METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR PROGRAMMING SYSTEM FUNCTION PARAMETERS IN PROGRAMMABLE CODE SYMBOL READERS

A novel system and method programming the function parameters of programmable bar code symbol readers and scanners, while avoiding the need to couple the data communication port of a function parameter computer system and the programmable bar code symbol reader to be configured. In a first illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer-based-function-parameter device and subsequently buffered in memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of function-encoded bar code symbols which are printed in a specified reading sequence; and the list of printed-function encoded bar code symbols are read in the specified reading sequence so as to configure the bar code symbol reader with the same set of function-encoded parameters that were programmed in the master bar code symbol reader. In a second illustrative embodiment, the function-encoded parameters of a master bar code symbol reader are determined using a computer based-function-parameter acquisition device and buffered in a memory buffer contained therein; the buffered function-encoded parameters are used to produce a list of symbol reading instructions, each referencing a specific function encoded bar code symbol on a particular page of a preprinted bar code symbol programming guide, and the list of symbol reading instructions are used to read in a specified order.