System for configuring indicia readers using NFC technology

Abstract

A near-field-communication (NFC) system includes an NFC-enabled indicia reader and a second NFC-enabled device. The NFC-enabled indicia reader is configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device. The NFC system is configured to update the NFC-enabled indicia reader with the software-configuration data of the second-NFC enabled device when the indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of indicia readers, more specifically, to a near-field-communication system for configuring an indicia reader.

BACKGROUND

Indicia readers, such as barcode readers, are widely used by businesses to supplant manual entry of data into information systems. Such indicia readers have proven particularly useful, for example, in managing inventory because of the relative speed and accuracy with which information like product numbers can be entered.

Indicia readers typically include a processor that executes software (e.g., firmware). The software contains the instructions that permit the indicia reader to scan indicia. In general, the software can be modified or replaced when it is desirable to add to or alter the functionality of the indicia reader. For example, a user of an indicia reader may desire to increase the volume of the scan indicator signal (e.g., due to a noisy environment), or to increase the brightness of the scan line (e.g., to make the scan line more visible). In addition, the manufacturer of the indicia reader may release updates to the software to improve its functionality.

There traditionally have been two primary ways of configuring an indicia reader and/or updating its software. The indicia reader may be connected to another computer device (e.g., a laptop computer) that is capable of receiving configuration commands and/or software upgrades and transmitting them to the indicia reader (e.g., via a USB connection). Another common method of configuring the indicia reader is by scanning configuration indicia (e.g., configuration barcodes). Indicia readers are typically designed to read these configuration indicia and adjust their configuration settings accordingly. For example, scanning a particular configuration barcode may cause the indicia reader to enter presentation mode.

Connecting the indicia reader to another device and/or utilizing configuration indicia do permit configuration changes and software updates to indicia readers. Connecting a computer device to the indicia reader to achieve updating or configuration is not ideal because it requires significant time and expense to connect to and update each one of a business' entire collection of indicia readers. Similarly, utilizing configuration indicia to reconfigure an indicia reader is problematic because it requires training of personnel in how to use the configuration indicia, and it requires storage and widespread dissemination of all of the configuration indicia.

Therefore, a need exists for a system that allows indicia readers to be updated and/or reconfigured more quickly and more easily than can be done using traditional methods.

SUMMARY

Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention embraces a near-field-communication (NFC) system that includes a first NFC-enabled device. The first NFC-enabled device is configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device(s). The NFC system also includes a second NFC-enabled device having software-configuration data. The NFC system is configured to update the first NFC-enabled device with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device when the first NFC-enabled device is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second NFC-enabled device of the NFC system according to the present invention is configured to transmit software-configuration data to another NFC-enabled device.

In another exemplary embodiment, the NFC system according to the present invention is configured to automatically update the first NFC-enabled device with the software-configuration data of the second-NFC enabled device when the first NFC-enabled device is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the NFC system according to the present invention is configured to update the first NFC-enabled device with the software configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device when (i) the first NFC-enabled device is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device and (ii) a user of the first NFC-enabled device manually authorizes the first NFC-enabled device to receive and install the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second NFC-enabled device comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) application. The user of the second NFC-enabled device operates the graphical user interface (GUI) application to manually command the second NFC-enabled device to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second NFC-enabled device includes a transmission-initiation switch. The user of the second NFC-enabled device activates the transmission-initiation switch to manually command the second NFC-enabled device to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is an indicia reader.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is an indicia reader and the software-configuration data includes device parameter settings for the indicia reader.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is a computerized elevator controller.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is a computerized elevator controller and the software-configuration data includes destination instructions for moving the elevator to a pre-determined building level.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second NFC-enabled device is a mobile computer device.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a near-field-communication (NFC) system that includes an NFC-enabled indicia reader. The NFC-enabled indicia reader is configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device. The NFC system is configured to update the NFC-enabled indicia reader with software-configuration data of a second NFC-enabled device. The update occurs when the NFC-enabled indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device.

In an exemplary embodiment, the second NFC-enabled device of the near-field-communication (NFC) system according to the present invention automatically transmits the software-configuration data to the NFC-enabled indicia reader.

In another exemplary embodiment, the user of the second NFC-enabled device manually commands the second NFC-enabled device to transmit the software-configuration data to the NFC-enabled indicia reader.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the software-configuration data includes device parameter settings for the NFC-enabled indicia reader.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the device parameter settings are set by the user of the second NFC-enabled device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second-NFC enabled device comprises a mobile computer device.

