Terminal device and program

By introducing a read control unit and an optical emission control unit into the terminal device, and switching the enable and disabled states of the reading device by pressing the trigger key simultaneously, the problem of frequent switching of operation settings and inability to activate before the initial setting in the prior art is solved, and convenient reading device operation and efficient user experience are achieved.

JP7647976B2Active Publication Date: 2025-03-18CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD
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Patent Information

Application Number
JP2024075130
Authority / Receiving Office
JP · JP
Patent Type
Patents
Current Assignee / Owner
Filing Date
2024-05-07
Publication Date
2025-03-18
Estimated Expiration
2040-02-05

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

When switching the operation settings of the read device, existing terminal devices need to frequently call the setting screen, and cannot immediately activate the read device before the initial setting is completed, resulting in inconvenient operation.

Method used

By introducing a read control unit and an optical emission control unit in the terminal device, it is allowed to switch the enable and disabled states of the reading device by simultaneous pressing of the trigger key, and independently control the read operation and the optical emission state.

Benefits of technology

It realizes convenient switching of the operation settings of the reading device, allowing the reading device to be activated immediately before the initial setting, improving user experience and operation efficiency.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Patent Text Reader

Abstract

To provide a terminal device and a program capable of easily switching operation setting of reading means at a predetermined timing.SOLUTION: A terminal device includes: reading means that performs a reading operation for reading optical information; a plurality of operation keys that receive each of input operations for starting the reading operation by the reading means; and reading control means that controls to be in any state of a reading permitted state that starts the reading operation by the reading means when the input operation for any one operation key of the plurality of operation keys is performed and a reading inhibited state that does not start the reading operation by the reading means when the input operation for any one operation key of the plurality of operation keys is performed. The reading control means executes reading permission control for transitioning from the reading inhibited state to the reading permitted state when the input operations for two operation keys of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing at which at least a part overlaps with each other in the reading inhibited state.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 9
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Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a terminal device and a program. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, in various operations such as product management in stores, warehouses, etc., terminal devices (e.g., handheld terminals) are used that read and manage necessary information. The terminal devices are equipped with a reading means such as a barcode scanner, and the reading means can read symbols (e.g., barcodes and two-dimensional codes) attached to products to be managed, images such as arbitrary character strings, etc. The terminal devices are made ready to perform various operations, including reading operations by the reading means, by carrying out predetermined initial settings including items such as wireless communication connection settings and user information from the factory default state.

[0003] Some terminal devices allow the user to set whether or not the reading operation by the reading means is to be performed (for example, Patent Document 1). This can reduce power consumption due to the operation of the reading means, and can prevent light emission at unintended timing in terminal devices that involve light emission during reading operations. The setting of whether or not the reading operation is to be performed is performed, for example, by calling up a specific setting screen after the above-mentioned initial settings are completed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 9-91365 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] However, it is time-consuming to call up the setting screen every time to switch the operation settings of the reading means. In addition, there is a problem that the setting screen cannot be called up before the initial settings are completed, and the reading means cannot be made available. For this reason, for example, the reading means cannot be used to input various information during the initial settings, which is inconvenient. As described above, the conventional technology has a problem in that it is not possible to easily switch the operation settings of the reading means at a desired timing.

[0006] An object of the present invention is to provide a terminal device and a program that can easily switch the operation settings of a reading means at a desired timing. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] In order to solve the above problems, the terminal device of the present invention comprises: A reading means for performing a reading operation to read optical information; An input operation for causing the reading means to start the reading operation Received Attachment Acceptance method and, before The above reception method a read permission state in which the reading operation by the reading means is started when the input operation is performed on the A reading-permitted state in which power is supplied to the reading means. And, before The above reception method a read inhibit state in which the reading operation by the reading means is not started when the input operation is performed on the A read-prohibited state in which no power is supplied to the reading means. and a read control means for controlling the state to one of the above. El .

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, the terminal device of the present invention comprises: a reading means having a light emitting unit and performing a reading operation of reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit; An input operation for starting light emission by the light-emitting unit Received Attachment Acceptance method and, before The above reception method a light emission permission state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is started when the input operation is performed on the a light emission permitted state in which power is supplied to the light emitting unit; And the above Reception method a light emission prohibited state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is not started when the input operation is performed on the a light emission prohibited state in which power is not supplied to the light emitting unit and a light emission control means for controlling the light emission to one of the above states. El . Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the present invention, the operation settings of the reading means can be easily switched at a desired timing. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal management system. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is an external view of the handheld terminal. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the handheld terminal. [Figure 4] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen for configuring operation settings of the barcode scanner. [Diagram 5] 11A and 11B are diagrams illustrating an example of an input operation when a business application is executed. [Figure 6] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen on which detailed settings relating to simple switching can be made. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of operation setting data. [Figure 8] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of an activation process. [Figure 9] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a trigger key operation response process. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of operation setting data according to Modification 1. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of a trigger key operation response process according to Modification 1. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen on which a target for simple switching can be selected. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, an embodiment of a terminal device and a program according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a terminal management system 1. As shown in FIG. The terminal management system 1 includes a plurality of handheld terminals 10 (terminal devices), an access point 2, and a server 3.

[0013] The handy terminal 10 is installed in a store such as a supermarket or a mass retailer, or a warehouse that stores products, and is operated by an operator such as a store clerk or a manager at the store. The handy terminal 10 includes a barcode scanner 18 (reading means) (see Figs. 2(b) and 3) that performs a reading operation of scanning and reading optical information. Here, optical information is information that can be read by an optical method, and includes symbols such as barcodes or two-dimensional codes, and various images. The handy terminal 10 also includes a communication unit 17 (see Fig. 3) that performs wireless LAN communication with the access point 2. The handy terminal 10 uses the barcode scanner 18 to read symbols attached to products or images of arbitrary character strings printed on paper, and executes a predetermined process using the read data, or transmits the read data to the server 3 via the access point 2.

[0014] The access point 2 is a repeater for wireless LAN communication. The server 3 is network-connected to the access point 2, and performs data communication with each handheld terminal 10 via the access point 2. The server 3 stores and manages data received from the handheld terminal 10, and transmits data of business applications (application programs for business use) in response to requests from the handheld terminal 10. FIG. 1 illustrates an example of the terminal management system 1 having one access point 2 and one server 3, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration having a plurality of access points 2 and / or servers 3 may be used.

[0015] Fig. 2 is an external view of the handheld terminal 10. Fig. 2(a) is a view showing the front side of the handheld terminal 10, and Fig. 2(b) is a view showing the rear side of the handheld terminal 10. The handy terminal 10 has a reading surface for the barcode scanner 18 on its rear side. The handy terminal 10 also includes a side trigger key 151S, a front trigger key 151F, and a rear trigger key 151B, each of which receives an input operation for causing the barcode scanner 18 to start a reading operation, a general input key 152 which receives an input operation for inputting various information by the user, and a display unit 16 which displays various information.

