Computer program product

Abstract

A computer program product that comprises one or more instructions executable by a processor to: Causing the display of an application (14) on at least one part of a display (11) of a device; Causing the display of a software input panel (12) comprising a barcode scan button (13) on the display (11), wherein the processor causes the software input panel (12) and the application (14) to be displayed simultaneously on the display (11); Initiating a barcode scanning operation via a barcode scanning application (19) in response to selection of the barcode scanning button (13); Opening a viewfinder (15) on the display (11); Routes of a video feed from a camera of the device to the viewfinder (15); Analyzing at least part of the video feed from the camera to find one or more barcodes (22); Attempt to decode the one or more barcodes (22) in the video feed from the camera; and Removing the viewfinder (15) from the display (11) after attempting to decode the one or more barcodes (22) in the video feed from the camera.

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to barcode scanning and smart devices, and more particularly to the ability to scan barcodes while running other applications on a smart device.

[0002] In general, there are many smartphone applications that require the ability to scan a barcode. To add this functionality to their application (app), developers often rely on third-party software development kits to integrate this functionality directly into their application. This feature allows the smartphone user to access barcode scanning only within the specific application. If a user wants a universal method for scanning barcodes across all their applications, this is usually not available.

[0003] Sometimes a keyboard wedge style application is used to facilitate universal scanning in any application.

[0004] A keyboard wedge can be either a software program or an embedded hardware device that converts digital signals from a barcode reader or magnetic stripe reader into keystrokes for a smart device or computer. The software version of a keyboard wedge intercepts the reader's digital signals as they arrive at the computer and immediately translates them into keystrokes. The hardware form of a keyboard wedge inserts the translation device between the reader and the keyboard. Data sent via a wedge is displayed as if it had been typed into the computer, while the keyboard itself remains fully functional.Because a computer or smartphone with a keyboard wedge cannot distinguish between data entered via a scanning device and data entered via the keyboard, a keyboard wedge can easily add barcode reading capability to an existing device without having to change software applications.

[0005] Using a wedge-style keyboard application, you can simplify universal scanning in any application by running a background service that responds to a specific keystroke.

[0006] When the service detects this keystroke, it calls the barcode scanner and inserts the resulting scan data into the keyboard buffer, so that it is inserted as text at the cursor position in the application that currently has focus. This is typically a somewhat cumbersome process, as it first requires launching a scanning wedge application that must run in the background. The user must also be aware of the hardware key that triggers a scan event.

[0007] Nowadays, many smartphone operating systems allow the creation of custom software keyboards (soft input panels), which are sometimes used to add a barcode scanning button and scan wedge functionality.

[0008] Once the custom keyboard is loaded and the user wants to enter barcode data into a text field, they simply open the software keyboard, press the scanner button, scan the barcode, and the result is inserted into the text field. However, when the scan trigger occurs, the application loses its context, meaning the running application disappears, while the barcode scanner preview screen remains. Some users are concerned that the application they were in has closed, and they may have lost their data.

[0009] Therefore, there is a need for a method and application to scan and decode a barcode on a smartphone without losing the context of a running application.

[0010] Accordingly, in one aspect, the present invention includes a barcode scanning application for a smartphone.

[0011] Generally, a smartphone has a built-in camera, a display, and an operating system. The operating system communicatively links the embedded camera and the visual display.

[0012] In an exemplary embodiment, the barcode scanning application includes a custom software input field.

[0013] The custom software input panel is equipped with a barcode scanning button. The custom software input panel occupies a first portion of the smartphone's visual display. The barcode scanning application is also equipped with a keyboard wedge that can translate barcode data into keystrokes. The barcode scanning application is communicatively connected to the embedded camera, keyboard wedge, and the custom software input panel via the operating system. The barcode scanning application is configured to run while another application is running and to be continuously displayed on a second portion of the visual display. The custom software input panel is configured to launch the barcode scanning application when the barcode scanning button is touched.After initialization, the barcode scanning application is configured to remove the custom software input field from the first part of the visual display and open the barcode finder in the part of the visual display previously occupied by the custom software input field.

[0014] The barcode scanning application is also configured to scan a barcode in the viewfinder, then close the viewfinder, decode the scanned barcode, and send the barcode information to the keyboard wedge. The keyboard wedge is configured to translate the decoded barcode information into keystrokes and send the keystrokes for display within the various running applications, continuously displaying them on the second part of the visual display.

[0015] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the keyboard wedge is a software program and an integral part of the user-defined software input field.

[0016] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the keyboard wedge is a hardware device integrated into the smartphone.

[0017] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the barcode scanning application is further configured to redisplay the custom software input field after the viewfinder is closed.

[0018] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the first part of the visual display occupies less than 50% of the visual display.

[0019] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, removing the custom software input field from the first portion of the visual display is achieved by minimizing the custom software input field.

[0020] In another embodiment of the invention, removing the custom software input field from the first portion of the visual display is achieved by closing the custom software input field.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment of the barcode scanning application, a smartphone is provided with an embedded camera, a visual display, and an operating system, wherein the operating system communicatively connects the embedded camera and the visual display.

[0022] The barcode scanning application includes a custom software input field.

[0023] The custom software input field is equipped with a button for scanning barcodes.

[0024] The custom software input field occupies a first part of the visual display.

[0025] The custom input field communicates with the embedded camera via the operating system.

[0026] The barcode scanning application also includes a keyboard wedge that can translate barcode data into keyboard strokes.

[0027] The keyboard wedge is an integral part of the custom software input field.

