Portable optical scanning and pointing systems

In a system for collecting data, a combination comprising:

• a) a collection module supportable by a user during data collection, and operative for collecting data;
• b) a data processing module also supportable by the user during data collection, and operative for processing the data collected by the collection module, the data processing module including a wireless transmitter, and a battery for supplying electrical energy to the transmitter;
• and
• c) a storage unit having a first compartment for receiving the collection module, and a second compartment for receiving the data processing module, when the modules are not supported by the user.

In a system for collecting data, a combination comprising:

• a) a collection module supportable by a user during data collection, and operative for collecting data;
• b) a data processing module also supportable by the user during data collection, and operative for processing the data collected by the collection module, the processing module containing a memory component for storing processed data;
• and
• c) a storage unit having a first compartment for receiving the collection module, and a second compartment for receiving the data processing module, when the modules are not supported by the user, the second compartment containing an electrical download contact through which the stored data is downloaded after reception of the processing module in the second compartment.

In a process of reading bar code symbols, a method comprising the steps of:

• a) supporting, by a user, an optical scan module operative for scanning a bar code symbol to be read with a laser beam;
• b) supporting, by the user, a peripheral module operative for detecting laser light reflected off the symbol and for producing an electrical signal responsive to the detected laser light;
• c) inserting the scan module in a first compartment of a storage unit, after the scan module has been removed from the user;
• d) inserting the peripheral module in a second compartment of the storage unit, after the peripheral module has been removed from the user;
• and
• e) recharging the modules when the modules are received in the compartments.

In a process of reading bar code symbols, a method comprising the steps of:

• a) supporting, by a user, an optical scan module operative for scanning a bar code symbol to be read with a laser beam;
• b) supporting, by the user, a peripheral module operative for detecting laser light reflected off the symbol and for producing an electrical signal responsive to the detected laser light;
• c) inserting the scan module in a first compartment of a storage unit, after the scan module has been removed from the user;
• d) inserting the peripheral module in a second compartment of the storage unit, after the peripheral module has been removed from the user;
• e) storing data corresponding to the electrical signal in the peripheral module;
• and
• f) downloading stored data when the peripheral module is received in the second compartment.