[0016] The side trigger key 151S is provided on each of both ends (both sides) in the short side direction of the handheld terminal 10, totaling two. Here, the short side direction is a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction, which is the direction in which the width is the largest, when the handheld terminal 10 is viewed from the direction facing the display unit 16. In this embodiment, the longitudinal direction is the up-down direction in FIG. 2(a), and the short side direction is the left-right direction in FIG. 2(a). The front trigger key 151F is provided on the front side of the handheld terminal 10. The rear trigger key 151B is provided on the rear side of the handheld terminal 10. In the following, any one of the side trigger key 151S, the front trigger key 151F, and the rear trigger key 151B will be referred to as the "trigger key 151". The handheld terminal 10 of this embodiment has four trigger keys 151. These four trigger keys 151 correspond to "plurality of operation keys", and among them, the side trigger key 151S corresponds to the "end operation key".

[0017] The general input keys 152 include character input keys for inputting numbers and letters, function keys for calling and executing a predetermined function, and cursor keys for moving a cursor displayed in the display unit 16 and for transitioning a target area for information input. These general input keys 152, the above-mentioned four trigger keys 151, and the touch panel overlaid on the display unit 16 constitute the operation unit 15 (see FIG. 3) (operation means).

[0018] The display unit 16 is disposed on the front side of the handheld terminal 10, and is configured with an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) or an EL (Electro Luminescence) display, etc. In this embodiment, a touch panel is disposed on the screen of the display unit 16, and the user can input by touching the touch panel.

[0019] The barcode scanner 18 reads symbols such as barcodes and two-dimensional codes generated according to a predetermined rule, decodes the obtained signal, and outputs the signal to a CPU 11 (Central Processing Unit) (see FIG. 3). At least a part of the decoding process of the symbol reading result may be executed by the CPU 11. The barcode scanner 18 also reads an image of a character string printed on paper or the like, and outputs the obtained read data (image data) to the CPU 11. The CPU 11 executes an OCR (Optical Character Recognition) process on the read data of the character string to obtain text data corresponding to the character string. The OCR process may be executed by a processing unit included in the barcode scanner 18. The barcode scanner 18 of this embodiment is a laser scanner equipped with a light emitting unit 181 (see FIG. 3) that emits laser light from a reading surface. The barcode scanner 18 receives the reflected light of the laser light irradiated from the light emitting unit 181 on the surface of the reading target, and reads optical information based on the intensity distribution of the detected reflected light.

[0020] When an input operation (depressing the trigger key 151) is performed on any one of the four trigger keys 151, the barcode scanner 18 starts emitting laser light from the light emitting unit 181 in response to the input operation, and starts a reading operation. In this way, by configuring the barcode scanner 18 so that the reading operation can be started by any one of the four trigger keys 151, the main function of the barcode scanner 18, that is, reading an image, can be easily and reliably performed at a desired timing. In addition, the handy terminal 10 of this embodiment can be controlled to one of a read permission state in which the barcode scanner 18 starts a read operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the trigger keys 151, and a read prohibition state in which the barcode scanner 18 does not start a read operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the operation keys. In this embodiment, since the light emitting unit 181 emits light in association with the read operation, the read permission state is also a light emission permission state in which the light emitting unit 181 starts to emit light when an input operation is performed on any one of the trigger keys 151. The read prohibition state is also a light emission prohibition state in which the light emitting unit 181 does not start to emit light when an input operation is performed on any one of the trigger keys 151. The control of the transition between the read permission state (light emission permission state) and the read prohibition state (light emission prohibition state) will be described in detail later. In the following, unless otherwise specified, the reading operation by the barcode scanner 18 includes the light emitting operation of the light emitting unit 181. Therefore, the reading permitted state includes the light emitting permitted state, and the reading prohibited state includes the light emitting prohibited state.

[0021] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the handheld terminal 10. As shown in FIG. The handy terminal 10 includes a CPU 11 (computer), a RAM 12 (Random Access Memory), a ROM 13 (Read Only Memory), a storage unit 14, an operation unit 15, a display unit 16, a communication unit 17, a barcode scanner 18, a power supply unit 19, and a bus 20. Each unit of the handy terminal 10 is connected to each other via the bus 20. In the following, a description of the configuration that has already been described will be omitted.

[0022] The CPU 11 is a processor that controls each part of the handheld terminal 10 by performing various processes according to a program 141 and a business application 142 stored in the storage unit 14. The CPU 11 executes the program 141 to perform various processes, thereby functioning as a reading control means, a light emission control means, a display control means, a reference time setting means, and an invalid setting means.

[0023] The RAM 12 provides a working memory space for the CPU 11 and stores temporary data. The RAM 12 may include a non-volatile memory.

[0024] The ROM 13 is a non-volatile storage unit from which information can be read, and stores various setting data and the like.

[0025] The storage unit 14 includes a storage device capable of writing and reading data, such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), or a flash memory, and stores a program 141, a business application 142, and various data. The data stored in the storage unit 14 includes operation setting data 143 in which various operation settings of the handheld terminal 10 are stored.

[0026] The communication unit 17 is a communication module having an antenna, a modulation / demodulation circuit, a signal processing circuit, etc., and performs communication control in accordance with a communication standard related to wireless communication by wireless LAN. Under the control of the CPU 11, the communication unit 17 performs wireless communication with one access point 2 that is set in advance as a communication connection target, and transmits and receives data to and from the server 3 via the access point 2.

[0027] The power supply unit 19 is, for example, a rechargeable battery or a dry cell, and supplies a power supply voltage to each part of the handheld terminal 10 shown in FIG. 3. In FIG. 3, the power supply path from the power supply unit 19 to each part is omitted. The power supply unit 19 also switches the power supply to the barcode scanner 18 on / off under the control of the CPU 11. This allows the barcode scanner 18 to be switched between operable and inoperable. That is, the CPU 11, which serves as a reading control means and a light emission control means, can set the barcode scanner 18 to the above-mentioned read permitted state by switching on the power supply to the barcode scanner 18, and can set the barcode scanner 18 to the above-mentioned read prohibited state by switching off the power supply to the barcode scanner 18. The control of turning on the power supply to the barcode scanner 18 corresponds to the "read permission control" and the "light emission permission control", and the control of turning off the power supply to the barcode scanner 18 corresponds to the "read prohibition control" and the "light emission prohibition control". Hereinafter, the read permission control and the light emission permission control are also collectively referred to as the "permission control", and the read prohibition control and the light emission prohibition control are also collectively referred to as the "prohibition control". The handheld terminal 10 transitions to the read permitted state when permission control is performed in the read prohibited state, and transitions to the read prohibited state when the above-mentioned prohibition control is performed in the read permitted state.