[0028] The keyboard wedge is configured to control a barcode scan. The custom software input field is configured to start the barcode scan when the barcode scan button is touched. The keyboard wedge is configured to perform the barcode scan while another application is running and is continuously displayed on a second part of the visual display. The custom software input field is configured to minimize the first part of the visual display, previously occupied by the custom software input field, and open a barcode finder when barcode scanning is initiated.The keyboard wedge is configured to scan a barcode in the barcode finder, close the finder, decode the scanned barcode, translate the decoded barcode information into keystrokes, and send the keystrokes for display within the other running application and continuously display them in the second part of the visual display.

[0029] The barcode scanning application of claim 16, wherein the keyboard wedge is further configured to redisplay the custom software input field after the viewfinder is closed.

[0030] In another aspect, the invention comprises a method for scanning a barcode with a smartphone while an application is continuously executed and displayed on a first part of a visual smartphone display.

[0031] The smartphone is equipped with a user interface panel that occupies a second part of the smartphone's visual display.

[0032] The smartphone is also equipped with barcode scanning software, a viewfinder, and an integrated camera. The barcode scanning software, the viewfinder, the embedded camera, the user interface panel, and the visual display are communicatively coupled. The method of the present invention comprises the following steps: i. initiating barcode scanning via the user interface while an application is executing and displayed on the first portion of the smartphone's visual display, ii. removing the user interface from the second portion of the smartphone's visual display, iii. opening a barcode scanning viewfinder on the second portion of the smartphone's visual display previously occupied by the user interface, iv. forwarding the embedded camera video feed to the barcode scanning viewfinder, v. locating a barcode in the barcode scanning viewfinder, vi. scanning the barcode, vii. decoding the barcode, viii.Closing the viewfinder, ix. Translating the decoded barcode data into keystrokes, and x. Displaying the decoded barcode information on the first part of the smartphone's visual display within the running application.

[0033] In another exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention, the user interface field is a user-defined software input field.

[0034] The custom software input field is equipped with a button for scanning barcodes. The initial step is initiated by touching the barcode scan button.

[0035] In a further exemplary embodiment of the method of the invention, the user interface panel is equipped with a voice command function and the initiating step is carried out by a voice command.

[0036] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the method further comprises the step of redisplaying the user-defined software input field to occupy the second part of the visual display of the smartphone after the step of closing the viewfinder.

[0037] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the decoding step is performed at a remote location.

[0038] Remote tracking is done wirelessly and via communication with the smartphone.

[0039] The method further includes the steps of transmitting the scanned barcode image to a remote location prior to the decoding step and transmitting decoded barcode information back to the smartphone after the decoding step.

[0040] In a further exemplary embodiment of the invention, the smartphone is equipped with a keyboard wedge.

[0041] The keyboard wedge is communicatively linked to the barcode scanning software.

[0042] The translation step is performed using the keyboard wedge.

[0043] In another exemplary embodiment, the removing step is performed by closing the user interface.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment of the invention, the removing step is achieved by minimizing the user interface.

[0045] The foregoing illustrative summary, as well as other exemplary objects and / or advantages of the invention and the manner in which they are achieved, are further explained in the following detailed description and the accompanying drawings.

[0046] Fig. shows schematically a smartphone with components that enable the operation of the application according to the invention.

[0047] Fig. show schematically the smartphone with the barcode scanning application in operation.

[0048] Fig. schematically shows a smartphone with components for another exemplary embodiment of the barcode scanning application of the invention.

[0049] Fig. schematically shows the method for scanning a barcode with a smartphone of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0050] The present invention includes a barcode scanning application for a smartphone.

[0051] In an exemplary embodiment (see Fig. ) a smartphone (10) is equipped with a visual display (11), an operating system (20) and an embedded camera (17).

[0052] A system bus (21), in cooperation with the operating system (20), connects the embedded camera (17) to the visual display (11) for communication. The smartphone (10), in conjunction with the barcode scanning application (19), is equipped with a user-defined software input field (12) that can be displayed on the visual display (11). The barcode scanning application (19) provides a keyboard wedge (18) for translating barcode data into keystrokes that appear on the visual display (11) in a running application. The keyboard wedge (18), the barcode scanning application (19), and the user-defined software input field (12) are communicatively connected to one another and to other components of the smartphone (10) via the system bus (21) and the operating system (20). The smartphone (10) is also equipped with a viewfinder (15) that can be displayed on the visual display (11).

[0053] The keyboard wedge (18) can translate decoded barcode information into keystrokes, which are then displayed in an application running on the screen (11).

[0054] Keyboard wedges can be software programs or hardware installed on the smartphone (10). Preferably, the keyboard wedge (18) is a software unit that is an integral part of the user-defined software input field (12). Particularly preferably, the barcode scanning process is controlled via the keyboard wedge (18).

[0055] The user-defined software input field (12) is preferably designed to occupy less than 50% of the visual display (11) when the user-defined software input field is open, although a larger proportion is possible.

[0056] The user-defined software input field (12) is equipped with a barcode scan button that can be Fig. is not shown.

[0057] In the Fig. is the smartphone (10) from Fig. also shown with the barcode scanning application used (19).

[0058] In an exemplary embodiment, the smartphone (10) is shown with a visual display (11).

[0059] The visual display comprises a first part (11a) and a second part (11b).

[0060] The first part (11a) is occupied by a user-defined software input field (12). A button for scanning barcodes (13) is located on the user-defined software input field (12). The second part (11b) of the visual display (11) is occupied by a running application (14), identified by the lined screen and the words "Hello, Test, Test."

[0061] When a user of the smartphone (10) presses the barcode scan button (13), the visual display (11) changes from the one shown in Fig. to the Fig. .