In yet another exemplary embodiment, the second-NFC enabled device comprises an NFC-enabled indicia reader.

In another aspect, the present invention embraces a near-field communication (NFC) system that includes an NFC-enabled indicia reader. The NFC-enabled indicia reader decodes indicia, acquires from a database information associated with the decoded indicia, and transmits the information associated with the decoded indicia to another NFC-enabled device.

The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objectives and/or advantages of the invention, and the manner in which the same are accomplished, are further explained within the following detailed description and its accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustration of an exemplary near-field-communication (NFC) system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustration of a first alternative exemplary near-field-communication (NFC) system according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustration of a second alternative exemplary near-field-communication (NFC) system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention embraces a near-field-communication (NFC) system. The NFC system facilitates the configuration of indicia readers. In the context of this disclosure, and without limiting the claims herein, an indicia reader is any device adapted to read and decode indicia. Indicia include any machine-readable codes, including barcodes, 1D barcodes, 2D barcodes, matrix codes, QR codes, IR tags, RFID tags, NFC smartchips, and characters capable of being read by optical character recognition techniques.

Rather than relying on the cumbersome technique of individually connecting to each indicia reader (e.g., barcode reader, barcode scanner, RFID reader) with a device having a user interface (e.g., a laptop computer) to modify the software settings of the indicia reader, the system according to the present invention utilizes near-field-communication (NFC) technology. NFC is a communication protocol that allows portable electronic devices to establish wireless communications with each other using electromagnetic radio fields instead of conventional radio communications typically utilized in similar communication networks (e.g., wireless LAN). In contrast to conventional radio communication systems that typically require a powered radio transmitter and a powered radio receiver, the NFC communication link is initiated when two NFC-capable devices touch or are brought into close proximity with each other (e.g., a few centimeters). NFC is a way to create a personal area network between NFC-capable devices similar to other personal area network technologies (e.g., BLUETOOTH® radio). The advantage of using the NFC protocol is that it requires much less time to establish a connection between devices using the NFC protocol. Using NFC, then, the process of transferring information from one device to another device is much quicker and simpler than other communication techniques.

The system according to the present invention capitalizes on the relative ease of transmitting information between devices using NFC. Indicia readers are updated and/or configured by touching them or bringing them into proximity with an NFC-enabled device having the update in storage (e.g., memory). The indicia reader receives the update from the NFC-enabled device via an NFC communication link.

Referring now to FIG. 1, the near-field-communication system 100 according to the present invention includes a first NFC-enabled device 110 configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device. Software-configuration data includes software, software updates or upgrades, as well as device configuration settings. In general, the first NFC-enabled device 110 is an active device in that it can both receive and send information (e.g., software-configuration data) using NFC.

The near-field-communication (NFC) system 100 according to the present invention also includes a second NFC-enabled device 120. The second NFC-enabled device 120 has (e.g., stores in memory) software-configuration data. The second NFC-enabled device 120 could be a passive NFC device in that it only transmits software-configuration data via the NFC communication link. Typically, however, the second NFC-enabled device 120 will be an active NFC device capable of sending and receiving data, including software-configuration data, to another NFC-enabled device over an NFC communication link.

The near-field-communication (NFC) system 100 is configured to update the first NFC-enabled device with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device when the first NFC-enabled device is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device 120. It will be appreciated by a person of ordinary skill in the art that NFC devices are in proximity to each other when they are either (i) touching each other or (ii) within the maximum range that data may successfully be transmitted via an NFC communication link (e.g., within a few centimeters (e.g., within about 30 centimeters)).

In certain business applications, it may be desirable to minimize as much as possible the time and effort needed to execute the exchange of software-configuration data between devices. The near-field-communication (NFC) system 100 according to the present invention may be configured to automatically update the first NFC-enabled device 110 with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device 120. When the first NFC-enabled device 110 is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device 120, the second NFC-enabled device 120 automatically transmits the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device 110. Using this automatic update feature, large numbers of devices could be updated with minimal time and effort by bringing a single device into proximity with each device requiring updating/configuring. The automatic update capability minimizes or eliminates the need for actions by the user, thereby reducing the time required to complete the necessary transfer of software-configuration data.