[0028] Next, the operation of the handy terminal 10 will be described, focusing on the operation control of the barcode scanner 18.

[0029] The handheld terminal 10 can be set (i.e., activated) to a state in which various operations including reading operation by the barcode scanner 18 can be executed by carrying out predetermined initial settings including items such as connection settings for wireless LAN communication and user information from the factory state. The initial settings of the handheld terminal 10 are also called kitting. More specifically, in the factory default state, even if the handheld terminal 10 body is powered on, no power supply voltage is supplied from the power supply unit 19 to the barcode scanner 18, and the barcode scanner 18 does not start reading even if the trigger key 151 is pressed. This is to reduce unnecessary power consumption and to prevent laser light from being emitted from the light emitting unit 181 at an unintended timing.

[0030] When the initial settings are complete, a setting screen for configuring the operation of the handheld terminal 10 can be called up and displayed on the display unit 16. By configuring the operation of the barcode scanner 18 on this setting screen, permission control can be performed to place the handheld terminal 10 in a reading-permitted state. Note that the handheld terminal 10 may be configured to automatically transition to a reading-permitted state when the initial settings are complete.

[0031] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 30 for configuring operation settings of the barcode scanner 18. As shown in FIG. The setting screen 30 displays a toggle button 31 for switching whether or not the reading operation by the barcode scanner 18 can be performed, and a setting button 32. By performing a touch operation to select the toggle button 31 (hereinafter, performing a touch operation is also referred to as "tapping"), the display of the toggle button 31 is switched between "ON" and "OFF", thereby switching the setting of whether or not the reading operation can be performed. By tapping the setting button 32 with the toggle button 31 switched to "ON", permission control is executed, and the handheld terminal 10 can be set to a reading permission state. Furthermore, by tapping the setting button 32 with the toggle button 31 switched to "OFF", prohibition control is executed, and the handheld terminal 10 can be set to a reading prohibition state. In this way, the setting screen 30 is a screen for executing the reading permission control or the reading prohibition control based on an input operation accepted via the touch panel. The display of the setting screen 30 is executed by the CPU 11 as a display control means.

[0032] The permission control and prohibition control can also be performed by calling a predetermined availability switching function in the business application 142 executed after the initial setting.

[0033] Incidentally, in the initial setting of the handheld terminal 10, it is necessary to input various pieces of information in sequence, such as the SSID and authentication code of the access point 2 to be connected, the IP address of the server 3 and the name of the folder to be connected to, and the user's email address. Since inputting this information using the general input keys 152 is cumbersome and time-consuming, there is a demand for simplifying the input operation by using the barcode scanner 18. In other words, if the information to be input (character strings) are printed on paper in advance and the barcode scanner 18 is used to read the images of these character strings to input the information, it is possible to significantly reduce the user's time and effort. However, in the above-mentioned activation method, the handheld terminal 10 cannot be set to a read-enabled state before the initial settings are completed, and therefore the barcode scanner 18 cannot be used for the initial settings.

[0034] Therefore, in the handheld terminal 10 of this embodiment, the state of the handheld terminal 10 can be transitioned between the read permitted state and the read prohibited state by a method other than changing the settings on the setting screen 30.

[0035] Specifically, in the reading prohibited state, if input operations on two of the four trigger keys 151 are performed at times that at least partially overlap, permission control is executed and the state transitions to the reading permitted state. In addition, in the reading permitted state, if input operations on two of the four trigger keys 151 are performed at times that at least partially overlap, prohibition control is executed and a transition to a reading prohibited state occurs. In other words, regardless of whether the initial setting is completed or not, if input operations are performed on the two trigger keys 151 at the same time, the state of the handheld terminal 10 is switched between a read permitted state and a read prohibited state. After the handheld terminal 10 is set to the read permitted state, pressing either of the trigger keys 151 starts a reading operation by the barcode scanner 18. By using this method, the barcode scanner 18 can be used to input information during the initial setting.

[0036] Hereinafter, performing input operations on two trigger keys 151 with partially overlapping timing is also referred to as "simultaneous pressing" of the trigger keys 151. Here, simultaneous pressing refers to a pressing period of one trigger key 151 at least partially overlapping a pressing period of another trigger key 151, and the start timing and end timing of each pressing period may be different. Moreover, switching the state of the handy terminal 10 between the read permitted state and the read prohibited state by simultaneously pressing the two trigger keys 151 is hereinafter referred to as "simple switching."

[0037] The combination of two trigger keys 151 to be pressed simultaneously to execute the simple switching is arbitrary. However, the simple switching may be executed only when two specific trigger keys 151 are pressed simultaneously. In this case, the two specific trigger keys 151 may be, for example, two side trigger keys 151S on the left and right. Alternatively, the combination of the front trigger key 151F and the back trigger key 151B may be the above-mentioned two specific trigger keys 151. By setting the combination of the two specific trigger keys 151 to be provided opposite each other, the user can press the handheld terminal 10 simultaneously by pinching the main body of the handheld terminal 10 with two fingers, and the handheld terminal 10 can be prevented from being dropped. In addition, the two specific trigger keys 151 may be two side trigger keys 151S provided at both ends of the short side direction of the handheld terminal 10 so that the simultaneous pressing can be executed with one hand.

[0038] Also, simplified switching may be performed when input operations on two operation keys overlap for a reference time or more (in other words, when the pressing periods of two trigger keys 151 overlap for a reference time or more when pressed simultaneously). This makes it possible to prevent simplified switching from being performed by unintentionally pressing two trigger keys 151 by immediately releasing the keys. The length of the reference time is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, about 1 to 3 seconds.

[0039] The simple switching function is enabled even after the initial settings are completed. This allows the state of the handheld terminal 10 to be easily switched between the read permitted state and the read prohibited state at a desired timing. This allows the information input method to be flexibly switched when the business application 142 is executed, for example.

[0040] FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining an example of an input operation when the business application 142 is executed. 5, a business application screen 40 of a business application 142 related to a product inventory task is displayed on the display unit 16. This business application screen 40 displays a barcode information input box 41 for inputting barcode information of a product, a quantity input box 42 for inputting an inventory quantity, and a signature input box 43 for inputting a checker's signature.