[0062] In relation to Fig. the custom software input field (12) was Fig. in the first section (11a) of the visual display (11) is replaced by a barcode finder (15). The barcode scanning application (19) of Fig. is initialized by pressing the barcode scan button (13) and then scans and decodes the barcode (22) in the viewfinder (15).

[0063] In Fig. The keyboard wedge has taken the decoded barcode information and translated it into keystrokes (16) that appear in the running application (14). The decoded barcode information translated into keystrokes (16) is displayed on the visual display (11) as the words "This is my QR code, do you like it?"

[0064] In the Fig. the running application (14) was continuously displayed in the second part (11b) of the visual display (11) throughout the entire barcode scanning process.

[0065] In another exemplary embodiment, the custom software input field (12) can be minimized when the barcode scan button (13) is pressed. Alternatively, in another exemplary embodiment, the custom software input field (12) can be closed when the barcode scan button (13) is pressed.

[0066] In another exemplary embodiment, the user-defined software input field (12) may be reopened or redisplayed in the first section (11a) of the visual display (11) after scanning the barcode (22).

[0067] The smartphone (10) may be equipped with additional functions and capabilities that are not shown or described here.

[0068] For example, in another exemplary embodiment, the smartphone (10) is equipped with means for wireless communication.

[0069] The scanned barcode image can be transmitted to a remote location for decoding via wireless communication. The decoded information can then be transmitted back to the smartphone (10), where the keyboard wedge (18) captures the decoded information, translates it into keystrokes (16), and displays it in the running application (15).

[0070] With reference to Fig. In a further exemplary embodiment, a smartphone (10) with similar components as in Fig. provided as previously described herein.

[0071] In the present embodiment, however, the keyboard wedge (18) is an integral part of the user-defined software input panel (12). The keyboard wedge (18) controls the barcode scanning process. The user-defined software input panel (12) and the keyboard unit (18) operate as described in the Fig. shown together to initiate and execute a barcode scanning operation in the lower area (11a) of the visual display (11) while another application is continuously executed and displayed in the upper area (11b) of the visual display (11).

[0072] The present invention also includes a method for scanning a barcode with a smartphone while another application is continuously executed and displayed on the smartphone.

[0073] With reference to Fig. In an exemplary embodiment, the method (30) for scanning a barcode with a smartphone during continuous execution and display of an application on the visual display of the smartphone is illustrated by means of a flowchart. In general, the smartphone of the method is the same as that previously described in connection with Fig. or Fig. described and in the Fig. was shown in operation.

[0074] In an exemplary embodiment, the method (30) comprises the following steps: (31) initiating barcode scanning via the user interface panel while an application is running and displayed on the first part of the smartphone's visual display; (32) removing the user interface panel from the second part of the smartphone's visual display; (33) opening a barcode scan finder on the second part of the smartphone's visual display that was previously occupied by the user interface panel; (34) forwarding the embedded camera video feed to the barcode scan finder; (35) locating a barcode in the barcode scan finder; (36) scanning the barcode; (37) decoding the barcode; (38) closing the finder; (39) translating the decoded barcode data into keystrokes; and (40) displaying decoded barcode information on the first part of the smartphone's visual display within the running application.

[0075] In another exemplary embodiment, the method (30) further comprises the optional step (43) of redisplaying the user-defined software input field to occupy the second part of the visual display after the viewfinder has been closed in the closing step (38).

[0076] In yet another exemplary embodiment, the (37) decoding step is performed at a remote location.

[0077] Most, if not all, smartphones are equipped with wireless communication capabilities.

[0078] The scanned barcode image can be transmitted to a remote location for decoding and the information can then be transmitted back to the smartphone for display.

[0079] In this exemplary embodiment, the method (30) further comprises the steps of: (41) transmitting the scanned barcode image to a remote location after the scanning step (36), and (42) transmitting the decoded information back to the smartphone after the decoding step (37).

[0080] In the cases described above and in Fig. In the schematically illustrated exemplary embodiments of the method (30), an application is continuously executed and displayed on a part of the visual display of the smartphone.

[0081] A custom software input panel with a barcode scanning button is available on the smartphone. When accessed, this custom software input panel occupies only a portion of the visual display, allowing the running application to remain visible. Pressing the barcode button initiates the barcode scanning application. The custom software input panel on the visual display is removed, minimized, or closed and replaced with a barcode finder, while the running application continues to run and is displayed on a portion of the visual display. The user locates and scans a barcode in the finder. The barcode scanning application decodes the barcode. The keyboard wedge receives the decoded information, translates it into keystrokes, and displays it on the screen in the running application.