In an alternative embodiment, the near-field-communication (NFC) system 100 according to the present invention is configured to update the first NFC-enabled device 110 with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device 120 when (i) the first NFC-enabled device 110 is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device 120, and (ii) an operator of the first NFC-enabled device 110 manually authorizes the first NFC-enabled device 110 to receive and install the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device 120. This approach may be preferable in situations where it is more important to ensure the update/configuration progresses as desired than it is to achieve fast and efficient updating/configuration. In addition, this approach tends to achieve greater security in that the operator of the first NFC-enabled device 110 can ensure that only authorized updates/configurations will be installed on the first NFC-enabled device 110.

In an alternative embodiment, the near-field-communication (NFC) system 100 according to the present invention is configured to update the first NFC-enabled device 110 with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device 120 when (i) the first NFC-enabled device 110 is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled device 120, and (ii) a user of the second NFC-enabled device 120 manually commands the second NFC-enabled device 120 to transmit (e.g., push) the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device 110. This embodiment may be preferable in situations where a user of a second NFC-enabled device 120 only wishes to update selected devices. To avoid uncontrolled updates to any device that comes into proximity with the second NFC-enabled device 120, the system provides that the user of the second NFC-enabled device 120 must authorize the update/configuration on the given first NFC-enabled device 110. For example, when the second NFC-enabled device 120 establishes an NFC communication link with a first NFC-enabled device 110, the second NFC-enabled device 120 may prompt the user of the second NFC-enabled device to either transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device 110 or ignore the first NFC-enabled device 110 either temporarily or permanently.

In an exemplary embodiment, the NFC system's second NFC-enabled device 120 has a graphical user interface (GUI) application for facilitating user input into the second NFC-enabled device 120. Typically, the second NFC-enabled device 120 has a display screen (e.g., LCD screen) for displaying the graphical user interface generated by the graphical user interface application. In general, the user of the second NFC-enabled device 120 operates the graphical user interface application to manually command the second NFC-enabled device to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device 110.

In an alternative embodiment of the NFC system 100 according to the present invention, the second NFC-enabled device 120 includes a transmission-initiation switch 130 for allowing a user to determine when to manually transmit software-configuration to another NFC-enabled device. Typically, the transmission-initiation switch 130 is a button or a trigger disposed on the second NFC-enabled device. In the NFC system 100 according to the present invention, the user activates the transmission-initiation switch 130 to manually command the second NFC-enabled device 120 to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device 110.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating an alternative embodiment of the NFC system 100 according to the present invention. In this alternative embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is an indicia reader 110A. The indicia reader may be a barcode reader, barcode scanner, RFID reader (active or passive), scanner, optical character recognition (OCR) device imager, or other type of device capable of reading and decoding machine-readable symbols. The indicia reader 110A may be configured to acquire from a database information associated with the decoded indicia. For example, the indicia reader 110A may be configured to acquire from a database product information associated with a product number acquired through decoding a barcode. The indicia reader 110A may acquire the information from a database through a wired or wireless communication link (e.g., wireless LAN, wireless WAN, etc.).

In the case of a large retail store employing multiple (e.g., dozens) of indicia readers at point-of-sale and inventory locations within each store, the NFC system 100 according to the present invention can be used to quickly and efficiently update and/or configure the retailer's indicia readers 110A. A second NFC-enabled device 120 is taken to the location of each indicia reader 110A. In the embodiment of the NFC system 100 illustrated in FIG. 2, the second NFC-enabled device is a mobile computer 120A, such as a smartphone, tablet computer, or laptop computer. After positioning the mobile computer 120A in proximity to the indicia reader 110A, the mobile computer 120A transfers (either manually or automatically, as described above) software-configuration data to the indicia reader 110A via an NFC link. In this illustrative example, the software-configuration data may include device parameter settings (e.g., indicator sound level, laser brightness) for the indicia reader 110A. Because the NFC link can be established relatively quickly between the mobile computer 120A and each indicia reader 110A, the configuration process progresses much quicker than traditional methods such as connecting the devices using a USB cable or serial cable.

