Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals

• US 5,905,249 A
• Filed: 10/21/1997
• Issued: 05/18/1999
• Est. Priority Date: 11/04/1991
• Status: Expired due to Term

• Current Assignee: PSC Scanning, Inc. (Datalogic ADC Incorporated)
• Original Assignee: Spectra-Physics Scanning Systems, Inc.
• Inventors: Reddersen, Brad R., Moch, Rockie D., Shepard, Phillip W.
• Primary Examiner(s): Hajec, Donald
• Assistant Examiner(s): Frech, Karl D.
• Application Number:
  US08/955,864
• Time in Patent Office: 574 Days
• Field of Search: 235/462, 235/472, 235/462.15, 235/462.13, 235/462.43, 235/462.45, 235/462.47, 439/502, 439/620
• US Class Current: 235/462.15
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 1/18 Packaging or power distribution
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 3/002 Specific input/output arrangements not covered by G06F3/01 - G06F3/16 other optical apparatus G02B27/00
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 2207/1017 Programmable
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10 by electromagnetic radiation, e.g. optical sensing; by corpuscular radiation
• CPC Class Codes: G06K 7/10881 constructional details of hand-held scanners
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 12/7076 for connection between PCB and component, e.g. display
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/465 Identification means, e.g. labels, tags, markings H01R9/2475, H01R9/2683 take precedence
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 13/64 Means for preventing incorrect coupling
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 29/00 Coupling parts for selective co-operation with a counterpart in different ways to establish different circuits, e.g. for voltage selection, for series-parallel selection, programmable connectors
• CPC Class Codes: H01R 31/06 Intermediate parts for linking two coupling parts, e.g. adapter with a holder adapted for supporting apparatus to which its counterpart is attached H01R33/94

Abstract

An interface selection and configuration system for a computer peripheral in which configuration for the peripheral and/or the host interface is at least in part accomplished by the interface connector cable. In a preferred embodiment, the computer peripheral is equipped with one or more hardware interfaces. The interface connector cable has a first end connector for attaching to the computer peripheral. The first end connector of the interface connector cable is typically a multiple pin connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically and electrically connectable only to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals, the first end connector including at least one electrical connection between two pins for completing a circuit within the computer peripheral thereby enabling the computer peripheral. Where the peripheral is a data reading device such as a laser scanner or RFID reader, alternate or additional configuration may be obtained, with data reading device, from the label on the interconnect cable. The label, which may for example be a bar code or RFID tag, contains information or instructions by which the data reading device (and/or the host) is configured.

Claims

1. A method for configuring a bar code scanning system for a given application, the bar code scanning system being comprised of a scanner and an interconnect cable, comprising the steps of:

(1) identifying the scanner;

(2) identifying the given application for which the bar code scanning system will be used;

(3) selecting a correct interconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cable corresponding to the scanner and the given application identified in steps (1) and (2);

(4) connecting the interconnect cable selected in step (3) to the scanner and the host;

(5) providing a bar code label with the interconnect cable, the bar code label instructions for selection of interface configuration parameters for the bar code scanning system;

(6) reading the bar code label with the scanner to obtain the instructions;

(7) configuring the bar code scanning system for the given application by selecting proper internal parameter settings on the basis of the instructions.

2. A method for configuring a bar code scanning system for a given application, the bar code scanning system being comprised of a scanner and an interconnect cable, comprising the steps of

(1) identifying the scanner;

(2) identifying the given application for which the bar code scanning system will be used;

(3) selecting a correct interconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cable corresponding to the scanner and the given application identified in steps (1) and (2);

(4) configuring the bar code scanning system by connecting the interconnect cable selected in step (3) to the scanner and the host.

3. A method according to claim 2 wherein the step of selecting the correct interconnect cable comprises selecting an interconnect cable having an identifying code imprinted thereon corresponding to the scanner and the given application identified in steps (1) and (2).

4. A method according to claim 2 further comprising

(5) providing a bar code label with the interconnect cable, the label containing encoded data comprising instructions for selection of interface configuration parameters for the bar code scanning system;

(6) using the scanner to obtain the encoded data;

(7) processing the encoded data;

(8) by means of an internal configuration routine, configuring the bar code scanning system for the given application by selecting proper internal parameter settings on the basis of the instructions from the encoded data.