[0082] To supplement the present disclosure, the following commonly assigned patents, patent application publications, and patent applications are incorporated in this application in their entirety by reference: US Patent No. 6,832,725; US Patent No. 7,128,266; US Patent No. 7,159,783; US Patent No. 7,413,127; US Patent No. 7,726,575; US Patent No. 8,294,969; US Patent No. 8,317,105; US Patent No. 8,322,622; US Patent No. 8,366,005; US Patent No. 8,371,507; US Patent No. 8,376,233; US Patent No. 8,381,979; US Patent No. 8,390,909; US Patent No. 8,408,464; US Patent No. 8,408,468; US Patent No. 8,408,469; US Patent No. 8,424,768; US Patent No. 8,448,863; US Patent No. 8,457,013; US Patent No. 8,459,557; US Patent No. 8,469,272; US Patent No. 8,474,712; US Patent No. 8,479,992; US Patent No. 8,490,877; US-Patent Nr. 8.517.271; US-Patent Nr. 8.523.076; US-Patent Nr. 8.528.818; US-Patent Nr. 8.544.737; US-Patent Nr. 8.548.242; US-Patent Nr. 8.548.420; US-Patent Nr. 8.550.335; US-Patent Nr. 8.550.354; US-Patent Nr. 8.550.357; US-Patent Nr. 8.556.174; US-Patent Nr. 8.556.176; US-Patent Nr. 8.556.177; US-Patent Nr. 8.559.767; US-Patent Nr. 8.599.957; US-Patent Nr. 8.561.895; US-Patent Nr. 8.561.903; US-Patent Nr. 8.561.905; US-Patent Nr. 8.565.107; US-Patent Nr. 8.571.307; US-Patent Nr. 8.579.200; US-Patent Nr. 8.583.924; US-Patent Nr. 8.584.945; US-Patent Nr. 8.587.595; US-Patent Nr. 8.587.697; US-Patent Nr. 8.588.869; US-Patent Nr. 8.590.789; US-Patent Nr. 8.596.539; US-Patent Nr. 8.596.542; US-Patent Nr. 8.596.543; US-Patent Nr. 8.599.271; US-Patent Nr. 8.599.957; US-Patent Nr. 8.600.158; US-Patent Nr. 8.600.167; US-Patent Nr. 8.602.309; US-Patent Nr. 8.608.053; US-Patent Nr. 8.608.071; US-Patent Nr. 8.611.309; US-Patent Nr. 8.615.487; US-Patent Nr. 8.616.454; US-Patent Nr. 8.621.123; US-Patent Nr. 8.622.303; US-Patent Nr. 8.628.013; US-Patent Nr. 8.628.015; US-Patent Nr. 8.628.016; US-Patent Nr. 8.629.926; US-Patent Nr. 8.630.491; US-Patent Nr. 8.635.309; US-Patent Nr. 8.636.200; US-Patent Nr. 8.636.212; US-Patent Nr. 8.636.215; US-Patent Nr. 8.636.224; US-Patent Nr. 8.638.806; US-Patent Nr. 8.640.958; US-Patent Nr. 8.640.960; US-Patent Nr. 8.643.717; US-Patent Nr. 8.646.692; US-Patent Nr. 8.646.694; US-Patent Nr. 8.657.200; US-Patent Nr. 8.659.397; US-Patent Nr. 8.668.149; US-Patent Nr. 8.678.285; US-Patent Nr. 8.678.286; US-Patent Nr. 8.682.077; US-Patent Nr. 8.687.282; US-Patent Nr. 8.692.927; US-Patent Nr. 8.695.880; US-Patent Nr. 8.698.949; US-Patent Nr. 8.717.494; US-Patent Nr. 8.717.494; US-Patent Nr. 8.720.783; US-Patent Nr. 8.723.804; US-Patent Nr. 8.723.904; US-Patent Nr. 8.727.223; US-Patent Nr. D702.237; US-Patent Nr. 8.740.082; US-Patent Nr. 8.740.085; US-Patent Nr. 8.746.563; US-Patent Nr. 8.750.445; US-Patent Nr. 8.752.766; US-Patent Nr. 8.756.059; US-Patent Nr. 8.757.495; US-Patent Nr. 8.760.563; US-Patent Nr. 8.763.909; US-Patent Nr. 8.777.108; US-Patent Nr. 8.777.109; US-Patent Nr. 8.779.898; US-Patent Nr. 8.781.520; US-Patent Nr. 8.783.573; US-Patent Nr. 8.789.757; US-Patent Nr. 8.789.758; US-Patent Nr. 8.789.759; US-Patent Nr. 8.794.520; US-Patent Nr. 8.794.522; US-Patent Nr. 8.794.526; US-Patent Nr. 8.798.367; US-Patent Nr. 8.807.431; US Patent No. 8,807,432; US Patent No. 8,820,630; International Publication Number 2013 / 163789; International Publication Number 2013 / 173985; International Publication Number 2014 / 019130; International Publication Number 2014 / 110495; US Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0185432; US Patent Application Publication No. 2009 / 0134221; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0177080; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0177076; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0177707; US Patent Application Publication No. 2010 / 0177749; US Patent Application Publication No. 2011 / 0202554; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0111946; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0138685; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0168511; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0168512; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0193423; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0203647; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0223141; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0228382; US Patent Application Publication No. 2012 / 0248188; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0043312; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0056285; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0070322; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0075168; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0082104; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0175341; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0175343; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0200158; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0256418; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0257744; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0257759; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0270346; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0278425; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0287258; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0292475; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0292477; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0293539; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0293540; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0306728; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0306730; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0306731; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0307964; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0308625; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0313324; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0313325; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0341399; US Patent Application Publication No. 2013 / 0342717; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0001267; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0002828; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0008430; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0008439; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0025584; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0027518; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0034734; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0036848; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0039693; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0042814; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0049120; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0049635; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0061305; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0061306; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0063289; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0066136; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0067692; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0070005; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0071840; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0074746; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0075846; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0076974; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0078341; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0078342; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0078345; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0084068; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0097249; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0098792; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0100774; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0100813; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0103115; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0104413; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0104414; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0104416; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0104451; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0106594; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0106725; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0108010; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0108402; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0108682; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0110485; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0114530; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0124577; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0124579; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0125842; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0125853; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0125999; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0129378; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131438; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131441; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131443; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131444; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131445; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0131448; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0133379; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0136208; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0140585; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0151453; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0152882; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0158770; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0159869; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0160329; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0166755; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0166757; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0166759; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0166760; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0166761; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0168787; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0175165; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0175169; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0175172; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0175174; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0191644; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0191913; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0197238; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0197239; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0197304; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0203087; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0204268; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0214631; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0217166; US Patent Application Publication No. 2014 / 0217180; U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 367,978 for a laser scanning module having an elastomeric U-hinge-based laser scanning assembly, filed February 7, 2012 (Fen et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 436,337 for an electronic device, filed November 5, 2012 (Fitch et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 771,508 for an optical rerouting adapter, filed February 20, 2013 (Anderson); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 852,097 for a system and method for collecting and maintaining vehicle event data, filed March 28, 2013 (Barker et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 902,110 for a system and method for displaying information using a vehicle computer, filed May 24, 2013 (Hollifield); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 902,144 for a system and method for displaying information using a vehicle computer, filed May 24, 2013 (Chamberlin); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 902,242 for a system for providing a continuous communication link with a symbol reader, filed May 24, 2013 (Smithet et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 912,262 for a method of error correction for a 3D imaging device, filed June 7, 2013 (Jovanovski et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 912,702 for a system and method for reading code symbols over long distances using source power control, filed June 7, 2013 (Xian et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 458,405 for an electronic device, filed June 19, 2013 (Fitch et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 922,339 for a system and method for reading code symbols using a variable field of view, filed June 20, 2013 (Xian et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 927,398 for a code symbol reading system with adaptive autofocus, filed June 26, 2013 (Todeschini); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 930,913 for a mobile device with an improved user interface for reading code symbols, filed June 28, 2013 (Gelay et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 459,620 for an enclosure for an electronic device, filed July 2, 2013 (London et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 459,681 for an enclosure for an electronic device, filed July 2, 2013 (Chaney et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 933,415 for an enclosure for an electronic device, filed July 2, 2013 (London et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 459,785 for a scanner and charging station, filed July 3, 2013 (Fitchet al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 459,823 for a scanner, filed July 3, 2013 (Zhou et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 947,296 for a system and method for selectively reading code symbols, filed July 22, 2013 (Rueblinger et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 950,544 for a code symbol reading system with adaptive object detection, filed July 25, 2013 (Jiang); U.S. Patent Application No. 13 / 961,408 for a method of manufacturing laser scanners, filed August 7, 2013 (Saber et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 018,729 for a method of operating a laser scanner, filed September 5, 2013 (Fenget al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 019,616 for a device with a light source for reducing surface pathogens, filed September 6, 2013 (Todeschini); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 023,762 for a portable evidence reader with a locking end cap, filed September 11, 2013 (Gannon); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 035,474 for augmented reality signature capture, filed September 24, 2013 (Todeschini); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 468,118 for an enclosure for an electronic device, filed September 26, 2013 (Oberpriller et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 055,234 for Sizing System, filed October 16, 2013 (Fletcher); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 053,314 for Indicia Reader, filed October 14, 2013 (Huck); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 065,768 for a hybrid system and method for reading license plates, filed October 29, 2013 (Meier et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 074,746 for Self-Checkout Shopping System, filed November 8, 2013 (Hejl et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 074,787 for “Method and system for configuring mobile devices using NFC technology,” filed November 8, 2013 (Smith et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 087,190 for Optimal Range Indicators for Barcode Validation, filed November 22, 2013 (Hejl); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 094,087 for “Method and system for conveying information in a digital signal,” filed December 2, 2013 (Peake et al.); US patent application No. 14 / 101,965 for a “High Dynamic Range Indicia Reading System,” filed December 10, 2013 (Xian); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 150,393 for an evidence reader with scanner of unitary construction, filed January 8, 2014 (Colavito et al.); US Patent Application No. 14 / 154,207 for Laser Barcode Scanners, filed January 14, 2014 (Hou et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 165,980 for a system and method for measuring irregular objects with a single camera, filed January 28, 2014 (Li et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 166,103 for an Indicia reading terminal with optical filter, filed January 28, 2014 (Lu et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 200,405 for “Indicia Reader for Size-Limited Applications,” filed March 7, 2014 (Feng et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 231,898 for a hand-mounted license plate reader with finger gesture activation, filed April 1, 2014 (Van Horn et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 250,923 for a reader with partial frame mode of operation, filed April 11, 2014 (Deng et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 257,174 for an imaging terminal with data compression, filed April 21, 2014 (Barber et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 257,364 for a docking system and method using near-field communication, filed April 21, 2014 (showers); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 264,173 for an autofocus lens system for indicia readers, filed April 29, 2014 (Ackley et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 274,858 for a mobile printer with optional battery accessory, filed May 12, 2014 (Marty et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 277,337 for “Multipurpose Optical Reader,” filed May 14, 2014 (Jovanovski et al.); US patent application No. 141283282 for a terminal with lighting and focus control, filed May 21, 2014 (Liu et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 141300,276 for “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR INCORPORATE INFORMATION ABOUT AN EXPECTED RESPONSE WHEN PERFORMING SPEECH RECOGNITION,” filed June 10, 2014 (Braho et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 141305,153 for an indicia reading system with digital gain control, filed June 16, 2014 (Xian et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 310,226 for AUTOFOCUSING OPTICAL IMAGING DEVICE, filed June 20, 2014 (Koziol et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 141327,722 for “Customer Facuring Imaging Systems and Methods for OBTAINING IMAGES,” filed July 10, 2014 (Oberpriller et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 327,827 for a mobile phone adapter for electronic transactions, filed July 10, 2014 (Hejl); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 329,303 for “CELL PHONE READING MODE USING IMAGE TIMER,” filed July 11, 2014 (Coyle); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 333,588 for “Symbol Reading System with Integrated Scale Base,” filed July 17, 2014 (Barten); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 334,934 for a SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR INDICATION REVIEW, filed July 18, 2014 (Hejl); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 336,188 for “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING DISTURBANCES IN WEIGHING OBJECTS,” filed July 21, 2014 (Amundsen et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 339,708 for a laser scanning code symbol reading system, filed July 24, 2014 (Xian et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 340,627 for an AXIALLY REINFORCED FLEXIBLE SCAN ELEMENT, filed July 25, 2014 (Rueblinger et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 340,716 for an optical imaging system and method for correlating a medication package with a patient, filed July 25, 2014 (Ellis); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 342,544 for an image-based barcode scanner engine with multiple elements supported on a common circuit board, filed March 4, 2014 (Liu et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 345,735 for an optical license plate reader terminal with combined illumination, filed March 19, 2014 (Ouyang); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 336,188 for “METHOD AND SYSTEM FOR DETECTING DISTURBANCES IN WEIGHING OBJECTS,” filed July 21, 2014 (Amundsen et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 355,613 for an optical license plate reader terminal with a color image sensor, filed May 1, 2014 (Lu et al.); US Patent Application No. 14 / 370,237 for a web-based scan task-enabled system and method and apparatus for developing and deploying the same in a client-server network, filed July 2, 2014 (Chen et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 141370,267 for INDUSTRIAL DESIGN FOR SCANNING AND MOBILITY ON CONSUMER DEVICES, filed July 2, 2014 (Ma et al.); US Patent Application No. 14 / 376,472 for a terminal for reading encrypted information with HTTP server, filed August 4, 2014 (Lu); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 379,057 for a method of using a camera sensor interface to transmit multiple channels of scan data using an image format, filed August 15, 2014 (Wang et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 452,697 for INTERACTIVE INDICIA READER, filed August 6, 2014 (Todeschini); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 453,019 for DIMENSIONING SYSTEM WITH GUIDED ALIGNMENT, filed August 6, 2014 (Li et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 460,387 for “APPARATUS FOR DISPLAYING BAR CODES FROM LIGHT EMITTING DISPLAY SURFACES,” filed August 15, 2014 (Van Horn et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 460,829 for a terminal for reading encrypted information with wireless path selection capability, filed August 15, 2014 (Wang et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 462,801 for MOBILE COMPUTER DEVICE WITH DATA RECOGNITION SOFTWARE, filed August 19, 2014 (Todeschini et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 446,387 for an indicia reading terminal that processes multiple image frames in response to activation of a trigger signal, filed July 30, 2014 (Wang et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 446,391 for a multifunction point-of-sale device with optical signature capture, filed July 30, 2014 (Good et al.); U.S. Patent Application No. 29 / 486,759 for an imaging terminal, filed April 2, 2014 (Oberpriller et al.); US Patent Application No. 29 / 492,903 for an INDICIA SCANNER, filed June 4, 2014 (Zhou et al.); and US Patent Application No. 29 / 494,725 for an in-counter barcode scanner, filed June 24, 2014 (Oberpriller et al.).