[0041] When the barcode information input box 41 is selected and the barcode of the product is read by the barcode scanner 18, the barcode is read and barcode information is obtained, and the barcode information is then entered into the barcode information input box 41. In addition, by inputting a numerical value using the general input keys 152 while the quantity input box 42 is selected, stock quantity information can be input into the quantity input box 42. In addition, when the signature input box 43 is selected, the signature can be input into the signature input box 43 by tracing the inside of the signature input box 43 with a finger or a stylus or the like.

[0042] Here, while inputting information into the barcode information input box 41 requires a reading operation of the barcode scanner 18, inputting information into the quantity input box 42 and the signature input box 43 does not require a reading operation of the barcode scanner 18. When inputting information into the barcode information input box 41, the handheld terminal 10 can be easily set to a read-permitted state by simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151. When inputting information into the quantity input box 42 and the signature input box 43, the handheld terminal 10 can be set to a read-prohibited state by simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151, thereby reducing power consumption and preventing unintended information input into the quantity input box 42 and the signature input box 43 related to the reading result of the barcode scanner 18.

[0043] For the simple switching, the following detailed settings may be further possible. That is, the above-mentioned reference time for simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151 for performing simplified switching may be set by the user as a first detailed setting. When this first detailed setting is enabled, simplified switching is performed when simultaneous pressing of two trigger keys 151 continues for the set reference time or longer. In addition, as the second detailed setting, the user may be allowed to set the simple switching function to be enabled or disabled. When the simple switching function is set to be disabled, the permission control and the prohibition control are not executed even if the two trigger keys 151 are pressed simultaneously, and simple switching is not performed.

[0044] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 30 on which the above-mentioned detailed settings relating to simple switching can be made. Displayed on this setting screen 30 are toggle buttons 31 and 33, an input box 34, and a setting button 32. The display of the setting screen 30 is executed by the CPU 11 as a display control means.

[0045] By tapping the toggle button 31 to switch between "ON" and "OFF", the settings for enabling or disabling the reading operation and emission of light of the barcode scanner 18 can be switched in the same way as in Fig. 4. The toggle button 31 is used when enabling or disabling the operation of the barcode scanner 18 without using the simple switching function. In addition, the simple switching function can be set to be enabled or disabled by tapping the toggle button 33 to switch between "ON" and "OFF". In the input box 34, a specified number of seconds for the reference time can be input.

[0046] When the setting button 32 is selected, the settings of the toggle buttons 31, 33 and the input box 34 at that time are confirmed and reflected in the operation setting data 143. That is, the CPU 11 rewrites the operation setting data 143 in accordance with the contents of the setting screen 30, thereby updating various settings related to the simple switching. That is, the CPU 11 as a disable setting means sets the simple switching function to be enabled or disabled based on an instruction from the user given via the toggle button 33. Also, the CPU 11 as a reference time setting means sets a reference time related to the simple switching based on an instruction from the user given via the input box 34.

[0047] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of the contents of the operation setting data 143 in which the settings on the setting screen 30 in FIG. 6 are stored. The operation setting data 143 includes a data line 143a for setting whether the reading operation is enabled or disabled, a data line 143b for setting whether the simple switching function is enabled or disabled, and a data line 143c for setting a reference time for simple switching. The data line 143a corresponds to the setting of the toggle button 31 in FIG. 6, the data line 143b corresponds to the setting of the toggle button 33, and the data line 143c corresponds to the input of the input box 34.

[0048] Next, a description will be given of the activation process of the handheld terminal 10. The activation process is a process that is executed until the handheld terminal 10 transitions from its factory default state to normal operation.

[0049] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the activation process by the CPU 11. The activation process starts when the power of the main body is turned on in the factory default state. In this case, it is assumed that the reading operation is set to "disabled" and the simple switching function is set to "enabled" in the factory default operation setting data 143.

[0050] When the activation process is started, the CPU 11 determines whether or not pressing of the trigger key 151 has been detected (step S101), and if it is determined that pressing of the trigger key 151 has been detected ("YES" in step S101), it executes a trigger key operation response process (step S102).

[0051] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the trigger key operation response process by the CPU 11. When the trigger key operation response processing is called, the CPU 11 determines whether or not simultaneous pressing of two trigger keys 151 has been detected, that is, whether or not the pressing of the trigger keys 151 detected in step S101 of FIG. 8 is the simultaneous pressing of two trigger keys 151 (step S201).

[0052] If it is determined that simultaneous pressing of two trigger keys 151 has been detected ("YES" in step S201), the CPU 11 refers to data row 143b of the operation setting data 143 and determines whether the simple switching function using the trigger keys 151 is "enabled" (step S202).

[0053] If it is determined that the simple switching function is "enabled" ("YES" in step S202), the CPU 11 refers to data row 143c of the operation setting data 143 and determines whether the detected simultaneous press time is equal to or longer than a reference time (step S203).

[0054] If it is determined that the detected simultaneous pressing time is equal to or longer than the reference time ("YES" in step S203), the CPU 11 refers to data row 143a of the operation setting data 143 and determines whether the reading operation of the barcode scanner 18 is set to "enabled", i.e., whether the handheld terminal 10 is in a reading-permitted state (step S204).

[0055] If it is determined that the barcode scanner 18 is in a read-permitted state ("YES" in step S204), the CPU 11 changes the setting of the read operation in the data line 143a of the operation setting data 143 to "unavailable" (step S205). In response to this, the CPU 11 executes prohibition control. That is, the CPU 11 cuts off the power supply from the power supply unit 19 to the barcode scanner 18, and transitions to a read-prohibited state.

[0056] If it is determined in the process of step S204 that the barcode scanner 18 is in a read-prohibited state ("NO" in step S204), the CPU 11 changes the setting of the read operation in the data line 143a of the operation setting data 143 to "permitted" (step S206). In response to this, the CPU 11 executes permission control. That is, the CPU 11 starts supplying power from the power supply unit 19 to the barcode scanner 18, and transitions the state to a read-permitted state.

[0057] If it is determined in the process of step S201 that simultaneous depression of the two trigger keys 151 has not been detected ("NO" in step S201), if it is determined in the process of step S202 that the simple switching function is "disabled" ("NO" in step S202), or if it is determined in the process of step S203 that the simultaneous depression time is less than the reference time ("NO" in step S203), the CPU 11 determines whether the handheld terminal 10 is in a read-permitted state (step S207). If it is determined that the handheld terminal 10 is in a read-permitted state ("YES" in step S207), the CPU 11 causes the barcode scanner 18 to execute a read operation (step S208).

[0058] When any one of the processes in steps S205, S206, and S208 has been completed, or when it is determined in the process in step S207 that the reading is prohibited ("NO" in step S207), the CPU 11 ends the trigger key operation response process and returns the process to the activation process.

