Barcode reader that obtains firmware from a remote server

A barcode reader for providing decoded data to a remote computing system, the barcode reader comprising:

• barcode reading hardware, including an image sensor which captures an image of a barcode within a field of view and a communication interface for output of the decoded data to the remote computing system;
• volatile memory;
• non-volatile memory comprising an operating system, limited operating instructions, and fetch instructions, the limited operating instructions enabling fewer than all functions of the barcode reader, and the operating system or the limited operating instructions including instructions for checking for and detecting a configuration event, wherein the configuration event is distinct from power-up of the barcode reader;
• and
• a processor configured to:
• upon power-up of the barcode reader, load the operating system and the limited operating instructions into the volatile memory and execute the operating system and the limited operating instructions to enable limited functions of the barcode reader and to enable the barcode reader to check for the configuration event;
• and
• upon the barcode reader detecting occurrence of the configuration event:
• execute the fetch instructions to obtain supplemental operating instructions from a remote configuration server;
• load the supplemental operating instructions to the volatile memory;
• and
• commence execution of the supplemental operating instructions to enable additional functions of the barcode reader without performing a re-boot operation.

A barcode reader for providing decoded data to a remote computing system, the barcode reader comprising:

• a communication interface;
• volatile memory;
• non-volatile memory comprising start-up instructions, fetch instructions, and an identification parameter;
• and
• a processor configured to, upon power-up of the barcode reader, execute the start-up instructions to enable the barcode reader to check for a configuration event, and wherein the processor is configured to, upon the barcode reader detecting the configuration event:
• execute the fetch instructions to provide the identification parameter to a remote configuration server through the communication interface and receive operating instructions from the remote configuration server based on the identification parameter;
• load the operating instructions in the volatile memory;
• and
• begin execution of the operating instructions to commence operation of the barcode reader.