[0045] Typical embodiments of the invention are disclosed in the description and / or figures.

[0083] The present invention is not limited to such embodiments.

[0084] The use of the term “and / or” includes any combination of one or more of the related listed elements.

[0085] The illustrations are schematic representations and are not necessarily to scale.

[0086] Unless otherwise indicated, specific terms have been used in a general and descriptive sense and not for purposes of limitation. QUOTES CONTAINED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents submitted by the applicant was generated automatically and is included solely for the convenience of the reader. This list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA assumes no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] US 6,832,725

[0082] US 7,128,266

[0082] US 7,159,783

[0082] US 7,413,127

[0082] US 7,726,575

[0082] US 8,294,969

[0082] US 8,317,105

[0082] US 8,322,622

[0082] US 8,366,005

[0082] US 8,371,507

[0082] US 8,376,233

[0082] US 8,381,979

[0082] US 8,390,909

[0082] US 8,408,464

[0082] US 8,408,468

[0082] US 8,408,469

[0082] US 8,424,768

[0082] US 8,448,863

[0082] US 8,457,013

[0082] US 8.459.557

[0082] US 8.469.272

[0082] US 8.474.712

[0082] US 8.479.992

[0082] US 8.490.877

[0082] US 8.517.271

[0082] US 8.523.076

[0082] US 8.528.818

[0082] US 8.544.737

[0082] US 8.548.242

[0082] US 8.548.420

[0082] US 8.550.335

[0082] US 8.550.354

[0082] US 8.550.357

[0082] US 8.556.174

[0082] US 8.556.176

[0082] US 8.556.177

[0082] US 8.559.767

[0082] US 8.599.957

[0082] US 8.561.895

[0082] US 8.561.903

[0082] US 8.561.905

[0082] US 8.565.107

[0082] US 8.571.307

[0082] US 8.579.200

[0082] US 8.583.924

[0082] US 8.584.945

[0082] US 8.587.595

[0082] US 8.587.697

[0082] US 8.588.869

[0082] US 8.590.789

[0082] US 8.596.539

[0082] US 8.596.542

[0082] US 8.596.543

[0082] US 8.599.271

[0082] US 8.600.158

[0082] US 8.600.167

[0082] US 8.602.309

[0082] US 8.608.053

[0082] US 8.608.071

[0082] US 8.611.309

[0082] US 8.615.487

[0082] US 8.616.454

[0082] US 8.621.123

[0082] US 8.622.303

[0082] US 8.628.013

[0082] US 8.628.015

[0082] US 8.628.016

[0082] US 8.629.926

[0082] US 8.630.491

[0082] US 8.635.309

[0082] US 8.636.200

[0082] US 8.636.212

[0082] US 8.636.215

[0082] US 8.636.224

[0082] US 8.638.806

[0082] US 8.640.958

[0082] US 8.640.960

[0082] US 8.643.717

[0082] US 8.646.692

[0082] US 8.646.694

[0082] US 8.657.200

[0082] US 8.659.397

[0082] US 8.668.149

[0082] US 8.678.285

[0082] US 8.678.286

[0082] US 8.682.077

[0082] US 8.687.282

[0082] US 8.692.927

[0082] US 8.695.880

[0082] US 8.698.949

[0082] US 8.717.494

[0082] US 8.720.783

[0082] US 8.723.804

[0082] US 8.723.904

[0082] US 8.727.223

[0082] US 702.237

[0082] US 8.740.082

[0082] US 8.740.085

[0082] US 8.746.563

[0082] US 8.750.445

[0082] US 8.752.766

[0082] US 8.756.059

[0082] US 8.757.495

[0082] US 8.760.563

[0082] US 8.763.909

[0082] US 8.777.108

[0082] US 8.777.109

[0082] US 8.779.898

[0082] US 8.781.520

[0082] US 8.783.573

[0082] US 8.789.757

[0082] US 8.789.758

[0082] US 8.789.759

[0082] US 8.794.520

[0082] US 8.794.522

[0082] US 8.794.526

[0082] US 8.798.367

[0082] US 8.807.431

[0082] US 8.807.432

[0082] US 8.820.630

[0082] US 2008 / 0185432

[0082] US 2009 / 0134221

[0082] US 2010 / 0177080

[0082] US 2010 / 0177076

[0082] US 2010 / 0177707

[0082] US 2010 / 0177749

[0082] US 2011 / 0202554

[0082] US 2012 / 0111946

[0082] US 2012 / 0138685

[0082] US 2012 / 0168511

[0082] US 2012 / 0168512

[0082] US 2012 / 0193423

[0082] US 2012 / 0203647

[0082] US 2012 / 0223141

[0082] US 2012 / 0228382

[0082] US 2012 / 0248188

[0082] US 2013 / 0043312

[0082] US 2013 / 0056285

[0082] US 2013 / 0070322

[0082] US 2013 / 0075168

[0082] US 2013 / 0082104

[0082] US 2013 / 0175341

[0082] US 2013 / 0175343

[0082] US 2013 / 0200158

[0082] US 2013 / 0256418

[0082] US 2013 / 0257744

[0082] US 2013 / 0257759

[0082] US 2013 / 0270346

[0082] US 2013 / 0278425

[0082] US 2013 / 0287258

[0082] US 2013 / 0292475

[0082] US 2013 / 0292477

[0082] US 2013 / 0293539

[0082] US 2013 / 0293540

[0082] US 2013 / 0306728

[0082] US 2013 / 0306730

[0082] US 2013 / 0306731

[0082] US 2013 / 0307964

[0082] US 2013 / 0308625

[0082] US 2013 / 0313324

[0082] US 2013 / 0313325

[0082] US 2013 / 0341399

[0082] US 2013 / 0342717

[0082] US 2014 / 0001267

[0082] US 2014 / 0002828

[0082] US 2014 / 0008430

[0082] US 2014 / 0008439

[0082] US 2014 / 0025584

[0082] US 2014 / 0027518

[0082] US 2014 / 0034734

[0082] US 2014 / 0036848

[0082] US 2014 / 0039693

[0082] US 2014 / 0042814

[0082] US 2014 / 0049120

[0082] US 2014 / 0049635

[0082] US 2014 / 0061305

[0082] US 2014 / 0061306

[0082] US 2014 / 0063289

[0082] US 2014 / 0066136

[0082] US 2014 / 0067692

[0082] US 2014 / 0070005

[0082] US 2014 / 0071840

[0082] US 2014 / 0074746

[0082] US 2014 / 0075846

[0082] US 2014 / 0076974

[0082] US 2014 / 0078341

[0082] US 2014 / 0078342

[0082] US 2014 / 0078345

[0082] US 2014 / 0084068

[0082] US 2014 / 0097249

[0082] US 2014 / 0098792

[0082] US 2014 / 0100774

[0082] US 2014 / 0100813

[0082] US 2014 / 0103115

[0082] US 2014 / 0104413

[0082] US 2014 / 0104414

[0082] US 2014 / 0104416

[0082] US 2014 / 0104451

[0082] US 2014 / 0106594

[0082] US 2014 / 0106725

[0082] US 2014 / 0108010

[0082] US 2014 / 0108402

[0082] US 2014 / 0108682

[0082] US 2014 / 0110485

[0082] US 2014 / 0114530

[0082] US 2014 / 0124577

[0082] US 2014 / 0124579

[0082] US 2014 / 0125842

[0082] US 2014 / 0125853

[0082] US 2014 / 0125999

[0082] US 2014 / 0129378

[0082] US 2014 / 0131438

[0082] US 2014 / 0131441

[0082] US 2014 / 0131443

[0082] US 2014 / 0131444

[0082] US 2014 / 0131445

[0082] US 2014 / 0131448

[0082] US 2014 / 0133379

[0082] US 2014 / 0136208

