Bar code reading instrument and selectively orientable graphics display

Abstract

A hand-held instrument for reading a bar code symbol obtains print quality parameters by analyzing a signal resulting from code reading, using an internal computer having memory contained in the instrument. The instrument includes a graphic display comprising a display device such as a liquid crystal having a matrix of elements arranged in areas which provide a message containing a plurality of dot matrix characters, other areas where the elements are formed into segments for display of alphanumeric characters and still other areas where the elements are formed into legends. The computer has memory for storing fixed or variable text messages which are selectively displayed depending upon the results of the print quality analysis. The display is selectively orientable (flippable) to present messages in the message area, characters in the segment area and graphics in other areas in upright position and in proper orientation for readability by use of the controls to set the display to present the messages either in left or right-handed orientation. The instrument can be handled in either the right or left hand and the display presented in readable position. The areas are arranged so as to be mirror-wise symmetric about a longitudinal axis through the instrument so that when the computer writes data into the array of the graphic driver, it is written in an orientation and ordered so that the display presents the graphics upright and in order (left to right in the American system) for viewing.