[0059] Returning to Fig. 8, when the trigger key operation response process in step S102 is completed, or when it is determined in step S101 that pressing of the trigger key 151 has not been detected ("NO" in step S101), the CPU 11 executes the above-mentioned initial setting process (step S103). That is, a predetermined initial setting screen for inputting various information related to the initial setting is displayed on the display unit 16, input of information from the user is accepted, and initial setting of the handheld terminal 10 is performed based on the input information. Here, if the handheld terminal has already been set to a read-permitted state by the simple switching function, the CPU 11 causes a reading operation to be performed in response to pressing of the trigger key 151, and uses the read result for information input.

[0060] When the initial setting process is completed, the CPU 11 starts normal operation of the handheld terminal 10 (step S104). If the handheld terminal 10 is in a read-prohibited state at this stage, the CPU 11 may execute permission control to switch the handheld terminal 10 to a read-permitted state. Thereafter, when the user instructs the CPU 11 to display the setting screen 30, the CPU 11 displays the setting screen 30 on the display unit 16 and accepts input operations for setting. The CPU 11 also constantly determines whether the trigger key 151 has been pressed, and when the CPU 11 detects that the trigger key 151 has been pressed, it executes the above-mentioned trigger key operation response process to execute simple switching or reading operations.

[0061] (Modification) Next, a modified example of the above embodiment will be described. This modified example differs from the above embodiment in that simplified switching is performed only for the light emitting operation by the light emitting unit 181 among the reading operations. The differences from the above embodiment will be described below.

[0062] In the simple switching of the above embodiment, permission control or prohibition control is performed to switch the power supply to the barcode scanner 18 on / off, thereby switching whether or not the entire reading operation of the barcode scanner 18, including the light emitting operation of the light emitting unit 181, but instead, simple switching may be used to switch only whether or not the light emitting operation of the light emitting unit 181 is enabled. In other words, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which a read-permitted state is accompanied by an emission-permitted state, and a read-prohibited state is accompanied by an emission-prohibited state, but instead, the state transition related to emission (transition between the emission-permitted state and the emission-prohibited state) may be performed independently of the state transition related to reading (transition between the read-permitted state and the read-prohibited state).

[0063] The method of only transitioning between the light emission permitted state and the light emission prohibited state without performing state transition related to reading is not particularly limited, but may be, for example, switching between a state in which the transmission of a control signal from the CPU 11 to the light emission unit 181 is possible and a state in which the control signal is blocked (transmission disabled state) while maintaining power supply to the barcode scanner 18. In this case, the control of blocking the transmission of the control signal to the light emission unit 181 corresponds to the light emission prohibited control, and the control of enabling the transmission of the control signal to the light emission unit 181 corresponds to the light emission permitted control. In order to perform this switching, as shown in FIG. 10, a data row 143d relating to the setting of whether or not the light emission operation is possible is added to the operation setting data 143, and when two trigger keys 151 are pressed simultaneously, the setting of the data row 143d is switched, and the CPU 11 performs the light emission permitted control or the light emission prohibited control according to the setting. Alternatively, the control for cutting off only the power supply to the light-emitting unit 181 among the power supply to the barcode scanner 18 may be the light emission prohibition control, and the control for starting only the power supply to the light-emitting unit 181 may be the light emission permission control. The method of this modification also makes it possible to prevent the light-emitting section 181 from emitting laser light at an unintended timing.

[0064] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing a control procedure of the trigger key operation response process according to the first modification by the CPU 11. The flowchart in Fig. 11 corresponds to the flowchart in Fig. 9 in which steps S204, S205, and S206 are replaced with steps S204a, S205a, and S206a, respectively. The differences from the flowchart in Fig. 9 will be described below.

[0065] If it is determined in the processing of step S203 in FIG. 11 that the simultaneous pressing time is equal to or longer than the reference time ("YES" in step S203), the CPU 11 refers to data row 143d of the operation setting data 143 and determines whether the light emitting operation of the light emitting unit is set to "enabled", i.e., whether the handheld terminal 10 is in a state capable of emitting light (step S204a).

[0066] If it is determined that light emission is possible ("YES" in step S204a), CPU 11 changes the setting of the light emission operation in data row 143d of operation setting data 143 to "not possible" (step S205a). In response to this, CPU 11 executes light emission prohibition control. That is, CPU 11 makes the state in which the control signal to light emitting unit 181 is blocked, and thereafter, even if pressing of trigger key 151 is detected, light emitting unit 181 will not perform light emission operation.

[0067] If it is determined in the process of step S204a that light emission is prohibited ("NO" in step S204a), CPU 11 changes the setting of the light emission operation in data row 143d of operation setting data 143 to "enabled" (step S206a). In response to this, CPU 11 executes light emission permission control. That is, CPU 11 enables the transmission of a control signal to light-emitting unit 181, and thereafter, when CPU 11 detects pressing of trigger key 151 and causes a reading operation to be performed, CPU 11 also causes light-emitting unit 181 to emit light.

[0068] When any one of the processes in steps S205a, S206a, and S208 is completed, or when it is determined in the process of step S207 that the handheld terminal 10 is in a reading-prohibited state ("NO" in step S207), the CPU 11 ends the trigger key operation response process and returns the process to the activation process.

[0069] In this modified example, the target of switching by the simple switching function may be selected from the entire reading operation including light emission, and only the light emission operation of the light emitting unit 181.

[0070] 12 is a diagram showing an example of a setting screen 30 on which a target for simple switching can be selected. This setting screen 30 corresponds to the setting screen 30 of FIG. 6 with a radio button 35 added. The target of the simple switching can be specified by selecting "reading operation" or "light emission" with radio button 35 and pressing setting button 32. In other words, when "reading operation" is selected with radio button 35 and two trigger keys 151 are pressed simultaneously, it is possible to switch between whether or not the entire reading operation, including light emission, can be performed. On the other hand, when "light emission" is selected with radio button 35 and two trigger keys 151 are pressed simultaneously, it is possible to switch only between whether or not the light emission unit 181 can emit light.

[0071] As described above, the handy terminal 10 as a terminal device according to the present embodiment includes the barcode scanner 18 that performs a reading operation to read optical information, the multiple trigger keys 151 that each accept an input operation to make the barcode scanner 18 start a reading operation, and the CPU 11. The CPU 11 controls the barcode scanner 18 to one of a read permission state in which the barcode scanner 18 starts a reading operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the multiple trigger keys 151, and a read prohibition state in which the barcode scanner 18 does not start a reading operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the multiple trigger keys 151, and executes a read permission control to transition from the read prohibition state to the read permission state when input operations on two of the multiple trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the read prohibition state (read control means). According to this, the barcode scanner 18 can be transitioned to the read permission state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing the two trigger keys 151. Therefore, compared to a method in which the barcode scanner 18 is enabled or disabled using the setting screen 30, user convenience can be improved.