5. A method according to claim 4 wherein the bar code scanner comprises a laser scanner.

6. A method of setting interface configuration of a data reading system for a given host type, comprising the steps of

selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the given host type;

providing a bar code label with the interconnect cable, the bar code label containing encoded data comprising instructions corresponding to the given host type;

scanning the bar code label to obtain the encoded data contained in the label;

setting interface configuration of the data reading system on the basis of the instructions from the encoded data.

7. A method according to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a data terminal.

8. A method according to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a communications module.

9. A method according to claim 8 wherein the communications module comprises an RF transmitter.

10. A method according to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a point of sale unit.

11. A method according to claim 6 wherein the given host type comprises a wedge.

12. A method according to claim 6 further comprising placing the bar code label on a tag associated with the interconnect cable.

13. A method according to claim 6 further comprising imprinting the bar code label directly on the interconnect cable.

14. A method according to claim 6 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board.

15. A method according to claim 6 wherein the step of setting the interface configuration comprises setting system parameters corresponding to an interface type selected from the group consisting of:

IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.

16. A bar code scanning system comprising

a scanner;

and

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanner, the interconnect cable being removable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the scanner wherein hardware and/or firmware of the bar code scanning system is automatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the given host and connecting the interconnect cable to the scanner.

17. A system according to claim 16 wherein the interconnect cable includes a switch for changing configuration of the interconnect cable.

18. A system according to claim 16 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board.

19. A system according to claim 18 the printed circuit board includes switches for changing internal settings of the interconnect cable.

20. A system according to claim 16 further comprising an identifying code located on an outer surface of the interconnect cable, the identifying code corresponding to a particular host or class of hosts to which the interconnect cable corresponds.

21. A system according to claim 16 wherein the interconnect cable includes a first end for connection to the scanner and a second end, the second end including a multiple contact connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically connectable only to given host or similar class of hosts.

22. A data reading system, comprising a data reader and an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the data reader, the interconnect cable being removable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the data reader wherein interface configuration of the data reading system is changeable to correspond with a given host by changing the interconnect cable and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader.

23. A data reading system comprising

a data reader;

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the data reader;

a bar code label associated with the interconnect cable, the label containing encoded data comprising instructions for selection of interface configuration parameters for the data reading system;

internal circuitry for setting interface configuration parameters of the data reading system,

wherein the data reading system is set to a given interface configuration by reading the bar code label associated with the interconnect cable.

24. A data reading system according to claim 23 wherein the interface configuration is selected from the group consisting of:

IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.

25. A data reading system according to claim 24 further comprising a data terminal connected to the data reader via the interconnect cable.

26. A data reading system comprising

a scanner;

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanner;

a bar code label associated with the interconnect cable, the label containing encoded data comprising instructions for selection of interface configuration parameters for the data reading system;

internal circuitry for setting interface configuration parameters of the data reading system,

wherein the data reading system is set to a given interface type by connecting the interconnect cable to the scanner and scanning the bar code label associated with the interconnect cable.

27. A data reading system according to claim 26 wherein the interface type is selected from the group consisting of:

Undecoded, IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.

28. A data reading system according to claim 26 further comprising an RF communications module connected to the scanner via the interconnect cable.

29. A connector cable system according to claim 28 further comprising

an identifying code located on an outer surface of the interconnect cable, the identifying code corresponding to the given host.

30. A connector cable system according to claim 28 wherein the interconnect cable comprises a switch for changing a function of the interconnect cable.

31. A connector cable system according to claim 28 wherein the interconnect cable comprises a printed circuit.

32. A connector cable system according to claim 28 wherein the programming label in imprinted on a tag attached to the interconnect cable.

33. A connector cable system for providing interface configuration of a data reading system having a data reader and an interconnect cable, comprising

an interconnect cable having a first end connector connectable to the data reader and a second end connector connectable to a given host;

a unique programming label provided with the interconnect cable having configuration data encoded thereon, the configuration data comprising information readable by the data reader to configure the data reading system to an interface corresponding to the given host.

34. A method for configuring a scanning system for a host, comprising the steps of

(1) identifying the scanning system;

(2) identifying a given host for which the scanning system will be used;

(3) configuring the scanning system for the given host by the steps of;

(a) selecting a correct interconnect cable by identifying an interconnect cable corresponding to the scanning system and the given host identified in steps (1) and (2),

(b) connecting the interconnect cable selected in step (3)(a) to the scanning system and the host, wherein connection of the interconnect cable sets internal configuration parameters of the scanning system.