[0082] US 2014 / 0140585

[0082] US 2014 / 0151453

[0082] US 2014 / 0152882

[0082] US 2014 / 0158770

[0082] US 2014 / 0159869

[0082] US 2014 / 0160329

[0082] US 2014 / 0166755

[0082] US 2014 / 0166757

[0082] US 2014 / 0166759

[0082] US 2014 / 0166760

[0082] US 2014 / 0166761

[0082] US 2014 / 0168787

[0082] US 2014 / 0175165

[0082] US 2014 / 0175169

[0082] US 2014 / 0175172

[0082] US 2014 / 0175174

[0082] US 2014 / 0191644

[0082] US 2014 / 0191913

[0082] US 2014 / 0197238

[0082] US 2014 / 0197239

[0082] US 2014 / 0197304

[0082] US 2014 / 0203087

[0082] US 2014 / 0204268

[0082] US 2014 / 0214631

[0082] US 2014 / 0217166

[0082] US 2014 / 0217180

[0082] US 13 / 367.978

[0082] US 29 / 436.337

[0082] US 13 / 771.508

[0082] US 13 / 852.097

[0082] US 13 / 902.110

[0082] US 13 / 902.144

[0082] US 13 / 902.242

[0082] US 13 / 912.262

[0082] US 13 / 912.702

[0082] US 29 / 458.405

[0082] US 13 / 922.339

[0082] US 13 / 927.398

[0082] US 13 / 930.913

[0082] US 29 / 459.620

[0082] US 29 / 459.681

[0082] US 13 / 933.415

[0082] US 29 / 459.785

[0082] US 29 / 459.823

[0082] US 13 / 947.296

[0082] US 13 / 950.544

[0082] US 13 / 961.408

[0082] US 14 / 018.729

[0082] US 14 / 019.616

[0082] US 14 / 023.762

[0082] US 14 / 035.474

[0082] US 29 / 468.118

[0082] US 14 / 055.234

[0082] US 14 / 053.314

[0082] US 14 / 065.768

[0082] US 14 / 074.746

[0082] US 14 / 074.787

[0082] US 14 / 087.190

[0082] US 14 / 094.087

[0082] US 14 / 101.965

[0082] US 14 / 150.393

[0082] US 14 / 154.207

[0082] US 14 / 165.980

[0082] US 14 / 166.103

[0082] US 14 / 200.405

[0082] US 14 / 231.898

[0082] US 14 / 250.923

[0082] US 14 / 257.174

[0082] US 14 / 257.364

[0082] US 14 / 264.173

[0082] US 14 / 274.858

[0082] US 14 / 277.337

[0082] US 141283.282

[0082] US 141300.276

[0082] US 141305.153

[0082] US 14 / 310.226

[0082] US 141327.722

[0082] US 14 / 327.827

[0082] US 14 / 329.303

[0082] US 14 / 333.588

[0082] US 14 / 334.934

[0082] US 14 / 336.188

[0082] US 14 / 339.708

[0082] US 14 / 340.627

[0082] US 14 / 340.716

[0082] US 14 / 342.544

[0082] US 14 / 345.735

[0082] US 14 / 336.188

[0082] US 14 / 355.613

[0082] US 14 / 370.237

[0082] US 141370.267

[0082] US 14 / 376.472

[0082] US 14 / 379.057

[0082] US 14 / 452.697

[0082] US 14 / 453.019

[0082] US 14 / 460.387

[0082] US 14 / 460.829

[0082] US 14 / 462.801

[0082] US 14 / 446.387

[0082] US 14 / 446.391

[0082] US 29 / 486.759

[0082] US 29 / 492.903

[0082] US 29 / 494.725

[0082]

Claims

[1] Computer program product comprising one or more instructions executable by a processor to: causing an application (14) to be displayed on at least a portion of a display (11) of a device; causing a software input panel (12) comprising a barcode scan button (13) to be displayed on the display (11), wherein the processor causes the software input panel (12) and the application (14) to be displayed simultaneously on the display (11); initiating a barcode scanning operation via a barcode scanning application (19) in response to selection of the barcode scanning button (13); Opening a viewfinder (15) on the display (11); Routing a video feed from a camera of the device to the viewfinder (15); analyzing at least a portion of the video feed from the camera to find one or more barcodes (22); Attempting to decode the one or more barcodes (22) in the video feed from the camera; and Removing the viewfinder (15) from the display (11) after attempting to decode the one or more barcodes (22) in the video feed from the camera. [2] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to cause decoded barcode information to be displayed in the application (14) on at least the portion of the display (11). [3] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the barcode scanning application (19) is a different application from the application (14). [4] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the application (14) runs continuously and is displayed on at least the portion of the display (11) during the barcode scanning operation. [5] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the processor is configured to generate decoded barcode information based on decoding the one or more barcodes (22). [6] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to translate the decoded barcode information into keyboard operations. [7] The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the processor is further configured to cause the keyboard operations (16) to be displayed in the application (14). [8] The computer program product of any of claims 1 to 3, wherein the processor is further configured to close the software input panel upon receipt of a user actuation of the barcode scan button (13). [9] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the processor is further to: find the one or more barcodes (22) in a video feed, the video feed being displayed in the viewfinder (15). [10] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the processor is further configured to: Translating the decoded barcode information into keystrokes on a keypad, where the keypad is a software program or hardware. [11] A computer program product according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the processor further serves to: transmitting an image of the one or more barcodes (22) to a remote location; and Receiving the decoded barcode information from the remote location. [12] The computer program product of claim 6, wherein the processor is configured to wirelessly transmit the image of the one or more barcodes (22) to the remote location for decoding. [13] The computer program product of claim 1, wherein the one or more instructions are further executable by the processor to cause the user interface (12) to be removed when the user is detected to select the barcode scan button (13).

Images