In the alternative, software-configuration data could be transmitted to the indicia reader(s) 110A by another indicia reader 110A. In this scenario, the NFC system's second NFC-enabled device is an indicia reader 110A. This approach can be used to quickly disseminate software-configuration data across an entire array of indicia readers by using the indicia readers themselves to propagate the updates/configurations contained in the software-configuration data. By way of example, an updated/configured indicia reader can transmit via NFC its software-configuration to the next indicia reader, which can in turn transmit the software-configuration data to the next indicia reader, and so on until all indicia readers are updated/configured.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating another alternative embodiment of the NFC system 100 according to the present invention. In this illustrative embodiment, the first NFC-enabled device is a computerized elevator controller 110B. The computerized elevator controller 110B may be any type of computer-based controller that is used to operate an elevator. Without intending to limit the claims in any way, a computerized elevator controller 110B may include, for example, traditional keypad controllers commonly found inside an elevator, elevator call buttons typically found on each floor near the elevator access door, as well as destination control systems commonly used to control skyscraper elevators. Rather than selecting a destination floor or calling the elevator by depressing a number key or an arrow key, the NFC system 100 according to the present invention permits a user to use an NFC-enabled mobile computer 120A to select the destination floor. Typically, the user selects the destination floor by entering information into the mobile computer 120A. The mobile computer 120A communicates the user's destination choice in the form of software-configuration data via an NFC link with the computerized elevator controller 110B, which NFC link is established when the user positions the mobile computer 110A in proximity to the mobile computer device 120A. The computerized elevator controller 110B uses the software-configuration data received from the mobile computer 120A to determine the destination of the elevator car. For example, a user may simply enter the number “3” into the user's mobile computer 120A, which may be running an elevator control application, and then place the mobile computer 120A in proximity with the computerized elevator controller 110B, which will then direct the elevator car to take the user to the third floor. An advantage of this approach is that it does not require the user to touch any elevator buttons that are frequently touched by other people. The user is only required to touch the user's mobile computer 110B. Because the operation of an elevator using the NFC system 100 according to the present invention does not require touching of a common surface such as an elevator button, the NFC system 100 reduces the likelihood of spreading germs through cross-contamination.

Another advantage of this alternative embodiment of the NFC system 100 according to the present invention is that it facilitates the implementation of more complex elevator control algorithms that allow elevators to operate more quickly, more efficiently, and with greater user satisfaction than traditional methods. In particular, the NFC system 100 can be used to implement a “smart” destination control system that can automatically detect the appropriate destination for a user, often without need for any immediate action by the user. For example, the NFC system's computerized elevator controller 110A can “remember” that a user lives on a particular floor of an apartment complex. Whenever the user's mobile device 120A is brought into proximity with the computerized elevator controller 110A, the computerized elevator controller 110A recognizes the device as belonging to the user and automatically transports the user to the appropriate floor (e.g., automatically upon entering the elevator car). Similarly, this exemplary embodiment of the NFC system 100 can be used by hospitals or other organizations to facilitate the quick movement of workers to appropriate destination. For example, when a hospital worker is given medication to administer to a particular patient, software-configuration data containing the location of the patient could be automatically transmitted to the hospital worker's mobile computer 120A (e.g., via NFC or wireless LAN transmission). When the hospital worker enters the elevator car, the software-configuration data is automatically transmitted via NFC link from the hospital worker's mobile computer 120A to the computerized elevator controller 110A. The computerized elevator controller 110A, in turn, directs the elevator car to patient's floor. Not only does this approach simplify the hospital worker's job (e.g., by eliminating the need to look up the patient floor number, by eliminating the need to depress elevator buttons while carrying objects such as medicine dispensers), but it also reduces the spread of germs through contact with common surfaces like elevator buttons. The hospital worker's duties could further be facilitated by the incorporation of NFC-enabled devices along the corridors of the hospital that provide indicators to the hospital worker, such as the exact location of a particular patient, when brought into proximity with the hospital worker's mobile computer 120A.

NFC standards typically use 13.56 MHz to communicate and exchange data. These NFC standards are typically based on existing passive RFID standards from ISO, EPCglobal, NFC Forum and the like. To supplement the present disclosure, the following NFC-related standards are incorporated herein by reference: ISO/IEC 14443; ISO 15693; ISO/IEC 18000 including Parts 3 and 4; ISO/IEC 18092/ECMA-340-Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol-1 (NFCIP-1); ISO/IEC 21481/ECMA-352-Near Field Communication Interface and Protocol-2 (NFCIP-2); EPCglobal-13.56 MHz ISM Band Class 1 Gen 2 Radio Frequency (RF) Identification Tag Interface Specification; NPC Forum-specifications proposed by various smartphone companies.

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In the specification and/or figures, typical embodiments of the invention have been disclosed. The present invention is not limited to such exemplary embodiments. The use of the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. The figures are schematic representations and so are not necessarily drawn to scale. Unless otherwise noted, specific terms have been used in a generic and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation.