[0072] Furthermore, the CPU 11 executes read prohibition control for transitioning from the read permitted state to the read prohibited state when input operations on two of the multiple trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the read permitted state (read control means). With this, the barcode scanner 18 can be transitioned to the read prohibited state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151. Therefore, the barcode scanner 18 can be easily transitioned to the read prohibited state in a situation where reading of an image by the barcode scanner 18 is not required, and the power consumption of the handheld terminal 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0073] In addition, after the completion of the initial setting, the CPU 11 displays the setting screen 30 for executing the read permission control or the read prohibition control based on the input operation received through the operation means other than the multiple trigger keys 151 on the display unit 16 based on the instruction from the user (display control means), and executes the read permission control or the read prohibition control when the input operations on the two trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps before the completion of the initial setting (read control means). As a result, even before the completion of the initial setting when the setting screen 30 cannot be called, the handy terminal 10 can be transitioned to the read permission state. Therefore, the barcode scanner 18 can be used for inputting information in the initial setting. As a result, information (character strings, etc.) to be input in the initial setting can be printed on paper in advance, and the information can be input by reading the images of these character strings with the barcode scanner 18, which can greatly reduce the user's efforts. Therefore, even when the initial setting is performed on a large number of handy terminals 10, the occurrence of input can be suppressed and the operation time can be shortened.

[0074] Furthermore, even after the initial settings are completed, the CPU 11 executes read permission control or read prohibition control when input operations on the two trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps (read control means). This allows the barcode scanner 18 to be easily enabled or disabled at a desired timing even during normal use of the handy terminal 10 after the initial settings are completed. This allows the information input method to be flexibly switched when the business application 142 is being executed, for example.

[0075] The multiple trigger keys 151 include two side trigger keys 151S provided at both ends of the handheld terminal 10 in the short-side direction, and the CPU 11 executes read permission control or read prohibition control when input operations on the two side trigger keys 151S are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps (read control means). This limits the combination of trigger keys 151 that perform simple switching, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction in which simple switching is performed by unintentionally pressing two trigger keys 151 simultaneously. In particular, the side trigger keys 151S at both ends of the short-side direction are not usually pressed simultaneously unless the user intentionally presses them, so that it is possible to more reliably suppress unintentional execution of simple switching. In addition, by making it possible to perform simple switching only by simultaneously pressing a pair of side trigger keys 151S provided opposite each other in this way, the user can press the handheld terminal 10 body with two fingers to press them simultaneously, preventing the handheld terminal 10 from being dropped. In addition, by making the side trigger keys 151S on both ends of the short side direction the targets of simultaneous depression, simple switching can be performed even with one hand.

[0076] Furthermore, the CPU 11 executes read permission control or read prohibition control when input operations on the two trigger keys 151 overlap for a reference time or more (read control means), and sets the reference time based on an instruction from the user (reference time setting means). When the handheld terminal 10 is in a pocket or bag, the two trigger keys 151 may be unintentionally pressed simultaneously. Depending on how the user holds the handheld terminal 10, the two trigger keys 151 may be unintentionally pressed simultaneously for a short time. In response to this, according to the configuration capable of setting the reference time as described above, by setting the reference time to a long time, it is possible to prevent simple switching from being performed due to such unintentional simultaneous pressing.

[0077] Furthermore, the CPU 11 disables (disable setting means) the function of executing the read permission control or the read prohibition control in response to the input operation on the two trigger keys 151 based on an instruction from the user. This makes it possible to prevent the simple switching from being performed even if the trigger keys 151 are unintentionally pressed simultaneously.

[0078] The handy terminal 10 as a terminal device according to the present embodiment includes a barcode scanner 18 having a light emitting unit 181 and reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit 181, a plurality of trigger keys 151 each receiving an input operation for starting light emission by the light emitting unit 181, and a CPU 11. The CPU 11 controls the handy terminal 10 to one of two states: a light emission permitted state in which the light emitting unit 181 starts light emission when an input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of trigger keys 151; and a light emission prohibited state in which the light emitting unit 181 does not start light emission when an input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of trigger keys 151. When input operations on two of the plurality of trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that overlaps at least partially in the light emission prohibited state, the handy terminal 10 executes light emission permission control for transitioning from the light emission prohibited state to the light emission permitted state (light emission control means). According to this, the handy terminal 10 can be transitioned to the light emission enabled state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151. Therefore, compared to a method in which the barcode scanner 18 is switched on and off using the setting screen 30, user convenience can be improved.

[0079] Furthermore, the CPU 11 executes light emission prohibition control for transitioning from the light emission permitted state to the light emission prohibited state when input operations on two of the multiple trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the light emission permitted state (light emission control means). With this, the barcode scanner 18 can be transitioned to the light emission prohibited state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing the two trigger keys 151. Therefore, by simply transitioning to the light emission prohibited state in a situation where image reading by the barcode scanner 18 is not required, the power consumption of the handheld terminal 10 can be effectively reduced.

[0080] After the initial setting is completed, the CPU 11 displays the setting screen 30 on the display unit 16 based on an instruction from the user (display control means) for executing the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control based on the input operation received through the operation means other than the multiple trigger keys 151, and executes the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control when the input operations on the two trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps before the initial setting is completed (light emission control means). This allows the handheld terminal 10 to transition to a light emission enabled state even before the initial setting is completed when the setting screen 30 cannot be called up. Therefore, the barcode scanner 18 can be used for inputting information in the initial setting. This allows the information (character strings, etc.) to be input in the initial setting to be printed on paper in advance, and the information to be input can be input by reading the images of these character strings with the barcode scanner 18, which can significantly reduce the user's efforts. Therefore, even when the initial setting is performed on a large number of handheld terminals 10, the occurrence of input can be suppressed and the operation time can be shortened.

[0081] Furthermore, even after the initial settings are completed, the CPU 11 executes light emission permission control or light emission prohibition control when input operations on the two trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps (light emission control means). This allows the barcode scanner 18 to be easily enabled or disabled at a desired timing even during normal use of the handy terminal 10 after the initial settings are completed. Therefore, for example, the method of inputting information when the business application 142 is being executed can be flexibly switched.

