PORTABLE SCANNER AND CRADLE SYSTEM FOR HANDHELD COMPUTER

摘要

A data reading system including a handheld unit such as a personal digital assistant "PDA" (30) equipped with a data reader such as a bar code scanner, and a cradle system (40) into which the PDA may be inserted. The cradle system includes an electrical connector for providing a mating connection to a connector on the PDA, a mirror system (52) for reflecting a scan pattern generated from a scanner on the PDA outward through a window (50) into a scan region. The cradle may further include a communication device for providing a communication link to a host, and a battery charging device for charging batteries in the PDA.