Multiple-interface selection system for computer peripherals

An interface configuration system for a computer peripheral with at least a first internal configuration and a second internal configuration, comprising an interface connector cable connectable at one end to the computer peripheral and in communication to a host computer, the interface connector cable including

• a first end connector attachable to the computer peripheral, the first end connector having multiple contacts;
• and
• a second end connector providing communication to the host computer, wherein the interface connector cable includes at least one electrical connection between two contacts for completing an internal configuration selection circuit within the computer peripheral thereby internally configuring the computer peripheral to the first internal configuration as opposed to the second internal configuration.

A computer peripheral system comprising:

• a computer peripheral having (a) at least two internal configuration selection circuits and (b) sufficient internal hardware and/or firmware to be internally configurable for at least a given first application and a given second application selectable by actuation of a given one or more of said internal configuration selection circuits;
• and
• a communication link between a given host computer and the computer peripheral, the communication link including an interface connector cable having a first end connectable to the computer peripheral, the first end of the interface connector cable including (a) a multiple contact connector constructed and arranged to be physically connectable to a specific computer peripheral or class of computer peripherals and (b) at least one connection path between two contacts which, when the first end of the interface connector cable is plugged into the computer peripheral, completes the given one or more of said internal configuration selection circuits within the computer peripheral thereby internally configuring the computer peripheral for the given first application as opposed to the given second application.

An interface connector cable for configuring a computer peripheral for a particular application or host computer, comprising a first end connector connectable to the computer peripheral, the first end connector having at least one electrical connection between two contacts for completing an internal configuration selection circuit within the computer peripheral thereby internally configuring the computer peripheral for the particular application or host computer as opposed to some other application or host computer.

A method for setting a desired internal configuration of an electronic device to a predetermined set of values, comprising the steps of:

• supplying the electronic device with sufficient internal circuitry having internal configuration of at least one internal variable;
• connecting a connector cable to the electronic device;
• setting the internal variable to one of the predetermined set of values in response to whether or not a circuit is formed between a predetermined first contact and a predetermined second contact in the connector cable upon the connector cable being connected to the electronic device.

A method of operating a handheld scanner for data reading, the handheld scanner including a scanner body and a connector cable, comprising the steps of:

• detachably connecting the connector cable to the scanner body;
• changing a function of the scanner by changing the connector cable.

A handheld scanner for data reading comprising:

• a body portion;
• a scanning mechanism mounted within the body portion;
• a connector cable detachably connectable to the body portion, said connector cable being electrically connected to the scanning mechanism when the connector cable is attached to the body portion, the connector cable being changeable by connecting to and being disconnected from the body portion wherein a function of the scanner may be changed by changing the connector cable.