[0082] The multiple trigger keys 151 include two side trigger keys 151S provided at both ends of the handheld terminal 10 in the short-side direction, and the CPU 11 executes light emission permission control or light emission prohibition control when input operations on the two side trigger keys 151S are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps (light emission control means). This limits the combination of trigger keys 151 that perform simple switching, so that it is possible to suppress the occurrence of a malfunction in which simple switching is performed by unintentionally pressing two trigger keys 151 simultaneously. In particular, the side trigger keys 151S at both ends of the short-side direction are not usually pressed simultaneously unless the user intends to press them, so that it is possible to more reliably suppress unintentional execution of simple switching. In addition, by making it possible to perform simple switching only by simultaneously pressing a pair of side trigger keys 151S provided opposite each other in this way, the user can press the handheld terminal 10 body between two fingers simultaneously, preventing the handheld terminal 10 from being dropped. In addition, by making the side trigger keys 151S on both ends of the short side direction the targets of simultaneous depression, simple switching can be performed even with one hand.

[0083] Furthermore, the CPU 11 executes light emission permission control or light emission prohibition control when input operations on two trigger keys 151 are performed overlapping for a reference time or longer (light emission control means), and sets the reference time based on an instruction from the user (reference time setting means). By setting the reference time longer, it is possible to prevent simple switching from being performed by unintentionally pressing the trigger keys 151 simultaneously.

[0084] Furthermore, the CPU 11 disables (disable setting means) the function of executing light emission permission control or light emission prohibition control in response to input operations on the two trigger keys 151, based on an instruction from the user. This makes it possible to prevent simple switching from being performed even if the trigger keys 151 are unintentionally pressed simultaneously.

[0085] The program 141 according to the present embodiment causes the CPU 11, which is a computer provided in the handheld terminal 10, to function as a read control means for controlling the CPU 11 to one of a read permission state in which the barcode scanner 18 starts a read operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the trigger keys 151, and a read prohibition state in which the barcode scanner 18 does not start a read operation when an input operation is performed on any one of the trigger keys 151. The read control means executes read permission control for transitioning the read prohibition state to a read permission state when input operations on two of the trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that overlaps at least partially in the read prohibition state. By operating the handheld terminal 10 with such a program 141, the handheld terminal 10 can be transitioned to a read permission state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151. Therefore, compared to a method of switching the availability of the barcode scanner 18 using the setting screen 30, user convenience can be improved.

[0086] In addition, the program 141 according to the present embodiment causes the CPU 11, which is a computer provided in the handheld terminal 10, to function as a light emission control means for controlling the CPU 11 to one of a light emission permitted state in which the light emission by the light emitting unit 181 is started when an input operation is performed on any one of the multiple trigger keys 151, and a light emission prohibited state in which the light emission by the light emitting unit 181 is not started when an input operation is performed on any one of the multiple trigger keys 151. The light emission control means executes light emission permission control for transitioning from the light emission prohibited state to the light emission permitted state when input operations on two of the multiple trigger keys 151 are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps. By operating the handheld terminal 10 with such a program 141, the handheld terminal 10 can be transitioned to a light emission enabled state at a desired timing by a simple operation of simultaneously pressing two trigger keys 151. Therefore, compared to a method of switching the light emission enable / disable of the barcode scanner 18 using the setting screen 30, user convenience can be improved.

[0087] In the above description, an example has been disclosed in which the HDD or SSD of the storage unit 14 is used as a computer-readable medium for the program according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited to this example. As other computer-readable media, information recording media such as flash memory and CD-ROM can be applied. In addition, a carrier wave can also be applied to the present invention as a medium for providing data of the program according to the present invention via a communication line.

[0088] The above description of the embodiment is merely an example of the terminal device and the program according to the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the barcode scanner 18 is not limited to a laser scanner, and may be an imaging device such as a camera having an optical system and an imaging element. Additionally, the barcode scanner 18 may include both a laser scanner and an imaging device.

[0089] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which the handheld terminal 10 has four trigger keys 151, but this is not intended to be limiting, and the number of trigger keys 151 may be two, three, or five or more. In any case, it is preferable to provide a trigger key 151 (side trigger key 151S) on each of both short-side sides of the handheld terminal 10. However, this is not limited to the above, and the handheld terminal 10 may have one side trigger key 151S or no side trigger key 151S.

[0090] Furthermore, the permission control and prohibition control are not limited to control for starting or cutting off the power supply to the barcode scanner 18. For example, the permission control and prohibition control may be control for switching between a state in which the transmission of a control signal from the CPU 11 to the barcode scanner 18 is possible and a state in which the control signal is cut off, while maintaining the power supply to the barcode scanner 18.

[0091] In addition, the simplified switching function may be applied when switching the handheld terminal 10 from a read-prohibited state to a read-permitted state, and the simplified switching function may not be used when switching from a read-permitted state to a read-prohibited state.

[0092] In addition, in the above embodiment, an example was described in which the simple switching function is enabled even after the initial settings are completed, but this is not limited to this, and the simple switching function may be enabled only before the initial settings are completed.

[0093] In the above embodiment, when the setting screen 30 is used to switch whether or not the barcode scanner 18 can be operated, an example has been described in which the toggle button 31 can be used to switch whether or not the entire reading operation of the barcode scanner 18, including the emission of light by the light-emitting unit 181, but this is not limiting. That is, instead of or in addition to the toggle button 31, a toggle button for switching only whether or not the light-emitting unit 181 can emit light may be provided, and the setting screen 30 may be used to switch whether or not the light-emitting unit 181 can emit light.

[0094] Furthermore, the detailed configuration and operation of each component of the handy terminal 10 as the terminal device in the above embodiment can of course be modified as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