35. A method according to claim 34 wherein the step of configuring the scanning system further comprises

(c) providing a label containing configuration information,

(d) reading the label with the scanning system to obtain the information,

(e) setting internal configuration parameters on the basis of the information.

36. A method according to claim 34 wherein the scanning system comprises a handheld bar code laser scanner.

37. A method according to claim 34 further comprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning system for a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a data terminal.

38. A method according to claim 34 further comprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning system for a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a communications module.

39. A method according to claim 38 wherein the communications module comprises an RF transmitter.

40. A method according to claim 34 further comprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning system for a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a point of sale unit.

41. A method according to claim 34 further comprising setting the interface configuration of the scanning system for a given host type, wherein the given host type comprises a wedge.

42. A method for setting interface configuration of a scanning system, comprising the steps of

(1) identifying the scanning system;

(2) identifying a desired interface configuration for which the scanning system will be used;

(3) identifying an interconnect cable corresponding to the scanning system and the interface configuration identified in steps (1) and (2);

(4) setting switches of the interconnect cable corresponding to the desired interface configuration; and

(5) connecting the interconnect cable to the scanning system.

43. A method according to claim 42 further comprising

(6) providing a label, the label containing encoded data comprising instructions for selection of configuration parameters for the scanning system;

(7) using the scanning system to obtain the encoded data;

(8) processing the encoded data;

(9) by means of an internal configuration routine, completing configuration the scanning system for the given application by selecting proper internal parameter settings on the basis of the instructions from the encoded data.

44. A method according to claim 43 further comprising placing the bar code label on a tag associated with the interconnect cable.

45. A method according to claim 43 further comprising imprinting the bar code label directly on the interconnect cable.

46. A method according to claim 42 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board.

47. A method according to claim 42 wherein the step of setting the interface configuration comprises setting system parameters corresponding to an interface type selected from the group consisting of:

IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.

48. A bar code scanning system comprising:

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanning system, the interconnect cable being removable by being connected to and being disconnected from the scanning system, the interconnect cable including a first end connector for connection to the scanning system, the first end connector having a plurality of pin connections wherein at least two of the pin connections are interconnected;

wherein hardware and/or firmware of the scanning system is automatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the given host and connecting the interconnect cable to the scanning system.

49. A system according to claim 48 wherein the scanning system comprises a laser bar code scanner, the interconnect cable being directly connected to the scanner, the interconnect cable including a switch for changing configuration of the interconnect cable.

50. A system according to claim 48 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board.

51. A system according to claim 48 wherein the interconnect cable includes a printed circuit board having switches for changing internal settings of the interconnect cable.

52. A system according to claim 48 further comprising an identifying code located on an outer surface of the interconnect cable, the identifying code corresponding to a particular host or class of hosts to which the interconnect cable corresponds.

53. A system according to claim 48 wherein the interconnect cable includes a first end for connection to the scanner and a second end, the second end including a multiple contact connector constructed and arranged to be properly physically connectable only to given host or similar class of hosts.

54. An interface configuration system for a scanning system, comprising

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanning system, the interconnect cable being removable by being connected to and being disconnected from the scanning system, the interconnect cable including a first end connector, the first end connector having a plurality of pin connections wherein interface configuration of the scanning system is effected by interconnecting at least two of the pin connections via connection of the first end connector.

55. An interface configuration system for a scanning system, comprising

an interconnect cable detachably connectable to the scanning system, the interconnect cable being removable by being connected to and being disconnected from the scanning system, the interconnect cable including a first end connector, the first end connector having a plurality of pin connections wherein interface configuration is accomplished within the scanning system by interconnecting at least two of the pin connections, wherein hardware and/or firmware of the scanning system is automatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the given host and connecting the interconnect cable to the scanning system.

56. An electronic device having a changeable interface configuration, comprising

hardware and/or firmware which is configurable to at least two different interface configurations;

a connector which is connectable to an interconnect cable, the connector having a plurality of electrical contacts wherein interface configuration is selected by interconnecting at least two of the electrical contacts.

57. An electronic device according to claim 56 wherein the electrical contacts are selected from the group consisting of:

edge connectors, pin connectors, plug connectors.

