Bar code scanner with keyboard simulation

In a bar code scanner having means for reading bar code data located external to the scanner and for processing the data and having means for supplying the processed data to an input/output (I/O) port of a computer, where the I/O port is designed for, normally, connection thereto an external keyboard, the improvement comprising:

• communication means within the scanner for enabling the scanner either to be connected between an external keyboard and the I/O port or to be directly connected to the I/O port, said communication means including means for sensing whether an external keyboard is connected to the computer and means responsive to sensing the absence of the connection of an external keyboard for producing signals similar to those produced by an external keyboard and for supplying these signals to the computer in order to establish and maintain communication between the scanner and the computer.

A bar code scanner suitable for use with a computer having an input/output (I/O) port designed for the connection thereto of an external keyboard, comprising:

• means for coupling said bar code scanner to said I/O port of said computer and means within said bar code scanner for sensing whether an external keyboard is coupled to said I/O port;
• and
• means within said scanner responsive to sensing the absence of an external keyboard for producing signals similar to the signals produced by an external keyboard and for supplying said similar signals to said in order to establish and maintain communication between the scanner and the computer.