[0095] Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described, the scope of the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, but includes the scope of the invention described in the claims and its equivalents. The inventions described in the claims originally attached to this application are set forth below. The claim numbers in the appended claims are the same as those in the claims originally attached to this application. [Additional Notes] <Claim 1> A reading means for performing a reading operation to read optical information; a plurality of operation keys each for receiving an input operation for causing the reading means to start the reading operation; a read control means for controlling the state to one of a read permission state in which the reading operation by the reading means is started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, and a read prohibition state in which the reading operation by the reading means is not started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys; Equipped with the reading control means executes a reading permission control for transitioning from the reading prohibited state to the reading permitted state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the reading prohibited state. <Claim 2> The terminal device according to claim 1, characterized in that the reading control means executes a reading prohibition control for transitioning from the reading permitted state to the reading prohibited state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the reading permitted state. <Claim 3> a display control means for displaying, on a display unit in response to an instruction from a user, a setting screen for executing the read permission control or the read prohibition control based on an input operation received via an operation means other than the plurality of operation keys after a predetermined initial setting of the terminal device is completed; Equipped with The terminal device according to claim 2, characterized in that the reading control means executes the reading permission control or the reading prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps before the completion of the initial setting. <Claim 4> The terminal device according to claim 3, characterized in that the reading control means executes the reading permission control or the reading prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps, even after the initial setting is completed. <Claim 5> the plurality of operation keys include two end operation keys provided at both ends of the terminal device in a short side direction, The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that the reading control means executes the reading permission control or the reading prohibition control when the input operations on the two end operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps. <Claim 6> the reading control means executes the reading permission control or the reading prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys overlap for a reference time or more; 6. The terminal device according to claim 2, further comprising a reference time setting unit that sets the reference time based on an instruction from a user. <Claim 7> The terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it further comprises an invalid setting means for invalidating a function of executing the read permission control or the read prohibition control in response to the input operations on the two operation keys, based on an instruction from a user. <Claim 8> a reading means having a light emitting unit and performing a reading operation of reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit; a plurality of operation keys each receiving an input operation for starting light emission by the light-emitting unit; a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting unit to one of a light emission permitted state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, and a light emission prohibited state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is not started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys; Equipped with The terminal device is characterized in that the light emission control means executes light emission permission control to transition from the light emission prohibited state to the light emission permitted state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the light emission prohibited state. <Claim 9> The terminal device according to claim 8, characterized in that the light emission control means executes light emission prohibition control for transitioning from the light emission permitted state to the light emission prohibited state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the light emission permitted state. <Claim 10> a display control means for causing a display unit to display a setting screen for executing the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control based on an input operation received via an operation means other than the plurality of operation keys after a predetermined initial setting of the terminal device is completed, in response to an instruction from a user; Equipped with The terminal device according to claim 9, characterized in that the light emission control means executes the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps before the completion of the initial setting. <Claim 11> The terminal device according to claim 10, characterized in that the light emission control means executes the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps, even after the initial setting is completed. <Claim 12> the plurality of operation keys include two end operation keys provided at both ends of the terminal device in a short side direction, The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 11, characterized in that the light emission control means executes the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control when the input operations on the two end operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps. <Claim 13> the light emission control means executes the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control when the input operations on the two operation keys overlap for a reference time or longer; 13. The terminal device according to claim 9, further comprising a reference time setting unit that sets the reference time based on an instruction from a user. <Claim 14> The terminal device according to any one of claims 9 to 13, characterized in that it further comprises an invalid setting means for invalidating a function of executing the light emission permission control or the light emission prohibition control in response to the input operations on the two operation keys, based on an instruction from a user. <Claim 15> A computer provided in a terminal device including a reading means for performing a reading operation to read optical information and a plurality of operation keys for receiving input operations for causing the reading means to start the reading operation, a read control means for controlling the state to one of a read permission state in which the reading operation by the reading means is started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, and a read prohibition state in which the reading operation by the reading means is not started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, The reading control means is a program characterized by executing a reading permission control for transitioning from the reading prohibited state to the reading permitted state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the reading prohibited state. <Claim 16> A computer provided in a terminal device including a reading means having a light emitting unit and performing a reading operation of reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit, and a plurality of operation keys each receiving an input operation for starting light emission by the light emitting unit, a light emission control means for controlling the light emitting unit to one of a light emission permitted state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, and a light emission prohibited state in which light emission by the light emitting unit is not started when the input operation is performed on any one of the plurality of operation keys, the light emission control means is a program characterized by executing light emission permission control for transitioning from the light emission prohibited state to the light emission permitted state when the input operations for two of the plurality of operation keys are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the light emission prohibited state. [Explanation of symbols]

[0096] 1. Terminal Management System 2. Access Points 3 Server 10 Handheld terminal (terminal device) 11 CPU (reading control means, light emission control means, display control means, reference time setting means, invalid setting means, computer) 12 RAM 13 ROM 14 Storage section 141 Programs 142 Business Applications 143 Operational setting data 15 Operation unit (operation means) 151 Trigger key (operation key) 151B Rear trigger key 151F Front trigger key 151S Side trigger key (end operation key) 152 General input key 16 Display 17 Communications Department 18 Barcode scanner (reading means) 181 Light-emitting part 19 Power supply section 20 Bus 30 Setting screen 31, 33 Toggle button 32 Settings button 34 Input Box 35 Radio Buttons 40 Business application screen 41 Barcode information input box 42 Quantity input box 43 Sign input box

Claims

1. A reading means for performing a reading operation to read optical information; a reception means for receiving an input operation for causing the reading means to start the reading operation; A terminal device characterized by comprising a reading control means for controlling a state to one of a reading permitted state in which the reading operation by the reading means is started when the input operation is performed on the reception means and power is supplied to the reading means, and a reading prohibited state in which the reading operation by the reading means is not started when the input operation is performed on the reception means and power is not supplied to the reading means.

2. Having a plurality of the reception means, 2. The terminal device according to claim 1, wherein the reading control means controls the state to either the reading permitted state or the reading prohibited state based on the input operation to at least two of the plurality of reception means.

3. The terminal device according to claim 2, characterized in that the reading control means executes a reading prohibition control to transition from the reading permitted state to the reading prohibited state when the input operations on two of the plurality of receiving means are performed at a timing that at least partially overlaps in the reading permitted state.

4. a reading means having a light emitting unit and performing a reading operation of reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit; a receiving means for receiving an input operation for starting light emission by the light-emitting unit; a light emission control means for controlling the state to one of a light emission permitted state in which the light emission unit is started to emit light when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is supplied to the light emission unit, and a light emission prohibited state in which the light emission unit is not started to emit light when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is not supplied to the light emission unit; A terminal device comprising:

5. Having a plurality of the reception means, 5. The terminal device according to claim 4, wherein the light emission control means controls the state to either the light emission permitted state or the light emission prohibited state based on the input operation to at least two of the plurality of reception means.

6. The terminal device according to claim 5, characterized in that the light emission control means executes light emission prohibition control to transition from the light emission permitted state to the light emission prohibited state when the input operations on two of the multiple reception means are performed at times that at least partially overlap in the light emission permitted state.

7. A computer provided in a terminal device including a reading means for performing a reading operation to read optical information and a receiving means for receiving an input operation for causing the reading means to start the reading operation, A program that functions as a reading control means that controls the receiving means to one of two states: a read permission state in which the reading operation by the reading means is started when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is supplied to the reading means, and a read prohibition state in which the reading operation by the reading means is not started when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is not supplied to the reading means.

8. A computer provided in a terminal device including a reading means having a light emitting unit and performing a reading operation of reading optical information by receiving reflected light of light irradiated from the light emitting unit, and a receiving means for receiving an input operation for starting light emission by the light emitting unit, A program characterized by functioning as a light emission control means that controls the state to one of two states: a light emission permitted state in which the light emission unit starts emitting light when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is being supplied to the light emission unit, and a light emission prohibited state in which the light emission unit does not start emitting light when the input operation is performed on the receiving means and power is not being supplied to the light emission unit.

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