be held within only one hand of a user, said data terminal comprising:

a) data entry means for receiving and converting data into signals;

b) control means connectable with said entry means for controlling the data capture operations of said data terminal;

c) portable power supply means for powering said data terminal; and

d) a housing of a given configuration comprising a plurality of integratable modules, selected of said plurality of modules receiving selected of said means (a)-(c) in an integrated fashion within said given configuration of said housing, at least one of said plurality of modules comprises memory means adapted to be connected to said control means when said one module is replaced within said housing.

135. In a data capturing system of claim 134, wherein said control means comprises second memory means and said first mentioned memory means augments the storage capacity of said second memory means.