58. An electronic device according to claim 56 wherein the electrical contacts are interconnected by attachment of the interconnect cable to the connector.

59. An electronic device according to claim 56 wherein the device is automatically configured to interface with a given host by selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the given host and plugging the interconnect cable to the device.

60. A data reading system having internal hardware and/or firmware which is configurable to at least two different interface configurations and in which an interconnect cable is detachably connectable to the data reading system, the interconnect cable being removable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the data reading system wherein interface configuration of the data reading system is set to correspond to a selected one of the least two different interface configurations by connecting a selected interconnect cable and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader.

61. A data reading system in which an interconnect cable is detachably connectable to the data reading system, the interconnect cable being removable by being connecting to and being disconnected from the data reading system wherein interface configuration of the data reading system is set to correspond with a given host by selecting a selected interconnect cable and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader, the data reading system, further comprising

internal hardware and/or firmware which is configurable to at least two different interface configurations;

a connector which is connectable to an interconnect cable, the connector having a plurality of pins wherein interface configuration is selected by interconnecting at least two of the pins via attachment of the interconnect cable.

62. A data reading system comprising

a data reader;

a connector having a plurality of pin connections;

an interconnect cable for attachment to the connector, the interconnect cable including switches and a printed circuit board;

internal circuitry for setting interface configuration parameters of the data reading system, wherein the internal circuitry recognizes closing of an electrical connection between at least two of said pin connections and in response sets configuration of the data reading system to a given interface configuration.

63. A data reading system according to claim 62 wherein the interface configuration is selected from the group consisting of:

IBM 4683, OCIA, RS-232, Wand Emulation.

64. A data reading system according to claim 62 further comprising a data terminal connected to the data reader via the interconnect cable.

65. A data reading system according to claim 62 further comprising an RF communications module connected to the data reader.

66. A data reading system according to claim 62 further comprising a unique programming label having configuration data encoded thereon, the configuration data comprising information readable by the data reader to further configure the data reading system to an interface configuration.

67. A connector cable system according to claim 62 wherein the interconnect cable comprises a switch for changing a function of the interconnect cable.

68. A connector cable system according to claim 62 wherein the interconnect cable comprises a printed circuit.

69. A connector cable system according to claim 62 wherein the interconnect cable comprises a radio frequency link.

70. A data reading system comprising

a data reader;

a connector on the data reader;

an interconnect cable for attachment to the connector, the interconnect cable including a printed circuit board having multiple settings corresponding to different interface configurations;

internalcircuitry for setting interface configuration parameters of the data reading system, wherein configuration of the data reading system is set to a given interface configuration at least in part by switching settings within the printed circuit board.

71. A method of configuring a data reading system for a given interface configuration, the data reading system including a data reader, comprising the steps of

identifying the data reader;

selecting an interconnect cable corresponding to the data reader;

providing the interconnect cable with a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having multiple settings corresponding to different interface configuration settings;

selecting interface configuration by changing settings of the printed circuit board and connecting the interconnect cable to the data reader.

72. A method according to claim 71 wherein changing settings of the printed circuit board comprises setting manual switches located on the printed circuit board.

73. A method according to claim 71 further comprising

providing a label with information encoded thereon corresponding to configuration data;

reading the label with the data reader to obtain the configuration data;

using the configuration data to complete interface configuration of the data reading system.

74. A method according to claim 71 wherein setting the configuration further comprises reading a label and changing settings.

75. A method of configuring a data reading system for a given interface configuration comprising the steps of

providing a plurality of interconnect cables, each being plug compatible with the data reader;

selecting a given interconnect cable from the plurality of interconnect cables corresponding to the given interface configuration;

connecting the given interconnect cable to the data reader;

providing the data reading system with control circuitry which recognizes the given interconnect cable and in response configures the data reading system to the given interface configuration.

76. A method of configuring a data reading system for a given interface configuration comprising the steps of

providing a plurality of interconnect cables, each being plug compatible with the data reader;

selecting a given interconnect cable from the plurality of interconnect cables corresponding to the given interface configuration;

connecting the given interconnect cable to the data reader;

providing the given interconnect cable with a printed circuit board, the printed circuit board having multiple settings corresponding to different interface configuration settings;

changing settings of the printed circuit board to correspond to the given interface configuration.