Claims

1. A near-field-communication (NFC) system, comprising: a plurality of indicia readers, each indicia reader configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device;a first NFC-enabled indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers;a second NFC-enabled indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers, the second NFC-enabled indicia reader configured to read machine-readable indicia and decode the machine-readable indicia, the second NFC-enabled indicia reader having software-configuration data that improves the accuracy of its ability to read and/or decode the machine-readable indicia;wherein the near-field-communication (NFC) system is configured to update the first NFC-enabled indicia reader with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader when the first NFC-enabled indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled indicia reader.

2. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 1, wherein the second NFC-enabled indicia reader is configured to transmit the software-configuration data to another NFC-enabled indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers when in proximity to the another NFC-enabled indicia reader.

3. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 1, wherein the near-field-communication (NFC) system is configured to automatically update the first NFC-enabled indicia reader with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader when the first NFC-enabled indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled indicia reader.

4. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 1, wherein the near-field-communication (NFC) system is configured to update the first NFC-enabled indicia reader with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled device when (i) the first NFC-enabled indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled indicia reader and (ii) an operator of the first NFC-enabled indicia reader manually authorizes the first NFC-enabled indicia reader to receive and install the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader.

5. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 1, wherein the near-field-communication (NFC) system is configured to update the first NFC-enabled indicia reader with the software-configuration data of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader when (i) the first NFC-enabled indicia reader is positioned in proximity to the second NFC-enabled indicia reader and (ii) a user of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader manually commands the second NFC-enabled device to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled device.

6. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 5, wherein the second NFC-enabled indicia reader comprises a graphical user interface (GUI) application and wherein the user of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader operates the graphical user interface (GUI) application to manually command the second NFC-enabled indicia reader to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled indicia reader.

7. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 5, wherein the second NFC-enabled indicia reader comprises a transmission-initiation switch and wherein the user of the second NFC-enabled indicia reader activates the transmission-initiation switch to manually command the second NFC-enabled indicia reader to transmit the software-configuration data to the first NFC-enabled indicia reader.

8. The near-field-communication (NFC) system according to claim 1, wherein the second NFC-enabled indicia reader comprises a mobile computer device.

9. A near-field-communication (NFC) system, comprising: a plurality of NFC-enabled indicia readers each comprising a near-field communication (NFC) module and configured to receive software-configuration data from another NFC-enabled device;a first NFC-enabled indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers configured to read machine-readable indicia, decode the machine-readable indicia, and output the decoded information to a database, the first NFC-enabled indicia reader including software-configuration data that improves the accuracy of its ability to read and/or decode the machine-readable indicia;wherein the near-field-communication (NFC) system is configured to update the other NFC-enabled indicia readers of the plurality of indicia readers with the software-configuration data of the first NFC-enabled device when the first NFC-enabled indicia reader is located in proximity to each of the respective NFC-enabled indicia readers of the plurality of indicia readers.

10. The near-field-communication (NFC) system of claim 9, wherein the first NFC-enabled device automatically transmits the software-configuration data to a second NFC-enabled indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers when in proximity to the second NFC-enabled indicia reader.

11. The near-field-communication (NFC) system of claim 10, wherein a user of the first NFC-enabled indicia reader manually commands the first NFC-enabled indicia reader to transmit the software-configuration.

12. The near-field-communication (NFC) system of claim 9, wherein software configuration data of the first NFC-enabled device is loaded by a user of the first NFC-enabled indicia reader.

13. The near-field-communication (NFC) system of claim 9, wherein the first NFC-enabled indicia reader comprises a mobile computer device.

14. The near-field-communication (NFC) system of claim 9, wherein the first NFC-enabled device comprises an NFC-enabled barcode scanner.

15. A method for adjusting the configuration of a plurality of indicia readers, the method comprising: reading machine-readable indicia with one indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers, each indicia reader comprising a near-field communication (NFC) module;decoding the read machine-readable indicia via the one indicia reader to create decoded information;outputting the decoded information via the one indicia reader to a database;adjusting a configuration setting for the one indicia reader to improve the accuracy of its ability to read and/or decode the machine-readable indicia;when another indicia reader of the plurality of indicia readers comes into proximity of the one indicia reader, communicating the configuration setting via the respective NFC modules; andadjusting the configuration setting for the another indicia reader.

16. The method according to claim 15, comprising: when each of the remainder of the plurality of indicia readers comes into proximity of the one indicia reader, the another indicia reader, or yet another indicia reader that has already received the configuration setting, communicating the configuration setting via the respective NFC modules; andadjusting the configuration setting for each of the remainder of the plurality of indicia readers that receives the configuration setting.